North Carolina is a favorite destination for off-road enthusiasts because of its incredible trails, but did you know there’s no shortage of delicious places to eat near North Carolina ride parks? A day of hard riding works up an appetite, and when you’re in a state known for its BBQ, you shouldn’t skip the local grub.
Consider this your guide to all the best restaurants in North Carolina—around our favorite ride parks, of course. Whether you’re a hungry rider just looking for a quick bite or a true foodie, North Carolina has something for you close to all its top off-roading parks.
Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex is located in the beautiful Uwharrie National Forrest outside Asheboro, NC. It’s known for its remote location, diversity of trail difficulties, and gorgeous fall foliage. When you’re done tearing it up out in the forestry, head to one of these three awesome restaurants to quench your thirst and fill your belly.
| Sweet Tea Grille | Bigfoot’s Bar and Grill | Scallywag’s Bar and Grill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 17 | 8 | 15.5 |
| Popular Options | Cheese dip, chicken tenders, tacos | Burgers, pizza, wings | BBQ ribs, seafood, sandwiches |
| Google Ratings | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.4 |
| Reviews | “This place is a hidden gem! Great folks who run it. Good food. Best homemade chips and salsa! Recommend!” | “Awesome place to go after a day on the road or the water!” | “Great setting on Badin Lake. Food was good and service was excellent. Live music made it even better.” |
Black Swamp is a wetland located in the Croatan National Forest in eastern North Carolina. It’s one of the only true coastal forests in the east and is definitely worth a visit—you won’t get many opportunities to ride somewhere like this.
Exploring the swamp will definitely work up an appetite. Don’t head home hungry! Check out 3 of the best restaurants around nearby New Bern, North Carolina instead.
| Farmer’s Kitchen | Grilling Buddies | Boka Nina’s Pacific Fusion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 9.1 | 16.7 | 13.9 |
| Popular Options | Breakfast, BBQ sandwich, mac & cheese | Burgers, chicken and dumplings, brownies | Huli huli chicken, lumpia, pacific tacos |
| Google Ratings | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Reviews | “No matter what ya get it’s gonna be good! I myself only get the hotdogs and they are the BEST ever! My fiance loves their mac and cheese!” | “My spouse and I went in for a burger. It was the best burger I’ve had in a VERY LONG TIME.“ | “One of the few restaurants in Havelock that is ‘slap your Mama good!’ The Boka has my business!“ |
Brown Mountain is a favorite for Jeep, dirt bike, and UTV owners. The mix of rocks and mud keeps things exciting year after year.
The trailhead is set deep in the mountains, so you’ll have a little bit of a haul (20 minutes minimum) to get to a restaurant. However, we think any of these three delicious North Carolina restaurants will be worth the trip.
| Abele’s Family Restaurant | Boulevard Barbeque | Bones Jones Burgers and Butchery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 16.6 | 18.2 | 14.5 |
| Popular Options | Wings, burgers, salad bar | Brisket, wings, hush puppies | Steaks, fried cheese curds, Bones’ Burger |
| Google Ratings | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Reviews | “Ultra friendly service with a relaxed feel. Don’t expect fancy but do expect a warm feeling entering this restaurant.” | “Some of the best BBQ and brisket I’ve ever had. We drove five hours to try this restaurant and we weren’t disappointed.“ | “Their menu is small, but that’s because they focus on making every single option as well as they can, and their ingredients are locally sourced.“ |
If you’re ready for a challenge, head to Brushy Mountain. They have more than 100 combined miles of trails and are adding new ones all the time. You’re sure to work up an appetite on these adventurous rides.
When you’ve finally made your way out of the wilderness, check out these great places to eat near one of the best ride parks in North Carolina—they’re some of the best restaurants in North Carolina for that “mom’s cooking” vibe.
| Crossroads Grill | Apple City BBQ | Teens and Deens Country Kitchen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 12.8 | 12.9 | 8.1 |
| Popular Options | Burgers, chicken casserole, persimmon pudding | Pulled pork, BBQ ribs, fried pickles | Catfish, hillbilly nachos, burgers |
| Google Ratings | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Reviews | “Just tasted the Pig Pickin’ Cake for the first time and I couldn’t eat the cake fast enough. I about ate the styrofoam container it came in too— it was so good.“ | “This is my favorite BBQ joint in the surrounding area… We drive two hours just to get here!“ | “This is my absolute favorite place right now. I have had four different plates and they are all each better than the last. You have got to get to this place and eat—and I mean now.” |
Did you think you had to head out west for sand riding? No way. Busco Beach offers a one-of-a-kind combination of sand and mud that’s sure to please every off-road enthusiast.
Wrap up the ride and head over to grab some grub at some of the best restaurants in Goldsboro, North Carolina. No worries—they’re used to sweeping up sand and mud at closing time.
| Bonfire’s Tortilla Bar | Wilber’s Barbecue | Brewmasters Goldsboro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 9.7 | 11.4 | 8.4 |
| Popular Options | Burritos, tacos, nachos | Pulled pork, hush puppies, ribs | Reuben sandwich, pizza, wings |
| Google Ratings | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Reviews | “I don’t usually leave reviews, but this was the best food I’ve had in a long time. Staff was very sweet, very professional. Food was affordable, nice portion sizes.“ | “Some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, serving up excellent whole hog BBQ, cooked the real way over wood coals.“ | “Great beer selection, really good personal pizzas delectable—amazing even. Wings with bones have a crunchy exterior and a soft meaty interior, and top it off a welcoming ambiance.” |
Cape Fear is known and loved for its muddy bottoms and sandy trails. Many riders return with their whole families year after year. These restaurants are favorites for a delicious meal after burning calories behind the wheel (or handlebars).
| All American Griddle | Melvin’s Hamburgers and Hotdogs | Cindy’s Restaurant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 6.2 | 2 | 3.3 |
| Popular Options | Chicken salad, fried green beans, chicken tenders | Burgers, hotdogs, pound cake | Catfish, potato casserole, sweet potato souffle |
| Google Ratings | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Reviews | “The food and the folks are great. Highly recommend you stop in the next time you’re in the area!“ | “This place is a MUST TRY!! Excellent all around! Great old fashioned made burgers and sweet tea.“ | “I can’t overstate how good the food is. I have written many reviews but Cindy’s is getting a 5 +++++ star and should have a special place on here for a 10 star.” |
You’ll find Carolina Backwoods ATV about 40 minutes north of Myrtle Beach, SC—it’s a perfect outing for the family. Carolina Backwoods has trails suitable for beginners and old pros.
If you’re a well-seasoned rider (or a newbie!) looking for some equally well-seasoned food, check out these delicious, locally-owned spots to grab a bite.
| Crow Creek Restaurant | Burg-Dog Grill | Purple Onion Cafe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 3.2 | 15.6 | 14.8 |
| Popular Options | Club sandwich, Carolina burger | Burgers, hot dogs, apple pie | Purple onion club, fried green tomato BLT |
| Google Ratings | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Reviews | “Absolutely great place to eat delicious food and friendly waiting staff.” | “Best hamburgers and hot dogs anywhere. We love going to Burg-Dog grill. Last time I was there our burgers were on the table before my wife returned from the drink machine!“ | “What a great find! It was so good that we came back for breakfast and again for lunch. The food is outstanding!!“ |
Mud bogging can really get your heart rate up. All that excitement will get your stomach growling too! Check out some of the best places to eat near ride parks in North Carolina close to one of our favorite places to get dirty—Deep Creek ATV Park.
| Stachia’s Fully Loaded Grill-Spring Lake | Peaden’s Seafood & Catering | The Gumbo Shack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 16.7 | 8.8 | 12.3 |
| Popular Options | Philly cheesesteak, fried rice, wings | Fried catfish, hush puppies, BBQ | Po boy, bread pudding, gumbo |
| Google Ratings | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Reviews | “Amazing food. My favorite thing was the Cajun season catfish—it was mouthwatering. Made me feel like I was family and right at home.” | “The food is delicious. Customer service is A+. The fish is fresh and tasty. They filet fish like no other. Love the hush puppies. Top five restaurant in Fayetteville. Love it!” | “A true hidden gem of Fayetteville. Chef Audi is an amazing chef creating authentic New Orleans cuisine. The portions are generous and the food delivers with every bite. This place is special.“ |
Located in the far northwestern corner of North Carolina outside of Banner Elk, you’ll find Off the Grid Mountain Adventures. This is a heavily wooded trail system with lots of mud and hills. It’s perfect for riders that don’t own their own machines since they provide your ride (and personal rigs aren’t allowed).
There’s also some awesome grub fewer than 3 miles away from the trailhead. You’ll be pleased as punch about the variety of cuisines in such a rural area.
| Highlander BBQ | Americano Steak House | Smoky Mountain Bakers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 2 | 1.8 | 1.6 |
| Popular Options | Pig wings, pulled pork, mac and cheese | Prime rib, Hawaiian ribeye, sirloin | Pizza, cookies, cinnamon rolls |
| Google Ratings | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| Reviews | “Great atmosphere for BBQ. Huge servings, friendly service, and great prices.” | “Our meal was perfect. The sirloin was cooked perfectly to order, the baked potato was excellent, and my 7-year-old devoured his burger and fries.” | “We were recommended by Off the Grid Adventures for pizza and it did not disappoint! The pizza was delicious! Also tried the baked items. The almond cookies were delicious.“ |
If you’re looking for some serious mud-bogging shenanigans, Outback ATV/MX Park may be just the place for you. There are more than enough trails and terrain types for riders of all skill levels to get up to some mischief.
You’re sure to crave a tasty treat after pulling your buddies out of mud holes all day. Luckily there are some delicious hidden gems just a few miles from the ride park for you to get your fill.
| The Chicken Shack | Fore’s Family Restaurant | Jesse’s Pizza & Hot Subs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 3.5 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Popular Options | Wings, tenders, onion rings | Burgers, desserts, broccoli and cheddar soup | Steak and cheese sub, fries, wings |
| Google Ratings | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.4 |
| Reviews | “Five stars all across the board. Best chicken wings in town. Hands down. Will go there again and again.” | “Delicious food at a competitive price. Probably the best burgers in Laurinburg honestly. Staff was very friendly and service was excellent.“ | “All-in-all, a convenient spot with great feel-good food. Never disappointed.” |
The Wayehutta OHV Trail System has that densely forested, super-remote feel without actually being too far from some great restaurants. After you’re done exploring the rocky creekbeds and muddy trails, grab something tasty for dinner from one of these local favorites.
| The Cat’s Table | Haywood Smokehouse | Foragers Canteen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Ride Park | 5.5 | 12 | 12 |
| Popular Options | Burgers, tacos, quesadillas | Brunswick stew, pecan pie, collard greens | Shrimp and grits, sweet potato tater tots, apple butter |
| Google Ratings | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Reviews | “I love this local place and am a frequent visitor. The food is awesome and the staff is very warm and welcoming. The price and the quality of the food is great.” | “If you like pork, beef brisket, chicken, ribs or sausage BBQ, this is the place. They offer a good selection of sauces and the sides offered are excellent. Dessert is not an afterthought. We were very pleased and will return.“ | “Absolutely blown away by not only the service which was amazing but the food and plating was 5 star! I cannot wait to go back. Dillsboro is such a wonderful small town and finding a unique gem of a restaurant is extra special.” |
The only thing we love (almost) as much as a good ride is a good meal. Instead of choking down soggy sack lunches from the cooler, hit up one of the best places to eat near North Carolina ride parks. You’ll be glad you did!
We love to see you repping SuperATV on the trail or in your favorite North Carolina BBQ joint. If we missed your favorite spot for a snack, let us know so we can add it to the list.
