If you’re ever in the mood for one particular food item, it’s always special to find THE place to go and try it. So if you’re in the Triangle and in the mood for a BLT, where would you go? Through the years and through my foodie grapevine, I had always heard about Merritt’s Store and Grill out in Chapel Hill. But oddly enough, I never made it over when I did grad school at Carolina. So yeah, it was time to break that streak and visit for lunch, stat!
Merritt’s Store and Grill is located right on the corner of Rte. 86 and 54/501 where it breaks off into two different directions. It’s easy to miss, not that it’s a small place but if you’re coming around this corner pretty fast and you wouldn’t think to pull into that gravel lot! But this time, I didn’t miss it. Popping out of the car, I see the tables in front and a backyard dining area where I can see quite a few folks happily munching away on lunch on a chilly day.
Heading on inside, I spy a cashier and counter up front. And a long, busy hallway to my left, filled with people. Confused, I head on over to the cash register and fumble through my order. Somehow I end up ordering THREE sandwiches and a drink for about $22 and change. Yeah, Mr. Clueless here is going to eat big today! But for newbies, the correct process is to order first at the window and line on the left, get a slip and then get back in the line on the right for pick-up. After pick-up, head on over to the cashier and pay up. Important lunch safety tip, people!
The women at Merritt’s Store and Grill are working hard for the hungry crowd, I get a heavy paper bag with my three sandwiches, grab an unsweetened tea and head on out to the dining area in back. Sitting at a metal patio table, I unwrap my beautiful sammiches! The double BLT is a beauty, stuffed with six plus pieces of thick-cut bacon, bright green lettuce and ripe red tomato. And when I bite in, I get that hit of salty, crunchy and savory across all that BLT goodness. It’s one of the best BLT’s I’ve had of late but when you’re known for doing one thing, you have to nail it! And Merritt’s Store and Grill certainly does that. I inhale the rest of my BLT, take a quick bite of my chicken salad sandwich which is decent, but bring the rest home for dinner that night.
So thank you foodie network! You were right about the BLT’s at Merritt’s Store and Grill but if you’re in the mood for something else, the menu is pretty limited (cheese, ham, turkey, chicken salad sandwiches) otherwise. BUT if you want a BLT, Merritt’s Grill is worth the drive over. And you might want to get an extra one like I did, mistakenly. Because I’m not sure when I’ll be back next, but thank you Merritt’s Store and Grill!
1009 S. Columbia Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919.942.4897
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