Restaurants Near UNC Chapel Hill - University of North Carolina Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

November 4, 2021 by Ron Wen

Bonchon Fried Chicken in Chapel Hill for Korean Fried Chicken and More

Front of Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Front of Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Over the past five years in the Triangle, Korean fried chicken has become a delicious and more common offering on Korean menus throughout the area. And it was a natural fit for the area given our love of Southern fried chicken. But Korean fried chicken really takes that category of eats to a whole new level!

Main dining room at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Main dining room at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

With a double-fried crust, Korean fried chicken usually takes some time to prepare but is totally worth it. Slather some spicy or soy-garlic sauce and you’ve got yourself a meal. I remember when Soo Cafe offered up the first Korean fried chicken back in 2012 but since then we’ve added at least 4 or 5 more options for this crispy chicken treat. One of the most recent options for Korean fried chicken lies out in Chapel Hill at Bonchon. A national chain dedicated to Korean fried chicken, this location on E. Franklin Street was the first for the Triangle.

Upper dining room at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Upper dining room at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

From the outside, Bonchon is pretty impressive! A two-floor structure fronted with plate glass windows, the interior is a simple cafe set-up with stairs in the back leading to a smaller 2nd-floor dining area. A bar to the right has a handful of HD screens showing the latest game, it’s all very simple and efficient.

Menu at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Menu at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Sitting down at a table, you do pick up the chain restaurant vibe given the paper place-mat explaining the Korean dishes on the menu. It’s all very helpful because to be honest with you, not everyone is familiar with Korean cuisine even though it’s seen a surge in popularity in the Triangle. For the Korean fried chicken, you can order it up in three forms: wings, drums, and strips

Bar area at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Bar area at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

A great side to start with are the spicy fries at Bonchon! They’re lovingly served up in paper cone and have a light coating over the potato. Perfectly browned and crisp, dunking fries into the ketchup and popping them in your mouth becomes an exercise of self-control. These Bonchon fries are excellent and worth the calories.

Parmeson fries at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Parmeson fries at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Bulkogi sliders at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Bulkogi sliders at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

For non-Korean fried chicken options, the bulkogi sliders are excellent. Served on a sweet but with slaw, onion, and pickle, these bulkogi sliders pack a ton of flavor in a handful. They are also offered with Korean fried chicken on top which sounds amazingly delicious!

Korean fried chicken at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Korean fried chicken at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

And of course, you don’t want to miss Bonchon’s Korean fried chicken. The Korean fried chicken here is very lightly sauced and lightly crispy. The Korean fried chicken here does not have as thick a crust as other spots I’ve tried in the Triangle. One note, they do serve the whole wing with the flats which make for more surface area, but messier eating.

Bpx of soy-garlic and spicy Korean fried chicken at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Box of soy-garlic and spicy Korean fried chicken at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Bonchon also offers a ton of Korean and Asian eats beyond Korean fried chicken. Bao buns, popcorn shrimp, takoyaki and a lot more. I’d describe the menu here as bar food, plus. I’d imagine a stop here after a night of drinking would be some fun.

Lunch menu at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Lunch menu at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Korean menu at Bonchon in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Korean menu at Bonchon in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

As a fan of Korean fried chicken, I can certainly say that Bonchon hit’s the spot. But given that KFC has been in the area for eight or so years, the bar has been really raised and Bonchon sits squarely in the middle for me. But given there aren’t a ton of choices for Korean fried chicken in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area, it’s a good option. Just be prepared to wait a bit for your food and order some apps to keep you tided over. Bon appetit!

Bonchon Chapel Hill

205 E Franklin Street

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

984.234.0788

Location on Google maps

December 26, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro for Fantastic Italian Food and Pizza

Front of Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro - NC Triangle Dining — Front of Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro – NC Triangle Dining

If you’re looking for good pizza in the Triangle, there are a ton of great choices now! But one pizzeria that had eluded my greasy little grasp was Pizzeria Mercato out in Carrboro. Owned and run by Gabe Barker, Pizzeria Mercato’s location and popularity always had me trying to figure out a good time to visit. But eventually I found an excuse to head west on a Friday afternoon and decided to slip in for a late lunch visit! And it was a pretty impressive visit, read on if you’re hungry and curious, my friend!

Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro - nctriangledining.com — Bar at Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro – nctriangledining.com

Located on the western end of Weaver Street (away from the Market) , Pizzeria sits tidily on a street corner with a small side parking lot. I’ve heard it’s sometimes difficult to find parking in the hood so be aware during prime time dining hours! Inside, Pizzeria Mercato is bright and colorful. Polished concrete floor underneath, art on the walls and a bit of a hipster feel to the space. There’s an open kitchen to your left, main dining area to your right and a bright and sunny front section where I am sat.

Kitchen at Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro - NC Triangle Dining — Kitchen at Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro – NC Triangle Dining

What I do like about these new, artisanal pizza shops are the short menus focused on high quality, local ingredients. Pizzeria Mercato is no different offering up eight or so antipasti, salads and custom pizzas along with a handful of mains and desserts. Of course you can always customize your pie by adding some ingredients to your basic margherita. I go with my fave arancini (named fritti here) and the Amatriciana pie (pecorino, guanciale). A nice session IPA from Sierra Nevada keeps me company while I waits for my food.

Fritti (arancini) at Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro - NC Triangle Dining — Fritti (arancini) at Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro – NC Triangle Dining

After a short wait, my fritti (arancini) arrive and it’s an interesting plate. I’ve tried arancini (fried risotto balls) at many Italian restaurants in the area and they are always done a bit differently at each spot. Pizzeria Mercato’s arancini are about the size of a golf ball and perfectly fried. Flakes of sea salt dot the well-browned surface and a light basil sauce is served on the side. These arancini are WONDERFUL! Stuffed with smoked mozzarella and a bit of tomato, the crunchy crust breaks open to a soft, gooey interior with just a bit of acid from the tomato. Might be the best arancini I’ve tried in the Triangle, make sure to get em if you visit Pizzeria Mercato.

Amatriciana pizza at Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro - NC Triangle Dining — Amatriciana pizza at Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro – NC Triangle Dining

And given that wonderful start, I was salivating at the thought of my pizza! When it comes out, it’s a looker. About a 13″ pie in a nice oblong shape indicative of a hand-made pizza. Some splotches of soft fresh mozzarella and sprinkles of more pungent romano cheese. Bits of seared guanciale (cured pork cheek) and cracked black pepper finish off the surface. A peek underneath shows off some nice leopard spotting for the crust, nice job there. A couple of bites in and I immediately notice the crust. Pizzeria Mercato does it differently here, doing a snappy, stiff crust rather than a softer crust that you usually get with a Neapolitan pie. But you can certainly taste the quality ingredients here, I admit that the intense guanciale over-powered the flavor of the pizza. If I ever get back I’ll do a basic margherita.

Service here at Pizzeria Mercato was excellent and timely, admittedly I was one of 4 people in the place so that’s to be expected. I’m curious as to how the place holds up with a big crowd, I’m guessing they are usually busy. But for my visit it was a great start. Excellent food, decent prices, quality ingredients and great service Pizzeria Mercato! I’m still trying to wrap my brain around your pizza crust since it’s a bit of a spin from traditional. But I can certainly tell that there is some talent and vision for the menu and methods here. And I’m pretty sure that if you’re a pizza fanatic you’ll like Pizzeria Mercato! They’re doing very good pizza and even better arancini here in Carrboro…

Pizzeria Mercato

408 W Weaver Street

Carrboro, NC 27510

919.967.2277

Location on Google maps

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July 21, 2020 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill for a Mind-Bending Taste of Asia

Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

As we continue to work through the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, many restaurants are struggling to survive. And for those that opened up right before the North Carolina shutdown, it’s even harder. New restaurants that haven’t had a chance to establish a customer base, Hawkers Asian Street Food in Chapel Hill is a perfect example of that difficult scenario. But if you’re a fan of SE Asian street cuisine, you’ll really enjoy this new restaurant at University Place! Part of a smallish restaurant chain that has a locations in Charlotte and the Southeast, Hawkers Asian Street Food is dishing out some wonderful eats cooked with deft culinary talent.

Colorful decor at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Colorful decor at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Located next to the huge, Silverspot Cinema, Hawkers presents a simple modern face with side patio. But inside, you’ll find a bright, colorful and kitschy interior replete with a showcase bar in the center, booths to the right and tables in back with the open kitchen. Glowing neon, colorful posters and prints and bright metal chairs ring the dining space along with some cool architectural elements in the eclectic space. It’s a panoply of Asian-inspired nostalgia, decor and cool. Hawkers food menu is focused on bites and small plates from $5 to $12 along with noodles, rice and more. True to their name, Hawkers has food options and flavors across the Asian continent, from Singapore to China, Japan, Malaysia and more. A good selection for beers, wines, sake and island-type cocktails gives you some tasty adult beverages to pair your small plates with. Instinctively, I think beer or sake would be a great match for this type of flavorful cuisine.

Bar at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Bar at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Amazing roti canai at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Amazing roti canai at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

After two visits I can say that Hawkers’ food menu is excellent overall but the roti canai is a must-try! This savory and layered fried pancake is served up with a powerful curry sauce that will blow away your taste-buds. Somehow they manage to make their roti canai both flaky and non-greasy which is a rare combination. Tear off a piece of the pancake, dip it into the curry and bam, a taste sensation hits your tongue.

Salt and pepper ribs at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Salt and pepper ribs at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Chili crab at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Chili crab at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

The salt and pepper ribs are a twist on my usual favorite, salt and pepper pork chops but this dish holds its own. Three meaty ribs, dry-fried and covered with grilled onion bits, garlic and sliced jalapenos offers some savory meatiness with a hint of heat, yum. And don’t miss the chili crab, a fried soft-shell crab covered in an umami-laded brown sauce. Served up with some wok-fried tomatoes to cut away the richness and a fried bao for dipping into that delicious, thick sauce. Chili crab is a Singaporean favorite and the first time I’ve tried it, super tasty!

Yaki udon at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Yaki udon at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

For a main dish the yaki udon is super satisfying. While I typically eat udon noodles in a broth or soup, these thick noodles are stir-fried with sliced chicken, egg, scallions and sprouts for a satisfying and toothsome bite. The portion size is on the smaller size (since it’s only $10) but this dish is wonderful and filling. Hawkers also offers up a smattering of sweets and desserts but I’d rather focus on the savory instead.

Open kitchen at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Open kitchen at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Service at Hawkers has been excellent during my visits and during this current pandemic, you can call in an order for pick-up, do a delivery app or dine-in socially distanced. They are spreading patrons about their large, open dining room and there are plexiglass dividers between some tables. Overall they are holding up well under tough conditions and I do feel that street food like this, deserves to be eaten straight out of that kitchen once it hits your table. Take your pics quickly and dive right on in!

Coconut curry benedict at Hawkers in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Coconut curry benedict at Hawkers in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Pandan and Kaya pancakes at Hawkers in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Pandan and Kaya pancakes at Hawkers in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

One additional option now available at Hawkers in Chapel Hill is brunch! Available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm, choose from some fun, Asian-fusion type brunch items and specialty cocktails. A thumbs up for the coconut curry benedict which is served atop crispy baguette pieces. And their Pandan pancakes are stunning looking, a fun way to end your weekend meal.

Small plates menu at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Sample small plates menu at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

Noodle and rice menu at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill - nctriangledining.com — Sample noodle and rice menu at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Chapel Hill – nctriangledining.com

While Hawkers Asian Street Food had the unfortunate luck to open right before the pandemic closures, I’m relatively certain they are here for the long run! Delicious pan-Asian fare in a raucous environment, the food is super-charged with flavor that all of us can appreciate. Toss in the great prices and you’ve got a deal for family or date night! Even with the 30 minute drive for me from Raleigh, I’m already looking forward to visit #3 and exploring more off of their menu. So hey, don’t forget this new hidden gem in University Place. Their menu is the real Asian deal and cooked with some talent, you don’t want to miss it even while you’re sheltering in place, bon appetit!

Hawkers Asian Street Fare

201 S Estes Drive, 400A (Next to Silverspot Cinema)

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

919.415.1799

Location on Google maps

July 30, 2017 by Ron Wen

First Take: Sup Dogs in Chapel Hill for Creative and Tasty Hot Dogs

Sup Dogs in Chapel Hill - NC Triangle Dining — Sup Dogs in Chapel Hill – NC Triangle Dining

If you’re out on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, you know you’re going to have a bunch of dining choices but in the category of basic and simple, perfect for a college kid. You can’t expect upscale or fancy or frou-frou, just simple and filling eats. And that’s where Sup Dogs comes into play. A veritable hot dog emporium offering an array of weiners and grill items along with a bit of college spirit. As long as you’re not a Duke fan! Here’s how my visit to this casual college eatery played out…

Dining area at Sup Dogs in Chapel Hill - NC Triangle Dining — Dining area at Sup Dogs in Chapel Hill – NC Triangle Dining

From the outside, the first thing you’ll notice about Sup Dogs is the patio. Under cover and shaded high-top tables with condiment dispensers on each one, it looks like a great spot to grab lunch and some fresh air. The Sup Dogs signage up above lists off the primary food items on the menu and one short and pointed message to the college down Tobacco Road in a darker shade of blue (a continuing theme). Inside Sup Dogs you’ll find a large open dining room decked out in brick, wood and a lot of Carolina blue signage. The young wait staff is clad in black and Carolina blue so you definitely know you’re in Chapel Hill! I grab a seat at the bar for lunch and take some time to dig deeper into the Sup Dogs menu. Thankfully, the menu here is pretty simple: burgers, chicken sandwich and the namesake Sup Dogs along with a litany of fried sides! Most of their dogs are in the $5.99 range with fries but you can upgrade to tots or cheese fries for an extra $1.00 or to bacon cheese fries or cheesy tots for $1.50. And if you add an extra dog, it’s only a $1.00. I’m doubling down for lunch with two dogs AND bacon cheese fries, gulp… As I’m waiting for my food, a table of Duke fans sit down for lunch and notice all the smack talk signage on the walls but thankfully they take it all in good fun and stay!

Smokehouse, Western dogs and cheese fries at Sup Dogs in Chapel Hill - NC Triangle Dining — Smokehouse, Western dogs and cheese fries at Sup Dogs in Chapel Hill – NC Triangle Dining

It takes 10 minutes or so for my food and wow, it’s a lot! I’ve ordered up the Smokehouse and Western dogs which come sitting on top of a aluminum tray of by cheese fries! Sides of Sup sauce and ranch complete the meal. The Western dog (onion ring, BBQ sauce, Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese and chili) and the Smokehouse dog (bacon, Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, Sup Dog sauce, and chili) come loaded with toppings. And they are good sized beef dogs which can stand up to all the toppings. And they’re both quite good, I like the creative options on the Sup Dogs menu. Digging in the bacon cheese fries feels like another 1,000 calories but I can’t resist! The fries have a bit of skin and great potato taste. The cheese and bacon bits are generously coated on the pile of fries, too. And the Sup Sauce is great, probably a tangy, savory Thousand Island mix that is great for dipping. All in all it’s a filling meal with plenty of salt, grease and deliciousness!

The staff here is pretty young, probably from the UNC student body but do a good job keeping my drink cup filled and check in on me regularly. And while I don’t think you should be eating here regularly due to health reasons, it’s definitely a fun lunch stop and would probably be even better after a few beers on Franklin Street. If you’re interested in hot dogs, I definitely believe that Sup Dogs is a great choice in the Triangle for its variety and value in this category. If I lived in the area, I’d definitely be back from time to time. And I’m glad I finally know, what’s up dog!

Sup Dogs

107 E Franklin St

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

919.903.9566

Location on Google maps

April 26, 2014 by Ron Wen 3 Comments

Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill For Great Burgers and Fries…

Front of Al's Burger Shack, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Front of Al’s Burger Shack, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

When I first got to NC, I spent two years at Carolina and lived in the People’s Republic of Carrboro which was an awesome experience. But since getting out of school, the Chapel Hill area just seems like a LONG way off. And let’s face it. We’re talking about a college town with college expectations, the food there was always passable but never great. But over the past four months I spy some great online reviews for Al’s Burger Shack. So over time, I’m thinking it’s time to head back to the Thrill and I finally had an excuse for an event at TOPO Distillery. Right across the way was Al’s Burger Shack, woohoo!

Order counter at Al's Burger Shack, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Order counter at Al’s Burger Shack, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

And when they say shack, that’s exactly what they mean. Al’s is located in a small, brick A-frame with limited space inside. Counter order, cramped with a ledge around the inside for quick dining. And a largish patio with picnic tables outside under cover. The menu here is simple: burgers in three sizes (3oz, 6oz, 9oz) with four or so specialty burgers, build your own burger and some hot dogs. Toss in a small selection of sodas and beers and that’s all she wrote. I order up a BoBo chili (Carolina-style) burger with sweet potato fries and a Shiner Bock beer to keep my entertained. The wait at 7pm is 15 to 20 minutes so must be patient! As I sit there, waiting with my beer, it’s obvious I’m not in Raleigh any more. The whole Carolina vibe is one of youth and liberal attitudes. Granola, crunchy along with some Southern prep, those are the customers you see walking into Al’s since it’s right on Franklin Street. It does take some time but the place is busy and the kitchen is small. I finally get an aluminum tray with a good looking burger and a nice helping of sweet potato fries so I head on out to the patio to grab a seat.

Burger and sweet potato fries at Al's Burger Shack, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Burger and sweet potato fries at Al’s Burger Shack, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

The burger is very nicely put together. Commercial bun but a nice mash of finely chopped slaw, chili and mustard neatly piled on top. The American cheese is well melted making for a good looking sandwich. And the first bite tells me all I need to know. A great balance of textures, meatiness and flavor along with the nice tang of yellow mustard. I wasn’t blown away by the meat, it was lean but not as much seared beefiness as I would have hoped for. The sweet potato fries were a bit over-fried but definitely a good portion for the money.

In the end, Chapel Hill is still a college town and after having lived there for two years, you can’t expect too too much. It’s going to be cheap, casual eats and Al’s Burger Shack does a very good job in that arena. It’s a very good burger at a good price but still a cut behind say, Chucks and Corbett’s. But if I lived back in Carrboro, I’m sure I’d be here pretty regularly. There’s nothing wrong with an honest burger which is exactly what Al’s Burger Shack delivers!

Al’s Burger Shack

516 West Franklin Street

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

919.904.7659

Al’s Burger Shack menu

Location on Google maps

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Bonchon Fried Chicken in Chapel Hill for Korean Fried Chicken and More