Classic Restaurants of Chapel Hill and Orange County

Discover the delicious history of eateries in Chapel Hill, both a college town and a dining destination.

Once upon a time the city, synonymous with the University of North Carolina, offered little more than simple cafes to diners. In recent years it has developed a diverse restaurant culture and today is home to some of the country's most creative chefs. From legendary student hangouts to one of the South's most famed barbecue joints to the birthplace of shrimp and grits, these stories are an integral part of the culture of this vibrant spot.

Local authors Chris Holaday and Patrick Cullom profile long-time establishments that helped shape the dining scene in Chapel Hill and the neighboring towns of Carrboro and Hillsborough.