The best restaurants in Alamance County

Run by Sal, who grew up in Naples, Ciao Pizza & Italian in Mebane turns weeknights into comfort food wins with pies, calzones and stromboli, plus baked pastas, ravioli, and hearty chicken and veal plates. They even keep a local craft beer list for the perfect pairing.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 27, 2026

Craving a reliable slice without crossing half the county? Franco Pizzeria sticks to the hits with pizza, pasta and other Italian comfort, plus subs and burgers when someone in the group claims they’re not a pizza person. Easy, satisfying, and exactly the kind of weeknight win you need.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 20, 2026

When the craving hits, A Hot Spot Pizza leans into its promise with pies that actually hit the spot. Keep it simple this week, pick your go-to toppings, and let a hot, cheesy round solve dinner so you can get back to Burlington life.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 26, 2026

The Village Grill brings a beachy, relaxed energy to your week with seafood, steaks, and the hits locals keep craving, like Cajun Chicken Pasta, Key West grilled chicken salad, and that Cheeseburger from Paradise. Slide in this week for homemade dressings, warm rolls, and sweet tea that tastes like summer.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 23, 2026

Pancakes, omelets, fried chicken, and biscuits headline at Carver's Restaurant, a casual local spot that also keeps a salad bar, daily specials, and family meal deals in the mix. When you want no-fuss, satisfying plates and the option of beer or wine, this place delivers.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 12, 2026

If your week needs a win, Nonno's Pizza is doing real-deal pies from a Sicilian family with New York chops since 1991, with thin-crust, gluten-free, and Sicilian pies plus subs and salads. A legit slice of Italy in the Triad, minus the plane ticket.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 24, 2026

Italian chain offering an array of specialty pizzas, plus classic pastas & salads.

Retro-themed chain with a 1950s soda-fountain look, dishing out familiar fast-food selections.

Mexican place featuring enchiladas, fajitas & margaritas in upbeat digs with colorful art & decor.

When the craving hits, Taco Magico LLC is worth the short hop from Burlington for fresh, traditional recipes from their food truck and restaurant. Load up on tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and burritos, then circle back on Fridays and Saturdays for menudo that tastes like someone’s abuela signed off on it.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 15, 2026

When you need proper Carolina cue without the fuss, Hursey's Bar-B-Q has been pit-cooking over hickory coals since 1949, turning out award-winning Bar-B-Q and that famous roasted chicken that snagged a National Golden Chicken Award.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 1, 2026

Ferrara's Pizza, Taps, and Apps is the spot for New York foldables and thick-crust Sicilian squares, made by Italian and New Yorker chefs with fresh ingredients. Round it out with pasta, seafood, and a curated beer and wine lineup... perfect for quick dinners or lingering with friends.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 11, 2026

Jimmy's Tekila Mexican Cuisine keeps dinner simple and satisfying with Mexican dishes and click-and-go online ordering.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 9, 2026

Sometimes you just want the classics done right. La Cocina Mexican Restaurant keeps Burlington fed with traditional plates and margaritas in a laid-back, no-fuss vibe. Rally the crew this week for an easy, tasty night that feels like your regular spot.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 27, 2026

Sushi & Japanese stir-fries joined by Chinese, Thai & Vietnamese dishes in sleek bistro digs.

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

Slinging American classics since 2007, Graham Soda Shop and Grill hits the local sweet spot with handcrafted burgers, hot dogs ordered all the way, handspun milkshakes, brownie sundaes, and root beer floats. Feeling spicy this week? Try Firehouse wings with your pick of sauces and 1 to 3 Alarm heat.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 22, 2026

Grill584 nails that casually elegant vibe with a menu built around seared steaks, fresh seafood, and a bar that takes its cocktails seriously. It’s the kind of Burlington standby you book for anniversaries, client lunches, or a midweek treat when leftovers just aren’t cutting it.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 22, 2026

Skip the can-to-pan stuff and let It's All Good: Southern Kitchen handle dinner with collards actually chopped, meatloaf sauced in-house, and that cozy Southern comfort locals swear by. The beef tips n' rice and Southern Chicken Pie are the move, then finish strong with Grandma's Banana Pudding.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 16, 2026

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

Harusaki keeps it simple and satisfying for Burlington folks, with a low-key vibe and a menu that hits the classics. Think sushi rolls for the table, hibachi or teriyaki dinner combo plates when you’re properly hungry, plus tempura apps, fried rice, noodles, salads and soup.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 10, 2026

Mimi's Pizza nails it with handcrafted dough, homemade sauce, and pies your way, from thin to deep dish, pesto base or flavored crust toppings, even gluten-free or cauliflower. Not feeling crust today? Go Keto Bowl, or grab a loaded calzone or oven-toasted sub for dinner this week.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 2, 2026

American grill chain specializing in chicken wings in many flavors & levels of heat.

Angelina Cafe is the kind of all-day spot that keeps Burlington happily fed with breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus made-to-order crepes, specialty coffees and gelato. Swing by this week for a cozy catch-up, a tasty midweek recharge, or a sweet scoop that turns errands into a tiny vacation.

From the Burlington newsletter, September 28, 2026

Counter-serve chain serving fried chicken & Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ in vinegar-based sauce.

Burgers, sushi, and other comfort fare are served at this laid-back eatery with an extensive beer selection.

da Vinci's Table keeps it comfortably local with house-made sauces, rotating specials using fresh ingredients, and fun curveballs like brick-oven German pizzas alongside classics like Spaghetti Mona Lisa. Settle into the bar for a Red Oak or a well-picked wine this week, then let dessert make the decision for you.

From the Burlington newsletter, September 24, 2026

When you need reliable, no-fuss fuel, Skid's Restaurant of Elon nails it with hearty breakfast plates, a legit Ribeye Plate, Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs, even a Gyro Plate alongside burgers, seafood, and homestyle classics. Keep this in your back pocket for a low-key, satisfying bite this week.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 24, 2026

Laid-back eatery specializing in a homemade sauce for its thin-crust, square-cut pizzas and meat-centric appetizers.

Hursey’s Bar-B-Q has been pit-cooking pork over hickory coals the old-fashioned way since 1949, and the smoke still hits right.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 5, 2026

Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.

Tickle My Ribs BBQ (TMR) keeps it classic with hickory-smoked pork, brisket, chicken and ribs, slow-smoked in house, plus all the Southern sides. Family-owned, counter-service and weeknight-easy, they cover lunch, dinner, to-go and catering, so your next ballgame spread basically takes care of itself.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 18, 2026

Whether it's a backyard birthday or a last-minute office thing, Dickie-Do’s BBQ Catering brings True 'Cue certified, old-school North Carolina barbecue cooked over hardwoods and lump charcoal with homemade sides that taste like your favorite aunt made them. Choose pickup, delivery, or full-service, then relax.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 15, 2026

Whether you're planning a low-key date or corralling the whole crew, Prego's Trattoria serves polished, authentic Italian comfort. Expect pasta done right, tender beef and veal, fresh fish, and a daily specials board that keeps regulars curious... and plates spotless.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 4, 2026

Smokehouse at Steve's turns its wood-fired smokers and market-fresh meats into plates stacked with chopped pork, St. Louis ribs, prime brisket and hush puppies, plus sandwiches, tacos and weekend brunch.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 27, 2026

Mexican plates from breakfast to dinner in a casual space with a bar and happy hours.

Casual and family friendly, Valerio's Italian Restaurant hits the comfort-food sweet spot with pizza, hearty pastas, and a lunch buffet for when you can’t pick just one. Bonus, there’s cold beer, good wine, and catering for everything from office lunches to wedding weekends.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 19, 2026

If dinner needs a local hero this week, Hursey's Bar-B-Q still pit cooks over hickory the old-fashioned way since 1949, serving award-winning barbecue plus that nationally recognized roasted chicken. Easy choice for a midweek fix or weekend spread, and yes, they’ll even cater your backyard brag session.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 21, 2026

From Duck Bacon Wontons and Garbage Pail Chips to Southern BBQ Pizza with chow chow and the Wake N' Bake Burger, Junction On 70 nails the laid-back, treat-yourself vibe. Pair it with a cold craft beer or a mimosa, then call it a small Burlington victory.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 26, 2026

Chain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare.

Chef Gino brings the authentic flavors of his Italian homeland to Little Italy Pizza & Italian Restaurant, a family-run staple since 2007.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 17, 2026

Born and bred in Alamance County, Blue Ribbon Diner keeps it classic with daily Blue Plate specials, burgers that mean business, and milkshakes spun from hand-dipped ice cream, all in a chrome and black-and-white tile time warp. When dinner indecision hits this week, let the meatloaf or chicken pie make the call.

From the Burlington newsletter, October 25, 2026

Sports bar & grill chain famous for chicken wings served by waitresses in short shorts.