Wilson, NC is that quiet neighbor you’ve politely nodded to for years, only to discover they’ve been quietly perfecting the art of American comfort food. In what feels like overnight, this unassuming town has transformed its dining scene from predictable to packed with culinary gems. Now it’s brimming with so many exceptional spots that you’d swear they’ve been there all along.
Mayflower Seafood
$ | (252) 237-1606 | WEBSITE
Being in a strip mall in Wilson makes you feel like you’re in this place for something straightforward. If you’re dining at Mayflower Seafood, you probably should be – it’s an experience too affordable to waste on anything but a reliable meal. That said, the food, with its generous portions, is delicious. Get their fish sandwich and fried baby shrimp, but know the slaw is consistently fresh and pretty much everything on the menu will be satisfying.
If you’re looking for somewhere to feed a family, or you need somewhere to grab a dependable lunch, Mayflower Seafood is your best bet.
Bill’s Grill
$ | (252) 239-1627 | WEBSITE
It’s true: eating at Bill’s Grill involves a bit of a wait, with a not-unlikely line for your table even though you arrived right at noon. But this is some of the best roadside food in town, so you should do it at least once. The menu is straightforward (and kind of comforting) and is best tackled by trusting the efficient staff to keep things moving. Which should always involve the fantastic burgers and the German chocolate cake.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (252) 246-0069 | WEBSITE
This criminally-overlooked American grill has been around for about 20 years in Wilson time (it opened in 2006) and serves burgers that are every bit as good as its famous chain competitors. The converted retail space is upscale casual, but it still feels local and low-key. Get their baby back ribs or don’t bother telling people you came here.
Daniel’s Casual Fine Dining
$$ | (252) 281-1349 | WEBSITE
As far as we’re concerned, there is no better special occasion spot in Wilson than Daniel’s Casual Fine Dining. This hidden gem not only has one of the coziest atmospheres in town, but also an excellent menu that will give even your most discerning guest a reason to be thoroughly impressed.
Get the perfectly seared Ahi, the expertly cooked salmon special, and a slice of the homemade Crème Brûlée, and enjoy a place that makes delivering an unforgettable dining experience look incredibly effortless.
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries
$ | (252) 234-0247 | WEBSITE
Wilson has never been a beacon of great burger joints, but Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries is doing its job to make up for the rest of the town. Hwy 55 is laid-back, easy to get into, and the kind of place you stroll in with a few friends after work and end up staying till 10pm. You’re going to want the burgers, lots of chili stuff, and the perfectly cooked fries.
WhirliDogs Café and Training Center
$ | (252) 595-5588 | WEBSITE
WhirliDogs seems like just another casual spot in downtown Wilson, but don’t let that deter you. The American comfort food you’ll find inside is welcoming and tasty. Some dishes here are classic, like grilled cheese sandwiches and hotdogs, and others less so, like the fantastic Fall Veggie Lentil Soup prepared by Chef Trent Mayo that has a sterling flavor profile and a comforting warmth.
This is a restaurant where you’ll always be able to get in, order a few things to share—like the ‘Cheester’ or a soda float—and walk out still being able to afford to eat for the rest of the week, with most items priced under $10 in a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
Culver’s
$ | (252) 640-2411 | WEBSITE
Back when Wilson didn’t have many standout casual dining options, Culver’s arrived to give the area a reliable American spot. Fast forward to now: it’s become a local favorite, and Culver’s is as consistent as ever. It’s not a fancy place, so you can just walk in, but you won’t find many better quick family meals than this spot. Order the bacon cheese burger.
Waffle House
$ | (252) 246-0446 | WEBSITE
Wilson breakfast spots often come with complications: crowded parking lots, complicated menus, and fussy brunch crowds. Then there’s Waffle House, the fantastic American restaurant that’s as straightforward as they come. The food is affordable, the small space is easy to navigate, and its unpretentious atmosphere makes a relaxed meal a daily reality. Ordering the All-Star breakfast is a non-negotiable.
Jack’s Restaurant
$$ | (252) 291-9199 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of American restaurants in Wilson, but there aren’t many that will also make you feel like you’re in a cramped basement with excellent service. So Jack’s stands out, and while you can easily pretend you’re somewhere more spacious here, the food is much better than what you’d get in a typical chain. We like to order a few of the main dishes (and never skip the Brussels sprouts), intersperse them with cocktails, and always leave room for the short ribs.
Burger Boy
$ | (252) 237-8365 | WEBSITE
It’s 1:30pm, you just finished errands, and you know there are exactly zero things to eat in the fridge. Pull up to Burger Boy on your way home, and hit the drive-thru instead. It’s the best way to experience this classic spot, and they’ll help you pick the perfect burger to make you forget that you spent your morning trying to figure out how to assemble that IKEA bookshelf. The food is like what you’d actually eat at a proper burger joint, with bold flavors and consistently satisfying options.
And if you need to apologize for too many takeout nights, all the quick service and grab-and-go convenience make this a great family lunch option too.
Carolina Cheese Co.
$ | (252) 991-8447 | WEBSITE
If you’re passionate about eating in Wilson, you’ve probably heard about Carolina Cheese Co., the downtown deli with the friendly staff and great food. But this lovely spot is more than just the latest place where you’re forced to wait on busy Saturdays (even with a takeout order). It’s home to truly fantastic sandwiches, including so many delicious options, you’ll be forced to try all of them just so you can have a March Madness-style sandwich bracket.
Between the generous portions and well-priced meals, this is exactly a casual lunch option. And it is one you’ll look forward to.
O’Cools Sports Bar
$ | (252) 291-4242 | WEBSITE
O’Cools Sports Bar is a decent spot for a casual meal where you’ll grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a drink with some pretty good American pub food. But when you visit on a weekend, O’Cools transforms into a lively destination. That way, you’ll sit out on the fun patio and, more importantly, you’ll have a reason to catch some live music from Drunk Sally. The rubbed chicken is $18, but split that with a friend and it’ll only run you $9 each.
Which leaves enough budget for you to order the wings, some homemade chips, and a couple of beers too.
