Dreaming of a meal where your teenagers actually look up from their phones? Where your partner doesn’t suggest ‘just ordering pizza’ again? What is this, a parallel universe? A culinary miracle? No, friends, this is Wilson, NC—and these 17 spots are your salvation. From plates that silence arguments to bites that spark actual conversation, consider this list your family’s new peace treaty.
Bojangles
$ | (252) 237-0026 | WEBSITE
Bojangles is the kind of reliable fast food spot you might be a little bit hesitant to bring your picky eaters to in case they start complaining about the wait until it feels distinctly like a Monday morning. But you can get their consistently good food through the drive-through, including things like crispy fried chicken dinner with coleslaw, warm biscuits, and their always fresh sides.
Their service is generally kind and attentive, with manager Latoya Chavis going above and beyond, but it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal when everything clicks.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (252) 265-3111 | WEBSITE
It’s a Tuesday afternoon. You just realized the only thing in your fridge is a questionable jar of pickles, and either your coworkers, friends, or visiting relatives are complaining about hunger pangs. Here’s hoping it’s the ones you can satisfy with a quick drive-through run. Either way, it’s time to call in comfort food reinforcements in the form of Popeyes.
This spot in Wilson not only serves up juicy chicken, buttery soft biscuits, and some truly satisfying mashed potatoes with gravy, they now have new chicken wing flavors too. Plus, an order of their crispy tenders, flaky biscuits, and perfectly cooked wings definitely won’t hurt either.
WhirliDogs Café and Training Center
$ | (252) 595-5588 | WEBSITE
So it turns out that the number of times you crave comfort food in a week is directly linked to how many times you’ve had to explain spreadsheets to colleagues. Go figure. A good idea is to treat yourself to something warm and cheesy to keep your spirits up.
Downtown Wilson spot WhirliDogs is serving up their praised grilled cheese sandwiches, alongside some sterling Fall Veggie Lentil Soup from Chef Trent Mayo and homemade baked beans for you, and some delicious chocolate ice cream and a soda float for the kids. Big news for your soul, you can chat with friendly faces like Katie and Mason while enjoying the reasonably priced, yummy food too.
Best-N-Burgers
$ | (252) 237-2555 | WEBSITE
When the road stretches long and the stomach starts rumbling with that particular emptiness that only comes from hours of highway driving, you know you’ve hit that dangerous hangry territory. Which is where the simple magic of Best-N-Burgers comes in. A solid order of their fresh-made burger, hot fries, and a cold drink will settle everything right down.
Or, if that doesn’t do the trick, go for a double patty to really fill up, plus a side of those perfectly crisp fries with malt vinegar from the tables, to get that satisfaction level back where it belongs.
Denny’s
$ | (252) 228-1109 | WEBSITE
Sharing is caring. Until it isn’t, and you want to throttle your own flesh and blood for eating the last piece of that berry-stuffed French toast you had been carefully and meticulously eyeing since it arrived. You’ll have no such worries when ordering from Denny’s – the family-friendly spot in Wilson. Their T-Bone steak, with its juicy tenderness and perfect seasoning, is all recommended for one. While their berry-stuffed French toast, or fluffy pancakes, can be divvied up.
There’s even a kid’s menu too, and they’re also doing cozy booth seating for families.
San Jose Mexican Restaurant
$ | (252) 237-7749 | WEBSITE
The problem with Mexican food is that, realistically, authenticity is different for everyone. The ones who want quick tacos from a food truck. The ones who prefer chain restaurant consistency. And you, who just wants the real thing all the time. That’s the beauty of San Jose Mexican Restaurant, you can just walk in and get exactly what you’re craving when you need it.
With a spacious interior and beautiful decor, they have fresh guacamole made right in front of you that we’ve definitely got our eyes on, as well as generous portions of traditional dishes, standout margaritas, and impressive presentation.
Mi Cabana Mexican Restaurant #6
$ | (252) 234-1667 | WEBSITE
This one goes out to all the parents who’ve discovered the magic of delivery. You’ve increased your family’s taco nights from once a month to weekly. Good for you. It’s this or asking them to help with the dishes again. We’d also like to shout out another family meal savior – Mi Cabana. They’re doing delivery with their large portions and tasty tacos, including their fantastic chorizo dip and strong mixed drinks.
The friendly staff and clean, well-lit setting make it worth dealing with the limited parking, especially when you’re craving a satisfying meal without leaving home.
Hong Kong Restaurant
$ | (252) 243-4477 | WEBSITE
Things like the generous cheesesteak egg rolls and flavorful, crispy fried dumplings tend to keep everyone quiet for at least half an hour or so. At least, that’s what happens to us whenever we eat anything from Hong Kong Restaurant. Their classic General Tso’s and Orange Chicken are a perfect (and delicious) order for everyone. Plus there are consistently great dishes like the Singapore Mei Fun, and large servings for those that need it most.
Armando’s Pizza and Tacos of Wilson
$ | (252) 281-4797 | WEBSITE
Pizza and tacos, like craving that perfect slice after a long day, or wanting just one more bite when you’re already full, brings us all together. Crisp-crusted pepperoni pizza, layered with flavorful cheese, that’s paired with a classic sub, which then satisfies every craving, is one of life’s good things. Particularly when it comes from Armando’s Pizza and Tacos of Wilson. Needless to say, pies by the slice, friendly staff to chat with, and a take-out option should be on the family order.
Oh, and a signature Italian dish too.
Taste of China
$ | (252) 237-6688 | WEBSITE
Chinese. Taste of China. Remember those nights when you were 25 and only ate takeout of convenience rather than craving? Remember when you’d settle for soggy fried rice from a chain? Stop sadly reheating leftovers and go for a fresh order from Taste of China instead. As well as the satisfying classics like General Tso with shrimp fried rice, this place is also delivering spicy hot dogs and subs. And yes, you do deserve to use their convenient drive-thru to pick up that food to enjoy at home.
Cups of Joy
$ | (252) 640-2742 | WEBSITE
No you’re not going to make your own coffee at home. You’re going to order a dirty chai tea latte and a hand-scooped Hershey ice cream instead. This welcoming cafe in Wilson is offering a perfect cup of coffee and sweet treats for just under ten dollars. Plus, game nights and trivia to keep you entertained too. Did we mention the dirty chai tea latte?
Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant
$ | (252) 238-2388 | WEBSITE
Every family needs a reliable Chinese-American feast now and again. The kind that ends with satisfied smiles, containers being packed for leftovers, and any weekday stresses being soothed by the comforting effect of orange chicken and fried rice settling in your stomach. Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant does a good job of all that. The family-owned spot is serving its decent egg rolls, general tso’s chicken, beef and broccoli, by the generous portion.
Plus, satisfying lo mein, crispy spring rolls, and a perfectly comforting fortune cookie to finish.
Golden Seafood and Chicken Hibachi Grill
$ | (252) 991-7012 | WEBSITE
The most straightforward way of describing Golden Seafood and Chicken Hibachi Grill is by saying it’s “like a hibachi chain, but better”. And though that doesn’t do justice to everything this family-owned spot does aside from generous portions at great prices, like perfectly seasoned fried shrimp or delicious hibachi chicken with fried rice, it’s the only thing your wallet will be interested in.
Arby’s
$ | (252) 291-7706 | WEBSITE
Nothing, absolutely nothing, satisfies a hungry family quite like a fish sandwich and crinkle fries. Replace grumbles, complaints, and endless menu debates, with one of the most comforting phrases, ‘please could you pass the orange cream shake’. Arby’s offers deals that are so good we’re surprised they don’t have their own billboard, and now, you can swing by their Wilson spot for pickup. A side of lighter fare at a lower cost is also encouraged.
Ruckus & Redemption
$ | (252) 674-1567 | WEBSITE
Burger, for you. Brunch burger, for them. Brussel sprouts with pork belly, for you. Old Fashioned, for them. See how nice this order is working out? Ruckus & Redemption is a cool and casual spot that serves uncomplicated comfort food like the Classic veggie burger, Build a Burger, and some of the best burgers in Wilson. And even better they’re now serving outdoors with a view of Whirlygig Park. Check the picnic tables as they’re offering big views too.
LA RANCHERITA GRILL & TEQUILA BAR
$ | (252) 206-0923 | WEBSITE
La Rancherita Grill & Tequila Bar is the latest Mexican spot from the same people as other popular Wilson favorites – one of the area’s most vibrant restaurants, ft. tequila. The lively atmosphere here features crowd-pleasers like the Ultimate ACP, Camarones a la Diabla, street corn, veggies, and strawberry margaritas. There’s also a tonne of flavor and energy to keep everyone going before and after.
Ray’s Drive In
$ | (252) 237-1252 | WEBSITE
Nothing beats settling into a booth with a plate of tender chicken pastry and double collard greens in front of you, the family, and the knowledge that you (and you alone) will be savoring this home-style cooking, in the quiet afternoon hours, while the lunch crowd thins out. Just us? Whatever. You’ll be doing the same once everyone digs into Ray’s classic potato salad, or their black-eyed peas, all served with hot cornbread.
They’re hearty, they’re savory, and they’re definitely too much if you get breakfast biscuits and gravy as well.
