Family-Friendly Restaurants Near UNC Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill's dining scene revolves around Franklin Street, and while it can feel more "college bar" than "family dinner" after dark, the daytime and early evening options are excellent for families. Nearby Carrboro adds even more variety. Here's our family dining guide for the UNC area.
Franklin Street
Sup Dogs is a Chapel Hill institution. Hot dogs and burgers with creative toppings in a casual, fun atmosphere. The noise level is always high enough that nobody notices your kids. Dogs and burgers $6-10, sides $3-5. The Sup Dog with all the toppings is a rite of passage.
Mediterranean Deli is our top Franklin Street recommendation for families. The buffet-style setup lets kids see exactly what they're getting, the hummus and pita are universally loved, and the baklava is a perfect dessert. Buffet by weight (~$12-14/lb), kids typically eat $6-8 worth. Spacious enough for strollers.
Al's Burger Shack serves some of the best burgers in America (according to several national lists). The space is tiny, so it's better for families with older kids who can stand in line. Burgers $7-11. Cash only at last check.
Kipos Greek Taverna has a lovely covered patio and shareable plates (meatballs, flatbreads, hummus) that work well for families. It's a bit more upscale but still welcoming. Sharing plates $8-14, entrees $15-24.
Carrboro
Weaver Street Market is our number-one family lunch spot in the area. The co-op's prepared food counter has sandwiches, salads, pizza, and daily specials ($7-12). But the real draw is the huge lawn out front where kids play while parents eat. Live music some evenings. Free outdoor seating.
Armadillo Grill is a walk-up taco window in Carrboro that's been a local favorite for years. Tacos $3-4, burritos $7-9. Outdoor picnic tables. Kids think ordering at a window is exciting.
Acme Food & Beverage is the upscale option for a family special dinner. Locally sourced, beautifully prepared food in an atmosphere that's elegant but not stuffy. Entrees $18-28. Reservations recommended. Best with older kids or for a parent date night.
Open Eye Cafe is a Carrboro coffee institution. Good coffee, comfortable space, and walkable to Weaver Street Market's lawn for the kids. Drinks $4-6.
Campus Tour Day
When friends visit with their high-schoolers, here's our recommended Chapel Hill campus tour day:
1. Morning coffee: Open Eye Cafe in Carrboro or Meantime Coffee on Franklin 2. Campus walk: The Pit, Old Well, Morehead Planetarium (check show times), McCorkle Place 3. Lunch: Mediterranean Deli or Sup Dogs on Franklin 4. Afternoon: Walk from Franklin Street into Carrboro (it's a pleasant 15-minute walk) 5. Snack: Weaver Street Market lawn with treats 6. Dinner (if staying): Kipos or Bandido's
Estimated food budget for four: $50-65 for the day.
Game Day Dining
UNC game days transform Franklin Street. If you're eating near campus on a Tar Heels game day:
Parking in Chapel Hill
Quick Reference
| Restaurant | Area | Best For | Price | |—————-|———|—————|———-| | Mediterranean Deli | Franklin St | Buffet variety | $ | | Sup Dogs | Franklin St | Hot dogs & burgers | $ | | Weaver Street Market | Carrboro | Lawn + lunch | $ | | Armadillo Grill | Carrboro | Walk-up tacos | $ | | Kipos | Franklin St | Upscale family dinner | $$-$$$ | | Al's Burger Shack | Franklin St | Best burgers | $ |
Chapel Hill and Carrboro together make for a perfect day trip with the family — beautiful campus, great food, and a walkable downtown.
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