15 Best Restaurants in Henderson (NC)

Are you looking for an absolute treasure trove to relish in breathtaking landscapes, scenic views, and an amazing heritage while enjoying an endless array of culinary delights? Henderson is that city for you.

Located in Vance County, North Carolina with an estimated 15,060 residents, Henderson is a county seat and the largest city of Vance County. It is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area, commonly known as the Research Triangle.

Henderson provides a simple, small-town charm through activities like sitting at a street-side café downtown, people-watching, and sipping on a cup of hot mocha. Or haggling with vendors at a bustling shop, trying to snag the best outfit for a date night, or a weekend out with friends.

And don’t forget about the food, because nothing says vacation like indulging in some good southern comfort food. Henderson’s got you covered with everything from BBQ to fried chicken, and of course, something for the little ones if they are part of the journey.

Here are some of the top restaurants that you can drop by when you find yourself in the city of Henderson.

Best Restaurants in Henderson

1. Pino’s Italian Restaurant

Pino’s Italian Restaurant

Nothing screams the wholesome heart of Rome louder than Pino’s Italian Restaurant. In an effort to produce original, time-honored recipes that guests will enjoy, the chefs at Pino’s fuses their enthusiasm for creating delectable dishes with their wide understanding of culinary arts.

This is among the top Henderson restaurants that guarantees the finest eating experience for customers by utilizing the best quality, ethically manufactured products, and the wonderful Google reviews are testaments of this fact.

When you order online at Pino’s, you’ll be able to take advantage of some special offers. The online ordering system is not only convenient and easy to use, but it also provides deals that will make your experience worth it.

You can get a 10% discount off your meals when you order online for the first time. And when you spend up to a hundred dollars online, Pino’s offers a five-dollar-off deal. So order now and indulge in sweet exclusive online deals!

Pino’s takes pride in their homemade, authentic dishes like fettucini primavera, spaghetti with meatballs, lasagna, Italian hoagie, stuffed pizza, toasted ravioli, buffalo wings, minestrone, gnocchi, and seafood fradiavolla.

When you stop at Pino’s Italian Restaurant, you’ll be transported right into the streets of the lovely city itself. So give them a try and watch yourself coming back for more.

Opening hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and weekends from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Address: 987 S Beckford, Dr, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-438-1341.

2. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q

Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q

Next on our list of best restaurants in Henderson, NC, is Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, a restaurant which has dedicated more than four decades to giving loyal customers and the entire Henderson, North Carolina region, a satisfying and memorable gastronomic adventure.

As part of their objectives to provide the finest hostess experience possible for patrons, the wait staff here see to it that food and drinks are delivered appropriately to the right customers, using proper serving etiquette, and ensuring that their trash is disposed of properly.

Smithfield’s Chicken is available for take-outs, drive-through, and dine-in dining service options. You can also order your favorite meals now with DoorDash.

The menu features eastern North Carolina meals like pulled pork, coleslaw hushpuppies, BBQ platter, fried chicken dinner, potato salad, chicken tenders, and all-day desserts such as banana pudding.

Smithfield’s is open any day of the week from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Address: 100 Exchange St, Henderson, NC 17536, United States. Phone: +1 252-492-3655.

3. Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday

The core values of Ruby Tuesday are courteous warmth and service, unwavering consistency and wholesomeness, and an imaginative, creative flare for providing only the best.

The efficiency of this establishment is due to the motivated staff members who are eager to provide customers with satisfactory services. From its inception in 1972 till now, Ruby Tuesday has never deviated from the motives that won the hearts of customers all over the nation in the first place.

This restaurant provides rewards for steady online customers, where you can earn points for every purchase you make. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future orders, giving you even more value for your money.

Ruby Tuesday offers Brussels sprouts, chicken slam dunkers, steak broccoli, mash potatoes, chicken fresco, California primavera pasta, and Philly cheese steak potstickers.

Drop by Ruby’s Tuesday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekends.

Address: 101 Exchange St, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-492-6243.

4. Ribeyes Steakhouse

Ribeyes Steakhouse

As one of the best places to eat in Henderson, NC, Ribeyes is the home of premium-cut USDA choice beef. This is where the smell of sizzling meat and spices will transport you to a world of flavor and fun.

Ribeyes is known for creating outstanding special occasions through the exclusive dining areas they preserve for guests who do well in securing them. With just a few button clicks, you can also buy gift cards for yourself or your loved ones.

With the juiciest cuts of beef that will delight your taste buds, get ready to sink your teeth into some serious sizzle at Ribeyes. Enjoy loaded baked potatoes, prime rib, grilled chicken breast, chili cheese fries, bang bang shrimp, pork chops, chicken wings, and steamed broccoli.

Opening hours are 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends.

Address: 2002 Graham Ave, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-430-1117.

5. Golden Skillet

Golden Skillet

Since its opening in 1990, Golden Skillet has been a family-run Henderson restaurant that specializes mainly in providing outstanding home-style meals and top-notch service quality for their guests.

Golden Skillet offers a convenient drive-through option for customers that are always on the go. The takeout service is quick and efficient for those who like to enjoy the restaurant’s offerings elsewhere.

In addition to the food services, Golden Skillet provides free Wi-Fi. So whether you are waiting for your food in the drive-through line, or sitting down to eat in the dining area, you can stay connected and get some work done or browse the web.

The menu is packed with mouthwatering offerings like chicken tender dinner corn, fish sandwiches, meatloaf, burned garlic bread, egg salad, catfish, chicken gizzard plate, and flounder sandwiches with fries. They also offer special entertainment platters such as wings and chicken.

Golden Skillet is among the top Henderson restaurants and operates on weekdays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and on weekends from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Address: 444 Dabney Dr, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-492-4040.

6. Pizza Inn

Pizza Inn

Is it the gooey, melted cheese? The perfectly crispy crust? Or the endless topping possibilities? Whatever it is, one thing is for sure: pizza is a true love affair, and a slice at Pizza Inn can solve any craving and bring people together for a casual dinner.

Pizza Inn has been known for its originality and inventiveness for over six decades and they are still standing strong. Throughout the years, their creativity and culinary artistry have earned them a comfortable spot as one of the best pizzerias, and best restaurants in Henderson, NC.

From classic pepperoni pizza, Hawaiian, thin crust pizza, taco pizza, Alfredo cheese, BBQ chicken, and veggie to the more adventurous creations, each bite at Pizza Inn is an indulgence. They also offer wings, pasta dishes, salads, and Stromboli.

Drop by Pizza Inn from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekends.

Address: 1250 Coble Blvd, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-492-2144.

7. Denny’s

Denny’s

Denny’s is the spot where individuals can savor traditional home-style dishes and daily essentials in a serene, comfortable environment. No matter what you’re having, Denny’s sits comfortably as one of the top restaurants in Henderson, NC, and endeavors to serve up wonderful food and excellent rates.

Their services are customer-focused and oriented, which means that the employees always go the extra mile to provide patrons with an unbeatable experience in terms of food, accessibility, comfort, and convenience. With Denny’s app, you can get swift delivery, rewards, and quick ordering.

This diner provides sumptuous meals like breakfast platter, Cali club sandwiches, loaded potato chicken griller, cinnamon rolls, pancakes and fruit, chicken tenders, sirloin steak salad, steak omelet, hash browns, and zesty nachos.

Denny’s opens weekly from 6:00 am to 12:00 am.

Address: 1524 Dabney Dr, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-438-4800.

8. Mezcalito Mexican Grill

Mezcalito Mexican Grill

Mezcalito is one of the best Henderson restaurants that adopts a distinctive approach to Mexican dishes.

Offering a wonderful fusion of foods with bursting flavors that runs deep in the Mexican roots and are equally unique and innovative, Mezcalito provides a window into the country of Mexico.

In addition to the best, most reliable catering services for a celebration, or large organization meeting, Mezcalito gives visitors the perfect private dining for lunch and supper.

Here the flavors of Mexico come alive in every dish they serve, including parrillada meat platter, gringas al pastor, chicken rolls, fish tacos, chimichanga shrimp ceviche, chicken flautas, steak quesadillas, and Baja fish.

Mezcalito Mexican Grill operates from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm Mondays through Thursdays, 11:00 am to 10:30 pm on weekends, and 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Sundays.

Address: 103 N Cooper Dr, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-572-4661.

Planning a food tour of North Carolina? Here is a guide on restaurants in Elizabeth City, restaurants in Pittsboro, and restaurants in Wilmington for a fun meal time.

9. Chewly Delicious Jamaican Restaurant

Chewly Delicious Jamaican Restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Henderson, Chewly Jamaican is a vibrant restaurant that serves up authentic Caribbean cuisine with a side of island vibes for all Jamaican food lovers and curious food connoisseurs.

Chewly Delicious offers a range of services to make your dining experience truly special. The restaurant provides catering events for your occasions. They are also skilled enough to accommodate any special requests like wheelchair accessibility for disabled customers.

The menu is crafted with care and passion to bring you the best Jamaican cuisine. Savor the authentic flavors of the country’s diverse cultural influences in dishes like oxtail and fried chicken platters, large jerked chicken meal, curried goat meal, and Jamaican fried red snappe.

Visit Chewly Delicious and leave with a little piece of Jamaica in your heart.

They are open Mondays through Saturdays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Take-out hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 7:30 pm, and weekends from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm.

Address: 885 S Beckford Dr, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-598-1069.

10. Waffle House

Waffle House

Are you tired of boring, subpar breakfast options? Well, this restaurant is just the one for you. Not only do they have delicious waffles, but they also have a wide variety of other breakfast items to choose from. What is better than a piping hot waffle smothered in butter and syrup?

Established in 1955, the Waffle House chain of companies is the largest breakfast waffle meal provider worldwide, running over 1,900 locations across twenty-five states in the United States alone.

Their 24/7 availability also makes it the perfect spot for late-night munchies or an early breakfast before work. In addition to this, they also have a killer merchandise game. It’s not just a cheap T-shirt with a logo slapped on it, it’s a declaration of your love for all things Waffle House.

The menu is filled with delicious breakfast favorites that are sure to start your day off on the right foot. They include bacon eggs and toast, waffles, hash browns, bacon patty melt, cheeseburgers, cheese n’ eggs, sandwiches, and omelets.

As one of the top restaurants in Henderson, NC, they are open 24 hours.

Address: 1135 Ruin Creek Rd, Henderson, NC 27537, United States. Phone: +1 252-431-9102.

11. Siplens Seafood

Siplens Seafood

Are you craving the comfort of grandma’s cooking at a nice restaurant? Look no further than Siplens Seafood! This is one of the best Henderson restaurants with a feeling like a warm hug from your grandma, complete with all the home-cooked seafood offerings in a lovely atmosphere.

Siplens services are top-notch, ranging from takeout, delivery, drive-through, and seating options, to wheelchair accessibility, discounts on some meals for loyal customers, and catering services.

Siplens offers a ton of delicious ocean bounty like shrimp and grits, gator bites dinner, snow crab legs, fried corn on the cob, gambas al ajillo, fried catfish nuggets, grilled salmon, loaded fries, shrimp combo, and chicken bowl.

Dive into a deep sea of dishes and discover a treasure trove of flavor at Siplens Seafood!

Opening hours are Wednesdays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Address: 208 Raleigh Rd, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-572-4039.

12. Papa John’s Pizza

Papa John’s Pizza

The winning formula at Papa John’s Pizza is similar to the mode of creating wonderful pizza dishes, which is simply the masterful art of hard work, skill, and perseverance. There is no denying that the special blend of herbs and spices in Papa John’s takes the pizza flavor to the next level.

This restaurant fails to settle for anything less than the best, and this shows in every bite. Their commitment to utilizing fresh, rich ingredients makes them outstanding and an irresistible choice.

At Papa John’s, the pizza offerings are nothing short of extraordinary. The menu offers a diverse range of pizzas that are bursting with flavors, like the meat pizza, which is a perfect choice for meat lovers, loaded with pepperoni, sausages, bacon, and beef and topped with mozzarella cheese.

The BBQ chicken pizza is another top feature on the menu with a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce that perfectly complements the tender chunks of chicken.

So next time you’re craving pizza, don’t settle for mediocrity. Make it a Papa John’s night and taste the difference for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you.

Visit Papa John’s on weekdays from 10:30 am to 11:00 pm and weekends from 10:30 am to 12:00 am.

Address: 1526 Dabney Dr, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-431-1999.

13. Sadie’s Coffee Corner

Sadie’s Coffee Corner

Sadie’s was established with the main purpose of transforming and revitalizing the Henderson neighborhood. Their goal is to inspire and ignite change through beautiful meals and top-notch services.

The restaurant was named after a bubbly Golden Retriever who has shown the owners how to truly enjoy the hospitable impression and reassuring effect that a wagging tail and smile creates, and they wish to pass this charm along to the visitors that come into the restaurant.

Sadie’s loyalty rewards make dining out more fun and affordable. It’s almost like a mini-game of trying new menu items without breaking the bank. Not only do they make customers feel special and appreciated, but they also give them chances to earn rewards, like discounts, and exclusive promotions.

Sadie’s offerings include soft cinnamon rolls, iced mocha, carrot cakes, iced caramel latte, chai latte, egg sausage and cheese, espresso, sandwiches and chips, fiesta chicken sandwiches, and hot chocolate.

Opening hours are Mondays through Fridays from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturdays, and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Sundays.

Address: 324 S Garnett St, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-572-2542.

14. Hardee’s

Hardee’s

If you are looking for one of the best places to eat in Henderson, NC, Hardee’s is one of the premiere dining destinations that know how to do fast food right.

Founded in 1960 with several locations across the United States, this chain is known for its thick, charbroiled burgers, and signature items like hand-breaded chicken tenders.

The customer service at Hardee’s is top-notch, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. If you are in a rush, they’ll have your takeout order ready in no time, so that you can be on your way. Their friendly and efficient staff will make you feel like a VIP, even in the drive-through.

The menu features all your yummy favorites like chicken fingers, breakfast sandwiches, burgers, super sausage biscuits, ham and cheese melt, French toast dip, country fried steak biscuits, and cinnamon rolls.

Drop by Mondays through Thursdays from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, weekends from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sundays from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Address: 120 Dabney Dr, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-438-3754.

15. Wendy’s

Wendy’s

No matter how much additional effort is required, Wendy’s takes pleasure in preparing and serving fresh, delicious cuisines to guests. Founded in 1969, this restaurant has been committed to sourcing ingredients from sustainable and responsible sources, so you can feel good about your meal.

It concludes our awesome list of the best restaurants in Henderson, NC.

Wendy’s offers dine-in, drive-through, and takeout options for customers. This establishment also provides a mobile app that allows patrons to place their orders and pay ahead of time, as well as a delivery service through third-party providers such as Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.

Wendy’s menu is diverse and full of tasty options like hamburgers, honey butter biscuits, Italian mozzarella chicken, spicy big bacon cheddar chicken, spicy chicken nuggets, crispy chicken BLT, and summer strawberry salads.

They open daily from 6:30 am to 1:00 am.

Address: 1517 Dabney Dr, Henderson, NC 27536, United States. Phone: +1 252-438-5992.

Planning a food tour of North Carolina? Here is a guide on restaurants in Kure Beach, restaurants in Bald Head Island, and restaurants in Lumberton for a fun meal time.

Plan a Trip to Henderson

A trip to Henderson, NC, is not just about the food itself; it’s about the experience. It is the ultimate indulgence, combining two of life’s greatest pleasures: eating and exploring new places.

So go ahead, take that much-needed break, pack your bags and your adventurous appetite, and anticipate a marvelous culinary journey around the lovely city of Henderson, North Carolina.