Very interesting list. One that stuck out to me as definitely not (in my humble opinion) belong on the list is Mama Dip’s. She may be a sweetheart – and that is what made me try her restaurant a couple of years ago. But the food was definitely a C to C+.

I have to agree with Ron, I’ve heard all the wonderful reviews of Mama Dip’s however when I ate there I was sorely disappointed. It was nothing like the soul food cooking places I was used to growing up in a small southern town.

I would also argue that I am no fan of The Pit, I feel Ed Mitchell gets way more attention then he deserves for his bbq, which I felt was too soggy and not appetizing at all. However, he may be more famed for his ribs and I’m willing (and planning) on giving those a try. The atmosphere of the Pit and the veggies were amazing however!

Hunter – give The Pit’s ribs a try. Although I also like their food in general, the ribs are a stand out, along with the atmosphere and wonderful aroma!

I agree, Ron. I almost included that, but she DID get some Emeril love one time, FWIW. However I was in Chapel Hill for 9 years and only ate there 3 times. (we got really tired of Chinese/Mexican/Bland as the only affordable options in that town)

How is Sandwhich a newcomer? It’s been here since at least 2007. I would add Local Yogurt to that group of Newcomers along with Globe and Savoy and several others.
How about Matthew Beeson?
I don’t believe the State Fair food items should be a part of this list.
Clyde Cooper’s anyone?
Honorable Mentions.. Four Square, La Vaquita, Jujube (or it’s chef), a few more local breweries, Duck and Dumpling (for it’s longevity alone) and well I’m sure there are a slew of others..

No mention of food tours that recently cropped up?

If you order anything other than the oysters I’m frankly not surprised 42nd St was left off the list.

Dana you have officially gone of the deep end! Allen & Sons is quite possibly some of the best BBQ in NC. I am astonished since they are from your beloved Chapel Hill that you don’t obsess about the goodness of their BBQ as many do. I rank them up there with Wilber’s, B’s and the Skylight Inn.

I do agree with Hunter in the fact that The Pit is way overrated with their BBQ skills. The Pit BBQ is average for NC and the famed ribs have been dry the 3 different times that I have tried them. Don’t get me wrong, I think having The Pit in Raleigh is invaluable, but lets recognize it for what it is, a tourist trap near the convention center. I think Greg Hatem’s concept should be receiving accolades, but the food is simply average.

Allen & Son is so bad, that even I couldn’t bear to finish their sandwich. I threw it away. I think that like The Pit, there is a bandwagon effect with that place.

Just view the Flash file to fit in your browser. It was way too small for me.

http://www.newsobserver.com/content/multimedia/foodmag/foodmagazine0609.swf

Back in the Eighties, I thought I was the only kid who knew about Allen & Son. Chapel Hill is an ironic location for a barbeque haven, amidst all the Yanks, but maybe its goodness to me was just the nostalgia talking. Dana, I cannot imagine throwing any sandwich away; it must have been bad!