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10 Best Restaurants In Franklinton, NC

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Jan 18, 2023 10 min read
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10 Best Restaurants In Franklinton, NC
Chapters
01
Jamaican Patty Shack 
02
Roma Pizza 
03
Mason X Main 
04
Toros Taco + Tequila 
05
Elis Tavern 
06
Sugar Grinders Creamery and Bakery 
07
Owls Roost Brewery 
08
Johnny Bulls Steakhouse 
09
The Slammer 
10
Hometown Cafe 

Best Restaurants In Franklinton, NC 

Are you looking for the best restaurants in Franklinton, NC? Follow along as we discuss some of the restaurants we deem to be the best in the area! 

Franklinton is a town in Franklin County, North Carolina. The city is small but is evolving every day. There are many things to do in the city, including museums, recreation, dining, shopping, and more! Since Franklinton is small, residents and visitors will also travel to the nearby towns for things to do! 

The dining options in Franklinton are great! You can find various cuisine types throughout the town and restaurants that have been around for decades. Follow along while we dive into some of the best! 

best restaurants franklinton nc graphic with fried chicken and empanadas

Raleigh Realty is a local real estate company that specializes in helping those through the home buying and selling process. While that is our primary focus, we also enjoy providing helpful guides to your new area. On our website, you can find guides, tips, and tricks to the triangle and surrounding areas. 

In this guide, we're going to discuss the best restaurants in Franklinton. Let's get into it! 

Jamaican Patty Shack 

The Jamaican Patty Shack in Franklinton has excellent reviews and serves premium and authentic Jamaican delicacies. They started as just a small food outlet that only offered food to-go. As the community learned about Jamaican Patty Shack and it became more popular, they expanded their team and now serve over 100 customers daily. 

The featured delicacies at Jamaican Patty Shack are Jamaican Patties, Oxtail and vegetables, jerk chicken rice and peas, and seafood. Their delicacy changes daily, and the price depends on how much/what you get. Take a look: 

Small plates are $9, and large plates are $11 (with two sides) 

Small oxtail is $13.75, and large oxtail is $15.75 (Saturday only) 

Shack patties: mild, spicy, & curry chicken for $2.75

On Tuesdays, they serve jerk chicken, curry chicken, or barbeque chicken. On Wednesdays, they serve jerk chicken and oxtail. On Thursdays, they serve jerk chicken and brown stew chicken. On Fridays, they serve jerk chicken and seafood; on Saturdays, they serve jerk chicken and oxtails. Extra sides are shack steamed cabbage, shack rice and peas, shack mac, shack plantains, and shack coco bread. 

Roma Pizza 

Roma Pizza is a local staple in Franklinton that provides delicious dishes and a friendly atmosphere. The extensive menu offers pizza, calzones, appetizers, and all your pizza shop favorites! 

The full menu includes hand-tossed pizza, appetizers, subs, gourmet pizzas, pick-up specials, delivery specials, salads, wings, calzones, pasta, burgers, gyros, and desserts! The pasta is super delicious and filling. You can choose between spaghetti & meatballs, spaghetti, baked ziti, Roma's lasagna, chicken parmesan, eggplant parmesan, cheese manicotti, chicken alfredo, and shrimp alfredo! 

The main reason to visit Roma's is for their pizza! Gourmet pizza options include meat pizza, veggie pizza, deluxe pizza, Hawaiian pizza, chicken bacon ranch pizza, BBQ chicken pizza, garlic chicken pizza, chicken fajita pizza, chicken parmesan pizza, chicken alfredo pizza, eggplant parmesan pizza, garden pizza, Philly steak pizza, white spinach pizza, shrimp alfredo pizza, and Roma's delight pizza. You can check out their website for details and ingredients of each pizza - all are delicious! 

Mason X Main 

Although Mason X Main is technically a coffee shop, they have delicious pastries and deli options! Mason X Main is new to the area but has quickly become a favorite in the town. The vibe is vibrant and welcoming and is fitting for all ages! 

For a coffee shop, they have great food options! Breakfast items include bagels with plain cream cheese or egg, cheese, sausage/bacon, waffles, breakfast paninis, french toast, avocado toast, and more! Some paninis include the three-cheese griller, the CBR panini, and the BBQ chicken panini. The CBR comes with grilled chicken, bacon, and delicious creamy ranch! Lastly, they have yummy sandwiches, such as build-your-own options, Turk-A-Jack, BLTA, and more! The Turk-A-Jack is a fan favorite and is turkey, pepper jack cheese, topped with avocado and served on a croissant with mayo, onions, tomato, and lettuce! Additionally, they want to add salads to the menu and accept any ideas or suggestions! 

mason X main front entrance sign

Toros Taco + Tequila 

Toros Taco + Tequila was founded and created by a group of friends who enjoy eating, drinking, and making fantastic food with one another. Their passions led them to open Toros Taco + Tequila, and it has quickly become a place where people from all over Franklinton can enjoy delicious dishes and a comfortable environment. 

The menu at Toros Taco + Tequila encompasses freshness and creativity. It includes monthly specials, street tacos, gringo tacos, burritos, quesadillas, favorites, antojitos, toro's bowls, salads, sides, kid's, and desserts! Our favorites are the Quesadilla Al Pastor - adobo marinated pork, cheese, pineapple, Pico De Gallo, and habanero glaze. 

There are many favorite dishes at Toros Taco + Tequila. These dishes include ACP, AC steak, ACC, ACP trio, Carne Azada fries, pizza birria, chicken tortilla soup, nachos locos, Mexican burgers, wings, Carne Azada, and carnitas!

They also serve delicious margaritas and adult beverages that pair perfectly with their tacos! 

Elis Tavern 

Eli's Tavern is an upscale restaurant and bar serving food from scratch, craft cocktails, and great wine and beer. 

Dinner at Eli's Tavern is served daily from 4 pm to 9 pm, and the menu is sectioned off into small and larger plates. Some small plates include pimento cheese, flash-fried calamari, herb-roasted wings, warm stuffed piquillo peppers, and more! Larger dishes include Angus sirloin, braised short rib, bucatini pasta, fried gulf shrimp, and grits. The menu is upscale and on the pricier side. My favorite dish is the butternut squash mac and cheese with peas, parmesan, aged cheddar, and prosciutto. 

To pair with your dish, you can select one of their seasonal cocktails, mainstays, on-tap beers, bottled beer, or wine! My favorite is the prickly pear margarita - Lunazul Blanco, jalapeno, lime, and salt. The wine menu includes whites, reds, caravan, and sparkling options. You can order a glass or a bottle for the table. 

elis tavern friends with drinks

Sugar Grinders Creamery and Bakery 

If you're looking for a tasty treat, stop by Sugar Grinders Creamery and Bakery! The owner started her baking journey in her house in 2012 and took inspiration from her grandmother's baking. Today, she passes that love and knowledge down to her daughter, who bakes beside her. They sell delicious baked goods in their store using old-fashioned techniques and care in every dessert they serve. 

At Sugar Grinders, they sell custom wedding cakes, birthday cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. Services and made-to-order options include pound cakes, layered cakes, single/half dozen/full dozen cupcakes, 3D designer cupcakes, custom 3D cakes for children/adults, and wedding cakes. 

Every service they offer is customizable and made to your preference. For example, you can order a layered cake or visit the storefront for an individual slice. Cakes come in the flavors red velvet, classic yellow cake, 5-flavor, lemon, coconut, strawberry, peachsicle, peach cobbler, pineapple, chocolate, German chocolate, butter pecan, butter rum, caramel macaroon, coconut cheesecake, carrot, cinnamon roll, peach bellini, tropical lemonade, and basil french! 

Sugar Grinders offers many delicious treats in many flavors. The next time you're craving something sweet, stop by Sugar Grinders for a slice of cake or a half dozen cupcakes! 

Owls Roost Brewery 

Owls Roost Brewery is a famous restaurant/brewery located on Main St. They are committed to serving the community by providing excellent craft beer and pizza. Customers love visiting Owls Roose Brewery for their live music, delicious food, outdoor seating, select beers, and more! They have a wide variety of pizza, beer, cheese dip, wings, etc., and multiple beers on tap, spirits, and wine. This is a great place to visit after shopping on Main St or for girls' night, date night, or live music! 

chicken wings with sauce and celery sticks

Johnny Bulls Steakhouse 

In the neighboring town of Louisburg, you have Johnny Bulls Steakhouse. Johnny Bulls was named one of the best ten steakhouses in North Carolina. The restaurant blends traditional steakhouse fare with home-cooked and country-style specials. Johnny Bulls has a cozy main dining room, two private dining rooms, the bullpen, the bull cute, a full-service bar, and catering equipment. 

The menu at Johnny Bulls includes lunch, appetizers, favorites, seafood, and steaks. Steak options include chopped steak, sirloin, ribeye, filet, or prime rib. All steak entrees are served with your choice of baked potato, sweet potato, steamed veggies, french friends, soup, or salad. You can also choose a fixup for your steak, including a marinade, mushrooms & onions, a shrimp skewer, or a scallop skewer.

Other favorites at Johnny Bulls Steakhouse include grilled chicken, pork chops, pulled pork, hot dogs, bull burgers, steak sandwiches, french dip, and more! 

The bullpen and bull chute are open for reservations and private parties. You can pre-arrange a meal from their menu or custom-build a feast for your guests!

Johnny Bulls steakhouse steak and sides

The Slammer 

The Slammer is not a restaurant, but we needed to take advantage of the opportunity to mention this beauty of Franklin County! The Slammer is the only exclusive speakeasy in Franklin County! The Slammer highlights the prohibition era style with a hidden entrance. The bar was converted from the old Franklinton jail, so they also incorporated ancient remains from the prison. The custom car is former inmate cells, and the private dining area is the old holding area. Entertainment at the Slammer includes live music, horseshoes in the yard, and hidden wines and spirits. For those that don't know, a speakeasy was a secret bar that operated in backrooms during the prohibition era when it was illegal to sell or consume alcohol. 

The Slammer is the perfect spot for a nightcap after a filling meal or a walk around Franklinton!

Hometown Cafe 

Hometown Cafe is a staple in Franklinton and offers old-fashioned southern cooking. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, seafood, and more! Meal plates include southern fried chicken, country fried chicken with gravy, hamburger steak with onions and gravy, baked BBQ chicken, pork tenderloin, and other southern favorites. The seafood options are tilapia, catfish, flounder, salmon patties, and shrimp. 

The breakfast options at Hometown Cafe include three-egg omelets, two eggs any way with a side, the breakfast bowl, the farmer's platter, pancakes, waffles, and french toast. The farmer's platter is two eggs cooked any way you'd like, served with bacon, sausage, cured ham, hashbrowns or grits, toast or biscuit, and two small pancakes. 

Hometown Cafe is one of the favorites in Franklinton, where you can expect good service, southern-style food, and a welcoming small-town environment. 

Best Restaurants in Franklinton, NC - Final Thoughts

It's safe to say that Franklinton has many great restaurants. Many restaurants in the town are located on Main St., considered the downtown area of Franklinton. With the recent population growth, it is expected that Main street will see many new developments, including new restaurants! It will be great for residents to see continuous growth, try new things, and add new restaurants to their favorites! Whether you live in Franklinton or plan on visiting the area soon, we highly recommend checking out these restaurants, bakeries, and breweries, and feel free to leave suggestions or let us know what you think!

If you're interested in moving to the area and looking at real estate, we'd be happy to help! Contact us or visit our website to be connected to one of our phenomenal agents

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Jamaican Patty Shack 
02
Roma Pizza 
03
Mason X Main 
04
Toros Taco + Tequila 
05
Elis Tavern 
06
Sugar Grinders Creamery and Bakery 
07
Owls Roost Brewery 
08
Johnny Bulls Steakhouse 
09
The Slammer 
10
Hometown Cafe 

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