Looking for a quick bite in Chapel Hill? There are many excellent restaurants in Chapel Hill, ranging from extravagant bistros to fast and inexpensive eateries. Below are some of my favorite cheap eats in the area.
Sutton's Drug Store
Sutton's is an old-fashioned drug store and soda fountain located on East Franklin Street, right next to UNC's campus. Sutton's has been in business since 1923, and has been owned by John Woodard since 1977. Although the restaurant also offers deli sandwiches, salads, and hotdogs, it is known for its mouth-watering burgers that are served to customers straight off the grill in the back of the store.
Woodard regularly takes photos of customers and hangs them on the restaurant's walls, a tradition that he began in 1983. His goal is to make customers feel like they are part of the Sutton's family. A hallmark of Chapel Hill tradition, Sutton's Drug Store is the perfect choice if you're looking for a quick meal and friendly company.
Sup Dogs
Sup Dogs, located right down the street from Sutton's, also offers tasty burgers, dogs, and fries, although the restaurant is relatively new to the area. Founder David Oliverio opened a Sup Dogs in Greenville by ECU's campus in 2008, and due to its tremendous success, he expanded to Chapel Hill. 
Sup Dogs is a fun atmosphere for all groups, families and college students alike. The walls are filled with colorful signs and posters and the servers are always full of energy. On weekend nights, the restaurant is packed until 3am with students enjoying their specialty adult beverages such as the Orange Sup Crush and Grapefruit Sup Crush.
If you are looking for a fun and inexpensive dining experience, look no further than Sup Dogs. Oh, and be sure to try their incredible secret Sup Dogs sauce that comes out with each order.
Joe's Joint
Joe's Joint, which is yet another burger bar, is a hidden gem on Franklin Street. Customers must walk through an alley way,
past Bandito's Mexican Grill, to reach the top of a parking deck where the restaurant is inconspicuously located. Joe's Joint is small but full of character, with walls covered with various pieces of décor ranging from movie memorabilia to beach-themed signs.
Joe's Joint's owner makes everything from scratch in a little kitchen right behind the register. His crinkle-cut fries are some of the best I've ever had – perfectly crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. The onion rings and veggie burger are amazing as well. Joe's Joint offers both quality and great value – perfect for a fast meal when you're on-the-go or an evening out with friends.
Posted by Larry Tollen on
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