Honestly, one soul food kitchen in North Carolina cooks its whole lineup without using pork for seasoning.
That detail stopped me cold, because Southern cooking and pork usually travel together like biscuits and gravy on a Sunday morning.
So I kept digging, and turkey kept popping up on menus from the coast to the Piedmont.
It gets smothered, barbecued, grilled, jerk-seasoned, deep-fried, and even turned into sausage and kielbasa.
Another kitchen on this list has been dishing out hearty plates since 1948, back when Harry Truman was president.
The sides read like a holiday spread, with collards, yams, cabbage, dressing, cornbread, and peach cobbler.
I love that these spots treat turkey like a year-round star instead of a guest who only shows up in November.
So which plate would you chase down first, the smothered turkey wing or the turkey barbecue sandwich?
Southern Harvest Soul Food
Any menu that names a dish Slap Yo’ Mama Chicken and Waffles is clearly not here to play it safe. Southern Harvest Soul Food in Jacksonville backs that sassy name with a kitchen built around breakfast and lunch comfort.
The turkey side of the story starts with a deep-fried turkey leg special. That’s a big, crispy, hold-it-with-both-hands kind of meal, and it’s worth asking about when you arrive.
Smothered turkey wings also show up here, and they’ve earned real praise. Expect tender meat under a blanket of gravy, the kind of plate that makes a Wednesday feel like a holiday.
Seafood fans get their turn too. The Mississippi Shrimp and Grits and the catfish give you a taste of the Gulf without leaving coastal North Carolina.
Plant-based eaters aren’t stuck with a sad side salad here. A full vegetarian menu is available, and the fried okra is even vegan.
Timing matters, so plan ahead. The doors open Wednesday through Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM, which makes this a daytime-only treat.
Saturday mornings tend to be the busiest stretch. If you’d rather eat in peace, a Wednesday or Thursday morning visit is usually calmer.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs ready to go. There’s also outdoor seating and a drive-through for days when sitting down isn’t in the cards.
Got a crowd to feed? The restaurant accepts reservations and handles catering, so your next office lunch could get a serious upgrade.
Address: 2355 Western Blvd Ste 100, Jacksonville, NC 28546
It’s All Good: Southern Kitchen
Turkey and dressing on a random weekday sounds like a dream, and Burlington makes it real. It’s All Good: Southern Kitchen serves homemade-style comfort food with roast turkey on the lineup.
The name feels like a promise and a mood at the same time. Honestly, after a plate of turkey and dressing, you’ll probably agree.
Collards get a fun name here: Lip Smackin’ Collards. They’re also vegan, which is a nice surprise for a side that’s often cooked with meat.
Beef tips with rice and meatloaf hold down the hearty end of the menu. Both are the kind of dishes that taste like somebody’s grandma had a hand in them.
Side dishes deserve their own spotlight. Squash casserole, mashed sweet potatoes, and mashed potatoes make building a plate a fun little puzzle.
Ordering happens at the counter, so there’s no waiting for a server to swing by. Fast service means you can grab lunch and still make your next meeting.
Hours run Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Saturday is a shorter shift, from 3 PM to 8 PM, and Sundays are closed.
Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up hungry. Weekday evenings tend to be the busy stretch, so an early lunch is your best bet.
Kids are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs on hand. Catering is available too, if your family reunion needs a turkey upgrade.
Address: 3281 S Church St A, Burlington, NC 27215
Hickory Tree Turkey BBQ
Pork usually rules North Carolina barbecue, but this Greensboro spot gives the crown to a different bird. Hickory Tree Turkey BBQ builds its whole personality around turkey.
Turkey barbecue is the headliner, of course. From there, the menu branches out into turkey legs, a fried turkey sandwich, and even a turkey hot dog.
Feeling adventurous? Turkey necks with rice and gravy bring old-school soul food energy to the table.
Stewed turkey wing and rice is another comfort pick. Portions here run big, so a to-go box might become your new best friend.
Then there’s the side with the wild name: crack and cheese. It’s the house mac and cheese, and the nickname tells you how hard it is to stop eating.
Soul Rolls add a fun twist to the lineup. Peach cobbler waits at the finish line for anyone who saved room.
The setup is quick and casual, with counter service and no table service. It’s built for grabbing a great lunch without a lot of fuss.
Plan your trip carefully, since the hours are short. It’s open Wednesday through Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday from noon to 7 PM.
One heads-up: there’s no restroom on site. Takeout might be the smart move, especially with that crack and cheese riding shotgun.
Catering is also available for parties. A turkey barbecue spread would definitely get people talking at your next cookout.
Address: 2804 Randleman Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406
Jack’s Seafood & Soul Food
Croaker sandwich, anyone? Jack’s Seafood and Soul Food on New Bern Avenue puts this old-school fish right on the menu, alongside oysters and fish plates.
Seafood is only half the name, though. The soul food side brings Southern-style barbecue, fried chicken, and smothered chicken to the party.
Turkey fans should zero in on the turkey wings and gravy. The portions are known for being big enough to split, so bring a buddy or a to-go box.
Turkey wings are another standout, served as a hearty soul food dinner with your choice of sides. It’s a smart choice if you want a taste of turkey without tackling a full dinner.
Pork chops come fried or smothered, and they’re also offered on a sandwich. Dinner plates can include trout or flounder, with sides like yams and green beans.
Early birds, take note. Breakfast starts at 7 AM Monday through Saturday, and the kitchen keeps going until 8:30 PM.
Sundays run from 11 AM to 6 PM. Sunday afternoon tends to be the busiest time, while Saturday morning is usually quieter.
The dining room is on the snug side, and there’s usually a wait. Reservations aren’t taken, so patience is part of the recipe.
Free Wi-Fi is available if you need to answer a few emails between bites. Delivery and takeout are options when you’d rather eat at home in Raleigh.
Kids get their own menu here. That makes it an easy pick for a family dinner after a long day.
Address: 1516 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610
Bread of Heaven Soul Food Restaurant
Somewhere in Winston-Salem, a gravy goes by the name 30-Weight. Bread of Heaven Soul Food Restaurant pairs it with oxtails and rice, and that name alone deserves a smile.
Turkey lovers have more than one path here. Turkey wings come with rice and gravy, and smoked turkey wings are part of the story too.
Even the beans get the turkey treatment. The pinto beans are seasoned with turkey, which adds flavor without leaning on pork.
Sides read like a Sunday dinner checklist. Look for green beans, candied yams, hush puppies, and breaded fried okra.
Fried chicken and mac and cheese anchor the classic soul food side of things. The four signature whole fried chicken wings are another popular pick.
Breakfast starts at 8 AM, and French toast is on the menu. That makes this a solid choice for brunch after a lazy Saturday morning.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM. Sunday service runs from 8 AM to 6 PM, so after-church plans can work.
Saturday afternoon is usually the busiest time. Since reservations are accepted, it’s easy to lock in a table for a group.
Plant-based friends won’t feel left out. A full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu are both available.
Curbside pickup and outdoor seating give you even more ways to enjoy your meal. Free parking makes the visit simple in North Carolina’s Twin City.
Address: 736 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Southern Spice Cuisine
Red slaw on the menu is a quiet clue that you’re in the Piedmont. Southern Spice Cuisine in Bermuda Run serves it alongside a lineup of comfort food staples.
The turkey pick here is the Grilled Turkey Plate with Brown Gravy. Grilled instead of fried, it’s a lighter way to get your turkey fix with plenty of comfort.
Catfish is another favorite on the menu. So is the classic combo of a hot dog with onion rings, which feels like a road trip lunch in the best way.
Don’t skip the fried squash. It has earned some seriously big praise, and it’s an easy side to add to almost any plate.
A piece of cornbread rounds things out nicely. Portions are known for being large, so you’ll likely leave full.
Breakfast is a big part of the day here. Doors open at 7 AM Monday through Saturday, so you can start the morning with a real meal.
Weekday hours stretch until 8 PM. Saturday wraps up at 2 PM, and Sunday is closed.
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings tend to be busy. Saturday mornings are usually the calmest time to grab a seat.
A drive-through makes quick stops easy, which helps on busy days. Delivery isn’t offered, though, so you’ll need to swing by in person.
Families get high chairs and a kids’ menu. Table service keeps the meal relaxed, so you can focus on the food.
Address: 5411 US-158, Bermuda Run, NC 27006
Southern Lunch
Opening a restaurant in 1925 and still serving plates today takes serious staying power. Southern Lunch in Lexington has been dishing out hearty Southern food since that year.
The setting is unassuming, and that’s part of the charm. Here, the food does the talking.
Expect traditional Southern cooking with large portions. It’s the kind of down-home food that feels familiar from the first forkful.
Dessert might steal the show, though. A Brownie Surprise sits on the menu, and the name alone is enough to make you curious.
Cobbler is another sweet option for a classic finish. Want something lighter?
A house salad is also available.
Now for the tricky part: the hours are unusual. Southern Lunch is open only Tuesday through Friday, from 7 AM to 8 PM.
That means weekends are off the table, along with Mondays. Plan a weekday road trip, and you’ll be rewarded.
Breakfast starts at 7 AM, so early risers can kick off the day here. Lunch and dinner follow, making it easy to fit in a visit.
Wednesday and Thursday evenings tend to be busy. Friday afternoon into evening is also a popular time to stop in.
Reservations are accepted, which is handy for groups. Catering is available too, if you want to bring some of this North Carolina comfort food to your own event.
Lexington is famous for barbecue, so this stop pairs well with a day of eating. Plenty of free parking makes it easy to hop in and out.
Address: 26 S Railroad St, Lexington, NC 27292
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
No pork goes into the seasoning at this Charlotte kitchen. That makes Nana Morrison’s Soul Food a rare find for anyone who skips pork but still wants classic flavor.
The setup is cafeteria-style, so you’ll see the food before you choose it. That’s dangerous news for anyone who struggles to decide.
Smothered turkey wings are a top pick, and you can even get a half wing. Pair it with stuffing, and you’ve got a Thanksgiving plate any day of the week.
The collard greens are known for being especially good. Lima beans, cabbage, and potato salad round out the sides nicely.
Chicken comes fried or smothered from the line. There’s also something called Sweet Chicken, plus meatloaf for the traditionalists.
Save room for dessert, seriously. Peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and strawberry cake are part of the lineup.
Portions are generous, and the food tastes like a family Sunday dinner. A slice of cornbread on the side completes the plate.
The restaurant sits in a strip mall, so don’t expect anything fancy outside. Inside, the space is casual and relaxed.
Hours are simple: 11 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week. Sunday afternoon tends to be busiest, so arrive early after church.
Free Wi-Fi and changing tables are nice extras. Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates.
Catering is offered for larger gatherings. A spread of turkey wings and cobbler might make you the star of the next party.
Address: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Mert’s Heart And Soul
Red beans and rice gets a turkey twist in uptown Charlotte. At Mert’s Heart and Soul, the classic comes with savory turkey kielbasa.
That dish has a big fan club, and it’s easy to see why. Hearty sausage and red beans make a filling, comforting combo.
BBQ turkey wings are another way to get your turkey fix. Pair them with yams and greens for a plate that hits the sweet and savory notes.
A husband-and-wife team runs the restaurant. Their menu covers Southern soul food with Lowcountry dishes mixed in.
Mert’s Famous Salmon Cakes carry a pretty bold name. Shrimp and grits arrive with toasted focaccia bread, which is a fun change from the usual biscuit.
Shrimp Creole with catfish brings even more coastal flavor. Blackened pork chops and a fried green tomato add more variety to the table.
Vegan Soul Rolls are a smart pick for plant-based eaters. A side of cornbread is pretty much required, at least in spirit.
The dining room is colorful and casual. It’s a fun place to linger over brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Parking can be tricky downtown, so plan for a garage or paid lot. Sunday afternoons and weekend evenings are the busiest times.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM most days, stretching to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy nights.
Kids have their own menu here. Curbside pickup is also available if you’d rather enjoy those turkey wings at home.
Address: 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Soul Forking Good
The name alone earns a chuckle before you even order. Soul Forking Good in Durham backs up the pun with turkey wings, collard greens, and signature mac and cheese.
Can’t choose between two styles of turkey wing? The menu offers one jerk and one regular wing together, so you don’t have to.
The regular wings come smothered in gravy over seasoned rice. They’re known for meat that falls right off the bone.
Smothered turkey legs show up too, with rice and gravy. Portions are big enough that one plate can easily feed two.
Other hearty mains include oxtails, meatloaf, and smothered pork chops. For seafood, there’s fried catfish, fried whiting, and a catfish basket.
Sides give you plenty to mix and match. Cabbage, string beans, candied yams, and cornbread make strong partners for those wings.
Fair warning: the collards may bring a little heat. Spice fans will be happy, while milder palates might want to ask first.
Ordering happens at the counter, and there’s usually a wait. Sunday and Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest.
Hours run Wednesday through Saturday starting at 11 AM, closing at 7 PM except Friday, when it stays open until 8. Sunday runs from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Mondays and Tuesdays are closed. Curbside pickup and delivery make it easier to enjoy a feast at home.
This Durham spot also handles catering. A tray of turkey wings could turn any office party into a real event.
Address: 2500 Meridian Pkwy #135, Durham, NC 27713
Pam’s Farmhouse Restaurant
Breakfast at 6 AM is a serious commitment, and Pam’s Farmhouse Restaurant is ready for it. This family-run Raleigh spot serves down-home Southern cooking from the crack of dawn.
Turkey sausage is a highlight on the breakfast plate. It’s a tasty way to keep the turkey theme going even before lunch.
The setting is unassuming and down-to-earth. Nobody comes here for fancy decor, and that’s exactly the point.
Southern-style country cooking is the main event. The food has earned praise as true, real Southern fare in North Carolina’s capital city.
Coffee gets plenty of love here, too. That’s good news when you’re up early enough to beat the sunrise.
Hours are short, so timing matters. It’s open Tuesday through Friday from 6 AM to 2 PM.
Saturday is an even quicker window, running from 6 AM to noon. Sundays and Mondays are closed.
Table service keeps things relaxed. Staff are known for being friendly and helpful, which makes the experience feel like home.
Planning a get-together? A private dining room is available, and catering is offered for bigger events.
Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu ready to go. Free parking makes the morning stop easy.
Reservations aren’t taken, so arrive early on busy days. Grab a seat, order that turkey sausage, and start your day the Southern way.
It’s a fitting final stop on this list. Southern comfort, turkey, and a good cup of coffee make a pretty great finish.
Address: 5111 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606
