Yelp ranked the Top 100 restaurants in NC. Here are the Top 5.

North Carolina has great food towns and restaurants. So, of course, online reviewers offer their thoughts on which spots are the best. One of Yelp’s latest lists ranks the “Best Restaurants in North Carolina.” Or 100 of them, at least. The review site typically compiles the ratings and number of reviews, and volume of submissions for the rankings.  

Here’s a look at the top five, which includes a popular Carolina Beach burger spot.

More: These 9 Wilmington-area restaurants made Yelp’s list of the Top 100 in North Carolina

1. Surfin’ Spoon, 3408 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head

Look for cool treats and ice cream sandwiches at this beach shop. The Surfin’ Spoon offers 10 flavors of self-serve soft-serve (like the popular sea salt caramel pretzel frozen yogurt, as well as vegan options and gelato) and a choice of about 50 toppings. As for the sammies, Yelpers like the Lemon Lavberry (a lemon cookie with blueberry-lavender ice cream) and the Classic chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream. 

2. Haywood Smokehouse, 403 Haywood Road, Dillsboro

The western part of the state is home to three locations of this barbecue restaurant. (And another one appears on the top 100 list.) They’re known for their brisket and Brunswick stew, sides like burnt-end baked beans, and the bourbon chocolate pecan pie. Yelpers also like their selection of local beer. 

3. Odeh’s Mediterranean Kitchen, 3805 Tinsley Drive, High Point

This family-owned restaurant serves classics like Middle Eastern salad, falafel on pita, chicken shawarma, baba ganoush and beef kafta. Online reviews recommend the desserts, too — tiramisu and baklava. 

4. Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill, 1 Page Ave., Asheville

The Asheville area is well-represented on Yelp’s list. But the best in that area is this restaurant that brings a taste of Hawaii to the state. Yelpers say you should brave the crowds to try their huli chicken, poke bowls, macaroni salad and fish tacos.  

5. Island Burgers & Bites, 111 Carl Winner Drive, Carolina Beach

Locals already know about this spot. It’s consistently a top contender for best burger in the state. In fact, as one Yelp comment said — “Best burgers in town and everyone agrees.” Top options, according to reviews, are the bacon cheeseburger, the Philly cheesesteak, hot dogs and the chicken bacon ranch sandwich. 

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.