Ok so I'm not exactly Kosher... at all... and I am not ashamed to admit how much I love bacon. Here is what I know for sure: when you happen upon Merritt's Store and Grill in Chapel Hill, you will be in for a fantastic treat. It's been a while since my last post! I had to make this one worth it.
I only have two words to describe Merritt's Store and Grill in Chapel Hill: SIMPLY DELICIOUS. I walked in the door at 1009 South Columbia Street and instantly knew I was in the right place. For one thing, there was a HUGE line out the door on a Sunday morning for lunch. Little did I know that the reason the line was so long would be waiting for me just beyond the sign marked "Simply the Best Food in Town." The reason being... a classic BLT with sourdough bread assembled and toasted to perfection. A sandwich like this makes me grateful for moving to such a simple, beautiful place.
The thing about Merritt's is that the owner and staff make you feel like a member of the family, a very friendly bacon-appreciative family. After opening as an Esso gas station in 1929, Merritt's has evolved into one of the most lovely gems a southern community could ever ask for. Menu options include burgers, breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, specialty bbq, soups/salands, and the classic local favorite BLT. I had to get what they were most famous for... or I would have never forgiven myself. You can make your BLT a single or a double, and I suggest adding some fresh avocado just to push it over the edge. The classic BLT is served with a choice of toasted locally made Bread, Mayo, Salt, Pepper, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato. I don't really know how they did it; it's not even tomato season anymore and the tomato was still great! I was lucky enough to meet Bob Britt, the owner, who welcomed me as if I were a friend he hadn't seen in a long while! I encourage everyone and anyone in the Chapel Hill area to visit Merritt's whenever they get a chance, it is truly the restaurant with "simply the best food in town!" | Oh, so you wanted to know what perfection looked like? The sandwich was so delicious that I had to put a picture of it here twice, mostly for jealousy... also for the memories. So many bread options! I had to put them here just so I could brag about them! Your choices include... SOURDOUGH LIGHT WHEAT WHITE SUNFLOWER MARBLE RYE THREE SEED POTATO (sometimes) AND even some Gluten Free options. I also coupled my BLT with some traditional southern sweet tea, which by itself tasted like pancake syrup! I needed to cut it with some regular "un-southern" tea, so as not to have a sugar high to keep me awake until 4AM. Still, my experience could not have been better. I also lucked out with a gorgeous day. There is also a wonderful outdoor seating area complete with a play-area for the kids in case you want to bring the family. Also, it's dog friendly! Everyone is welcome, and you feel it the second you walk in the joint. |
I really look forward to bringing my mom here when she comes to visit! Other than the fact that she also appreciates a great sandwich, I think she would love the atmosphere. Apparently they also host a BLT and Bluegrass event which sounds almost as great as the sandwich itself. I'm only worried about one thing when my mom comes to visit... I'm not sure she'll be able to handle the LOCALLY MADE TWINKIES. I mean seriously? Is this place trying to kill me with southern charm and kindness? I hope not. I have a lot more eating to do.
Thank you so much for reading! Make sure you check out Merritt's Store and Grill on your next visit to NC!
Yum.
Yum.