Walt’s Grill, a beloved local eatery in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, continues to serve up delicious comfort food that has delighted customers for years. While ‌ownership has changed hands recently, the restaurant’s charm and quality of food remain unchanged.

Location: 111 S Merritt Mill Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Parking: Easy, and on-site

Have you stopped by Walt’s Restaurant?

This week, Elizabeth and I had lunch at Walt’s Restaurant. It was my first time eating there, Elizabeth’s second. And let me tell you, the weather couldn’t have been nicer, the service kinder, or the food any tastier.

The charm of the building and owner’s story piqued our interest, and here is what we learned.

The current owner, Li, took over Walt’s last year after the retirement of the original owner, Walt. Li and her husband, who sadly passed away a few months ago, used to co-manage the K & W cafeteria at the Holiday Inn (now apartment buildings) in Chapel Hill. This family connection adds a personal touch to the restaurant and a sense of continuity for longtime patrons.

Walt’s menu features classic Southern comfort food, offering a variety of dishes to satisfy any craving. We ordered the meat and two-side special for $10.99. I got two fried flounder filets, mashed potatoes with the gravy, and green beans. Elizabeth, she ordered the friend chicken, collard greens, and fried okra. Other items on the menu include my dad’s favorite, pigs feet, but also burgers and hearty sides to homemade desserts. And the portions, they were very generous! So generous, that we both walked out with a leftover box.

Walt’s Restaurant has a casual and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends and family. The friendly staff and attentive service contribute to the overall positive dining experience.

Born and raised in Chapel Hill, I can’t stop learning about this amazing place many call home. After eating at Walt’s, I took a quick look around to see what I could find about this sweet, historic restaurant. While Walt’s may be new to me, it has been a very busy place and the heart of a community for generations.

• Walt’s Oral History
• See more pictures
• About the mural painted by Kiara Sanders to celebrate Chapel Hill-Carrboro African American Trailblazers. 

Have you had a chance to visit Walt’s Restaurant? Share your experience!

– Written by Stacey Martin and Elizabeth Benson, two entrepreneurs that love talking business over lunch.