Gaston County's Culinary Treasures: A Journey Through Country Cooking, Fish Camps, and Barbecue
When you visit Gaston County, there are culinary experiences you can't miss. The county is renowned for its unique blend of country cooking, barbecue, and fish camps—staples that have become synonymous with Gaston's rich culinary traditions. In this article, we'll guide you through the top establishments in each category, all recognized by the esteemed Best of Gaston Community's Choice Awards. Prepare to embark on a delectable journey that celebrates the best our community has to offer.
Country Cooking at Its Finest
Country cooking in Gaston County embodies the rich Southern United States culinary heritage, where comfort reigns supreme and locally sourced ingredients are transformed into mouth-watering dishes. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience.
Our first stop is Georgio’s, at 202 Market St G, Cramerton. As we enter this culinary haven, we are greeted by fantastic service and a down-home atmosphere. The aroma of fried chicken fills the air, beckoning us to indulge in fluffy, buttery biscuits with creamy sausage-based gravy, collard greens cooked to perfection with smoked meats, and cornbread with a crispy crust in a cast-iron skillet. Don't forget to try the hush puppies and grits—true Southern staples that will warm your soul.
Next, we head to Grandma Hoyt's Country Buffet, at 421 E Virginia Ave, Bessemer City. This family-owned gem treats every customer like a family. The Hoyt family's dedication shines through as they strive to know each guest by name and provide a warm, welcoming experience. Indulge in their homestyle country cooking, where every dish is made with love and care.
Every journey through country cooking would be complete with a visit to Jackson's Cafeteria. Situated at 1453 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, this beloved establishment serves delicious cuisine with mouth-watering dishes and daily scratch-made specials. Their commitment to feeding the local community is palpable in every bite.
We continue our culinary exploration at Nellie's Southern Kitchen, 36 North Main Street, Belmont. Inspired by the incredible cooking skills of Nellie Jonas, Nellie's Southern Kitchen embraces simple, fresh ingredients and the art of making people feel at home. Feast your eyes on perfectly baked biscuits that are delicious and a work of art.
Our final stop in country cooking is Stanley Kitchen Family Restaurant, nestled at 106 Mariposa Rd, Stanley. The warm and friendly atmosphere welcomes you as you savor various mouth-watering country-style dishes prepared with love and served with a smile.
Barbecue: A Battle of Eastern and Lexington Styles
A trip to Gaston County would only be complete with indulging in the region's barbecue offerings. Gaston County proudly showcases both Eastern and Lexington styles, each with its distinct flavors.
Our barbecue trail begins at Hillbilly's Barbeque & Steaks, at 305 S. Main Lowell. Since its inception, this cozy establishment has stayed true to its philosophy of offering great food at affordable prices. Hillbilly's has something to satisfy every craving, from BBQ pork to fried chicken and burgers.
Next, we go to Kyle Fletcher's BBQ at 4507 Wilkinson Blvd, Lowell. Prepare your taste buds for a down-home feast with tender BBQ pork, irresistible fried chicken, and hearty sides. It's an authentic Southern comfort food experience.
As we journey further, we arrive at Ole Carolina Barbeque, located at 1011 Union Rd, Gastonia. Three generations of the Morris family have dedicated themselves to perfecting the art of barbecue. At Ole Carolina, you'll savor familiar flavors passed down through the years.
Ray Nathan's, nestled at 4571 S. New Hope Road Gastonia, is the realization of a dream born from a friendship forged in corporate restaurant kitchens. This culinary gem results from a mutual love for food, cooking, and serving. The mouth-watering barbecue creations here will leave you craving more.
Our final stop on the barbecue trail is The Smoke Pit, situated at 421 Cox Rd. This establishment prides itself on fresh, slow-cooked perfection. Meats are smoked for up to 18 hours using local hickory, resulting in tender and flavorful creations that will have you returning for seconds.
Fish Camps: A Taste of Gaston County's Waterways
IImmerse yourself in the cherished tradition of fish camps, a beloved culinary experience that captures the heart and soul of Gaston County's Catawba and South Fork River areas. These family-style seafood restaurants offer more than just a meal – they provide a gateway to a rich heritage, blending saltwater and freshwater flavors in a down-to-earth ambiance. From their humble origins as sheds where anglers cooked their catches, fish camps have evolved into gathering places for the community, attracting politicians and hosting club meetings, family celebrations, and cherished memories. Step into a fish camp and indulge in the deep-fried flounder and catfish alongside delightful accompaniments like deviled crab, shrimp, oysters, hush puppies, fries, and coleslaw. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that pays tribute to the region's bountiful rivers and exquisite taste buds with every bite.
Our first fish camp adventure takes us to AmberJack Seafood & Steaks at 4253 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia. Step into a whimsical world with a nautical theme, where classic American seafood dishes and tantalizing cocktails await.
Next, we head to Captain's Cap 670 Park St, Belmont. Prepare to be dazzled by the exceptional culinary experience crafted by their talented chefs. Fresh seafood takes center stage, and every bite transports you to the coastal waters of the Carolinas.
For a taste of tradition, Long Creek Fish Fry is a must-visit. Located at 1031 Lower Dallas Hwy, Dallas, this long-running joint offers familiar fried seafood plates in a cozy, no-nonsense setting. Each bite is a reminder of the region's rich fishing heritage.
Riverside Fish House, nestled at 1341 Dallas Stanley Hwy, Dallas, has served the community deliciously for over 30 years. As we savor their delectable offerings, we can feel the passion and dedication that have made this establishment a beloved gathering place.
Our fish camp adventure concludes at Twin Tops at 4574 South New Hope Road in Gastonia. This locally owned and operated gem has been delighting diners since 1968. With fresh food at great prices and Can Eat Specials every night, Twin Tops is the perfect spot for a family feast.
Gaston County is a culinary paradise, offering diverse flavors and traditions. From the comfort of country cooking to the down-to-earth charm of fish camps and the battle of Eastern and Lexington barbecue styles, there's something to satisfy every palate. So, embark on your gastronomic adventure through Gaston County, where the finest flavors of the South await your indulgence.
