The best barbecue for barbecue sake is definitely Allen and Son's (Highway 86), but everything else there is lacking. The best barbecue for everything else is The Barbecue Joint (Weaver Dairy Rd.).
For upscale dining Fearrington House is very good, but for the cost I'd rather go to Elaine's on Franklin St. right on Franklin St. (Chapel Hill's Main St.). If you want a steak house that's everything you've ever wanted in a steak house try Bin 54 on Raleigh Rd.
Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas have a remarkable collection of taqueria's and tienda's to get your fill of real Mexican. Fiesta Grill (Highway 54) is one of the best though it's a treck. Don Jose's Tienda on Rosemary St. in Carrboro (mere feet from Chapel Hill) has some great food as well.
The Milltown bar in Carrboro is also a treat with a huge beer list and food to back it up, especially for an afterwork drink or snack.
Jujube next door to the aforementioned Bin 54 is a terrific Asian restaurant with a good bar and nice decor. The chef is a friend and is always happy to talk about food and see if he has anything special hiding in the lowboy, like pork belly.
You shouldn't hurt for places to eat. If you're looking for something specific drop me a PM and I'll point you in the right direction. I love living here and love the restaurants. I'm going to miss them when we move away in a few weeks.  |