Where to eat in North Carolina, according to Raleigh native and "The Bachelor" alum Matt James

Reality TV star and social media foodie Matt James recently made a stop in Charlotte for an event at The Independent Picture House .

Why it matters: James is a Raleigh native and a former football player and a graduate of Wake Forest University.

• We grabbed lunch (Cook Out, duh) while he was in town and asked him what his favorite local dining spots are.

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Catch up quick: James is mostly known for for his role as "The Bachelor" on ABC and his popular food content on social media.

• He was at IPH hosting a free movie series earlier this month.
• James knows the food of his home state well, and he's not gatekeeping.

These are his favorite eats in North Carolina, in no particular order:

Char-Grill

Axios Raleigh calls this 1950s burger joint "a cultural icon of the city." James says it's one of his top ten meals in the world.

• He orders the quarter-pound version of Char Grill's famous half-pound steak burger, served on a rectangular sesame seed bun, with a side of french fries.
• "When you combine the salty fries with the burger, there isn't a better combination."
• Char-Grill has nine locations throughout the Triangle.

The original Char-Grill location at 618 Hillsborough St. in downtown Raleigh. Photo: Lucille Sherman/Axios.

Britt's Donut Shop

This tiny donut shop on the Carolina Beach boardwalk is a local staple known for its homemade glazed donuts and impressively long lines.

• Matt's advice? Order at least two dozen. "You get that first dozen, and they're gone so fast you don't even remember what they taste like."
• Britt's is open seasonally — typically March through mid-September and is cash-only.

Britt's opened in 1939 and has operated out of its current location on the boardwalk since the 1960s. Photo: Briana Crane/Axios

Angus Barn

The famous Raleigh steakhouse, which landed the No. 23 spot on Axios Raleigh's 2024 best restaurants list. , is inside a massive barn with its own wine cellar and Wild Turkey lounge.

• When asked how he'd spend an ideal day in North Carolina, Matt says dinner at the barn is a must.
• The barn serves an average of 22,000 steaks per month, according to its website , but the menu also features poultry, seafood and pasta.
• Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance and are infamously difficult to snag, especially during the holidays when the barn goes all out with festive decor.

The Angus Barn. Photo: Courtesy of Tate Agency

Bojangles

The Southeastern fast food chain, known for serving up buttermilk biscuits and Cajun-spiced chicken , opened its very first restaurant in Charlotte's Wilmore neighborhood in 1977.

• Matt switches up his Bojangles order for breakfast lunch and dinner, but his top pick makes the list as one of his favorite desserts — the Bojangles Cinnamon Biscuit .
• The biscuit is a retired menu item that only some corporate locations sell, he tells us. Do what he does and call ahead to confirm availability before making the trek.
• Another Matt hack: If you order a Bo-Berry Biscuit , ask for extra icing.

Photo: Alivia McAtee/Axios