Sometimes the best dining experiences are the ones you don’t expect, and Rustic Roots is proof. This farm-to-table gem combines Southern hospitality with elevated comfort food, offering everything from juicy steaks and burgers to creative small plates and fresh seafood. With a rustic, cozy dining room and patio seating, it’s the kind of place where every detail feels intentional, and every bite feels made with care.
The Menu
Rustic Roots’ menu is seasonal, sourcing ingredients from local farms and rotating dishes to keep things fresh and exciting. Some highlights include:
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Small Plates: Crab cakes, garlic cheese curds, and their famous Cowgirl Candy Mac—cavatappi pasta smothered in housemade cheddar sauce, topped with smoked BBQ brisket, and finished with scallions. Don’t miss the Juicy Bread, grilled ciabatta brushed with garlic herb butter.
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Entrées: Choose from a hearty 12+oz Black Angus ribeye, the perfectly seasoned Hot Honey pork chop, or the Basil Pesto Gnocchi with Joyce Farms chicken or shrimp. Every entrée comes with salad and Juicy Bread to round out the experience.
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Sandwiches & Burgers: The Farmhouse Burger is a guest favorite, as are the Hot Honey Chicken and Free Bird Chicken Sandwich.
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Salads: Fresh, crisp classics like the BIG Wedge and the Grilled Chicken Caesar deliver flavor without compromise.
And yes, save room for dessert. Guests rave about the brown butter cake with homemade ice cream and caramel - many call it the best dessert they’ve ever had.
The Experience
Rustic Roots has quickly earned a reputation for both its food and its hospitality. Reviewers praise the warm welcome, thoughtful touches (like birthday cards signed by the staff), and servers who know the menu inside and out. The dining room is intimate, the atmosphere rustic yet refined, and the service attentive without ever feeling rushed.
One reviewer described it as “a fine dining experience in the middle of nowhere”—and that’s exactly what makes Rustic Roots so special. Whether it’s a romantic night out, a celebratory dinner, or simply an excuse to enjoy farm-to-table cooking at its best, Rustic Roots makes every visit memorable.
Why It’s Worth the Drive
Rustic Roots isn’t just a local favorite, it’s a destination. Diners travel from across the Triangle (and beyond) to experience it, and many insist it’s one of the best restaurants in North Carolina. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, when the dining room fills quickly with guests eager for perfectly cooked steaks, comforting sides, and Southern-inspired hospitality.
Don’t Miss: The brisket-topped Cowgirl Candy Mac and the brown butter cake for dessert.
Pro Tip: Book a reservation, especially on weekends—this hidden gem is no longer a secret!
Rustic Roots in Dunn, NC
20 Cheves Rd, Bunn, NC 27508
(919) 729-0007
Wed-Sat 5-9PM
Sun-Tue Closed
