Carole and I have been disappointed that no one posted anything in Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Zebulon, Wendell, Knightdale, or surrounding. I thank the folks for the Clayton references.
FWIW, we really like McLeans in Zebulon. Very homey atmosphere, great people, plenteous portions, good food, reasonable prices. Sister's deli in Bunn is pretty good (the flies during the summer are pretty rough).
and... if you are WAY WAY WAY WAY off the beaten path, and ever in Oaxaca Mexico, go to the market day friday in the Zocalo in Jalatlaco (a wealthier neighborhood in the northwest). They have various restaurants who do the equivalent of setting up food trucks around the park. There is some Argentinian guy who only does steaks and sausages. He owns and manages a 5 star restaurant in the city. I think he just likes to do this for fun, because his prices there are less than a fifth of the restaurant, but his steaks are just AMAZING. I ate a filet there the last time I was down which was just the best food I had ever eaten. He had some crazy mix of spices on it, which was unusual because I like the raw flavor of the meat (I eat them rare), with just salt and pepper, but this was heavenly. I have eaten in restaurants all over the world and had some pretty good food, but this one stands out. I used to eat there every Friday when I was down.
If anyone knows of some good places in Rocky Mount, I would be interested. Thanks in advance