If you’re driving down I-85 near the North Carolina-South Carolina border, you've probably seen the signs for Grover. It’s a tiny town. Most people just blink and miss it while they're rushing toward Charlotte or Spartanburg. But if you pull off the highway and head down South Main Street, you'll find a spot that basically defines "small-town diner." Carolina Crossing Restaurant isn’t trying to be a Michelin-star bistro. It’s a place where the tea is sweet, the floor is level, and the menu looks like a greatest hits album of Southern comfort food.
Honestly, the carolina crossing restaurant grover nc menu is a bit of a local legend for being massive. You’d expect a small-town spot to have maybe five things on the list. Instead, they’ve got everything from hand-tossed pizzas to livermush sandwiches. It’s the kind of place where you can get a $1.89 hot dog or a $15.99 hamburger steak topped with enough onions and gravy to put you in a happy food coma for three days.
What’s Actually on the Carolina Crossing Restaurant Grover NC Menu?
Let’s talk about the heavy hitters. If it’s your first time, you’re likely looking at the entrees. These usually come with two sides and your choice of bread—roll, cornbread, Texas toast, or garlic bread.
- Catfish Filets ($13.99): This is arguably their most popular item. People drive from out of town just for the catfish. It’s crispy, not too oily, and usually comes in a portion size that makes the plate look small.
- Country Fried Steak ($11.99): It’s smothered in white gravy. It’s exactly what you want it to be.
- Hamburger Steak ($15.99): A 10-ounce monster served with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and gravy.
- Pork Chops ($12.99): You can get these fried or grilled, but let’s be real—the fried ones are the move.
The pizza section is the real curveball. You don't expect a Southern diner in Grover to be slinging a Spinach Alfredo Pizza or a large cheese pie for $13.99, but here we are. The personal-sized pizzas are under $10, which makes them a great lunch option if you aren't feeling the whole "meat and three" vibe.
🔗 Read more: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
The Sandwich Board and the Livermush Factor
If you aren't from this part of the Carolinas, you might see "Livermush" on the menu for $4.50 and be a little confused. Look, it’s a regional thing. It’s a mix of pig liver, head parts, and cornmeal. Don't knock it until you try it fried crispy on a bun. It’s a staple here.
Beyond the local delicacies, they do a solid Philly Cheesesteak ($10.99) with shaved ribeye and all the fixings. Their standard Hamburger starts at $5.99, which is cheaper than a lot of fast-food combos these days. If you're feeling ambitious, the Double Hamburger is $10.99 and is basically a mountain of beef.
The "Red Slaw" Mystery
There’s a bit of a debate among regulars about the coleslaw. At most places, you get the white, mayo-based stuff. At Carolina Crossing, they offer Red Slaw. This is a Western North Carolina tradition where the dressing is vinegar and tomato-based (often using BBQ sauce) instead of mayo. It’s tangy, sharp, and cuts right through the richness of a fried pork chop or a BBQ platter. If you haven't had it, ask for a side of it. It’s a totally different experience than the creamy stuff.
💡 You might also like: Novotel Perth Adelaide Terrace: What Most People Get Wrong
Pricing and Value: Does it Break the Bank?
Most items on the menu sit comfortably between $8 and $15. In an era where a burger and fries at a chain can easily hit $18, this place feels like a time capsule.
| Item Category | Price Range | Top Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Burgers | $5.99 - $10.99 | Double Hamburger |
| Entrees | $10.99 - $15.99 | Catfish Filets |
| Pasta | $8.99 - $13.99 | Baked Spaghetti |
| Shareables | $8.99 - $12.99 | Fried Pickles |
| Sides | $3.75 each | Candied Yams |
The sides are where you can really customize things. We’re talking fried okra, pickled beets, seasoned greens, and mac 'n' cheese. These aren't just afterthoughts. The Candied Yams are famously sweet, and the Fried Squash actually tastes like someone’s grandma made it in the back.
Why Locals (and Travelers) Keep Stopping By
The atmosphere at 218 S Main St is "no-frills." It’s a big, open room with simple furnishings and a lot of friendly faces. You might wait 15 or 20 minutes for your food, but that’s because they’re actually cooking it, not just pulling it out of a microwave.
📖 Related: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside
They’ve also started opening more consistently on weekends recently. Sunday lunch is a big deal in Grover, and the Sunday menu often features specials like boneless chicken breast or roasted turkey that aren't always front-and-center during the week.
One thing to keep in mind: the parking lot is a large corner lot right next to the building. If that's full, there’s usually space across the street. It gets crowded right around 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, so if you're just passing through on the interstate, try to hit it at 11:30 AM or 2:00 PM to avoid the rush.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to stop, here’s the deal. They generally operate from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM most weekdays. However, they are often closed on Saturdays or Sundays depending on the season, so it’s always worth a quick phone call to (704) 937-9393 before you exit the highway.
- Try the Red Slaw. Even if you think you hate vinegar slaw, try it with the BBQ or a burger. It’s the "Grover way."
- Order the Shareables. The hand-breaded fried pickles ($8.99) are better than any frozen version you've had at a bar.
- Check for Daily Specials. The menu is big, but the whiteboard often has the best stuff, like meatloaf or special pasta bakes.
- Don't Rush. This is a sit-down restaurant. If you’re in a 5-minute hurry, hit the McDonald's at the exit. If you want a real meal, come here and relax.
To get the most out of your visit, aim for the Catfish Filets or the Baked Spaghetti. Both are massive portions that usually leave enough for a lunch box the next day. If you're traveling with kids, the cheese pizza is a safe bet, and the atmosphere is loud enough that you don't have to worry about them being "too much."
Stop by during a weekday lunch to see the local "round table" of regulars—it's the best way to get a feel for what Grover is really like.