Dining in Downtown

We think heading downtown and getting off the beaten path for a bite to eat is a great way to explore Johnston County, and it's where you will "eat like a local"!! We know where the best dining options are in our charming downtown districts. We invite you to discover what locals know!!

Spend the weekend in Clayton

From chef-driven restaurants to casual cafes serving unique regional food items, Clayton’s food scene is for the adventurous and refined food enthusiast. Enjoy a local favorite, the Brightleaf red hot dog, at the family-owned Jones Café. Johnston County has many farms and agricultural history, which allow chefs to source locally and serve seasonal menus. Head out of town to visit some of those farms for yourself, like Pace Family Farms—in the spring, you can pick strawberries straight from the field.

When the weather is perfect for staying outdoors, even when dining, enjoy the many restaurants, cafes, and bars with spacious and shaded patios. Get to the Clayton Community Farmer’s Market early on Saturdays for delicious locally baked foods, honey, and fresh produce. Enjoy a sweet treat at Nancy Jo’s Homemade, then walk off that pleasantly full feeling by exploring the Clayton Sculpture Trail with multiple locations around the downtown area.

Enjoy Smithfield's unique river location

Founded in 1777, Smithfield is the county seat, and the downtown business district is anchored by the Neuse River and the Mountains to the Sea Trail. Spend some time in the area for shopping, dining, and exploring museums. Just like throughout Johnston County, visitors will find the truly one-of-a-kind dining option or the best fried chicken ever -- like in Smithfield, for a cool treat, stop by the Hills of Snow, where the building is a snowball!  And we promise The Chicken Barn, located in the 7th Street Market (gas station), is some of the best fried chicken in North Carolina. We wouldn't steer you wrong!

For a sit-down restaurant in Downtown Smithfield, try unique appetizers like the Hog Cakes at SoDoSoPa, or the crepes at The Gilded Pear - yum! Add in some shopping at The Twisted Willow and The Dragonfly Boutique for a fun day out exploring, dining, and experiencing Smithfield.

Check out more options below for dining in our downtowns!