Mama Dip's vs. Joyce & Family Raleigh area Rest
 

Still planning guys and I am a southern belle living in New England so our trip to Raleigh will be my little girls first experience to try "meat and three" type restaurants as well as "soul fool". We want the most authentic experience and the finest food. I have seen Mama Dip's in Chapel Hill on "Oprah" and read about in Fodor's guidebook and have heard about Joyce & Family in Fuquay-Varina. Love to have opinions and recommendations from those who have actually dined as these establishments as well as other restaurants that I may have overlooked. Thanks!!

Big Ed's City Market in downtown Raleigh, but it isn't "soul food" - it's Southern style meat and veggie plates.

Just keep in mind that many 'meat and threes' are a bit on the dive side.

There is a website that devotes itself to this type of thing. Something like RoadFood.com or similar.

Mama Dip's is good, especially if you're out that way (probably a good 30-40 minutes from downtown Raleigh). I went a couple of times while in school at UNC. The only thing I distinctly remember having was the roast beef, which I don't really recommend, but everyone else seemed to love what they had. Someone may correct me, but I don't think there's much to see in Fuquay, so Chapel Hill may be a more fun stop anyway. Depending on how old your girls are, they might like shopping on Franklin Street (there are some fun boutiques) or just looking around the town. Defines "college town" like no other.

I agree that a lot of meat-and-threes are a little "dive-y," but Mama Dip's is not. (Not much in Chapel Hill is!) Whether that's a good or a bad thing, well, that's up to you. :)

The girls are 8 and 5 and will love to walk on Franklin St.. I agree about the "dive" thing and certainly want this to be a positive experience! Mama Dip's (meat&3) and Allen and Son (for bbq)are now on the list and we will check out Big Ed's City Market too! You guys are great!