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Welcome to Time-Out Restaurant - East Franklin

Time-Out Restaurant - East Franklin offers a delightful experience rooted in Southern comfort food. Located in the heart of Chapel Hill, this iconic eatery is renowned for its exceptional chicken and cheddar biscuits, which feature perfectly fried chicken served on a melt-in-your-mouth biscuit. Customers rave about the flavorful side dishes, including macaroni and cheese and collard greens, all served with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s owner adds a personal touch, making each visit feel special. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Time-Out promises an unforgettable dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Time-Out Restaurant - East Franklin: Reviews & Ratings

michelle youngerman
michelle youngerman

Was passing thru Chapel Hill and just had to stop in for some lunch. The chicken and cheddar biscuit was delicious and my son loved the Mac n cheese. Will certainly be back on our next trip thru!!

Amanda Kirby
Amanda Kirby

The chicken cheddar biscuit was the best I've had in my life. So worth going. Amazing. Ladies behind the food buffet were so helpful and the cashier was efficient and knew what you wanted before you even knew to ask for it! Can't wait to go back. Didn't take a picture of the food because I ate it before I thought about it! Haha!

Saraluminum
Saraluminum

Go for the biscuits, but stay for the pie!While staying in western NC a few weeks ago we planned a day trip out to Chapel Hill just to visit Time-Out after hearing such amazing things. Let me tell you that the 4ish hour drive was 1000000% worth it!!! The chicken biscuit was unlike any other, the flavor was OUTSTANDING and it was huge. From what I understand, they fry the chicken on the bone then remove the bone to make the biscuit sandwich. This absolutely makes a difference in taste. It doesnt just taste like chicken on a biscuit, it has that delicious fresh fried chicken taste. We ordered our food as takeout so we could eat in the car with our pup and when we got to the pecan pie...I took a bite and cried tears of joy...it was AMAZING. I IMMEDIATELY went inside to get more for the road (and some cinnamon rolls which were also very delicious). The owner is unbelievably nice and couldn't believe we drove all the way just to try the food, his reaction made my day. I have been in the food service industry my whole life and meeting people like him just makes a great restaurant even better. I cannot say enough about how happy we were with our visit. Time-Out was definitely a highlight of our vacation and I cannot wait to come back...next time I plan on ordering a pecan pie (or two) in advance.

Letitia Davison
Letitia Davison

I love returning home! I hadn't been here in years even though I pass it on my way to work. The biscuits and chicken are still fantastically delicious. But the hot line is full of Mama made sides. Greens are the best and so is the Mac and cheese. Dips and K&W are closed so please stop in any time ( open 24 hrs) and get dinner. My only negative is parking, and the prices are just a tad high. But it's all we have in this area for a reasonable soul food plate. Native Chapel Hillians need to support the traditional businesses, especially on Franklin Street.

SaraD
SaraD

I never get tired of this iconic Franklin Street, Chapel Hill restaurant. I used to frequent here years ago as a UNC-Chapel Hill student and try to return whenever I am back in Chapel Hill. Their famous chicken biscuit remains my menu favorite. This item is prepared from a perfectly fried chicken breast where the bulk of the meat is pulled off the bone in front of you and served on a fresh, melt in your mouth biscuit with cheese. Sooo good! Time-Out is also famous for their buffet offerings of delicious Southern-style side items including: macaroni and cheese, collards, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, baby carrots, fried okra, lima beans, baked apples, etc. Don’t forget the cornbread!!! I’ve tried every item served here and everything is absolutely delicious. If you like authentic Southern-style cooking at a great value, you should check this place out.

Rob Marshall
Rob Marshall

Southern food 24/7 that is delicious and well priced?! Give it a try. This place hit the spot for me. Best collard greens I've had in a long time. Carolina BBQ, black eyed peas, biscuit, iced sweet and very kind service made for an excellent meal. Can't wait to come back and try the many other tasty looking foods.

Charles Vanderford
Charles Vanderford

A Chapel Hill institution and (I think) its only 24-hour restaurant. One of a few places I would recommend if someone really wanted to experience the town. When you're in the mood for really good soul food, this is your place.

JAMES CARROLL
JAMES CARROLL

Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. As a lifelong Tar Heel fan, I loved seeing the legendary players' photos on the walls. Time-Out serves all the classic Southern comfort foods, and my Sunday morning visit at 7 AM did not disappoint—the food looked amazing and tasted just as good. If you're in the area, I highly recommend stopping by with a big appetite!

Location

Welcome to the delightful world of Time-Out Restaurant - East Franklin, a cherished gem nestled in the heart of Chapel Hill, NC. Located at 201 E Franklin St, this culinary haven has become a must-visit destination for locals and travelers alike, serving up mouthwatering Southern comfort food with a touch of warmth and hospitality.

One of the standout features of Time-Out is its legendary chicken and cheddar biscuit, often hailed as the best by numerous patrons. The secret lies in the preparation; the chicken is fried on the bone, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor and juiciness before being pulled apart and nestled within a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit. Customers rave about the dish, with many claiming it is an experience worth the journey to Chapel Hill.

But the culinary delights do not end there. The restaurant boasts a tantalizing buffet line brimming with homemade Southern sides, including mac and cheese, collard greens, and fried okra. Each dish is crafted with love, reminiscent of Grandma's kitchen, making it a nostalgic experience for those familiar with authentic Southern cooking. Diners like Saraluminum have traveled hours just to savor the flavors and leave with sweet memories—and some pecan pie to go!

Time-Out’s inviting atmosphere is complemented by its attentive staff, who are always ready to lend a helping hand or recommend their favorites on the menu. Reviewers have often highlighted the efficiency and friendliness of the team, making each visit feel personalized and special. Amanda Kirby couldn’t resist diving into her meal without taking a picture—testament to the irresistible allure of the food!

Despite the occasional parking challenge, the smiles and flavors at Time-Out make it worth the effort. As lovers of comfort food, we are thrilled to recommend this iconic establishment to anyone seeking a delicious and fulfilling dining experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through Chapel Hill, the allure of Time-Out Restaurant awaits, with dishes that will satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.

Don’t forget to try their famous pecan pie or cinnamon rolls on your visit—each bite is a sweet reminder of the hospitality and tradition that defines Time-Out Restaurant - East Franklin. Come hungry, leave happy!

For more information, reach out at +1 919-929-2425 or drop by to experience this Southern gem for yourself!