Merritt's Grill

Grill · Chapel Hill

Merritt's Grill

Grill · Chapel Hill

2

1009 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

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Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
Merritt's Grill by null
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Highlights

Merritt’s is a beloved sandwich spot where crisp, fresh BLTs reign supreme, served up quickly in a charming outdoor setting.  

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1009 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Get directions

merrittsblt.com
@merritts_grill

$10–20 · Menu

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1009 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Get directions

+1 919 942 4897
merrittsblt.com
@merritts_grill
𝕏
@merrittsgrill

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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"Best known for its bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, Merritt’s is a Chapel Hill institution. The classic BLT is piled high, and hungry diners can even make it a double. Merritt’s is also home to old-school items like a chicken salad sandwich, grilled cheese, and a turkey club." - Catherine Currin

11 Best Sandwiches in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill - Eater Carolinas
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Anna

Google
Totally Awesome! Known for their famous BLT and it was delicious! We also had the BLT with a burger patty 😋, and this week special was the Ruben, the best, moist coconut cake 🍰! Very busy but efficient, we were greeted immediately, provided a menu and ordered all within 5 minutes. Definitely would return again when visiting the area!

Scott Mayo

Google
Fantastic BLTs and sweet tea! I think the double BLT is the sweet spot.Probably one of the best BLTs I’ve ever paid for and very reasonable prices. A packed house during our visit and we ordered 4 sandwiches. Went outside to wait and right at 5 minutes later, our sandwiches were ready. Super fast service and everyone was polite and courteous. Don’t miss this gem in Chapel Hill (and Time Out…my other go-to in C.H.) Lots of available parking and quality outdoor seating in the rear.

Jeanne Hagy

Google
I was so excited to try the hyped up blt sandwich so when I was in Chapel Hill yesterday I decided to stop. I ordered a single blt and a banana pudding. I have to say the blt was just ok. I think the tomatoes might not have been ripe enough. I definitely make a better blt at home. The banana pudding was great but half the cup was whip cream and only 1 banana slice. This restaurant has a fun atmosphere and the staff was polite. The prices were high and if the sandwich was better I would not have minded paying so much. I may try something else if I return.

Rex Cranford (Roses)

Google
This place is so delicious! I had their classic BLT, which they are known for. Best BLT I've ever had, hands down. They have several versions and all of them include ample amounts of deliciously cooked bacon and some of the juiciest tomatoes. I got mine I'm with guacamole but you can add all kinds of other toppings. The place was totally packed but the line moved incredibly fast and the food came out quickly. This place knows how to handle a full crowd, and you can tell they have been doing this for a while. Between the delicious food and great prices I'd be happy to come here for another bite. They also have some cool desserts I'd like to try out next time.

Lyndsey Jones

Google
Most of the seating is outside but it is umbrella covered and very nice. They have additional parking across the street bc the parking around the main building is limited. This picture is a single BLT on their fresh sourdough and it was perfect!!!

Jazz Rock Fusion & Synthesizer Music

Google
This place has some history.... established 1929! We ate here on the recommendation of Dave at Brightside Bamboo. He really was right. My wife and I absolutely loved our sandwiches. We sat outside on a delightfully warm and sunny afternoon in early March. Highly recommended eatery.

Jiin Ta

Google
This was my first time coming to Merritt’s, and it definitely won’t be the last! I ordered the Baby BLT (add avocado), Merritt’s Burger, and the Coconut Cake. The BLT lives up to the hype and the ingredients are SO fresh. The sourdough is soft yet has a nice crust! The burger is a great size and comes with a generous amount of toppings as well as two beef patties. The food does not come with sides, but they have items available to purchase if you desire! Finally, I got the Coconut Cake which is perfect if you are a big fan of that coconut flavor. There are so many coconut flakes distributed throughout, and the cake itself is so moist. The light and fluffy filling in the center was sweet which paired perfectly with the more subtle cake layers. We sat outside with the bamboo, and it was such a lovely day outside which made our experience even better. It is mostly outdoor seating, so mind the weather! Additionally, the service was so quick despite the place being packed. The workers are all super sweet and accommodating. Merritt’s Mill is a must-try!!

Bethany Brown Perkins

Google
Everything done right from the BLT, to the sweet tea, to the banana pudding. No corners were cut on quality or taste. I heard great things about this place and was not disappointed! We also met the owners who were SO pleasant! We will be back!

Daniel H.

Yelp
We came here for brunch and this place was busy. We found parking on their small parking lot and sat outside. We ordered the Double BLT, a small Tomato Soup, and the Carolina Dog. We sat outside since there was room for the dog. The inside was small and cozy. The food was ready after a few minutes. Everything looked good to me. The Double BLT was delicious and all of the ingredients complemented each other. The Tomato Soup was good and definitely was hot temperature for a long time. The Carolina Dog was also delicious and definitely recommended for chili fans. I would recommend any if the food as things were great to me. Great place for brunch and I recommend it!

Scott K.

Yelp
Merritt's Grill is located in Chapel Hill, NC and if you are visiting, I recommend you look at the menu and order something that looks good to you. Merritt's Grill does have outdoor seating since inside is limited space. It can be very busy, but the service is efficient and fast. On the menu are club sandwiches, BLT sandwich, egg sandwich, BLT, turkey, BLT, ham, BLT, chicken salad, burgers. I recommend you order the BLT. Food A Service B Decor B Parking A

Sally H.

Yelp
Another excellent lunch al fresco. Friendly staff working at 110% speed to push out the orders. Terrific BLT, gone too soon!

Daniel B.

Yelp
Merritt's Grill is a Chapel Hill institution known for its BLT and other sandwiches plus burgers and more. The food here is worth the hype and the casual atmosphere, if dining in or outside, is nice too. These were among the best sandwiches and burgers we've had in the state. No Chapel Hill/Carolina experience is truly complete without a visit to Merritt's. Our first experience with Merritt's was at a UNC football game in 2022. Merritt's had at least one concession stand inside Kenan Stadium. They were selling Single BLTs with chips ($13 each) and banana pudding ($5 each). Both were delicious. Merritt's had always been on my list of places to try. After we had the BLT and banana pudding at the Carolina game, I knew we had to go visit the brick-and-mortar store. The restaurant is located south of UNC's campus just off 15-501 and 54. It's open for breakfast and lunch only, Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. I'm glad this place is open on Saturday because it's hard for my wife and I to make it out here during the week because of work. Merritt's consists of a small freestanding building with a limited-seating indoor dining room and plenty of seating on one of two outdoor patios: (1) the front patio which you can see from the road and (2) a large patio in the back surrounded by bamboo. All the tables outside have umbrellas. The patios are pet-friendly. There's plenty of free parking, both in the gravel lot around the building and across the street in another dedicated gravel lot. You order and pay at one of two registers inside. Drinks, napkins, plastic eating utensils, condiment packets, etc. are self-serve. They'll take your name and phone number and text you when your order is ready. We placed our order on a Saturday at 1:01pm and I received my order-ready text at 1:08pm. Seven minutes. Referring to the wait time, I read in the News & Observer that the current owners, John and Paula Toogood, had "aimed on cutting the experience down to six or eight minutes." They succeeded. Here's a link to the February 16, 2022 paywalled article: https://bit.ly/3OeTV1X Before the Toogoods assumed ownership in September 2021, I read in various places that Saturday waits at Merritt's were anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes: https://bit.ly/3OgvNMu Yikes. There was no line when we entered, so we only had to wait the seven minutes. While Merritt's has been around since 1929, the business didn't start selling and becoming famous for their signature BLTs until 1992. That was one year after the previous owners, Bob and Robin Britt, bought the place. Merritt's was originally a gas station, garage (for car repairs), and general store. The original owners were Eben and Ruby Merritt. In May 2013, Ruby, who was 102 years old at the time, was interviewed on the local talk radio show Who's Talking with DG Martin: https://bit.ly/3OduEFx It's a good listen if you're interested in hearing firsthand the history of Merritt's from Mrs. Ruby herself. Here's a link to the full audio which originally aired on 1360 AM WCHL / 97.9 FM The Hill: https://bit.ly/3DbH3nb Here's what my wife and I had: * Double BLT ($12.35) - nine slices of bacon, three layers of lettuce and tomato, toasted sourdough, mayo, salt and pepper, plus avocado (+$2.50) * Pimento Cheese ($5.95) - housemade cheddar pimento cheese atop a bed of lettuce, tomato, and mayo * Carolina Burger ($8.25) - two 2.5-oz all-beef patties, chili, housemade slaw, onions, and mustard * Banana Pudding ($3.50) Everything was excellent. The Double BLT was just as delicious as the Single BLT I remembered having at Kenan Stadium. We both love the sourdough bread they use on the sandwiches. It's fresh, high-quality bread. The current owners also own The Bread Shop in Pittsboro. They sell the sourdough by itself here along with other breads from their shop. The BLT had juicy, ripe tomatoes and delectably crispy bacon. We love avocado and adding it was a good call. One of our local friends enjoys her Merritt's BLTs with guac. The Pimento Cheese sandwich was outstanding. It might have been the best pimento cheese sandwich I've had anywhere including The Masters. I'm not saying that to humble brag, but The Masters has some of the best pimento cheese sandwiches and Merritt's trumps Augusta. That said, it's probably unfair to compare the two as The Masters' version is much simpler and produced in mass quantities. Merritt's pimento cheese is made in small batches to ensure high quality. I love how their pimento cheese is chunky and perfectly balanced. Also, I like how they add mayo to the sandwich. Don't sleep on the burgers here. The Carolina Burger was fantastic. Again, great quality all around and well balanced. I love a good chili slaw burger or dog and this was that. The Banana Pudding was as terrific as the version we had at Kenan. It was light, creamy, and the banana tasted really fresh. Service was fast and friendly. I noticed a lot of the staff was young, perhaps UNC Chapel Hill students.

Nikita T.

Yelp
Stopped at Merritt's Grill for lunch on a road trip. We had no idea graduation was happening that weekend and pulled up to a VERY busy store!! Luckily the line moved quickly and service was very efficient. I ordered chicken salad sandwich, my partner got a burger, and we got broccoli cheddar soup to share. The food came out pretty quickly despite how busy it was. My chicken salad sandwich was STUFFED and very yummy! It hit the spot. My partner said his burger was delicious as well. The soup was just OK, lacked seasoning.

Joslyn N.

Yelp
Had the Single BLT and added some of their homemade pimento cheese. Yummy! Sandwiches are a nice size too.

Sophie T.

Yelp
Best BLTs ever. It's hard to make the perfect BLT, but they do it. There's a reason they're constantly busy. Be aware of the lunch rush and be prepared to wait longer than expected for your food. It's worth it though. They have a standing line leading up to an order counter. There's indoor and outdoor seating. It's pretty much always busy, so be prepared to be surround by many other sandwich lovers.

MICHELE M.

Yelp
Easy to place an order online that was a grab and go between college visits. Ready in 10 mins. Plentiful sandwiches and salads; I enjoyed the chicken salad on marble rye. Parking is horrid on a Friday lunch (we got there at 1:15) so be forewarned and consider a to go order!

Robbie R.

Yelp
I get the hype! Got the famous BLT which was juicy, flavorful and quite a high quality sandwich, as well as the pimento cheese which might have actually been my favorite. Place gets super busy with a very crowded parking lot, but called ahead and order was ready in less than 5 minutes. Such a great spot for sandwiches and a perfect lunch!

Hart P.

Yelp
This is a very good sandwich place: a local institution. However, it is all the better as a gathering place. Down the hill from the UNC campus it is a walk back up. Order at one counter and pick up your sandwich at another. They keep it simple and enjoy.

Genia B.

Yelp
Expensive! 2 burgers and 2 drinks with tax around $26 and with no other sides. Burger was good BUT not for the price.

Mary W.

Yelp
Where do I even begin?! What a delicious little spot in Chapel Hill near campus. These sandwiches are AMAZING! Located in an old gas station, the ambiance is very homey and southern comfort. This place definitely packs out, so plan accordingly! There is a parking lot but it can certainly fill up fast. The inside is fairly small with minimal seating, but there is plenty of patio seating out front and in the back by the parking lot, perfect for warmer days. You order at the counter straight ahead upon entry and retrieve your food from a separate counter to the left when it's ready. The service was super quick and efficient despite quite the crowd. The menu has a lot of options, including burgers and hotdogs. Something for everyone. The sandwich. WHEW! AMAZING! Best BLT I've ever had, hands down. It is HUGE and the ingredients are super fresh. I couldn't even eat all of it and had to take the other half to go. Can't beat the price, either. Will definitely be back! In fact, I'm heading there again today for lunch and can't wait! A must check out when visiting the area!

Lauren O.

Yelp
Soooo freaking good! We came during a busy lunch time but there's a ton of seating outside for an nice day, in front and in back. We obviously got the BLTs, they were just perfect in every way. Fresh, crispy, salty, juicy with great bread. I've got zero complaints and I wish I lived closer because I would be a regular. Not even greasy! I'm in love.

Emily C.

Yelp
A BLT from Merritt's was at the top of my list during a quick trip to Chapel Hill. I stopped in and ordered a single BLT to go. The gentleman behind the counter was so nice and friendly. My food was ready fast, within about 5 minutes. The BLT was tasty and the tomatoes were especially great. I'm not a huge mayo fan and there was a pretty significant amount of mayo, so I'd likely ask for light mayo next time. I thought the single was plenty filling. The interior was really comfy and inviting, definitely the kind of spot I could see myself becoming a regular at. There is plenty of parking in a large lot across the street, as well as outdoor seating.

Leah A.

Yelp
This was a suggestion my husband got from a colleague of his. We were in town for a wedding and went to meet a friend here for lunch. This place did not disappoint. Excellent food and excellent prices. It was a little chaotic, lots of people, but the chaos was controlled and they had a good flow going. You order and then can go find a table outside. They have a seating area in front and another in the back that's perched up against a bamboo forest. It was beautiful. We both got salads. Chicken and the BLT. This place is famous for their sandwiches and I was I wasn't a carb avoider 90% of the time because my friends sandwich looked delicious! My only complaint is I wish they had a better salad dressing. They have packets of Newman's own available. So that was kind of meh.

Chris P.

Yelp
Pretty sure this was the best BLT I've had in my life. Growing up in the south, eating BLTs was a staple in life so I've had my share. This sandwich was so delicious throughout every bite. I'm not sure if it was the sourdough bread, the heaping of bacon, or the freshest tomatoes I've had in a while, but this thing was a explosion of flavor in every bite. I ordered the single and it was a meal in itself. I also grabbed a BLT salad to have later, and was a little disappointed to see cucumbers on it. Thankfully they were in one corner and I could place in the trash where they belong. Menu didn't say anything about cucumbers so I didn't know. Other than that the salad looks fresh and hearty. Merritts is about 1.15 mile walk from our hotel near downtown chapel hill, but the sandwich was well worth the 25 min walk each way. (Uphill!) Definitely worth a visit if you like good BLTs

Dave I.

Yelp
I recently indulged in an amazing BLT sandwich, and it was a true delight. The crispy bacon was cooked to perfection, the fresh lettuce and tomato added a refreshing crunch, and the mayo brought a creamy richness that tied it all together. The combination of flavors and textures made each bite an absolute pleasure. This BLT was a classic done exceptionally well, and it's a must-try for anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Kevin B.

Yelp
In town for a brief stay and could not leave without trying Merritt's. They're well known for their BLT's, filled with fresh lettuce, mayo, crispy thick bacon and juicy tomatoes. I can honestly say it was the best BLT I've ever had. Just the perfect combination of ingredients on fresh sourdough bread. They have different options of the sandwich such as a baby with 4 slices of bacon, a single with 7 pieces which was more than enough for me. I could eat this over and over and still be satisfied. They have counter ordering once you walk in, you wait on the side until they text you that your order is ready. They have some picnic tables out front for seating with some counter seats indoors as well. Also an abundance of parking in their lot and across the street. Love Merritt's.

Kenan R.

Yelp
They're closed for renovations. Good luck figuring that out unless you read the sign on the door or comb through the body of an instagram post. Communicate better

Steve T.

Yelp
It's awesome. Merritt's have great hot food and always seems to be busy. They are busy for good reason!

Adam B.

Yelp
Well, I have finally made my visit. Now I'm usually a little uneasy with BLTs. there are so many things than can go wrong with it, whether it's the bread getting soggy, low quality vegetables, bad proportions of bacon to lettuce to tomato to mayo, and on we go. And the fact that they usually have mayo, that's usually a no-go for me anyway. A couple of longtime friends invited me to lunch and I ordered the double BLT, with light, light mayo on sourdough. Nine slices of bacon sounded reasonable, it's not like I don't do that every other morning anyway! The sandwich was perfect size, and it had multiple layers of B L and T, it wasn't like it was all the bacon, then all the lettuce, and then all the tomato. So the ingredients blended together very nicely. Maybe I wish they had some more condiments like alternatives to regular mayo or maybe some different cheeses besides pimiento! But what they do, they do very well, in fact, they do a BLT about as well as anyone else.

Christine F.

Yelp
Needed lunch before leaving Chapel Hill and stopped here. The parking lot was packed , which is a good sign. We went in checked out the menu and decided on their BLTs. They are served on sourdough and wrapped in butchers paper. We ordered just sandwiches, didn't need any sides. The sandwiches arrived super fast and we decided to eat outside in the back "garden" area, it was the perfect day to sit outside in the shade. I had ordered a baby BLT; four pieces of bacon on it . We also ordered a single BLT- it's larger than the baby one. The bread was super fresh and had that wonderful sourdough flavor. The bacon cooked nice and crisp that was delicious, the tomato was nice and meaty . Not too much mayonnaise on it , just the right amount. The perfect spot for a great sandwich, will stop here when in town looking for lunch anytime.

Brian D.

Yelp
Two of us stopped in to visit on UNC graduation day ... what were we thinking !!! The crowd was wearing their UNC colors and it was a beautiful Carolina day. We had our classic Merritt Grill BLTs on the sunflower bread. Wonderful. Great service considering the huge business day. We sat outside in their picnic area around in the back of the parking lot... great stop ... will go again.

T W.

Yelp
4 ate for $48. Place absolutely covered up - all tables full outside (obvious sign it's good!). Unique, non chain and good. Carolina Dog spot on! Good BLT - neat vibe here. Close to UNC campus. Limited seating inside - general store / eatery.

Heather H.

Yelp
Friendly, fresh & fast. This old gas station turned sandwich shop is a quiant local spot known for their BLTs. And they don't disappoint. Our group got a variety of tasty sandwiches that were all made fresh & fast. There is minimal seating inside however they do have a few seats out front and more shaded seating in the back corner.

Cassie P.

Yelp
Yummy!!! Known for their BLTs but the pimento cheese sounded so good... I asked the staff what he recommended! Pimento cheese with bacon! Wow.. heaven on earth in sandwich form. Can't wait to come back! Not much indoor seating so be prepared to eat outside. Parking lot across the street because it gets busy!

John C.

Yelp
This is just the type of place that you wanted to make yourself a regular at. Cute spot in Chapel Hill that specializes in BLTs. I love finding places that focus on something classic and just do it really really well. I placed an online order because I was on the interstate and was worried about showing up right near closing time to order. My order was ready when I arrived. I took a seat outside so they could start cleaning up the dining room inside. I got a Baby BLT and a Carolina Dog (no onions). The hot dog was really good. Well-flavored chili and cole slaw. Good size too. Ya never know with hot dog places whether one hot dog is a meal or a snack. The BLT was as good as advertised. Just the perfect balance of the simple ingredients. Even the mayo tasted better than normal mayo. Whatever the secret is, they're doing it right at Merritt's.

Milly E.

Yelp
I have eaten at Merritt's 3 times and the food has been amazing. The place is always packed so be prepared to drive around a few times to find a parking spot. They also have an additional parking lot across the street. Is a short and simple menu but you can tell that they take pride in what they serve. Had the BLT and the club and they were both yummy. Hubby had the Carolina hamburger and loved it. A new favorite for lunch!

Casey R.

Yelp
A sweet local spot to grab some breakfast or lunch. The atmosphere is relaxing and the outdoor seating is best just after a rain storm or a nice calm morning:afternoon. The smell while sitting outside is heaven. The food is so good. Do yourself a favor and stop in or better yet get a sandwich to go for the road if your traveling through!

Lloyd M.

Yelp
Still the best BLTs anywhere. After being away for eight years returned and had a great sandwich, fortunately better parking now and more places to sit. What makes their BLTs so great is the use of high quality bacon, cooked just right, and wonderful tomatoes. An institution that is still great.

Marianne W.

Yelp
Merritt's Grill in Chapel Hill is definitely a one of a kind Classic where you can relax and feed on a BLT. That's their specialty and it's prepared layer after layer perfectly. I'm allergic to tomato and need lots of BACON! I love bacon. Merritt's started as a lunch counter operated in back of a filling station. Their BLT named "The Love Sandwich" gave them fame. They use local businesses for their ingredients and all their other products. I'm recommending you visit when you are nearby.

Allyce B.

Yelp
My family and I were out at Lavender Oak Farm and wanted something nearby for lunch. After some quick searching I saw that Merritt's Grill came highly recommended and we were all in the mood for a BLT. We pulled up the road from the restaurant and there were cars spilling out into the street. The parking lot was full, so we parked in a lot across the street. There is not a crosswalk to get across to Merritt's, and it was pretty dicey trying to cross traffic. We quickly snagged a table outside and sent a few members of our party in to order. My aunt and mom had no problems getting their ordered, but my cashier struggled with my order. I had to repeat it and she still seemed unsure and the service was not particularly warm. Their ordering system uses a text notification to let you know when your order is ready. I got a text and went inside and gave my name and the staff were very confused. They were searching amongst the bags and couldn't find my name. Turns out the text got sent by accident. I decided to just wait inside for my order, but after 10 minutes, I felt awkward loitering and went back to my table. During my wait inside I overheard a couple more confused conversations regarding orders so it sounds like there are some kinks to work out. A for the food though. I got a Single BLT with avocado and there was TONS of bacon (their menu states how many slices of bacon come on each sandwich). My avocado made my sandwich fall apart a bit, but people shouldn't have a problem with the sandwich as is. My toddler really enjoyed her grilled cheese sandwich. Was between 3 and 4 stars for Merritt's Grill and ultimately decided to go with 3.

Katherine S.

Yelp
We walked in and were greater by the very helpful staff members at the register. Their description of the menu items helped us make a decision pretty quickly. We odered the Single BLT since the BLT is a house favorite. There was a small eating area within the building if you wanted to eat inside. Most of the seating is out back or up front of establishment. We brought our food out back and was pleasantly surprised at the large and very private seating area surrounded by bamboo. We have driven by here very often and have seen lines, so we decided to get there a little before lunchtime (about 11:15 am, and during the week). We only waited about 2 minutes to order. There is parking at the restaurant and across the street as well. It can be tight next to the restaurant, but some may find the parking across the street a bit challenging. Will definitely be coming back.

Heather M.

Yelp
We were visiting CH and our friends told us we must have a BLT from Merritt's Grill. Upon driving up, we adored the rustic, unspoiled character and charm of this lovely place. We stepped up to the register and ordered doubles and went out back under the gorgeous bamboo for seating. It was a lovely area to sit. They had Bamboo restoration going on. Lots of folks were enjoying the morning. Our food was ready quickly, and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend this local joint.

Levy C.

Yelp
If you are ever in Chapel Hill you will hear people talking about Merritt's. The hype is is not over done. This is a bacon restaurant. Kind of like a burger place but with bacon and not burger. It is a nice dive type place with ample seating, 90% outdoors. We went on a Friday afternoon while we were in town for a graduation. The sandwiches come in 4 sizes based upon the amount of bacon you want. We got the single which was 7 slices of bacon. The sandwich was a killer and I would order it again and again. People coming here for the blt will be rewarded. Highly Recommend.

Sammy S.

Yelp
Awesome blt,,no matter if it's a single,, double or triple,, the double or triple can easily be made into two meals,,the bologna sandwich is a great second choice

Mike B.

Yelp
My wife's colleague recommended we stop here when we were in the area of Chapel Hill and boy are we glad we did! When we arrived at about 2pm on a beautiful September afternoon we really didn't know what to expect. As you drive down the street you can see a collection of cars and the parking lots are well marked with signage. You can park beside/behind the grill or across the street. Either is convenient but the parking lot across the street appears to be easier to navigate when busy. The sign on the front says Merritt's Store and Grill and there is outside seating in front. The tables all have umbrellas so they have adequate shade for enjoying your meal outside. We also walked in the back and they have a very cool outdoor area with multiple tables that are well shaded and surrounded by bamboo which we thought was a cool touch. Seating inside is very limited and with the line of people placing orders it would be the most busy/loud of the seating areas. The parking lots were very crowded when we arrived so we opted to park across the street and walk over. We went inside and immediately thought it was cute and charming. The line to order wasn't too long and it seemed to be well organized and it was clear that you stood in one line to order your food and the other counter area was for picking up your order. The menu is available online or by scanning the QR code and there were several laminated menus being passed among the customers in line. The only menu item posted on the wall features their famous BLT sandwiches: Baby BLT - perfectly sized with 4 slices of bacon Single BLT - filling with 7 slices of bacon Double BLT - sharing size with 9 slices of bacon Trible BLT - challenging with ONE POUND OF BACON The line moved quickly and when it was our turn my wife ordered the single BLT sandwich with no mayonnaise on sourdough bread and I chose the cheeseburger + bacon and we each added a bottle of water. We opted to take a seat on the bench near the pickup counter and within a few minutes our name was called. We decided to sit at one of the outdoor tables out front. When we unwrapped our lunch we both said "Oh wow, these look delicious!" My wife thought the bread was perfectly toasted, the lettuce was crisp and fresh, the bacon was delicious (in fact we would love to know where they source their bacon so we could buy some for cooking at home) and the tomatoes were garden fresh and juicy! My hamburger was also juicy and full of flavor and I would definitely order again! We are so grateful for the suggestion and we both agree that Merritt's is a must stop when we are in the vicinity of Chapel Hill.

Dan E.

Yelp
So good! The standard by which all BLTs should be judged. My go-to is a BLT with avocado on Sunflower bread. But you can't go wrong no matter what you choose!

Ryan A.

Yelp
Great BLTs and friendly folks. Probably not great for dining on a rainy day, but great "roadside" experience

Elizabeth N.

Yelp
What a great little space to grab lunch on a beautiful day. The menu is simple but the food divine! The seating is spectacular and it's the perfect spot! The only challenge is parking! I'd totally come again!

Heidi J.

Yelp
I have wanted to eat here for a really long time but it has never worked out. Today I took my mother in law to her cancer treatment and afterwards we stopped at Merritt's. Cute outside and inside. I think their AC was broken though. Very friendly and helpful staff. I ordered a turkey sandwich on sourdough with bacon added. My MIL ordered a club sandwich. We also added a bag of chips. It was ready very quickly. The sandwiches looked perfect and tasted delicious. Best sandwich I've ever had honestly. I also ordered a side of pimento cheese just to taste it. It wasn't my favorite. We waited to eat the chips in the car because we were stuffed from the sandwiches. The chips are not my favorite either. I got some iced sugar cookies to take to my kids. Very cute but the taste was just ok. But for real the sandwich was so good I still give it five stars! I will definitely go back when it's cooler so we can sit outside by the bamboo forest.

Paula W.

Yelp
What a great little hole-in-the-wall place! Of course had to try the BL sandwich. No T for this gal! I did ask for extra mayo, which I probably didn't need to do. I had 7 pieces of bacon on my sandwich! Love all the outdoor tables!

Earl D.

Yelp
A perfect, simple BLT! They also have great banana pudding and coconut cake for dessert. It's so much fun for me to discover a place like this when I'm traveling!

Kyle R.

Yelp
I have heard many good reviews about Merritt's Grill as it is a staple of Chapel Hill. After the last day of classes my friends and I came here to celebrate. I ordered the classic BLT, but was honestly disappointed due to the overhype the place may receive. For the price point of $8.95 for a BLT that didn't blow me away I was not thrilled since I can make a similar tasting sandwich for a fraction of the cost at home. It wasn't bad by no means, but wasn't above and beyond. It was flavorful and crispy and overall decent sized and filling, but nothing stood out. Overall, I'm glad we came to try it out but I would not go again.

Isamar T.

Yelp
Everyone talks about the BLTs for a very good reason. They are the best. Tomatoes are perfectly seasoned. Food is ready in just a few minutes. It's a small space inside but there is plenty of space outside and a big parking across the street. Highly recommend!

Christian C.

Yelp
The best BLT with a great Chapel Hill atmosphere. Service is super. Tiny on the inside. If you can't sit outside, there will be a hit or miss situation with the 3 tables inside. Still totally worth the visit.

Rene S.

Yelp
Had lunch here while visiting NC. Had to have the BLT- it was great! Cool place and great staff! Such a nice change to eat at a famous, local eatery. The food was great! I'd definitely return- you should try it if you're in Chapel Hill!

Arthur S.

Yelp
Wow haven't been here since new owners took over a few years ago. This has always been a very popular spot for UNC students and everyone in the area. Love there BLTs they make 3 levels with numerous choices of bread. Wonderful fresh tomato's and lettuce. You can add on many different toppings. They also offer a great array of different sandwiches and hamburgers. We called in the order and it was ready upon pick up service is great. It's basically you self serve and you go outside and they have tables you can sit down and eat. It's a really nice place. They have a really nice area by the outside parking lot that you can sit at tables and

Lynn R.

Yelp
Back again as I have been raving about the BLT. We tried the club today and it was just as good. The sourdough bread was toasted and just a tad warm. The bacon is crispy and nice and they add just the right amount of mayo. YUMMMMM!! I could eat here weekly and many feel the same way as they were slammed for lunch.

Ally H.

Yelp
We had the veggie option on marble rye and the blondies. I ordered on line while waiting for my husband at a Dr's appt. We picked the sandwiches up on the way home. Service was great and the food was great!