Sutton's Drug Store

Still perfect after all these years. I used to eat lunch here twice a week when I was a student at UNC Chapel Hill. 40 years later and I get to bring my family back. I got the burger with chili and slaw and a side of fries. It was a good as I remember. The staff is incredibly friendly and it's so much fun to look around at all the photos and history. I wouldn't change a thing about this place.

Great local drug store with a nice eating area for American favorites including cheeseburgers, fries, and shakes. Tremendously friendly owner and staff that go out of their way to take care of everyone who walks through the front door. I recommend the Turkey Bacon sandwich, piled high with white meat turkey. Free refills on drinks. Fries not overcooked. Saturday afternoons are a good time to visit.

This place is amazing. The owner, Don, took incredible care to prepare himself my daughters meal due to a severe food allergy and was happy to see her so happily enjoying it! The atomsphere was fun and sweet and nostalgic and celebratory all at once. The staff is kind and attentive and it really felt like kicking back with family in there. Highly recommend and will definitely come back during our next trip! Thank you Suttons staff!

Awesome breakfast and lunch spot right on Franklin St. This place is a time capsule of memories for over a century of UNC students and guests. Stop by and grab a meal while browsing 100s of patron pictures hanging all around the restaurant!

Fun old school drug store counter with some really spectacular hot dogs! Don't miss this place if you are in the area. If there's a wait, the line moves quickly. It's worth the wait!

The food is really good. It is what you would expect from an old drug store lunch counter. The atmosphere is amazing. So much history it is a treat just to walk in and look around. This is a must try if you are visiting or live in the area.

This place was pretty cool. They only serve breakfast in the morning though. Not sure when lunch starts as they're closed at 2:30. They were able to make me a chicken salad sandwich, but not the burger my husband wanted. That's okay because his breakfast was good (though they forgot his homefries). Very inexpensive. Good service.

I had breakfast here with a friend, and I made the mistake of ordering an egg and cheese (yes, this was a bad pick on my part). My sandwich wasn’t appalling, but it was nothing special. I like the diner atmosphere, but the food didn’t match the vibe. It felt like something you’d get at the worst dining hall on campus, but it was 6 dollars.

I've been wanting to try this spot for so long and I'm so glad I did today with my friend. It's such a chapel hill classic spot that's been here for over 100 years though the hours are a bit limited unfortunately. We came right before the lunch rush which was good since it got real crowded! Service was good and friendly. I got the cheese dog which was really good. I also got the bbq sandwich and sweet potato fries which were also great. Good food at good prices, excited to come again!

It's an interesting and historic place for Chapel Hill. I will say prices are pretty good but you get what you pay for. It's pretty simple food- I got chicken waffle bits and onion rings. Wasn't super impressed with the food but maybe will try something new next time. Unfortunately I don't visit often and so we sat at our table for 25 mins trying to catch our waitresses eye before realizing we had to go the front to pay, and pick up our own food trays? We were a bit lost as to what we were supposed to do and the waitress didn't check on us often so not really pleased with the service. I guess they assume that the restaurant has been around for 100 years so new visitors should know how things work? Regardless it's a better stop than any chain restaurants taking over Franklin lately.

Quick and friendly service for a delicious affordable breakfast option on Franklin. I love the vibes here with the pictures of all the past customers plastered on the walls. Food is consistently good, I've had the pancakes and breakfast platter.

Very professional, efficient and delicious. Reasonable pricing. I was able to get parking in front of the restaurant. Well worth the trip.

A Franklin St staple. Got in around 1130 and just beat the lunch rush. No frills, classic sandwiches here - I got a turkey reuben and it was great, I appreciated that they used a thick-sliced and grilled turkey instead of the usual deli meat. Service was fast but as you can see, this place fills up!

While you may think you are walking past a little market/drug store, there is a whole restaurant inside! Sutton's is the cutest little diner with such reasonably priced food. So many classic burger and sandwich options to choose from and they give a generous amount of food (especially for the price!!). The staff is all very hard working.

I was driving from Washington DC to Jacksonville and decided to stop in Chapel Hill for lunch. I happened to get a parking spot right in front of this place, so I decided to have lunch there. It is nicely decorated with tons of UNC jerseys and pictures, so it is a fun place to grab a quick bite to eat. The grill smelled great, and the menu had plenty of sandwiches, wraps and salads to choose from. I ordered the chicken tenders salad, and it was good, but after smelling the onion rings, I wish I had ordered them. Maybe next time!

Cozy booths and photo walls make a great place for casual meals! Service is superb. I love the cold coffee.

Located within walking distance of UNC Chapel Hill, it's an old time drug store with a diner type restaurant. Cheap and cheerful. Service was fast and food was good. What more could you want? We got breakfast and can customize to your liking. My veggie omelette was very tasty and filling.

I showed up an hour before closing (1:30) o have lunch. All by myself I went to eat at the counter and ended up in the corner because the rest of it was covered in dirty dishes and cluttered with carryout containers. Pretty quick service. I ordered a hamburger (clearly not wanting cheese) and milkshake. The burger arrived without a shake and had cheese on it. They took it back to make another and it arrived as ordered, still without a shake. Half way through my burger, I was asked if everything was okay and mentioned my shake. It came right out. I was told they tend to loose focus as it gets close to closing. A UNC tradtion I will not be going to again.

One of the few gems of Franklin St that are left. Casual, old school eatery reasonably priced and steeped in UNC history.

Old pharmacy turned diner with all of the ambience you would want from that. Laid back and family friendly vibe with hard working staff. Diverse menu but hard to say no to the sandwiches and burgers. Can't think of many other places to get a fantastic meal under $10.

We went early in the morning and the service was great. It has a nice small town diner feeling despite being so popular. The food was cooked very well and I'll definitely be back to try the lunch items next time I'm in Chapel hill.

Great breakfast and lunch spot. Locally owned. Been there many Sunday's for breakfast and enjoy it every time! Until next time, Sutton's!

If I want a quick lunch on Franklin St this is one of my go-tos! Classic diner style options for with a variety for both breakfast and lunch! Service is slower during the busy hours, but reliable. The ambiance is very interesting! It's literally in the back of a drug store. They've got UNC posters and jerseys on the walls as well as jams, medicines, and other miscellaneous items for sale. Maybe not the best for a first date but a great place to bring good friends. They also have a really nice tuesday hot dog special!

Inside the store is a old-timey general store front with a huge selection of sodas, candy, and jams/pickles. Behind that is a classic diner with a plethora of photos from customers who have ate here (photos range from children to celebrities like Rob Lowe!) The food at this diner was incredible. With such a wide selection of foods and all at an affordable price, it was difficult to choose what to eat. The flamethrower hot dog lived up to the name. Super hot with siracha and jalapeños, I thought it was too much at first, but as I continued to eat it got better and I began to appreciate the way it blended with the hot dog. The chili on the fries was fantastic and well seasoned, but I wish there was a little more. The tuna sandwich was very light and refreshing, pairing well with the complementary chips. I was really surprised by how filling the food is and even struggled a little to finish. Definitely give this place a try if you haven't, just make sure you get there before they close (2:30pm).

I can fully admit that I am biased towards Sutton's. I used to eat here every Tuesday and Thursday with one of my college roommates. My order hasn't changed much from those days. I'm not a broke college student so I spring for the upgrade on my combo but that's it. My youngest had the burger and fries and he dove in before I could snap a picture. It was as big as his head and he loaded it up with toppings that don't make sense but I don't yuck his yum. For me, I ordered my usual even though it wasn't on special today: the Two Hot Dog Special. It's two hot dogs, fries (upgrade to potato munchers), and a sweet tea. They have all the toppings you want from a soda counter (chili, slaw, onions, ketchup, mustard, jalapeños, pickles, and on). As for the rest of the menu, they have something for everyone. Salads, wraps, chicken tenders, and their milkshakes are the perfect sweet treat at the end of your meal. You can't go wrong with anything at this former pharmacy on Franklin. You might even see your favorite Carolina athlete!

A cute spot serving classics! Everyone here is super nice and the food is pretty good. I got the french toast with blueberries and there isn't much more I could ask for in a diner-style french toast. Maybe some whipped cream would be nice. I'm looking forward to trying some more savory options next time.

Best burger and atmosphere in the Chapel Hill area period! If you're in the area you must try this place!

Worth a visit if you are in Chapel Hill. A place with rich history in town. The food is also very tasty. Be aware that it closes early.

We were visiting Chapel Hill and looking for a quick lunch. We found Sutton's drug store on Yelp and decided to stop in. We sat at the counter and enjoyed the fun atmosphere. Our waitress suggested the hamburgers and they were excellent.

We were curious but a little leery of trying Sutton's because it seemed to be very touristy. Went at lunch but the line moved well and it didn't take long to be seated. Food and service were great. The milkshakes are especially good.

First impressions and Covid: We were welcomed and seated right away. They do a great job at spacing tables at a safe distance and have the counter closed off to create separation for the staff. Masks are required to be worn at all times (both guests and staff) unless seated at your table. Service: wasn't amazing but wasn't horrible. Had to get the server's attention when we needed something. Food: New Yorker - pastrami was a decent quality and had good flavor. Not very fatty which is hard to find at times. Cheeseburger - pretty much your basic cheeseburger. Definitely nothing to write home about. Final thoughts: Would we return here next time we are in town visiting? Most definitely not. Maybe it's because we aren't college age and don't have the "connection" to it but we have been to much better diner type places that far surpasses Sutton's.

I adore this place. I used to go to the only original Woolworth's Diner left -located in Bakersfield Ca and this place is not the same-but a nice replacement for me. Staff are friendly and the food is really good. I've tried numerous menu items and have been happy with them all!

Cutest restaurant ever! The prices are great and the food is so tasty! I love their "penny" candy collection

Friendly, prompt service. Tasty onion rings. Had the patty melt which was delish. Lots of locals having lunch, construction guys having burgers and hot dogs....chili cheese fries too. Next time!

I was in town for work and some friends recommended this place. I got a burger all the way and it was pretty good. Nothing that stands out, but pretty par for the course of what you'd get at most pub style restaurants. What sets this place apart is the atmosphere! It's near or on UNC's campus and many previous high profile athletes frequented here during their time. It's an old school diner vibe with a lot of nostalgic charm - if you're a UNC fan.lol It was crowded (a good thing), but the service was fast and friendly.

I have been coming to Sutton's since I was a little kid and it has never once disappointed me. I actually love everything on the menu and it is a Chapel Hill classic. The service is always 10/10 and the food comes out perfect every time. You can not go wrong eating there for breakfast or lunch. I love all of the sandwiches as well as the chicken tenders for lunch. For breakfast, you can't go wrong with a biscuit, especially the chicken tender, egg, and cheese biscuit, or the pancakes!

A landmark at Chapel Hill, definitely recommend stopping in for breakfast or lunch. A unique flashback to the days of the soda fountain as a meeting place in small towns. Great staff! The food was fine and decent size servings.

Chapel hill staple. Fun ambiance and good simple food with friendly service. Pretty good prices too especially for the area. Just wish they were open for longer

We happily ate here back in October of 2021 whilst visiting Haw River to rewire my step daughter's house. This time we're back out east to cat-sit while she's on tour (check out Daughter of Swords!). We KNEW we had to come back to Sutton's. This is the flat-top-grill burger I remember from my youth. The one I'd get at the lunch counter in Woolworths. It's not your fancy-pants designer burger made of wagyu beef on an artisanal bun. What it is is loose-packed, crispy edged, perfectly cooked patty of awesomeness on a lightly toasted bun. I got one with all the fixings. I ended up eating it with a knife and fork. For a side I had REAL sweet potato fries. Hand cut...not those weird things made out of mushed tuber. Oh... and the shake! We shared a coffee shake. Big enough for two. Thick... but not too thick. The staff couldn't be more friendly. The manager remembered us from our last trip.... and that's always a treat! Treat YOURSELF and get a burger here next time you're in the area. Yes... they have other things on the menu. Ignore them. GET THE BURGER!

Located on Franklin St., this unique place is a North Carolina landmark. Definitely a must for visitors and fans of Carolina. This place is a drug store for those to pick up prescriptions, a convenience store for snacks and candy and also serves some amazing food!! It was so yummy that we went here twice during our 5 day stay. My bf both times got the 1/3 lb burger with fries, he loved it. The meat was fresh, juicy and pressed. I got the Lone Rider hot dog which had bbq sauce and bacon on it. This place is very affordable and you get a lot for your money! It's a spectacle to look at as it is filled with signed Carolina jerseys and memorabilia and pictures of athletes and college students who have enjoyed their time here. Service was pleasant and friendly. We already can't wait to come back here on our next visit!

I don't live in Chapel Hill any longer (sadly) but I remember eating their delicious cheeseburgers here during the early 1960's and not much has changed. They still put chili and slaw on burgers and that is NC style, the best burger you will ever eat. Friendly wait staff and we ALWAYS stop by Sutton's for a cheeseburger fix when we are in town. If only they would deliver to Virginia! Still reasonable prices too.

Visiting from out-of-town, this was my first time at Sutton's. It's not too big and was obviously a pharmacy in its earlier incarnation. There are still a few pharmacy-related goods available. The seating is basic and you're surrounded by UNC sports memorabilia on the walls. The food is similarly basic, but tasty. I tried a deli turkey and bacon sandwich, though when it arrived, they have forgotten the bacon. But to make up for the error, I got probably four strips of bacon. The service is very good, though, like many places, they are short-staffed. The day I was there, there was a sign on the door stating they would close early for lack of workers.

When visiting this place, I had a swift and Sutton realization. That North Carolina really has a lot of wonderful little places to visit for food. Especially in the Triangle area. Backyard BBQ and Merritt's (Pimento BLT!) are at the top of the list, but Sutton's is on that list too. What to get: Shakes and typical American food What not to get: Body-checked by Michael Jordan in his prime What about if he did it now: Well no, even out of his prime, it's a bad idea Upon tasting the milkshake from here, I suttonly realized that it's my fave shake in town. I like it more than their food, although their burgers, dogs, breakfast sandwiches and general diner food are all pretty good. It's been awhile since I sat down and ate here (I used to visit Chapel Hill a lot when my former best friend was at school here... before he sexually assaulted me on a farm one night. Not even kidding.) back in the old days, but I got my beloved milkshake here for about the 10th time on this most recent trip a couple of months ago. The chocolate is my favourite. It's very well-made. The decor here (masses of old school sports memorabilia from Tarheel history, particularly a Jordanian Shrine) and the brisk-but-friendly service (especially from the guy on the cash register) matches the taste of the excellent shakes. If you're in Chapel Hill and want to sit down and eat, this diner is right near the top of the list of places I'd recommend, behind Merritt's and Backyard as I said. And if you're coming here for the drugs, then bear in mind it's not *that* kind of drug store. Sorry. You can get that crap on campus easily enough. But these milkshakes are pretty damn addictive.

Eggs were perfect. Bacon was good (a little crispier than I prefer. Pancakes were bland. Home fries were flavorful. Service was great. Prices are reasonable.

What a hole in the wall should be !! Every university town needs a place like Sutton's . Great service great food in a diner setting in the back of the store ! Go Heels!

I wanted to try this Chapel Hill institution, so ordered lunch from Sutton's Drug Store (via Takeout Central) not long ago. I had the Sutton's Club on rye bread, with a side salad. Both sandwich and salad were great and hit the spot. I hope that with things reopening, everyone will be able to breathe easier about Sutton's staying in business because I'd love to try out the rest of their menu.

While on business in Chapel Hill on Thursday, August 18, did take out lunch from Suttons. 2 hot dogs (Lone Star and Big Cheese). The quality of the "hot dogs was nasty and gritty, more like a bad sausage then a hot dog Growing up in Chicago on Vienna hotdogs and being a big fan of Nathan Hot dog, the hot dogs I got from Suttons seemed like roll and compressed dog food. The buns were staled, and the Lone Star lacked the advertised bbq sauce. Highly disappointed in the quality and feel it was a waste of money, had I not gotten them to go and was headed out of town would probably have returned to complain. On the only bright side of this place is the friendly and charming staff.

I've been to Sutton's twice now and have really enjoyed both my experiences. Coming here feels like taking a step back in time - they have been open since 1923 and still have lots of old relics around that really add to the atmosphere (old cash register, old Coca Cola memoribilia, etc.). The place is decorated wall-to-wall with pictures of UNC athletes, students, and families. Service is super friendly (they definitely bring that Southern charm!), but it can get busy, especially on weekends. In terms of food, on my most recent visit I got the "Big Cheese" hot dog (topped with bacon, melted cheese, chili, and shredded cheese) and a side of potato munchers. The hot dog was messy but satisfying. The potato munchers were something unique that I had never tried - deep fried potato, cheddar cheese, and jalapeno (our waitress raved about them, and offered to bring me regular fries if I didn't like them). They were flavorful (not super spicy) and I devoured every last one. I couldn't help but sneak quite a few of my husband's crinkle cut fries as well, which were also on point. Best of all, this place is priced to be affordable to students. The cool soda bottle selection and old fashioned candy on display in the front of the store further add to the unique vibe of Sutton's. This has become a favorite place of ours whenever we're in the Chapel Hill area.

my sister brought me here for the first time! she's been here quite a bit with her friends & suggested it for our weekly lunch together between classes// i really like how different the place was compared to other sandwich shops! it was very low key & good place to chill with friends & grab a bit to eat. i knocked off a star because, although it was my first time, i didn't know or wasn't told that fries cost extra;; i don't eat fries regardless so i would've liked another option or just no side would've been alright as well. so as for the service, i think they could work on it a little bit! they were pretty busy as well so that could've played a role in their performance but they were really kind! as i said, the atmosphere is super chill & though it gets a bit crowded/loud, i think it adds to that feature! i really liked it here & the food was great! next time we wanted to try the wraps!

Sutton's will always hold a special place in my heart! I grew up eating there and always loved it! It's even better now, since as a grown up I know a thing or two about quality food! :) My favorite is always the cheeseburger (hand pattied, never frozen) with crinkle cut fries and a black and white milkshake (chocolate syrup in vanilla ice cream)! The great thing about their menu is that it has evolved with the healthy food movement- there are several yummy salads and sandwiches to choose from too. But, best of all, is the beauty of the traditional interior- an old fashioned soda fountain (and former pharmacy), with a neat spin on a way to truly embrace the college town... there are countless photos covering every surface possible, of "regulars" and sports stars. ;) It's just a great place! :) You're sure to enjoy great food, and a good time when you're there!

It sucks to write this review as 3 stars because all of Chapel Hill loves Sutton's. I love Sutton's! The service is phenomenal, and everyone that works there is so nice and caring towards their customers, which is why I keep coming back. Unfortunately, the food has always fallen flat for me. I ordered a veggie sandwich once, and it was about 50% cucumber and 50% everything else which was not a very tasty ratio so I picked the sandwich apart. The fries that came with the meal were also soggy and pretty flavorless. A second time, I ordered a veggie burger and it was very average. Absolutely nothing special about this veggie burger. The fries were, again, soggy and flat. A single sweet potato fry got in my meal and I ate it and it was very good so I will be ordering s.p. fries next time! Sutton's is a staple for Chapel Hill, and a must-try for visitors who want the Carolina culture. The people there are amazing, and they're the reason this business still has such a special place in my heart. Please support Sutton's!!!

We love coming here and used to come every Sunday. Sutton's is the best local diner that really gives Chapel Hill that small town feel. The food is quick, the biscuits are amazing, and the service is great.

Overall, a great diner around campus. Authentic, family-friendly, and good vibes all around. I love going here to grab a bite on game days. The burgers are really juicy and fresh, and the fries are crispy and flavorful. I heard that the milkshakes are really good, so I'll be sure to try that the next time I order! My favorite part of the restaurant is the old UNC pictures and jerseys hanging out around the store. It really shows the bond that the store has with the students and school here.

I love this place. They have great hamburgers and sandwiches and staff. They have tables, but I go for the classic drugstore lunch counter.

A great local place to eat, but I was a tad disappointed with the selection of veggies on my veggie sandwich. Nevertheless, the food was satisfying and at a great price.

If you looked up the expression "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts", you would find a picture of Sutton's Drug Store. Unless you are a college student you probably wouldn't come here for the food alone, and unless you are a nostalgic alumni you probably wouldn't come here for the ambiance alone. You probably wouldn't come here just to see and/or meet current and former UNC athletes - well, maybe that's a bad example. But you get my drift - it is the combination of things this place offers that draws you in, and brings you back. The hamburgers are good, the hot dogs are as good as they can be with the rather thin, weak chili. Most of the other sandwiches, salads, etc are good to serviceable, except of the FF which aren't the best, but this is not a real food destination kind of place. This remains a drug store, with a pharmacy, magazines, greeting cards , cosmetics, and it is a little worn around the edges, but the beyond retro charm still brings back previous visits, meals, sightings, ball games, and the rest. And the pictures, the constantly changing, growing record of the folks, recognizable and not, who come here to eat, to see, and to be seen. I love this place because it still is what it always was for nearly a century, a gathering place in a town that has changed so much. The original Rat is gone, the Goody Shop is gone, The Port Hole is gone, Hector's is gone, the steak house in the pines is gone. Sutton's can still be enjoyed.

It's a lovely feel-good spot. I heard it's quite popular especially among UNC students. It feels like a local community which is amazing. There are photos and old school items that add to the feeling of community and this makes you feel comfortable. This comfort translates into food as well. I tried the chicken tender club with fries. It was crisp, juicy and delicious. Whenever I do go next, I'd like to try their hot dogs and their burgers. It's definitely worth a visit.