Time-Out Restaurant - East Franklin

Stopped by this 24-hour diner for a quick bite and left with mixed impressions but a full stomach. The honey biscuit was a bit too much on the sweet side—drenched in honey to the point where I couldn’t really taste the biscuit itself. A lighter touch would go a long way. On the other hand, the chicken cheese biscuit sandwich featured a generous, juicy piece of chicken, though it was slightly over-salted for my taste. Service was excellent—the worker was both friendly and informative, and my order came out fast. You really can’t beat the prices here, especially with the size of the portions and the fact that it’s open 24/7. The menu is huge, and I’m already planning my next visit. Looking forward to trying a plain biscuit to really get a sense of the flavor, and I’ve got my eye on a cinnamon roll too.

Good food and good service! If you’re looking for some affordable southern comfort food keep Time Out in mind. The meal was fresh and tasty! There was a nice variety of menu items to try. The food was already made so there was no wait. Handicap accessible. Street parking and space is limited. Open 24 hrs. Family friendly.

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!!

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!

Fried Chicken, MJ Legends & a Bucket of Bones While visiting UNC Chapel Hill, we made a stop at Time-Out, and it turned into one of the most unexpectedly charming, delicious, and story-filled meals of our trip. The owner, who still works the register after many decades, told us the backstory behind their legendary Bucket of Bones - a brilliant bit of Southern ingenuity. Back in the day, they’d cut the meat off fried chicken for sandwiches and were left with a pile of bones still loaded with flavor. So what did they do? Gave folks a way to eat what many really want anyway: the juicy, tender meat right by the bone. A hit was born, apparently and Michael Jordan loved it too when he was in school at UNC. He still comes by from time to time, we were told. But truly, the fried chicken is the standout. That crackly, hard shell crust? Unreal. It breaks apart like a potato chip and gives way to perfectly seasoned meat. Collard greens were melt-in-your-mouth tender. The mac and cheese didn’t hit the same- too much oil and that familiar separation that happens when the cheese sauce “breaks” from overheating or too much fat without emulsification. Cornbread was sweet, more like a honey cake and made a great unofficial dessert. The place feels like a diner frozen in time in the best way - a classic buffet line, Southern hospitality, and storytelling that stays with you. I’d definitely come back, if only for that bucket and that crust.

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.

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.

Food was okay, I can see this being a 2am spot. Bathroom was extremely clean.