Nestled between the coastal plains and the central piedmont, Southern Pines and its close neighbor Pinehurst appear to be idyllic, small town America communities. Most famous for its world-class golf courses, equestrian training grounds, and southern charm, the quiet and quaint Sandhills region lights up with excitement when put on a national stage during US Open tourneys. With a mix of old-school steakhouses, fine dining, tea rooms, and neighborhood pubs, the dining scene in the area is steeped in history with clean, crisp edges, and a chaser of small modern surprises in the most unexpected places.
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7 Outstanding Restaurants in Southern Pines/Pinehurst, North Carolina
Where to dine while in town for the U.S. Women’s Open.

Ashten's
Comfortable yet elegant, Ashten’s prides itself on using local products while having a globally inspired menu but from a Southern perspective. Choose from an a la carte menu (the Reuben egg rolls and crispy duck are popular choices), a chef’s tasting menu or family style supper on Sundays complete with a basket of fresh baked bread and a pickle of the day.
The Sly Fox Pub
A proper British gastropub at its core, this clever restaurant’s menu is a study in English rule with fish ‘n’ chips and mushy peas sidled up with Indian-inspired butter chicken and lamb vindaloo on the daily offerings. For brunch, a full English breakfast and red velvet waffles make an appearance. An impressive indoor display of tap handles from all over the world hang from the ceiling above the bar, extending the awe-dropping exhibit to the extensive list of regional craft brews and British beers.
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Yellowbird Southern Table & Bar
This place is ground zero for boozy brunches with buttery biscuits, complete with mimosa towers and piping hot beignets. Serving brunch every day until 4 p.m., Yellowbird’s food menu offers everything from pickle-brined chicken sandwiches and tomato avocado Benedicts to a lobster pie “pop tart,” and ham-hock-and-bourbon steamed mussels. Wash it all down with Stacy’s Mom (Bulleit rye, Aperol, fig, and lemon), Grandma’s Special Tea spiked with vodka, or signature Yellow Bird cocktail with Aviation gin, turmeric, ginger, egg white, and lemon bitters.
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Betsy's Crepes
This cozy, yet busy cafe named after owner Betsy Markey makes crepes paired with a breakfast shot of whiskey, OJ, Buttershots, and bacon — a very intriguing morning option. Starting at 7 a.m. every day, choose crepes filled with simple cinnamon and sugar or overstuffed options like the Superman with eggs, bacon or sausage, peanut butter (yes, that’s right), bananas, and Nutella. Gluten-free crepe options, zesty soups, pressed paninis, and salads round out the menu.
Island Jerk Cuisine
Travel to the Caribbean on your lunch break by way of Island Jerk Cuisine. Feast on traditional Jamaican items like jerk chicken, curry goat, deep fried festival cornmeal dumplings, and escovitch fish topped with spicy homemade pikliz at this refreshing Cam Square Plaza oasis — or go all out with the saucy, spicy oxtail platter combination with crunchy, crispy fried chicken that comes with plantains, steamed vegetables, salad and a choice of white rice, pigeon peas and rice, or mashed potatoes. Reservations aren’t required but calling ahead is suggested as plates sell out quickly.
Chapman's Food and Spirits
Locals swarm for the classic, approachable menu — ranging from Cajun crawfish fries smothered with a chipotle cream sauce to the Hamm burger, named after executive chef Peter Hamm, with a blend of ground chuck, short rib, and beef brisket with caramelized onions, pork belly, gorgonzola spread on brioche to a vegetarian-friendly option with hummus and spinach-stuffed wraps. Salads, haddock and fries, and daily specials are also on offer.
Pinehurst Track Restaurant
The racecourse surrounding Pinehurst Track Restaurant opened in 1915 as a training center for horses in the winter months. This cash-only spot is a gathering place for celebrities and locals alike. The plate-sized blueberry pancakes are the most popular here, alongside the scrambled eggs platter that comes with home fries or grits, toast, and sausage or bacon.