For more than 90 years, Merritt’s Grill has been serving Chapel Hill’s best sandwiches from its iconic location on South Columbia Street. 🥓
What began as a tiny operation cooking bacon on hot plates in a cramped back kitchen has evolved into a Chapel Hill landmark where the smell of sizzling bacon draws crowds daily.
The locally-owned sandwich shop sources local artisan breads and farm-fresh ingredients, proving that exceptional food doesn’t require complicated recipes—just uncompromising commitment to quality and consistency. 🍅
How Merritt’s Grill Won Chapel Hill’s Hearts
Merritt’s Grill’s reputation as a beloved Chapel Hill destination didn’t happen overnight—it developed through decades of unwavering dedication to perfecting the art of sandwich making.
The restaurant earned its legendary status by focusing obsessively on one sandwich: the BLT.
While other establishments chased trends and expanded menus endlessly, Merritt’s understood that mastering the fundamentals would win more hearts than offering everything to everyone.
Their award-winning BLT features generous portions of crispy bacon, fresh green lettuce, seriously juicy slices of ripe vine tomatoes, mayo, salt, and pepper on perfectly toasted sourdough bread—a combination so perfectly executed that customers describe it as “the best BLT ever.” 🏆
Locals who’ve been eating at Merritt’s since the 1990s remember when the operation was even smaller, yet the quality has remained consistently outstanding through every evolution.
The introduction of breakfast sandwiches and Linda Woods’ Famous Chicken Salad gave regulars more reasons to visit.
Their philosophy of supporting neighboring businesses by sourcing local artisan breads and fresh ingredients resonated with Chapel Hill residents who value community-focused establishments.
Food Highlights
- Double BLT: The most popular upgrade from the classic, this award-winning sandwich delivers twice the bacon with the same fresh lettuce, juicy vine tomatoes, and toasted sourdough that made Merritt’s famous.
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Triple BLT: This epic creation features three times the bacon, making it the ultimate indulgence for serious bacon lovers—customers call every ingredient perfectly fresh with generous portions that satisfy completely.
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Single BLT: Known as “Merritt’s signature love sandwich,” this perfectly balanced creation proves why simple done right beats complicated every time—customers who don’t normally like BLTs make exceptions for this one.
- Turkey, Bacon, Guacamole (TBG): This deluxe sandwich layers roasted turkey breast with bacon and fresh guacamole for a California-meets-Carolina creation that satisfies those craving something beyond the classics.
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Merritt’s Club Sandwich: A traditional triple-decker done right, featuring generous amounts of turkey, ham, bacon, and American cheese tumbling over toasted bread of your choice.
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Bologna Sandwich: Thick-cut bologna fried on the bacon grill transforms this childhood favorite into a legitimate adult indulgence, served hot with egg and cheese for breakfast or as a nostalgic lunch option.
- Pimento Cheese with Bacon: Customers describe this as “heaven on earth in sandwich form,” combining homemade Southern pimento cheese with crispy bacon for an irresistible flavor combination.
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Grandpa’s Tomato: A simple yet beloved option featuring vine-ripened tomatoes thick-sliced and slathered with mayo, salt, and pepper on a choice of toasted bread—proof that fresh ingredients need nothing more.
Atmosphere
The vibe at Merritt’s Grill perfectly captures small-town charm with big-hearted hospitality, where locals greet each other by name and newcomers immediately feel welcomed into the community. 🌿
The outdoor seating area surrounded by towering bamboo creates an unexpectedly peaceful retreat, featuring flowers planted in old wheelbarrows and plenty of tables under shade.
Inside, the tiny space buzzes with energy as sandwiches get expertly assembled—the perfect balance between speed and perfection that loyal customers have come to expect.
Bottom Line
Visit Merritt’s Grill for legendary BLTs perfected over 90+ years, fresh local ingredients including artisan breads and farm-fresh produce, award-winning sandwiches made with warm Southern hospitality, and charming outdoor seating among bamboo stalks. ⭐
Experience the Chapel Hill institution that proves simple sandwiches done right never go out of style.
Address:
1009 South Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
📞 (919) 942-4897
🕔 Open Mon-Sat, 7 AM–4 PM (closed Sun)