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The Best of Chatham is a reflection of our community’s collective voice, a resounding chorus of recommendations and testimonials that illuminate the outstanding establishments and individuals that shape our town. Each winner adds to Chatham’s dynamic tapestry, from the top restaurants and bars to the finest local cultural experiences and trustworthy services.

Join us in celebrating the best in dining, entertainment, shopping, services and more. Winners are published in the Fall issue of Chatham Magazine.

Are you a Chatham business owner? Check out our resources below for free graphics and marketing tips to promote your business. (Note: Advertising does not guarantee a spot as a winner.)

Best of Chatham Resources

Best of Chatham 2026 Winners

*All results listed in alphabetical order.

** The presence of five or more winners is the result of a tie

Dining

Asian Food
Akira Hibachi Express(opens in new tab)
New Japan(opens in new tab)
Szechuan Village(opens in new tab)
Tikka Masala(opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

Barbecue
Allen & Son Bar-B-Que(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
The Boneyard(opens in new tab)
The Broken Spit(opens in new tab)
Ni Armor's Hawaiian & Polynesian BBQ(opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

Biscuits
Al’s Diner(opens in new tab)
Crossroads Grill(opens in new tab)
The Phoenix Bakery(opens in new tab)
Virlie’s Grill(opens in new tab)

Breakfast/Brunch
Al’s Diner(opens in new tab)
Breakaway Cafe(opens in new tab)
Small Cafe B and B(opens in new tab)
Virlie’s Grill(opens in new tab)

Burger and Fries
The Boneyard(opens in new tab)
Carolina Brewery(opens in new tab)
Chris’s Drive-In(opens in new tab)
Town Hall Burger & Beer(opens in new tab)

Catering
39 West Catering
Best(opens in new tab)
Bestfood Cafeteria(opens in new tab)
Cafe Root Cellar(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
Scurlock’s Catering(opens in new tab)

Chef
(opens in new tab
(opens in new tab)Sera Cuni, Cafe Root Cellar(opens in new tab)
Paul Gagne, The Fearrington House Restaurant(opens in new tab)
Chad Hardin, West End Kitchen
Ke(opens in new tab)
Conner Jenkins, Xu Catering(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab
(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)

Cocktails
The Beagle
Do
(opens in new tab)
Doherty's Irish Pub & Restaurant(opens in new tab)
Mi Cancun(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills(opens in new tab)

Coffee Shop
Aromatic Roasters(opens in new tab)
Breakaway Cafe(opens in new tab)
The Chatham Rabbit(opens in new tab)
Mystic Mocha Coffee Shop(opens in new tab)

Comfort Food/Southern Food
Al’s Diner(opens in new tab)
Bestfood Cafeteria(opens in new tab)
S&T’s Soda Shoppe(opens in new tab)
Virlie’s Grill(opens in new tab)

Craft Beverage Producer(opens in new tab)
BMC Brewing(opens in new tab)
Carolina Brewery(opens in new tab)
Fair Game Beverage Co.(opens in new tab)
Thirsty Skull Brewing(opens in new tab)

Desserts/Pastries
Carolina Cravings Co.
Fa(opens in new tab)
Fancy & Frosted(opens in new tab)
The Phoenix Bakery(opens in new tab)
S&T’s Soda Shoppe(opens in new tab)

Dog-Friendly Patio
Breakaway Cafe(opens in new tab)
Carolina Brewery(opens in new tab)
Hoops Pizzeria(opens in new tab)
The Plant(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)

Frozen Treats
Circle City Ice Cream(opens in new tab)
Creative Creamery(opens in new tab)
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice(opens in new tab)
S&T’s Soda Shoppe(opens in new tab)

Italian Food
Capp’s Pizzeria & Trattoria(opens in new tab)
Elizabeth’s Pizza (Pittsboro)(opens in new tab)
Elizabeth’s Pizza (Siler City)(opens in new tab)
Tarantini Italian Restaurant(opens in new tab)

Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Cafe Root Cellar(opens in new tab)
Carolina Brewery(opens in new tab)
S&T’s Soda Shoppe(opens in new tab)
Virlie’s Grill(opens in new tab)

Mexican/Latin American Food
Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila(opens in new tab)
Compadres Tequila Lounge (Pittsboro)(opens in new tab)
Mi Cancun(opens in new tab)
San Felipe Mexican Restaurant(opens in new tab)
Ta Contento(opens in new tab)

New Restaurant
The Boneyard(opens in new tab)
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant(opens in new tab)
Hoops Pizzeria(opens in new tab)
SaBeans Coffee(opens in new tab)

Outdoor Dining
The Belted Goat(opens in new tab)
Cafe Root Cellar(opens in new tab)
Carolina Brewery(opens in new tab)
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant(opens in new tab)
Hoops Pizzeria(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)

Overall Restaurant
(opens in new tab
The Fearrington House Restaurant(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)Hoops Pizzeria(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)The Sycamore at Chatham Mills(opens in new tab)
West End Kitchen(opens in new tab)

Pizza
Capp’s Pizzeria & Trattoria(opens in new tab)
Elizabeth’s Pizza (Pittsboro)(opens in new tab)
Hoops Pizzeria(opens in new tab)
The Mod(opens in new tab)

Place for a Beer(opens in new tab)
Carolina Brewery(opens in new tab)
The City Tap(opens in new tab)
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
Thirsty Skull Brewing(opens in new tab)

Date Night(opens in new tab)

The Beagle(opens in new tab)
Cafe Root Cellar(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills(opens in new tab)
West End Kitchen(opens in new tab)

Place for Vegetarians

Breakaway Cafe(opens in new tab)
Cafe Root Cellar(opens in new tab)
Greek Kouzina(opens in new tab)
(opens in new ta
West End Kitchen(opens in new tab)

Place to Watch the Game
Carolina Brewery(opens in new tab)
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant(opens in new tab)
Hoops Pizzeria(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
Hops & Berry Taproom(opens in new tab)

Queso
Aye! Toro(opens in new tab)
Mi Cancun(opens in new tab)
San Felipe Mexican Restaurant
Ta Contento(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)

Sandwiches
Allen & Son Bar-B-Que(opens in new tab)
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
The Phoenix Bakery(opens in new tab)
S&T’s Soda Shoppe(opens in new tab)

Seafood
Capt. John’s Dockside
(opens in new tab)
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)West End Kitchen(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)

Steak
The Fearrington House Restaurant(opens in new tab)
Hayley-Bales Steakhouse(opens in new tab)
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills(opens in new tab)
Virlie’s Grill(opens in new tab)

Takeout
Cafe Root Cellar(opens in new tab)
Greek Kouzina(opens in new tab)
Hoops Pizzeria(opens in new tab)
The Mod(opens in new tab)

Upscale Restaurant
The Fearrington House Restaurant(opens in new tab)
Hayley-Bales Steakhouse(opens in new tab)
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills(opens in new tab)
Tarantini Italian Restaurant(opens in new tab)

Wine, Beer and/or Spirits Shop
580 Craft Beer(opens in new tab)
FireClay Cellars(opens in new tab)
Forgotten Road Ales (formerly House of Hops)(opens in new tab)
Vino!! Wine Shop(opens in new tab)

Retail

Home & Garden

Services

Arts & Entertainment

Health & Wellness

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