When a restaurant has been around for longer than most can remember, then that’s a great sign. It means generations of families have visited time and time again for not only good food, but also great service. North Carolina has a large number of restaurants that have withstood the test of time – and one of them is ‘hiding’ a mere six miles south of the Capital City.
When the Toot-n-Tell first opened in 1946, the city of Raleigh was one-tenth the size it is now, with a population of around 46,000.
Google Maps/Explore Raleigh
And the Toot-n-Tell? It was just a drive-up restaurant that didn’t have any indoor seating. You’d literally drive up, toot your horn, tell them what you wanted, and out it would come. Today, thanks to expansions over the years, there are three separate dining rooms to accommodate inside dining.
Google Maps/Bryan Tomlinson
Aside from a menu (which we’ll get to) and daily specials, the Toot-n-Tell is famous for their southern-style buffet. The ‘hot bar’ is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
Google Maps/Helen Tilkins
It’s brimming with southern fare, including fried chicken like grandma used to make! There’s no way you’re leaving this buffet hungry or disappointed.
Google Maps/Explore Raleigh
Each weekend, you’ll also find the buffet open for breakfast. From homemade biscuits and gravy to just about anything you desire, the food is aplenty — so bring your hungriest self and enjoy!
TripAdvisor/SparklinEyez09
Now, about the menu… yes, you can avoid overeating over at that buffet, but honestly, the menu items are served up in heaping portions. But if you’d prefer just a dinner plate, you can order it up just that way you like. Basically, choose your choice of meat and two sides.
Google Maps/Helen Tilkins
You can’t go wrong with a tried-and-true restaurant that’s been open since right after the end of WWII. That’s a long time!
Google Maps/Scott H.
The Toot-n-Tell is located in the town of Garner, a suburb to the south of Raleigh. When the drive-in opened in 1946, the population of Garner was 768.
Google Maps
Have you had the pleasure of dining at the Toot-n-Tell? We’d love to know!
Google Maps/Explore Raleigh
Google Maps/Bryan Tomlinson
Google Maps/Helen Tilkins
TripAdvisor/SparklinEyez09
Google Maps/Scott H.
Google Maps
It’s located at 903 W Garner Rd., Garner, NC 27529. It’s open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn more on the official website!
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