Where to Eat in Kenly: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Natalie Tallman

Kenly is a town in Johnston and Wilson counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It was named for John R. Kenly, Northern Division Superintendent of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad who later became President of the Railroad in 1913. The population was 1,339 at the 2010 census. Kenly is the home of the Eastern North Carolina Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) State Executive Offices and Conference Center.

1. Stormin Norman's

300 Church St, Kenly, NC 27542-5006 Takeout, Seating, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Barbecue Lunch SGD 7 - SGD 13 +1 919-284-0061
Excellent
48%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 30 reviews

Stormin Norman's

Reviewed By Joe H - Selma, North Carolina

I wrote a review quite some time ago that was very critical and for good reason. The food and tea back then was simply not good and often hit or miss on quality, taste, freshness, and temperature. I revisited in the past couple of days and was surprised by the variety of fresh and semi-fresh precooked choices, attentiveness of the staff and owner, and portion sizes. Everything was really flavorful and very good. I had the barbecue, black eyed peas, and coleslaw. I also tried the steamed cabbage, homemade macaroni, and pork ribs - all very good. The three of us enjoyed a late lunch and all under $28.00. The owner came to our table and offered homemade banana pudding that we all enjoyed free of charge! The only negative was the drinks were not dispensing what was actually labeled but they quickly took care of the problem. Their sanitation grade was prominently displayed and currently an excellent 98.5. The place looks and feels clean with upbeat and very friendly staff. Whatever changes they have made in the past couple of years has definitely won me over and I will be returning soon.

2. Dunkin' Donuts

1000 Truckstop Rd, Kenly, NC 27542-7518 +1 919-284-6109
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 2 reviews

Reviewed By Dino G - New York City, New York

Never toasted bagel as requested and did not cut in half also requested. They do not have allot in stock as most of what i asked for at 10 am they said they did not have

3. Nik's Pizza & Restaurant

406 S Church St, Kenly, NC 27542-5002 Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, American, Greek Lunch, Dinner SGD 7 - SGD 25 +1 919-284-4255
Excellent
39%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
3%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 27 reviews

Nik's Pizza & Restaurant

Reviewed By mrdriggy - Acworth, Georgia

So, it's a small buffet with a decent salad bar. Pizza is fine but they are not real strong on variety at the buffet. The marinara was not that great but edible. If you're in a hurry and a salad and a few slices of...MoreThank you for the review. Just want to let our customers know that we are now managing our page on TripAdvisor and responding to posts. Hope you come to eat with us soon. Sincerely Niks Pizza

4. Seafood Station

100 S. Church St, Kenly, NC 27542 Seafood +1 919-284-1004
Excellent
56%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Seafood Station

Reviewed By Joe H - Selma, North Carolina

By far the absolute best place to buy fresh fish or just sit down and eat perfectly prepared seafood lunch or dinner. Everything is delicious and there are plenty of choices. Fresh flounder, scallops, shrimp, oysters, mullet, sea bass, rock fish, cheeseburgers (really good), hot dogs (only the best brightleaf), oyster stew, fish stew, vegetable sides, and more. This has been a well kept local secret that is right off of I95 near exit 107. This place is plain and simple and is located in a former gas station right at the crossroads of highway 222 and U.S. 301 just a quarter mile from I95. If you are looking for a real treat you cannot find any better. I have been enjoying this place for almost ten years and grew up on the coast of North Carolina. I cannot think of any restaurant down east that can top this place. Their prices have increased over the years but still well worth it. Do not expect fancy but the place is neat and clean and you will likely want to come back again and again. I especially enjoy the triple combo with fresh catfish, scallops, and shrimp with coleslaw and black eyed peas for sides. They will broil most of the fish if you request. The fried fish is done with a sweet batter that so good, flaky, and light - not hard fried.

5. Hwy 55 Burgers

306 Church St, Suite A, Kenly, NC 27542-5006 Lunch, Dinner +1 919-284-0450
Excellent
56%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Reviewed By CNYcamper - Tully, New York

Stopped here simply because it was near hotel and lot looked full of locals, wasn't disappointed. Great fresh burgers, crispy fries and handmade onion rings. 2 kids had chicken tenders with fries served in neat looking car both said they were good and ate them all... that's all I need to here. I had Philly cheese steak...best one I've had in years, hands down. Frozen custard for dessert. Family of 5, sodas, dinner, dessert...$39 plus tip. Way better than McD's. Staff was over the top friendly.

6. Iron Skillet

923 Johnston Pkwy, Kenly, NC 27542-7502 Takeout, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner +1 919-284-5121
Excellent
43%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
6%
Terrible
19%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 31 reviews

Iron Skillet

Reviewed By Billcat52 - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Stopped here to grab a quick lunch. My wife had the chicken tenders which were pretty dry and somewhat on the peppery side. I had the mushroom and swiss burger, which was disappointing and not very tasty, served on a roll that seemed a bit stale. The cole slaw was, on the other hand, surprisingly good. Our server was friendly and prompt.

7. Wendy's

923 Johnston Pkwy, Kenly, NC 27542-7502 +1 919-502-7069
Excellent
22%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 9 reviews

Wendy's

Reviewed By sunfun4850 - North Fort Myers, Florida

We usually stop here to & from Maryland to Florida. There several fast food restaurants inside the Kenly 95 truck stop. Wendy's is on the far right and Subway on the far left. The staff is very efficient & friendly. The line maybe long but it moves quickly. The foods are the usual Wendy foods. We tried the apple chicken pecan salad which was delicious. There were lots of chicken which was warm & tender and plenty of ingredients. If you get the full size, they give you 2 bags of pecans and 2 salad dressings (pomegranate vinaigrette). It is enough for 2 people. We are usually in a rush since we have to get back on the road and this place meets our criteria.

8. Arby's

1000 Truckstop Rd, Kenly, NC 27542-7518 American Lunch +1 919-284-5749
Excellent
45%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
11%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 9 reviews

Reviewed By Edward S - Lexington, South Carolina

We were ttaveling and what canI say but in this bracket of fast food, lately Arby's has impressed me. Like their chicken sandwiches and roast beef as does the wife. So you understand they are notin competition with the fine dining establishments and visa versa. In their bracket they do a great job for on the go travelers.

9. Lowell Mill Restaurant

595 Bagley Rd, Exit 105 I-95, Kenly, NC 27542-7369 American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner +1 919-284-5141
Excellent
25%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
12%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 8 reviews

Reviewed By maldar - Michigan

I have been here many times and this review is for tonight. This evening I came in and setup my laptop and the waitress asked me what I would like to drink. That was the last she talked to me. I'm not sure if she thought I wanted the buffet or what, but after an hour of not getting anything at the buffet she should have figured it out. I could have gotten her attention, but I decided to sit back and see what she would do, which was not ask if I wanted anything. I did want the salad bar, but my need to see what she would do stopped me from asking her about it.

10. Subway

923 Johnston Pkwy, TA Travel Center Truck Stop, Kenly, NC 27542-7502 +1 919-502-7027
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
25%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 4 reviews

Subway

Reviewed By sunfun4850 - North Fort Myers, Florida

We usually stop by this Travel Center on our travels to & from FL. We always have a healthy sub at this Subways. The specials are priced right. This time we tried the 12" Turkey & Ham on a Honey Oat roll ($7). It was very good. We were there on a Sunday at 12:30PM and not too crowded. The service was quick and the place was very clean! we'll be back on our next trip.

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