If you find yourself in the heart of Lumberton, North Carolina, and your stomach’s rumbling for a local adventure, Highland neighborhood is a flavor-packed destination worth exploring. Whether you’re after Southern comfort food, classic diner fare, international bites, or that perfect cup of coffee, Highland’s food scene offers a dynamic blend of local traditions and surprisingly diverse options. Here’s your inside guide to eating your way through Highland’s best restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and more.
Highland’s Main Foodie Streets: Where to Start Your Adventure
Most of Highland’s vibrant dining spots cluster near Roberts Avenue and West 5th Street, with hidden gems tucked into side streets like Pinecrest Street and the quieter stretches of Martin Luther King Drive. These intersections form the neighborhood’s unofficial “food corridor”—making it easy to enjoy a food crawl on foot or by car.
Down-Home Diners and Classic Comfort
Southern Star Family Restaurant (Roberts Avenue & Martin Luther King Dr.)
*This well-loved diner is a Highland staple for hearty, home-style Southern eats.* Think flaky buttermilk biscuits, country-fried steak, and eggs any way you want them. Breakfast crowds fill the cozy booths every weekend—locals swear by the sausage gravy and hot grits, served at prices that won’t break your wallet (most menu items range from $6-$12).
Dot’s Lunch Counter (West 5th St. near Pinecrest)
A true hidden gem, Dot’s brings a retro vibe with red vinyl stools and hand-written daily specials on the board. Their signature fried bologna sandwiches and house-made pies are legendary, and lunches are usually under $10.
International Flavor: Expanding Palates in Highland
Taqueria La Familia (Martin Luther King Dr., just off Roberts Ave.)
This family-run taco truck is easy to spot—just look for the colorful mural and a line of locals at lunch hour. The aromas of sizzling carnitas and spicy chorizo fill the air, and all tacos ($3 each) come loaded with pickled onions, cilantro, and a choice of fiery or mild salsas. For a real treat, order their “alambre”—a sizzling platter of beef, peppers, cheese, and tortillas.
Taste of the Caribbean (West 5th St. & Highland Ave.)
Beneath a small awning, this unassuming spot delivers bold island flavors—think jerk chicken, curried goat, and plantains. Affordable and authentic, the lunch specials (around $10–$14) come with fragrant rice and peas and a bit of reggae in the background.
Cafés and Cozy Coffee Shops
Perk Up Coffeehouse (Roberts Avenue, across from Highland Park)
Part local hangout, part caffeine haven, Perk Up serves smooth espressos, chai lattes, and bakery goods made fresh daily. Pull up a mismatched chair and enjoy a locally baked cinnamon roll or grab a nitro cold brew for a pick-me-up under $5. Their Saturday morning breakfast sandwiches—made with farm eggs and sharp cheddar—are a must.
Highland Sip & Savor (Pinecrest St., near West 5th)
A recently opened favorite, Highland Sip & Savor offers a serene spot to unwind with creative lattes and house-made pastries. Their vegan banana bread and specialty herbal teas cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
Bakeries and Sweet Treats
The Sugar Spoon (Roberts Ave. at Elm St.)
The waft of fresh pastries draws you into this family-owned bakery. Their pecan sticky buns and red velvet cupcakes are perfect for an afternoon treat, with everything baked from scratch daily. For a special order, don’t miss their custom celebration cakes—often seen at Highland birthdays and anniversaries.
Food Trucks and Street Eats
Highland BBQ Cart (corner of Roberts Ave. & Martin Luther King Dr.)
Don’t let the modest appearance fool you—locals say this food cart serves up the smokiest pulled pork in Lumberton, smothered in tangy vinegar-based sauce. Grab a “BBQ plate” with hushpuppies and slaw for under $12 and eat at the nearby park picnic tables.
Roll Up Egg Rolls (evenings on West 5th St.)
A fusion food truck, Roll Up combines Southern favorites with Asian street food flair. Their shrimp and collard green egg rolls are unique, deeply flavorful, and totally crave-worthy. Catch them most Friday evenings when Highland’s streets come alive with the scent of sizzling sesame oil.
Neighborhood Food Traditions & Annual Eats
What sets Highland apart is its open-armed embrace of Lumberton’s food heritage. Community fish fries—often held at local churches or the Highland Community Center—are a beloved tradition. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a pop-up seafood boil fundraiser or an impromptu bake sale, where friendly neighbors compete to offer the flakiest cobbler.
Every fall, the Highland Food and Music Fest transforms West 5th Street into a festival of flavors, with local chefs and food vendors showcasing everything from turkey barbecue to handmade tamales. These events celebrate not just Highland’s culinary skill, but its deep-rooted pride in local flavor.
Tips for Exploring Highland’s Food Scene
- Check social media or local bulletin boards for food truck hours—many rotate locations.
- Arrive early at diners on Sunday for the best biscuit selection.
- Support family-owned spots by trying a daily special or asking, “What’s freshest today?”
- Bring cash; some food trucks and counters are old-school and don’t always accept cards.
Final Thoughts: Highland’s Food Scene has Heart
Highland may be a small neighborhood, but it brims with big taste. From comfort food cafés and down-home diners to global snack spots, the area offers the kind of food experience that leaves you full—not just of delicious eats, but of that unmistakable feeling of Southern hospitality. So, work up your appetite and head for Highland—you’re in for a culinary journey that’s as warm and genuine as the folks you’ll meet along the way.