Alberta General Store

I love Brunswick Stew and Chuck makes the best! Not to mention some of the friendliest people on earth. I haven’t been here once and the food wasn’t perfect but that’s what happens when you make your food with love. This place will not disappoint and I promise you will leave with a smile!

This place is a hoot! Nice bunch of ladies having a good time making great food and laughing a lot. It’s contagious — I enjoyed talking to everybody while I was waiting for my food. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but who the heck cares! This was my second time in after being here four days ago, and I got instant greetings from everyone — really nice people. The food — unpretentious home cooking. Brunswick stew — excellent. Bacon cheeseburger — excellent. Fish platter special — excellent. They’ve just reopened after a break, and it’s well worth the stop — a couple of minutes off I-​85.

Went out of our way because we must have been past the exit, but it was definitely worth backtracking! The Brunswick stew was wonderful, but the hospitality of the owners and other patrons reminds you why you should frequent America’s back roads, at least occasionally! Loved it and we’ll be back!

I’ve had this review saved for the past 1.5 years, it’s about time I get this posted.
My wife and I were driving down to South Carolina and right around the NC/​VA border we started to get hungry. Previously that week I had finally decided to become a Unilocal!citizen because both my siblings couldn’t stop talking about finding such amazing hidden-​gem restaurants.
Well, Unilocal did not disappoint. The Alberta General Store & Deli was the first hidden gem I found on Unilocal.
The Brunswick stew. It’s just what you have to get. I can’t remember anything else except the Brunswick stew and their Apple Pie. Both were amazing. I remember leaving that place full and very happy. The owners are some of the kindest people, and I wish them a fantastic 2015!

Great experience, small town general store just 4 to 5 minutes off route 85. Try the Brunswick stew!
I drive twice a month from NOVA to Raleigh. I exited one time off 85 because I was getting tired and wanted a diet coke to perk me up. I pulled into the two block town of Alberta, a mile or two past some soy fields.
When I walked into the Alberta General Store, the owners Cheryl and Charles where in the back. I asked if they accepted VISA, they said no (they do now). Cheryl said I could pay them next time I pass through. Who these days would be so kind to a total stranger? I just happened to have a a Company check and I felt bad about writing a two dollar check, so I asked her what else she could recommend?
It did not take long for us to start talking about the Brunswick stew as we looked at the 3 or 4 foot wide stew pot. OK, I tried a sample of Charles’s stew and it was great. I bought a quart Brunswick stew to go. For dessert I tried some «two foot apple pie» whats that mean? I excused myself at the register to use the rest room while Cheryl put my order together. When I got back she had finished and put an extra water with energy pack in my bag with some extra rolls and a mint. A care package? Who does this anymore?
When I went back a few weeks later, the owner waved as I talked on the cell phone as I stood in the middle of main street. (Why was I talking in the middle of Main St? because I could, very cool) They are so friendly and disarming. This time I had planned to quickly grab a bowl of the B stew and pick up a few quarts to go.
OK, so nothing happens fast in this Alberta, while I ate I spoke to a handful of locals about that weekends Brunswick stew cook-​off. I also got an interesting 50 year living history of the area from the cashier. Thirty minutes later I ended up buying three quarts of stew to go and I got down the road.
What an honest and uncomplicated place, well worth the detour.

There aren’t enough stars in the world to describe the magnificence of Alberta’s heart and soul, which are centralized in the deli. This whole town has unrivaled hospitality, and the deli has unrival-​able Brunswick Stew! This deli is a shining example of a Third Place.

Not just a deli! A must stop off 85 for delicious down home fried chicken ! Unilocal review sent us there and with friendly service and good food we were glad we stopped!

A great place to stop for a quality bite to eat that won’t break the bank.

After getting engaged in SC, my new fiancée and I drove back up to our hometown in NJ. We, like many of the other reviewers, were looking for something that wasn’t just generic fast food off of I-​85. Unilocal led us to the General Store, and I must say, this is just small-​town charm and the friendliest people you will ever meet! They made all of our food fresh, and it was great on the budget. They even gave us a sample of the Brunswick Stew. The food was delicious — our sandwiches felt like they had the love & care that our mothers used to put into them back in the day when we took box lunches to school.
The food is delicious, but my favorite part is the people. They are just so nice to everyone that comes in, and they love their town. It is so nice to see people that still have hometown pride. They have a town dog, Albert, who hangs out in the thrift shop across the street, but apparently goes home at night with the General Store owners. He is adorable and sweet. They also support one another — I even got to buy some «Bug-​Off» soap that was made by a local single mother.
And the best part? They have local children decorate their paper to-​go bags at the General Store. One look at the initials on the bottom of the bag, and the lady helping us knew exactly which child it was.
You must stop here; even if you aren’t hungry, you can always use the warm smiles and welcoming you get from this shop!

The Alberta General Store & Deli is as local as local can get. A highway backup combined with a little pre-​dinner hunger were the reasons I detoured from I-​85. A brief glance at Unilocal came up with this little place with 18 Five Star Ratings. ITS A LITTLE HARD TO FIND, BUT WELL WORTH THE DETOUR!!!
On a healthy kick, I opted for the Brunswick Stew and Caramelized Yellow Squash and Onions. To encourage community development, they invite visitors to visit the consignment bazar across the street saying, «We’ll ring the bell when your food’s ready».
The dishes were so good, I took four frozen containers of stew home, along with trading recipes with «Chef Chuck». Yes, Charles gave me his recipe for Squash & Onions in exchange for my famous Basel Frittata (includes enough fresh basel to make a salad) – Let me know if it shows up on the menu, I am sure they will make it taste greatL

We frequently drive I85 between Raleigh and Richmond and we are not fans of fast food. I jumped on Unilocal on a whim while we were driving and found this place. We will definitely be coming back! The food was great and everyone was so friendly and patient with our young kids. The Brunswick stew is fantastic– we brought some frozen stew home with us because we liked it so much. This place is truly a gem. The owner even said we could call ahead if we were driving by near closing time on a Friday night (which is when we’re often on the road) and he would make sure they stayed open for us to eat. If you’re anywhere near this place, I definitely recommend it!

Found this place by accident!!! A great welcome on walking into the store. Sat down to a great surprise. The food was awesome, potato soap was the best ever. If ever driving north from North Carolina, this is a must place to eat. Highly recommend.

Great country style food and great people. Guest are greeted and made to feel welcome for their entire visit. Make certain to try one of their delicious desserts! Amazingly short distance from I-​85.

Had lunch here with my old man today. What a hidden gem! Every person we met was super friendly. And The Andy Griffith Show was playing on a nearby TV. Having never tried it before, I was eager to sample the house specialty Brunswick Stew. In the words of Jimmy Walker it was DYNO-​MIITE! A fantastic blend of savory and sweet that I kicked up with a dash of hot sauce. It went well with my tomato and grilled cheese sandwich. Dad had the tuna cold plate salad. His only complaint was that they were to generous with the portions. And the sweet tea reminded me of something my Granny might have made. Heck, I may go back tomorrow!

Super friendly and good food. I was looking for a place to get breakfast along I-​85 that was not ‘fast food’.
What a pleasant place to get a hearty breakfast and a welcoming atmosphere — and a sample of the famous Brunswick Stew.
I’ll definitely be back.

As a frequent traveler between Virginia and North Carolina via I-​85, I am unfortunately quite familiar with the South Hill exit dining options. Fast food is fine if you really do need it fast, but I’ve been wanting something a little more substantial on our drives.
Last night, we were lucky enough to come upon the Alberta General Store & Deli (by searching Unilocal along our intended drive). We could not be happier with our find. Local folks, serving locally-​made food, helping to revive a small-​town American downtown. Count us in!
My wife had the Brunswick Stew, and it lived up to every lofty expectation. It was simply delicious, and was the hit of the table. (The owners were kind enough to provide samples to all in my family, which no doubt saved my wife’s meai from complete plunder.) My wife also had a fried egg sandwich, which she reports was every bit as good as it looked. I had a hot ham and cheese, which was fine, but nothing I couldn’t make at home. (Then again, how fancy can a hot ham and cheese get?)
The double cheeseburger my oldest son had scored high marks with him, while the barbecue pork sandwich my middle son had probably rated as the second-​biggest hit of the evening. Somewhat in the eastern-​NC style (though less vinegary), the meat was tender, moist, and very pleasantly lean. I’m not sure whether sauce on the table is homemade or not, but it too was quite good.
We finished off the meal with homemade vanilla cake with chocolate frosting for the boys, and a pineapple upside down cake for my wife. Everyone enjoyed their desserts.
The general store part of the establishment is a treat to look through while waiting for your meal. They’ve started featuring crafts for sale from Alberta locals, some of which are quite charming.

The pork loin and turnip greens today for lunch were great, but the slice of sweet potato pie was even better. The two sisters who run the general store were charming and very gracious. I’ll definitely take that exit on I-​85 again.

I’m a sucker for local places with personality and pride in their business. This place was awesome. We learned about the small town’s caboose project and Brunswick stew competition. The food here was amazing — but I think the genuine southern hospitality is what really won me over.

What a fantastic place! If you’re driving down I-​85 between Richmond and Durham and need a place to eat, this is your stop. Go here and eat! Food is great, service is great and the deserts are unbelievable.
Try the Brunswick stew, the pecan pie and the coconut pie! You won’t be sorry!

I will be back. I support medical equipment, had to find Alberta Rescue (drove right by it driving in and didn’t even see it). The owner was very hospitable, informed me of my errors in navigation and steered me in the correct direction.
That is of course after a homemade biscuit, nestled inside my biscuit was a real slice of cheese, real sausage and a country fresh egg. Accompanied with this amazing breakfast beast was a wonderful glass of Tropicana OJ and fresh, fresh coffee. I felt like I was having a tea party with the owner. Needless to say, I arrived around 07:50 and didn’t even head for the rescue squad till and hour later!
Oh, and I sampled the Brunswick Stew, unreal! You must go there next time your close! Best of all, I did not realize they were cash only (understandable with what the merchants charge per sale) so she just said, and I quote, «This one is on me, I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation». Really? Yes. and Yes again! There are still awsome people in this world! And yes, I returned upon completion of my original reason for the trip to Alberta and graciously expressed my appreciation. Oh, and my breakfast? $ 5.16! SUPPORT PLACES LIKE THIS! THEY ARE FAR AND FEW!
Spread the word! Oh, yeah, I’m Unilocaling!