I would not usually order a BLT, but I was told that in Chapel Hill, Merritt’s Store and Grill is famous for their BLTs. Whenever I hear of a place being “famous” for a certain dish, I become very curious. The only way to cure this curiosity is to try their dish. I would not usually order a BLT, but being in Chapel Hill, I had to check it out.
Merritt’s is a small convenience store located a few miles from UNC’s campus. Do not let looks fool you, this little white building might look forgetful, but the food it serves is definitely not.
Upon entering Merritt’s you will notice this is not your typical corner store. The worn wood floors and Carolina blue plaster walls show that this building has been here a while ( it first opened its doors in 1929). Take a left and you will pass the beverage coolers, and find where the infamous BLT is created. You can order 1, 2, or 3 layers to your sandwich.
The number 2 indicates I went with the two layer sandwich.
For those of you who are unaware, a BLT is a Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich. Yes that is all there is to it. Sandwich that between two pieces of toasted white bread and a little mayo, that is it. I could also detect fresh cracked black pepper.
How these simple ingredients create such a great meal I am still unsure. The bacon is salty and crispy, lettuce fresh and crisp, tomatoes are ripe and juicy. Maybe it is the layering of these ingredients? Or maybe there is some other secret that I am unaware of. Whatever it is, I now understand how a place can be famous for something as simple as a BLT.Don’t believe me? Check out Merritt’s in Chapel Hill and see for yourself.
I’m so bummed that I didn’t know you were passing through Chapel Hill! Jeez – I leave Wisconsin and you visit Madison, I move to Chapel Hill but am so out of the loop I don’t realize you came through until you start posting about it! Thanks for all the tips about my new home! I can already tell I’m going to love this city ?
Hey Caitlin,
I live in Charlotte so I was in the Chapel Hill/Durham/Raleigh area at the beginning of July. I am glad you are enjoying Chapel Hill. It is a great town! I still have a few more places to post about so I hope you enjoy them!
– Taylor
Jessie says
I cannot tell you how much I love Merritt’s! It took me 2 years of living in Chapel Hill to find the place, but since then it’s been a summer favorite for these BLTs. They’ve actually re-organized and cleaned up the store in the past few months, adding all the cute tables and umbrellas. Previously you had the option of sitting on the worn benches outside the store or at the 2 picnic tables behind the parking lot and suffering the mosquitoes. All worth it of course, that sandwich will haunt my dreams as I’m moving to NYC this weekend. I’ll definitely be picking one up for the road while driving the moving truck out of town on Saturday morning.
Hey Taylor,
I had no idea you live in Charlotte! I live in Charlotte too and Yes! I totally agree with you about the best BLT ever ?
Happy Blogging!
I love Merritt’s there food is awesome. Hope you find more good food along your trip across America.
April @ Crazy Fabulous Life says
Man, I have passed by this place SO many times and I never stopped. In fact, I’ve giggled at the fact that they say they make a famous BLT. Guess I should stop giggling and stop in a try it for myself sometime!
nina says
The Blt’s are THE greatest. The people that own the store are genuine, always helpful & kind. Don’t leave Chapel HIll without an Orangeade & BLt! I’ve heard some subtle changes are on the way……..Don’t worry , the menu will be the same!
Linda says
The egg salad is fabulous, too! And the owners ARE wonderful people!!
Merrits is in Carrboro, NC for the record.
Rob says
Actually, Merritts Store and Grill is at 1009 S Columbia Street in Chapel Hill!