If you haven’t explored the food scene in Southern Pines’ Knollwood Village neighborhood yet, you’re in for a treat. Tucked just west of downtown near the intersection of Midland Road and Knox Lane, this charming community has quietly blossomed into a hub of great eats—ranging from soulful Southern breakfasts to inventive dining by candlelight.
Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, Knollwood Village’s restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and even food trucks promise a mix of flavors with a neighborly vibe. Here’s your inside guide to the must-try spots, inspired local traditions, and a few hidden gems making this area a true hotspot for food lovers.
Classic Comforts and Southern Charm
Knollwood Village is known for its hospitality, and nowhere is that more evident than at its classic diners and breakfast nooks—perfect for early risers and brunch aficionados.
- Pine Scones Café (2109 Midland Rd)
For a picture-perfect morning start, Pine Scones Café delivers heaping baskets of house-made scones—think classic currant and indulgent chocolate chip—plus locally-roasted coffee. Tucked in a cozy spot off Midland Road, this bake shop draws a mix of retirees and young professionals. Their quiche of the day and ham-and-cheddar biscuits radiate Southern comfort, and prices are gentle enough for daily visits.
- Thyme & Place Café
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you. This relaxed café near the corner of Midland and Knollwood Drive is a local secret for flaky croissants, egg salad sandwiches served on homemade sourdough, and vibrant salads full of seasonal produce. It’s family-owned, with an herb garden on-site that flavors everything from their herbal teas to daily soups.
Midday Eats: Lunch Hotspots and Sandwich Legends
Afternoons in Knollwood Village beg for casual dining, handcrafted sandwiches, and the friendliest counter service you’ll ever find.
- Midland Deli
This old-school sandwich shop on Midland Road boasts enormous subs, pressed paninis, and a rotating soup selection. Their turkey club—layered with crispy bacon and house pickles—has a devoted fan base, and the potato salad is the stuff of local legend. With most items under $10, it’s a lunch spot that draws everyone from golfers at nearby courses to local high schoolers.
- The Green Fox Food Truck
Keep an eye out for this vibrant green truck near the Knollwood Fairways entrance. It’s beloved for creative twists on Southern classics: think pimento cheese melts, catfish po’boys, and sweet potato fries with chipotle aioli. Seating is picnic-table casual, and the truck often partners with weekend markets for pop-up events.
An Evening Out: Dinner Destinations and Date-Night Gems
When the sun sets, Knollwood Village transforms into an unexpectedly romantic dining destination.
- Knollwood Grill (2324 Midland Rd)
Sharing a parking lot with the golf club, Knollwood Grill is the go-to for elevated American fare in a laid-back, golf club setting. Try the grilled salmon with lemon-dill jus, or their signature pork chop with apple chutney. An affordable wine list and sunset views over the green make this a crowd-pleaser.
- Monterey Mexican Kitchen
For something more vibrant, Monterey Mexican Kitchen off Central Drive serves up house-made salsa, sizzling fajitas, and fresh margaritas. Their shrimp tacos—generously topped with crunchy cabbage and chipotle crema—are always a hit, and the warm, terracotta-hued dining room buzzes with families and friends late into the evening.
Sweet Treats and Bakeries: Where to Indulge
No culinary tour would be complete without satisfying your sweet tooth! Here’s where Knollwood locals go for their sugar fix.
- Village Cravings Bakery
Hidden just a block off Midland, Village Cravings Bakery is a wonderland of pastries, custom cakes, and gooey cinnamon rolls. Friday is donut day, with unique flavors like maple bacon and raspberry cream cheese. They also take special orders for everything from birthday cakes to gluten-free cookies.
- Bee Sweet Ice Cream Cart
Especially in summer, the cheerful Bee Sweet ice cream cart can be found near local parks and the Knollwood pool. House-churned flavors—like salty caramel, strawberry buttermilk, and mocha fudge swirl—are a rite of passage for neighborhood kids and nostalgic adults alike.
Hidden Gems and Local Traditions
Don’t skip these off-the-beaten-path favorites beloved by those in the know:
- Sunrise Smoothie Stand
Tucked beside a yoga studio on Knollwood Drive, this tiny stand offers acai bowls, fruit smoothies, and homemade granola bars. It’s the ideal post-workout spot and a favorite midday pick-me-up for locals.
- Southern Sunday Pop-Up Brunch
Every second Sunday, a rotating group of local chefs hosts a brunch pop-up—usually in the Knollwood Village Community Center. Menus highlight everything from shrimp and grits to country ham biscuits. You’ll find neighbors laughing over bottomless coffee and live bluegrass—a quintessential Knollwood Sunday tradition.
Food for Every Mood—Right in Your Neighborhood
Knollwood Village’s unique blend of comfort food, elevated cuisine, and tradition makes it an underrated dining destination in Southern Pines. Whether you’re lingering over a flaky scone, catching up with friends at a midday deli, or savoring local trout at a club grill, this neighborhood welcomes every appetite.
So next time you’re hungry and craving something special, skip the chains and take a stroll down Midland Road—Knollwood Village’s dining scene is ready to surprise and delight your tastebuds.