If you find yourself in Laurinburg, North Carolina, the College Park neighborhood offers a delicious slice of local life that can’t be missed. Whether you’re a longtime local, a St. Andrews University student, or just passing through, College Park serves up a culinary experience that reflects the friendly, soulful heart of Laurinburg. From classic Southern staples to inventive food trucks and cozy bakeries, here’s your guide to the best dining College Park has to offer.
Mainstays and Must-Try Eateries
College Park’s dining scene is defined by its mix of family-run kitchens, modern cafes, and culturally diverse menus clustered around key intersections like McColl Road and South Caledonia Road.
- The Highland Bistro (Corner of McColl Rd & Elm Ave):
This chef-owned bistro is the go-to spot for an elevated but accessible dinner. The Highland’s claim to fame? Expertly grilled steaks, locally-sourced collard greens, and a killer crab cake that always sells out. The warm, wood-accented interior makes it perfect for date nights or family celebrations. Entrées start at $15, but be sure to check out their seasonal “Farmers’ Table” specials.
- Caledonia Cookhouse (South Caledonia Rd):
For homestyle cooking in a vintage diner setting, Caledonia Cookhouse is the stuff of local legend. Famous for their chicken and pastry—a Laurinburg favorite—plus thick-cut pork chops, cornbread, and daily pie specials, this place has serious small-town charm. Prices are modest, with most plates under $10.
- El Rinconcito Taqueria (McColl Rd, next to Family Dollar):
A bright spot for authentic, wallet-friendly street tacos, burritos, and tortas. Try the flame-grilled carne asada or the tamales (available weekends only). Locals love the homemade horchata, and everything rings in under $12.
Cafés and Bakeries: Sips and Sweets
Sometimes, it’s that lazy weekend brunch or mid-day coffee run that brings new flavor adventures. College Park’s bakeries and cafés offer the kind of homespun goodness that turns a quick visit into a new ritual.
- Sweet Magnolia Bakery (at the roundabout, near Wagram St):
The scent of fresh-baked goods will draw you in, but it’s the caramel-frosted sweet rolls and rotating cake menu that keep folks coming back. Sweet Magnolia is a hotspot for custom birthday cakes and holiday pies, but don’t sleep on their savory ham-and-cheese breakfast croissants.
- Grounded Coffee House (McColl Rd, across from St. Andrews):
College Park’s favorite caffeine hub is also a thriving lunch spot. Locals rave about the fair-trade espresso, avocado toast, and signature pimento cheese panini. Friendly baristas, free WiFi, and art on the walls make it a favorite hangout for students and remote workers. Prices range from $2 for drip coffee to $9 for hearty specialty sandwiches.
Flavor on Wheels: Food Trucks and Pop-Ups
College Park’s food scene gained extra buzz thanks to a lively fleet of food trucks that gather weekly in public parks and school lots, especially around Blakely Street and the St. Andrews campus.
- Soulful Plates Food Truck (rotates along Blakely St):
If you crave hearty North Carolina soul food—think fried catfish, BBQ chicken, and slow-cooked mac and cheese—Soulful Plates is the truck to watch for. Their Friday-only shrimp po’ boy is the talk of the neighborhood, and the prices, averaging $10 a plate, can’t be beat.
- Taste of Hanoi Pho Truck (Thursdays by College Park Community Center):
Bringing vibrant Southeast Asian comfort food to Laurinburg, this family-run truck simmers up aromatic beef pho, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese iced coffee. Portion sizes are generous, prices range from $8–$12, and the broths are praised as “the best outside of Raleigh.”
College Park’s Food Traditions and Specialties
Beyond its beloved restaurants and food trucks, College Park is knit together by a sense of community that flavors every bite. Whether it’s locals swapping cookie recipes at the Farmers Market (held seasonally in the parking lot near Spruce Lane) or the annual College Park Cornbread Cook-Off at the community center, food traditions run deep here.
- Laurinburg BBQ:
No visit is complete without sampling Lexington- or Eastern-style pulled pork. Several pop-ups and Saturday smoke pits around McColl Road offer tender, smoky barbecue with house-made slaw and hush puppies.
- Sweet Tea Everywhere:
From fine dining to corner stores, Southern sweet tea flows like water in College Park—icy cold, perfectly steeped, and never shy on sugar.
Hidden Gems and Off-the-Menu Delights
What truly sets College Park apart for foodies is its secret spots only locals know to seek out.
- Anna’s Caribbean Corner (Tucked off Willow Dr.):
Blink and you’ll miss it, but this family kitchen serves up jerk chicken, plantains, and coconut rice with bold flavors. Friendly, casual service and meals under $12 make Anna’s a best-kept secret.
- Pop’s Daylight Donuts (open early, McColl Rd):
Fresh, pillowy yeast donuts made daily, plus apple fritters and hot chocolate for the early-morning crowd. It’s a tiny counter with a big following; get there before 9am or risk missing out.
Where to Start Your College Park Food Adventure
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with a walk (or drive) down McColl Road—College Park’s culinary main drag. With most highlights clustered along McColl, Elm Avenue, and the south end of Caledonia Road, you’re never far from your next great meal or sweet treat.
Whether you’re hunting for Southern classics, global flavors, or hidden hangouts perfect for people-watching, College Park’s food scene reflects the spirit and diversity of Laurinburg itself. Bring your appetite, and don’t be surprised if a simple meal here turns into your new hometown favorite.