Food Porn Friday: The Boiler Room in Kinston, NC

You’re really not going to believe it when I say this, but the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had in my life is made in Kinston, North Carolina.

The Boiler Room in Kinston makes a hell of a burger too. And there’s this thing called Kitchen Sink Mayonnaise…

If you ever happen to be in eastern North Carolina (henceforth referred to lovingly as ENC), make a stop in Kinston for this place. En route to the beach? Go here. They have local oysters and delicious burgers. I don’t know what their secret is, but I’m guessing there’s butter on the rolls and maybe everywhere else. The patties are on the thinner side, but still so juicy, and you can order them as rare as you like (I tried for rare and it wasn’t, as expected, but it didn’t matter).

The toppings are perfection, ranging from chili, pimento cheese, and slaw to bacon, cheddar blue cheese, chimi-mayo, and poutine. Oh yes, don’t forget the Southern Poutine, it’s salty, smothered in gravy and pork, and pretty much fat person heaven. The fries though are skinny and crispy (reminiscent of these) and they are automatically served with the Kitchen Sink Mayonnaise (I have no idea what’s in it, but I bet they’re named that for a reason).  The menu is short, which is always a good thing. Better to do everything right. They even have house-made hot dogs, which I’ve never seen anywhere!

The restaurant’s owners also own The Chef and the Farmer right nearby.  If you’re feeling fancy one evening, just head over there, with reservations of course, as these folks are big time TV stars now. The Chef and the Farmer has really garnered some high praises since I worked there as a 19-year-old mediocre hostess. I couldn’t get a job there now if my life depended on it.

Back at The Boiler Room, we got a pitcher of Mother Earth beer (because half price drafts on Thursday!) and settled in. The waitress was very friendly despite our indecisiveness over beer choices. When you’re with a bunch of girls from Kinston, the question is generally, “Which one tastes the most like Bud Light?”

I was in town for a great friend’s wedding and hanging with a bunch of other bridesmaids having drinks at Mother Earth and dinner at The Boiler Room (and maybe dancing some later on at the Red Room, if you must know). We had to return to The Boiler Room on Saturday morning for the aforementioned restorative powers of their amazing Bloody Marys.  The mix is house-made and spicy. They also have a Bloody made with tequila which a few girls ordered and said was fantastic too. These drinks are garnished with pickled okra too, so you know it’s good.

Way to go, ENC.

The Boiler Room is located in downtown Kinston (they’re on the way, y’all!) at 120 W. Gordon Street. They’re open for dinner every day of the week. They’re open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays at noon. The burgers are great and their bloody’s are the best- be sure to play to their strengths! Mother Earth Brewing is a block away at 311 N. Heritage Street. And if you’re feeling super fancy and craving  and have the change to spare, The Chef and the Farmer is right across the street too.