If you’re seeking your next great meal in Goldsboro, don’t overlook the quietly delicious Ashby Hills neighborhood. Anchored along Ash Street and the crossways of Wayne Memorial Drive, Ashby Hills pairs homegrown hospitality with a surprising range of memorable food finds. Whether it’s down-home BBQ, flaky bakery treats, or creative food trucks, this area comes alive with flavor. Here’s your guide to where locals truly eat, sip, and savor in Ashby Hills.
Classic Comforts: Southern Staples and Timeless Diners
Ashby Hills is a pocket of Goldsboro that still celebrates the art of comfort food. Family-run favorites and neighborhood classics are always in style here.
- Wilber’s Barbecue (4172 U.S. Hwy 70 E, just a quick drive from Ashby Hills): One of North Carolina’s legendary BBQ joints, Wilber’s draws fans from hours away. Slow-cooked over oak coals, their chopped pork is impossibly tender, with a tangy vinegar-based sauce and hearty hushpuppies by the basket. Southern sides like slaw, collards, and fried okra seal the deal. Lunch platters start around $9, making this a must-try staple for traditional Goldsboro flavor.
- Ashby’s Family Restaurant (1207 Ash Street): Just steps from neighborhood homes, Ashby’s is the quintessential local diner. Expect piping hot biscuits, thick-cut bacon, and creamy grits in the morning, plus affordable lunch specials (ham steak, smothered pork chops, and fried chicken) that taste like a Sunday supper, every day. Entrées range from $8–$15. Locals come for the warmth as much as the food—the staff knows most regulars by name.
Hidden Gems and Local Legends
Ashby Hills has its share of those “if you know, you know” spots—unassuming places with passionate followings. Seek out these under-the-radar favorites for something truly special.
- El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant (604 E Ash Street): Tucked in a modest building, El Mariachi brings bold, authentic Mexican to Ashby Hills. Sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and hand-rolled tamales come out quick, fresh, and generously portioned. Don’t skip their chunky guacamole and house-made horchata. Most entrées are $8–$14. The interiors are colorful, the staff is welcoming, and every meal is a festive visit.
- The Sweet Spot Bakery (1301 Wayne Memorial Drive): While technically a bit closer to the hospital, The Sweet Spot is an Ashby Hills ritual for sugar cravings. From light-as-air cinnamon rolls to perfectly iced cupcakes (red velvet and carrot cake reign supreme), everything is baked in-house daily. Custom cakes, hearty slices of pie, and an addictive fudge brownie round out the offerings. Prices range from $2 for single treats to $30+ for occasion cakes.
- Sassy’s Soul Food & More (1526 Wayne Memorial Drive): Tucked in a repurposed strip mall, Sassy’s is something of a secret—except to the crowd that lines up every Sunday after church. Hot, buttery cornbread, pork chops, turkey wings, candied yams, and crispy fried catfish are soulful highlights. Most plates are $10–$15. It feels like eating at grandma’s—if your grandma were a Southern culinary rockstar.
Coffee, Breakfast Nooks, and Cozy Corners
Mornings in Ashby Hills can be slow and social, with no shortage of stellar coffee and breakfast hangouts to start your day right.
- Beans & Cream Café (1105 E Ash Street): Part coffeehouse, part dessert bar, Beans & Cream is the neighborhood’s go-to for fresh-brewed pick-me-ups and sweet endings. Try a seasonal latte or a classic caramel macchiato with a signature cheesecake square. Their breakfast sandwiches and bagels are satisfying and budget-friendly (most under $8), with vegan and gluten-free options available. It’s an ideal study spot, with wall art and sunny window seating.
- Daylight Donuts (1130 Parkway Drive, just off Ash Street): A small, cheerful shop best visited early—before the iconic glazed old-fashioneds and jelly-filled donuts sell out. Locals rave about the apple fritters and cinnamon twists, all made fresh each morning. A classic dozen runs about $10, and friendly banter at the counter is free.
Food Trucks and On-the-Go Flavor
Street eats are having a moment in Ashby Hills, with trucks and pop-ups often found near busy intersections or parking lots on Ash Street and Wayne Memorial Drive. Follow local social media to catch them:
- Cousin’s Cuban Kitchen (rotates, often near College Plaza): Goldsboro’s best Cuban sandwiches stuffed with slow-roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles, served on freshly pressed Cuban bread. The plantain chips are crisp perfection, and the fresh mango juice is not to be missed. Plates are $10–$13.
- Taco Loco Food Truck (frequently at 1200 block of Ash Street): Known for street-style tacos with juicy barbacoa, zesty salsas, and elote (Mexican street corn), this truck draws a lunchtime crowd almost daily. Pair your order with a homemade agua fresca for a real treat.
Global Eats and Locals’ Late-Night Fixes
Ashby Hills is quietly expanding its options for international cuisine and after-hours snacking:
- Tokyo Express (1508 Wayne Memorial Drive): Fast, fresh Japanese hibachi and sushi. Consistency and value are the calling cards here—hibachi chicken, shrimp, and vegetables with fried rice for under $11, or generous sushi combos for about $10–$16. It’s perfect for takeout during a busy week.
- Wing City (1404 Wayne Memorial Drive): Open later than most, Wing City satisfies the fried chicken cravings with saucy wings (15+ flavors), crispy fries, and indulgent milkshakes. Expect a noisy, fun crowd after ballgames or late shifts. Combos typically range from $7–$12.
A Few Insider Tips
- Market Days: During summer and early fall, neighborhood farmers' markets pop up on Saturday mornings near Ashby Hills. Here, you’ll find home-baked breads, sweet corn, and sometimes live cooking demos.
- Support Local: Many Ashby Hills spots are family-run, so you’ll feel the sense of ownership and care that comes from a real neighborhood eatery.
- Try Something New: Whether you’re a BBQ devotee or a donut lover, every corner has a flavor—and a story—worth exploring.
Ashby Hills may not look flashy, but it delivers an authentic, delicious slice of Goldsboro life. From timeworn BBQ shrines to surprising food trucks, every meal promises a little taste of home—no matter where you’re from. Next time you’re hungry, follow the aroma down Ash Street and Wayne Memorial Drive for a true local feast.