Funky little hole in the wall attached to a convenience store with one gas pump without the price posted, in the middle of nowhere. We were hungry and 'needing relief' so popped in for a bite. Three friendly ladies working the counter took our order. Prices were crazy low compared to the touristy spots we left behind in Myrtle Beach, or any in Los Angeles from where we recently moved. I wanted something a little different, so I ordered a pork chop sandwich. It was literally as the name implies, a pork chop on two pieces of white bread, bones included. I chucked a bit, and dug in. The flavor was good, and it was tender and juicy. The bathroom was another story. Sign said 'get key from store', so went in and asked for the key. Young guy at the counter handed me a ring of about 8 keys, pulled out two of them and said that it was one of these. It was not, nor was any of the others on the ring. I returned and explained, he came back with me and was equally unsuccessful. So he used one of the keys to slide behind the bolt and opened it that way. While I saw no evidence, it was quite foul-smelling, and I hurried about my business and left. I purchased two bottles of water from the lunch counter ($1 each, just like Vegas!), and we headed down the road. read more

Yes. Dear Lord, can you believe this place exists. It is in literally the middle of nowhere because it is so far off the main highway. But worth every extra minute. Fried thick bologna sandwich on toasted bread or cheeseburger all the way and you know for sure that you will be back and you will pack an extra stomach. Great service and friendly folks only add to this place. read more

See all

Something has gone terribly wrong. It gives me no pleasure to report the passing of a once great burger. It had been almost exactly three years since we enjoyed burgers at Cain's and they were just the way I remembered them from 30 years ago. I expressed concern that the place was for sale in 2010 and I have no way of knowing if that contributed to the downfall. I didn't feel like asking the ladies working behind the counter. To start with there was no one there, almost. There was one other customer in a booth. Someone else came in and ordered a hot dog. This was about 12:15pm and I remember always waiting in line. There were only two women working instead of the group that I remembered in the past. There were three patties cooking on the grill instead of two dozen like I remembered and like at Melvin's a few minutes earlier. There were 3-4 more patties already done and waiting to be ordered, so of course those were used on our burgers. The magic is gone. The burgers were OK, but not close to the previous glory. The burgers on the flattop were not sizzling and ours had no crust. They were a little dry inside. Even the chili seemed different, more like it came from a can. To anyone who read my previous review, drove to Cain's and experienced the current product, I apologize. You must think I am an idiot. I really wonder what happened. The ladies seemed familiar to me, but maybe the cooks have changed and the knowledge went as well. Did the food decline and the clientele with it, making it hard to keep the fresh line of burgers going? Or did something else cause the clientele to dry up and then the food went downhill as well. I had been looking forward to this for three years. I do have to try it one more time since I almost can't believe it has happened. But for now, I advise people in the area looking for a NC style burger with chili, slaw, onions and yellow mustard, grilled on a sizzling flattop and served piping hot on a soft white bun to go on down the road to Melvin's. It's not far. read more

I am a sucker for mom and pops joints. This place did not disappoint. I got a cheeseburger and it was amazing!! The cheeseburger had that nice crust on top since they cooked it on the flat top and the coleslaw was so delicious!!!! If I had one critique they could have melted my cheese on the burger. The hubby got the hot dogs. He is a all beef kind of guy but still liked the hotdogs here (they are red hotdogs). Really good food and great staff! I will be coming back to try the hotdogs for myself. read more

Cain's Grill - Cheeseburger with mustard, slaw and onions. - Diners Near Me - White Oak, North Carolina

See all

This place isn't in the middle of no where but, you can see it from here. Having said that it's worth the trip. The burgers are the star here. Take my advice and get a double cheeseburger all the way (onions, slaw, and chili). It is one of the best burgers in NC. I can't wait till I'm in the area again to get another one. read more

Still the best example of an Eastern NC hamburger that I have ever had. The place has no frills but it is extremely clean. The ladies are always very friendly and there is nothing better than a Cain's burger just off the grill. My boys and I make this a destination lunch a few times a year. We talk about how good it is going to be on the ride down and how good it actually was on the ride back. We love this place! read more

The best burger ever. In my opinion, it stands far ahead of all its competitors, including the Melvin burger. The burgers have an awesome grill "crust" on them and the buns are super soft and fresh. Always served warm, as well. They also serve bright leaf hotdogs; a good burger's right hand man. This place is not fancy. It's an old fashioned, diner type, hole in the wall, but it's always clean and the service is always good. The ladies that work here become like your family if you're a regular. So, if you're looking for a no frills, good meal, Cain's is your place! read more

This post isn't about there food. I was planning to meet family there on a trip through for dinner. Not going to work. Their hours are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm daily. read more

Been coming here for many years. I am very distantly related to the Cain family and my mother's family lived in the area (Live Oak) since King George granted them some land in The Way Backness. Anyhow... what a place to visit the past and get the best burger ever. This is the Carolina style burger, onions, slaw, chili, ketchup and mustard. My husband gets lettuce and tomaters (sic) on his but bless his heart, he's from Charleston SC. Tch... I get mine with mayo, mustard and copious ketchup. I prefer just me, the condiments, and the high-holy of that patty. The bun is steamed in what appears to be a 1950's-era Fresh-O-Matic and when the whole thing arrives to you wrapped in white tissue-like paper you don't even need teeth to eat. Just gum it. That's how tender they are. There's a breakfast menu of such delectable items as fried bologna sandwich, bacon egg & cheese sandwich, fried sausage... you get the picture. I've said for years I was going to go down and have breakfast one day but I've never made it. As a child I eschewed the cheeseburger (youth is wasted on the young, I swear) and got those good old red hotdogs. They were good too, and remained my Mamma's 'choix préféré' until her death at 83 years of eatin' Southern. I still go with my almost 90 year old Daddy and indoctrinated my son at an early age. THIS is food for everyone. Every thumb and a few fingers up for Cain's! read more

The best Hamburger on all of HWY 53 and most of south east NC. I used to eat at Cains' grill when I was about 11 years old. 20 Years later its always a place I just have to go when I return to NC. I always get 2-3 hamburgers all the way, with plenty of cold sweet tea and french fries. This place is a country charm! read more

Great place for hamburgers and hot dogs. Service was excellent and loved the southern hospitality. Nothing fancy, just plain old good. Place was very clean. read more

Been coming here for years! Hands down the best burgers anywhere! We now drive up from Murrells Inlet in our way to Fayetteville when we can. Despite what some webpages say, they are not open until 7PM! read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE their burgers. The place doesn't look like anything special, but let me tell you it is! The burgers are REAL, no soy or additives, just real ground beef. The staff is always sweet and FAST! if you go between 11 and 1:30 they are pretty much packed. Cain's closes at 3pm, so you better get there early. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is the fries are a little lack luster. They are beyond affordable, I bout 2 double cheeseburgers with bacon, 2 orders of fries and a drink for $13.39!! read more

Cain's Grill in White Oak and Melvin's in Elizabethtown are both landmarks in Bladen County. They are both known far and wide as having some of the best hamburgers in North Carolina for in excess of 5 decades. This still remains a fact. Melvin's in downtown Elizabethtown has always wowed people. The lines are long but fast. The menu is limited with even the toppings on the burgers limited. But, it is worth it. Cain's has much the same burger. The difference is that you have a much more extensive menu of toppings for you burger. Of all the many, many years I have been going to Cain's Grill, I have never ventured to have a hot dog there. I always go for a burger simply because they are so very good. If you are ever in the area, stop at this unpretentious burger shack built on to the side of a convenience store. You will not regret it. And, ohhhh, by the way, the prices are CHEAP. P.S. Their breakfast is quite good too. read more

Great Burger joint. One of the best places to eat in the area. If you are heading down HWY 53 to White Lake, its worth the stop. read more

Cain's Grill - Cheeseburger ATW - Diners Near Me - White Oak, North Carolina

We were looking for some good food near Tar Heel and stumbled upon this great dive. We got the hamburger steak platter which was fantastic. The portion size for $8 was generous as well. The staff and other guests were very welcoming and I would definitely return. read more

As a comment to the above reviews: Cain's is now under new ownership. While we have remodelled and expanded the dining area, the burgers have the same great taste! read more