Quaint, vintage, iconic, charming... all of those could describe the comfort of eating in a steakhouse that has been in business since 1969. The Farmhouse is about as authentic as one could hope for in this modern world of constant attention grabbing media and technology driven algorithms. No app to order, no QR codes, the lighting is dimmed to create a chill setting, and it was a welcome change from the bright lights and inauthentic greetings from walking in to many modern restaurants. You walk in, wait for the one cashier/host to work down the line of guests both checking out as well as requesting a table, and sit on the log bench to await your server. The walls are adorned with historic characters of nearby UNC, along with antiques and many of the hosts and servers are chatting with locals that they have obviously known for years... maybe decades. We were there on the Saturday before Father's Day, so maybe the dining area was extra busy, but we waited no more than 5 or 10 minutes for a table to open up and we were seated. Very quickly, our server brought a plate of liver pate, a soft cheese spread, surrounded by some fresh cut veggies, and another basket of assorted crackers. The pate was a bit salty, but paired well with the veggies, and the cheese was... well, cheese. We decided to split the bigger ribeye (12oz) and the server said they would go ahead and cut it in half and serve on two plates. We had an extra salad ordered and opted for a loaded baked potato. Pretty standard fare for a classic steakhouse. No fru-fru dressings for the salad, just your standard ranch, bleu cheese, Italian, French, or Thousand Island. Back where the kitchen was located there stood the head steak chef, busily moving the cuts along the grill and transferring them to cast iron skillets as the serving plate (VERY hot... use caution with errant fingers and forearms). The potato was piping hot... literal hot potato. The server added two generous bowls of butter and sour cream to make the potato our own, and the crispy (though fake) bacon bits added some crunch and saltiness to the mix. I dolloped some of that cheese spread from earlier for a bit of a mix and it was perfect. The steaks were cooked perfectly, and the only thing I could think of that would improve them would be using some of that excellent butter on the grill while cooking. The flavor was good but just needed a bit more... umami. We added a side of horseradish to punch up the flavor and it was a perfect addition. All in all, an excellent and romantic change of pace that I was very happy to have experienced. read more

See all

This is more of a 3.5...Parts of this visit were excellent but it comes down to the fact that I will probably not return. This is a little off the beaten path but if you follow the signs, you will have no problem finding it. There is plenty of parking but no marked spaces so you just have to hope that most of the guest use common sense and park well. There is a sign on the front of the building that says FARM HOUSE and a door but it's not clearly marked as an entrance and no hours are listed. When you enter, there are still no signs and you have to guess which door to open. I had been here before 20 years ago, so I knew to expect that it was dimly lit inside. We had a reservation for 8 at 6pm. There was a line in front of us but we were seated promptly. I didn't see the entire dining room as it seemed sectioned off, but it must have been large because people kept coming and and kept getting seated. It never felt crowded. Part of our party was late, which highly frustrated me and made me feel bad for the waitress (and made me completely understand why some restaurants won't seat you until your entire party is there!) But Marsha, our waitress, was so incredibly gracious and brought us drinks while we waited. The cheese, pate, and veggies were a nice change from the bread basket you usually get. The pate by itself was a bit too salty and smoky for me but combined with some of the pickled veggies, it was excellent! They had a decent selection of beer and wine and Marsha made sure to point out that they had a full bar. When we finally ordered, almost everyone got the 8oz Ribeye. The steaks come with a potato (regular or sweet), and a house salad (you choose the dressing.) I got a sweet potato and ranch dressing. The sweet potato comes with brown sugar (on the side). Butter (and sour cream and imitation bacon bits) are already on the table. I did ask about the lettuce and she said that it was from a local wholesaler and it came in heads and they chopped themselves, which I felt safe enough to eat. The salad was good and the potato was SO HOT. It stayed hot the entire time I was eating it. The steak was also screaming hot which was much appreciated. However...the website says that they cook on a charcoal grill. That may be but there were barely any sear marks on my steak. It wasn't brown on the outside...and everyone knows that brown food tastes better! It was also pretty tough for a ribeye. I was not really impressed. $33 for a 8oz Ribeye, salad, and potato would be a pretty good deal if it was all yummy...but sadly this just felt overpriced. It was my brother in laws birthday and they did bring him a free dessert which was very nice! There is 20% gratuity automatically added to parties of 6 or more. They did split checks though. It ended up being a good night to celebrate a birthday but I will not come back on my own....huge shoutout to Marsha who was the best part of this experience! read more

All the above. We have been eating at the Farm House for about 30 years. Everything is consistent here, great steaks, sides and desserts with wonderful staff and owners! read more

Spectacular vintage restaurant that is literally a hidden gem that's located off the beaten path. My BF and I celebrated my last birthday there where I had the very best tuna steak I've ever eaten and he devoured a NY strip steak fit for a king and still had leftovers to finish with eggs the following morning! They were quite busy for a Saturday night (reservations are a MUST), but our waitress was warm and accommodating and we never felt rushed or not accounted for. We will definitely return! read more

Service GREAT... Food GREAT... vibe in the restaurant very reminiscent of a true farm house. Dark with real oil lamps. We will definitely be back. Also parking feels like a campground. So COOL !! HIGHLY recommend The Farmhouse. read more

Great little place that may be undiscovered if you aren't "in the know". Excellent service and food with a super simple old school menu. I am not originally from the south so when i asked for Italian dressing with bleu cheese on the side i was surprised to get creamy bleu cheese dressing and italian dressing, but i was willing to forgive them. The steaks were cooked perfectly and the baked potatoes(regular or sweet) were abundant and served with an array of compliments. Don't skip the desserts as they were delicious. read more

A hidden gem in every way! The staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is absolutely divine! It's a very small menu, but it means they can pay good attention to everything on it, and it shows. The best steak I've ever eaten at a Triangle restaurant, and the first one I've had in a long time that I didn't wish I'd cooked myself instead. It was cooked over a fire and tasted like it, and when I requested it rare, it came back blue, when I usually request rare and get back a medium rare that's tending towards a medium. I wish we'd tried this place sooner and we'll be back a lot! read more

Delicious Delmonico steaks and creamed spinach! Attentive service ! Good priced wines!

Very nice place to go for a steak, nice mood inside . However sometimes can be a bit dark and hard to see your food.

Hidden gem! Romantic. Steaks so tender and flavorful. Service was perfect. He found it as we were coming back from a road trip and celebrating his new job. What a surprise!! read more

Farmhouse Restaurant - Memorable evening - Steakhouses Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

See all

Impeccable dining and phenomenal customer service. The meal in its entirety was spectacular as it was delicious. Highly recommend!

we went here for my birthday. The service was ok but not outstanding. Our server wasn't very attentive although I noticed the other server was very attentive to her customers. All of our food came out very hot unlike many other restaurants where some food is hot and some warm. My steak was so tender I could almost cut it without a knife. My youngest son who is a picky eater ordered the tuna and ate every last bite. my sister ordered the pork chop and said it was very good. It was the first time I had ever been here And I plan on coming back. The only thing I would change is to increase the lighting. The food was amazing. read more

Good reasonably priced steaks. Knowledgeable and efficient servers. Very busy & a little dark but recommended.

Wonderful food .::was good. The service was pleasant and prompt . We couldn't have asked for more. Kind of an old fashion steakhouse...get cheese and relish when you first sit down. Nice to know there's still someone holding up the banner of the old fashion steakhouse. Dark with candlelight read more

Well prepared steak. Enjoyed the cheese and other items they bring to the table to snack on. Atmosphere was classic.

Give me a break. Mediocre at best. Cold overcooked steak. Salad from home economics class. Beer was nice lol

My wife and I happened to find this place as we passed by Hillsborough on I40. Agreed, we passed by the entrance, but found the woods and old wood building all part of the "70's" charm. wonderful. The food was great and the service very personable and efficient. Loved the interior and the lamp lit atmosphere. I would say don't change a thing. This place is unique and wonderfully charming with incredible steaks. Highly recommend for those that want quality and charm. read more

We went in with a large group of 15 and the steaks were wonderful. Service was impeccable;e as well but we will never go back. We were in a large room, with the table pushed near the wall. The rest of the room was empty. In the darkness, we had 3 episodes with ROACHES, one scurrying on the wall, and 2 on the table. When we said something to the lady at checkout, she was not even apologetic, just saying they sprayed when they were closed over the holiday weekend. Sorry but cannot eat there as roaches indicate filth and lack of cleaning. read more

We stumbled upon the Farmhouse Restaurant after attending an event in Hillsborough. I had passed the sign numerous times going to a meeting in Hillsborough--but that meeting is always on Mondays, when the restaurant is closed. The parking lot was nearly full, but there were plenty of tables available in the restaurant tonight. We were seated right away and given our choice of tables. The service was friendly and efficient. Our server brought our drink orders and the complimentary relish plate, consisting of pickles, carrots, celery, a radish, and small servings of a liver pâté and cheddar cheese spread. I liked the cheese better than the pâté. Our server answered our questions about the menu. I had the beef tips and my husband had the strip steak. The main courses come with a baked potato and a salad. The salad had iceberg lettuce, cucumber, croutons, and onion. I asked for mine without the onion. I'm glad I'm not allergic to onion, because it tasted like they simply removed the onion from a premade salad. The dressings were served on the side. Our server also brought us a small dish of bacon bits for our salads. Real bacon crumbles would be better. The beef tips were good but not exactly what I was expecting. They were several thin slices of steak, each one three or four bites. They came on a sizzling platter with sauteed green bell pepper strips and a baked potato. The strip steak was more substantial. Both came with a triangle of Texas toast that did not have much flavor. The server brought dishes of butter and sour cream for the baked potatoes We were too full to enjoy dessert. I found out the only one made in-house is the Farmhouse pie--a pecan shortbread crust with layer made with cream cheese topped with vanilla pudding, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. They purchase their other desserts from vendors. The ambience is a throw-back to the early 1970s. (The server told us the restaurant has been there since 1969.) It's dark and rustic, with each table having an oil lamp for illumination. I definitely needed my reading glasses for the menu. The walls are decorated with old farm equipment. We sat near a fireplace with gas logs. The tables have mismatched chairs around them, some more comfortable than others. Now that we have experienced eating here, we will be back when we are in the area on a night they're are open. read more

I wanted to give this feedback directly to the restaurant but they don't have an email or form on their website so this will be more public. Was very disappointed in my meal. I love a filet and have never eaten one at a restaurant that had so much fat and gristle--was it even a filet? And, the flavor was average. The salad seemed to be scooped out of a bag. The potato was dry. The bacon bits were out of a glass jar--not even real bacon. The apple pie dessert seemed to be purchased from a grocery store. Overall, this meal was very very disappointing. First time, last time. read more

I've said it before, & I'll say it again.... I look for value for money. This is yet another place. No frills, no fancy. It is a true meat place. Good cuts, hardly any fat, cooked as ordered and tasty. Entrees include a salad and a baked potato. Accoutrements include celery, carrots, olives, cheese spread, and a meat spread with crackers. This is not Fleming's, it's not Ruth Chris. Frankly, I don't like Ruth Chris. This is a rustic place, straightforward, and they make steak right. This place is about the food and that's what should be judged; not whether or not the decor is to your taste; give me a break. The waitresses are not stewardesses, but they are friendly and no nonsense. I like that! Picky people don't come. If you can see the forrest through the trees, (pun intended), welcome! read more

Farmhouse Restaurant - View of entrance. - Steakhouses Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

This is one of those places that you just don't think about as a destination, fine dining restaurant, partially because of the location (outskirts of Chapel Hill, near Allen & Son BBQ, absolutely no road visibility), partially because of the very limited menu, and partially because it is a simply appointed place, dimly lit with no windows, mostly wood and some antiques, about as old school as you'll find. The converted farm house is down a rather narrow, graveled road, feeding into a large dirt & gravel lot. The house is all wood, low, and with out windows - it is the sort of place you'd expect John Wayne's character in the Searchers to step out of. We arrived shortly before they opened, and walked up to the front entrance - a large wooden door, which was securely padlocked. Exactly at 5:30, a lady came from around the back of the building, removed the padlock, and ushered us, and about 10 more people, inside.There is a narrow foyer leading past the register and into the first of 2 large rooms - all along the foyer walls are pictures of notables who have dined here over the years, many UNC connected. The tables and chairs are old style wooden ones, and the place mats are plastic covered copies of the small menu. What light there is come from small, old fashioned lamps, and is it very dim. The flashlight on my cellphone allowed us to read the menu - there are no additions to this menu, these are all the choices. The menu has 2 types of steak (a NY Strip & a Rib Eye), Beef Tips, Chicken Breast, Grilled Tuna, and Pan Seared Shrimp as entrees - that's it. For appetizers they offer Chowder & Shrimp Cocktail. The sides are equally simple - Sauteed Onions, Sauteed Mushrooms, Salad, Baked Potato, Baked Sweet Potato, and Shredded Cheese. And there were several dessert choices, as well. We had been quickly seated, orders taken, and an old time relish tray was delivered, complete with soft cheddar cheese, a country liver pate, pickles, peppers, and celery and carrot sticks - a very 60's kind of thing. We munched on these as the front room filled over the next 30 minutes or so. The place gets more than a little noisy as it fills, on this night aided by two continually loud and grumpy toddlers - so nice of the clueless parents to share those moments.The well sized salad followed soon after. The food came out in good time, bowls of soft butter, sour cream, and bacon bits were brought to each table along with the entrees. We had settled on the Rib Eyes, and they were very tasty, cooked correctly to order, and brought to the table in a very hot, flat iron skillet. All in all this was an enjoyable experience - a simple, flavorful meal, served very efficiently by very pleasant people. You come here as much for the experience as the food, though the food is good. Not everyone will appreciate the experience, but on this night this old timer was filled with people who obviously did. read more

See all

About the best steak I've ever had in this area! A friend has been trying to get me here for dinner for several months. I was a little put off by the prices of the steaks, but my partner and I joined her last night and so glad we finally did! Down the road from Allens BBQ off Hwy. 86, cross over the railroad tracks and follow the Farm House sign to the road into the woods. You'll feel like you're really out in the country! We split the 12 oz. super ribeye steak and oh, my.....was it ever good!! Chargrilled to perfection sizzling on a hot, hot metal plate with a perfectly cooked baked potato too, but I'm getting ahead of myself. They start off with a complimentary relish tray (sorry for the awful picture, but the lighting there is very low & no flash on my phone camera) which is a small container of liver pate, cheddar cheese spread, cherry peppers, celery, carrots, and a basket of crackers. It didn't seem like it would be much for the three of us, but it was. The two of us shared a tossed salad, which was nice. Simple, but good with a nice dressing. I asked if the dressings were homemade and told no. Honestly, I would have thought for the price of the meal (21.95) they'd have homemade dressing, but they don't. Because we shared a meal there's a $5.00 plate fee. I wasn't too thrilled about that, but I understand they're servicing two people so I guess it's fair. We were sitting right near the grill and I had a birds eye view of the action. The chef was in constant motion and every time he opened the oven to get a baked potato I had to laugh cos it was completely filled with them! When I made a trip to the restroom, which is adjacent to the grill, I had to stop by and take a look at the grill. I found out it's the original grill from 1969 so you can bet it well seasoned! We also shared the apple pie, which was very good and served warm. Darn they were out of ice cream. The coffee was excellent! It is a bit off the beaten path, but it doesn't seem to stop a who's who of UNC's athletic people from being there to dine and other notable Chapel Hillians. The staff is super friendly and it's a very laid back and relaxed, yet very intimate. I have to say, coming from the Midwest I've found it difficult to find an excellent steak in this area, but this is definitely one I'll return to. read more

See all

Good good we saw a sign of the highway and decided to try it excellent choice Friendly and clean good prices read more

Once again had a wonderful meal with excellent service. Our family has been dining here for special occasions for many years. Never disappointed. Always a good time. read more

My husband and I went on Friday Night. He found out about the place online and with so many good reviews thought it would be amazing. Not exactly. Exterior - The restaurant is in the woods, we actually passed the entrance because you can't see it. If you look at some of the photos on here you'll see it's just a wood building. There are no fancy lights, no signage, no nothing. It's just a wood building. Interior - The inside looks as if it hasn't changed since the 1970's. It's dark, most of the light available comes from oil lamps on the tables. Because it feels like you stepped inside a restaurant from the 1970s (53 years ago) it feels dusty and old...not exactly were you want to eat an expensive steak. The decor is random farm equipment, old stoves etc, and random knick knacks. Service - Our waitress was really nice. She was quick to bring out our drinks and food. The only weird thing was I asked for a baked potato to go and she told me she wasn't sure I could do that. She would have to ask. She did ask and I was able to place a "to go" order for a baked potato. The other staff we spoke to were friendly. Menu & food - Okay the first thing they bring to the table (their first impression if you will) is a plate of carrots, celery, pepper, tomatoe (I think) 2 pickles and a small container of pressed cheese and a mystery meat. (Which I found out was Chicken Liver Pate.... thank God I didn't taste it. Why would you serve this?!? Almost every human being would like some kind of bread, Crackers, etc. Not chicken liver. Gross! Our salads were just okay. Our steaks arrived on a round thin cast iron skillet that was presented on a round wooden platter. The steaks (8oz ribeye - $34.95) continued to cook on the skillet for a good 3-4 mins or so. Making the steaks we order overcooked. The steaks weren't the best cut and desperately needed seasoning. The baked potato was amazing...mostly due to the butter. The butter they use is delicious!! I also got cheese for my potato ($2 extra for a little bowl of shredded cheese.) Price - It's definitely over priced for what you get. Roadhouse is much better and they're nowhere near this price. I could have gone to just about any nice steakhouse paid the same and got a melt in your mouth steak. I won't be going back. I think they need to make some changes, but I wish the staff all the best. read more

See all

I had been wanting to try this place for a few months and finally got my opportunity on Wednesday. The atmosphere was nice and cozy, but not too confining or crowded. For starters, the snack tray was great leading up to the complimentary house salad! I definitely enjoyed both! My main course was the 12 oz NY Strip steak cooked well done, a baked potato with all the trimmings and the half-slice of Texas toast. My steak was cooked to perfection with very little fat on it, just how I like it. It was very tender and juicy to say the least! Surprisingly I was quite full when I left and the meal was excellent and the service was great as well! I will most definitely be a regular since it's less than 8 minutes away from my home. Keep up the great work guys!! read more

Another great dinner with my wife and son, all visiting the area. Great steaks; good salads & sides; outstanding service! The place was very busy but efficient and spot-on with the steaks and potatoes. We will return, as it is do much better than the chain steakhouses! read more

50 minutes agoNew-Edit If you are in the mood for a time warp to a circa 1970's steakhouse, this is the place. I give it a three for atmosphere generally, but if you are in the mood for a geriatric leaning experience (and thus not the kind likely to consider a google review) the atmosphere is 4-5 stars. Money for value the food is a solid 2. Steaks were approaching competent. The much touted chowder tasted like it was made with skim milk and a healthy dose of flour. Clams nearly undetectable. Having said that, there was something quaint about being served a salad with pre-packaged croutons, artificial bacon bits and butterless toast. Reminded me of sitting in front of the TV and watching "Family Ties." Nostalgia at the expense of culinary excellence is not always wrong. Had a service dispute with the head of house where I said "this is our last time here": to which this maestro of customer service replied "great." I can forgive outdated decor, mediocre food, and middling steaks: but if you are going for that whole farmy/homey/nostalgic feel, you need service that reflects a different time. Overall one star. Response to their comment on google reviews: the funny part is that we asked him too. You aren't the parents, we are. Great job of proving that you don't care at all about maintaining relationships with customers. Hire a media person instead of posting some hot-headed B.S. that proves my point. Will make sure to post this exchange to facebook and twitter too. Family unfriendly experience! read more

The ribeye steak here is 2 times better than the ribeye at Angus Barn that is 3 times as expensive. Plus they give you tons of bacon bits and butter and a delightful charcuterie board to get things started. This place is a treasure I can't wait to return to read more

Been coming to Chapel Hill for 4 years and never heard of this place. I asked a friend who went to school at UNC and his two daughters graduated from same, he never heard of place. Even with GPS it is very difficult to find, just off railroad track, onto dirt road and look for lights in woods. This place reminds me of my grandfathers cabin that he built in the 1940s. Steaks are main feature. Very old school so don't expect a Morton's or anywhere near there. We got a table near one of the few fire places. If you have visited have been to Beef & Bottle in Charlotte, it reminds you a little of that unique restaurant, only more authentic, more rustic and much better value, prices are very reasonable. read more

The atmosphere is very homestyle. The staff are very friendly and they make a mean ribeye. The pickled okra was the cherry on top

We went last night and really enjoyed it. You obviously have to like steak to go there, we do, It's great going to a restaurant and having a unique experience. They are a great example of what I have always felt a restaurant should do. They stay in their lane by only doing a couple of things, but knocking them out of the park. No pasta, no extensive appetizer selection, just one chicken dish, one tuna selection and a pork chop. Even the wines are afterthoughts at $25-$35/bottle. You get the best steak and potato dinner for the price, extremely friendly service up front and at the table, all in a space that feels like it's been there forever and operated like a well oiled machine. Amy, the current owner, told us that it has been family run since 1969. And it is remarkable given how busy they get, that the kitchen is staffed by a single cook ( currently in his 13th year. ) The "staying in their lane"  aspect lets them run a very efficient operation. read more

What a fantastic meal! The service was great and our steaks were cooked perfect and were brought out piping hot. Steaks are cooked over a charcoal grill. Quality over quantity applies here - there isn't a large variety of food. These are steak people, and it's what they do best. Will be back! read more

Visiting from out of town. Found this place in google. Let me tell you, they have awesome service but their food sucks. I had the steak and husband ordered shrimp. The quality of the food didnt match the price. Super disappointed. read more

The Farmhouse is one of the gems of Chapel Hill. If you like a perfectly cooked steak with traditional sides, low-key atmosphere and friendly staff, then this is your place. However, If you like fancy food that looks ten times better than it tastes and prefer to instagram your food rather than eat it... then you should go somewhere else. This place is where you go to enjoy a good meal, enjoy good company, and enjoy yourself. No posing allowed, just good eats! read more

Excellent evening. Great service, delicious food. New place to my NC hosts and we were all happy.

Ok...I must admit I have a soft spot for The Farmhouse. When my wife and I moved here 20 years ago....it was one of our first dinning experience in Chapel Hill. What I like about the place is...I still get that same quality, same experience that I got when we first visited. I'm a fan of their liver pate, and cheese you get when your seated.....I like the small menu...I like the non-pretentious service....and I love the ambience. With probably 20 or so visits in our time here, I've never had a bad meal. Don't expect Peter Lugers.....but it's pretty damn good....and thanks Farmhouse for not changing one bit! read more

I recently attended a group dinner and I thought this was a fantastic place. It is very much a dimly lit, rustic steakhouse of the 1970's/ Angus Barn variety, but wayyy less pretense here. Just friendly folks with a cute building serving up steaks and salads. They have a really nice, wooded setting and the interior decor is country chic. Their lanterns are kerosene so that was really nostalgic for me. They also offer pickles, cheese spread, pickled okra, etc on the table as an appetizer. I had a ribeye and requested it be cooked medium rare and it came out perfect. I'd go back and would recommend it to out of towners looking for something a little different. read more

Farmhouse Restaurant - Steak, potato, Texas toast - Steakhouses Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

This place is like a trip back in time! I think only locals know about it as it is off of the beaten path and I have never seen an advertisement. Rustic is an understatement for the decor. It really is like an old farmhouse. Everything is wooden and they have antiques strewn throughout. Each room has a fireplace and there are oil lamps on the tables. You can tell they have not updated a single thing since opening, which was really cool. Menu is very small and I am pretty sure that hasn't changed in a while either. Our waitress was friendly, but put forth minimal effort. We asked for a wine list and she said it probably wasn't up to date so we asked for a Malbec, she said they did not have but she didn't know anything about wine. We ordered a cab, which was alright. They bring out crackers, cheese and pate before the meal. It was very country cute. I do not eat pate but my boyfriend liked it. It was a nice snack that wasn't too filling. I was really surprised that they don't make their own salad dressings. Just seems like the type of place that they would. They had Ken's which was fine. It was kind of refreshing to have an old school iceberg lettuce salad with ranch. The steaks are served on little skillets, which added to the rustic appeal. However, it was definitely not one of the better steaks I have had. I ordered mine medium rare and it was pretty overcooked. Not a big enough deal for me to send back or anything. Baked potato was good, and I liked that they set out butter, sour cream and bacon bits for you to dress your own. All in all, I would definitely go back for the atmosphere. Great for a date night. I just wouldn't expect a really good steak. read more