This is a local staple that holds so many people's memories and affection for Mama Dip's and the family. If you're looking for comforting, homemade Southern food, Tonya's Café definitely delivers. The country-fried steak is my favorite--the sandwich is so good, crispy, hearty, and full of flavor. A lot of people come for the cornbread flight. While I found the texture a little too crumbly for my taste, it's a unique offering that I think it's worth trying at least once. The service is warm and friendly, though it can slow down a bit during busy hours. Inside, the space is neat and organized. One side features a charming little Southern market selling local goods, while the other has plenty of seating for dining in. It's the kind of place that feels rooted in the community, and it's easy to see why so many locals love it. read more

Tonya's Cafe - Inside is a little market besides seating area - Southern Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Stopped in here to get a bite to eat while doing some errands. I'd been here once before while picking up an order for someone else and wanted to try it for myself this time! Upon entering, the atmosphere was clean and bright. In addition to their dining room area, they also have a delightful small market of house-made baked goodies and other items for sale. I ordered their daily specials, which today was a Chicken Salad Wrap with either potato salad or fruit cup. I opted for the fruit cup. I didn't have to wait long for my food. I took a bite of the wrap and that's where my culinary experience kinda plateaued.... the chicken salad was completely lacking in flavor. I'm picky about my chicken salad and this was far from great. To be honest, it tasted store bought, though I'm sure it was made in-house. I say that because I found a lovely piece of cartilage in the chicken salad. As for the fruit, it was pretty basic, cubed watermelon with most of the seeds gone and blueberries. I get this isn't fine dining but guys come on...let's put a lil more effort into our dishes, shall we? At least add some salt and pepper, perhaps come celery and a little onion to that chicken salad. And oh, make sure all the bones are removed. As for the fruit, get seedless watermelon for crying out loud, and it's summer, so use other summer fruit and punch up that fruit cup. I was charged $14 for this plate of food. That means it cost about $4.60 to make each plate. Bit over priced for bland chicken salad and boring fruit. $11 or $12 would have been better. Their bathroom could also use some attention as well. Bottom line, might be back, might not. They had other tasty looking options on the menu, but if what I had today was example of how they other dishes would come out, then no thanks! read more

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Some of the best friend chicken in the south (owner is from the Mama Dips family), definitely worth the visit just for the chicken. Cooked fresh when you order it. I wasn't overwhelmed with the fried green tomatoes, not bad but the cornmeal breading wasn't particularly crisp and not enough sauce (but the portion was great). Service was very friendly. read more

Tonya's Cafe - 1/2 chicken with fried okra and sweet potato casserole - Southern Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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The banana pudding waffles are AMAZING! A must have! The service was amazing. Food was served quick and accurate. read more

Tonya's Cafe - Banana Pudding Waffles - Southern Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Great Southern cooking! Everything on the menu is really good. I've had every entree . I'm partial to the burger and the fried chicken livers but my girlfriend loves the country fried steak. Tonya's deserts are in a class by themselves! read more

Midday Saturday, easily found a table. Order/pay at the counter and food brought to your table. If you want the taste of home, look no further. Properly seasoned (not overly salty). Fried chicken and chicken fried steak at our table. Nothing felt heavy. Fried okra lightly battered. Excellent crisp iced tea-fresh. Maurice was our server - so nice. We purchased Tonya's pecan cookies at adjacent shop! read more

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I visited Tonya's for Saturday lunch and was glad I did! I had the fried chicken with collard greens and potato salad. The fried chicken was lightly breaded and delicious. I ate every bite. The collard greens were full of flavor. The potato salad is better than my and a lot. To be honest, I dream about this potato salad between visits. And the iced tea is pretty dang awesome too. The staff there is friendly and effective. Everything was clean and bright. read more

Tonya's Cafe - Delicious fried chicken, wonderful collard greens, and heavenly potato salad! So delicious!! - Southern Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Dtove from Durham for the collards. No collards. Flavorless chicken & pastry served with no spoon. Husband liked his chicken fried steak. Didn't get the tiny $9 cup of banana pudding. read more

great food, friendly staff, lots of products to peruse. Great way for Mama Dip's granddaughter to carry on her legacy.

When I want a real treat, I go to Tonya's Cafe. The food is just like it was at her Grandmother's "Mama Dip's Restaurant." What I bought for Thanksgiving was so Delicious that my twins want more. I highly recommend the food and cakes! The atmosphere is nice too. Take your family and friends. They will thank you. read more

Oh my goodness. Such great meals. Prices are decent, service is fine. Can't wait to go back and get the fried catfish.

Food - A+ Service - A+ Ambiance - A++ (peaceful) I can't get enough of this place. I tried it out alone a few weeks ago and I've been taking my family ever since. read more

We have been twice for lunch and are looking forward to our next visit. This last visit we shared the chicken fried steak sandwich (husband) with side salad (for me). The sandwich was huge--the meat was almost double the size of the bun. I would have preferred the platter with potatoes and gravy, but we can save that for next time. The salad was nothing to get excited about--just some lettuce with on cherry tomato split in half. But, oh the salad dressing. It seemed like a riff on French dressing, and I don't think I have ever had a tastier salad topping. Service is still a little sketchy--my husband had to get up to search for utensils and never got his ice tea. The special was chicken salad with potato salad, but they were out of potato salad. I suspect these kinks will iron out with a little more time being open. An if you want the most wonderful desserts, you just step over to the bakery side of things. This is comfort food at its best. read more

Charming new cafe serving lunch and dinner, opened by Tonya Council, owner of Tonya's Cookies and Bakeshop, and granddaughter of "Mama Dip" Council. Order at the counter, and the food is brought to your table. The menu features traditional southern favorites like fried chicken, pork barbecue and fried green tomatoes, and also more contemporary items such as chicken salad on a croissant, black bean burgers, and monte cristo sandwiches. I think I would like to go back just to try their desserts such as their "pie flight" (three signature pies to taste) or their pound cake sundae. After your meal, you can browse the bakeshop for unique sweet gifts to take home (if you can get them home before you devour them). This restaurant is on South Elliot Road near Feeders Pet Supply. Free parking. read more

The food was really good and the desserts looked great! I got the BBQ entre with yams and mac-n-cheese. The yams and BBQ was really good. The mac-n-cheese was okay. I also got the chocolate covered raspberry filled donut and bought my co-workers an apple fritter and a simple brownie. I recommend that Tonya's put the filling at both ends of the donut rather than the large clump of filling at one end. You make it through half the donut before reaching a huge portion of jelly. The desserts are very pricey...donuts nearly $4 and $6 for a plain brownie. Lunch prices are reasonable. I think it was about $14 for a BBQ entre. Our server was amazing!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't have cash for a tip, please CashApp him. Even though you pay at the counter before your food is served, he is very attentive with serving your food and refilling beverages. read more

Warmly greeted upon arrival. Food was well prepared with nice presentation. Food was served promptly. While it was busy, it was not too loud to have pleasant conversation. We will be back. Thank you, Tonya Council, for a nice dining experience. read more

Desserts are wonderful. So good to know that Momma Dip's legacy lives on. You won't be disappointed.

Best Fried Chicken in Chapel Hill. Moist and tender with just the right amount of seasoning. Plus two sides!