— When People magazine teamed up with online restaurant guide The Infatuation to identify the best sandwich in every state, the North Carolina choice was a UNC student fave: The BLT with Pimento Cheese made at Merritt's Store and Grill.

The key to Merritt's BLTs are the fresh garden tomatoes grown close by.

The BLT, available as a single ($5.95), double ($7.95), or triple ($9.95), sees those deep, red, ripe tomatoes sliced thin, salt and peppered, piled onto romaine lettuce, topped generously with bacon and sandwiched between mayo-slathered, locally-made sourdough bread. Take it next level by adding avocado for a dollar.

Merritt's offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs. However nine out of every ten people in line are ordering a single, double or triple BLT.

In a review for Out & About, food blogger Chris Rhyne Reid wrote, "Not only is Merritt's serving up the best BLT around, it's serving up a bit of Chapel Hill nostalgia. ... When the first tomatoes of the season start weighing heavy on the vines – my craving for Merritt's famous BLTs begins."

Ordering at Merritt's for the first time can be a little confusing. There are three lines -- one to order (on the left as you enter), one to pay and one to enter. The wait during busy times can be as much as 45 minutes or more. But most customers will tell you it is well worth the wait.

Get hours, directions and website

Note: Merritt's will be closed for repairs May 20-27, 2019, for repairs.

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