Few neighborhoods capture the locally driven charm of Stallings, NC, quite like Buckingham. Tucked away just off Stevens Mill Road and Abernathy Drive, this peaceful residential spot surprises many with its quietly burgeoning food scene. While Buckingham is mostly residential, it sits at the heart of Stallings’ most flavorful cluster of dining experiences—where mom-and-pop classics, international flair, and down-home bakeries all make their mark. Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to the area, here’s the delicious lowdown on where to eat, sip, and savor around Buckingham.
Buckingham’s Restaurant Row: Casual Classics on Stevens Mill Crossing
Just a stone’s throw from Buckingham’s heart, Stevens Mill Crossing has become a dining hub for residents. Here, you’ll find approachable, family-friendly restaurants that punch above their weight in quality.
- Mario’s Italian Restaurant *(Stevens Mill Rd at Stevens Mill Crossing)*
Known for: Hearty pastas, crispy pizzas, and homestyle Italian fare.
Why go: Mario’s is a beloved neighborhood staple, perfect for date nights or laid-back family dinners. Their fettuccine Alfredo and Margherita pizza have earned local legend status, and the affordable prices mean you can indulge without guilt ($$). The cozy atmosphere feels like a Tuscan grandma’s kitchen.
Don’t miss: The garlic knots served fresh and piping hot—often complimentary if you chat with your server!
- Asian Café 2 *(Stevens Mill Shopping Center)*
Known for: Pan-Asian menu including sushi, lo mein, and Thai curries.
Why go: Offering fresh sushi rolls and generous Thai entrees, this spot pulls in a diverse local crowd. Their lunch specials are a steal, and the presentation is always elegant. Vegetarian? The crispy tofu with ginger sauce is a must ($-$$).
- The Southern Olive *(Near Abernathy Dr)*
Known for: Gourmet sandwiches, indie salads, and creative daily specials.
Why go: This small, family-run gem has a cult following for its made-from-scratch sandwiches and house-special olive tapenade. With locally sourced ingredients and a warm, sunny patio, it’s the kind of place that turns first-timers into regulars ($$).
Bakeries, Cafes & Sweet Spots: Morning to Afternoon Delights
Buckingham mornings start at the coffee shops and bakeries dotting Old Monroe Road and the edges of Stevens Mill Road. Here are the top places to start your day or treat your sweet tooth:
- Sweet Meadow Café & Bakery *(Old Monroe Rd near Buckingham entrance)*
Known for: Flaky croissants, artisan breads, and scratch-made pies.
Why go: Walking in, the smell of cinnamon and sugar is irresistible. Locals praise the seasonal fruit pies and sourdough bread loaves—all made fresh daily. Their espresso drinks hit the spot, and cozy nooks make it perfect for reading or chatting ($).
- Perky Beans Coffee *(Old Monroe Rd & Stevens Mill Rd intersection)*
Known for: Craft coffee, specialty lattes, and light breakfast options.
Why go: Warm, inviting, and always buzzing with neighbors, Perky Beans is a cornerstone of early mornings in Buckingham. Go for the caramel macchiato, stay for the spinach-feta breakfast wrap. Expect friendly baristas who greet regulars by name ($).
Food Trucks & Pop-ups: Buckingham’s Best Kept Secrets
No guide to Buckingham’s food scene would be complete without a nod to the food trucks and weekly pop-up vendors that anchor local weekend events and neighborhood gatherings.
- Tacos Don Mario Food Truck *(Usually parked near Stevens Mill Crossing Fridays/Saturdays)*
Known for: Authentic Mexican street tacos, tortas, and fresh horchata.
Why go: Tacos Don Mario draws crowds with sizzling carnitas, fragrant al pastor, and char-grilled street corn. Prices are wallet-friendly ($), and the flavors transport you straight to Jalisco. Locals contend that their tamales sell out faster than you can say “más.”
- Butterfly Bakehouse Pop-up *(Local events, check Buckingham neighborhood newsletter)*
Known for: Small-batch cupcakes, lemon bars, and inventive cookies.
Why go: Buckingham’s homegrown bakehouse makes limited-quantity sweets for community events and farmer’s markets. The salted caramel cupcakes and oatmeal cream pies are insta-worthy and usually disappear before noon!
Hidden Gems & Local Traditions
Buckingham isn’t about flashy restaurants or celebrity chefs—it’s about comfort food, community, and the occasional sandwich you’ll have dreams about for weeks. Some lesser-known gems and traditions include:
- Linda’s Luncheonette *(Tucked behind Buckingham Pool off Abernathy Dr)*
Known for: Old-fashioned Southern breakfasts, country ham biscuits, and daily blue-plate specials.
Why go: It’s so under-the-radar that only locals seem to know about it. On Fridays, the line snakes out the door for Linda’s buttermilk biscuits and crispy-fried chicken. In summer, the homemade peach ice cream sets the standard ($).
- Buckingham Neighborhood Potluck Food Tradition
Did you know? Buckingham has a longstanding tradition of neighborhood potlucks hosted in community parks, typically around spring and fall. Here, recipes are family heirlooms, and dishes like pimento cheese-stuffed celery and banana pudding are mainstays. It’s the best way to sample dishes you’ll never find on a menu.
International Flavors and Special Date-Night Destinations
For international cuisine, locals venture just a quick drive from the Buckingham entrance:
- El Torito Mexican Grill *(Old Monroe Rd, 2 minutes from Buckingham)*
Known for: Fresh salsa, sizzling fajitas, and crowd-pleasing margaritas.
Why go: Perfect for a festive family dinner or a casual get-together. The chimichangas are generously portioned, and the outdoor seating is a plus ($$).
- Pho 7 *(Just south of Buckingham on Matthews-Weddington Rd)*
Known for: Fragrant Vietnamese pho, rice bowls, and bubble tea.
Why go: A favorite for adventurous eaters and those craving something different, Pho 7’s brothy, aromatic pho is the ultimate comfort on rainy days ($$).
The Buckingham Difference: Friendly, Tasty, Unpretentious
What sets Buckingham’s food scene apart isn’t just what’s served—it’s who’s serving it. Locals will tell you their favorite dishes by name, introduce you to the cook, and invite you to the next community tasting or pop-up. Unlike larger city scenes, Buckingham’s eateries thrive on repeat customers and word of mouth, turning every meal here into a reunion of friends and neighbors.
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Next time you’re in Stallings, detour into Buckingham. Come hungry, leave happy—and probably with a baked good or two for later.