Lovick's Cafe

I got a doughburger. I have been a FAN of these burgers for 40+ years 😋. I can't eat them often but I always tried to stop in when came home to NC. They just don't make burgers like this in the south west and certainly not in Asia or Europe. I remember going in with my dad and he and Mr. Mac would always chat. Thank you, Lovicks, for keeping this item on your menu.

I was in a bit of a mood when I stopped at Lovick's Cafe. I'd been fasting since the previous evening for a medical procedure, only to discover it had been canceled and I had no notice. I'd driven an hour, too! Hot, hungry, and annoyed was my state when I entered. That all fell away almost as soon as I entered. All the staff I encountered greeted me with a smile. Customers were friendly, too! And the food? Delicious! Hot, cooked just right. So many selections to choose from, I'll have to return and check them out. The coffee was hot and tasty. Biscuits, hot and fluffy. I left in a considerably better mood - spirits lifted, soul satisfied, belly full.

I just want to set the tone to my review of Lovick's Cafe for anyone looking to understand the significance of what my meal there meant to me: The city of Kinston, North Carolina is a place that takes you back to simpler times, a small town feel where everyone knew each other. You can tell that Lovick's was (and still is), a big part of this town where people got together every day to break bread and enjoy a great meal. There was just one thing - people like me might not have been able to enjoy a meal there in the 40's, 50's and 60's because of the times being what they were. Fast forward to today. As I was seated in the middle of the dining room area with just my 16 year old son and I, the magnitude of the moment hit me - I was able to enjoy a meal (an amazing meal, so stay tuned) with my son in a restaurant where my mother and grandparents who were from the South, would not have been allowed to go into. My heart was beating out of my chest as I was trying to hold back the tears that were coming from a place of emotion that I didn't think I was capable of. Even my teenage son understood how significant this moment was. These tears were tears of sadness and joy, which is hard to explain. The warm hospitality and graciousness that my son and I received from this 3rd generation (think about that) family-owned restaurant is something that I never thought I would experience in the South, coming from New York City. The Lovick's staff were very attentive and accommodating throughout our whole meal. I say all of this to let you know that my experience at Lovick's was beyond the meal. Yes, the meal was outstanding (please make it your PRIORITY to get those sweet potato pancakes, as they are the best pancakes that you will ever have, anywhere!) - but this was so much more than that. This was a testament to the Lovick's family to be a family of inclusion, where people from all walks of life can come into their restaurant and enjoy a great meal and have a great experience. I want to thank the town of Kinston for the hospitality that I experienced there - but I especially want to thank the Lovick's family for the time that I spent at their restaurant. I will be back for sure.

This is a very popular breakfast spot in Kinston. Usually very busy and could have a wait line on weekends. People were friendly and service was ok, but it was busy. Food was good, I just had biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs, it was good. Best part, the price, less than 10 dollars. They do have a fried pork chop that looked good and a lot of people seemed to be ordering it, maybe next time.