Border Station

We drive from Michigan to Ocracoke Island, now making it a two day trip. Always look forward to crossing into NC and stopping for gas and chicken at Border Crossing. We've made this stop almost annually for two decades. Some reviews indicate the place may have gone through management changes and certainly, the interior has been remodeled and better organized in recent years. The southern food in this store has been a legend in the past, but seems to have fallen out of favor as of late. Well, we've rolled with the changes and continue to look forward to this stop. It's the chicken that makes the stop for us. Made in small batches throughout the day, we've always found it hot, juicy, crispy and perfectly seasoned. We might add various sides or none at all; this review is more focused on the chicken. Today, we added wedge fries that were seasoned similarly to the chicken, hot and fresh. Nothing makes a visit to NC better than really good fried chicken. Border's is as good as it gets and you have the option of getting it so many different ways: individual pieces, dinners or family combinations. Today's staff were friendly, efficient and helpful. The cook came out from around the back and warned us that she just made this batch and it would be hot. She reminded us of my husband's mother, so she had our vote of confidence right away. The dining room had many seats to choose from; typical in and out seating with self-serve drinks. Looked to be tidy and more or less clean. We always use the restrooms and never have to wait. They were clean though dated. I'm fine with that. The convenience store has snacks goods and a whole lot of souvenir-type items. Not our thing but if that is what you want, the selection is sure to please. Don't forget to stop by the little produce stand located on the north side of the driveway. Mostly local, good pickings. Today the peaches were in and super sweet. Yum. If you want dining with ambience, Borders isn't your place. If you want really good chicken, fast and fresh, don't miss this stop.

I love this place- it's so kitschy and random. You want a soda after you gas up? It's your spot! You want a shot glass and some OBX salt water taffy after you gas up? It's your spot. It's so random, and you never know what trinkets (or outfits) you'll get here! It's definitely worth a peep to see what they got!

Typical tourist trap. Their gas is always more than other gas stations less than 2 miles away. Sometimes a few cents and sometimes almost 25 cents. They don't have anything special, the usual drinks and candy. The rest of the store is filled with junk like painted seashells, fridge magnets, travel cups with corny slogans. They probably stay in business thanks to the electronic gambling machines and lottery ticket sales.