Life is best when there’s a good meal to look forward to. Eating well with braces doesn’t mean giving up on flavor or nutrition. In fact, it’s the perfect time to build habits that support both your orthodontic treatment and your overall health. Mack Orthodontics is here to help you make smart choices so your braces experience is smooth, satisfying, and delicious.
Braces-Friendly Restaurants in Burlington and Hillsborough, NC
Dr. Mack wants his patients to know that finding delicious, braces-friendly meals when you’re dining out is easier than they think. Here are some local spots near Burlington and Hillsborough that make it easy to eat well with braces:
1. PRESS Coffee Crepes Cocktails (Graham, NC) Located just minutes from Burlington, Press Coffee + Crepes serves up soft, made-to-order crepes packed with fresh ingredients. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, you’ll find braces-safe choices like scrambled egg crepes, berry compote, or soft cheese and turkey. Their smooth coffee and teas also pair perfectly with your meal.
2. B. Good (Chapel Hill, NC) While a short drive from Hillsborough, B. Good specializes in nourishing bowls and seasonal soups that are easy to eat and packed with nutrients. Try their Harvest Bowl with quinoa and roasted vegetables or a turkey meatball bowl with soft, warm rice.
3. Mixed Rice (Burlington, NC) Mixed Rice in Burlington serves customizable Korean-inspired rice bowls with soft proteins like tofu and steamed vegetables. This spot is great for those with braces, as their dishes are filling yet gentle on your teeth. The steamed dumplings and soft rice combinations make eating healthy both easy and enjoyable.
4. The Root Cellar (Chapel Hill, NC) This cozy café has soft breakfast options like scrambled eggs, cheesy grits, and yogurt parfaits. Their soups and soft grain bowls make for hearty lunch options that won’t challenge your braces.
5. Pita Delite (Burlington, NC) Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, soft rice, grilled chicken, and lentil soup are all braces-friendly and packed with flavor. Their fresh ingredients and soft textures make it easy to eat well with braces.
6. Village Diner (Hillsborough, NC) A local favorite, Village Diner serves Southern comfort food with soft textures and home-cooked flavor. Try the scrambled eggs, grits, mashed potatoes, soft vegetables, and baked chicken—all perfect for braces wearers.
7. Sutton’s Drug Store (Chapel Hill, NC) This nostalgic spot serves up soft, classic diner fare like milkshakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and soft egg dishes. It’s fun, friendly, and safe for braces.
8. Catrina’s Tequila and Taco Bar (Hillsborough, NC) Tacos with soft fillings, rice bowls, and smooth guacamole make this Mexican restaurant surprisingly braces-friendly. Just skip the chips and go for soft tortillas or bowls instead.
9. Red Bowl Asian Bistro (Burlington, NC) This spot fuses various Asian flavors in a casual sit-down setting. Their noodles, rice dishes, and steamed dumplings are all soft-textured and braces-friendly. It’s a great option for flavor-filled, wholesome meals that won’t compromise your orthodontic care.
10. Cafe Carolina & Bakery (Chapel Hill, NC) Cafe Carolina & Bakery in Chapel Hill offers sandwiches, soups, and baked goods that are braces-approved. Choose from soft wraps, hearty chili, or mac and cheese for a delicious, gentle dining experience that won’t disrupt your braces treatment.
Why Our Community Chooses Mack Orthodontics
Mack Orthodontics cares about our patients like they’re our own family. From your first consultation to your final appointment, we go above and beyond to provide the best possible care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
- Convenient Locations: Our Burlington and Hillsborough offices make top-quality orthodontic care easy to access.
- Expert Training: Dr. Mack is a board-certified orthodontist with 11 years of specialized training. You can trust him to guide your treatment safely and effectively.
- Personalized Treatment: Whether you choose traditional braces, clear braces, or clear aligners, your treatment plan will be designed just for you.
- Modern Techniques: With shape-memory NiTi wires and the latest tools, we make your treatment faster and more comfortable.
- Flexible Payments: We work with your insurance and budget to create a plan that works for your family.

Eat Well, Smile Better
Eating well with braces is easier when you know where to go and what to choose. With a little planning and support from your Mack Orthodontics team, you can enjoy tasty meals while protecting your brackets and keeping your treatment on track.
Need more tips or have questions about your favorite foods? Just ask us at your next visit—we’re here to help you every step of the way! Our team has no shortage of food working and living around Burlington and Hillsborough. Come see us soon!