Good Food, Hometown Atmosphere: Tookie's Grill in Garner

“Have you been to Tookie’s?”

That’s the buzz phrase in and around Garner these days, as its newest restaurant steals the casual dining scene. The next question is usually, “Have you had the chicken salad?”

Famous for its chicken salad, Tookie’s Grill is being widely welcomed here, and is the first-ever franchise of the popular Raleigh restaurant of the same name.



“We’re blessed to have a great response from the Garner community,” said owner Pat Watkins. “When you put out a great product — good food in a friendly atmosphere — people come out.”

As for the menu, “Everybody comes for the chicken salad; that’s what we’re known for,” Watkins said. “It’s just a really good recipe, homemade and fresh. We specialize in that; other (restaurants) have it, but nobody’s is as good.”

The lunch menu, eat in or take out, also includes Tookie’s popular burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, soups, salads and more.

For dessert, banana pudding and layered icing cakes are among diners’ favorites.
Lunch is quick here, too; Watkins says his ordering process, call-ahead service and separate takeout register are meant to serve customers on a schedule.

While Tookie’s Grill sees a bustling lunch crowd, the restaurant is also known for its full-service country breakfast menu, served up beginning at 5:30 a.m. with friendly service by popular staffer Angie Mikus. General manager here is Marty Braybrand.

Watkins, a retired Major League baseball player, is also a Garner native. He thinks it’s great dishing up good food to good people back at home.

“I’ve traveled all over the United States and seen a lot of great places,” he said, “but the best place I’ve ever been is here.”

Visit Tookie’s Grill at 1322 Fifth Ave. in Garner or call them at (919) 662-9229.