The Counter & Kitchen Bar @ Chef and the Farmer

Imagine a place where fine dining meets genuine Southern hospitality — that's exactly how The Counter & Kitchen Bar can be described. Located in Kinston, USA, this establishment is the reimagined incarnation of the legendary Chef & the Farmer restaurant. Under the guidance of celebrity chef Vivian Howard, the restaurant has transformed into a cozy gastronomic space divided into two conceptual zones: the elegant The Counter and the more casual Kitchen Bar.

The Counter & Kitchen Bar. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The establishment occupies a former printing press building, built in the early 20th century, which gives it a special industrial charm. The Counter & Kitchen Bar is not just a restaurant, but a true symbol of the revival of North Carolina regional cuisine. More than 60% of all ingredients are sourced from local farmers within a 90-mile radius, ensuring the exceptional freshness of every dish.

This place gained worldwide fame thanks to the PBS television series “A Chef's Life”, which made Vivian Howard and her approach to cooking recognizable far beyond the state. Today, the restaurant continues to collect awards and high praise from critics, remaining a magnet for foodies who want to taste a modern interpretation of traditional Southern recipes in an authentic atmosphere.

To plan your visit and for more details, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason to visit The Counter & Kitchen Bar is for the unique gastronomic experience. Visitors are invited to try modern versions of classic Southern dishes created with local products. Be sure to try the signature fried chicken, smoked beef tartare, or the unusual boiled peanut risotto. The menu is updated frequently depending on the season, highlighting the kitchen's connection with local farms.

You can choose the atmosphere that suits your mood: The Counter area is better suited for a thoughtful dinner, while The Kitchen Bar offers a relaxed format perfect for enjoying drinks and snacks with friends. Fans of the TV show “A Chef's Life” will be interested to see the setting familiar from the series in person and feel the same energy that Vivian Howard put into the relaunch of her flagship project.

In addition to tasting the main dishes, don't miss the opportunity to try the desserts and signature cocktails. The staff is known for their friendliness and is always ready to share the stories behind the recipes. Due to the high popularity of the venue, it is strongly recommended to book a table in advance, especially if your visit is planned for the evening or weekend.

The establishment is located in the heart of the city at 120 W Gordon St, Kinston, NC 28501. Since the city of Kinston is situated in the eastern part of North Carolina, the most convenient way to get here is by car. The drive from the coast or from Raleigh takes about 2 hours via US-70 or NC-11. Parking spaces are available near the restaurant in the city center.

For those arriving from other regions of the USA, the nearest major airports are Raleigh-Durham (approximately 1.5 hours away) and Newport News (about 2 hours away). It is recommended to rent a car at the airport, as the public transport network in this part of the state is limited. Taxis or rideshare services are available within the city, but they can be expensive for intercity travel.

Kinston's downtown area is quite compact, so you can easily reach the restaurant on foot from many local hotels and historic shops. A stroll through the city's revitalized streets will be a pleasant addition to your dining experience.

The history of this place began in 2006 when chef Vivian Howard and her husband Ben Knight decided to leave New York and return to their roots in eastern North Carolina. They opened Chef & the Farmer in a building that once served as a mule stable and later a printing press. The establishment quickly grew from a local project into a culinary mecca, reviving Southern traditions.

A significant milestone in the restaurant's history was 2012, when the building was seriously damaged by a fire. However, the owners did not give up and fully restored it. True global fame came thanks to the PBS series “A Chef's Life” (2013–2018), where Vivian introduced viewers to local farmers and the region's ancient recipes. The project won an Emmy Award, and the restaurant became a must-visit destination for tourists.

Over the years, the establishment has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award, which it held for seven consecutive years. In 2022, Vivian made the bold decision to close the restaurant's original format to reimagine its concept and make the cuisine more accessible and personal.

The modern chapter began in December 2024 with the opening of The Counter & Kitchen Bar. This space has preserved the historic walls of the former printing press but is filled with new energy. Howard returned to the idea of "rustic" food in an informal setting, while continuing to support local producers and preserve Kinston's culinary heritage.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine of The Counter & Kitchen Bar, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This is enough time for a leisurely dinner including appetizers, main courses, and dessert, as well as time to take in the interior and feel the history of the building.

If you plan to visit The Kitchen Bar area just for drinks and light snacks, you can manage in 1–1.5 hours. However, keep in mind that the place is very popular, so during peak hours, additional time may be needed to wait for a table if you haven't booked in advance.

The restaurant operates on a specific schedule, focusing on lunch and evening hours during the second half of the week. From Monday to Wednesday, the establishment is closed.

From Thursday to Saturday, the doors are open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. On Sunday, the restaurant is open only during the day — from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. As hours may change during holidays, visitors are advised to check the official website for the latest information before visiting.

After visiting The Counter & Kitchen Bar, it's worth taking some time to explore the surroundings. The city center offers many interesting locations, from cozy bars to historical landmarks that will help you better experience the Southern atmosphere.