JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- For many customers, it was love at first bite.
"We love his hamburgers and fries especially," said Billy Dennis, a frequent customer.
"Their milkshakes are really to die for," said Sherwood Wiggins, also a frequent customer.
Jeff's Burgers, Dogs, and Shakes has been a staple for Jacksonville residents for almost two decades but somehow managed to fly under the radar until landing in Southern Living Magazine as one of the 50 undiscovered places you’ll love in the south.
"It's so hard to get a good home-cooked hamburger and that's what I think has done so well for him here, everything is cooked fresh, when you order, they start cooking it," said Dennis
Justin Smith has been working at Jeff's for the last seven years and is excited about the recognition.
"I'm glad to see the hard work paying off for Jeff and everybody here because we put 100 percent in every day," said Smith.
Smith says it's their quality food that keeps people coming back.
"We cut our own potatoes every day, fresh hand-cut french fries, we hand patty our own burgers, bake our own rolls, cut our own vegetables fresh, make our own chicken salad, any kind of sauces we try to make everything in house, homemade milkshakes, quality wins, every time," said Smith.
The Paul Parker sandwich was listed as a must-have.
"It's a roasted pork tenderloin sandwich with grill fried cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and bacon, it's amazing," said Smith.
And it's not just the good food, Smith says it's all about customer service.
"A lot of times people call and I know their order off hand or they'll come in the door and it's already cooking for them, they love it," said Smith.
Customers say it's a recognition that's well deserved.
"The service is great, the food is great, and it's really a nice family atmosphere,” said Wiggins.
Other undiscovered places in North Carolina include the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail and the historic waterfront in Edenton.