Some dinners start the moment you leave the highway and the gas stations give way to fields and tree lines. Out in Person County, North Carolina, a big rough-lumber barn draws families, birthday crowds, and road-trippers who happily spend half an hour or more behind the wheel just to get a seat.
The headliner is prime rib, but the story does not end there. A huge salad bar, a buffet, a shop full of candles and candy, and plenty of room for a party of forty all live under one roof.
Folks from Durham make the drive several times a year, and some local families have been coming since the late 1970s. Keep reading to learn where this barn sits, what fills its plates, when the doors open, and how to plan a trip that feels worth every mile on the odometer.
A Barn at the End of a Country Road
Country roads have a way of making a destination feel earned. The one leading to Homestead Steakhouse & Restaurant delivers exactly that kind of payoff.
The restaurant sits at 205 Frank Timberlake Rd, Timberlake, NC 27583, in the rural north-central part of North Carolina. It is a short hop from Roxboro, and close enough to the Triangle that diners from Durham call it about a 35-minute trip.
Calling it a steakhouse is accurate, but it only covers part of the picture. The building is a roomy, lofty barn finished in rough lumber, and the menu leans toward Southern fare alongside steaks, prime rib, and seafood.
Many people describe the spot as sitting in the middle of nowhere, and they mean it as a compliment. The country location is one of the most talked-about things about the place, right after the food.
There is no strip mall next door and no busy intersection out front. That quiet setting is a big part of why a meal here feels like an outing rather than a quick stop.
So the first rule of a Homestead visit is simple. Plan for a little driving, and treat the road as the opening act.
Decades of Family Tradition
Some restaurants become a habit. Others become a family heirloom, and Homestead lands firmly in the second group.
Plenty of locals speak about this steakhouse as a staple they have known for as long as they can remember. One longtime regular traces family trips back to around 1979, which says a lot about how deeply it is woven into the area.
That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident. Families keep returning for birthdays, holiday meals, and plain old Sunday lunches, often bringing a new generation along each time.
Newcomers fit in quickly, too. Some first-timers find the place through social media and leave planning their next trip before they reach the parking lot.
There is also a small-town friendliness in the dining room. Strangers at neighboring tables have been known to say good night on their way out, and babies in high chairs get warm smiles from nearby diners.
Big milestone celebrations happen here often, including an 80th birthday that drew a guest an hour down the road. When a restaurant becomes the default setting for life’s big moments, the walls start to hold a lot of memories.
Rough Lumber and High Ceilings
Rough-cut boards, tall ceilings, and homey decorations set the stage the moment the doors swing open. The look is lofty and rustic without trying too hard.
The rough lumber aesthetic gets plenty of fans. Diners who drive in from out of town often mention it as one of their favorite parts of the trip.
Space is the other big theme. The barn is huge, with roomy dining areas and plenty of spots to wait or wander while a table gets ready.
Decorations lean comfortable rather than fancy. The overall feel is that of a big country home that just happens to seat hundreds of hungry people.
Some guests compare it to a mom-and-pop version of a well-known country store chain. That comparison makes sense once you notice how dining and browsing blend together under one roof.
The building itself earns praise as much as anything on the menu. More than one first-time guest has walked in and simply called the setup beautiful.
For a steakhouse, the setting does a lot of heavy lifting. It turns an ordinary dinner into something closer to a small event.
The Prime Rib That Earns the Mileage
Prime rib is the reason many people point their cars toward Timberlake. It is the dish in the headline, and the one that keeps regulars coming back.
Fans describe the prime rib as excellent, and some plan their trips specifically for it. Weekends are often mentioned as prime rib time, so a Friday or Saturday visit is a smart move for anyone chasing that cut.
The kitchen takes its beef seriously in general. All the steaks are hand-cut, and the menu covers options like an Angus sirloin and filets in a few sizes.
Diners who prefer their beef cooked a specific way, even extra well done, have left happy. The filet earns praise for being cooked just right and well seasoned.
Honesty matters here, though. On very busy nights with large parties, a few plates have come out more done than ordered, and staff have stepped in to replace dishes or adjust the bill.
The takeaway is practical. Speak up about your preferred doneness, and the team works to get it right.
When the prime rib hits its mark, the long drive suddenly feels short.
An Enormous Salad Bar
Here is a surprising fact. The prime rib may headline the article, but the salad bar is mentioned far more often than any other feature at Homestead.
It is big, and it stays well stocked. Fresh vegetables are a regular point of praise, and families who visit often count it among their favorite parts of the meal.
The ranch dressing has its own fan club. Bread and cheese offerings also get kind words from guests who arrive hungry.
For groups, the salad bar is a handy equalizer. Picky eaters, light eaters, and people who want a little of everything can all build a plate their own way.
Not every guest is equally dazzled, of course. A few find it simply decent, but the overall chorus leans strongly positive.
Many diners pair it with a steak or prime rib order. Others treat it as a warm-up lap before heading to the buffet.
Either way, skipping it would mean missing the single most talked-about feature in the whole barn. That is a bold choice for a first visit.
Buffet Lines and Southern Comfort
Who does not love a buffet? Plenty of Homestead regulars ask that exact question, and the answer around here is pretty clear.
The buffet leans heavily into Southern home cooking. Past spreads have included fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, a pot roast, corn, beans, rolls, and cornbread.
Fried chicken is one of the most frequently mentioned items, and chicken-fried steak gets enthusiastic praise from buffet loyalists. Pulled pork and coleslaw have also shown up for group meals.
Themed spreads appear too. Guests have enjoyed a chicken wings buffet paired with the salad bar, and a seafood buffet earns mentions as well.
One family was pleasantly surprised by a breakfast buffet, and every member chose it. That kind of variety keeps repeat trips from feeling repetitive.
Choices can be narrower than at giant chain buffets, and a few guests have found some items on the dry side. Most, though, leave full and happy.
The buffet makes a strong case for anyone who wants to sample broadly. Pace yourself, because seconds are tempting.
Seafood Platters Built for Leftovers
Portion sizes at Homestead come with a warning label of sorts. Bring an appetite, and probably a to-go box.
Seafood shares the spotlight with beef on the menu. The seafood platter is famously large, the kind of plate that makes diners laugh when it lands on the table.
Flounder and shrimp appear among the options. Guests can ask for items broiled or fried, so it helps to confirm the preparation when ordering.
Opinions on seasoning vary. Some find the seafood satisfying, while a few prefer more flavor and have taken extra home to season their own way.
What nobody disputes is the size. Leftovers are practically guaranteed, which makes the plate a good value for anyone who likes a second meal the next day.
Steaks and sides follow the same generous approach. An Angus sirloin dinner can easily turn into tomorrow’s lunch.
Families who share are winning at this game. Splitting a platter leaves room for the salad bar and still sends everyone home content.
Sides and Sweets Worth Saving Room For
Dessert at Homestead deserves its own planning session. The lineup is classic Southern, and several sweets have loyal followings.
Banana pudding, hot fudge cake, and peach cobbler are among the most mentioned treats. Chocolate chess pie and coconut pie also have devoted fans.
One guest loved the coconut pie so much she bought the whole thing to take home. A single slice, she figured, was just a tease.
On the savory side, the twice baked potato casserole is a frequently discussed side dish. It is more of a mashed, creamy casserole than a classic stuffed potato, which delights some guests and confuses others.
Chargrilled chicken with a sweet potato is another favorite among families. Buttered, crispy toast also wins compliments.
Sweet tea gets high marks, too. Some guests rate it as the real Southern deal and even take extra home.
Leaving without dessert is allowed. It just tends to lead to regret somewhere around the county line.
Candles, Candy and a Market Inside
Dinner is only half the outing. Inside the barn, a market invites guests to browse before or after their meal.
The shelves hold a wide selection of candies, unique gifts, and Christmas decor. The candle selection is especially impressive and draws plenty of attention.
Waiting for a table becomes much easier with something to explore. The large space gives guests room to wander without feeling crowded.
Holiday shoppers find the market particularly handy. Seasonal decorations make it a natural stop during the busy end-of-year stretch.
Desserts can also go home in a bag. Whole pies and other treats make easy gifts or late-night rewards.
Kids tend to gravitate toward the candy. Adults often drift toward the candles and home goods.
Budget a few extra minutes for browsing. It is easy to arrive for prime rib and leave with a new candle and a bag of sweets.
Room for Birthdays, Parties and Catering
Thirty or forty people for a birthday dinner? The barn handles crowds like that regularly.
Homestead has many private rooms, making it a popular choice for large gatherings. Holiday parties, milestone birthdays, and family reunions all find space here.
Groups of eight often go buffet style, which keeps things simple. Bigger parties benefit from staff who are used to juggling lots of orders at once.
Regulars recommend signing up for the birthday club. It is a small step that pays off for anyone celebrating here.
Special events also run throughout the year, so checking the calendar before a visit is a good idea. Live music has come up from time to time as well.
Catering extends the experience beyond the barn. Offices that have booked Homestead for events praise the team for thinking of every detail.
Busy party nights can stretch the kitchen, so patience helps. For a celebration that needs space, though, few rural spots compete.
Southern Hospitality at the Table
Friendly faces show up again and again in stories about Homestead. Servers here tend to make guests feel like old neighbors.
Staff earn praise for being attentive, cheerful, and quick. Several servers have been singled out for managing big groups while making it look effortless.
Southern hospitality is the phrase that comes up most. Guests often leave feeling welcomed rather than simply served.
When something goes wrong, the team tends to respond. Replacement plates, free desserts, and adjusted bills have all been offered to make things right.
Management also responds publicly to feedback, thanking happy guests and acknowledging disappointments. That habit shows a restaurant paying attention.
Not every night is flawless, and a few guests have had mix-ups with orders. The overall picture still leans strongly toward warm and accommodating.
The atmosphere suits families, couples, big parties, and anyone who likes a relaxed country meal. Formal dress codes are not part of the deal here.
Planning the Trip to Timberlake
Timing matters before you hit the road. Homestead keeps a schedule that rewards a little planning.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Tuesday through Thursday, doors open from 4:30 to 8:30 pm.
Friday hours run from 4:30 to 9 pm, and Saturday from 4 to 9 pm. Sunday is the lunch-friendly day, open from 11 am to 8 pm.
Meals typically land in the $20 to $30 range per person. Buffet prices have historically come in lower, while steaks and big seafood platters run higher.
Parking is generally easy, with plenty of spaces for large groups. Tables have often been available without a long wait, though party nights can get busy.
The drive is part of the charm. Durham sits about 35 minutes away, and folks routinely drive 45 minutes to an hour for dinner.
Out in the quiet countryside, this big barn proves that a great meal can still be worth the gas money. Come hungry, save room for pie, and let the prime rib finish the story.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.