The Penguin is a great spot for good cheap eats. I don't get fried pickles but everything else was great. Burgers, fries, good coffee. It gets pretty busy and the service isn't very fast or professional but thats part of the charm. Excellent people watching (NY habit) and an eclectic crowd - blue collar, burners, artists, etc.
The hush puppies are excellent, you need old oil to make them right that's why they are better in the south. Previous bad review said smokey but that's impossible since NC has anti-smoking regulations at least now.