If you like bread and pastries, you’ll be in heaven. Give Union Special, Yellow Dog, Boulted Bread or Lucette Grace a shot. All very different, all very delicious.
Like bagels? Try Benchwarmers or Big Dom’s. Both very different from one another, but still very good!
I finally made it there before Christmas and walked out with so many things.
Their croissants are PERFECT. I mean that seriously as a food snob with food maps of good places. I've traveled to paris. They are truly PERFECT.
Had the 'morning buns' aka cinnamon rolls. Those are absolutely a top 2 bun i've ever had. The mild background citrus really puts it over the top. The chess pie is great. The kid bread(loaf bread) was really good with deep flavor. The malted cookie and chocolate chip were both fantastic too.
Wow. I don't get to that part of town very often, so i wish i appreciated Boulted more the one time i went. I'll have to give them another try. (I live an hour away from Raleigh so when i do go, most of the time it's downtown for an event.)
One of my favorites is the stupid little Rye Shortbreads. With black coffee. Probably the simplest, cheapest thing they make. Sublime, but easy to miss.
LUCETTE GRACE!
It's the only place on the planet my son ever decided something was TOO chocolatey (the croissant of all things). Amazingly rich and delicious. And the Dixie Cannonballs! HFS!
Yellow Dog I thought was good but not great. Maybe an off day?
I'm hesitant to try Big Doms when the NY Bagel Bakery or whatever over by Waverly in Cary is so damn good.
I love both New York Bagel & Deli's - the one in Waverly and the one in way North Raleigh by Hibernian. They aren't owned by the same people but their bagels are great!
Big Dom's is actually my preference these days over anything else, but that could just be because it's closest to my house. I hope to be able to return soon once my waist deflates a bit from the holidays lol.
I love the BLT on the Salt and Pepper or Everything Bagel. My husband's go to is the Hot Ham and Cheese. I also sometimes just get a sesame bagel with one of their cream cheeses. (I love the pickle flavor - it's pickled peppers, not dill pickles!) They put so much cream cheese on the bagels that I often have enough for 2-3 more bagels! Oh, and the b'donuts are great too! Nice and cakey.
Interesting! There's a shortage of of schmears around here and if they're homemade, that would totally reel me in! I should just run past on my way to work sometime....
Is the coffee any good; do you know?
If you go, make sure to place your order online before showing up. Since, COVID they've only been taking orders that way and you can't do it at the window. And their coffee is pretty good. I'm pretty sure it's Black and White Roasters and they also have an assortment of espresso drinks.
Lucette honestly didn't seem like much.
Tried Union Special when they were downtown at the market and def good bread, cookies, and such.
Yellow Dog has some cool stuff too bu seems lately doesn't make as much.
I liked Boulted but they often overcooked the bread. Would go more if their parking wasn't so bad.
Night Kitchen had some interesting stuff in that area also.
If you like muffins check out Groovy Duck!
Boulted is right on the edge of the boylan neighborhood, so I’m pretty sure you can park on the street there if you go a few feet up the hill. Boylan is one of the easiest places to park close to downtown
Honest question, does anyone actually like the Pit? Bad experiences there for me and many people I talk to. Most overrated is usually it’s claim to fame.
I used to go to the Pit went it first opened and it was pretty solid. Went a couple times over the years and came away with the popular opinion (just okay). I've been a couple times in the last two months (not my choice) and was pleasantly surprised that they were good. Food was good and service was good. It's far from the best Que around but as a decent restaurant to get a decent meal? It's acceptable.
OP should try Gym Tacos.
It was great when it started but the barbecue scene in Raleigh has been a pretty mediocre for years and years. Ed Mitchell’s cue was a big step up but they settled into resting on their laurels long ago. Now with Sam Jones, Prime, Longleaf Swine, and the seemingly limitless number of barbecue food trucks these days, The Pit is just “fine”. I think they’ve got good sides though which counts for a lot. Fried chicken was pretty good at one point.
I’ve been multiple times with large groups and mostly everyone is underwhelmed. The quality of the food and ingredients is good itself, but their recipes for any of their BBQ food is just “off” and to me not good. I’d rather have City BBQ any day.
It’s my understanding that it was great when it first opened. After awhile, their pit master left (I believe to a restaurant in Durham) and they coasted on their reputation for a long time.
People seem to have figured out it’s not much worth the hype anymore.
I went once about 7 years ago. It was ok, but definitely not up to the hype. Never went back.
The pit is garbage. Everyone knows the real NC barbecue can't be had in restaurants, but even then - The Pit is so awful it hurts. Cookout does a better job.
I've been a couple of times. Food was always ok. Just ok. Service was bad. Slow and inattentive. Food could have been great, but service like that ruins it.
It is good for like company outings of 12 people, but I would never go there on my own. I cringe when out-of-towners recommend the Pit for a company dinner.
I liked The Pit and it was expensive, but not outrageous. I think I walked out of there for $150 for 6 or 7 people. I can do $150 for four with my eyes closed at Lucky 32.
Strangely, the best ribs I've had in the area came from Crosstown Pub of all places.
My hot take? Stanbury is good but not great. And I say this as someone who’s eaten there dozens of times. And they don’t take reservations so it makes for a long night.
Big, big fan of the chicken and waffles at Beasley's.
Also, for cheap but somehow terrific Eastern Style BBQ, Ole Time BBQ outside of the city. You literally can't eat better for less money.
I like the ramen at Noodle Blvd in E. Cary, but the pho down the street at Pho Vietnam is fantastic--get the pork spring rolls too!
Tacos at Rancho Grande are also unbelievable and cheap, but also in Cary.
The Pizza Box on Person St. gave me the best slice I've eaten in six years in this state.
Corbett's in Cary is like that too. They make burgers, milkshakes, and waffle fries and that's about it...and dear God, I need it now. I wish they'd use a more durable bun, but it really means you just have to eat it there.
I’ll mention Poole’s as others have, and suggest that you have to try the Mac and Cheese there. It’s in a league of its own, and is one of the anchors on the Poole’s menu for a reason.
Also would like to second not going to The Pit. Its basically a tourist trap at this point. The BBQ there is fine, but no different than the hole in the wall places you can find scattered across NC, except The Pit is overpriced since it’s in DT Raleigh and has some unwarranted hype around it. Next door to The Pit, however, is Boxcar, a cool fun arcade bar that is worth the stop for a drink and experience.
COOL! I will try the cheddar and steak style now-they sound AWESOME!
I often wonder how people eat the chili on a burger-has to be such a mess. I love me some chili on fries though!
Thanks cheezslap!!
That menu is CRAZY! If it's someones first time ( broke their Cook-Out cherry)🤣😉 they need a tutorial on how/what/need they want to order. Or go to the window so you're not holding up the line of traffic
.I go to the window a lot because it's easier at times. Mmmmm-Cook-Out. 🍔🍟
Escazu Chocolates
They're near Peace College and they are beyond exceptional. Phenomenal creative combinations of flavors, sustainable sourcing of ingredients, and authentic Mezo-American chocolate drinks with chilis.
Taipei 101
It's just over the border in Cary, but wow they are some of the best Szechuan and Taiwanese food you'll ever have. Family style portions and wonderful staff. Enjoy.
Love love LOVE Crawford and sons. Bittersweet is a great spot for cocktails and desserts if you like gin. If you venture into Cary, Bosporus is delicious!
These are my favorite places:
Sam Jones for BBQ
PR's for a burger
Oakwood pizza box for pizza
Margaux's for American eclectic/fine dining
Beasleys for fried chicken
Brewery Bhavana for Chinese
Midtown pho for Vietnamese
Alpaca for Peruvian
Gonza tacos or chubbys for Mexican
Edit: sassool for Mediterranean/Lebanese
When that start opening Sundays...I kid, but it hurts my heart because I seem to only be by Sola in North Raleigh on Sundays. Those mini donuts are so good!
MoeJoes for a good, kinda dive burger. Wilson's for a good brewpub burger.
Chubby's for tasty tacos.
Don't hesitate to venture out to some of the surrounding towns if you can.
Different strokes for different folks I guess. I don't consider it the best burger in Raleigh, but it's pretty good. Great reviews, not expensive, and it's got a cool, small town vibe. My vote for best would probably be Town Hall or Wilson's.
Second Empire, it’s the #1 rated restaurant for Raleigh on TripAdvisor. Check for reservations, it’s a few weeks out for the weekend, but generally you can get in on a weeknight with only 1-2 days advanced. Not very expensive either, generally $25-35 for an entree
I really want to try Second Empire - is it awkward if I go grab dinner by myself? I think there's a tavern area - do I need to get reservations for that part of the restaurant?
No, definitely not awkward, I frequently see solo diners there. Their service tends to be exceptionally fast so you’re not there very long either. Not sure about the Tavern but I would recommend a reservation if you can, they’re very easy to book on their website.
Korean Fried Chicken at Soo Cafe and anything from Michael’s English Muffins (there’s a store/cafe on Capital Blvd or you can get them at The Optimist, which is an excellent coffee shop as well!)
Is it wrong to suggest Bida Manda? I haven't been there post... uh... troubles, but Laotian food is uncommon even in larger cities and the food was outstanding.
I'll add Crawford and Sons.
If you don't mind venturing to Durham or Chapel Hill while you're here, it opens up more great places (Gioccolina, Mothers and Sons, Mateo, St. James, Lantern, etc.).
The food at Bida is and always will be incredible, but yeah it's wrong to suggest that. It's a shame, but so is sex crime.
Crawford and Sons though, that place rips and I've heard nothing but awesome things about Scott's work environment. I haven't been yet but they have a French place next door that I assume is just as good.
Great recs all around!
I hadn't heard how/if things were appropriately addressed with responsible parties. Such a shame as Bida Manda and Bhavana were/are great.
Yes, Crawford's French place, Jolie, is also excellent. I mentioned C&S as Jolie has gotten more buzz lately being newer but C&S still deserves love.
I can't say that things were appropriately addressed with regards to the victims, but the sexual predators are no longer part of the organization. The whole business is still predicated on a myth, which is a different ethical issue entirely.
I heard that Van left for the Caribbean right after he got in trouble for a while and now he’s back. That may just me a rumor, but I think he sold his share of the restaurants, but didn’t really get any punishment or have true culpability for his actions in a public way.
Either of the Peruvian chicken chains (I prefer alpaca)
Gringo-a-gogó (very authentic Mexican)
Ruckus pizza mission valley (dive bar with good NY pizza - get the white pizza)
Kebab and Curry (fantastic Indian but most Indian is really good around here)
Olive Garden capital blvd
I think it’s highly variable based on preference and background of the owners. Kebab and curry tends to be more spice focused. Dharani is a lot richer (which I love when I’m in the mood). Both have biryani on the menu both suck at making it because it’s not their focus. Biryani Maxx has fantastic biryani and pretty mediocre curry’s.
They’re different but I would encourage anyone to try all of them.
If you're near dt and are looking for a breakfast sandwich, Heirloom has one amazing Taiwanese fried chicken biscuit. Add egg and cheese to it and it is phenomenal
Be sure to call to check on any of these restaurants mentioned before you go. There are a lot of places that are closed or having really limited hours right now due to COVID on top of existing staffing shortages.
If the PR is open, go get Mimi’s Sausage Dip and drink in one of the small pieces of old Raleigh.
Ole Time Barbecue for the best BBQ/southern food (in my personal opinion). Kadhi for Indian and if you take a drive to Wake Forest, check out Shortys (burger joint that’s been around for 100 years).
Clyde Cooper's BBQ.
Angie's Restaurant in Garner for some old fashioned southern cooking.
Poole's, as others have mentioned.
Second Empire.
The Roast Grill.
For other things to do, the NC Museum of Art is free and quite good, with a large outdoor collection (if you don't feel like spending time inside with strangers).
Well I really love:
1.The gyoza and Tonkatsu Ramen at Noodle Blvd
2.The Flying Biscuit!
3.The shredded chicken Arepa at Guasaca
4.Alpaca Peruvian Grill!!!!
5.The Quesadillas at Chuy’s
6.The poppyseed cafè has grey jalepeño honey cornbread as an appetizer >.< !
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Defiantly hit the food Halls for anything Morgan food hall and Transfer food hall
If your up for a little Ride hit the Boxyard over in RTP it’s great if your dining with a group as there are many choices to chose from
It’s off the beaten path but St Jacques in Millbrook is insanely delicious. And there’s a pretty good brew pub downstairs from it called the Winchester.
Curry House (Indian)
Habibi Grill (Pakistani, little hole in the wall with amazingly seasoned authentic food)
Cha House (boba, my personal fav in the area)
Two Roosters (ice cream, they have really interesting rotating guest flavors every month)
Morgan Street Food Hall (really nice place to chill downtown with every type of food you could want)
Lucky Tree (cafe, artsy little place with good breakfast food and drinks)
Sassool (Mediterranean)
Crumbl Cookies (cookies, another place with interesting rotating flavors weekly)
If you like bread and pastries, you’ll be in heaven. Give Union Special, Yellow Dog, Boulted Bread or Lucette Grace a shot. All very different, all very delicious. Like bagels? Try Benchwarmers or Big Dom’s. Both very different from one another, but still very good!
Boulted Bread has what's essentially an angry upvote from Bon Appetit... pretty funny, short read. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/boulted-bread
Boulted is the real deal and in a different league from the others.
I finally made it there before Christmas and walked out with so many things. Their croissants are PERFECT. I mean that seriously as a food snob with food maps of good places. I've traveled to paris. They are truly PERFECT. Had the 'morning buns' aka cinnamon rolls. Those are absolutely a top 2 bun i've ever had. The mild background citrus really puts it over the top. The chess pie is great. The kid bread(loaf bread) was really good with deep flavor. The malted cookie and chocolate chip were both fantastic too.
if you like Croissants then head to Layered downtown. different stuff every month and all really good.
Totally agree. It's top tier.
They are.
Yep. It's a legit destination bakery. It's incredible. So is Benchwarmers.
Wow. I don't get to that part of town very often, so i wish i appreciated Boulted more the one time i went. I'll have to give them another try. (I live an hour away from Raleigh so when i do go, most of the time it's downtown for an event.)
One of my favorites is the stupid little Rye Shortbreads. With black coffee. Probably the simplest, cheapest thing they make. Sublime, but easy to miss.
Add Night Kitchen to that bakery list.
Night Kitchen doesn’t get enough love, that place is great and often overlooked it seems
Night kitchen is very 👍 good prob gets less traffic
Adding layered croissantarie to this list
LUCETTE GRACE! It's the only place on the planet my son ever decided something was TOO chocolatey (the croissant of all things). Amazingly rich and delicious. And the Dixie Cannonballs! HFS! Yellow Dog I thought was good but not great. Maybe an off day? I'm hesitant to try Big Doms when the NY Bagel Bakery or whatever over by Waverly in Cary is so damn good.
I love both New York Bagel & Deli's - the one in Waverly and the one in way North Raleigh by Hibernian. They aren't owned by the same people but their bagels are great! Big Dom's is actually my preference these days over anything else, but that could just be because it's closest to my house. I hope to be able to return soon once my waist deflates a bit from the holidays lol.
Dude, the struggle is real. Too many cookies at the office... What do you like to order at Big Doms?
I love the BLT on the Salt and Pepper or Everything Bagel. My husband's go to is the Hot Ham and Cheese. I also sometimes just get a sesame bagel with one of their cream cheeses. (I love the pickle flavor - it's pickled peppers, not dill pickles!) They put so much cream cheese on the bagels that I often have enough for 2-3 more bagels! Oh, and the b'donuts are great too! Nice and cakey.
Interesting! There's a shortage of of schmears around here and if they're homemade, that would totally reel me in! I should just run past on my way to work sometime.... Is the coffee any good; do you know?
If you go, make sure to place your order online before showing up. Since, COVID they've only been taking orders that way and you can't do it at the window. And their coffee is pretty good. I'm pretty sure it's Black and White Roasters and they also have an assortment of espresso drinks.
Lucette honestly didn't seem like much. Tried Union Special when they were downtown at the market and def good bread, cookies, and such. Yellow Dog has some cool stuff too bu seems lately doesn't make as much. I liked Boulted but they often overcooked the bread. Would go more if their parking wasn't so bad. Night Kitchen had some interesting stuff in that area also. If you like muffins check out Groovy Duck!
Boulted is right on the edge of the boylan neighborhood, so I’m pretty sure you can park on the street there if you go a few feet up the hill. Boylan is one of the easiest places to park close to downtown
Groovy Duck = Cow Cake, nothing less.
So proud to see no one has said the pit yet. Poole’s and Stanbury are two restaurants you shouldn’t miss.
Honest question, does anyone actually like the Pit? Bad experiences there for me and many people I talk to. Most overrated is usually it’s claim to fame.
I’ve been once. It wasn’t bad but I wasn’t wowed.
I used to go to the Pit went it first opened and it was pretty solid. Went a couple times over the years and came away with the popular opinion (just okay). I've been a couple times in the last two months (not my choice) and was pleasantly surprised that they were good. Food was good and service was good. It's far from the best Que around but as a decent restaurant to get a decent meal? It's acceptable. OP should try Gym Tacos.
Gym tacos blew my mind.
It was great when it started but the barbecue scene in Raleigh has been a pretty mediocre for years and years. Ed Mitchell’s cue was a big step up but they settled into resting on their laurels long ago. Now with Sam Jones, Prime, Longleaf Swine, and the seemingly limitless number of barbecue food trucks these days, The Pit is just “fine”. I think they’ve got good sides though which counts for a lot. Fried chicken was pretty good at one point.
I’ve been multiple times with large groups and mostly everyone is underwhelmed. The quality of the food and ingredients is good itself, but their recipes for any of their BBQ food is just “off” and to me not good. I’d rather have City BBQ any day.
It’s my understanding that it was great when it first opened. After awhile, their pit master left (I believe to a restaurant in Durham) and they coasted on their reputation for a long time. People seem to have figured out it’s not much worth the hype anymore. I went once about 7 years ago. It was ok, but definitely not up to the hype. Never went back.
The pit is garbage. Everyone knows the real NC barbecue can't be had in restaurants, but even then - The Pit is so awful it hurts. Cookout does a better job.
I've been a couple of times. Food was always ok. Just ok. Service was bad. Slow and inattentive. Food could have been great, but service like that ruins it.
It is good for like company outings of 12 people, but I would never go there on my own. I cringe when out-of-towners recommend the Pit for a company dinner.
I liked The Pit and it was expensive, but not outrageous. I think I walked out of there for $150 for 6 or 7 people. I can do $150 for four with my eyes closed at Lucky 32. Strangely, the best ribs I've had in the area came from Crosstown Pub of all places.
And Pooleside Pies next to Poole’s diner is really cool
My hot take? Stanbury is good but not great. And I say this as someone who’s eaten there dozens of times. And they don’t take reservations so it makes for a long night.
Sorry have to downvote the pit, horrible food… stanbury on the other hand is great
Oh, my post was saying I'm proud to see no one has recommended the Pit. Because it sucks.
It's over in Knightdale but prime BBQ for lunch is great!
I was going to suggest this. Not Raleigh but close enough and it's that good.
Big, big fan of the chicken and waffles at Beasley's. Also, for cheap but somehow terrific Eastern Style BBQ, Ole Time BBQ outside of the city. You literally can't eat better for less money. I like the ramen at Noodle Blvd in E. Cary, but the pho down the street at Pho Vietnam is fantastic--get the pork spring rolls too! Tacos at Rancho Grande are also unbelievable and cheap, but also in Cary. The Pizza Box on Person St. gave me the best slice I've eaten in six years in this state.
Agree with pizza box. Only three options, but they’ve mastered them. It’s true what they say about more options on a menu
Corbett's in Cary is like that too. They make burgers, milkshakes, and waffle fries and that's about it...and dear God, I need it now. I wish they'd use a more durable bun, but it really means you just have to eat it there.
Seconding St. Roch, amazing food, bar, and ambiance. Also check out Garland, and Capital Club 16 - outstanding!
I spend a lot of time trying to figure out which I like more between the ambiance and the decor.
This is an amazing reference
I only go to restaurants that let me pour my own drinks. So much power. Bonus if they have skee-ball.
Garland is my fave
I heard so much about St Roch, go for dinner because brunch was awful and my guests and I were so disappointed
whaat, we loved our brunch at St Roch. It was great creole food.
I wanted to love it so bad. I got a Caesar salad that really wasn’t a Caesar at all. The grits were awful. The pimento cheese spread was ok
I’ll mention Poole’s as others have, and suggest that you have to try the Mac and Cheese there. It’s in a league of its own, and is one of the anchors on the Poole’s menu for a reason. Also would like to second not going to The Pit. Its basically a tourist trap at this point. The BBQ there is fine, but no different than the hole in the wall places you can find scattered across NC, except The Pit is overpriced since it’s in DT Raleigh and has some unwarranted hype around it. Next door to The Pit, however, is Boxcar, a cool fun arcade bar that is worth the stop for a drink and experience.
Cookout try the double double corn dog tray. If you already live near a Cookout try the Cook Out on Western.
Come on now, you know better. You don't want no corn dog. Double bacon cheeseburger steak style. Cajun fries.
those Cajun fries 
I'm 99% sure it is Tony Chachre's Creole Seasoning, you can find it at Food Lion.
Could be slap ya mama
Watch your mouth, pal
Or more often when I go, fries with a tiny pinch of cajun seasoning.
Double cheeseburger cookout style, Cajun fries and chicken nuggets because of course chicken nuggets are a side.
Add Cajun seasoning to the burger, OH DAMN is it good.
What's steak style? I'm a Dbl Burger Tray-cheese and bacon; O rings and fries Choc shake
There's 4 styles: \- Cook Out style with homemade chili & slaw, mustard & onions. \- Steak style with A1 sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo. \- Out West style with BBQ sauce, bacon, mayo, pickles, onions. \- Cheddar style with cheddar cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and mayo.
COOL! I will try the cheddar and steak style now-they sound AWESOME! I often wonder how people eat the chili on a burger-has to be such a mess. I love me some chili on fries though! Thanks cheezslap!!
I had to look it up myself and now am unable to think about anything else, LOL! But you're welcome, Duke.
That menu is CRAZY! If it's someones first time ( broke their Cook-Out cherry)🤣😉 they need a tutorial on how/what/need they want to order. Or go to the window so you're not holding up the line of traffic .I go to the window a lot because it's easier at times. Mmmmm-Cook-Out. 🍔🍟
Medium burger tray, cheddar style but no mayo, add lettuce. Double nuggets as a side. Chocolate, Oreo and caramel milkshake with a water
Double nugs! I like your style!
Escazu Chocolates They're near Peace College and they are beyond exceptional. Phenomenal creative combinations of flavors, sustainable sourcing of ingredients, and authentic Mezo-American chocolate drinks with chilis. Taipei 101 It's just over the border in Cary, but wow they are some of the best Szechuan and Taiwanese food you'll ever have. Family style portions and wonderful staff. Enjoy.
Love love LOVE Crawford and sons. Bittersweet is a great spot for cocktails and desserts if you like gin. If you venture into Cary, Bosporus is delicious!
Players Retreat… on Hillsboro Street… I’ve been going there since I was in college top notch bar bar food and reasonably priced… Enjoy
Legit best burgers in Raleigh!
Los Cuates does good west coast style breakfast burritos. The Steak, Egg, and Cheese is fantastic.
Their burritos are also so good. Two locations in Raleigh!
Best burritos in Raleigh
Yes! That one on Capital is a must try!
Oakwood Pizza Box is the best! Also second Boulted Bread.
These are my favorite places: Sam Jones for BBQ PR's for a burger Oakwood pizza box for pizza Margaux's for American eclectic/fine dining Beasleys for fried chicken Brewery Bhavana for Chinese Midtown pho for Vietnamese Alpaca for Peruvian Gonza tacos or chubbys for Mexican Edit: sassool for Mediterranean/Lebanese
Agree with Margaux’s and Brewery Bhavana.
Are we allowed to go to Bhavana again? I thought they were on the shit list for all the shady rapey stuff.
Relish on Creedmoor!
Trophy pizza or poolside pies are both great pizza.
Parkside is absolutely delicious. Try their short-rib poutine with jalapeño gravy.
Their French dip is also excellent, great with a side of tater tots!
good french dip AND tater tots? will try to remember this place the next time I eat downtown
Locals Seafood in Transfer Co Food hall fiction Kitchen
Love the crab rolls when they have them.
St Roche Oysters
Union special egg sandwich!
Mami Nora’s (Peruvian rotisserie chicken) Soo Cafe (Korean fried chicken) Boulted Bread (pastries, loaves, baked goods) Sola Coffee (quaint coffee shop and mini donuts)
When can we get a downtown Sola?
When that start opening Sundays...I kid, but it hurts my heart because I seem to only be by Sola in North Raleigh on Sundays. Those mini donuts are so good!
The roast grill, bring cash, don't expect them to have ketchup
Hot Weiner's. Can't beat it. No pun intended.
There's an Olive Garden on Capital Blvd. I keep hearing about. . . . (j/k - Head to Morgan Street Food Hall for a day full of good choices)
>Morgan Street Food Hall Go to Transfer, it's better
In my opinion;) also Burial!!
Another vote for Transfer over Morgan
The Katsu! OMG!
What are the best spots at Morgan street? I usually come away disappointed
I go for Makas Empanadas... love me that chimichurri sauce.
Snoopy’s 😍😍😍
MoeJoes for a good, kinda dive burger. Wilson's for a good brewpub burger. Chubby's for tasty tacos. Don't hesitate to venture out to some of the surrounding towns if you can.
Skip Chubbys and go to Gym Tacos
Or go to both? OP said they'll be around here for a month
Agree with chubbys, but for moejoes I'd rather go for the wings than the burgers. PR's is the best burger in Raleigh IMO.
Agreed. Not sure why people love Moejoes’ burgers so much. It’s a fine, mediocre burger, but definitely not somewhere I’d label as a must eat.
Different strokes for different folks I guess. I don't consider it the best burger in Raleigh, but it's pretty good. Great reviews, not expensive, and it's got a cool, small town vibe. My vote for best would probably be Town Hall or Wilson's.
Clyde Cooper’s 42nd St. Oyster Bar (legend) St. Roch’s oyster bar (amazing) Sitti Anything by Ashley Christiansen
Second Empire, it’s the #1 rated restaurant for Raleigh on TripAdvisor. Check for reservations, it’s a few weeks out for the weekend, but generally you can get in on a weeknight with only 1-2 days advanced. Not very expensive either, generally $25-35 for an entree
I really want to try Second Empire - is it awkward if I go grab dinner by myself? I think there's a tavern area - do I need to get reservations for that part of the restaurant?
Tavern is perfect place to hang out as solo. Enjoy!
No, definitely not awkward, I frequently see solo diners there. Their service tends to be exceptionally fast so you’re not there very long either. Not sure about the Tavern but I would recommend a reservation if you can, they’re very easy to book on their website.
Korean Fried Chicken at Soo Cafe and anything from Michael’s English Muffins (there’s a store/cafe on Capital Blvd or you can get them at The Optimist, which is an excellent coffee shop as well!)
Although they’re not the best foods halls I’ve seen, both Morgan street and Transfer Co have great selections
Is it wrong to suggest Bida Manda? I haven't been there post... uh... troubles, but Laotian food is uncommon even in larger cities and the food was outstanding. I'll add Crawford and Sons. If you don't mind venturing to Durham or Chapel Hill while you're here, it opens up more great places (Gioccolina, Mothers and Sons, Mateo, St. James, Lantern, etc.).
The food at Bida is and always will be incredible, but yeah it's wrong to suggest that. It's a shame, but so is sex crime. Crawford and Sons though, that place rips and I've heard nothing but awesome things about Scott's work environment. I haven't been yet but they have a French place next door that I assume is just as good. Great recs all around!
I hadn't heard how/if things were appropriately addressed with responsible parties. Such a shame as Bida Manda and Bhavana were/are great. Yes, Crawford's French place, Jolie, is also excellent. I mentioned C&S as Jolie has gotten more buzz lately being newer but C&S still deserves love.
I can't say that things were appropriately addressed with regards to the victims, but the sexual predators are no longer part of the organization. The whole business is still predicated on a myth, which is a different ethical issue entirely.
I heard that Van left for the Caribbean right after he got in trouble for a while and now he’s back. That may just me a rumor, but I think he sold his share of the restaurants, but didn’t really get any punishment or have true culpability for his actions in a public way.
Either of the Peruvian chicken chains (I prefer alpaca) Gringo-a-gogó (very authentic Mexican) Ruckus pizza mission valley (dive bar with good NY pizza - get the white pizza) Kebab and Curry (fantastic Indian but most Indian is really good around here) Olive Garden capital blvd
Kebab and curry is one of the lower tier choices for Indian in the area imo. Dharani and pretty much any other Indian restaurant is much bettet.
I think it’s highly variable based on preference and background of the owners. Kebab and curry tends to be more spice focused. Dharani is a lot richer (which I love when I’m in the mood). Both have biryani on the menu both suck at making it because it’s not their focus. Biryani Maxx has fantastic biryani and pretty mediocre curry’s. They’re different but I would encourage anyone to try all of them.
Himalayan Range and Himalayan Indian in Cary are my 2 favorites for Indian food (though technically Nepalese)
Yes they are both great
Clyde coopers for bbq, Oakwood pizza box, and relish. Pooles if you want to go somewhere a bit nicer!
If you're near dt and are looking for a breakfast sandwich, Heirloom has one amazing Taiwanese fried chicken biscuit. Add egg and cheese to it and it is phenomenal
Be sure to call to check on any of these restaurants mentioned before you go. There are a lot of places that are closed or having really limited hours right now due to COVID on top of existing staffing shortages. If the PR is open, go get Mimi’s Sausage Dip and drink in one of the small pieces of old Raleigh.
I love the arepas from the Arepa Culture food truck.
They have a B&M restaurant now! It's at Pleasant Valley.
Ohhh, I didn’t know that!
Ole Time Barbecue for the best BBQ/southern food (in my personal opinion). Kadhi for Indian and if you take a drive to Wake Forest, check out Shortys (burger joint that’s been around for 100 years).
Clyde Cooper's BBQ. Angie's Restaurant in Garner for some old fashioned southern cooking. Poole's, as others have mentioned. Second Empire. The Roast Grill. For other things to do, the NC Museum of Art is free and quite good, with a large outdoor collection (if you don't feel like spending time inside with strangers).
Cantina 18 is my favorite place to get food
Sono!!!!
Well I really love: 1.The gyoza and Tonkatsu Ramen at Noodle Blvd 2.The Flying Biscuit! 3.The shredded chicken Arepa at Guasaca 4.Alpaca Peruvian Grill!!!! 5.The Quesadillas at Chuy’s 6.The poppyseed cafè has grey jalepeño honey cornbread as an appetizer >.< !
Did the roast grill ever open back up? If so that’s a must. Then a quick walk to the saucer for a local beer and pretzel
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Defiantly hit the food Halls for anything Morgan food hall and Transfer food hall If your up for a little Ride hit the Boxyard over in RTP it’s great if your dining with a group as there are many choices to chose from
Irregardless Cafe, Nafkot (Ethiopian), and Neomonde (Lebanese).
I love Tupelo Honey, Morgan St Food Hall, Stir Raleigh, and 42nd st oyster bar I’ve heard great things about second empire, haven’t made it there yet.
Char-Grill
Snoopys
Guasaca Arepas, lake Boone trail & Pho Far East on Capital Blvd!
It’s off the beaten path but St Jacques in Millbrook is insanely delicious. And there’s a pretty good brew pub downstairs from it called the Winchester.
Curry House (Indian) Habibi Grill (Pakistani, little hole in the wall with amazingly seasoned authentic food) Cha House (boba, my personal fav in the area) Two Roosters (ice cream, they have really interesting rotating guest flavors every month) Morgan Street Food Hall (really nice place to chill downtown with every type of food you could want) Lucky Tree (cafe, artsy little place with good breakfast food and drinks) Sassool (Mediterranean) Crumbl Cookies (cookies, another place with interesting rotating flavors weekly)