Raleigh, I sure do miss you. It was nice while it lasted and I have left you feeling like I have a home away from home. First and foremost, I miss the people that made you so special to me. I miss your southern charm. I miss your festivals. But what is Raleigh if not the food and drink scene? I miss that about you too. So as a final tribute to all that is good about you, Raleigh, I choose to end this blog on the City of Oaks the way that it started, with emphasis on your claim to fame – the food and drink scene.
Below is a list of some really noteable restaurants, bars and breweries (as well as a bakery) that I experienced in the Raleigh-Durham area. If you have not tried them, I encourage you to do so when you have the chance.
The Food Scene:
Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar – great mac and cheese meals, elevated grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as a whole host of other sandwiches, burgers, and southern comfort food in this place. Not to mention, some great bourbon drinks.
Poppyseed Market – delicious menu offering a variety of salads, sandwiches, and entrees that are both creative and delicious. Great drink options as well.
Angus Barn – for the ultimate night on the town, in a unique atmosphere to boot, the Angus Barn will not disappoint. The prices are steep (fortunately I was treated by an extremely generous friend), but the quality of the food, whether it be the steaks or any other item on the menu, is sure to please and give you an experience to remember. If you are looking for a place to celebrate or just want to have a slow paced, delectable dinner out, head to this gem!
Ju-Ju Durham – asian fusion and tapas bar with a menu that is outstanding in freshness, quality, taste and presentation. Full bar available too.
Bartaco – although this is a chain restaurant, I have not tried one of these until living in Raleigh. Bartaco has an excellent menu featuring a variety of taco’s, rice dishes, carmelized plantains, and drink options. Convenience of ordering from your table, as well as paying through their app, eliminates the need to wait for the check. Fresh, unique, and delicious. I particularly loved the lime shrimp tacos and pork belly tacos.
Tai Pei 101 – located just outside Raleigh, in nearby Cary, this restaurant offers amazing Szechuan and Taiwanese menu items beyond the traditional ones most people order. In fact, you will not have the full Tai Pei experience if you don’t break outside your comfort zone and order something other than your usual chinese food fare. I was introduced to the following menu items and absolutely loved every one of them: Spicy Garlic Eggplant, Spicy Szechuan Fried Fish (aka Storm Fish), Fried Green Beans, Soup Dumplings, and Scallion Pancakes with Plum Sauce. I encourage you to fight the urge to go with your usual favorite dish and instead, try one or more of these amazing menu items, which are guaranteed to make your taste buds sing!
CowBar Burger & Fries – located in both downtown and the North Hills section of Raleigh, CowBar is a great place to go if you are looking for a big, juicy, gourmet burger with shoestring fries that are flavored with delicious seasoning (truffle fries are a must, but too rich to not share!). They also offer fancy milkshakes, soda, and some bar items for beverages.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing – overlooking downtown Raleigh, sitting outside on the patio is a must! They have a delicious menu that consists of burgers, steak, salmon, shrimp and grits, etc. Food is excellent, make a reservation to sit in an area of the patio with a view. Absolute must try = brussel sprouts appetizer made with everything bagel seasoning and cooked crispy! Delicious. They also have a cocktail and beer menu (they make their own).
BB’s Chicken – when you are looking for some fried chicken strips, fries and a shake on your lunch break and don’t have a lot of time, look no further. Yum!
SoBol – located in Cary, this place offers acai bowls and more. They look like yogurt, but are made with pureed fresh fruit, topped with pieces of whole fresh fruit, coconut, and granola toppings. Very refreshing and doesn’t feel overly guilty.
Another Broken Egg Cafe – great spot for some creative breakfast and lunch items, such as bourbon banana pancakes, gourmet omelettes and egg dishes, cinnamon roll french toast, and chicken and waffles to name a few. Food tastes fresh and delicious.
Bahama Breeze – if you want to feel like you have stepped into a restaurant in the islands, try this place. The menu items offer several jerk recipes, coconut shrimp entrees, etc. Great tropical drinks and island music to boot. The Jamaican Stuffed Plantain Bowl was delicious, with carmelized plantain, black beans and ground beef. Feel like you went to the islands for an hour or two – without ever leaving Raleigh.
Burney’s Sweets – great bakery that offers a delicious array of cookies, cupcakes, bars, turnovers, etc. Gluten free items are available. My picks are the cherry turnover with a dusting of crystalline sugar and a generous amount of cherry filling inside, as well as the granny bar with chocolate chips, basically a moist 7 layer bar. Perfect way to fill that sweet tooth craving for some home baked goods without doing all the work!
The Drink Scene:
Cherry Bounce – in my Raleigh research, after taking an amazing tour of the city in my first few weeks there and initially learning about this drink, I discovered that the Cherry Bounce is considered Raleigh’s signature drink that became famous after a bunch of state lawmakers became drunk over it, dating back to the time of the formation of Raleigh’s state government. It’s ingredients include brandy infused cherries and bourbon and was challenging to find – but on my final night in Raleigh, I managed to find it in a bar in downtown Raleigh, hidden underground, called the Foundation Bourbon Bar. If you are lucky, you may also find it at Tap Yard Raleigh – a cool hang out with live music, trivia, outdoor games and seating, with a full bar. When they are not all out of it, they make this stroooonnng drink too. But you may have to ask for it – it is a lot of work to infuse the cherries and is also not listed on their in house menu.
Gizmo Brew Works – multiple locations, but the underground taproom in Chapel Hill across the street from UNC’s campus, was my favorite of the two locations I visited. This place has a cool atmosphere and delicious craft beer on tap (IPA lovers should appreciate this place). Snacks were free at the time I went, which was a nice surprise – ask your bartender.
Vinos Finos Tapas & Wine Bar (in LaFayette Village) – nice selection of wine and tapas on the menu. Bartenders are helpful at assisting you with your decisions. Inside and outdoor patio seating available.
Vita Vite (downtown and North Hills locations) – both offer a unique atmosphere with couches and comfy seating, as well as table seating. North Hills location overlooks a park where there is occasionally live music and other events (upstairs balcony seating). The wine menu has something for everyone and they offer pick your own charcuterie board items, as well.
Salty Turtle – a brewery offering a variety of craft beer ranging from pilsners and stouts to IPA’s. Trivia nights are held regularly. Inside and outside seating. Great atmosphere. Great beer. Particularly enjoyed their Manila Mango (New England / Hazy IPA) and their peanut butter stout.
Fun Guys Brewing – offers a variety of beers, including many fruited smoothie style sours that are a delicious change from the ordinary.
That wraps up my multi-post list of Raleigh’s “best of the best” through the eyes of this travel sonographer. The bar has been set high now for comparable quality restaurants. Such a thing is easy to find in Raleigh, since all you have to do is throw a stone and you are at another good eatery. The same can’t be said everywhere. I guess I should use that fact to my advantage in my current assignment and take the opportunity to shed some unwanted Raleigh pounds. The diet starts now!