Peachy Summer Standouts

Sola’s new seasonal specials celebrate summer in the best way.

Justin Bieber may have gotten his peaches in Georgia, but around here, we’re getting them fresh and juicy at Raleigh eateries. And putting the best of summer’s produce offerings on full blast is Sola Coffee Cafe with its cult-favorite peach sandwiches. 

A city fave since 2012, the perk-up pours passion into every detail—from local family farm partners and Counter Culture Coffee beans to crafted in-house flavors and fresh fare—not to mention its annual Hot Mini 5K Sept. 13 raising money to end ALS. It’s a space rooted in Raleigh—driven by community and fueled by care.

And you can taste that dedication in its returning peach-bursting summer sandos: the peach turkey with pepperjack cheese, bacon, lettuce and Jeanne’s dressing; and the peach caprese with fresh mozz, basil, olive oil, balsamic, Maldon salt and cracked pepper (Sola reqs adding prosciutto too—and we’re here for it). Per their MO, it’s subtle swagger—no gimmicks, no smoke and mirrors—just quiet confidence.

Another peak-season produce star gracing the Sola menu is heirloom tomatoes, shining in a thick BLT with toasty brioche, avocado, bacon, Duke’s basil mayo, cracked pepp and Maldon salt. There’s nothing a Southerner loves more than a juicy tomato and Duke’s—and this uberdelicious number is surely going to be a regular in your lunch rotation as summer plays out.

A testament to the sammie’s icon status, Sola’s returning special now has its own BLTee for sale at the cafe to boot. Donned with a design by Raleigh artist Paul Tuorto, it gives team heirloom tomato a reason to rep the red-and-gold obsession long after summer fades. 

So, consider this your excuse to ditch your boring desk lunch and opt for something more fresh this season. It’s a hot tomato (and peach!) summer, after all. 

More Peachy Eats
Lamb chops with peach awaze | Stanbury
Even if you’ve never heard of awaze (it’s a traditional Ethiopian spice paste, btw), it’s Stanbury, so you know it’s gonna be good. And if those grilled peaches make a comeback, you better run—not walk.

Herb whipped goat cheese with grilled peaches | Napa Bistro & Wine Bar
Perfectly balancing out creamy, herby goat cheese is the sweetness and subtle smokiness of grilled peaches—with a sprinkle of toasted almonds and a drizzle of truffle honey to pull the whole dish together. 

Peach scones | Sola
Have your peach sando with a side of more peaches—because why not. These babies are made fresh every morning, with every bite offering the perf pairing of ripe juiciness and bready goodness. Also don’t miss Sola’s peach lemonade and milkshakes.

Peach & raspberry salad | Crawford and Son
Summer’s bounty shines in Scott Crawford’s irresistible seasonal standout, anchored by a creamy bed of goat’s curd and topped with prosciutto, walnuts and malt vinaigrette. Add a glass of sparkling and your dream girl (or boy!) dinner is set.

Summer sangria | Wye Hill
Singin’ summer praises all season long, this fruity bev pairs gin and white wine with peaches, lemon, orange and elderflower. The primo patio sipper for long lazy evenings.

Peace cobbler ice cream | Andia’s
Get it while it’s hot—er, cold! Andia’s monthly scoop tempts with brown sugar-soaked buttery peaches and chunks of housemade cobbler—ideal for cooling down on summer’s hottest days.

Peach salad | Hummingbird
Also combining the best of both worlds is Hummingbird’s no-greens salad, where robust tomatoes and ripe peaches act as a base for creamy burrata, mint, basil oil and an herby sumac cumin vinaigrette.