Five Points java hot spot extended its hours—and added a ~dope~ lineup to its offerings
Prepare to perk up. Local fave Five Points java + foodie joint The Third Place lengthened its hours by popular demand Fri.–Sun until 2pm (!). And extending the grind, the nearly 30-year-old spot (nee 1994) recently debuted a WINK line of Delta-8-infused baked goodies.
“After our 4/20 celebration [last year], our customers started asking for our recipes to include Delta-8,” says the shop’s operations manager JJ Johnston. “We are thrilled to offer our traditional in-house baked goods right next to the new, ‘special’ (*wink, wink*) baked goods and beverages our customers have loved for the last thirty years. Come hang out with us until 2pm!”
Beyond the buzz, keep your eyes peeled for WINK-infused bevs in the works. … Ready to get your munch(ie) on? thirdplaceraleigh.com
It’s time to key into good libations. … The now-defunct Atlantic Lounge door is once again beckoning patrons—but this time into a newly crafted concept from the mind of local culinary legend Scott Crawford. Designed by Crawford and his wife, Jessica, Sous Terre is now serving new looks and a different vibe, with cozy dimly lit environs, amber tones and a refined space feat. nods to the spot’s snake spirit animal.
“[We] had a clear vision for the type of space we wanted to create,” reflects Crawford. “However, we had a modest budget—so we called on friends and family to help bring our vision to life.”
“I’ve re-fallen in love with classic cocktails,” says Joseph of his inspiration. “[We want to] show people the best version—I don’t think you can get a lot of really great classic cocktails around town.” One such bev to keep an eye out for on the menu is the ramos gin fizz, an involved labor-intensive drink that might just arguably be the *only* proper version found around town.
“It’s a drink that takes some time to be made the right way,” he elaborates. “If you have the right craft, know-how and communication, [guests] will be happy to wait.” That said, the watering hole’s martinis are also poised to be standouts, showcasing texture, body and chill—aka “the coldest martini in town!”
To wit, Joseph’s vision encompasses all cocktails, both simple and complex, to be the best in town (even looking at you, Negronis). That astute attention to detail includes music selections too, as the sounds wafting through the space are intentionally chosen—and might range from ’90s hip-hop to reggae, depending on when you pop by.
And keyholders, rest assured: If you’ve already held the keys to Atlantic Lounge, they still work. And if you’re sans key ownership but still in the market to grab a sip below the surface, there’s more keys available for the taking—NTM Jolie and Crawford and Son diners can visit the watering hole when escorted by a server.
All in all, sippers of the underground bar can expect an intimate and welcoming space leaning into hospitality and well-made concoctions—with no detail forgotten. See you downstairs!
Through May 31 Aperitivo Experience It’s giving Amalfi Coast. Indulge in imported small bites, refreshing specialty cocktails and good vibes at this monthlong happy hour. Cin cin! ilfalo.com
5/9 Anna Akana She’s got a restraining order and a stacked lineup of stories—so you’ll no doubt get a chuckle or two from this comedian, actress and writer whose humor only gets darker. goodnightscomedy.com
5/9 Ginspiration: Gin Tasting Mixer With Sutler’s Gin and bear the last bit of the workweek with a taste of local liquor from Sutler’s Spirit Co., topped off with mixers from Fever Tree. Cheers! peckandplume.com
5/9 Sum 41 A Canadian rock band ventures South to deliver some seriously bangin’ tunes worth showing out for. That pretty much sums it up! redhatamphitheater.com
5/9–10 Carlos Conducts Stravinsky Suite From The Firebird Set your night on fire with a seriously hot performance at Meymandi Concert Hall via a revamped classic brought back to life. Compliments to the conductor! ncsymphony.org
5/10 Early Birds Ready to rave(n)? Grab your binoculars and camera, and make for the great outdoors for a self-guided birding and exploring sesh. Let’s fly! naturalsciences.org
5/10–11 Longleaf Film Festival Grab the popcorn and screen free indy films with NC connections at this iconic annual juried film fest. ncmuseumofhistory.org
5/10–11 Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet For a show that slays (like, actually), listen up as the NC Symphony showcases the sounds of star-crossed love and tragedy. Where art thou tickets? martinmariettacenter.com
5/10–12 Vintage Market Old-fashioned is in style! Shop around an elevated vintage extravaganza feat. 230+ unique vendors repping 16 states. ncstatefair.org
5/11 Appraisal Fair Trash or treasure? Haul your fine art, modern furniture, coins, and any other trinket or treasure you want to learn more about to the City of Raleigh Museum to get a solid evaluation from specialists from the Leland Little Auctions. cityofraleighmuseum.org
5/11 Heritage Month Celebration Honor the beauty of AAPI culture at Dix Park via authentic food trucks, entertainment and cultural immersion. shoplocalraleigh.org
5/11 National Dog Mom Day Festival Spoiler alert: Dog days are here. Paw-lease bring your pooch to delight in the grand opening of Woofie’s premier pet care, a pup-up market, countless treats and endless belly rubs. What’s not to love? thedogmomsofdurham.com
5/11 Nature Creators Creative minds think… different? That’s the point! Explore your building and collaborating abilities to make sculptures and creations come to life surrounded by nature. Don’t worry, it will come nature-ally!naturalsciences.org
5/11 World Oddities Expo Raleigh Normal is so boring! Embrace your weird side with a variety of artists, booths, guest speakers and performers encouraging you to let your freak flag fly. Oh, woe to thee! ncstatefair.org
5/14 The Amity Affliction It’s hardcore! Take your darkest outfit and your loudest singing voice to The Ritz for a stellar show via a band bringing the beats from Down Under. livenation.com
5/15 Matt Friend Sure to make an impression,this comedian is known for his 250+ celeb voices ranging from The Simpsons to Jennifer Coolidge. May the mimicking begin! goodnightscomedy.com
The lowdown on restaurant reservation etiquette—and other oft-unspoken restaurant rules
Recently buzzing on X: A would-be patron last-minute canceled his reservation at a chic Boston restaurant due to a health emergency. When unable to obtain a refund directly, the diner reimbursed the whopping $250 cancellation fee via his credit card’s travel insurance. … End of story, right?
Fast-forward to the patron receiving a snarky personal DM from the restaurant’s owner accusing him of “screwing over” her business and its staff (no, chef)—only erupting into further mayhem from there. While this scenario seems shockingly extreme, it sparks the discourse: How should patrons navigate the ever-evolving restaurant reservation scene—and what do Raleigh industry professionals have to say on the matter?
If you think DM cancellations are acceptable, think again. Per a former restaurant industry professional: “The host is not hanging out on the company’s Instagram. If you DM them, save your breath—it’s the same as just not showing up.”
The Cancellation Fee Kerfuffle
The reviews are split. A lineup of well-known Raleigh restaurants charge a last-minute cancellation fee (think Mulino, AC Restaurants and St. Roch) while others elect to waive the charge and cut their losses if patrons flake.
“We try to be understanding of people’s ever-changing and busy schedules, so we don’t charge cancellation fees,” says Scott Crawford of his policy for parties of four or less. “[But] diners should be aware that not showing up or calling to cancel really does hurt small businesses. We understand plans change—and having communication allows us to pivot and achieve our revenue goals.”
Meanwhile, DTR’s cool Mexican cantina Centro maintains a charge of $10 per guest for a no-show or cancellation with less than 24 hours notice. “There is a huge impact if someone reserves a table during peak hours and doesn’t show up,” says chef Angela Salamanca. “But if someone calls to cancel because they’re sick, we don’t charge. We aren’t in the business of cancellation fees—we want people to come dine with us.”
North Raleigh outpost Cucciolo Terrazza currently opts for no fee for small groups but does require a credit card on file for parties of 10+ due to additional setup, extra staff and more food prep. “A table for two to four is easy for us to fill with a walk-in,” explains Director of Operations Andrew Robinson. “But larger tables are limited—and without sufficient cancellation notice, we are left without time to reach out to other parties and offer them the space.”
Party Size in Flux
Managing dinnertime reservations can be compared to a “good game of Tetris,” according to Giorgios Hospitality Group, due to the tedious task of continuously optimizing flow throughout the night based on arrivals and departures. That said, if you realize your group is shifting in size, it’s always good to give a heads up ASAP.
That sentiment seems to stay true across the board. “If your party changes, we will try to accommodate that,” notes Salamanca. “It’s an unideal curve because we’ve already set the floor—but we always try to make it work. [That said], I really appreciate when people call.”
Courtesy Calls
A good rule of thumb: Communication is key. If you realize ahead of time your dinner party is shifting in size, you’re running late or need to abort your meal plans altogether, tell the restaurant. It’ll assist a smooth run-of-show, allow time to readjust seating arrangements or open up a spot for walk-in patrons.
“If you show up 15 minutes late and there are people waiting, your table is gone,” says a longtime hostess. “There are exceptions: If you call and explain extenuating circumstances—you give time [for us] to rework the plan and ensure everyone can still get in efficiently.”
Ultimately, when you book a rez, a restaurant is planning for your butt—and business—to be in that seat. So show up, enjoy a good meal, support a local spot (and avoid the aforementioned social media war…)—and everybody wins.
Saddle up at one of these local Kentucky Derby parties.
Off to the races! It’s the 150th year running of “the greatest two minutes in sports,” taking place Saturday, May 4. Get ready to giddy up to an array of Derby-themed extravaganzas and watch parties around town—just be sure to dress to impress (hey, big hats and bow ties!) and pony up on your winning (🤞) stallion. Here, where to horse around.
AVA Rooftop Bar And they’re off…! Keep things swanky via classic Kentucky hot brown sammies, mint juleps and cornhole tourneys—NTM a cash prize for best Derby day duds. Ain’t no party like a rooftop day party! avarooftopbar.com
Dram & Draught May the horseplay begin! Derby bets and mint julep drinks are the name of the game at Dram’s yearly watch party, starting across all seven locales at 3pm (so, plenty of time to get your pregame on!). Plus, be sure to put your best hat forward for the hat and outfit comp. @dramanddraught
Tap Yard Gallop into the garden party of your dreams in your best themed ’fit and pony up (!) for the ultimate soiree showcasing mint juleps, good libations and a lineup of activities to ring in the biggest horse-racing event of the year. See ya at the Yard. @tapyardraleigh
The Willard Sip pretty and get on your high horse as you stream the races while sipping a duo of specialty cocktails (think a strawberry mint juleps and a paper plane Tom Collins feat. Aperol) against the Raleigh skyline. How ’Grammable—er, dapper! thewillardraleigh.com
JB Duke Hotel On Derby day, we brunch! Take the drive to Bull City for JB Duke Hotel’s eighth annual Derby- and Mothers’ Day-inspired brunch feat. delish fare, a build-your-own mimosa station and an array of speakers. @jbdukehotel
