Like the SNL Five-Timers Club (IYKYK), the exclusive cast of Raleigh restaurants and bars claiming 25+ years of business is an elite one to which only few can claim membership. And, this May, Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant’s Glenwood South outpost will join the ranks as it celebrates 25 (!) years as one of the most popular pubs in town to put down a pint or a plate of bangers and mash.
“Raleigh has changed immensely in 25 years,” says owner Niall Hanley, nodding to a city with decidedly “nothing” at the turn of the millennium. “Glenwood has changed immensely in 25 years. We were very lucky and were received really well by the great people of Raleigh—and it worked.”
A lightning rod for the entertainment district, Hibernian bowed just months after—and across Glenwood South from—Sullivan’s Steakhouse, thanks to an ad that popped up on Hanley’s screen. “I said, ‘OK, well, if they’re spending money on steaks, they’re gonna spend money on pints,’” he recalls, betting Sullivan’s diners would swing by for a brew before or after dinner. The rest, as they say, is history.
Whether it was luck of the Irish or pure savvy—or even the Guinness talking—either way, Hanley was right on the money. “It was the first pub that was really in the Triangle,” he recounts. “There was nothing like it before—and people were enamored by it.”
Now, 25 years later, the sparks are still flying—after overcoming literal sparks from a devastating fire about a decade ago, not to mention surviving a pandemic—and have firmly cemented Hibernian’s (and Hanley’s) rising star in the Raleigh hospitality community.
But reaching this milestone channels elements of a leprechaun finding gold at the end of the rainbow, especially in a city where closures can feel a bit like a revolving door. Hanley credits his loyal staff and building ownership as the secret to the pub’s staying power. “A pub is a pub is a pub,” he surmises. “But it was always the staff and the hospitality that made Hibernian. I’m proud of [Hibernian],” he admits. “But, more so, it’s about the people who have worked there over the years.”
For Hanley, that hospitality started at the bar, where he himself spent five years early on. “That was the most enjoyable thing for me,” he emphasizes, “just meeting people, shooting the shit and having conversations, you know?”
It’s no surprise, then, that the Hibernian mastermind can rattle off a number of regulars who’ve been around as long as the woodwork, like the infamous Thursday night crew (you know who you are, he says) posting up since day one. And he’s quick to point out the countless couples who have met at Hibernian along the way.
As for the next 25 years? Hanley says he’s excited about where Raleigh and Glenwood South are headed—and has no plans on leaving anytime soon. “I think we’re very lucky to have a district like Glenwood,” he says, “and I think it’s only going to get better.”
In the meantime, prime your liver and stay tuned for a massive summer celebration like no other, with live music and, if we’re, ahem, lucky, a side-street closure for an Irish-worthy blowout. After all, a benchmark this huge calls for one hell of a party to match. hibernianpub.com
Feeling the pinch of higher prices but still want to eat good in the neighborhood? Ball out on a budget with this curated series of local cheap eats—find breakfast for under $10, lunch under $15 and dinner under $20.
Breakfast: ~$10
Juicekeys While a regular smoothie at this locally owned and family-run juice bar runs for $12, the oopskeys smoothie (aka a “we made too much” bev) will only set you back $6. The key to great health and the key to our wallet.
Brigs Restaurant With its homey vibe and all-day brunch made with quality ingredients, Brigs has been dishing out affordable eats since 1988. From 7am–11am on weekdays, snag a three-egg omelette, grits and an English muffin for just $8.29.
Jubala Coffee Here’s the real unlock—find free espresso every Friday at this caffeine mainstay. Calm your coffee tick for free, and on any day of the week the bacon, fried egg and cheese biscuit comes in at $7.50. Throw on avocado if you’re feeling bougie (still under $10!).
Lunch: ~$15
Guasaca For a healthier op, get your fill with the grilled chicken bowl and add as many toppings as you like for just $10.95. Or, mix and match two of the signature arepas and still come out on top, er, below (!) the budget.
Roast Grill Bring your cash, do not ask for ketchup and bask in the beauty of an ice-cold Coca-Cola and two of the famous hot dogs for $10 at this OG Oak City sup spot.
Fullsteam This Boxyard RTP watering hole almost has too many options for a steal, which is a real problem as they’re all delicious. Caesar salad graced with fried chicken? Turkey pesto sammie? Two quarter-cut slices of the square-cut pizza? All sub-$15.
Dinner: ~$20
Primo Prime BBQ’s sister spot is open Wednesday–Friday nights from 5–8pm. Hang outside and see if you can finish the brisket nachos—a heaping plate of fresh tortilla chips piled high with Prime’s brisket, queso and other goodies—for $17.
Vic’s Italian Restaurant It’s hard to go wrong with eggplant parm or fresh stuffed manicotti, especially when you can get out the door for $14.95. For even bigger savings, a massive pepperoni and cheese calzone is just $10.80. Finish out with a sweet treat of tiramisu at $6.95—if you have room in your stomach.
Zanyu Noodles Slurp up savings when you dine at this Lafayette Village gem. The curry laksa noodle soup might make you sweat, but the bill comes in at a cool $15.50. NTM none of the entrees top $20—so ample opportunity for everyone to find something they’ll love.
Know a resto that serves up a bargain and didn’t make the list? Let us know at [email protected]
Trio of concepts aims to revitalize a sleepy strip.
A veritable cornucopia of new dining options is set to transform a once-ignored section of the New Bern Corridor. Enter the 1601 New Bern Avenue development, anticipated to begin unfolding as early as this spring.
It’s “a blank canvas with a lot of potential,” says Squeeze juice bar and cafe’s Wes Woody, one of the purveyors eager to breathe life into the area, alongside taco concept Que Pashoo Tacos & Bar and neighborhood bar Blotto. “There’s an opportunity here to shape the culture and create a real community hub.” In short, the trio of upcoming heavy hitters is poised to serve this East Raleigh corridor a major upgrade.
Squeeze Get ready to squeeze in some liquid gold. Beyond fresh juices, expect customizable smoothies and acai bowls, lunch salads and sandos, plus coffee to keep you fueled—all making for the perf outpost to yap with friends while you feed the vibe, not the regret. @squeeze.raleigh
Blotto Expect to get “drunk” (aka “blotto”) on good times via rounds of pool or some straight chill time paired with “Tried and True” traditional martinis, craft cocktails and beer, natch. Bringing a bar to a relatively, ahem, underserved area, “we’ll be joining the neighborhood as a trailblazer,” says co-owner Jennifer Kolarov—who also runs Neuse River Brewing with husband Ryan—of her excitement to convert New Bern into a happening locale. And for those who prefer an alfresco hang, Blotto delivers via not one, but two outdoor patios. And when the snackies hit, come prepared with BYO bites or look out for the occasional food truck. @blottonc
Que Pashoo Tacos & Bar Rounding out the trifecta is this taco restaurant and bar serving a range of tasty + authentic fiesta folds and craft cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. “Our goal is to bring something special to this community,” says co-owner Ruth Guerra—“a space where people can connect, celebrate and enjoy incredible food.” So you can come hungry, stay late and let the tequila (er, good vibes) flow. @quepashoonc
Sky-high egg prices are scrambling breakfast and hatching a DIY boom.
Egg prices are cracking records—period. Thanks to widespread bird flu, the January U.S. average dozen price of $4.95 appeared to have just been the appetizer, as the price jumped yet again in February, setting a new record of $5.90/dozen. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture expects prices to soar another 41% this year.
The outbreak is affecting local businesses as well, with restaurants forced to up the cost of breakfast, brunch and other egg-heavy items. Spots like Watkins Grill and Ex-Voto in the Durham Food Hall have already made the change.
“Despite the insane cost of eggs, we’ve done our best to hold off and not change the price of our breakfast burrito,” Ex-Voto shared in early March. “We’ve operated at a loss for seven weeks, but we’ve gotta do this price bump.” After some debate, the go-to grab-and-go Mexican hot spot decided against shrinking its popular brekky wrap because “we’re not McDonalds” and messing with product consistency is just not an option. Now up from $12 to $15, the “Crunchwrap Factory” promises prices will go down as soon as the yolk economy settles.
In addition to high-rolling huevos and the like, the spike has hatched a home movement: backyard chickens. Rental services (yes, they’re a thing) like Rent The Chicken are booming, while such local hatcheries as The Urban Chicken are selling out a month or two before chicks even crack their shells. But is setting up a flock in your backyard all it’s cracked up to be? Here, the lay of the land.
Chicks don’t lay eggs: Full-grown hens? You could see eggs in a week. But if you’re starting with chicks, get comfy—your first bounty is six months away.
$teep startup: Chicks run only $5–$20ish each—but their real price tag? A coop can set you back anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
Hens gotta eat too: With five fowl on egg duty, Wake Forest’s Renee Miller shells out $50 for chicken feed every ~six weeks.
HOA crackdown: Raleigh’s cool with chickens, but better check your covenants before you ruffle any feathers.
It’s a job: “[Chickens] are relatively low maintenance,” says Miller, “but they’re still animals. I have to care for [them] and consider them our pets.”
Savings scrambled: Miller’s hens crank out ~30 eggs a week—aka ~10 dozen a month, matching a $50 bill at the grocer. But when you factor in feed, startup costs and time? The savings fly the coop.
FARM-FRESH ALTERNATIVES Skip the grocery store for these fresh egg ops around town.*
Rebus Works, Warehouse District: $7/dozen sourced from MyrtleBee Farms; available direct delivery twice a month for $8/dozen within allotted delivery area
MAE Farm, available at State Farmers Market every day: $6/dozen for extra-large brown eggs; ostrich, goose and quail eggs also on offer
Enter Stellar, a concept by local Mandy Tamplin set to bow this month in the former Taste location. No stranger to restaurants or Raleigh, Tamplin spent nearly 20 years as a wine rep around town before leaving and eventually opening a wine bar in Portsmouth, Virginia, with the same moniker as this new spot.
The oenophile purchased the space with Seaboard Wine owner Doug Diesing, who she met during her early days selling wine in Raleigh, and Daniel Willis. “[Doug] told me about this great place, Taste, that was for sale,” says Tamplin. “And we welcomed the opportunity to work together again.”
Diesing emphasizes Stellar will be a casual neighborhood spot with a cozy interior dishing innovative craft cocktails and modern American shareable plates + elevated comfort food from executive chef Tory Glossner that pull inspiration from across the globe. Diesing will also be curating an out-of-this-world wine list while Tamplin focuses on the food and feel.
“We really just want to be a neighborhood place where people want to come two or three times a week that’s very comfortable—and offers delicious and inspired food and drinks,” maintains Tamplin.
In addition to those, ahem, stellar offerings, the spot will host live music on the weekends as well as a BYO vinyl night to keep the vibes high. And in the not so far away future, Tamplin and Diesing hope to open a pass-through between their two spaces to allow for the likes of winemaker dinners and classes. Houston, we don’t have a problem with this news.
