Get excited for these bars and eateries coming to Smoky Hollow.
Raleigh’s newest development, Smoky Hollow, has already become all the rage for its uber-popular national grocery store chain (hey, Publix!), hip Peace Raleigh Apartments and The Line Downtown Apartments, and 421 N. Harrington St. office building campus—not to mention its walkability to the heart of Downtown and direct connectivity to the adjacent future Devereux Meadows Park.
Adding to the excitement is the Hollow’s lineup of both locally and nationally renowned restaurants and nightlife destinations, offering ample ops for both Smoky Hollow residents and Raleigh folk alike (27+ set is the aim) to sip and sup with friends. Here, we give you the scoop on what’s to come—and where you’ll be spending a lot of time soon.
Durham’s one-stop shop for eats, drinks and to-go snacks is bringing its all-day menu to the Hollow. In the morning, enjoy a full coffee program with numerous espresso creations and cold brew mixes (coffee lovers, meet your new morning obsession…), along with breakfast sandwiches, wraps and bowls. For the rest of the day, J. Lights will offer up kitchen-driven sandwiches, salads and starters—plus a full bar boasting spiked sodas, handmade craft cocktails, and local beer and wine. So whether you’re in need of a quick on-the-go breakfast, a cool spot to have lunch with co-workers or clients, or a date-night destination, J. Lights has got ya covered.
From Tyler Helikson, the owner of everyone’s favorite casual and healthy salad, bowl and smoothie spot (looking at you, Happy + Hale), comes Madre, an energetic full-service restaurant concept featuring Spanish and Coastal Mediterranean small plates, wine, cocktails and weekend brunch—best enjoyed on Madre’s beautiful patio. Inspired by the comforting and unconditional hospitality of our mothers (hence, madre), the new spot promises a good time no matter what the occasion. Meet at Madre? You don’t have to ask us twice. (Pro tip: Cleary a good spot to take mom come Mother’s Day).
Rumor has it that one of the best cocktail bars in the South is coming to the Hollow, and, boy, we could not be more excited. If you’ve ever visited Crunkleton’s Chapel Hill or Charlotte locations, you know the hot spot is known for its sleek and sexy high-quality cocktails (and plethora of libations!) inspired by classic renditions and zhuzhed up with modern techniques—not to mention the warm and inviting atmosphere that just begs you to stop in for a drink on your way home from work. Cheers to that!
Namaste balanced with hot yoga and smoothies from yoga “it” girl Emily Wallace. We can’t think of a better way to refresh and refuel after a sweaty yoga sesh (top-notch instructors will guide you through core-enhancing moves, stress-reducing stretches, flow practices and more) than with a smoothie filled with real ingredients and natural adaptogenics that enhance your mood, adapt to stress and keep you balanced. Or, maybe you just need a healthy afternoon snack. Either way, “positive side effects, guaranteed” with this daily dose of health and fitness.
Get ready to go hog wild for FS Food Group’s Midwood Smokehouse, acclaimed for its award-winning, all-hickory-smoke barbecue influenced by Texas and Carolina barbecue styles (the best of both worlds!). Led by Lexington-native Executive Pitmaster Matthew Barry, the menu will mirror the other five Midwood Smokehouse locations and feature bestsellers such as Texas-style brisket, Eastern Carolina chopped pork and Tex-Mex barbecue tacos—plus, Southern Living’s top-rated mac and cheese in the state. Another fresh barbecue spot to add to Raleigh’s ever-growing list of BBQ joints to pig out at? We’re here for it—and ready to pig out (had to).
Exclusive sneak peek on three-story entertainment concept coming to old Glenwood South Solas spot.
Photos by RDP3 Photography
When you think of the bustling blocks of bars that Glenwood South is today, it’s hard to remember that in 2007, Solas was the sole nightclub on the strip. For those who frequented Solas before it became an event venue and eventually shuttered 18 months ago (yup, pandemic), your mind no doubt wanders to swanky lounge areas and boozy late nights permeated with dance music and neon lights.
For those who may not know, that dance destination was owned by hospitality titan Niall Hanley (of Hibernian Hospitality Group fame—think Hibernian, Raleigh Beer Garden, Watts & Ward and more). Back then, he says, we didn’t have a nightclub. And now doesn’t feel like the right time for a nightclub.
So, wanting to update the space—and arguably return to the original high-end luxury dining and lounge experience Solas was born as—the pandemic served up the perfect opportunity. “We’ve had this concept in mind for the last couple of years,” says Hanley.
Enter the revamped and rebranded three-story modern DTR nightlife destination, slated for a late September open.
The first-floor Botanical Lounge ties together tapas-style eats (think meats, cheeses, and small plates—like steak tartare, mini lobster rolls and roasted beets), wine and spirits served at cozy teal and silver couches in a light-filled indoor/outdoor space.
Level up your events at the second-floor The Sage Room, a private events and wedding venue with a large dance floor, AV lighting, state-of-the-art sound system and an outdoor patio overlooking downtown Raleigh, making it a perfect spot for any special occasion.
Topping the space off is Highgarden rooftop lounge, which delivers a gorgeous view of DTR’s skyline thanks to its open-air concept featuring lounge seating equipped with umbrellas (and fire pits in the fall and winter)… not to mention—and here’s where the apt name comes in—the plethora of greenery seen throughout. The rooftop bar remains, inviting guests to enjoy wine, craft cocktails and draft beers while taking in panoramic views and lounging with your crew or SO.
The new ID? You’ll need proof of vaccination to get into these local restaurants, bars and events—but there are extra perks to having that vax card.
Need another reason to get vaccinated? Many local restaurants, bars and events won’t let you in without a vax card (a pic is fine, FYI). Durham businesses kicked off the trend in early August after the Bull City reinstated its mask mandate, and Raleigh hot spots are following their lead (nod to Players Retreat with its fun “I am vaxxed!” buttons!).
The NC Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) is providing restaurants across the state access to best practices when it comes to enforcing a vaccine policy. The website states that restaurants asking for proof of vaccination does not violate HIPAA because “HIPAA only applies to entities within the health care field, and it does not prohibit asking questions about someone‘s health.” For those who are not vaccinated, the site recommends seating them outside or preparing their orders to-go.
Here, we provide a growing list of Triangle businesses and events requiring a vax card (as of press time). Translation: You have a spot, get your shot!
Several Triangle businesses want to award you for getting your shot (and showing it off so you can still support local!).
• Unscripted Durham is offering a Shot for a Shot for those who have received their vax. Every Thursday night on The Patio, the hotel’s rooftop space, guests can show proof of vaccination to get a free shot from the bar. Cheers to that!
• Donut “glaze” by this one. Krispy Kreme is still giving out free original glazed doughnuts to anyone who shows their vaccination card (limit one per day, unfortunately).
They don’t call it the “Darling District” for nothing. Trust us—DC deserves to be your next getaway.
Fun facts: I grew up in Northern Virginia (aka spitting distance from DC). And while our EIC grew up in Raleigh, she took a hiatus to DC 10 years ago—living in Georgetown and cutting her teeth at DC magazine. So we know DC is so much more than the text-book version and decided it was time to return to the cap city to bring back the deets on what’s hot right now.
Sure, your perception of DC may not vary much from my middle-schooler POV—the epicenter of our nation’s government, filled with colossal monuments, museums, politics and an uber-diverse population. You’re not wrong—but there’s so much more to it than that. It’s also a lively adult playground with waterfront (and rooftop!) views aplenty, countless greenspaces and parks, some of the nation’s best chefs and bartenders (and food and cocktail concepts), cultural experiences, and more.
Not to mention the distinct DC neighborhoods—from the cobblestone streets (reminiscent of Charleston) and riverside eats in charming Georgetown to Dupont Circle’s super-walkable dining and nightlife vibes, DC is a city worth experiencing (again and again). But with so much to do, it’s hard to know where to start—so we did the hard work (ha) for you. Here’s your dreamy DC to-do list. And if you’re looking for an excuse to book that 45-minute flight (!) or make the quick drive up I95 sooner rather than later, DC Beer Week is Sept. 19–26.
DO
The REACH at the Kennedy Centerfor the Performing Arts
Playing off of DC’s playground identity is The REACH, the Kennedy Center’s first expansion since its opening in 1971. Strolling through the green spaces (pro tip: pack a picnic) was a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, while glass-windowed rehearsal spaces allowed us to peep various artists in action. kennedy-center.org
ARTECHOUSE
ARTECHOUSE Renewal 2121
Art + tech (hence, ARTECHOUSE) collide at this buzzy boundary-pushing cultural playground. Upon entry into Renewal 2121 (on view through Sept. 6), we were immediately transported into an overdeveloped Tokyo 100 years in the future rocked by climate change (sound familiar?)—prompting us to think about our choices… and ideally take action. Next up, Life of a Neuron (Sept. 27–Nov. 28)—a must-do. artechouse.com
The Wharf
City life meets boardwalk thrills at waterfront The Wharf, which boasts a plethora of excellent restaurants, shops, hotels and happenings. Our top recs? Margs at Mi Vida, concerts at The Anthem, an Italian dinner at Officina (more info to the right) and, um, more drinks at Cantina Bambina (overlooking the river!). wharfdc.com
EAT
CUT by Wolfgang PuckWe have just one piece of advice for you: Order the wagyu. As a matter of fact, order all three of the wagyus (but especially the 2-oz. Japanese wagyu New York sirloin—arguably the best melt-in-your-mouth bite of meat we’ve ever taken)… because when else are you going to be able to eat steak at a Wolfgang Puck restaurant? wolfgangpuck.com
Officina
Our last meal in DC consisted of pasta and pizza (balanced with fresh salads and possibly one last glass of prosecco—because when in DC…) at Officina’s Georgetown location, the upscale casual and cozy sister location to the bustling three-story restaurant, market and rooftop bar at The Wharf. We can attest that Nicholas Stefanelli’s tried-and-true Italian dishes are the best way to fuel up for a flight. officinadc.com
Clyde’s
After walking several miles around Georgetown in the hot summer heat, local-fave Clyde’s offered the perfect perch for grabbing a quick drink and a snack. It’s just the type of neighborhood-friendly watering hole you’d want to stumble upon as a tourist—the affable service, food and drinks beg you to get another round (or two). clydes.com
DRINK
Baked & Wired
It took everything in us not to ruin our lunch with a cupcake, cookie or bar (or literally anything else) from this national treasure (aka hip family-owned coffee shop and bakery in Georgetown)—but we’re going to insist that you do. And you can’t beat a latte made with handcrafted coffee to jump-start a day spent adventuring the cap city. bakedandwired.com
POV Rooftop at W Washington DC
POV: You’re sipping a specialty cocktail (with names taking inspiration from political history, famous rumors and presidential quotes, naturally) high above the nation’s capital, overlooking the White House—not to mention such splendid sights as the U.S. Treasury Department building, the Washington Monument and more. Clearly, one of the best points of view (and rooftop bars!) DC has to offer. *Swoon.* povrooftop.com
Riverfront Drinks at Washington Harbour
We could’ve spent the whole day throwing back blended drinks at the Washington Harbour while taking in views of the Potomac River, Key Bridge, Kennedy Center and Roosevelt Island—but alas, there’s so much else to see and do! Still, while you’re there, go for a round at Nick’s Riverside Grill, Sequoia, or Tony and Joe’s. thewashingtonharbour.com
STAY
Lyle Washington DC
The plethora of Dupont Circle shops, restaurants and attractions at the hotel’s doorstep may tempt—but were a tough match for the opulent comfort of our calming neutral- and art deco-appointed rooms. Luckily, the unparalleled breakfast (also serving lunch, dinner and cocktails) at casually sophisticated Lyle’s is easily worth leaving the room for (how is an egg sandwich that good?). lyledc.com
Rosewood Washington DC
Tucked between M and K streets, Rosewood recently added and reno’d several adjacent townhouses—delivering guests the luxuries of a hotel with the privacy of an Airbnb. Our luxe stay in the serene, modern split-level townhouse, complete with posh furnishings, cozy breakfast nook, private patio and futuristic toilet (seriously, it knows when you are entering the room and self-cleans)—all in the oasis that is Georgetown (just steps from riverfront bevs or endless primo retail and restos)—made us never want to leave. rosewoodhotels.com
Riggs Washington DC
Riggs’ Ida McKinley-Inspired First Lady Suite
Set in the former home of the Riggs National Bank in Penn Quarter, the ever-opulent Riggs is a must-stay. (And spring for one of the four First Lady suites! Our pick: the pretty-in-pink Ida McKinley version.) Besides being the ideal atmosphere for popping bottles, you’d be remiss not to toast your trip in the super-hip subterranean cocktail bar (Silver Lyan) before a fab dinner at Café Riggs. riggsdc.com
Man up your beard game with Luther Taylor beard oil (quadrupling as a natural cologne, hair oil and moisturizer)—about to be your new favorite all-in-one men’s product.
This luxury beard oil is really going to grow on you. Developed by Raleighite Michael Blevins and his wife, Mary, Luther Taylor beard oil is made with natural, certified organic, vegan and 100% unrefined jojoba oil (which, when used in an everyday skin regime, may promote healthy hair growth) and handformulated scents from around the world—perfect for bearded dudes who are frustrated with beard creams, serums and other products on the market that fall flat.
Intoxicating scents (most of which also boast some pretty interesting names…) include 1500, 1975, Pussy Willow (chill, it’s a plant), Blood Root, Lore, Ox-Eye and Long Spur—and all do double duty as a natural cologne. You can even use it on your body and face. See? Told ya it’d grow on you. luthertaylor.com
