Sparking curiosity is new Hillsborough Street bar The Rabbit Hole.
The White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland called—and he wants you to venture down The Rabbit Hole for a drink—literally. Less a mysterious fantasy world and more cozy escape—but with all the character of a friendly tea time—the new bar by co-owners Jonny Ennis and Voltaire Council will open late summer in the former Green Monkey space on Hillsborough Street.
“For us, it’s more than a place to go drinking—we want to be kind of like a home away from home [for patrons].”
Voltaire Council
Lounge seating and a fresh coat’ll give the space a vibey refresh, while dartboards and TVs promise to foster an all-around friendly neighborhood bar that intentionally leans into camaraderie. “There’s some bars where there’s a very clear disconnect between the customers and bartenders,” says Council. “Then you have ones where the owner comes in and drinks; the customers are best friends with the bartenders; and everybody’s like a family”—which is precisely what you’ll find down The Rabbit Hole.
That approachable MO will be mirrored in the drinks—think beer and a small, simplified cocktail menu.
Retreat, revive and rest up at DTR’s new destination hotel + rooftop bar.
Setting the, well, tempo for DTR as a destination, enter Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, bowing as early as end of August. Only the fourth Tempo in the world—and CN Hotels’ first dual concept—the McKibbon Hospitality-managed brand chose Downtown Raleigh as one of its premiere properties for its competitive growth, propelling the city into the ranks of other upper-class East Coast markets—and alongside the likes of Tempo’s premiere trio selects Manhattan, Louisville and Nashville.
“We feel we’ve been received by Visit Raleigh and the other Downtown hotels as a new partner that’s going to grow the area and enhance their hotels,” says Dual General Manager Robert Ambersley. “The excitement from Visit Raleigh specifically over getting the Hilton brand Downtown has been stated very clearly to us.”
Not just a place to lay your bags and rest your head, the lifestyle hotel is an experience, serving at once to reimagine an overnight—weekend, week or even monthlong—stay while also leaning into the community aspect via public spaces that’ll appeal to Raleighites as well.
An architectural beacon from ground to sky, Tempo is primely positioned at the intersection of West Davie and South McDowell streets, with easy access to the Warehouse District, Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South.
The dual concept boasts 134 Homewood Suites and 127 Tempo rooms—the former geared toward more transient family travel, weddings and the like with homey accommodations feat. a couch, TV, wardrobes and a flex table, while the latter boasts upgraded materials and accouterments for the biz-savvy travel. Think a backlit “power-up” zone for taking Zoom meetings, bathroom mirrors with built-in speakers, and a cozy “power-down” zone a la beds with wraparound headboards and ample USB ports positioned in front of a 65-inch TV. And for those who never skip a workout, wellness suites offer an in-room Peloton, resistance bands and free weights.
Doubling down on that healthy lifestyle, Tempo’s downstairs all-day open-to-the-public Moonsong Cafe will offer freshly made ops like protein shakes, fresh coffee and avocado toast—plus cocktails and mocktails. Positioned in the expansive natural-lit lobby, the lounge allows patrons to relish in some of the hotel’s many “look-up moments,” including ~100 art pieces by local artists—the most prominent of which is a Sir Walter Raleigh mural adorning the decorative stairs. “The goal is for [guests] to stop looking at their phones and look up at all these beautiful surroundings,” emphasizes McKibbon Hospitality Dual Director of Sales Laureen Cooney.
But where visitors and Raleighites alike will really be able to enjoy a breathtaking respite is at Tempo’s rooftop Urban Oak, aka the City of Oaks’ tallest lounge and bar. The intimate space serves up incredible views of the city via its two patios (one covered, the other open-air)—plus a stunning interior bar, lounge seating and even wicker swings, with an indoor oak tree and unique light fixtures serving as added primo look-up moments to take in while indulging in small plates and cocktails.
“We definitely view [Urban Oak] as for the community, for Raleigh,” maintains Ambersley of the aptly dubbed restaurant in the sky. “This is not just for our hotel guests to hop on the elevator and grab a drink. We see it as a destination”—whether for a light dinner or pre-/post-meal cocktails.
So while you might not think of Raleigh as a tourist town—yet—Tempo is here to turn the tide, attracting both out-of-towners and residents alike to a one-of-a-kind destination helping put the City of Oaks on the map. hilton.com
Top five 🤝 Top Chef. Being selected as one of the 15 original cast members for the Emmy-, James Beard- and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series is an accomplishment in itself—but to rise through the ranks to make it in the top five? The feeling can only be described as “crazy,” says M Tempura chef de cuisine Savannah Miller. The Durham-based culinary star also advanced to the top four (!), while Manny Barella of Raleigh Iron Works’ newly bowed Jaguar Bolera finished in fifth place.
But the road to the finals was no cakewalk: “Everybody’s hands shoot up for a James Beard or Michelin-starred kitchen–and I don’t have either of those things,” Miller humbly noted on the premiere in a room of celebrated chefs. But as host Kristen Kish then portended, “Once you get in the Top Chefkitchen it doesn’t matter at all.” Clearly—as Miller culminated her time in Wisconsin by winning three Quickfires in row and the final elimination challenge to make it to the finals. “I’m not just going to the finals,” she gushed. “I’m going to the finals with the most wins in Wisconsin, and I feel like I’m the one to beat here. I’m realizing it, and I think other people are too.”
Barella—a season star in his own right—reflects fondly on the pressure cooker of an experience: “This was the most exhilarating, challenging and yet rewarding experience of my life,” he tells Raleigh Magazine. “My wildest dream and then some.” And, boy, was it wild to watch—full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and lots of delicious dishes, natch. Leading up to the finale, we tapped the duo for their hot takes from the show.
On Top Chef goals going in:
MB: I definitely did not get into cooking thinking one day I’d compete on Top Chef. That said, Top Chef is about putting the best of the best in the kitchen together, and I wanted to be part of it. Competing against other amazing chefs is a great way to fight off imposter syndrome. I came to embrace that.
SM: I’ve been a huge fan of the show for so many years, and the idea of competing has been on my career bucket list. I really think Top Chef is on another caliber when it comes to cooking competitions. I love it because you really get to know the chefs every season, and that level of intimacy combined with the creative nature of the challenges—it’s a joy to watch.
Show highlights:
MB: It was everything you see on screen—exciting, challenging, thrilling, tough and rewarding.
SM: I really enjoyed getting to know the other chefs. And a twist I was not expecting was that I’ve made lifelong friends who all happen to be just as kind as they are talented—and that’s saying a lot.
On landing top five:
MB: It was really exciting to get to cook with Danny, Dan, Savannah and Laura. This is a beautiful, beautiful ride and a beautiful experience for everyone involved.
SM: Experiencing the highs and lows of the competition and finding myself in the top 5 was such a proud moment. I could look around and feel that I truly belonged among these chefs and it gave me an overwhelming sense of pride. … I am forever grateful.
Biggest takeaways:
MB: I learned a lot more about myself [throughout] the competition. I’m more resilient and creative after the experience.
SM: The confidence you can build from really diving into the experience of cooking under extreme pressure and putting yourself out there on national TV—it’s a lesson I really hope to hold onto in my career for years to come.
*Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Two Raleigh restaurateurs are resurrecting a hidden speakeasy below Fayetteville Street.
Tucked below Fayetteville Street is a time capsule of Raleigh history: an abandoned speakeasy located directly underneath Sir Walter Apartments, which formerly housed the famous Sir Walter Hotel. Now, the dust-covered den below the city’s oldest surviving hotel building is rising like a Phoenix thanks to Anthony Rapillo (of Flour & Barrel, V Pizza, Flask Cocktail Bar and The SideDoor fame) and Chopped champ Katsuji Tanabe.
A designated historic landmark, the hotel—which was constructed (and saw its heyday) in the 1920s—was a hub for political activity, earning it its famed “North Carolina’s Third House of Government” nickname. Because, naturally, what better politico hang for wheelings and dealings than a hidden speakeasy?
Long since forgotten, its unearthing a century later revealed beautiful bones complete with historic remnants a la original booths, tables, bartop and some light fixtures, enticing many Raleigh entrepreneurs to acquire the sacred slice of real estate. Alas, Rapillo and Tanabe were the sole proprietors to score an in-person meeting with the building’s owner, Capital Realty Group. And the rest, quite literally, is history.
With lease now in hand, the entrepreneurial pair plans to revive the speakeasy, retaining its signature red leather booths and wood details while bringing energy back to that once-thriving dance floor. And propelling the space into its new age, the duo will add mod touches to the downstairs den, including two bars and entertainment—think live DJs, dancing, and bottle/shots service.
“We want it to be a place where adults can go and let loose and have a really good time—and not feel super-restricted or like they’re somewhere fancy,” says Rapillo. Think very fun, very loud and very dark, he adds. In short, a total vibe.
Meanwhile, a separate side from the dance floor area serving subterranean sips and sushi will lean more into a restaurant atmosphere with loungey booth seating and a Japanese-inspired menu by Tanabe.
Taken together, the dark and moody space will tout a true speakeasy scene—down to the absence of signage or a bouncer checking people in at the exterior door upstairs). And it will remember where it came from—from the old photo mementos to the potential moniker… Rapillo even wants to name it The Third House. “If we’re not gonna dive into the history, why are we doing this here?” he says.
But the underground haven—now DTR’s fifth behind a bevy of outstanding below-ground bars: Foundation, Fox Liquor Bar, Watts & Ward, and Sous Terre—won’t just serve as an ode to Raleigh’s history, but a beacon of her future. It’ll stand on the shoulders of all the longstanding and newly bowing businesses securing DTR as a destination for the future.
“We feel like Downtown in five, 10 years is gonna be back to being the coolest place to be in Raleigh—and we want to be a part of it,” emphasizes Rapillo. “Downtowns are always vital to a city’s success. … And the space is so cool.” Ready to go back in time?
Lobera bringing casual yet authentic Mexican eats to Hillsborough Street.
For those who already miss the Mexican eats coming out of Gonza’s former Hillsborough Street location, we’ve got some good news. Family- and NCSU alumni-owned tacos and tequila spot Lobera is opening in its place later this summer, bringing with it a newfound taste of Mexico to Raleigh. … So, something to ~taco~ bout indeed.
Translating to “the place where all the wolves gather” (get it?) in Spanish, Lobera will indeed be a hot spot for those looking to spice up traditional Mexican fare with contemporary twists across lunch, dinner and brunch. Think unique tacos, natch, in addition to classic Tex-Mex dishes like ACP, enchiladas and burritos, not to mention creative standouts like birria ramen and Mexican-inspired sushi, the latter of which is all the rage in Mexico.
As far as drinks, you can bet margaritas will be a menu mainstay, with seasonal tequila-based cocktails to boot. Expect tropical influences in the summertime and fall-forward flavors once the temps cool—with classics always on offer.
“We’re grabbing influence from modern-day Mexico City,” says partner Minerva Llamas, whose family of restaurant vets owns 20+ other restaurants in the Southeast. “It’s such a cultural hub of modern Mexican culture, but also international influences as a major cosmopolitan city—there will be something for everyone.”
Undergoing a reno to elicit a more casual-elevated approach—influenced by what Llamas sees in her visits to Mexico City—expect that authentic essence of Mexico to be mirrored in the vibey, hip, welcoming interior.
And, as a Pack alumna, you can bet she hopes to integrate Lobera as a literal place the wolves gather and into the local community on Hillsborough Street—from hosting game day watch parties and fundraisers to eventually incorporating art from local college students.
“We are incredibly excited to join the community. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to be part of Hillsborough Street, and we’re going to work hard to become a social and cultural hub. We want Lobera to be a warm and inviting space for all.”
