by Raleigh Magazine | Aug 30, 2022 | Eat, September 2022
You didn’t think we forgot about our burbs foodie faves, did you? While we Raleighites are blessed with scads of spectacular sup spots in the City of Oaks (see our inaugural Top 25 Restaurants), sometimes a night out out of the city is well worth the gas. Here, Raleigh Magazine’s top five restaurants in the burbs.
The Provincial • Apex
“There is one inexhaustible aspect of life that never dulls—namely, the simple pleasure of eating and drinking.” Enter The Provincial. Not at all provincial in the “unsophisticated” sense, but purposefully provincial in the “small town” sense, this family-owned intimate Apex eatery effortlessly embodies the above words of famed journalist Andre Dominé. But don’t let its “family-owned intimate” status fool you. While these fine folks will no doubt get to know your name and what you like, the quaint atmosphere is anything but quiet. Rollicking restaurantgoers fill the space that stays busy enough to house two bars (one upstairs)—which churn out ’tails tasty enough to rival any big-city cocktail bar sip for sip. And the fare, in a word: transcendent. A daily changing menu’ll keep you coming back, but the fish always has us on the line (find a more delicious cast, we’ll wait). Simply put, “it’s hands down one of the top five dining experiences I’ve had this year across the country—period,” says RM Publisher Gina Stephens—high praise from an industry veteran whose job, in part, is to eat her way through cities for intel. But the real standout? The service. Elevated fare can oft be associated with aloof or stuffy service. Not here. Perhaps that’s the purposeful play on “unsophisticated” after all—where provincial means personable. theprovincialapex.com
a’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library • Cary
Two words: Katsuji Tanabe. The star chef splashed on the Raleigh scene to much fanfare when he opened High Horse in 2019 for an unexpected short run (thanks, pandemic). But these things have a way of working themselves out. And a’Verde is no doubt a triumph. From his perch in Cary—and in partnership with LM Restaurants (think Vidrio, Taverna Agora, Carolina Ale House and more)—the top toque transports you to his hometown via elevated-yet-approachable spins on dishes he grew up eating at the family table, merged with the emotional, energized, creative cooking heating up America’s top kitchens. You won’t find the typical rice, beans and cheese galore. You will find an authentic reliance on the kinds of dishes you’d see in the best restos in Mexico City (think adobo fried rice with crispy pork belly, topped with a cracked egg like his dad used to make). For added flair… literal flares you carry to the patio-positioned bell where you take a shot and try to “ring” the bell by hauling a made-of-ice shot glass (so, a shot for a shot). It’s a restaurant that could open in NYC or LA or Chicago today. Lucky for us, it’s in Cary. And it’s damn good. averdecary.com
Pimiento Tea Room • Holly Springs
Breaking the stereotype that tea is only for ladies in fancy hats, Pimiento Tea Room in Holly Springs hosts teatime with a modern spin, complete with teas (natch), tea-infused cocktails (you’ll wanna try the G+Tea), wine, beer, and rotating loaded sandwiches that’ll require a fork and knife (!)—plus scones, sweets and other snacks like pimiento cheese (hence the name—and a must-try), black-eyed pea hummus, and sausage balls. The tea room’s setting in a refurbished 1840-built Brown-Holloway House effortlessly balances traditional (think antique furnishings and vintage touches) with hip (we see you, bold, colorful decor!), making for a morning, afternoon or evening worthy of royalty. pimientotearoom.com
Crawford Cookshop • Clayton
You already know star chef Scott Crawford’s Raleigh resto staples Crawford and Son, and Jolie (both RM Top 25 Restaurants, see p. 78), but allow us to tout their hip little sister, Crawford Cookshop. Situated just a quick drive from the City of Oaks in downtown Clayton, this casual eatery was born out of Crawford’s foray into takeout/delivery at Crawford and Son, during which he rediscovered several nostalgic dishes that he loved cooking and eating, but were simpler than anything he’d offer at his other restaurants. Located in a restored building circa the 1900s, Crawford Cookshop transports diners to the Americana-style eateries of yesteryear via high-end classics from a wood grill—think grilled hanger steak, smoked wings served with Alabama sauce, and a spicy fried chicken sando (pro tip: The mac and cheese is also to die for!). All in all, it’s a chic suburban addition to chef Crawford’s restaurant résumé that’s not only worth the drive, but might even give its Raleigh siblings a run for their money (!). crawfordcookshop.com
Bodega Tapas, Wine & Rum • Wake Forest
An intimate, sophisticated space with warm wood, exposed brick, and accents of pressed tin and Prussian blue sets the stage for downtown Wake Forest’s Bodega, nee 2019, where an eclectic range of small plates are best shared with a large group (the more people, the more you can try!) and one (or two or three…) of the resto’s signature rum cocktails. The worldly tapas menu includes Parisienne gnocchi, Peruvian chicken, lamb meatballs, and an NC goat cheese dip that’ll have you licking the bowl. So, yeah, trust us when we tell you to bring your friends—because you’re going to want to try one of everything. bodegawakeforest.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Jul 21, 2022 | 2022, Dine Listings, Eat
How we pick our listings: Here, Raleigh Magazine’s highly curated list of locally owned fast-casual eateries. Think of a restaurant we missed? Click here.
CAPITAL DISTRICT
Libations 317
Local restaurateur Greg Hamm (of Sanford’s Libations 139 and Cafe 121 fame) delivers a chef-inspired bistro-style menu at Libations 317, along with libations (naturally) such as seasonal craft cocktails, local beer and boutique wines. 317 W. Morgan St., Ste. 117, 919.774.1888, chefhamm.com
The Roast Grill
“Good friends, good dogs, good times” are on order at this famed hole-in-the-wall 13-seat Raleigh staple “burnin’ ’em for you” since 1940. 7 S. West St., 919.832, facebook.com/theroastgrillhotweiners
State of Beer
Beer is a state of mind at this DTR bottle and sandwich shop that plays home to “good, rad and funky” craft beer and chef-crafted sandwiches—with delish salads to boot. 401 Hillsborough St., 919.546.9116, stateof.beer
SMOKY HOLLOW
The Cardinal Bar
“Spirits & everybody” is the name of the game at Jason Howard’s West Street drinking den and hot dog haven. The Cardinal’s infused liquor makes for some of the best—and cheapest—shots in town. Chase them with one of the lowkey bar’s famous beer-braised hot dogs, which are also available as veggie dogs. 713 N. West St., facebook.com/thecardinalbar
Dose Elixir Bar
Whether you just namaste’d a Dose class or you’re passing through the Hollow, grab your daily “dose” at Dose Yoga’s in-house smoothie bar concept and walk-up window to elevate your mood and stay balanced. Pick your potion, from adaptogenic and plant-based protein smoothies, smoothie bowls and wellness lattes—positive side effects, guaranteed. 415 N. Harrington St., 919.917.7032, doseyogaraleigh.com
SEABOARD + PERSON STREET DISTRICT
(Ish) Delicatessen
Not quite Jewish, a little Italian and maybe Southern, this sandwich shop boasts “weird sandwiches from weird people” for breakfast and lunch. 702 N. Person St., 984.200.8189, ishdelicatessen.com
Longleaf Swine
Go hog wild at Marc Russel and Adam Cunningham’s long-awaited Q joint, which serves up Texas-meets-Carolina-style ’cue that’s also influenced by Russel’s Puerto Rican background. Get your meat by the pound or on a sando, then load up on sides. 300 E. Edenton St., 984.200.9649, longleafswine.com
Oakwood Pizza Box
Owner Anthony Guerra channels the pizza he grew up eating on Long Island in this intimate family atmosphere—meaning, no matter the base (red or white sauce), the Neapolitan-style pizza is creative and delish. 610 N. Person St., 1842 Wake Forest Road, 919.594.1605, oakwoodpizzabox.com
Standard Beer + Food
There’s nothing standard about this fab fam-friendly sip and sup spot with prime patio seating for throwing back brews and bites with your besties, SO—or even solo. 205 E. Franklin St., 919.322.1499, standardbeerandfood.com
Tacos El Patron 323
Taco ’bout a great selection. Tacos El Patron 323 offers an array of tacos, natch, including breakfast tacos and Tijuana-style birria tacos (the birria ramen is also a hit!); quesadillas; mulitas (like a taco but in quesadilla form); and more. 122 Seaboard Ave., 919.896.7075, elpatron323.com
MOORE SQUARE DISTRICT
Transfer Co. Food Hall
Located in the historic Carolina Coach Garage and Shop, this hip food hall houses local seafood, burritos, bagels, housemade meats and pastas, burgers, Asian fare, and more—plus a bar. 500 E. Davie St., 984.232.8122, transfercofoodhall.com
FAYETTEVILLE STREET DISTRICT
lucettegrace
Start your day at this contemporary patisserie with croissants and coffee; escape midday with the box lunch (your choice of sandwich, salad or soup, and a treat) or reward yourself post-work with those legendary macarons. 235 S. Salisbury St., 919.307.4950, lucettegrace.com
Manhattan Cafe
Grilled cheese is for grown-ups! … And lunch is a vibe at this super-fresh local cafe by three brothers serving brekkie and lunch since 2009. 320 S. Wilmington St., 919.833.6015, manhattancafenc.com
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT
Gussie’s
“A fresh new version of an old idea,” Gussie’s serves up drinks and dishes worth gathering with your pals around day or night—from fried pickle chips and meatballs to fish tacos and a double double smash burger. 927 W. Morgan St., 919.307.4459, gussiesraleigh.com $
Morgan Street Food Hall
An oasis for some of Raleigh’s best food and drink ops, this new-age food hall serves up everything from wood-fired pizza, tacos and burgers to lobster rolls, ice cream and more—not to mention cocktails at its indoor/outdoor bar. 411 W. Morgan St., 919.307.4481, morganfoodhall.com
A Place at the Table
Having quickly gained local love and national acclaim, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you can cafe offers breakfast ops like quiche and waffles, and such lunch classics as salads, sandwiches and paninis. 300 W. Hargett St., 919.307.8914, tableraleigh.org
Sam Jones BBQ
Prominent NC pitmaster Sam Jones brings his family’s signature Eastern North Carolina chopped whole-hog Q to Raleigh at Sam Jones BBQ, where trays and sandos are best served with the Skylight Inn-style cornbread. 502 W. Lenoir St., 984.206.2555, samjonesbbq.com
HILLSBOROUGH STREET CORRIDOR
Bul Box
BYO Asian eating experience via Bul Box’s customizable boxes (choose your own base, protein, toppings and garnishes/sauces). Think an elevated bento box with a worldly flair. 2526 Hillsborough St., Ste. 100, 984.200.8359, bul-box.com
Meat & Bite
Whether you’re craving wings, quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps or pretty much anything in between (the menu also boasts burgers, salads, kofta kabobs and more), there’s surely something on the menu you can take a bite out of when hunger strikes. 2908 Hillsborough St., 919.803.0025, meatnbite.com
Tacos El Patron 323
Taco ’bout a great selection. Tacos El Patron 323 offers an array of tacos, natch, including breakfast tacos and Tijuana-style birria tacos (the birria ramen is also a hit!); quesadillas; mulitas (like a taco but in quesadilla form); and more. 2873 Hillsborough St., 919.896.6661, elpatron323.com
VILLAGE DISTRICT
Cafe Carolina and Bakery
A “warm welcome” is served in the form of fresh and delicious breakfast items, grilled paninis, flatbreads, soups, salads and pastries (save room for a cupcake!) at this Village District mainstay. 2130 Clark Ave., 919.821.7117, cafecarolina.com
Rise Biscuits Chicken
Move over Bojangles. Rise, well, rises to the occasion with best-in-class “biscuits above & beyond” for a truly scrumptious Southern experience that smacks for breakfast and lunch. 530 Daniels St., 984.200.6966, risebiscuitschicken.com
Village Deli & Grill
You could eat every meal of the day at Village Deli, starting with breakfast selects like omelets, hash plates and wraps. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with any of the grilled or deli sandwiches, paninis or subs; and the dinner plates are just what you need to seal the deal. 500 Daniels St., 919.828.1428, villagedeli.net
GLENWOOD SOUTH
DeMo’s Pizzeria & Deli
Um, you’re def on a knead-to-know basis when it comes to this local pizzeria and deli dishing homemade eats with fresh local ingredients that’ll steal another lil slice of your heart with every, well, slice (or salad, or sub…). Insider tip: Don’t sleep on the delivery service. 222 Glenwood Ave., 919.754.050, demospizzeriadeli.com
La Farm Bakery
Channel your Parisian sidewalk cafe fantasies a la La Farm’s first Raleigh outpost—complete with pastries and coffee galore, with sandwiches, salads and soups for lunch to come. Just don’t forget to grab a loaf or two to take home. 122 Glenwood Ave., 919.322.1351, lafarmbakery.com $
FIVE POINTS
Lilly’s Pizza
In 1993, four musicians started this slice of heaven in a former biker bar, and the popular pizza place with its palatable pies is still going strong today. 1813 Glenwood Ave., 919.833.0226, lillyspizza.com
IRON DISTRICT
Eastcut
Sandwich utopia found at this sammie hot spot serving up chef-driven cheesesteaks, burgers and salads comprising housemade ingredients like sauces, fresh mozzarella and handbreaded meats. Bonus: Wash it all down with a local brew from the rotating selection. 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 126, 919.301.8263, eastcutsandwich.com $
Jaguar Bolera
Come for the games—duckpin bowling, soundproof karaoke booth (!), darts, etc.—stay for the Southern-meets-Mexican grub created by Top Chef contestant Manny Barella (standouts include the tacos, pork belly burnt ends, and carnitas torta) and a bev or two from the self-pour walls. Or just skip the games altogether and get your food and drink on. 2221 Iron Works Drive, 984.849.5135, jaguarbolera.com $
Wilson’s Eatery
This hip open indoor-outdoor warehouse space at Dock 1053 is famed for its locally sourced scratch-made fare with Southern flair—not to mention the beer garden shared with sister company Lynnwood Brewing Concern. 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road, 919.977.5442, wilsonseatery.com
WEST RALEIGH
Che Empanadas
Offering a “little corner of Argentina in Raleigh,” this nosh spot (also boasting a food truck) serves up top-notch authentic handmade empanadas made from family recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner—stuffed with everything from al pastor and brisket to corn and ham and cheese. 5800 Duraleigh Road, 919.594.1909, cheempanadas.com $
Gym Tacos
We’re all about fitness. Fitness taco into our mouths! Get your daily workout—er lunch/dinner!—via Gym Tacos, which offers tacos, natch… plus loaded burritos, quesadillas and tortas. 3701 Hillsborough St., gymtacosnc.com
Neomonde
A Raleigh market and restaurant staple since 1977, this cafe dishes a wide range of Lebanese and Mediterranean fare and groceries, including kabob platters, shawarma sandwiches, and fresh-made pita bread and hummus. 3817 Beryl Road, 919.828.1628, neomonde.com
NORTHWEST RALEIGH
Arepa Culture
Arepa Culture’s first brick-and-mortar location serves the same handcrafted Venezulean arepas their food truck made famous, along with additional Latin American fare. 6274 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 100, arepaculturenc.com
Rise Biscuits Chicken
Move over Bojangles. Rise, well, rises to the occasion with best-in-class “biscuits above & beyond” for a truly scrumptious Southern experience that smacks for breakfast and lunch. 8301 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste. 101, 984.244.7218, risebiscuitschicken.com
Village Deli & Grill
Come for the breakfast sandwiches, omelets, wraps and more, and stay for the lunch paninis, deli sandwiches and dinner plates at this all-day restaurant. 2500 Wycliff Road, 919.803.1245, villagedeli.net
NORTH RALEIGH
Bongiorno & Son
Say bongiorno to elevated sammies (feat. high-quality hard-to-find Italian meats and cheeses) and prepared foods inspired by the owners’ passed-down family recipes and visits to Italy and around the world. 8450 Honeycutt Road, Ste. 106, 919.594.1544, bongiornoandson.com
Heyday Brewing
From the teams behind Louisiana-born Tin Roof Beer and Carrboro’s Acme comes this resto and brewery with equal parts Louisiana and North Carolina flair. Bring on the beer, wings, pizza, ice cream and more! 5301 Tin Roof Way, 919.351.6668, heydaybrewing.com
Lechon Latin BBQ
In NC, there’s Eastern-style barbecue and then there’s Lexington-style barbecue—now, meet Lechon Latin BBQ, serving up Puerto Rican-style lechon with cuero (roasted suckling pig with crispy skin). And don’t sleep on the empanadas, sandwiches, tacos and more either! 5959 Triangle Town Blvd., 919.793.9913, lechonlatinbbq.com
Poppyseed Market Cafe & Wine Bar
By day, the gourmet deli dishes made-to-order sammies and fresh counter-service offerings. By night, the upscale cafe serves elevated comfort dishes and vino—plus a handtossed pizza program, best enjoyed with microbrews. 8801 Lead Mine Road, Ste. 107, 919.870.4997, poppyseedmkt.com
Pure Vegan Cafe
Time to veg out! You don’t need to be a vegan to enjoy Pure Vegan Cafe’s clean and healthy—and colorful!—eats, from breakfast sandwiches and toasts to burgers and “chick’n” sandwiches to salad bowls. Don’t sleep on the cold-pressed juices. Nom nom. 8369 Creedmoor Road, 919.917.7369, purevegancafe.com
Rise Biscuits Chicken
Move over Bojangles. Rise, well, rises to the occasion with best-in-class “biscuits above & beyond” for a truly scrumptious Southern experience that smacks for breakfast and lunch. 6325 Falls of Neuse Road, Ste. 33, 984.200.5751, risebiscuitschicken.com
Sassool Mediterranean Cafe
Born as a family bakery in 1977, this Mediterranean concept has since been rebranded as a resto specializing in delish authentic Lebanese & Mediterranean cuisine crafted from high-quality ingredients and authentic recipes. 9650 Strickland Road, 919.847.2700, sassool.com
Southern Craft Sandwiches
Are you bready for it? Bringing small shop vibes and delish sandwiches together, find this delish sup spot stacking up hot and cold sammies, melts, salads, and more. Meat us in the club? southern-craft-butchers.square.site
Zanyu Asian Noodles
Slurp up flavors of Malaysia, Thailand and Japan via oodles of noodle dishes and other authentic Asian fare. 8450 Honeycutt Road, Ste. 112, 919.803.1340, zanyunoodles.com
Zest Cafe
Locally grown produce and products collide in this contemporary cafe-meets-art boutique brimming with innovative fare (check out that Don’t Stop Be-Leafing Brunch), whimsical gifts, furnishings and more—with a patio worth perching on to boot. 8831 Six Forks Road, 919.848.4792, zestcafehomeart.com
MIDTOWN
The BBQ Lab
This highly regarded ’cue spot dropped “redneck” from its name for its Raleigh debut location, but the same smokin’ BBQ made famous in its Jo Co flagship remains—which, yes, includes those bangin’ burnt ends. 4321 Lassiter at North Hills St., theredneckbbqlab.com
Bul Box
BYO Asian eating experience via Bul Box’s customizable boxes (choose your own base, protein, toppings and garnishes/sauces). Think an elevated bento box with a worldly flair. 4421 Six Forks Road, Ste. 116A, 984.200.3654, bul-box.com
Happy + Hale
Fuel happiness and your body at this go-to healthy sup spot offering colorful salads and bowls, smoothies, and an all-day brekkie menu that you don’t even have to wake up early for. Oh hale yeah! 200 Park at North Hills St., Ste. 101, 984.200.3802, happyandhale.com
Peri Brothers Pizza
For authentic NY-style pizza, look no further than this longtime outpost also serving up homemade pasta; hot subs; and desserts like cannoli, tiramisu and limoncello cake. Buon appetito! 7321 Six Forks Road, @peribrotherspizza $
MIDTOWN EAST
Chido Taco
What doesn’t tequila makes you stronger. Sip back and relax with solid margs and damn good tacos at this mercado-style taqueria that’ll have you hooked with one bite. McNeill Pointe, 2330 Bale St., 919.594.1930, chidotaco.com
Torchy’s Tacos
Get a taste of Austin’s spec-taco-lar taco scene via “damn good” elevated tacos (breakfast tacos included!), chips and queso, sides, scratchmade churros, and more. 1110 Mercantile Drive, Ste. 120, 919.439.1177, torchystacos.com
Union Special
A rotating menu of sweet and savory pastries, breads and cookies is enough to make you wanna stop by this full-service bakeshop and cafe on the daily, but don’t skip out on the delectable breakfast, brunch and lunch fare either. 2409 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 102, 984.200.3094, unionspecialbread.com
Venture Pizza
Get a slice of this family-run, female-owned eatery specializing in customizable pizzas, salads and pastas. McNeil Pointe, 2320 Bale St., 919.803.3015, venturepizza.com
