Wine, dine and float on cloud nine at these popular Raleigh rooftop bars and restos.
Alexa, play “Rooftops” by Wiz Khalifa. … Come for the views and stay for the vibes (and the food and bev options, natch) at these high-in-the-sky spots around Raleigh as the summer begins. We’re seeing lots of alfresco meals in your future!
La Terazza Post up (literally) on The Dillon rooftop for approachable spins on Mediterranean-meets-Southern Italian at this Warehouse District masterpiece showcasing elevated urban dining ops (think: tuna tartare, burrata, cheesy cauliflower to pizzas and homemade pastas)—and a bev program worth heading up for. laterrazzaraleigh.com
Taverna Agora An alfresco outing on Taverna Agora’s rooftop could easily be mistaken for a night out in Greece—what with its lush greenery, string lights and live Greek music on select nights, NTM those delish authentic Mediterranean dishes. Opah! tavernaagora.com
Courtesy of Taverna Agora
10th & Terrace The perf Instagram backdrop doesn’t exis-… Don a fancy fit and venture to the rooftop of DTR’s Residence Inn for drinks and dinner—and that perf ’Gram-worthy photo op of course. 10thandterrace.com
Courtesy of 10th & Terrace
Level7 Hop on the stairway to seven… or settle for the elevator that takes you to the rooftop lounge of the AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills (a 2021, 2022 and 2023 RMBest Rooftop Bar winner!). This swanky and sophisticated space offers sips and samplings ideal for your next date night, GNO or any occasion in between. level7roofbar.com
Courtesy of Level7
Raleigh Beer Garden With three floors, there’s plenty of alfresco seating ops on which to cop a squat and sip one of RBG’s 350+ beers on tap—but, obv, the rooftop provides the best perch for panoramic views of Glenwood South. We’d tap that! theraleighbeergarden.com
Raleigh Times Bar Here’s one hot off the presses!Raleigh Times Bar’s rooftop is a DTR hidden gem—the ultimate spot for an alfresco outing with the crew, co-workers or your SO—whether for lunch, dinner or drinks. Essentially, it’s always time for those famous Times Nachos (!). raleightimesbar.com
The Willard Take your next night out to new heights at The Willard, a can’t-miss sip and sup spot located atop DTR’s AC Hotel—and don’t miss the bar’s regularly occurring events and pop-ups. thewillardraleigh.com
Courtesy of The Willard
Highgarden Rooftop Lounge Ride the high at one of our 2021–2024 Best Rooftop Bar winners, Highgarden. This Glenwood South addition offers a 100% open-air setting—aka views for days! And if you’re going with a group, you’re gonna wanna order the G&T tree (aka five G&Ts mixed to perfection) that’s as ’Grammable as it is sippable. highgardenraleigh.com
Highgarden photo by RDP3 Photography
High Rail Sip, snack and soak in the city skyline with a handcrafted cocktail at this Seaboard Station mainstay paying homage to Raleigh’s industrial heritage. highrailraleigh.com
Hibernian Pub Get the paddy started with a Guinness and some pub grub at Glenwood South’s staple Irish bar and restaurant. How grand! hibernianpub.com
Courtesy of Hibernian Pub
Jolie Transport yourself a la Paris via this Person Street rooftop where the elevation serves as the perf match for elevated French dining at the hands of five-time Beard-nominated chef Scott Crawford. restaurantjolie.com
Tin Roof It’s all in the name. … Head to this lively Glenwood South live music bar every weekend to jam out to tunes from local DJs—or work your own vocal muscles during karaoke every Wednesday night. tinroofraleigh.com
Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern For impeccable views that aren’t tall buildings, head to Lynnwood Grill’s super-popular rooftop boasting a casual atmosphere and even better bites (Pizza! Wings!)—plus beer, natch. lynnwoodgrill.com
Urban Oak An elevated experience awaits atop Raleigh’s tallest rooftop bar. Done your proper attire (smart casual recommended!) for craft cocktails and curated bites on the chic patio amid lush greenery and starry skies. urbanoakraleigh.com
Gone in 60 Seconds: It’s not just a famous heist flick, it’s a reality playing out on Raleigh streets—and nationwide. And it’s precisely what the Raleigh Police Department Auto Theft Task Force is designed to solve.
By the Numbers: Cars Stolen
2021
Up 10.2%
1,130
2022
Up 13.4%
1,281
2023
Up 57.8%
2,022
2024
Up 20.7%
2,440
2025 (Jan./Feb.)
362
Mobilized in June, the task force has already seen measured success—so much that the new police chief plans to make the team permanent, says Lieutenant JC Black, who heads up the special unit. “Chief [Rico] Boyce has had a hand in the creation of this team from the very start,” Black tells Raleigh Mag in a sit-down interview. “He was our operations deputy chief when we discussed implementing this team and has been extremely supportive.”
An epidemic spurred by the viral TikTok Kia Boyz challenge showing how to swipe Kias and Hyundais with a USB cord, carjackers run the gamut from joyriding juveniles to organized crime rings employing 007-worthy tech like key programmers. “When we started heavily focusing on the Kia Boyz challenge, that opened this whole world of organized car theft groups to our department—and departments around the country as well,” shares Black.
Kia Boyz photo YouTube
And if it’s got wheels, it’s fair game. While Infinitis, BMWs and Mercedes are among the makes getting hit locally, Hyundai, Kia and Dodge top the target list. Fast-track felons move from dealerships to driveways, including a recent crime ring spree at dealerships swiping Dodge Chargers, Challengers and high-end Jeeps; and a masked summer parking deck heist at Midtown’s luxe apartment tower The Eastern.
Once snatched, gearshift grifters clone the cars and hock them on Facebook Marketplace and the like for a quick and easy buck. “It’s a lucrative business for them,” notes Black. “They turned to this type of criminal activity because the punishment is less severe. You’re not dealing with a rival drug dealer who might potentially kick down your door.”
Further fueling incentive, the National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates every crime has an 80% vehicle nexus, says Black. “Someone has to drive to the scene. We’ve identified stolen Hyundais and Kias utilized in violent crime—shots fired into occupied homes and several incidents where individuals were shot. We know by targeting these, we’re going to have an overall impact on violent crime in the city.”
Logos courtesy of brands
Beyond your casual joyride, there’s a handful of lucrative tactics employed to strip, smuggle or scrub the cars to make bank.
Title Washing Tactics
From Bond-like techniques to brainiacs, auto bandits can be very sophisticated, says Black. One such trick, title washing is employed to erase a car’s stolen past. By swapping VINs and registering vehicles in multiple states, they create a paper trail that hides its true identity, culminating in a clean title for an unsuspecting buyer. As state title laws vary, tracking these scams can be difficult, says Black. “We’re recovering cars from all over the place: Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida. We recovered a $187K Lamborghini Urus stolen out of Texas registered to somebody here.” Cars jacked here that aren’t recovered in the first few days likewise turn up in places like Charlotte, Virginia, Georgia and Florida. “This is something that is certainly connected throughout the U.S. with some of these organized core theft groups. It’s wild.”
Smuggled & Shipped
From driveways to docks, U.S. ports are pipelines for stolen cars shipped overseas for big bucks, says Black. Packed into containerships, these hot wheels are funneled to West Africa—usually Ghana—where their price tags multiply fourfold, fueling a lucrative black market.
Chop Shop Sting
Turning stolen cars into untraceable parts, chop shops are still a thing, but RPD is cracking down and making it harder for thieves to cash in by working closely with the NCDMV License & Theft Bureau to track, raid and dismantle illegal operations.
GRAND THEFT AUTO: RPD Auto Theft Task Force pictured with recovered Lamborghini Urus and Jeep Wrangler; courtesy of RPD
Ultimately, no matter the payoff, it’s a high-stakes chess match. “We were very quiet about our organized car theft group investigations early on because we really wanted to target them and get them off the street,” says Black. “But with everything we do, information ends up in search warrants and police reports, and when those investigative techniques get out, they try and get one step ahead of us—think theft methods, technology, etc. It’s certainly a game of cat and mouse.” But no matter how fast they pivot—RPD’s working to stay ahead of the curve.
Don’t be a Target
If it all feels a little Fast & Furious, here’s how to stave off the steal.
Track it: Install LoJack or hide Apple AirTag or similar device with disabled speaker to prevent detection and enable recovery
Power off: Unattended idle cars are theft magnets—and against the law.
9pm routine: Exterior home lights on and security cameras recording, valuable/firearms removed, vehicle locked, doors and windows shut, check for/report suspicious activity
Don’t arm thieves: Cars with guns are targets.
Update software: Prevent “Kia Boyz” theft methods with dealership software updates to Kias and Hyundais.
Remove parts: Remove start relay or fuel pump fuse to secure Dodges and Jeeps.
Lock steering: RPD provides free locks for Kia and Hyundai owners.
The squeeze is real—but despite astronomical price increases, Raleigh remains one of the most affordable major metros in the U.S.
Feeling a war on your wallet? Who isn’t. If you can’t shake the feeling that “cash rules everything around me,” it’s because, well, it has been for a while now. But in a world where no matter how much you make, it has cost more to do (or have) less for a few years now, the good news is, your dollars go further in Raleigh.
But the squeeze is no doubt real. U.S. inflation peaked at 9.1% in its stratospheric ascent in June 2022, reaching the highest level since 1981—even outpacing wages from April 2021 through this spring—with no sector unaffected… and leaving us nowhere to hide (hey, skyrocketing home prices, utilities and dinner tabs). School meals soared a staggering 300+% over the previous year in January 2023, as housing, staples and everyday needs also spiked.
While we felt the heat turn up on burning budgets in Raleigh, turns out our fair city remains relatively affordable. Especially now, as inflation eases—holding steady at 3.7%—Raleighites are starting to feel relief at the pumps, the grocer and in a cooling housing market. In a side-by-side comparison to a handful of major U.S. metros, Raleigh proves why she is still the best place to live.
Raleigh on the Rise
Inflation is no joke—and spiraling costs in most sectors can make it feel like living in Raleigh is becoming unaffordable. While costs are no doubt rising across the board—with housing jumping ~$150K in the last four years alone—Raleigh remains a very affordable place to live across all categories in a cost-of-living comparison. In essence, “there’s a reason we consistently show up in those Best Places to Live lists, with a regional cost-of-living index below the national average,” per Work in the Triangle data. But seeing is believing. So we tapped Work in the Triangle’s super-cool online interactive tool that allows you to compare cost of living in a handful of metros known for migrating or serving as comparison to our City of Oaks.
How Cost of Living Stacks Up
Boston
Chicago
Philadelphia
Manhattan
Austin
$100K Annual Salary
Will go 34% further in the Triangle
Will go 15% further in the Triangle
Your salary will go just as far
Will go 57% further in the Triangle
Your salary will go just as far
Groceries
13% less in the Triangle
10% less in the Triangle
14% less in the Triangle
22% less in the Triangle
Cost about the same
Housing
55% less in the Triangle
32% less in the Triangle
Cost about the same
80% less in the Triangle
13% less in the Triangle
Avg. Home Price
$935,580
$550,943
$437,562
$2,559,715
$506,117
Avg. Apartment Rent
$3,826
$2,944
$1,594
$4,773
$1,843
Utilities
20% less in the Triangle
9% more in the Triangle
7% less in the Triangle
Cost about the same
9% more in the Triangle
Transportation
26% less in the Triangle
18% less in the Triangle
12% less in the Triangle
18% less in the Triangle
6% more in the Triangle
Health care
7% less in the Triangle
You won’t notice a difference
You may pay a bit more in the Triangle
You won’t notice a difference
You may pay a bit more in the Triangle
Misc. (salon, vet, movies)
20% less in the Triangle
Cost about the same
Cost about the same
27% less in the Triangle
Cost about the same
Raleigh vs. National Average
Avg. home price : $423,402 vs. $469,810
Avg. Apartment rent: $1,706 vs. $1,440
Gas: $3.81 vs. $3.80
Phone: $185.16 vs. $192.26
Total energy: $196.32 vs. $185.44
Doctor visit: $134.79vs. $129.92
Veterinarian Visit: $51.52 vs. $62.73
Housing and Living Numbers Breakdown
Population Growth: 529,550; 17% growth 2011–2021
⬆️ 3.8% South Atlantic region (eight states and DC) recorded the highest annual increase in consumer prices YoY as of end of September
$455K: 2023 Wake County median home price, ↓ $9,750 decrease over year prior
Food Finance
Remember when a carton of eggs outpaced a gallon of gas? And never mind what people will pay for Sriracha. But despite that behemoth bump, menu prices started outpacing supermarket staples this spring—and while both are trending downward, food away from home rose 6% year-over-year from September 2022 to 2023, compared to only 2.4% during the same time frame for groceries (the smallest 12-month gain since December 2021). Here in Raleigh, regional menu price growth also continued to slightly outpace national growth.
“Restaurant margins are much leaner than people believe,” says Amber Moshakos, president of LM Restaurants, who owns and operates such local gems as Vidrio, Taverna Agora, a’Verde and Carolina Ale House, and a scad of restaurants in Wilmington and Florida. “We focus on being efficient and smart in all areas of our business—from labor costs to costs of goods to overhead. We work on the controllables of the business. Utilities, paper goods, laundry and such are good ways we watch the overall business while not constantly adjusting price.”
As people start to pull back on dining out or make less expensive food choices, says Witek Marketing President Trish Witek, who works with numerous popular Triangle sup spots, restaurateurs “are aware of these cost thresholds and are doing everything they can to minimize menu increases. But at the same time, they have to pass on those continuously increasing costs to stay in business.”
While you may have seen price increases at some spots, other restaurateurs prefer to eat the costs instead of passing the burden to their patrons. “No restaurant can really raise prices to cover true costs of business,” maintains Moshakos. “We focus on hospitality and creating a great experience so guests will come back.”
One way she says LM offsets rising expenses is by actually increasing guest visits. “The main focus for us is to keep our quality standards high,” she says. “We cannot shortchange the guest experience.” That said, if increases are applied, restaurants will try to do so in the most guest-friendly way possible, like spreading the price increase in smaller increments across myriad menu sections so it is less impactful, she says.
“[People experience] sticker shock—but they don’t realize how much labor goes into the free chips and salsa you might expect on the table.” —Cheetie Kumar, Ajja
“Inflation impacts everybody,” Ajja owner Cheetie Kumar said in a recent Bloomberg interview. “We absorb all those costs, but we can only absorb so much because our margins are already so thin.” And while some item prices (like eggs) may be going back down, others are going up—so it’s always fluctuating, she says, noting that we’ll never see the prepandemic prices on staples like cooking oil again. And local restaurants are not in a position to negotiate pricing.
4 Most Common Staples Restaurants Order Most
Cooking oil: “Almost tripled in cost—the price is coming back down a little, but nowhere near where we used to be.”
Dairy (milk, butter, sour cream, etc.): “Dairy is still high and continues to fluctuate—at one point double market costs.”
French fries: “French fries remain high, as do eggs. … We don’t anticipate seeing a change in fry costs until the next crop.”
Eggs: “Eggs are also a staple. Last year was at the highest market due to bird flu. We have now seen egg prices come back down, but we aren’t back to original prices yet.”
“You can’t have a menu without these staples, so we have to sharpen our pencil on how to carry the costs without making unreasonable price increases. We can’t overprice ourselves.” —LM President Amber Moshakos
“Swipe life,” meet swipe fees. Using a credit card at restaurants and bars could cost you as service charges for credit-card use become common practice in cities like New York—and Raleigh isn’t far behind. Locally we’re seeing fees at places like The Piper’s Tavern (3.5%), Ladyfingers (3%) and Dram & Draught (2.5%), among others—with more considering the fee for 2024.
~$502 Million The staggering amount Mastercard and Visa plan to hike swiping fees on restaurants and other businesses over the coming months
While credit card fees already rank as the third highest cost for U.S. restaurants, some experts simply see it as the cost of doing business and maintain those processing fees should not be passed on to patrons. “Penalizing them for paying in a way you accept but do not prefer seems to me to be a very ungracious policy,” hospitality professor Jonathan Deutsch, PhD, told Restaurant Business.
Other insiders see the fees as a life vest for the industry. “Credit card companies continue to chip away at what has become a very narrow profit window for the hospitality industry,” says a local industry insider, bemoaning swiping fees as a last resort against slim margins and charges handed down by credit card companies. “We need to try to recoup fees where we can. So it’s not a matter of if, but when.”
“I say who, I say when, I say…” how much. Suddenly Julia Roberts’ dramatic 1990 outburst pushing against paying clients in Pretty Woman feels very relevant today for tipping. … “Tipflation” is a trending term this year, burning up the media circuit, social channels and brunch talk as we navigate the changing rules for tipping and tipping fatigue in the wake of pressure to tip on, well, everything. The takeaway? While some local businesses like Layered Croissanterie require a tip to order—in this case, online—arguably the best part about tipping is the choice. In our chat with a cadre of Raleigh cafe, bar and restaurant owners this year, 20% remained the average suggestion for tipping on bites and beverages, with 30% encouraged for exceptional service.
What Raleighites Make & Do for a Living
Got talent? In spades, actually. Raleigh ranks as the No. 1 place for business and careers for a reason. As one of the most highly sought-after cities in the country touting some of the most educated professionals, Raleigh is a dynamic economic hub with businesses stacking up among some of the world’s biggest. Driven by skyrocketing growth in population, a diverse pipeline of talent, outstanding quality of life and low business operating expenses, Raleigh rates as a top place for business with a slew of corporate headquarters, and technology and life science companies in the area.
10 Fastest-Growing Occupations Across Wake County
OCCUPATIONS HOURLY SALARY
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand $15.92
Software developers $62.46
Registered nurses $37.34
Home health and personal care aides $13.54
General and operations managers $51.00
Cooks, restaurant $15.30
Waiters and servers $11.05
Stockers and order fillers $14.95
Market research analysts and marketing specialists $33.72
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers $22.88
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
Advance Auto Parts
Bandwidth
Gilead Life Sciences
Martin Marietta
Merz Therapeutics
Pendo
Red Hat
Wages
According to the Economic Policy Institute, in July 2022 at the peak of inflation, the federal minimum wage was worth less than any time since February 1956 when the federal minimum wage was 75 cents per hour—or $7.19 in June 2022 dollars. And July 2021 had marked the longest stretch of time without a federal minimum wage increase since Congress first established the wage in 1938.
30 States & DC Have Higher Than Federal Minimum Wage
$20 Minimum wage for fast-food workers in California— highest in U.S.
Life$tyle Look
How much it costs to live in Raleigh with a certain lifestyle
Do you ever look at a house or a car or a grocery cart and wonder how much it costs to live that way? Who doesn’t. While everyone’s lifestyle is unique, we took a snapshot of a half-dozen-ish real-life Raleighites to see how much they spend monthly to maintain it.
North Raleigh Wellness Guru Monthly budget $3,000
27-year-old single post-grad rocking a job and a side hustle for extra $$, rents an apartment in central North Raleigh that has utilities and internet bundled in rent, and would rather eat ramen than give up the gym membership, but shops to survive at Harris Teeter and eats out twice a week. Drives a paid-off old Prius and travels quarterly on the cheap, and—the linchpin here—charges everything on their credit card and never pays it off in full to keep up the lifestyle.
53-year-old marrieds-with-no-children living in a four-bedroom paid-off home in Central Raleigh with one paid-off car that rolls out only when necessary. They prefer walking and biking everywhere, keep a beautiful lawn, shop at Walmart, travel and eat out infrequently—but always budget tea at Ladyfingers—and are wealthy on account of spending only what is necessary.
Midtown Marrieds Monthly budget $8,500
47-year-old married mother of two public school-attending tweens living in a 3-BR dual-income home in Midtown who lives for lattes and leg day at the gym, shops at Wegmans and Target, drives a Volvo and rocks two car payments (her husband has an Audi), travels three times a year, orders in twice per week, and goes out to eat ~once per month.
Downtown Dude Monthly budget $4,700
40-year-old single professional living in a 1-BR high-rise in DTR, who loves shopping and live music, eats out most of the time, scores pantry staples at Publix (but who needs groceries?), and travels quarterly.
West Raleigh Dog Mom Monthly budget $6,300
45-year-old single professional living in a 3-BR townhome in West Raleigh with a fur child and an Acura SUV on lease who spends more than she should on Amazon, happy hours and the veterinarian, scores fresh produce from Hungry Harvest and pantry staples from Target and Food Lion, orders in and eats out ~twice per week, and plans more trips than she actually takes.
Budding Brood Monthly budget $9,325
34-year-old married real estate agent, mother of three tots under the age of 5, living in a three-bedroom two-income single-family home in Northeast Raleigh, who spends her budget on Costco groceries, childcare and gas toting the family team back and forth to daycare, Saturday soccer, and activities with friends in their Honda Odyssey and Toyota Camry. Eats more McDonald’s than she cares to mention, dreams of date night and one day traveling again.
North Raleigh Near Empty-Nesters Monthly budget $9,550
62-year-old New York transplant near-empty-nesters with one kid in college and one nearing graduation, with one stable income and an affinity for New York prices. They spend their money on tuition, plenty of auto expenses, lawn care and takeout, shop at Publix and travel monthly (mostly to see their child).
Shutterstock; Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Work in the Triangle; Wake County Register of Deeds, U.S. Census Bureau, EMSI estimates; US. Census Bureau, ESRi forecasts; Raleigh – (LAUS) – Dec. 2027; Redfin; EPI. All data as of press time
Football fans, rejoice! Football season is finally upon us! Looking for the best spot to find your fellow fans and catch your team? We’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you’re a Pack fan looking for an away game party with your pack (or find yourself without tix in coming weeks) or you cheer for one of these other teams, game day is at a bar near you. Here’s where to go on *The Big Day* this season—so you can join the huddle with your home team to get blitzed (get it?) with your peeps. Time to put your game face on. Punt, intended.
If you must watch the Heels or the Blue Devils—we don’t hide our Wolfpack pride at Raleigh Mag—there’s a handful of spots around the Triangle to catch the game. Cheer on UNC while sipping from the signature blue cups at He’s Not Here in Chapel Hill, or, if Duke is who you choose, go “crazie” at Mavericks in the Bull City with a milkshake and BBQ. NTM, word on the street is Brier Creek’s Carolina Ale House is always a good game-watching spot for fans in blue. maverickssmokehouse.com; hesnotherenc.com; carolinaalehouse.com
This is arrrrgh state?! You can’t spell parties without pirates. Hey, #PirateNation! The Pirates are back in action this year at Highpark Bar & Grill, so don your best purple and gold and get that Pirate pride on with fellow fans. #PiratesTogetherPiratesForever! Wake County, NC Chapter, ECU Alumni Association, piratealumni.com; highparkbarandgrill.com
O-H! I-O! Bond over bacon (AKA that ol’ pigskin) and $5 Buckeye bombs—plus $3 Miller Lite 16 oz. drafts, $5 Lunazul tequila shots, and plenty of grub—over at Brickhouse. Ohio’s alum club is bringing those Horseshoe home-game vibes to you via the fighting song playing on every score and DJs on deck for the big games. Go Buckeyes! The Ohio State University Alumni Club of the Triangle, triangle nc.alumni.osu.edu; brickhouse-nc.com
Wild Wing Cafe is the place for Bama fans, friends, food and brews to unite, complete with Bama music, cheers, shakers and more (like, I don’t know, making a drinking game out of the gazillion scores). Roll Tide! Roll Tide Raleigh, rolltideraleigh.com; wildwingcafe.com
If you can’t be between the hedges swaying to the “Battle Hymn,” travel to Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in Raleigh. Catch the dawg fights all season and keep sniffin’ for some post-season play. Sic ’em, UGA. Good dawg. UGA Alumni Association – Raleigh Chapter, alumni.uga.edu, tobaccoroadsportscafe.com
Share your OSU distaste and shout “Go Blue” with fellow fans at Wild Wing Cafe in Brier Creek. With a fight song dubbed “The Victors,” solo watching is just not an option. Specials will keep you satisfied (plus, Wild Wing donates 10% of food sales to MTAC!) while you bop to beats and let the fight song to transport you to The Big House. And keeping Blue benevolent, be on the lookout for Wild Wing’s MTAC charity nights. Michigan Triangle Alumni Club, alumni.umich.edu; wildwingcafe.com
In Louisiana, the 12th man is food—and Sharky’s isn’t here to disappoint. … Down some drinks and grub on some gumbo and po’boys all football season long. NTM co-owner Simone was born and bred in the Big Easy! So, “hot boudin, cold coush-coush, come on Tigers, push push poosh.” Geaux Tigers!sharkysnc.com
Hotty toddy, gosh almighty! Cheer on those Ole Miss Rebels right down the road at Moe’s Original BBQ in Durham, where the owner just happens to be an Ole Miss alum (!). While Moe’s is no Vaught Hemingway Stadium, there’ll be plenty of barbecue and beer to go around for your whole squad. Game on. Ole Miss Alumni Association, olemissalumni.com; moesoriginalbbq.com
While it isn’t Death Valley, you’re gonna wanna get your roar on with fellow alumni and fans at Lynnwood Brewing Concern at Dock 1053, where, if nothing else, the “Tiger Rag” will never get old. So scoot on in and “hold that tiger” (and find out if QB DJ Uiagalelei can meet those lofty expectations). C-L-E-M-S-O…N! lynnwoodgrill.com
The luck of the Irish can be found at Trali Irish Pub—natch. “We are Irish. We’ve got Guinness. We’ve got TVs.” Pop a squat at the bar to watch the Fighting Irish “play like a champion today.” traliirishpub.com
If you eat food, this feature is for you. Raleigh is reeling with a ream of restaurants ranging from reliable to rare—all stacked with palatable plates, esteemed service and appetizing surrounds. A boon for local diners—and the most difficult of decisions for discriminating editors. After a year eating our way through all corners of the city, our talented taste buds were put to the test time and time again. After a lot of dining—and even more debate—we present to you our 2023 cast of 25 Best Restaurants, including Restaurant of the Year, Best New Restaurant and five suburb standouts. Dramatically different from last year, the result is a diverse list sure to please all palates, budgets and preferences. Because we believe a restaurant requires some seasoning to earn a “Best” accolade, we required restaurants to be open by May 1 for consideration. Here, where to book your reservations for every occasion and no occasion at all.
2023 RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR STANBURY
MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE 938 N. Blount St. Seaboard & Person Street District
To put it frankly, Stanbury is a unicorn. The fact of the matter is, you’re not going to find playful plates like the ones Stanbury chef/owner Drew Maykuth dishes at any other restaurant in Raleigh—period. Whether it’s Asian-inspired fried oysters or elevated grilled peaches so good you won’t be able to eat peaches any other way, there’s a reason locals line up nightly the second the space opens—and have been since the always-busy space bowed with its ever-rotating menu in 2013. And it’s those dynamic spins on everyday dishes—merged with that “garage-chic” attitude that isn’t trying to be anything other than exactly what it is—that keeps them coming back. And what makes this off-the-beaten-path elevated-yet-approachable hidden gem our 2023 Restaurant of the Year. Because the best way to go about dining at Stanbury is not to question dining there at all. Instead, relish it, savor it, devour it—because you will want to go back in for seconds.stanburyraleigh.com
Photo by Forrest Mason, courtesy of East End Bistrot
BEST NEW RESTAURANT East End Bistrot
FRENCH FINE DINING 2020 Progress Court, Ste. 110 Five Points
More theater than just dinner, grabbing a seat at Giorgios Bakatsias’ luxe Parisian-inspired eatery is a culinary love affair. And with elegant dishes from executive chef William D’Auvray like blue crab puffs; crudo; the “true” ribeye; and chilled Senegalese soup (originally a special that we gushed over so much the East End team added it to the menu!), the restaurant will certainly win over your stomach. Whether seated in the stunning dining room (think white tablecloths, velvet booths, colorful wallpaper, and whimsical murals and art), at the fully stocked bar or on the greenery-filled patio, you’ll forget you’re still in NC. Setting a new precedent for dining in the City of Oaks, it should come as no surprise that East End Bistrot earned Best New Restaurant—what with its exceptional fare, fanciful design and decor, extensive fine wine list, and impeccable service. The elevated respite almost immediately became both a go-to special-occasion spot for diners and a welcome Tuesday recess on the Champagne Terrace for bubbles paired with fries, oysters and other light bites. eastendbistrotraleigh.com
Richard Barlow Photography, courtesy of Vidrio
Vidrio
MEDITERRANEAN 500 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 100 Glenwood South
Vidrio is the moment. The first thing that catches your attention upon walking into this stunner of a resto is, naturally, the gigantic wall of cylindrical colorful handblown glass pieces—the oasis’ statement fixture and the most picture-perfect backdrop for an extraordinary dinner out. Rooted in the Mediterranean dining philosophy of communal sharing, the menu is made for splitting among the table, with each dish boasting fresh, seasonal ingredients. Pro tip: The artisanal mafaldine pasta, short rib and cast-iron-seared salmon are absolute musts. Of course, no Mediterranean meal is complete without wine—and Vidrio has plenty of it (think 48 varietals on tap and over 300 bottles). vidrioraleigh.com
Photo by May Caudillo, courtesy of Cortez
CORTEZ
LATIN SEAFOOD 413 Glenwood Ave. Glenwood South
The vibes are always right at this tropical oasis—like its own little island amid Glenwood South, serving up vibrant and refreshing food, drinks and atmosphere. Pro tip: You’re gonna wanna post up on the jungle-like patio. The local seafood-focused menu by executive chef/partner Oscar Diaz is the main draw—especially the likes of oysters, charred octopus, and gambas al ajillo (aka shell-on shrimp in a garlic-butter-lemon sauce). But don’t sleep on the land dishes either—think grilled hanger steak; bread + weed butter (that’s seaweed, FYI); and a juicy double smash burger (our Best Burgers Issue cover star for a reason)… or the colorful cocktails for that matter. To really take your dining experience to new heights, head upstairs to Cortez’s sister bar Cuya for some after-dinner drinks and dancing. Island time: activated. cortezraleigh.com
MULINO
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN 309 N. Dawson St. Capital District
Transport your taste buds—and the rest of your senses—to Tuscany on Mulino’s tranquil poolside flora-filled patio, Aperol spritz in hand, as you tour your way through the Italian countryside via unmatched selects by executive chef/owner Samad Hachby and chef de cuisine Paul Headley. Just make sure you allot enough time to make your way through the menu. … We recommend ordering a pizza for the table before diving into the housemade pastas (they’re all *chef’s kiss*, but our faves are the risotto of the day and the gnocchi), all the while enjoying a bottle or two of vino for the perfect pairing. And be sure to save room for dessert, even if it’s in drink form—the After Midnight cocktail, Mulino’s take on an espresso martini, is arguably the sweetest way to end your meal.mulinoraleigh.com
Crawford and Son; Jessica Crawford
CRAWFORD AND SON
MODERN AMERICAN 618 N. Person St. Seaboard & Person Street District
Crawford and Son is a shoo-in no matter how you spin it. At this 2022 RM Restaurant of the Year, the Person Street position beckons with its purposefully casual-cool come-as-you-are vibe. The quaint table-dotted space is dark and moody—in the best way. The long bar that extends the vertical space is vibey and worth a dine for a front-row seat to true craftsmanship. And the food—well, the food is flawless. (Pro tip: Always order the staple melt-in-your-mouth manchego-herb biscuits.) Honestly, chef/owner and five-time James Beard Award semifinalist Scott Crawford’s premiere concept and his A-list team—including Culinary Director Conor Delaney and chef de cuisine Aaron Salita—could easily win ROY every year with their frequently rotating cast of refined-yet-approachable Southern-inspired fresh selects. We hear Michelin calling… crawfordandsonrestaurant.com
Photo by Rachel Herbst, Five Star
FIVE STAR
MODERN CHINESE 301 N. West St. Smoky Hollow
A little fusion, a little funky, Five Star is not your average American Chinese spot—it’s a vibe. If you’re old enough to remember “hide your cats” receipts and DJs spinning in its OG Warehouse District digs (nee 2000), then you know. If not, luckily, fresh and modern authentic Chinese cuisine still reigns supreme in its vibrant art-covered Smoky Hollow space, where owner Michelle Bender’s Taiwanese roots shine via transformative takes by chef de cuisine Domi Castro. Dig into the likes of spicy beef with noodles, pork dumplings, kung pao chicken, and salt + pepper calamari. Or, for a mind-altering moment, order the Thai peanut chicken noodles—you’re welcome. And, don’t worry, you’ll still find those DJs turning tables—only now, you just might recognize a famous one fueling the spirited vibe.fivestarsnc.com
SONO
ASIAN/JAPANESE 319 Fayetteville St., Ste. 101 Fayetteville Street District
Before there was Sono, there was a sleepy Fayetteville Street serving as a pedestrian mall. Not long after the corridor reopened to traffic to revitalize the DTR core, the authentic swank sushi spot bowed in 2008 inside the historic Hudson condo building—and has stood the test of time ever since… no small thanks to all those screaming O’s. With executive chef Hyun-Woo Kim at the helm churning out umami sushi (Crunchy Diablo and Pink Floyd are musts), fresh nigiri and sashimi selects featuring myriad varieties of fish from around the world, not to mention the slurpable ramen, clearly, Sono is on a roll—hence the upcoming second location in Cary, expected to bow early next year. Pro tip: For the full Sono experience, splurge on the eight-course omakase chef’s selection. … You won’t regret it. sonoraleigh.com
Photo by Lauren Vied Allen, courtesy of Poole’s
POOLE’S
NEW AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD 426 S. McDowell St. Fayetteville Street District
Sitting in a booth in this cozy-casual 1945 pie shop-turned-phenom diner of the same name restored by culinary legend Ashley Christensen16 years ago feels like a warm hug from your mom at a lunch counter. The “modern diner with reimagined comfort food” with its double-horseshoe bar, red leather banquettes, Lucite chairs and signature charm brought us in (and took us back in time)—while the Southern staples (nod to that cult-classic macaroni au gratin) and two-time Beard-winning chef/owner keep us coming back. Elevating more than our palates, Poole’s plays up the fresh and authentic with its rotating cast of Southern staples chalked up on the signature chalkboard menu and executed ever so brilliantly by chef Dave Ellis.ac-restaurants.com/pooles
Wye Hill Hospitality
WYE HILL KITCHEN
MODERN AMERICAN 201 S. Boylan Ave. Warehouse District
Dubbed for its iconic position at the wye railroad junction beneath the Boylan Bridge and serving up the best vistas of the city bar-none, Wye Hill is so much more than just Raleigh’s favorite patio. It serves as a hip hangout for “people, plates and pours,” with its inventive award-winning 100% local grain beer (and seltzer!) releases drawing in eternal hoptimists to swing by for a bev or two, only to then be tempted to stick around and enjoy the “damn delightful” brunch, lunch and dinner menus. And Raleighites can’t get enough—especially when it comes to the Farmer’s Burger, Everything Brussels, shrimp and grits, BBQ fries, and the Wye Hill Breakfast Sandwich served with Mama Teresa’s Hot Sauce (you’ll want to buy it by the bottle). And a seat outside is highly recommended, if not necessary. wyehill.com
Albright Studio, courtesy of ORO
ORO
GLOBAL TAPAS 18 E. Martin St. Fayetteville Street District
Take the 2001: A Space Odysseyneoclassical-style chic white bedroom—but make it a foodie and cocktail phenom + LabOROtory for the senses and you get ORO. The innovative two-story small plates spot has been delivering on dishes, drinks and cityscape views nonpareil for over a decade via its floor-to-ceiling window surrounds—a veritable fishbowl and primo vantage point from inside the PNC Building. At the hands of executive chef/co-owner Chris Hylton and co-executive chef Kevin Ruiz, the latter of Rockford and Bendito fame, fine flavors are executed flawlessly across seasonally rotating majestic manifestations with mad range—from Garden (honestly close your eyes and point) to Land (roasted duck breast will awe you) to Sea (torched Hawaiian yellowtail elicits serious island vibes). And oenophiles will delight not only in the rare 17-foot corner conveyer wine rack, but in the new Wine Wednesdays. Saluti! ororaleigh.com
Jolie, Jessica Crawford
JOLIE
MODERN FRENCH 620 N. Person St. Seaboard & Person Street District
If joie de vivre is what you’re after, consider it found—in multiple aspects—at Scott Crawford’s quintessential Parisian bistro. From the lively yet intimate atmosphere to the classic, time-honored dishes (plus some modern adaptations) to the curated wine list, Jolie delivers a certain je ne sais quoi transported straight from France. For the most authentic dining experience, head to “Le Rooftop” and order up bread (natch), escargot, onion soup, duck confit—and keep the vino coming. Or park it at one of the sidewalk tables with fries and a glass of bubbly from the Champagne window to really live out your Parisian fantasies. restaurantjolie.com
HAYES BARTON CAFE & DESSERTERY
CLASSIC AMERICAN CUISINE 2000 Fairview Road Five Points
Post-war era diner and postmodern cuisine collide in this quaint 1940s-esque staple that’s been serving up fine food and feel-good simplicity for 25 years. One step inside onto the authentic black-and-white checkerboard-floor and past the made-fresh-daily cake display case is at once nostalgic and vibey—as is dining among the Greatest Generation (see the photo-plastered walls). The huge helpings of quintessential classics keep bringing us back to “Dial M for Meatloaf”—not unlike the staff, many of whom have been with HBC over a decade, if not two. Just make sure to grab a cake slice for the road—the lemon blueberry with cream cheese icing is life-changing. hayesbartoncafeanddessertery.com
VINNIE’S STEAKHOUSE & TAVERN
SOUTHERN STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD 7440 Six Forks Road North Raleigh
If Al Pacino frequented a steakhouse—it would be this one. Serving both nostalgia and class since 1987 to VIPs and regulars alike, steak is the star of the show at this apropos white-tablecloth-dotted dark wooden wall-adorned haven dubbed for the famous Vince McMahon—the founder and operator of World Wrestling Entertainment, with whom former owner Dusty Anderson went to school. Mood lighting and vintage leather chairs create the ideal ambience for unparalleled meaty masterpieces, served a la carte with dealer’s choice sides: creamed spinach, homemade mashed potatoes, mac and cheese… and the perfect pairing for wine cellar selects. Complimentary deviled eggs let you know you’re in for an exceptional experience while homemade desserts leave you with a sweet finish. And come late spring, be sure to save room for chef/GM Tom Armstrong’s legendary handmade honeysuckle ice cream—or take home a pint or two to savor throughout the year.vinniessteakhouse.com
Photo by Food Seen, courtesy of Mandolin
MANDOLIN
NC CUISINE 2519 Fairview Road Five Points
Serving nostalgia at its finest, Mandolin is somewhat of a playground for chef/owner Sean Fowler. A full-circle moment, Fowler’s farm-to-table spot formerly housed the Johnson’s Pharmacy he frequented during childhood for grilled cheeses and limeades at the lunch counter. Now, reclaiming his roots, the seasoned chef blends Southern flair and global flavor into rotating fresh takes on comfort dishes like NC oysters, pork short rib with Cheerwine-baked peas, chicken and waffles, sweet tea panna cotta, and skillet cornbread—to name a few noshworthy eats on the menu—in an elevated yet cozy atmosphere. Feels a bit like home, no?mandolinraleigh.com
Photo by Sarah Santora, courtesy of Hummingbird
HUMMINGBIRD
NEW ORLEANS-INSPIRED 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 111 Five Points
Roll up on this delectable diner-esque and unassuming New Orleans oasis in the emerging Iron District’s Dock 1053 for flavor and flair that keeps the good times goin’ beyond the Louisiana border. And as all brunchers know, the midday meal is best enjoyed in the colorful atmosphere or alfresco-style on the veranda—but the bright and airy bar makes for a perfect perch for a more casual outing. When you’re done feasting with your eyes, make your way to the always-on-point creative cuisine by chef/owner Coleen Speaks and chef de cuisine Estela Vasquez. Fact: The comforting chicken and waffles never miss the mark. And while we all go bananas for brunch, the Southern dinnertime selects also seriously slap. See: the smoked marinated oysters, ’za and fan-fave Peacemaker Po’boy—plus, the house cocktails are truly spectacular. Simply put, the proof is in the (brioche bread) pudding. Altogether why Hummingbird is always, well, humming with guests who just can’t seem to get enough.hummingbirdraleigh.com
COQUETTE BRASSERIE
CLASSIC BRASSERIE FAIRE (FRENCH) 4351 The Circle at North Hills Street Midtown
C’est la vie! Take your senses on a trip to Paris via North Hills’ luxe French brasserie featuring open-air bistro seating, large windows and classy cafe vibes—aka the next best thing to the City of Love. Tuck into hors d’oeuvres and entrees masterminded by executive chef Michael Monahan oozing with European flair and flavor—from the seafood crepes and escargot to truffle frites and rotating charcuterie selects. And for brunch, don’t miss the brie, bacon, caramelized onion and sunny side-up egg-topped burger served on a croissant. Trust us, it’ll blow your mind. coquetteraleigh.com
Photo by Anna Routh Brazin, courtesy of St. Roch
ST. ROCH
NEW ORLEANS 223 S. Wilmington St. Moore Square District
The “cliche-free New Orleans cuisine” at chef/owner Sunny Gerhart’s oyster bar + restaurant might not be exactly what you’d expect—but that’s the point. Dubbed for his childhood St. Roch Avenue address and serving as a love letter to his Louisiana roots via a playful homage, St. Roch—which formerly housed Gerhart’s mentor Ashley Christensen’s coffee shop/restaurant concept Joule—highlights seafood in a myriad of ways, whether raw, roasted, fried, smoked, BBQ’d or even in a Bolognese sauce (see the fan-fave hearty gator Bolognese). But it’s the kitschy decor, lively atmosphere and friendly service that really make this NOLA tribute feel like home. For primo people-watching, snag a seat in the glass window boxes lining the entrance, settle into a cozy brick-wall-lined booth with conversation-starter art views—or, tuck away for an alfresco affair on the little-known back patio. strochraleigh.com
SECOND EMPIRE
AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY CUISINE 330 Hillsborough St. Capital District
A dinnertime excursion to the restored DTR Dodd-Hinsdale House at once brings you back in time while setting the scene for a stately dining experience serving elegance and class in all manners. Established in 1997 by Ted Reynolds and now helmed by his daughter, Kim, alongside executive chef Daniel Schurr, the circa 1879 historic abode-turned-fine dining foray echoes an ambiance you might expect to find in a Sherlock Holmes novel. Think brick walls, white tablecloths and polished furniture, plus original heart pine flooring. Schurr’s masterpiece meals serve only to complement that elevated atmosphere via seasonally rotating dinner plates. The roasted Hudson Valley duck breast delights, while every seafood dish will impress—and what they do with salmon will move you. The decadent dessert creations are a sweet finishing touch—paired perfectly with a nightcap in the cozy, cigar lounge-esqe Tavern (Second Empire’s “restaurant within a restaurant”). With an equally excellent staff to match, this reincarnated Raleigh relic continues to dazzle diners, staying steadfast in sustenance and service as our city grows and evolves around it. … May the empire live on. second-empire.com
A dinner at this authentic, eclectic staple combines the energy of a chaotic family reunion with an intimate meal—it’s fun, it’s cozy, it’s cluttered yet curated, and it’s just plain good. Originally established in 1991 by Carlos Salamanca after his vast Mexico explorations, this City of Oaks institution has maintained the same spunk and spirit it’s flaunted from the start under the expert eye of Salamanca’s daughter, Pamela, who took the reins in 2015. Delve into the mouthwatering Mexican fare by chef/co-owner German Bobadilla: The steak tacos have achieved icon status, and you simply must dip into the best-in-town cheese dip—aka liquid gold—and guac, both delivered by train! And since no Mexican meal is complete without a margarita, sip on the Triangle’s first—and so far, only—soft-serve margarita. Or just cheers with a shot of one of the specialty tequilas. You honestly can’t go wrong. On your way out, don’t forget to wave goodbye to the colorful resto’s parking lot pet chickens and grab a complimentary batch of eggs from the minifridge (!). Pro tip: Make a rez online to avoid the inevitable long line! dostaquitosraleigh.com
Photo by Offline Raleigh, courtesy of J. Betski’s
J. BETSKI’S
CENTRAL EUROPEAN 1916 Bernard St. Five Points
Back and better than ever, J. Betski’s new locale in Highpark Village, which bowed earlier this year following the closure of its Seaboard Station outpost, holds up in terms of food, atmosphere and service. An order of the famed pierogies—our fave are the mushroom and three cheese—are all the proof you need. To wit, the new space feels warm yet modern… From the lively bar tucked in the back to the rollup garage doors that welcome a breeze on a nice day to the intimate patio out front, J. Betski’s 2.0 is a refreshing change from the old-school digs usually reserved for special occasions. Rest assured, standout dishes from the original East and Central European menu remain, though chef/owner John F. Korzekwinski and chef Travis Davis have fashioned the new menu into more of a small/middle-size plate format. Added fare including the likes of the pierogi burger wow, while new plays on past dishes and rotating favorites (think ginger fried chicken, Jagerschnitzel) further up the ante for devoted diners. And be on the lookout for beer/craft cocktail and food pairing tasting events soon. jbetskis.com
Close your eyes and point to any day on the calendar and this culinary powerhouse is packed with the buzz of local regulars, teens nabbing their first taste (say—sweet 16, graduation), couples writing their engagement story, colleagues carousing in the Wild Turkey Lounge or a duo who drove hours to savor the flavor and the experience. And really nothing screams noteworthy more than a restaurant that opens its reservations (and sometimes books out) 365 days in advance. Whether it’s the barn itself, the impeccable white-tablecloth service, or the famed food long-helmed by recently deceased Iron Chef Walter Royal—or even the bathrooms (trust us, they’re a thing)—Angus Barn brings class to cuisine. And it has since the day it bowed in 1960 as the brainchild of Thad Eure Jr., now owned and operated by daughter Van Eure. And while you may be drawn in by the steak (Angus is in the name after all, and you’re seated in a barn), the seafood selects, salads, pastas and beyond are just as extraordinary. P.S. Always save room for the dessert cart (our rec: in the famed words of Billy Crystal… pecan pieeee.) angusbarn.com
Carolina Stamey, courtesy of Bloomsbury Bistro
BLOOMSBURY BISTRO
NEW AMERICAN 509 W. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 101 Five Points
“Everything you love about fine dining, without the hype”—plus all the history. Cross the threshold of this quaint Five Points bistro, where its motto perfectly embodies Raleigh’s first ITB foray into elevated cuisine, serving dignitaries, daters and neighbors alike since 1995. Whether lingering over fine wine for a white-tablecloth dinner against expressionistic paintings by nationally renowned NC artist Ellen Hathaway or mixing it up for a more casual affair at the bar, the elegant yet unfussy bistro finesses an epic epicurean experience every time—via the likes of a Bar Plate (spin on charcuterie) or the Bloomsbury Bouillabaisse. Long helmed by legend-in-his-own-right John Toler, the revered former owner said au revoir in 2020 when he passed the favored French-inspired New American bistro into the capable hands of friend chef/owner Stephen Koster (who had held many of his own celebrations here—including his wedding rehearsal dinner). Carrying the classic bistro into the next era, Koster’s sentimental and savory spins pay tribute to the distinguished eatery while adding innovative original riffs that keep us coming back. bloomsburybistro.com
Julia Wade, courtesy of Brewery Bhavana
BREWERY BHAVANA
DIM SUM 218 S. Blount St. Moore Square
Dinnertime transforms into an arrival at a long-awaited travel destination when you settle into your simplistically designed seat at the nirvana that is Bhavana. Sample your way through its signature (and simply divine) dim sum amid the lush garden eatery-meets-sleek bookstore, an ambiance that manages to nail the magic combination of appeasing the eyes while endlessly appealing to the appetite. Truly a tour of the senses, Bhavana has showcased its breathtaking backdrops, blooms and elevated Far East fare for six years and counting—and with the addition of executive chef Chun Shi, we can only expect the outwardly unassuming Moore Square gem to keep the bao buns and handcrafted brews coming—along with droolworthy selections such as the nasi goreng crab fried rice or pork belly rice cakes. Stomach: full + happy place: found. brewerybhavana.com
CUCCIOLO TERRAZZA
ITALIAN 4200 Six Forks Road, Ste. 100 Midtown
Every meal feels like a luxurious dinner party at this mod North Hills Italian restaurant, which earned our title of Best New Restaurant last year—and raves continue to roll in. The chic space feels at once Milan and New York City, but thanks to its friendly staff and comforting dishes, you’ll feel just like you’re at grandma’s table. But this ain’t your Italian grandmother’s Sunday gravy. Instead, you’ll find the likes of elk Bolognese, wild boar agnolotti, and sweet pea and rabbit balanzoni gracing the menu, complemented by a breadth of tantalizing contemporary takes on Italian fare. Gather a group so you have an excuse to be seated in the intimate wine cellar with control of your own speakers—and to better share more dishes, natch. Oh, and just because you wouldn’t normally think to go to an Italian restaurant for brunch doesn’t mean you shouldn’t (*wink, wink*). cuccioloraleigh.com
Best Burb Restaurants
THE PROVINCIAL
AMERICAN 119 N. Salem St. Apex
When you’re here, you’re family—and a very well-fed one at that. “Fresh and simple” ground every inch of this family-owned intimate Apex eatery whose quaint small-town location is juxtaposed with daily menus rotating artisanal spins on classic selects, a bar program that will have you checking your GPS, and a cast of rollicking regulars that at once make the space lively and lived in. Pro tip: If there’s fish on the menu, we promise you’ll be hooked. theprovincialapex.com
M TEST KITCHEN
MULTICULTURAL 4 Fenton Main St., Ste. 120B Cary
Start with a Michelin-pedigree chef, dab in a gastronomical mastermind with a restaurateur résumé worth its own Michelin review, mix in masterfully curated ingredients, a chic Fenton locale, top-notch staff, and tantalizing ’tails—and yield this multicultural masterpiece. The brainchild of M Restaurants’ Mike Lee, the area’s first true test kitchen wows at the hands of executive chef Connor Johnson. The ever-rotating menu is a true tour of the senses that will have you rebooking that rez again and again… and again—for every reason and no reason at all.m-restaurants.com
HANK’S DOWNTOWN DIVE
Modern American 111 E. Chatham St., Ste. A Cary
This sleek-meets-casual eatery brings a whole new meaning to the word “dive.” The menu delights with fun fare highlighting local and seasonal ingredients (keep your eye on Insta for specials!), complemented by local brews, an exquisite wine list and draft cocktails. No matter what brings you in—whether a drink, a bite or just a good time—Downtown Cary’s go-to neighborhood hang provides plenty of ops to chill, from the cozy vintage-esque booths to the wraparound bar to the private patio. Dive in! hanksdowntowndive.com
Christy Griffith,
PIMIENTO TEA ROOM
NEW SOUTHERN 200 N. Main St. Holly Springs
Take everything you know about a stereotypical tearoom and squash it. A seat at this quaint and cozy teahouse perfectly fuses the feel of a home-cooked meal at your grandmother’s house (esp if she spikes your tea) with an elevated eating experience. Both the breezy outdoor covered patio and inside the eclectic eatery are an equally charming respite for an order of the eatery’s calling card: signature boozy tea bevs and sammies, natch. pimientotearoom.com
Wye Hill Hospitality
GLASSHOUSE KITCHEN
UPSCALE ECLECTIC 5 Laboratory Drive RTP
A true window into the wonder that is this drop-dead gorgeous establishment from the same hospitality group behind Wye Hill, Glasshouse boasts three sides of floor-to-ceiling windows (hence the name) complete with a canopy of hanging greenery throughout that results in a calming indoor-outdoor feel. Delivering a (literal) fresh perspective to the area, the ’Grammable experience continues with the seasonal food (the pizzas are always a good choice), colorful cocktails and polished wine list. glasshousekitchennc.com
