Locals Tommy Eaton and Corbett Storyk took on the master challenge to go hog wild and Q shack-hop the state, tackling eight joints on a round-trip two-day, one-night, 800-miler road trip. Departing at 10am, they ate their way to Asheville, arriving at 8pm, often splitting orders to keep the dream alive—and, frankly, because “the portions were large enough and we had a lot of food to fit,” laughs Eaton. Seven hours of sleep later and reenergized, the pig-pickin’ pair hit the road and rounded out their 13 hours in the car (talk about taking the scenic route… “sooie!”), with the remaining stops, arriving home at 7pm, bellies (and bucket list) full. “It was a great adventure,” says Eaton. “Servers and locals would light up when they heard about our ongoing quest, and then follow with questions or recommendations.” Fun find? “We were surprised how few places offered this, but cornbread in Asheville was awesome. It was worth the wait!” says Eaton. “I also had corn sticks for the first time (!).” Here’s a map of their ultimate BBQ binge for your own summer bucket list. Ready. Set. Pig out!
Six foodie faves have stood the test of time. Here, we dig into their secret sauce.
95 Years 42nd Street Oyster Bar EST. 1927
42nd Street really took the “the world is your oyster” sentiment to heart. Originally opened as a grocery store in 1927 in its former location, the time-tested pearl of a Raleigh resto started offering steamed oysters in 1931—and, after Prohibition ended in 1933, was the first place to start serving beer in the area (!). Reestablished in 1987 by the late Thad Eure Jr. and partners, 42nd Street became Raleigh’s premier dining destination for fresh seafood, high-quality drinks and an all-around exceptional dining experience—one that remains steadfast almost 100 years later and keeps Raleighites flocking—er, swarming?—to the hot spot to this day. In addition to the oysters and seafood (“seafood any fresher would still be in the ocean” …), the high-end shuck shack has managed to stand the test of time thanks to its “consistency, customer service, quality of food, and the family-oriented feel that our guests have while dining with us,” says GM Hunter Correll—NTM its retro facade and interior that truly makes you feel like you’re taking a step back in time. 42ndstoysterbar.com
85 Years Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque EST. 1938*
One of the longest-standing ’cue joints in Raleigh, Clyde Cooper’s opened Downtown in 1938 and has been serving the same delicious meats (pigs and cows and chicks—oh, my!), with some occasional updates, ever since. “We’ve survived this long because we refuse to give up,” says Ashley Jessup of the restaurant, which she co-owns with her mom, Debbie Wray (who, Jessup says “gives the restaurant everything she’s got”). Cooper’s original recipes have been passed down for almost 85 years (with only three owners to date—all of whom were close). “Our clean, authentic, Eastern Carolina-style BBQ is unique because we want the meat to speak for itself—and then the sauce,” says Jessup. In essence, they lead the pack with a trifecta of style, atmosphere and food. It’s that quality and novelty that keeps Raleighites (and out-of-towners) coming back for more—NTM Clyde’s “all are welcome” vibe. “What Cooper’s brought to Raleigh in 1938 was a sense of welcomeness to all regardless of your skin color,” says Jessup. “Clyde said one person’s money was just as green as the next, so everyone was equal.” Cue the awws. clydecoopersbbq.com
70 Years United Restaurant Equipment Company EST. 1952
Without supplies there is no secret sauce (and never has that rang truer than in a #supplyshortage). Enter the backbone business propping up our community’s best and brightest. Opened in 1952 by Jesse Margulies to fill a void in the market (“There wasn’t much at the time in terms of restaurant equipment in the area—but there really weren’t many restaurants either,” says Alisha Dreese, Jesse’s niece, who now runs the biz in tandem with Jesse’s son Howard Margulies and his son Eric Margulies), the family-owned DTR mainstay that runs on customer service and loyalty has been crucial to our evolving culinary scene ever since. “I think the secret to our lasting a long time is based solely on relationships,” says Dreese. “We partner with our customers to make sure they can grow and flourish and be successful. Food is what creates culture and a destination—and it’s what’s helped put Raleigh and Durham on the map. We love being a part of that.” ureco.com
50 Years Kanki EST. 1972
When Kanki opened its doors in 1972—in conjunction with the Crabtree Valley Mall opening—it was one of the only locally owned restaurants in the area (and, fun fact, the first resto in Raleigh to serve sushi!). Founder Sam Longiotti—who, before opening Kanki and Crabtree, was a local developer—had experienced Benihana during his travels, and “as an early adopter of things,” says partial owner Mike Ciampa, Longiotti had the foresight to blaze trails and change the foodscape in Raleigh by opening his own hibachi-style concept in the mall (and later expanding to a second location on Old Wake Forest Road).
Fifty years later, it’s no question the concept’s literal flare and teppanyaki chef flair (where else do they throw shrimp in your mouth or make volcanoes out of onions?), not to mention its lean into large-party accommodations, has lit up local celebrations for decades—from birthdays and anniversaries to proms, graduations, reunions, business dinners and more. And after five decades in a city that is quickly amassing some of the country’s best chefs and concepts, the spot remains relevant as a go-to “celebration restaurant”—as Mike and his wife Vittoria (also a partial owner and the daughter of Longiotti) call it.
It’s the flourish and splendor of it all that makes Kanki the ideal spot to celebrate (hence the original slogan, “the best-tasting show in town”), and what keeps people coming back year after year. “The fact that it is a special occasion, people remember it,” says Vittoria. Mike adds that part of Kanki’s success is also being a generational event—they have many returning customers who would come in yearly for their birthday growing up, and now they’re bringing in their own kids to carry on the family tradition.
“People who come in for their birthday will make a reservation with a [particular] chef because they know them and they see them every year for things,” says Vittoria. “People have just gotten personal with it and have good memories there.” Cheers to the next 50 years. kanki.com
To celebrate its 50th, Kanki is hosting a throwback retro ’70s-themed party in September featuring original menu items from 1972 (!).
30 Years Margaux’s EST. 1992
Margaux’s may do things the old-fashioned way—but that’s exactly how it’s managed to maintain its loyal following for 30 years now. To owner Steve Horowitz (aka a “founding father” of the fine-dining establishment), that means no cutting corners—cooking everything from scratch, greeting guests with a smile, keeping pricing realistic and fair. “We never, ever gouge the guest since we want them to return,” he says. And return they do—regularly. As a matter of fact, Horowitz says they’ve even had guests who came into the restaurant as kids go on to work there and then come back for their rehearsal dinners. “We’ve had folks who’ve had christenings here, proms, wedding rehearsals, baby showers, marriages, engagements, divorces, death parties. … We’ve seen it all in 30 years,” he recalls. “We always call it #MakingMemories here.” It’s what gives Margaux’s its Cheers-esque vibe—that no matter what new trendy restaurant opens in town, people always come back for. “We’re a hustling, bustling Southern metropolis,” says Horowitz. “It’s really what we were from the first day we opened, and we’ve been busy ever since.” margauxsrestaurant.com
’Tis the season for Margaux’s annual Lobster Fest! “It’s like a lobster orgy,” says Horowitz of the June 22 fan-fave event. Let’s get crackin’, Raleigh. Reservation only,margauxsrestaurant.com
Visit Raleigh
25 Years Second Empire EST. 1997
You almost have to wonder when Second Empire was dubbed if they knew they were building an empire. Opened by Ted Reynolds, and now owned and operated by his daughter Kim Reynolds alongside executive chef Daniel Schurr, the award-winning longtime special-occasion sup spot that sits in the historical Dodd-Hinsdale House on Hillsborough Street has not only survived the years, but has thrived by offering several levels of service—from fine dining to more elevated-casual. “When we opened 25 years ago, we had a goal in mind of bringing fine dining to Downtown—which was not here—and in a very beautiful building that we renovated,” says Kim. The secret sauce? Put simply: “Ownership, staff, the house, the food,” says Schurr. “We’ve just always done what we do,” adds Kim. Beyond owning their lane, they’ve remained in tune with the community they serve—and have evolved with that community over time. Like recently transforming its Tavern into a new sofa-, chair- and table-dotted cocktail lounge—perf for an après- or post-dinner tipple. NTM the delectable new menu. Or pristine service. And while continuing to satisfy the ultimate dining experience, Second Empire now sits at the center of construction in a city that is growing faster than any of us can keep up. “It’s like the movie Up,” laughs Kim. “The little guy with his house right in the middle of all this construction going on… and there’s construction all around here—40-story buildings going up, and we’re the little historic building in the middle, which is a good thing.” What a tribute to an empire when a city builds around you.second-empire.com
70 Years Players Retreat EST. 1951*
60 Years Amedeo’s EST. 1963 *
45 Years NOFO EST. 1997
40 Years Piccola Italia EST. 1982
35 Years Winston’s Grille EST. 1986*
30 Years Lilly’s Pizza EST. 1993*
25 Years Caffe Luna EST. 1996*
25 Years Hayes Barton Cafe EST. 1998*
15 Years Landmark Tavern EST. 2007
15 Years Poole’s Diner EST. 2007
10 Years Raleigh Wine Shop EST. 2011*
10 Years Sola Coffee EST. 2012
10 Years Tabletop Media Group EST. 2012
*Celebrated anniversary last year or are celebrating next year
Flashing neon lights. Blaring country music. Hot (hot!) chicken. The epicenter of Tennessee whiskey… That’s Nashville in a nutshell. Easily the top spot to take in live country music in the U.S.—hence its “Music City” moniker—the budding metropolis has no shortage of live venues, honky tonks and country music bars. But even if you’re not a fan of country, just try not to be moved by the music wafting from each eclectic spot as you mosey down Music Row—aka Broadway (or the people-watching, spirits flowing and general revelry that’ll call to mind another famous Broadway… just Southern style).
Of course, there’s more to Music City than Music Row (though, that’s where you’d find us…). Think creative energy, culture (museums galore!), award-winning restos and swanky bars. NTM the city is situated on a river—making it a dreamy destination alongside the likes of DC and Chicago, to name a few.
Really, the Everly Brothers said it best: “Gotta get back to Nashville… ’cause that’s where the good times are.” Here we tune into our Music Row picks—plus dine, drink and do selects—for a well-rounded and high-energy getaway. Now all we need are some cowboy boots.
EATS & DRINKS
Meat Sweats
When it comes to Nashville barbecue, it’s all about the smoked meats (brisket, ribs, sausage—oh, my!). And there’s a melting pot of barbecue styles for you to go hog wild. For a classic whole-hog pulled-pork sando that all Carolinians can get down with, you’re gonna wanna go to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint; for beef brisket, look no further than Shotgun Willie’s BBQ; and if you’re curious what the dry ribs are all about, head to Peg Leg Porker. Aye, there’s the rub! martinsbbqjoint.com; sgwbbq.com; peglegporker.com
Hattie B’s
You can’t—we repeat, can’t—go to Nashville without hitting up this uberpopular hot chicken joint that blows all chicken sandos out of the water (we said it). If you’re feeling frisky, go for the Shut the Cluck Up chicken sandwich, Hattie B’s hottest heat level offering; or play it safe with the Southern (no heat). … But as Southerners, it’s about time we show Nashville we can take the heat. hattieb.com
Yee-Haw Brewing Co.
Can we get a yeehaw?! Yee-Haw Brewing calls for an all-day affair, thanks to its shared campus with Ole Smoky Moonshine and White Duck Taco Shop, two large screen TVs, two stages, a beer garden, and a brewery and distillery on-site (!)—NTM live music, watch parties and other fun-filled events. Clear your sched and stick around for awhile… yeehawbrewing.com
Five Points Pizza
Five Points Pizza
Dave Portnoy of Barstool Pizza Review rated Five Points Pizza a 7.5—and that’s an opinion you can crust. You’re gonna wanna grab a slice (or a whole pie) of the New York-style pizzas made from scratch and handtossed with aged-in-house dough. Popular creations include the Vodka Sauce Pie, the T-Rex (topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, sliced meatballs and spicy capicola), and Dave’s Pie (prosciutto di parma, fresh basil, extra pecorino romano). fivepointspizza.com
Butcher & Bee
Butcher & Bee
When the bright lights and even louder sounds of NashVegas start to wear you down, buzz on over to this quaint hidden gem located just on the outskirts of downtown serving up seasonal dishes for brunch and dinner. (Pro tip: Get there early to score a seat on the patio.) butcherandbee.com
Biscuit Love
Son of a biscuit! This lil “Love” will surely steal your heart—and stomach. The beloved breakfast and lunch spot believes in bringing the community together over a shared love of biscuits, whether you’re more of an S.E.C. (sausage, scrambled egg, cheddar) kinda person or an East Nasty (fried chicken, cheddar, sausage gravy) one—and that, well, just butters our biscuits. biscuitlove.com
Attaboy
Don’t ask for a menu at this 2022 James Beard finalist for Outstanding Bar Program—’cause you ain’t gonna get one. The famed East Nashville drinking den is a speakeasy-style iteration of the original NYC location credited with the entire modern craft-cocktail movement. So, yeah, no menu needed because you know whatever one of the bartenders puts in front of you is gonna be good.attaboy.us
OUT & ABOUT
Grand Ole Opry
“The true home of country music” has a myriad of artists hitting its stage in May, including The Gatlin Brothers, Filmore and Maggie Rose. P.S. Olivia Rodrigo is stopping at the Grand Ole Opry’s Opry House venue during her SOUR tour on May 10 (!). Um, good for… us! opry.com
Nashville Predators Game
Watch the Preds put the smash in Smashville at Bridgestone Arena, which is primely located in the center of downtown. (So catching a game is about as easy as ordering a drink from one of the many surrounding bars.)bridgestonearena.com
Pontoon Saloon
Pontoon Saloon
“I’m on a boat!”—er pontoon! Mingle, dance and booze your way down the Cumberland River through Nashville’s only “honky tonk on the water.” Both public and private cruises are offered, and each includes a licensed captain and deckhand, sound system, and coolers for beverages. Yeah, buoy! pontoonsaloontn.com
Ms. Kelli’s Karaoke Bar
Sing it (or just dance!) like you mean it within this tucked away family-owned and -operated karaoke bar in Printers Alley. The jello shooters and specialty cocktails are sure to provide all the liquid courage you need to get up onstage. facebook.com/mskelliskaraoke
Johnny Cash Museum
They don’t call it Cashville for nothin’. “Walk the line” to discover the largest and most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia the world over—from the legend’s guitars and music equipment to his signature looks and more. johnnycashmuseum.com
The Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Cafe
Over the past 40 years, this iconic live music venue (dubbed “an accidental landmark that changed music history”) has served as a magnet for Nashville visitors from all walks of life—over 70,000 people visit the venue annually, and countless country stars have graced its stage (think Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks and Faith Hill). Make sure you grab your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out! bluebirdcafe.com
BROADWAY PICKS
Honky Tonk Centeral
Honky Tonk Central
It’s a party on all three stories—complete with live music, bar grub and great times. honkytonkcentral.com
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
A can’t-miss (literally—it’s bright pink) world-famous institution and Nashville honky tonk, nee 1960. tootsies.net
Vintage license plates from around the country cover the ceiling of this funky live music bar that’s always a darn tootin’ good time. laylasnashville.com
WEB EXCLUSIVE This Veterans Day, we’re saluting Raleigh veteran Mike Otis’ Battle Tested Craft Barbecue Sauce and his mission to support local veterans.
Everyone anticipates their 21st birthday, but for Mike Otis, it wasn’t finally being able to crack open a cold one that interested him, it was getting his dad’s (a WWII veteran) family barbecue recipe, which was passed down to his dad by his grandmother—and it was only when he turned 21 that he was “old enough to handle the recipe.”
In fact, Otis still has the recipe card that his dad tucked into his 21st birthday card, and it now serves as the backbone for his popular Battle Tested Craft Barbecue Sauce.
And as a couple who cares deeply about veteran lives and bringing awareness to veteran suicide, now Otis and his wife, Deardria, have partnered with Durham’s Stop Soldier Suicide—an organization helping PTSD veterans in the Triangle.
“It’s been about more than just making sauce, it’s about giving back to veteran, not-for-profit organizations,” says Otis. So, for every bottle of Battle Tested Craft Barbecue Sauce sold in NC, the company donates 5% of its profit to Stop Soldier Suicide.
A Desert Storm Air Force veteran himself, Otis added spices and his own signature flavor to the family barbecue sauce recipe—which, before bottling it, he dished out to friends and family who constantly encouraged him to market it. One friend even told him it was so good he could drink it… that’s when you know.
After some convincing—now about three years ago—the couple took a chance and dove head-first into the competitive billion-dollar barbecue sauce industry, set up a corporation, filed for trademarks, opened a state-of-the-art sauce production plant in Henderson… and the rest, as they say, is history.
Now with several awards and competition wins under their belt (first place at the Oxford Hot Sauce Festival and Pinehurst Barbecue Festival, to name just a couple), Otis and his wife are on a mission to support veterans.
The 12 fiery hopefuls will be split into three teams, led by culinary icons and Food Network hosts Bobby Flay, Michael Symon and Eddie Jackson. The three celebrity chef captains will mentor and coach these up-and-coming barbecue stars from around the country through 10 episodes set at Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas.
Each episode, a panel of judges—including barbecue legend Rodney Scott, chef Brooke Williamson and lifestyle personality Carson Kressley—will decide which team was least successful, with the competitor deemed the weakest link eliminated.
The winner is dubbed the Master of ‘Cue (not such a bad nickname, huh?) and will become Food Network’s official BBQ expert of the year—plus, ultimate bragging rights, of course.
We, obviously, will be rooting for Prieto all the way. A champion pitmaster, book author, barbecue judge and teacher, we think he’s got the chops to take home the W. Have you tried the food at Prime yet?! From smoked brisket and housemade sausage to sweet potato salad and mac and cheese, Prieto has already won the hearts—and stomachs—of North Carolinians. Cheer him on when the BBQ Brawl airs Monday, June 14 on Food Network.
