McWally’s Brings the Fun to Fuquay + 4 More Must-Try Spots
1: Simmer Coffee House | CARY
Simmer down and perk up at West Cary’s recently bowed cozy coffee shop. Truly living up to its homey vibe and down-to-earth MO, the “gnome away from gnome” is the perf spot to settle in with a cuppa—especially if you snag a seat on the cozy couch or sun-drenched patio. However you caffeinate, there’s something up your alley—from house brews and espresso bevs to layered fruity matchas and chai, plus big-kid-style dairy drinks topped with crispy cereal (because you’re never too old for elevated chocolate milk). Pair your pour with a housebaked scone or signature Simmer toast, and you’ll be snug as a bug in a rug. simmercoffee.com
2: Whilden | CHAPEL HILL
Walk, walk, fashion baby. With this contemporary women’s boutique’s chic mix of classic and eclectic pieces, curating your head-turning fall-to-winter fit just got an effortless upgrade. Always on trend and upping inventory on the reg, the brick-and-mortar stocks 20+ sought-after brands—spanning sleek jewelry, statement bags, showstopping dresses and effortless everyday staples—plus a smattering of swoonworthy home goods and giftable finds. No matter the occasion, you’ll walk out ready to show up and show out (and maybe spark a little outfit envy). shopwhilden.com
3: U Shogun Sushi Kitchen & Bar | WENDELL
Recently rolling into Wendell Falls is this culinary samurai serving up serious skill—and just as much soul. A mod nod to Japanese tradition, the ~lit~ space glows with lanterns and bespoke detail, setting the stage for artful bites that blend craftsmanship and creativity. Expect innovative rolls that wow the senses—like the subtly sweet Kisaki Roll (salmon, tuna, mango, cucumber and eel sauce) or the fiery Shogun Roll (shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, avo, spicy mayo, jalapenos and hot sauce). Round it out with a bev and a few extra bites for a, well, well-rounded experience. ushogunwendellfalls.com
4: Barsa New Indian | DURHAM
Indian flavors get a fresh twist in the belly of Bull City—spicing things up with a refined yet approachable tasting experience. The contemporary Indian oasis dishes up vibrant plates that balance bold tradition and mod flair—think aromatic chicken tikka masala, melt-in-your-mouth lobster moilee, and a Southern-inspired korma worth committing to memory. The chef-driven menu spans soups, salads, naan, apps and entrees—each as eye-catching as they are craveable. Not to be overlooked, bevs bring the heat too, from flavor-packed cocktails and mocktails to Indian beers, curated wines, and indulgent sips like the mango lassi and masala chai. Pro tip: Don’t forget to look up while dining—colorful umbrellas cascading from the ceiling nod to barsa—aka “rain”—pouring up goodness, indeed. barsanc.com
5: McWally’s | FUQUAY-VARINA
Channel your inner The Dude a la The Big Lebowski at this 42K-square-foot entertainment hub where bowling gets a serious glow-up thanks to immersive Spark Lanes that amp up your game. But that’s just the first frame. Keep the good times rolling at the classic lanes; go full retro in the 60-game arcade; or battle it out in the multilevel 5K-square-foot Ultimate Arena for some high-stakes laser tag. Wanna mix it up? Step into the Valo Arena—the world’s first mixed-reality playground—for some next-level play. When it’s time to refuel your HP, dig into elevated bites like BBQ pork egg rolls, mushroom bahn mi tacos and shareables (nachos, wings, sliders and craft pizzas). Pair it with a pour, and it’s game on! mcwallys.com
A feast for the eyes and the senses, the crown jewel of Raleigh’s retail market is officially unearthing at East End via Giorgios Hospitality Group’s latest “GEM.”
Answering the call for an approachable and highly curated shopping and dining experience, the aptly dubbed Giorgios Epicurean Market is at once a European sojourn and one-stop shop for whatever you bloody well fancy—including even a bloody (or freshly squeezed OJ or coffee…).
From first entry, aromas, visuals (and for the samplers, scores of tastes) overcome the senses as you’re met with an abundance of lush flora and fauna—inviting you to check your real-world worries at the door and succumb to a Zen-induced haze of indulgence highlighted by a verdant design that’s “vibrant and alive with the fresh energy of a modern European market,” says Giorgios Bakatsias. Sommelier selects? Check. Olive oils, jams and spices? Yup. Plants and potables for the hostess, office or “oh-yeah-it’s-my-anniversary” gift? Count on it.
Playing on herbaceous hues, every detail is intentional—from the mod white, olive and rusty subway tile sections that merge with natural wood and concrete to the gentle botanical brushstrokes by artist Arianne Hemlein seamlessly blending the seasons across the length of the market to even the authentic “boulanger” sign Bakatsias procured from a flea market to add a little “spice.”
At the root of it all, a massive full-sight breakfast-lunch-dinner kitchen production helmed by Managing Partner/executive chef William D’Auvray promises to tempt the palate with fresh butcher cuts and made-in-house bakery selects, salads, grilled goodies and beyond—whether to grab a pastry, sandwich to savor on the piazza or steaks for tonight’s dinner.
Vinos for pairing are intentionally selected by sommelier Scott Hardiman to complement the cafe menu and prepared foods, says Bakatsias, “so guests can easily curate a gourmet meal to enjoy at home.” Essentially, they thought of everything so you don’t have to—the “simple things in life people want—executed at the highest level,” he adds.
And not to confuse elevated with unapproachable, this isn’t some stuffy, unaffordable pinkies-up place. Instead, at its very core is an MO of utter simplicity and approachability. “We’re not boxing somebody in to spend a certain amount to have this experience,” says Bakatsias. “You can come in and spend $10 for lunch or whatever you wish.”
Further delving into the Euro-ness of it all, docents are at the ready as you shop and savor to proffer wine, party platter or gift picks. And in line with that Old World vibe, no, they won’t pounce you like a SNL Sur La Table skit. But, so new age, they will provide a pay-where-you-are option sans the line.
Ambling past the abundant product—which D’Auvray, who also helms East End Bistrot, spotlights in the market menu—quaint alfresco-esque indoor seating gives way to a day-to-night indoor cafe and bar set off by rollup garage door. And, outside, a botanically-driven “relaxing playground for eating and drinking” awaits via covered terrace and lush piazza dotted with mixed seating—and primed for pop-up farmers markets.
Both masterful and masterpiece, it’s got Bakatsias’ fingerprints all over it. As the ultimate gardener (see flourishing East End Bistrot, Rosewater, etc.), the market extends that signature vibe. And like all gems, she’ll get better with age. … Stay tuned for catering, and wine and cooking classes—even visiting chefs—to come.
Until then, “I’m excited to start baking and cooking food Giorgios and I both love and live by,” muses D’Auvray. So are we. Tue.-Sat.,8am–9pm,gemraleigh.com
Giorgios Bakatsias hasn’t written his last chapter—in fact, he’s turning the page on a new one. As the ultimate gardener—cultivating places, people and literal gardens—his forthcoming Giorgios Epicurean Market expands his reach at East End Market with a morning-to-night all-in-one cafe and market, anchored by the three B’s: butcher, baker, beverage program. “We’re creating a whole village here with our wonderful [cider] friends,” says the master craftsman. “I love it.”
A “jam for the community,” jibes Bakatsias, the purposefully named space is a nod to his salad days frequenting markets in Greece to grab things for Mom. (Fun fact: Epicureanism, aka a hedonistic philosophy placing pleasure as paragon, was founded by famed Greek philosopher Epicurus.) “I just came back from Greece not long ago,” he says. “I love just getting lost in those markets… I could stay there forever.”
A feast for the eyes and senses, the space serves up a short sojourn to Europe, at once satisfying necessity and wanderlust. “What inspires me are the visuals, the aromas… the overstimulation of the senses—the market does it for me,” he muses. Filling a void beyond the big-box ops, Giorgios Epicurean Market is, in a word, curated. Period. In an age of “abundance, it’s nice to go deeper in knowledge instead of just having an extra bottle of something,” he says, and to have a more personal experience of service—not just asking, ‘Did you find everything?’… What does that mean?”
To wit, sundry handpicked goods will be on offer—from sommelier vino selects from the wine library to fresh rotating fare and expertly prepared foods (salads! sandwiches! moussaka!) to freshly baked breads (baguettes, pastries and beyond by operating partner and East End Bistrot executive chef William D’Auvray). Think even a personalized concierge at the ready to help you orchestrate the perfect meal or gift—this wine, this olive oil, this mustard, that pastry or cookie.
And, since “everything has a vibration,” says Bakatsias, for those not on the go, expect bountiful flora and fauna—not unlike the ambitious restaurateur’s Rosewater and East End Bistrot—cultivated across a massive canopy-covered piazza featuring 200+ myriad seating ops and some combination of spaces for relaxing so you can post up solo with a book or for a hang sesh with the SO or fam.
A water feature supplies serenity and heaters keep the nip at bay, while a window slide allows easy access for morning freshly squeezed juice or java giving way to afternoon or evening spirited mixology, wine or beer from the Euro-style bar. Inside, more seats abound in the cozy cafe where you can post up for a fresh snack amid the bustling market. “William makes amazing gourmet pizza,” suggests Bakatsias.
The lifeblood of the space is connectivity to ingredients—and people. An intentional gift to the community, at the heart of it all is that heartfelt hospitality. “The service culture and knowledge is just as important as the curation of product,” he says. “We can’t have everything in the world here, not because of space, but intention… so we can curate products that are meaningful and purposeful to you, and that you will enjoy with some quality and value because you know it’s important.”
Drafting another page in his book, Bakatsias still has more to come. “Creating is exciting,” says the master maker. “We don’t need just another project. What we need is to make sure we are serving the community—and in the best way we know how. … I want to write my best chapter—which I haven’t yet. You always want to continue to evolve and create.” Consider this just another brilliant “GEM” in Bakatsias’ beautiful jewel box. giorgiosgroup.com
What is it about the dead of winter that makes us crave frozen drinks…?! Keepin’ us chill is The Slush, a frozen daiquiri lounge offering both nonalcoholic and alcoholic slushees made with a variety of spirits (plus optional floaters!) in the heart of downtown Durham. Transport yourself to the tropics with a colorful, fruity boozy frozen bev; then mark the occasion with The Slush’s ’Gram-worthy backdrop—great for snapping the perfect selfie. And on weekends, stick around for live DJs and rotating food trucks. @theslushdurham
2. Sauce’d
Wilmington
Get sauced—in more ways than one!—at downtown Wilmington’s new cocktail and fry bar (arguably the most genius concept we’ve ever heard of). Sip your way through the unique handcrafted (and ’Grammable!) cocktails while you dip four styles of french fries in 12 different sauces—think banana ketchup, cilantro lime aioli and sriracha mayo—either from the velvet stool-lined bar or out on the patio overlooking the Cape Fear River. Name a better duo than fries and cocktails—we’ll wait. saucedwilmington.com
3. Remedy Room/Rubies on Five Points
Durham
Downtown Durham’s new Remedy Room and Rubies on Five Points gives you a two-for-one choose-your-own-adventure night of entertainment. Located in the former two-story Criterion space in the Five Points District, Remedy Room offers drinks and shared plates on the first floor, while Rubies on Five Points features live music and DJs—with a focus on local artists—on the second floor. Owner Shawn Stokes (also the chef/owner of Luna Rotisserie) assures fans of Criterion that the old-school vibe of the downstairs will remain—with a new and improved refreshing aesthetic that makes for the perfect night out. remedyroomnc.com, rubiesnc.com
4. Pimiento Tea Room
Holly Springs
Pinkies up! Teatime gets a boozy upgrade at Pimiento Tea Room, an eclectic modern-day teahouse offering tea-infused cocktails and elevated tea sandwiches. Not your grandma’s classic cucumber and cream cheese-filled tea sandwiches, these bad boys rotate weekly and are piled high with anything from chickpea salad to hot dog frittatas (!) to roasted sweet potatoes. Essentially, you’ll need a fork and knife to eat them. Located in the refurbished 1840-built Brown-Holloway House, Pimiento Tea Room’s antique furnishings and vintage touches round out the teahouse experience and make you feel as if you’re sipping tea with the royals. pimientotearoom.com
5. THE ONE NINE
Cary
Say hello to your new favorite neighborhood bar and grill. The One Nine, which recently opened in Preston Corners, is a comfortable space for local sports enthusiasts, the afterwork crowd and anyone looking to wind down (or up!) from a round of golf at nearby Prestonwood Country Club—or just enjoy a beer after a long day. A concept by Raleigh-famous sports fans and foodies the Amra brothers (hey, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe!), The One Nine name pays homage to the Amras’ late father, a Marine who served in the 1st Battalion 9th Marines for three tours in Vietnam. oneninebar.com
Executive chef Ashleigh Fleming is bringing high-quality eats to the small town of Littleton—and by small we mean barely 1-square-mile small—via recently opened Blue Jay Bistro. A realization of entrepreneur Ed Fitts’ vision to breathe new life into his hometown, the approachable-meets-fine dining restaurant is set in an indoor/outdoor oasis serving up stunning intricate design, with Southern-inspired dishes such as Wild Catter oysters, pickled shrimp and watermelon, and a sweet tea-brined pork chop (though menu items will rotate constantly based on seasonality and local availability). And Fleming won’t settle for anything less than a full stomach, so finish your meal with some beignets or a decadent slice of flourless chocolate cake. bluejaybistro.com
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Park’s Food Street | Durham
Want some global grub that’s all that and dim sum? Park’s Food Street, (a food hall concept by Jay Park, also the owner of Durham’s Itaewon Grill), features three restaurants, each offering their own unique Korean-fusion fare in a vibrant Seoul-inspired atmosphere. Whether you prefer to chow down on chicken in a cup at CupDak, nosh on noodles from Ramyun Time, or taste a taco or two from Taco Park, Park’s cuisine is worth a hang in the Bull City. Pho real. parksfoodst.com
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The PumpHouse 1906 | Kinston
Shake up cocktail hour at Social House Vodka’s new cocktail bar, The PumpHouse 1906, in Kinston, where the North Carolina-made vodka is used in a plethora of superb drinks. From a classic vodka Collins and caipiroska (a traditional Brazilian take on a vodka caipirinha) to the refreshing Summer’s Gettin’ Good (made with Social House Vodka, fresh muddled watermelon, homemade jalapeno syrup and fresh pressed lime)—all the boozy bevs were created by local cocktail connoisseur Bob Peters. And if vodka isn’t your thing, there’s cocktails with gin, tequila and whiskey too. socialhousevodka.com
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Pluck Farm | Carrboro
High times are in store for visitors to Steel String Brewery’s recently debuted Pluck Farm, which just started selling pre-rolled CBD joints—completely legal in NC, BTW, as they don’t contain any THC or psychoactive properties—from Handèwa Farms. Located just 10 miles down Highway 54 from the brewery, Pluck Farm grows flowers, hops, native fruit varieties and more—and features a disc golf course and sizable beer garden. So you can spend the weekend lying in the grass, smoking a CBD joint and sipping on a brewski. Puff, puff, pass the beer! steelstringbrewery.com
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Dram & Draught | Durham
Dram & Draught will always be your go-to comfortable, cool neighborhood bar, no matter what neighborhood—or city—it’s in, which now includes Durham. Recently opening in the Bull City, Dram & Draught Durham is doling the same amazing whiskey selection, kickass cocktails, well-curated beer list and small-but-interesting wine list we all know and love about our resident Raleigh D&D—plus unique cocktails curated by the Durham team of bartenders. Cheers to that! dramanddraught.com
