Lettuce, rejoice! NoVa-based taqueria Taco Bamba opening in Raleigh Aug. 28.
Move over, Austin—Raleigh is coming for your title of America’s best taco city (!). While the City of Oaks already ranked a cool No. 12 on Clever Real Estate’s 2022 list of top taco towns, it was the only East Coast city listed in the top 15 (all, save one Midwest outlier, were West Coast, natch)—and no doubt this news ups the ante for our fair city’s 2023 rank.
Even NoVa-based Taco Bamba recognizes Raleigh’s taco allure. The uberpopular fast-casual taqueria with a cultlike following chose Ridgewood Shopping Center for its first location outside the DC metro area, slated to open Aug. 28—and adding to our town’s fast-growing catalog of tempting taco spots (see: Leroy’s Tacos n Beer, Gym Tacos, Chido Taco, etc.).
“Raleigh is a taco town,” says Taco Bamba chef-owner Victor Albisu in an exclusive interview with Raleigh Magazine, “and it’s a town that’s really receptive to creative eating and food.” … And Albisu is confident that Raleighites will welcome Taco Bamba’s unexpected yet unique offerings with open arms—and stomachs.
Get a taste of Taco Bamba’s eclectic menu during its one-night-only pop-up at Junction West on April 26. (Greg Powers)
Shaking up your taco Tuesday, the taqueria is best known for its assortment of house tacos starring out-of-the-box ingredients—from ramen (yes, really) to fried chicken to beef tongue—which vary by location. The Raleigh outpost will feature its own slew of unique tacos, tortas and empanadas—in addition to Bamba’s all-day breakfast program feat. breakfast tacos and free coffee offered until midafternoon. NTM a full-service bar with a focus on agave spirits (tequilas, mezcal) to elevate happy hour.
The diverse menu—which also features traditional tacos, quesadillas, chips and queso, and the like—pushes the boundaries of standard Mexican fare and allows the Bamba team to experiment with and introduce different flavors, textures and ingredients while connecting a myriad of cultures. So, shelling out an exotic foodie tour, if you will.
“My intention is not to scale one menu—my intention is to scale a style of food we own and believe in,” explains Albisu. “It’s been a really incredible journey putting a team together and creating a new style of food and a new style of taqueria. We never have an issue creating a new menu. That’s the engine that drives us—the thing that keeps us growing.”
The other star worth shellebrating (had to) will be its expansive patio (!), which Albisu says will serve as the main dining area—and feature accessibility to the main bar. Albisu also maintains Bamba’s products drive the eatery’s environment, with each location boasting its own identity in an effort to “adhere to a neighborhood, and have the neighborhood identify with us,” he says. Translation: Raleigh’s Bamba will stand out from the rest of the existing eight locations, especially with it being the taqueria’s first endeavor into a wholly new market.
“This is probably the most exciting time for our little company that’s growing,” says Albisu. “We’re really hoping to connect and be able to grow in Raleigh and beyond. … And we’re going to give it all we’ve got.” Taco ’bout an exciting time to be a taco-loving Raleighite. tacobamba.com
Peace up, A-Town down. Get peachy this summer with a drive down 85 (or, our pick, a quick wheels up) that won’t let you down—from a stroll around Piedmont Park to drinks on the roof at Ponce City Market, followed by a scoot to the BeltLine for breweries, art, street music and more. Blues fans will wanna tune into the eternal Atlanta Blues Festival that is Blind Willie’s; sports fans’ll wanna make time for the College Football Hall of Fame; sneakerheads should step out for some shoe shops (ATL is known for its sneaker shops); and, well, everyone can and should get a brunch rez at brand-new 5Church Buckhead (pro tip: The sunroom is the perf perch for selfies).
Suches, Ga.
Be one with nature in North Georgia via this cluster of tiny cabins nestled in 57 wooded acres in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Dubbed Getaway Chattahoochee, the exotic-cool glamping excursion is just a two-hour drive from A-town—doubling the appeal for those who truly have Georgia on their mind this summer.
DC
POV? DC should be on your summer bucket list—including its primo POV rooftop bar overlooking the White House, soon to reopen after a monthlong reno. While there, bring the Natitude to a Nats game (America’s city, America’s game–how fitting); stroll M Street in Georgetown for that Fifth Avenue-meets-King Street in Charleston feel; sip drinks on the Washington Harbour; culture-hop across all the free things (monuments, museums and more)… and if you’re looking to make your stay extra presidential, lay your head to rest in Penn Quarter at the Riggs in one of the famed First Lady Suites.
West Virginia
Country roads take me home, to the place I belong. … Outdoor lovers are going to feel right at home in WVA. Test your fight or flight—er, swim—instincts via River Expeditions’ whitewater rafting trips on the New River Gorge or Gauley River; or channel your mountain mama and explore the Mountain State’s 100+ miles of trails by way of New River ATV, the New River Gorge’s premier ATV adventure tour. “Almost heaven, West Virginia…”
Charleston
Chucktown is more than just the iconic Pineapple Fountain and Rainbow Row (and art market and King Street…). It’s also a haven for award-winning eats and drinks—and plenty of other summer fun you’re gonna wanna check off your bucket list. Must do’s: We rec you wait in the (inevitable) line at Lewis Barbecuefor some of the best brisket in town; book a sunset cruise via Harborview Charters; and grab a nightcap at King Street Dispensary.
Greenville, SC
With its small-town feel and big-city charm, Greenville—voted one of the best cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2021—serves as a great destination for family and couples (or friends!) alike, thanks to its fine eateries, upscale hotels, hip breweries, green spaces, and thriving arts and culture scene. So whether you’re looking to get your steps in on the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, have a drink a la Don Draper at subterranean drinking denVault & Vator, or nosh your way through the city’s culinary elite at euphoria (Sept. 15–18), Greenville’s got something for everyone to enjoy.
Richmond
The so-called River City is a rooftop bar oasis—making a rooftop barhop a must. Faves include Common House (which also boasts a rooftop pool!), Kabana Rooftop (go Sundays for a live DJ), Q Rooftop Bar at Quirk Hotel (get a hot dog when hunger strikes), and The HofGarden (aka The Hof). Because everyone knows RVA looks better from above—and with a drink in hand, obv.
Chattahoochee River, Ga.
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee it gets hotter than a hoochie coochie. But nothing a little “Shoot the Hooch” can’t cure (aka what the locals call tubing the Chattahoochee River), so go lay rubber on the Georgia asphalt—er, river—and get a lil crazy… but never get caught.
Kiawah Island, SC
A barrier island situated just over 25 miles southwest of Charleston in Charleston County, this unspoiled luxe retreat is known mostly for its renowned hospitality, primo accommodations, championship golf (home to the 2021 PGA Championship) and world-class amenities… NTM perfectly preserved maritime forests, sand dunes and marshes (perf for turtle and seabird spotting).
Savannah
The best thing about Savannah? Its open container law. Grab a bev to-go from one of the many bars and restaurants along the Savannah River, then stroll through River Street—making sure to pit spot at the marketplace, shops, and sip and sup spots for lunch… and a refill, of course.
They don’t call it the “Darling District” for nothing. Trust us—DC deserves to be your next getaway.
Fun facts: I grew up in Northern Virginia (aka spitting distance from DC). And while our EIC grew up in Raleigh, she took a hiatus to DC 10 years ago—living in Georgetown and cutting her teeth at DC magazine. So we know DC is so much more than the text-book version and decided it was time to return to the cap city to bring back the deets on what’s hot right now.
Sure, your perception of DC may not vary much from my middle-schooler POV—the epicenter of our nation’s government, filled with colossal monuments, museums, politics and an uber-diverse population. You’re not wrong—but there’s so much more to it than that. It’s also a lively adult playground with waterfront (and rooftop!) views aplenty, countless greenspaces and parks, some of the nation’s best chefs and bartenders (and food and cocktail concepts), cultural experiences, and more.
Not to mention the distinct DC neighborhoods—from the cobblestone streets (reminiscent of Charleston) and riverside eats in charming Georgetown to Dupont Circle’s super-walkable dining and nightlife vibes, DC is a city worth experiencing (again and again). But with so much to do, it’s hard to know where to start—so we did the hard work (ha) for you. Here’s your dreamy DC to-do list. And if you’re looking for an excuse to book that 45-minute flight (!) or make the quick drive up I95 sooner rather than later, DC Beer Week is Sept. 19–26.
DO
The REACH at the Kennedy Centerfor the Performing Arts
Playing off of DC’s playground identity is The REACH, the Kennedy Center’s first expansion since its opening in 1971. Strolling through the green spaces (pro tip: pack a picnic) was a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, while glass-windowed rehearsal spaces allowed us to peep various artists in action. kennedy-center.org
ARTECHOUSE
ARTECHOUSE Renewal 2121
Art + tech (hence, ARTECHOUSE) collide at this buzzy boundary-pushing cultural playground. Upon entry into Renewal 2121 (on view through Sept. 6), we were immediately transported into an overdeveloped Tokyo 100 years in the future rocked by climate change (sound familiar?)—prompting us to think about our choices… and ideally take action. Next up, Life of a Neuron (Sept. 27–Nov. 28)—a must-do. artechouse.com
The Wharf
City life meets boardwalk thrills at waterfront The Wharf, which boasts a plethora of excellent restaurants, shops, hotels and happenings. Our top recs? Margs at Mi Vida, concerts at The Anthem, an Italian dinner at Officina (more info to the right) and, um, more drinks at Cantina Bambina (overlooking the river!). wharfdc.com
EAT
CUT by Wolfgang PuckWe have just one piece of advice for you: Order the wagyu. As a matter of fact, order all three of the wagyus (but especially the 2-oz. Japanese wagyu New York sirloin—arguably the best melt-in-your-mouth bite of meat we’ve ever taken)… because when else are you going to be able to eat steak at a Wolfgang Puck restaurant? wolfgangpuck.com
Officina
Our last meal in DC consisted of pasta and pizza (balanced with fresh salads and possibly one last glass of prosecco—because when in DC…) at Officina’s Georgetown location, the upscale casual and cozy sister location to the bustling three-story restaurant, market and rooftop bar at The Wharf. We can attest that Nicholas Stefanelli’s tried-and-true Italian dishes are the best way to fuel up for a flight. officinadc.com
Clyde’s
After walking several miles around Georgetown in the hot summer heat, local-fave Clyde’s offered the perfect perch for grabbing a quick drink and a snack. It’s just the type of neighborhood-friendly watering hole you’d want to stumble upon as a tourist—the affable service, food and drinks beg you to get another round (or two). clydes.com
DRINK
Baked & Wired
It took everything in us not to ruin our lunch with a cupcake, cookie or bar (or literally anything else) from this national treasure (aka hip family-owned coffee shop and bakery in Georgetown)—but we’re going to insist that you do. And you can’t beat a latte made with handcrafted coffee to jump-start a day spent adventuring the cap city. bakedandwired.com
POV Rooftop at W Washington DC
POV: You’re sipping a specialty cocktail (with names taking inspiration from political history, famous rumors and presidential quotes, naturally) high above the nation’s capital, overlooking the White House—not to mention such splendid sights as the U.S. Treasury Department building, the Washington Monument and more. Clearly, one of the best points of view (and rooftop bars!) DC has to offer. *Swoon.* povrooftop.com
Riverfront Drinks at Washington Harbour
We could’ve spent the whole day throwing back blended drinks at the Washington Harbour while taking in views of the Potomac River, Key Bridge, Kennedy Center and Roosevelt Island—but alas, there’s so much else to see and do! Still, while you’re there, go for a round at Nick’s Riverside Grill, Sequoia, or Tony and Joe’s. thewashingtonharbour.com
STAY
Lyle Washington DC
The plethora of Dupont Circle shops, restaurants and attractions at the hotel’s doorstep may tempt—but were a tough match for the opulent comfort of our calming neutral- and art deco-appointed rooms. Luckily, the unparalleled breakfast (also serving lunch, dinner and cocktails) at casually sophisticated Lyle’s is easily worth leaving the room for (how is an egg sandwich that good?). lyledc.com
Rosewood Washington DC
Tucked between M and K streets, Rosewood recently added and reno’d several adjacent townhouses—delivering guests the luxuries of a hotel with the privacy of an Airbnb. Our luxe stay in the serene, modern split-level townhouse, complete with posh furnishings, cozy breakfast nook, private patio and futuristic toilet (seriously, it knows when you are entering the room and self-cleans)—all in the oasis that is Georgetown (just steps from riverfront bevs or endless primo retail and restos)—made us never want to leave. rosewoodhotels.com
Riggs Washington DC
Riggs’ Ida McKinley-Inspired First Lady Suite
Set in the former home of the Riggs National Bank in Penn Quarter, the ever-opulent Riggs is a must-stay. (And spring for one of the four First Lady suites! Our pick: the pretty-in-pink Ida McKinley version.) Besides being the ideal atmosphere for popping bottles, you’d be remiss not to toast your trip in the super-hip subterranean cocktail bar (Silver Lyan) before a fab dinner at Café Riggs. riggsdc.com
