LM Restaurants to reinvigorate North Carolina’s Main Street with new restaurant
Finally—Fayetteville Street has found its (tasty) linchpin for the revitalization our city’s core has yearned for. A concept over a year in the making, LM Restaurant’s full-service yet-to-be-named restaurant in partnership with Highwoods will bow on the first floor of the 150 Fayetteville building this spring with a focus on “those who live, who work—and the extended community of people who come Downtown for the nightlife,” says LM President Amber Moshakos.
First teased in our Fayetteville Street update last summer, the all-day restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night bites with a focus on homemade American food that celebrates North Carolina. Easing the transition from day to evening will be a breakfast bar with pastries, espresso and other to-go items in the morning that, by night, will convert to a romantic nook with dessert and Champagne.
Diners will have the option to partake inside or on the patio for an alfresco affair, or at the inside/outside bar. The outdoor area will also play host to live music, with additional plans for a national artist to help activate the space.
“Last year, Highwoods moved our headquarters Downtown to be a deliberate part of the good things going on at the heart of our region,” says Highwoods Senior Vice President and Market Leader Skip Hill. “We wanted to create a place at Downtown’s ‘main and main’ that served those in suits and sneakers throughout the day, week and year—and we could not imagine a better partner in Amber and her team at LM Restaurants to make this happen.”
LM VP of Brand Strategy Katherine Goldfaden describes the eatery as “polished casual—from suits to sneakers,” all will feel comfortable. “Not many people are from Raleigh anymore, but here everyone in Raleigh can be a local,” she adds.
Opening in this particular building is a natural fit for the hospitality group as “we have revitalization projects at the core of LM,” says Amber. Take Taverna Agora, or Vidrio—which was an empty building LM co-founder Lou Moshakos bought in 2008 when that end of Glenwood was otherwise void of F&B concepts. “Restaurants are the anchor in revitalizing and building community,” Amber emphasizes.
In fact, LM is so committed to DTR that the group has their eyes on yet another property. “We’re looking to invest in this area because we believe in it,” maintains Amber. And we believe it’s going to be a game-changer for the area.
In honor of DTR Sandwich Week March 27–April 7, here are the Raleigh Mag team’s fave sammies.
No matter how you slice it (personally, I prefer diagonal), there’s no better lunch item than a sandwich. They’re quick and easy to make, can be eaten on the go or at the desk, and come in many different forms. While you could whip up your own at home, during DTR Sandwich Week (now through April 7) we encourage you to go out to the 100+ spots serving lunch Downtown and order up one of their specially crafted housemade sammies. Pro tip: Post your sando on social media during using the hashtag #DTRSandwichWeek to have a sandwich named after you at a participating restaurant (!). Below, Raleigh Mag’s go-to DTR sandwich picks to get you started. Get bready to chow down!
Chicken Club Hero, Capital Club 16 —Gina Stephens, Publisher
Think there’s nowhere to eat lunch in DTR? Think again. There are 100+ places to get your midday grub on in Downtown right now. Here, your go-to guide for lunch Downtown right now, divided up by district. Dig in!
The Roast Grill “Good friends, good dogs, good times” are on order at this famed hole-in-the-wall 13-seat Raleigh staple “burnin’ ’em for you” since 1940. 7 S. West St.
Taverna Agora – RM Best Restaurants 2022 Specialty cocktails and authentic Greek wines complement traditional Greek dishes in the rustic old-world ambiance inside—or alfresco on the open-air rooftop patio. 326 Hillsborough St.
Smoky Hollow
The Cardinal Bar– RM Best Bars 2021 “Spirits & everybody” is the name of the game at Jason Howard’s (think The Atlantic Lounge, Pink Boot) West Street drinking den and hot dog haven. The Cardinal’s infused liquor makes for some of the best—and cheapest—shots in town. Chase them with one of the lowkey bar’s famous beer-braised hot dogs, which are also available as veggie dogs. 713 N. West St.
Dose Elixir Bar Whether you just namaste’d a Dose class or you’re passing through the Hollow, grab your daily “dose” at Dose Yoga’s in-house smoothie bar concept and walk-up window to elevate your mood and stay balanced. Pick your potion, from adaptogenic and plant-based protein smoothies, smoothie bowls and wellness lattes—positive side effects, guaranteed. 415 N. Harrington St.
Gringo A Go Go With its playful vibe, plant-filled patio and housemade margs, this sup spot has been sating local Mexican-food lovers (including vegans!) since 2014. 100 N. Person St.
(Ish) Delicatessen Not quite Jewish, a little Italian and maybe Southern, this sandwich shop boasts “weird sandwiches from weird people” for breakfast and lunch. 702 N. Person St.
The Station at Person Street – RM Top Bloody Pick Nestled in a renovated Amoco gas station, this chill neighborhood hangout offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating that’s perfect for noshing on creative spins on bar food classics and craft brews. 701 N. Person St.
Big Ed’s City Market – RM Top Business Breakfast Pick Having called City Market home since 1989, Big Ed’s continues to serve up some of the best in Southern cooking in town seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and lunch. 220 Wolfe St.
The Bridge DTR For “bloody good” British food, international friendship and football (OK, soccer) visit London Bridge. Across-the-pond classics include rocket salad, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and a full English breakfast. 110 E. Hargett St.
Gravy Ask any Italian-American what “gravy” is, and they’ll tell you it’s the pasta sauce their moms and grandmas cooked fresh nightly. So, naturally, at Gravy, they prepare their own each day—among a host of delish Italian-American selects. 135 S. Wilmington St.
Sitti Named for the most beloved Lebanese figure, the grandmother (sitti), this DTR sup spot by restaurateur Greg Hatem (with Neomonde owners, the Saleh family) honors his Lebanese heritage with delish authentic dishes and spirits, and an inviting atmosphere. 137 S. Wilmington St.
Transfer Co. Food Hall (see individual listings herein) Located in the historic Carolina Coach Garage and Shop, this hip food hall houses local seafood, burritos, bagels, housemade meats and pastas, burgers, Asian fare, and more—plus a bar. 500 E. Davie St., 984.232.8122, transfercofoodhall.com
Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria Owner Mario Longo has been serving authentic old-world Italian and NY-style pizza and traditional pastas for 30+ years overlooking City Market. Pro tip: Park it on the patio. 331 Blake St.; 4035 Lake Boone Trail
Clyde Cooper’s BBQ Since 1938, Clyde’s has been a fave for its award-winning barbecue (with three styles to choose from to boot!), succulent beef brisket and juicy chicken—NTM the sides! 327 S. Wilmington St.
Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar Never give up! Named for famed NC State coach Jim Valvano, upscale Italian fare is served alongside casual ops like pizzas and salads. 420 Fayetteville St.
lucettegrace Start your day at this contemporary patisserie with croissants and coffee; escape midday with the box lunch (your choice of sandwich, salad or soup, and a treat) or reward yourself post-work with those legendary macarons. 235 S. Salisbury St.
Manhattan Cafe Grilled cheese is for grown-ups! … And lunch is a vibe at this super-fresh local cafe by three brothers serving brekkie and lunch since 2009. 320 S. Wilmington St.
The Raleigh Times – RM Best Bars 2021; RM Top Bloody Pick Located in the home of the 100-year-old building that housed the former The Raleigh Times newspaper, this downtown staple now encompasses almost an entire city block (with a rooftop patio to boot), plus a generous selection of craft beers and eats. 14 E. Hargett St.
Sono Raleigh Let the good times roll at this sexy-chic-but-approachable vibrant sushi resto serving up world-class rolls (not to mention ramen and other Japanese faves), with a huge cocktail and sake selection to boot. 319 Fayetteville St., Ste. 101
Buena Papa Fry Bar @ Morgan Street Food Hall Fries before guys—and everything else. Buena Papa’s loaded fries (topped with everything from Colombian refried beans and fried pork belly to meatballs and tomato sauce to grilled chicken and tzatziki) are truly all you need in life. 9411 W. Morgan St., Ste. 104
Irregardless Café Treasured by carnivores and omnivores alike, this classic Raleigh venue is known for its global cuisine, as well as its flavorful and inventive vegan and vegetarian dishes. Come back at night for a meal to a backdrop of live music. 901 W. Morgan St.
Morgan Street Food Hall(see individual listings herein) An oasis for some of Raleigh’s best food and drink ops, this new-age food hall serves up everything from wood-fired pizza, tacos and burgers to lobster rolls, ice cream and more—not to mention cocktails at its indoor/outdoor bar. 411 W. Morgan St.
Parkside “Parked” at the entrance to the Warehouse District, Parkside is situated in a building that’s served up Southern hospitality for over 100 years. Take a seat at the reclaimed barnwood bar for chef-inspired dishes and 25-plus beers on tap. 301 W. Martin St.
The Pit Continuing NC’s barbecue legacy, The Pit doles authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue (think chopped barbecue pork and beef brisket). Opt for the warm-hued interior or the patio with a front seat to the hustle and bustle of downtown. 328 W. Davie St.
A Place at the Table – RM Top Business Breakfast Pick Having quickly gained local love and national acclaim, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you can cafe offers breakfast ops like quiche and waffles, and such lunch classics as salads, sandwiches and paninis. 300 W. Hargett St.
Sam Jones BBQ Prominent NC pitmaster Sam Jones brings his family’s signature Eastern North Carolina chopped whole-hog Q to Raleigh at Sam Jones BBQ, where trays and sandos are best served with the Skylight Inn-style cornbread. 502 W. Lenoir St.
Tuscan Blu Ciao, bella. At this authentic Italian resto, classic Tuscany-inspired pasta, meat dishes, and daily specials await—either to dine in or enjoy alfresco on the patio. 327 W. Davie St.
Whiskey Kitchen– RM Best Bars 2021; RM Top Brunch Pick Exposed bricks, lofty ceilings, garage door-style edifice, light-strung large patio and a communal vibe serve as the setting for this whiskey haven—housing hundreds of top-notch whiskies, with a full bar program and Southern-inspired plates for pairing to boot. 201 W. Martin St.
DeMo’s Pizzeria & Deli Um, you’re def on a knead-to-know basis when it comes to this local pizzeria and deli dishing homemade eats with fresh local ingredients that’ll steal another lil slice of your heart with every, well, slice (or salad, or sub…). Insider tip: Don’t sleep on the delivery service. 222 Glenwood Ave.
Hibernian Irish Pub Sláinte! Irish eyes are smiling indeed at this longtime two-story Glenwood South staple, famed for its Irish social club feel, beer and liquor selection, wraparound rooftop patio (with bar), and, of course, delish Irish dishes. 311 Glenwood Ave.
La Santa It doesn’t get more authentic Mexican than a family-owned resto serving up fare using the owner’s mother’s recipes from Guadalajara—think handmade tortillas, bolillo and chicken enchiladas—best served with mezcal cocktails and margs. 222 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 107
MoJoe’s Burger Joint With a dozen-ish different styles, MoJoe’s signature award-winning handpressed burgers are 100% Sterling Silver Choice beef and 100% delicious. Add fries, famous MoJoe’s sauce and a brew (or a signature shake) for the full experience. 620 Glenwood Ave.
My Way Tavern – RM Best Bars 2021 With a Cheers-esque vibe and TVs on every wall, this neighborhood tavern is a great spot to catch the game over cocktails and brews—and all the food you need to keep your game day fueled. 522 St. Mary’s St.
Sushi Blues An affordable spot to get a wide selection of fresh sushi and sashimi in a casual, sleek environment, Sushi Blues is known for its BOGO rolls (try the Wolfpack) and half-price wine bottles on Sundays and Wednesdays. 301 Glenwood Ave.
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe & Brewery – RM Best Bars 2021 Born out of owners Amra brothers’ vision for combining good food and sports-watching, TR is the quintessential spot for catching the game over world-class beers, cocktails and fresh locally sourced fare. 505 W. Jones St.
