Don’t call it a comeback. … Once upon a time, fast-food behemoth McD’s dished that now-billions-served burger at a walk-up window—a concept popular in the halcyon days of the ’40s and ’50s. But now, it’s not so nostalgic. The resurgence of the old-school walk-up window is once again a thing (some incited by pivots, natch)—and one we see playing out around town. Here are 8 worth stepping up to.
Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar
In uplifting news, helping us stay grounded is Dose Yoga’s fruitfulin-house smoothie bar—and walk-up window in the uber-hip Smoky Hollow and North Hills Innovation District developments. So whether you ~namaste’d~ a Dose class or you’re just passing through with your pup or pals, you can grab your daily “dose” of adaptogenic and plant-based protein ops to elevate mood or stay balanced. Positive side effects, guaranteed. doseyogaraleigh.com
Our rec: Pick your potion from smoothies, smoothie bowls and wellness lattes.
Videri
Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast?! The beloved bean-to-bar chocolate factory’s walk-up window fits right in with the brick exterior, vintage appearance and goodies. Treat yo’self to a cuppa joe, some handcrafted chocolate, a creamy hot cocoa or a scoop of soft-serve ice cream during your DTR stroll—or as a midafternoon pick-me-up. Now that’s pretty sweet. viderichocolatefactory.com
Our rec: BYO wine and cozy up on the charming light-strung patio.
Lawrence Barbecue
If you like *pig* butts and you cannot lie, head to Boxyard for Lawrence Barbecue’s bangin’ brisket, ribs, pulled pork, oysters and chicken—all smoked on-site—plus an array of side fixins’ that are just as mandatory. Snag all those smoky and savory flavors via the walk-up window; then chow down at a picnic table or back at home (dealer’s choice!). But you’ll want to get the whole crew in on this one—after all, BBQ is best enjoyed family-style. lawrencefoodco.com
Our rec: The brisket sando with a side of the three-cheese mac
Get a slice of the action at local fave Oakwood Pizza Box, a casual pizzeria known for its creative toppings and convenient walk-up window (regulars know to grab a pie—in traditional or square size—before heading next door to neighbor Willco for some potables-and-pizza action). Or swing by for a weekend lunch slice when you hit that midday slump—because ’za always makes everything better. oakwoodpizzabox.com
Our rec: Keep it simple with a slice of pepperoni pizza and a Mexican coke.
Bittersweet
A bittersweet symphony indeed, this chic one-stop-shop for coffee, cocktails and desserts also houses its own convenient walk-up window. Satisfy your sweet tooth with an ice cream sundae, or perk up with an afternoon espresso (we won’t tell if you add some liquor to it…). Seasonal specialties keep things interesting, while specials like Thursday Bubbles + Cake and Sunday Pie make a night out a piece of cake—literally. bittersweetraleigh.com
Our rec: A slice of the derby pie pairs perfectly with a boozy latte.
Ooh la la! Trade le rooftop for le walk-up window and settle in to a sidewalk seat like a true Parisian for primo “happy hour” selects like herb and truffle frites, spritzes, sparkling rosé, and wine by the glass offered Tuesday–Thursday from 5 to 10pm. restaurantjolie.com
Tacos at any time of day? Say less. Hit up this popular taco the town at Raleigh Iron Works for the perfect on-the-go snack—plus chips and queso, natch. And a meal here wouldn’t be complete with a marg, naturally. Look out for their monthly rotating featured taco in partnership with a local chef, with proceeds benefiting a different org each month. littlerey.com
Our rec: Brekkie dreams are made of breakfast tacos—and don’t sleep on the quesadillas.
“Take meat home tonight” via the Smoky Hollow ’cue spot’s to-go window dishing up smoky barbecue plates (think Carolina pork, brisket, smoked chicken and burnt ends)—plus fan-fave sandwiches, salads, and apps like nachos and wings. It’s great go-to for your next family BBQ sans the grill. midwoodsmokehouse.com
Our rec: Load up on the burnt ends with a side of cheesy broccoli casserole.
Worth the wait, Smoky Hollow nears retail capacity with a half-dozen new standouts.
Turns out, in the case of Smoky Hollow, perception is not reality. At first glance the highly anticipated development that sprung on the scene midpandemic to big fanfare in 2021 may look, well, hollow—but the DTR destination is entering spring with all but one space spoken for.
While winter in Smoky Hollow may have seemed more fizzle, less sizzle, the reality is a lineup of concepts are confirmed and in the works. Certainly, there’s no question the nascent Kane Realty Corp. district has faced hurdles—arguably an unprecedented experience for a developer known for Field of Dreams sort of home runs (read: if Kane builds it, they will come).
But, for Smoky Hollow, it really boils down to patience, and, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. Ultimately, developments—no matter who devises them—are no less immune to pandemic woes than the rest of us. “Success in retail development isn’t guaranteed,” says Kane Realty Managing Director of Operations Stacey Buescher, “especially amid rising interest rates and construction costs.”
Thus, opening a districtwide development in the height of COVID, many of the initial leases were signed when there was no “business as usual” for anyone. So local developers took chances on businesses—as did Kane, who was also vehemently committed to leaning into local and regional concepts in the Hollow.
“We will always take chances on local businesses,” says Buescher, “understanding that setbacks may occur. The failure of one or two doesn’t define the entire project. Our commitment to bringing vibrant retail with a dynamic merchandising mix to Downtown Raleigh remains steadfast.”
Part of that commitment is patience. When Kane signed with Chapel Hill-based pre-Prohibition pioneer The Crunkleton, there was no way to know it would take years for the concept to open—thanks to 20% postpandemic rise in construction costs and crowdfunding efforts. Now, armed with a general contractor, permits and equipment—and after a January fundraising event at Smoky Hollow and another one coming up—the cocktail institution that’s garnered ink from The New York Times and The Bitter Southerner will no doubt play a palatable role in the Hollow’s retail renaissance.
”We will always take chances on local businesses, understanding that setbacks may occur.”
— Stacey Buescher, Kane Realty Managing Director of Operations
To boot, a roster of retailers is set to join already flourishing Madre, Dose Yoga, Midwood Smokehouse and Hause of Dogs. The brainchild of owners Michelle and James Park—the duo behind Raleigh’s iconic Shiny Diner and Peak City Diner in Apex—Tucker Street Diner will slide into the former J. Lights space. Fusing nostalgic charm and contemporary culinary innovation, its focus on classic locally sourced American fare with a modern twist and an artisanal coffee program look to redefine local dining—and perk up the Hollow—when it bows this fall.
A lease is also currently pending for a fitness concept to take shape across from Madre on the West Street side of the Hollow. And in the burgeoning retail row between that fitness outpost and Dose, the Hollow will welcome additional concepts to include Alaksha’s Indian Bistro, artisanal ice cream experience Morelia Gourmet Paletas (expected as early as this month) and Jet Set Modern Pilates. Also slated to bow this month across from Milklab on West Street is Noire The Nail Bar.
Smoky Hollow (photo by Susan Holt Photography)
Doubling down on the development, Dose just re-upped its lease, and, next door, the team behind Madre is taking over the former New Anthem space with a new neighborhood bar.
That resurgence will also include activating what is arguably some of the hippest space in DTR—which has already held such events as Raleigh Fashion Fest, Now Serving, the City of Oaks Marathon finish line, and Bubbles & Brisket to great fanfare. All look to return, and Kane is working with DRA to further activate the space for concerts this spring.
Ultimately, says Buescher, “Smoky Hollow is proof you can create new thriving neighborhoods when you give it the right type of thoughtfulness and time.” Translation: Patience is indeed a virtue.
The concepts we said hello and goodbye to last year—and the eats + drinks coming down the pipeline in 2024.
It’s no secret that Raleigh’s restaurant scene is constantly growing and evolving. Now that we’ve flipped the cal to 2024, we take a second to reflect on the bounty of new concepts our city welcomed—and bid adieu to—in 2023, and the ones we can’t wait to dig into as they open their doors in the year ahead. Here’s to a year chock-full of delish eats and drinks in the City of Oaks!
Get excited for these bars and eateries coming to Smoky Hollow.
Raleigh’s newest development, Smoky Hollow, has already become all the rage for its uber-popular national grocery store chain (hey, Publix!), hip Peace Raleigh Apartments and The Line Downtown Apartments, and 421 N. Harrington St. office building campus—not to mention its walkability to the heart of Downtown and direct connectivity to the adjacent future Devereux Meadows Park.
Adding to the excitement is the Hollow’s lineup of both locally and nationally renowned restaurants and nightlife destinations, offering ample ops for both Smoky Hollow residents and Raleigh folk alike (27+ set is the aim) to sip and sup with friends. Here, we give you the scoop on what’s to come—and where you’ll be spending a lot of time soon.
Durham’s one-stop shop for eats, drinks and to-go snacks is bringing its all-day menu to the Hollow. In the morning, enjoy a full coffee program with numerous espresso creations and cold brew mixes (coffee lovers, meet your new morning obsession…), along with breakfast sandwiches, wraps and bowls. For the rest of the day, J. Lights will offer up kitchen-driven sandwiches, salads and starters—plus a full bar boasting spiked sodas, handmade craft cocktails, and local beer and wine. So whether you’re in need of a quick on-the-go breakfast, a cool spot to have lunch with co-workers or clients, or a date-night destination, J. Lights has got ya covered.
From Tyler Helikson, the owner of everyone’s favorite casual and healthy salad, bowl and smoothie spot (looking at you, Happy + Hale), comes Madre, an energetic full-service restaurant concept featuring Spanish and Coastal Mediterranean small plates, wine, cocktails and weekend brunch—best enjoyed on Madre’s beautiful patio. Inspired by the comforting and unconditional hospitality of our mothers (hence, madre), the new spot promises a good time no matter what the occasion. Meet at Madre? You don’t have to ask us twice. (Pro tip: Cleary a good spot to take mom come Mother’s Day).
Rumor has it that one of the best cocktail bars in the South is coming to the Hollow, and, boy, we could not be more excited. If you’ve ever visited Crunkleton’s Chapel Hill or Charlotte locations, you know the hot spot is known for its sleek and sexy high-quality cocktails (and plethora of libations!) inspired by classic renditions and zhuzhed up with modern techniques—not to mention the warm and inviting atmosphere that just begs you to stop in for a drink on your way home from work. Cheers to that!
Namaste balanced with hot yoga and smoothies from yoga “it” girl Emily Wallace. We can’t think of a better way to refresh and refuel after a sweaty yoga sesh (top-notch instructors will guide you through core-enhancing moves, stress-reducing stretches, flow practices and more) than with a smoothie filled with real ingredients and natural adaptogenics that enhance your mood, adapt to stress and keep you balanced. Or, maybe you just need a healthy afternoon snack. Either way, “positive side effects, guaranteed” with this daily dose of health and fitness.
Get ready to go hog wild for FS Food Group’s Midwood Smokehouse, acclaimed for its award-winning, all-hickory-smoke barbecue influenced by Texas and Carolina barbecue styles (the best of both worlds!). Led by Lexington-native Executive Pitmaster Matthew Barry, the menu will mirror the other five Midwood Smokehouse locations and feature bestsellers such as Texas-style brisket, Eastern Carolina chopped pork and Tex-Mex barbecue tacos—plus, Southern Living’s top-rated mac and cheese in the state. Another fresh barbecue spot to add to Raleigh’s ever-growing list of BBQ joints to pig out at? We’re here for it—and ready to pig out (had to).
