A ’cue icon is going hog wild, y’all. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand winner Sam Jones BBQ is cooking up its second Downtown location. Slated to open by the end of the year, Sam Jones BBQ Pit Stop will bring the pitmaster’s traditional East Carolina whole-hog ’cue to a food stall at Morgan Street Food Hall.
Photo by Baxter Miller
The collab has been years in the making. Jones and Hibernian Hospitality Group owner—and food hall visionary—Niall Hanley go way back, making Hanley’s recent tap of Jones for the new MSFH outpost a natural fit—and less than a mile from Sam Jones BBQ’s OG DTR stomping grounds.
“Sam Jones is the real deal,” boasts Hanley. “Having him in Morgan Street Food Hall is a big deal for us and for anyone who cares about North Carolina food. We’re delighted.”
A deep-dive into the hottest up-and-coming neighborhoods throughout the city
Whether you’ve been here a year or a lifetime, you’ve felt it: Raleigh isn’t just growing—it’s transforming. Across the city, familiar corners and fresh developments alike are evolving into distinct microclimates, each with its own notable flavor and momentum. Whether you’re setting out to explore or searching for the perfect place to plant your acorns, these are the neighborhoods amping up Raleigh’s cool factor.
Warehouse District As Raleigh’s creative core, the Warehouse District is where the city dreams big. Behind iconic red-brick facades, former industrial spaces now house galleries, cocktail dens and curated vintage shops. Father and Son anchors the antique scene, while Morgan Street Food Hall dishes up both global and familiar flavors in a space as dynamic as the city itself. Grab a chocolate fix at Videri, then head to Boxcar for a round or two of Skee-Ball—and, suddenly, you’ll feel like a kid again.
Smoky Hollow If the Warehouse District is eclectic, Smoky Hollow is its polished Downtown counterpart. The vertical district evokes a mini SoHo feel, with its glossy, walkable enclave defined by sleek high-rises, fitness outposts and vibrant night markets—plus a host of other recurring events. Start with Spanish small plates at Madre, then slip into The Crunkleton for a nightcap or Moon Room for cocktails and live jazz. With so much more to see and do, the Hollow feels anything but.
West End Overlooked no longer, West End is quickly becoming one of Raleigh’s most vibrant corners. Just a short bike ride or stroll from Dix Park, it’s home to a mix of makers, breweries, bakeries and storefronts—plus a slew of additions slated to open soon (think Benchwarmers Bagels and Mexican restaurant Campo) in a delicious blend of old soul and new energy. Start your morning with a loaf and latte from Boulted Bread, then head to the park’s 300 acres for the perfect picnic under the oaks and pines. You’ll make it back in time for trivia at Vault Craft Beer.
Raleigh Iron Works Built on Raleigh’s industrial bones, the Iron Works District is forging something entirely new. Anchored by the reimagined Raleigh Iron Works development, it blends bold design, local dining and creative enterprise in a space that’s both raw and refined. Warehouse spaces brim with character, hosting vintage and art markets, while lush landscaping and a playful plaza—complete with adult-sized swings and slides—invite you to unwind. And spots like Brodeto, Andia’s and Little Rey are there to keep you fed morning till night.
It’s electric! Miami vibes hit Oak City with ’80s-themed pop-up bar Electric Flamingo in the space below The Merchant on South Salisbury Street. The fab collab between Anthony Rapillo of Layla’s Son Hospitality (Flour & Barrel and V Pizza—to name but a couple), Local Icon Hospitality’s Jon Seelbinder and social media influencer Magnolia Megan spins DJs, colorful cocktails, Cuban-inspired small plates by Local Icon chef Caleb Stewart—and nonstop electric vibes.
Mark your menus—the stars will descend on Greenville, SC’s Peace Center for the 2025 Michelin Guide American South ceremony Nov. 3. Until then, find us holding our breath (and our forks).
Boatman Spirits Co. photo by Forrest Mason, courtesy of Boatman
Row, row, row over to Boatman Spirits Co.—dropping at Seaboard Station with its combined distillery, cocktail bar, restaurant experience with Mediterranean fare and a bevy of bevs to boot.
Tropic like it’s hot at La Mala—bringing the heat and do-not-disturb vibes to West Street in the former Clouds Brewing space via fresh-squeezed fruits, premium tequilas and bold Mexican street eats.
It’s (almost) time to meet Mr. Henry. Local bar guru Matt Bettinger’s (of C. Grace and Hank’s Downtown Dive fame) so-named dedicated Village District bar is set to bow late July. Cheers to shaking things up!
Still big on the pig? Fear not: Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque sold its DTR location to Hibachi 88, but plans to stay open through the end of the year before moving to a new close-by joint.
Raleigh’s chocolatier royalty is rolling out as Escazu Chocolates packs up its Blount Street location for its new Gateway Plaza digs.
Fuel your pedal power or steps with stops at Raleigh’s Greenway Food VendorPilot—now serving Shelley Lake, Lake Johnson, Falls Lake Dam, Buffaloe Road Aquatics, Anderson Point, and Walnut Creek Wetlands Center.
Photo courtesy of Stellar
Cap City gets a cosmic upgrade with the opening of Stellar, Five Points’ vibey new resto and wine bar joining High Park Village’s already star-studded lineup. Think craveable shareables, large plates, desserts and brunch—best paired with a bevvy or two.
Ideal for night owls and early birds alike, Glenwood South’s Latin fusion eatery Cuya now boasts late-night grub and a brunch menu dishing the likes of tostones Benedict, huevos rancheros and mimosas, natch.
Pour one out for Giorgios Group’s North Hills tapas bar and restaurant Las Ramblas, which permanently shuttered its doors after an HVAC system failure in early June.
Sweet dreams are made of Tifa Chocolate & Gelato’s swoonworthy lineup of gelato, chocolates, cookies and coffees—set to unlock in the North Hills’s Captrust Tower late August.
Cary’s already seeing stars—The Bar & Lounge at The Umstead just earned Star Bar status from Forbes Travel Guide, adding to its six-year streak of Five-Star ratings.
Something fishy is afloat at Morgan Street Food Hall. The Crispy Cod is making waves with handbattered fish, crispy chips and sandos.
C’est la vie! Cult-fave French bakery La Farm is upping NC State’s food game this semester with its new Park Shops locale, along with soon-to-bow Mediterranean Deli in the Atrium.
No sticky sitch here—just pure Southern gold. Buzzy Local Hive Honey’s Southeast blend brings pure Southern sweetness straight from local beekeepers.
Butter chicken, pakora paneer and unapologetic Indian classics are serving serious heat at Amrut, just steps from 42 & Lawrence and Beasley’s.
The acai bowl craze continues as Everbowl stretches its Raleigh footprint, serving superfood blends in Brier Creek by year’s end.
Fast-casual chicken salad mainstay Chicken Salad Chick is now dishing out sammies, salads and sides—plus delivery and catering ops—to all the chicks (and dudes) in Smithfield.
Tacos and a patio—name a better duo, we’ll wait. Set to bow later this year at Kane mixed-use development Rockway is Campo Taco Co., a new family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant that will feature expansive outdoor seating and serve up flavor-packed tacos (natch), margs and other cocktails.
Photo courtesy of Red Phone Booth
Ring, ring! The 1920s are calling, and they want you to get excited for award-winning speakeasy-style cocktail lounge Red Phone Booth, which is anticipated to bow in downtown Durham by the end of this year.
Belly up. Blotto, by the same owners of Neuse River Brewing, has opened on New Bern Avenue with a casual neighborhood bar feel—plus a patio—offering eight brews on tap.
Another taco spot to, well, taco ’bout—nationally known Dallas-founded Velvet Taco is coming to North Hills with its eclectic menu (see: Nashville Hot Tofu, Spicy Tikka Chicken and Fish N’ Chip tacos) and late-night hours.
Bringing Asian street food to the Raleigh streets is just-opened Oh Mochi in Falls River Town Center, offering the likes of mochi doughnuts, Korean corn dogs and more.
Velvet Taco | Photo courtesy of Kane Realty
Hole-in-one news for Raleigh: Wake Forest’s locally ownedJeff’s Bagel Run is opening a new outpost just around the corner from Crabtree Mall, complete with all the same boiled bagels and unique housemade cream cheeses the Triangle knows and loves—and obsesses over.
Squeeze the day at just-bowed Village Juice & Kitchen at Glenwood Place, offering housemade clean eats that are “Mother Earth-approved”—from cold-pressed raw juices and smoothies to salads and grain bowls to wraps, toasts, and other sweet and savory brekkie ops.
» WHERE WE DRINK NOW Country: Whiskey Rose, Tin Roof NCSU: The Village Brewery: Trophy Dive: The Cardinal Party place: Cornerstone Tavern Irish: Hibernian Neighborhood: The Blind Barbour Local live-music dive: Lincoln Theatre
Finch’s courtesy of the News & Observer, NC Archives
» PLACES WE EAT NOW
Diner: Mecca Oysters: St. Roch Pizza: Trophy Italian: Vic’s New American: Crawford and Son Burgers: MoJoe’s Nostalgic: Poole’s Breakfast: Big Ed’s Sushi: Sono Chinese: Five Star Not local but loved: Barcelona Wine Bar 24 hours: Waffle House
Image by Jessica Crawford, courtesy of Crawford and Son
If you thought sandwiches were the most boring lunch op since sliced bread, well, think again. Raleigh’s got sando sanctuaries in droves—boasting all kinds of hot and cold flavor-filled selects piled high with housemade ingredients on freshly baked bread to boot. Think spicy buffalo chicken-stuffed numbers, turkey melts, your go-to ham and cheeses, and even vegan options feat. a rainbow of veggies. In short, your lunch break just leveled up. Here, the sandos you should be noshing on right now.
(ish) delicatessen What to order: Reuben Good ish: found. “Weird sandwiches from weird people” is the MO at this hole-in-the-wall sandwich haven helmed by former Poole’s partner Matt Fern (also a Level 2 certified sommelier!) and boasting Jewish, Italian and Southern influences. Insider intel: Brekkie also slaps. 702 N. Person St.,@ish_delicatessen
Union Special What to order: Grown-up grilled cheese Every sando is ~special~ when featuring Union’s top-notch housebaked bread feat. flour sourced from Graham-based Lindley Mills. Take a sammy scroll on Insta for almost-daily specials—and be sure to grab a pastry for the road, trust us. 2409 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 102,@unionspecialbread
Southern Craft Sandwiches What to order: Steak and cheese You beefin’? Southern Craft Butchers’ since-revamped full-scale sandwich oasis features the same local beef its longtime fans know and love—making the meat lovers sandos the obvious go-to. So go ham… or beef, chicken, bacon or turkey (!). 8460 Honeycutt Road, Ste. 116, southerncraftsandwiches.com
Eastcut What to order: Chicken Parm Welcome to sandwich utopia! Born from the New Jersey- and Bronx-bred owners’ nostalgia of the delis and sandos of their youth, this Raleigh Iron Works lunchtime mecca boasts traditions from all over the East Coast—alongside craft beer, cider and wine. Pro tip: Always add a side of the housemade mozz sticks. 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 126, @eastcutsandwich
Alimentari at Left Bank What to order: Tomato jam tigelle They’ve got the meats! … A collab between Mothers & Sons Trattoria chef/owner Josh DeCarolis and Left Bank Butchery, the Transfer Co. Food Hall outpost not only boasts large sandwiches and tigelles (aka Italian sliders), but doubles as a whole animal butchery feat. fresh sausages, bacon and the like. And don’t sleep on the fresh pasta. 500 E. Davie St., @alimentari_at_left_bank
The Panini Co. What to order: Raleigh Rooster Get pressed at this slice of heaven inspired by the restaurant industry’s post-pandemic resilience feat. a pentad of gourmet paninis repping Raleigh. From the chicken-pesto Rooster to the Oak City Hamboree and Carolina Caprese, every bite is made with love—NTM the gourmet charcuterie and those fresh local chocolate-covered strawberries. Morgan Street Food Hall,@thepaninico
