After sitting empty for two-plus years, the much-buzzed-about Sawmill Tap Room is finally getting new life.
It’s time for swine. Longleaf Swine, that is. The ’cue crew is set to take over the long-buzzed-about—and long-defunct—former Sawmill Tap Room space, piggybacking on its DTR cred and the Tap Room’s uberpopular North Raleigh location with a second helping next fall.
In talks since February, the team has officially inked the deal, thanks to the efforts of Elm Partners continued efforts to save Raleigh’s soul one building at a time: “We’re really just trying to put good people in good places,” says Elm Managing Partner Nick Wilson. “That’s the most important thing to us.”
And so they have—finally putting an end to the ~two-and-a-half year vacancy, and perhaps easing the collective frustration over why the nearly 25-year North Raleigh staple was pushed out, only to sit empty. (The CliffsNotes catchup: Owners were left “shocked and heartbroken” after the landlord reportedly declined to renew their lease amid ~$1 million interior reno demands they couldn’t take on—forcing them to shutter in May 2023.) Ironically, it’s Tap Room’s distinct character that’s sparked the loudest lament.
Courtesy of Longleaf Swine
Now, turning over a new leaf, Longleaf is primed to rewrite the story—bringing its big, bold barbecue and bevs to a grander stage, as the larger footprint gives the cult-fave pitmasters room to expand their reach. “It’s a chance for us to serve more of Raleigh in a larger way,” says Longleaf owner/operator Adam Cunningham. The new hub will also house their catering ops—making it a one-stop for smoke, spice and everything in between.
Leading up to the debut, expect a full gut and glow-up courtesy of style architect Dustin Slemp (of Dose Yoga and Olivero design fame), complete with a total reno to resurrect the landmark with Longleaf’s signature trays, sandos, shareables, sides and “wings & things”—not to mention its range of local to less-local beers, seltzers, wine and spirits. And calling the whole crew to the “pigpen,” there’s plenty to feed the “little piggies,” plus weekly specials (Noodle Night! Fish Fryday!) to keep the fam coming back for more.
All told, it’s not just a new locale—it’s a bold second act. Longleaf Swine is set to do the Tap Room legacy proud by turning up the heat, raising the stakes and (figuratively) setting North Raleigh aflame.
Coastal fave Salty Turtle Beer Co. dives into the City of Oaks.
If you were a little salty you had to drive all the way to Surf City to grab a brew from Salty Turtle Beer Co., you’re in luck, as the popular seaside brewery is joining the local suds scene in the former Barrel Culture space in North Raleigh (!). The choice for the second taproom was a no-brainer, says co-founder Daniel Callender: “We realized a lot of our customers at the beach have second homes in Topsail and live full-time in the RDU area.”
Bringing the beach to the mainland, the Raleigh outpost features a vibrant mural of a sea turtle swimming among oak leaves and acorns, the work of Cary-based artist Suzanne Gasperini O’Hara that offers a new-school spin on Salty Turtle’s relaxed, coastal vibe.
As for the beer, expect 14 ocean-inspired brews on tap, including flagships like Coastline Kölsch, a refreshing German-style ale; the roasty yet light Barnacle Bill’s brown ale; and Hey Zay, a juicy citrus-packed IPA—as well as wine, cider and nonalcoholic options. “It will mainly be our beer we brew in Surf City with a couple rotating guest taps from amazing breweries in North Carolina,” reveals Callender, who notes that Salty Turtle is “constantly innovating.” And, he hints, “we will definitely do some Raleigh-only special releases.”
City 2 Sea Media
NTM spring weather will have locals flocking to the brewery’s expansive outdoor space touting a covered patio and artificial turf with picnic-style seating (plus cornhole boards), perfect for a pint-sipping sesh with the whole crew or a chill afternoon alongside your four-legged BFF.
“We want to be community driven,” says Callender. “We will host weekly running/cycling clubs, trivia, pint nights benefiting local nonprofits—and we will be family-friendly!” Raleighites can also look forward to live music, along with monthly pop-up markets, securing Salty Turtle’s status as a go-to spot for a good time.
“I think the coastal area has some amazing breweries, and we want to showcase that to our Raleigh guests,” shares Callender. “We’d like people to come in and have a ‘beach escape.’” We’ll raise a toast to a taste of the coast any day of the week. @saltyturtleraleigh
What you need to know when voting for your fave Raleigh bars/bartender in our Best Bars Awards
So you’re voting your favorite bars and bartender in our annual Best Bars Awards… but you’re tripping up on a certain question (or questions). Have no fear! We’re gonna spell it alllll out for ya, including what a bar even is—yes, really. Keep in mind that you don’t have to answer every question (so if you don’t have a fave dive bar, just skip it!), but you cannot repeat the same bar in your answers more than three times. Voting closes at midnight on Dec. 15, 2022. Read our simplified guide below then cast your votes here!
What constitutes a bar?
Alright, this may seem obvious but we’ve gotten plenty of questions on what constitutes a bar—so we’re here for you. A bar is any place that serves alcoholic beverages, whether wine, beer, cocktails, spirits or all of the above. Most likely, your favorite local restaurant has a bar program—which would be a great answer for our Best Restaurant Bar question!
What is a dive bar?
Different people have different definitions of dive bars—or may think a certain bar is a dive while someone else may not. Sure, it can be relative. But when we say dive bars we mean those typically small, casual, dimly lit, no-frills watering holes that serve inexpensive drinks (mostly beer or basic mixed drinks). Think The Goat, Lucky B’s, Slim’s, The Cardinal and Pink Boot to name just a few local ones.
What is the difference between the Best Bar for Craft Beer and Best Brewery categories?
To be fair, yes, you drink beer at both of these types of establishments. But while they both serve beer, only a brewery makes its own beer. So, for example, Raleigh Beer Garden has 300-some beers on tap, but none of them are made by RBG. Meanwhile, Trophy Brewing is a brewery that makes its own brews in-house.
What is a suburb?
Given this is Raleigh’s best bars, when we say suburbs we mean the smaller cities located outside of our own in Wake County. Some popular suburbs of Raleigh include Apex, Clayton, Knightdale and Garner. Note: While we love our neighboring cities Durham and Chapel Hill (and, ahem, their bars!), these larger cities do not count as suburbs of Raleigh—and obv aren’t in Wake County.
What is the difference between the Best Bar Grub and Best Restaurant Bar categories?
For Best Restaurant Bar, think restaurants with elevated cocktail programs or cool spots to cop a squat… the restaurant you might go to just to chill at the bar and have a drink (some recent winners include Vidrio and Angus Barn’s Wild Turkey Lounge). Best Bar Grub is just that—that bar whose nachos and wings, etc., call your name just as much as the pints they pour.
What are the requirements for Best New Bar?
By our definition, a “new” bar must’ve opened during 2022 past year—so Jan. 1, 2022, through now.
