Stanbury is setting the record straight. After next-door neighbor Escazu moved to Gateway Plaza earlier this month, the gem of a restaurant jumped on the space and signed a lease. But instead of expanding Stanbury, the owners will be opening a completely different concept. Because when you have something as unique and palatable as Stanbury—a regular on our annual Best Restaurants list—it only makes sense to mastermind another marvel.
“Stanbury will stay exactly the same and is not expanding or changing in any way,” said co-owner Joseph Jeffers in an exclusive chat with Raleigh Magazine. “As special as it is, I’d rather keep something small and personal as opposed to growth for the sake of growth.”
Slated to open sometime next year, the new space will have a different name and menu, which the team is currently plugging away at. “We have some ideas,” teased Jeffers, also noting the pair will “play off each other,”—with chef Drew Maykuth helming the kitchen at both. And rest assured, that culinary creativity for which Stanbury is known will keep firing on all burners.
As for Escazu’s relocation, Jeffers says they’re already deeply missed. “They’ve been close friends and neighbors since the beginning,” he reflects. “We’ve leaned on each other for 13 years, and are excited for their new chapter.” And the locale’s next chapter will certainly be an exciting one too.
“We’ll be doing a completely different concept next door—a concept that we will hone and grow naturally over time as we have done with Stanbury.” —Joseph Jeffers
A long-vacant ground-floor retail space at Bloc[83] is finally getting a tenant. Set to fill just over 6,000 square feet of the development that now houses Dram & Draught, Incendiary Brewing Co., and First Watch is 83 SOUTH, a brand-new “night on the town” experience from locals G. Brooks Splawn, Banks Sinclair and Luke Hanson.
The trio came together in 2023 with the idea of curating the reimagined restaurant and bar—since tapping local restaurateur Anthony Rapillo and Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe to consult on the concept after spending many a business meeting at the duo’s DTR restaurant Flour & Barrel.
So dubbed for its location at Bloc[83], 83 SOUTH technically combines two commercial properties into one—setting the stage of a “thought-provoking, grown and sexy atmosphere,” says Rapillo, with varying elevated spaces upping the cool factor. He teases two huge bars, private dining and a wine room.
A bona fide day-to-night destination, the hot spot will feature lunch, a vibey DJ weekend brunch, and an upscale dinner menu dishing American-inspired small plates—plus craft cocktails, beer and wine. Come 10:30/11pm, tables and chairs will give way to a sophisticated adults-centric lit (literally) late-night lounge till 2am.
“83 SOUTH hopes to bring an elevated environment and atmosphere—the likes of which Raleigh has been craving,” muses Rapillo, “where burgeoning ideas can manifest, grow and build.” Fitting for the new kid on the “bloc.”
New taco fusion concept serving unexpected flavors
A new bombshell has entered the villa—er, Raleigh. Enter Virginia-based Wong’s Tacos’ first NC location, officially open at the burgeoning GlenLake development in West Raleigh (and soon to be joined by Crooked Hammock!).
Shaking up the city’s F&B scene, the full-service “Mexiense” spot specializes in bold, playful and offbeat tacos pulling influence from both Mexican and Chinese cuisines. The result? A best-of-both-worlds combo unlike any other outpost in the city, situated in a colorful lively space—complete with expansive patio to boot.
“Our team and our culture have always been at the heart of everything we do,” says founder Chris Tsui. “This concept really grew out of those roots… and the joy of blending cultures in an authentic and creative way. Raleigh has felt right from the start, and we’ve been looking for the right opportunity to grow here for a long time.”
Photo by Ren Mefford, courtesy of Wong’s TacosPhoto by Ren Mefford, courtesy of Wong’s Tacos
Those flavorful fusion selects include the likes of crispy Kung Pao chicken, Char Siu pork belly and Wong John Silver tacos for lunch and dinner, each enhanced with a slew of fresh toppings—from Asian slaw and chile-lime peanuts to spicy kimchi sauce. And keep an eye out for monthly special features that remix global inspo.
In addition to those inventive handhelds, the new hot spot serves up fajitas, bowls, burritos and quesadillas, plus such starters as tempura chicken wings and loaded nachos. And it wouldn’t be a Mexican affair without a margarita—or signature cocktail, brew or wine.
“We’re not trying to be another taco place,” maintains Tsui. “We poke fun at ourselves, we keep it light and, most importantly, we say yes—to great ideas, great people and great food.” The makings of an ideal Taco Tuesday—or every day—indeed. wongstacos.com
Red Hot & Blue is smokin’ out a new location in Raleigh
Feeling *blue* aboutRed Hot & Blue’s exodus? Well, prepare to take a trip down memory lane, as the cherished chain is making a comeback with its new hot spot in the former Quail Corners Shopping Center service station opening June 23. Oh, the nostalgia!
“Red Hot & Blue has been in Raleigh for over 25 years, and we have made it better than ever with a focus on BBQ and Southern hospitality,” says CEO Adam Bradley. “We are looking forward to bringing it back to North Raleigh with our new location.”
The brand plans to renovate and upfit the building with ample covered patios and artificial turf via games like cornhole, football and soccer beer pong (yes, it’s a thing—think kicking a soccer ball into a large tub). And, rest assured, you’ll still be able to feel the blues via live bands.
Also staying true to its roots, equal-opportunity ’cue will quash all pit wars—from Carolina pulled pork and Texas brisket to Memphis pit chicken and Syracuse sausage—showcased by visible smokers and cut-to-order meats. And, naturally, they all pair perfectly with a slew of traditional Southern sides like mac and cheese, hush puppies, coleslaw, and potato salad.
With the new outpost also comes updated order ops via a counter-service-style dubbed “BBQ theater” offered to in-person guests—NTM drive-thru, delivery and catering to boot. … And in even more hot news, six additional NC locations are already in the works. Get ready to pig out! redhotandblue.com
Golden hour in Raleigh just hits different—especially from an ideal perch that doubles as a spot to sip cocktails on a patio or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself. Whether you’re after a skyline vantage point or a tucked-away trail, here are the best spots around the city to wind down and soak in the sunset in all its orange-hued glory.
For Wide-Open Views: Dorothea Dix Park DTR’s sprawling park delivers major sunset magic with sweeping views of the city skyline. Head to Flowers Field for prime golden hour real estate—bonus points if you bring a blanket, snacks and someone to share the view with.
For a Classy Vibe: Heights House Hotel + Parlor For a superb scene paired with superb sips, grab a drink at the gorgeous DTR hotel’s Parlor bar and post up on the wraparound porch, aka the perf perch to sip and savor the sky show—equal parts elegant and effortless.
For Chill and Quiet: Lassiter Mill Park A true hidden gem tucked off Lassiter Mill Road, this peaceful spot blends history and nature with a touch of whimsy—think a crumbling old mill, soft water sounds and trees that catch the light just right. No crowds, no rush—just you and some stunning golden-hour views.
For Rooftop Energy: The Raleigh Times If city sunsets and people-watching are more your speed, this lesser-known Downtown rooftop is begging to be your new go-to for eats, drinks and golden-hour skyline vistas. Grab a seat on the rooftop patio and order a round or two—plus nachos, obviously—and watch the rooftops glow as the sun dips low.
For a Garden Moment: WRAL Azalea Garden Tucked off Western Boulevard, this flora- and fauna-filled oasis feels like your own secret garden. Stroll through the blooms, find a quiet bench and enjoy a peaceful pause for your solo sunset getaway.
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