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.
Raleigh’s Michelin moment is almost here. With its Guide American South en route, RM tapped local restaurateurs to dish stars—and a Chief Inspector for answers. They didn’t hold back.
“Drew Maykuth’s fearless, adventurous creativity, humble spirit and thoughtful approach shine through every menu he creates, leaving me consistently inspired and joyful.”
“[Owner] Anthony has meticulously developed a high-volume, high-performing pizza—including a shockingly good gluten-free crust—that has become a must-visit icon for Downtown Raleigh. That would be enough, but he also happens to have one of the best wine and Champagne collections on the East Coast. A true Raleigh gem.”
“These restaurants, and, more importantly, these chefs, are some of the standard bearers in our area: outstanding food and service, dedication to our region, and all of the restaurants are very much extensions of the chefs themselves and really show their unique perspectives and personalities—folks who’ve always been and continue to be North Stars for me.”
“The food is consistently incredibly delicious, seasonal, awesomely creative—and [chef] Drew has a distinct point of view people really connect with through the food. It’s a place that is incredibly important to the Raleigh community.”
“It’s a fantastic steak done simply and perfectly—and has a comfort and familiarity you only get with an old-school family-run steakhouse that’s stood the test of time.”
Photo by Paul Mehaffey
Ashley Christensen, chef/proprietor, AC Restaurants
“100% chef Steven Greene + Herons at the Umstead. The detail in every layer of the experience is Michelin Star-deserving, from the meticulously selected ingredients (including running their own farm) to the high-level execution to the whimsical platings to the razor-sharp yet warm service. The minute there were rumblings of the Guide coming here, my immediate thought was, ‘Good! Steven deserves this!’”
To read our Q&A with a Michelin Guide North America Chief Inspector on how Stars are awarded, click here.
Raleigh’s burger game is on fire—from smash patties dripping with nostalgia to chef-stacked creations at a range of prices that are sure to please all palates. Whether you’re into griddled classics, dry-aged beef or wagyu wonders, the City of Oaks has a burger for every craving. We’ve taste-tested our way through towering stacks and no-frills favorites to bring you the 12 best burgers in town. Grab extra napkins—this list is juicy.
Ranchero MoJoe’s | Glenwood South
Courtesy of MoJoe’s
If breakfast and a burger had a baby, it would be this zesty number from DTR’s longtime cheap and reliable unassuming meaty mainstay. Adding a little spice to both die-hard regulars’ and newcomers’ hearty routines is the Ranchero—each bite serving sublime sustenance thanks to the Sterling Silver meat, crispy jalapeno bacon, pepper jack cheese, a piquant dash of salsa verde and perfectly oozy egg to seal the deal. In short, it’s a hangover brunch fit for Parks and Rec’s Ron Swanson—hearty, unapologetic and best served with a side bloody or boozy milkshake. But it hits just as well (and may go down even easier) paired with catching a casual game at the bar, sipping a bev on the backyard-esque deck, or refueling post-Glenwood romp. And a side of fries or onion rings with the famous MoJoe’s Sauce, aka a peppery Cajun ranch, is borderline mandatory.mojoesburgerjoint.com
Houseground Burger Foxcroft Wine Co. Midtown
Photo by Zack Peeler Photography, courtesy of Foxcroft
While “wining” down on the sun-soaked patio at this recently bowed bougie wine bar, restaurant and bottle shop, a charcuterie board or flatbread might be a more standard pairing. But without a doubt, the houseground burger fully deserves the spotlight—think of it as meat and cheese in handheld form. Like the most picture-perfect Krabby Patty of Spongebob’s dreams, the uberjuicy ground certified Angus beef patty gets all dressed up with arugula, tomato, grilled onion, to-die-for truffle aioli, and dealer’s choice of blue cheese or cheddar (as the saying goes, cheddar is better) on a made-in-house potato bun—a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, peppery, tangy and slightly sweet, bursting at the seams with flavor and making for an appropriately messy burger that might just have you licking the plate clean. No judgment. foxcroftwine.com
Ashe & Co Burger Whiskey Kitchen | Warehouse District
Courtesy of Whiskey Kitchen
Saucy, cheesy and oh-so-savory, this succulent sando is a downright indulgence. Anything but vanilla, robust beef gets tucked between a toasty Union Special brioche bun piled high with melty Ashe County cheddar cheese, an addicting caramelized onion aioli with just a hint of sweetness, crisp house dill pickles and a juicy slice of heirloom tomato. But the real star? That expertly grilled, perfectly seasoned patty with just a little bit of char for a satisfying crunch—altogether resulting in a rich yet well-balanced texture bomb with every bite. For Southern comfort at its finest, ride the high with a whiskey flight, classic or creative cocktail, or your go-to beer or wine posted up at a picnic table on the sprawling light-strung patio, or inside the bright, airy interior. whiskey.kitchen
Tavern Burger Village Tavern | Midtown
Courtesy of Village Tavern
The only thing more patriotic than this “All-American” beefy beauty is a Miller in hand, a grill nearby, and the Fourth of July sky lighting up in red, white and boom. But this elevated tavern experience? It’s giving Founding Fathers with flavor. Stacked high with bibb lettuce, juicy tomato, crisp red onion, melty American cheese and a generous swipe of housemade Secret Sauce, the scratch-kitchen creation doesn’t just hit the spot—it’s a pledge of allegiance to the best of the best grill-side greats. villagetavern.com
WAGYU BURGER Wye Hill | Warehouse District
Photo courtesy of Wye Hill
Among its roster of iconic burgers, this 6-oz. wagyu stunner steals the spotlight. Layered with drippy housemade American cheese and jalapeno bacon jam, and cradled inside a golden pillowy pretzel bun, the charred juicy patty oozes with temptation that more than delivers in every indulgent bite. And while the $25 price tag may seem steep, trust—it’s worth every cent. Not to mention a seat on the primo patio serves up those no-extra-charge unparalleled skyline vistas, all wrapped in Wye’s trademark everyone’s-invited energy. In short, it’s a craveworthy balance of richness, heat and savory depth—crafted not just to satisfy, but to seduce.wyehill.com
Standard Smashburger Standard Beer + Food | Seaboard & Person Street District
Photo by Natalie Rich, courtesy of Standard Beer + Food
Just one look at Standard’s ever-popular burger will have you salivating—the gooey cheese, the perfectly seared juicy meat and the glorious dripping sauce together making for a flavor-flex masterpiece you’ll want to admire before demolishing. Two patties piled with griddled onions, American cheese, dill pickles and Pop’s Russian sauce on a Martin’s potato roll isn’t anything fancy—in fact, it’s quite messy (and you’re definitely going to need extra napkins). But it’s everything you’d want in a good, slutty cheeseburger. Embrace the mess with a side of truffle fries loaded with truffle aioli, Parmesan and herbs, and wash it all down with a frozen bev on the lively sunny patio—or inside the bright and open casual interior (a bar seat is sacred)—for anything but a standard experience. standardbeerandfood.com
NRBC Burger Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie | Five Points
Photo courtesy of Neuse River Brewing Company
They say a burger is only as good as its bread, and when it comes to Neuse’s burger, the Union Special brioche bun is a standout of its own. Soft and spongy, it’s the perfect vessel for a bangin’ burger boasting a tangle of textures and tastes—from the taste bud-tingling half-pound patty to the rich NRBC beer cheese to the crispy onions and pungent house pickles. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain-Jane burg (done well, of course), Neuse proves that a little extra goes a long way. Especially when it comes to that to-die-for roasted garlic aioli. And with its all-are-welcome feel, the neighborhood brewery is the kind of place you can get one any time, no matter the occasion—girls/guys night, family dinner, or on your own with a beer at the bar. neuseriverbrewing.com
Double Double Smashburger Gussie’s | Warehouse District
Photo by Clovis LaCour, courtesy of Gussies
While there’s no wrong order at Gussie’s, there’s only one that epitomizes its authentic feel-good MO. Frankly, it should come as no surprise that this good-time neighborhood bar plates a palatable smash on the regular. And, yet, each bite will surprise you. The quintessence of your all-American grilled backyard burg with homey vibes to match, a garden-variety of American cheese, caramelized onion and LTOP serve as classic dressings to two perfectly grilled sirloin-brisket patties so fresh you might think you hear them moo. And if heat is more your vibe, the jalapeno Jack smashburger straight slaps. gussiesraleigh.com
Burger Hummingbird | Iron District
Photo courtesy of Hummingbird
This Nawlins-inspired burger at Dock 1053 takes a cue from its name, keeping it simple—and letting the flavor speak for itself. Chef/owner Coleen Speaks saw no need to rewrite the classic, instead blending nostalgic Americana vibes with a lighter, farm-fresh touch that tastes like it should be paired with a milkshake and a jukebox at a ’50s diner—though Hummingbird’s bright, eclectic interior or buzzy wraparound patio are just as inviting. And the proof is in that patty—gobs of grease aren’t necessary to make a good burger. A backyard cookout delivered in every bite—if your grill master was a James Beard semifinalist—the certified Angus houseground sirloin and chuck patty is stacked with gooey cheddar, flawlessly griddled onion and piquant pickles, lightened with fresh tomato and crisp lettuce. Pro tip: Save some room for the deliciously crispy chips on the side—dipped in that better-than-ranch ranch, of course. hummingbirdraleigh.com
Textbook LaGana | Smoky Hollow
Photo by FoodSeen, courtesy of LaGana
Don’t let anyone tell you that wagyu shouldn’t be a burger—one bite of LaGana’s premium wagyu beef patty will render you unable to remember your name. Smooth like butter, ubermoist and juicy, the double-smash all but melts in your mouth via an umami taste bud explosion of the pillowy Union Special bun anchored by the NC-raised pure Japanese wagyu from family-owned Wilders farm. The classic LTO provides a hint of health, while the signature sauce delivers the slightest bite—in the best way—tempered by supercreamy Yankee cheddar to bring it home. For an OG-meets-chef-driven burger with a lunch-counter feel, LaGana is the move for any meaty menu masterpiece—including the comparable daytime Lunch Boi. And don’t sleep on the tots. Period. laganaraleigh.com
Wolfpack Burger Players Retreat | Hillsborough Street Corridor
Photo by Food Seen, courtesy of Players Retreat
If you’re in the mood for a sloppy joe burg, this classic Hillsborough Street sports bar mainstay is always the move. Slapped sloppily between a perfectly puffed sesame seed Union Special bun, the chili- and slaw-smothered quarter-pounder patty—with an option to go big at 6 oz.—defies stereotypes by serving up all the nostalgia of a Southern cookout with a refined edge. Juicy, messy and loaded with flavor, it’s the kind of bite that demands extra napkins—and maybe a second round. Pair it with crispy chips or a cold local pint, and you’ve got yourself a reimagined certified comfort-food classic. playersretreat.com
Mushroom Pierogi Burger J. Betski’s | Five POINTS
Courtesy of J. Betski’s
It wouldn’t be a true J. Betski’s burger without one of the elevated-casual East and Central European resto’s signature mushroom and three cheese pierogies sandwiched between the housemade brioche buns, naturally (soo Polish coded). And while it may sound wrong, it couldn’t be more right. The stuffed surprise hits with an umami punch, dishing another layer of cheesy decadence to an already super-savory burger stacked with Swiss, port and balsamic-glazed onions, and truffle aioli (and you’ll want extra of those ultracrunchy potato crisps)—all balanced out by a clutch dose of refreshing house pickles.jbetskis.com
What will the Michelin Guide American South mean for Raleigh?
Raleigh may finally be seeing stars. The Michelin Guide announced the launch of its Guide American South, encompassing NC, alongside five states including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee, plus the preexisting Atlanta Guide. Inspectors are already scouting out the South’s top culinary gems to be featured in North America’s first regional guide—meaning they could be right here in Raleigh already.
Long the gold standard of culinary excellence, Michelin is the authority on the best dining across the globe, only launching guides in dining destinations it deems worthy. These guides impart a host of short reviews and symbols for restaurants, the most esteemed being the star—which can be added or taken away. And, no doubt, the star’s reverence is in how hard it is to achieve.
Man of the Hour Yes—this Michelin is the same one fitting up your ride. Before “Michelin” became a beacon of foodie fame, it was—and still is—the French-born tire company that splashed onto the resto scene with the launch of its first guide in 1900.
For years, Raleigh restaurateurs have been working to raise the bar within our local food scene, and, clearly, it’s already paying off. The Cap City has definitely earned its pushpin on the foodie map—for starters, see this year’s list of James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalists. But as illustrious as Beard is, Michelin is next-level.
The exclusivity factor alone tells most of the story. Michelin dropped its inaugural North American Guide in New York City in 2005 (expanding to include Westchester County in 2020), continuing its U.S. rollout with editions in Chicago, DC and San Francisco—the latter marking Michelin’s first statewide expansion to California in 2019, created in partnership with Visit California. And, in 2022, Michelin launched its premiere Florida Guide in collab with Visit Florida, spanning Tampa, Miami and Orlando—with three additional destinations added this year to include Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches and St. Pete-Clearwater.
Making the Cut
Michelin awards up to three stars based on five criteria:
Quality of ingredients/products used
Mastery of flavor and cooking techniques
Personality of the chef in cuisine
Harmony of flavors
Consistency between visits
Beyond winning bragging rights and exclusive status, stars translate to tourism—and dollars. Pundits have long postured that restaurants play a significant role in a city’s economic prosperity. Researchers observing Michelin’s impact in Chicago found “an increase of one Michelin Guide restaurant leads to a .5% increase (or roughly $1,141) in the home value of the median home in a neighborhood.”
The undeniable boost in business aside, Michelin recognition can represent the pinnacle of a chef’s aspirations. “…I never dreamed Michelin would come to the South,” reminisces Crawford Hospitality’s Scott Crawford. “Having cooked in the American South most of my career, it is amazing to see Michelin recognize our region as one worthy of a guide. Southern cities can now attract more hospitality professionals with aspirations of opening or working in Michelin-star restaurants.” Beyond Raleigh, culinary hot spots across the South will finally get the recognition they deserve.
Who Judges? Inspecting potential star-studded restaurants are highly trained and educated critics with seasoned résumés. And adding that certain je ne sais quoi factor—and ensuring they receive the real resto experience—the true identities of inspectors are kept quiet. Think Central Intelligence Agency meets Culinary Institute of America.
Which local restos—if any—make the list won’t be unveiled until the annual Michelin Guide ceremony for the American South (date TBD). Until then, you’ll find us still wishing on that star.
Ripple Fries have arrived, bringing a fresh take on a fast food classic to Sweetgreen’s menu. As the first national brand to offer air-fried fries made without seed oils, Sweetgreen is proving that even the most iconic comfort foods can be reinvented with cleaner ingredients and healthier cooking methods. Light, crispy and perfectly seasoned, Ripple Fries are designed to complement Sweetgreen’s bold, chef-crafted menu while staying true to the brand’s commitment to real, high-quality ingredients.
Best known for its fresh salads, hearty grain bowls and protein plates, Sweetgreen is redefining fast food with meals made from scratch using responsibly sourced ingredients. Since opening its first location in 2007, the brand has grown to over 240 locations across the U.S., including its newest Raleigh restaurant in North Hills. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation, Sweetgreen continues to expand while staying true to its mission of making craveable, nourishing food more accessible. Now available nationwide, including at Sweetgreen North Hills, Ripple Fries can be ordered in-store, through the Sweetgreen app, or via the website.
