An effort to bring more regional dining concepts to RDU is helping local businesses take off.
“The new restaurants we opened this year reflect the vibrant flavors of the Triangle region and elevate the airport dining experience to a new level.”
— Stephanie Hawco
Boasting a benefit that soars far beyond the hungry traveler, RDU’s commitment to local has really taken off. Already replacing a slew of chains with hot local concepts since its 2020 inception, the RDU concessions model is also rooted in keeping the airport relevant via a continuous “refresh” process. So, as agreements expire every three to 10 years, new businesses have the opportunity to submit proposals to earn their time in the terminal.
Now looking to welcome more than a dozen additional concepts in 2025 as RDU “reimagines its restaurant scene,” says Stephanie Hawco, director of media relations at Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, that concerted effort to lean local and keep concepts fresh is already apparent from first entree of highly traveled Terminal 2 via the swap of two prominent Starbucks spots bookending TSA.
The long-defunct pre-security, post-flight locale now boasts Bull City fave Beyu Caffé, while the always buzzing post-TSA cafe is brewing up Raleigh-based Black & White Coffee Roasters—the latter of which “serves more coffee than our two streetside locations combined,” says B&W Director of Education Trevor Clark. And, of course, the adjacent 2021-bowed La Farm Bakery & Cafe continues to be a crowd favorite.
“The record number of passengers who are traveling through RDU need a great cup of coffee and a meal to fuel their journeys,” says Hawco. “The new restaurants we opened this year reflect the vibrant flavors of the Triangle region and elevate the airport dining experience to a new level.”
Beyond “connecting visitors with our region’s culture,” expresses Clark, “and giving residents access to their favorite local brands before traveling” at one of the fastest-growing international airports in the country, RDU’s conceptualization is bigger than tasty tours through local favorites and flavors—it’s about brand visibility. And it’s big business for NC, adds Durham Distillery co-owner and CEO/President Melissa Katrincic.
A boon for the local economy and a win-win for the hospitality community, these concepts take it a step further by leaning local for their purveyors, creating a big ramp up in business. Think the cult-classic Union Special breads and pastries featured at Black & White and Crawford’s proximal pair, or the premium dark chocolate from Raleigh’s Videri Chocolate Factory blended in Durham Distillery’s Damn Fine Chocolate Liqueur.
“RDU is such a representation of the Triangle,” emphasizes Union Special owner/baker Andrew Ullom. Ultimately, by embracing the Triangle’s F&B scene from the ground up, the terminal is serving up far more than tasteful destinations on your next layover—it’s serving as a vehicle for community allowing travelers and residents alike to feel good about the money they spend.
I will nevernot order shakshuka at brunch. I’ve tried to resist the urge and switch my order up—but I always come back to my No. 1… and she never disappoints. When I first stumbled on shakshuka almost a decade ago, the dish was a rare menu find (and my reqs for it were met with blank stares). But, lately, it’s been ~shaking~ up the brunch scene. If you’re not yet familiar, the Middle Eastern dish typically features eggs served in a tomato-based sauce, coupled with crusty bread (dipping is the best part, obv). Essentially, a brekkie game changer—and I stand by that. Here, where you can—and should—order up around town.
Taverna Agora Going Greek has never tasted so good thanks to Taverna’s baked eggs served with roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, greens, pickled red onions and feta—plus a side of pita for dunking, natch. @tavernaagora
Hummingbird Green eggs and ham? More like green shakshuka. This Dock 1053 brunch best puts a green spin on its shak, complete with spinach, Brussels sprouts, fennel, onion, chickpeas, and herbs and spices. @hummingbirdral
Photo courtesy of NRBC
Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie A brew-tiful way to start your Sunday found via the “Belgian-inspired and Carolina-crafted” beer and shak pairing within Neuse’s sunlit interior or out on the greenery-filled patio. @neuseriverbrewingco
Photo by Long Lens Photography, courtesy of Rosewater
Whiskey Kitchen Rise and shine out on WK’s sunny patio with this bright and light shakshuka comprised of a rustic tomato sauce, soft eggs, feta and sumac onions. Double your dose of tomato with a bloody to boot. @whiskey.kitchen
Photo courtesy of Wye Hill
Wye Hill You’ll want to swim in the savory stewed tomatoes, served with elite-bread-of-breads focaccia—I said what I said—and topped with goat cheese and avocado. No judgment… @wyehill
If a plate of snacks for dinner is wrong, we don’t want to be right. Viral in popularity ever since “girl dinner” was coined on a 2023 TikTok giving name to the “snacky supper” (aka a bountiful smattering of charcuterie, accoutrements, and/or random pairings of leftovers—think a half-bag of chips + three bites of pasta), the all-the-rage graze sesh makes for the perf Galentine’s Day, best paired with a bevy—and a bestie, obviously. Here, where to gather ’round Raleigh with your gaggle of gal pals for max cheesiness, in the best way.
Postino Let’s go girls… to build your own bruschetta board. Mix and match from a variety of toast ops ranging smoked salmon and pesto to French onion—or spring for the likes of a Greek hummus board or table cheese. Bottle of vino required for all the gossip (girl) vibes. postinowinecafe.com
Whiskey Kitchen No situationships here. Just fine-aging whiskey (and friendships!) over small plates like cracklin’ biscuits, crispy broccoli, farm cheese and roasted cauliflower. And fries before guys—always. whiskey.kitchen
Vita Vite Finally, an excuse to pop bottles and ~wine~ all you want about your love life—or lack thereof. Snag a spot by the fireplace at the Downtown sip spot (but please, don’t try to burn the letters your ex gave you) while you nosh on the ever-changing lineup of cheese and charcuterie options. Pair with mustard to add a little spice to your life. vitaviteraleigh.com
STIR If you’re not looking to commit (to a full bottle), this happening North Hills outpost offers both a Slay Then Rosé cocktail—or spring for “just the tip” of a bottle by taking advantage of one of their fancy Coravin pours. Complete the meal with oysters with mignonette and the Chef’s Board, brimming with bread, nuts, cheeses, meats, and more. stirraleigh.com
The Raleigh Wine Shop Meat and cheese—it’s what’s for dinner. And when it’s RWS’ cut-to-order charcuterie and artisanal cheeses from around the world, it’s perfectly acceptable, especially when paired with a glass or two. Vinofile vixens will enjoy the wide selection of vinos on offer, with its wine-by-the-glass program allowing you to taste your way through several ops. theraleighwineshop.com
Bean into the espresso martini rage? Here are some local spots to grab a sip.
Ain’t no *beans* about it—espresso martinis are still riding high on the popularity train. Affectionately dubbed “the adult vodka Red Bull,” the cult-favorite nostalgic bev is one of the top-selling cocktails in the country.
With the power to wake you up and mess you up at the same time, it’s the perf pick-me-up for a night on the town. Here, a few of our fave intoxicating and delish iterations at local bars and restos to enjoy for National Espresso Day Nov. 23—and beyond. Cheers!
Sir Walter Coffee Leave it to Sir Walter to mix up a beautiful blend of vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, housemade vanilla syrup, heavy cream and Remedy Mexican chocolate bitters for its original espresso tini. Not to mention its other riffs featuring Fireball, Jameson and Four Roses, respectively.
Killjoy Up and at ’em! Killjoy’s take on the buzzy cocktail—appropriately dubbed Good Morning—features vodka, brown sugar-coffee vermouth and cocoa bitters, making for a sweet and caffeinated bev that’ll surely keep you wired and satisfied.
Brewery Bhavana Bhavana’s ’tini is oh-so-golden indeed, what with vodka, espresso, corn milk, amaro averna, coffee and cocoa bitters providing a unique balance of sweet and savory. Harry Styles would approve.
Bittersweet Both slightly bitter and sweet, the cocktail and dessert lounge’s OG espresso martini stars vodka and a freshly pulled shot of sweetened espresso. And if you’re looking to switch things up, the chai espresso martini is also a hit.
Mulino No matter what time of day it is, Mulino’s After Midnight spin—made with Tito’s vodka, espresso, Tonka and spiced Mexican liqueur—is always a good idea. Even better if you pair it with dessert!
Watts & Ward The best way to sip pretty within Watts’ moody digs is with its coffee-forward bev in hand, a mixture of New Amsterdam vodka, Illy cold brew, Kamora coffee liqueur and orgeat.
Hummingbird A little birdie told us this Dock 1053 resto’s Talking Bird cocktail—a unique blend of cold brew, Cruzan blackstrap, Campari, coconut cream, chai and Angostura bitters—is a sleeper, er caffeinated, hit.
Corpse Reviver An espresso ’tini made with Durham Distillery gin? Say less. Also don’t sleep on the s’more martini feat. coffee, chocolate & mocha Damn Fine Liqueur, vodka, bruleed marshmallow and graham cracker. It’s, well, damn fine indeed.
Village District could be getting a little more, ahem, social. Aiming to add to the roster of approved social districts in the Triangle, the proposal first came before Raleigh City Council in mid-October, but was tabled to gather more resident feedback. Many people who live nearby have expressed concerns over security, strewn garbage and fear that “bad behavior” could spill over into the surrounding neighborhoods.
As of press time, a public hearing is being held Thursday, Nov. 14, and the issue is not expected to go before council again until January—with the hope that the social district will go into effect early 2025. Though some Village Districters are opposed to the social district, several businesses already plan to participate, including Postino, Cantina 18, Tazza Kitchen, Goodnights Comedy Club and Flying Biscuit Cafe—to name just a few.
“By designating Village District as a Sip n’ Stroll social district, we’d be able to increase pedestrian activity throughout the entire center to create a more connected and dynamic experience for shoppers,” emphasizes Regency Centers GM Brooke Conn.
Once (or if) the district earns social status, Village frequenters’ll will be able to sip, stroll and shop among the area’s participating establishments—plus in public gathering spaces within the proposed boundaries of Clark Avenue, Daniels Street, Smallwood Drive, Woodburn Road and Cameron Street—making your 2025 Village hangs more spirited and bright, indeed. shopvillagedistrict.com
