We’re on a knead-to-know basis… and we need you to know about this fab Transfer Co. Food Hall spot’s recently launched food truck that’s tempting Raleighites to make a quick pit stop for handmade baked/fried Argentinian delights—think empanadas (natch), pastries and more—all over town. The empanada party continues via a pickup window at the soon-to-open The Mixx (!). … And you can be sure they’re prepared to stay servin’ up the good Argentinian eats no matter the occasion—from weddings to zombie apocalypses. Ready to get stuffed? cheempanadas.com
Mama Churros
Bringing handcrafted churros from Mexico to the Triangle is this sweet truck throwing you for a loop—that is, a dipped loop, stick or dipped stick, depending on your churro order of choice. NTM these fried dough-lights even come with sprinkles (*cues up mental image of Salt Bae sprinklin’*)! Time to churr up! @mamachurros_
Lee’s Kitchen
Meet the self-proclaimed best-known secret in town. “A taste of Jamaica with a touch of soul,” this truck blends tropical and Southern flavors to produce appetizing ops of all kinds—from oxtails and curry chicken to yams, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Warning: One bite may mentally transport you to the Caribbean. So if you haven’t yet stumbled upon this gem, well, curry up. leeskitchenjamaican.com
Mr. A’s Beignets
They say you are what you eat, so we rec chowing down on some hot and sweet fried fritters via this authentic New Orleans-esque sup spot that sources its beignet supplies directly from Louisiana (that’s how you know it’s legit!). Pro tip: Getting powdered sugar everywhere is highly encouraged. … And be sure to grab a coffee, hot cocoa or spiced cider to wash it all down. Beignet, done that. Or have you?! squaredoughnuts.com
Seeking some delish Thai cuisine in Raleigh? I’ve spent the last few weeks tasting a few of the many Thai restaurants our area has to offer for an array of authentic-as-possible Asian eating ops from one of my favorite places across the globe. My credibility, you ask? Eleven months living in Bangkok (!) eating all the fried rice and noodle dishes I could find. … So, grab your fork/spoon and get ready to say tom yum to these local Thai sup spots.
Don’t miss this tucked away “tiny, terrific Thai” restaurant serving up tom ka gai soup that had me slurping up the lime- flavored broth/coconut milk to the last drop and wishing for seconds. And I’d be remiss not to mention the fab fried rice. North Raleigh, lemongrassnc.com
While not technically a Thai restaurant, Five Star spins up a mean Thai peanut chicken noodle dish with lo mein noodles and a signature peanut-y pad thai taste. … And I give it five stars! Pro tip: If you’re all about the spice, ask for chile flakes on the side. Smoky Hollow, fivestarsnc.com
“Aromatic, tangy and spicy,” Thai food found here. Find curries (red, green, panang and massaman), noodle dishes and fried rice galore on the menu—plus attentive service to add to the experience. Well, panang. Midtown East, shabashabu.net
This place’s pineapple rice is seriously good. Served in an actual pineapple (a bite will transport you to the beaches of Phuket!), this massive dish packs more than just a fruity punch. It’s loaded with your pick of protein, in addition to veggies, roasted cashews and raisins—the perf combo of tangy, sweet and savory. Aroi maak! North Raleigh, thaiphoonbistro.com
This casual eatery serves up all the Thai staples. Here, I tried the pad thai with chicken—and it was filled with all the flavor I know and love about the dish. Definitely a winner! North Raleigh, bangkokthainc.com
“Drunk in love…” In love with the absolutely amazing drunken noodles at this family-owned sup spot that is! Tuck into stir-fried rice noodles with vegetables, basil and chile sauce, and wash it all down with an iced Thai tea. West Raleigh, sushithairaleigh.com
The Rockford may have closed for good, but its legacy will not soon be forgotten.
When Michael D’Amelio opened The Rockford in 1994 as the first restaurant on Glenwood South, it was little more than a fancy sandwich shop with a bar. Fast-forward through multiple owners, menus and almost-closures, and the restaurant became a fixture in Downtown Raleigh, known for its intimate watering hole feel and tight-knit community of regulars (though, really, anyone and everyone felt welcome here)—NTM reliable food and drinks.
When The Rockford announced its permanent closure this January after nearly three decades in business, Raleighites—and even folks from out of town who had visited the restaurant—were rocked. Over the years, beyond being a go-to spot in the bustling Glenwood South neighborhood, it was also a haven of halcyon memories—from birthday dinners to engagements to time-tested menu items that gained a cult following (looking at you, ABC, a locally famous sandwich made up of apples, bacon, cheddar cheese and pancake syrup sandwiched between two slices of French toast).
Despite its unfortunate closing due to financial hardships, this gem hidden in plain sight will remain a core part of Raleigh’s history, with a legacy that is sure to live on for years to come. Many a Raleighite had their hand in the restaurant, from Jason Howard (of The Cardinal, Pink Boot and Atlantic Lounge, to name a few) to Cheetie Kumar (formerly of Neptune’s, Kings and also-shuttered Garland) to Joe Farmer (previous owner of Humble Pie). Even renowned rocker Bon Iver was a dishwasher at The Rockford once upon a time (!). Here, we take a climb up those magical stairs one last time to reflect on the memories left in its wake.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Michael D’Amelio, Original Owner 1994–2010
Fave memory: Not to sound sentimental, but I never had a bad day up there.
Jason Howard, Owner 2010–2014
Fave dish: The ABC sandwich
Fave memory: It just felt good when people would thank me for keeping the restaurant the same.
Fave memory: The vibe that began when it first opened (I was there partying in the early years) and the way people kept that same Raleigh-centric vibe going for so many years
Dylan Wicher, Executive Chef 2021–2022
Fave dish: Fried chicken
Woody Johnson, Owner 2020–2023
Fave dish: Breakfast burrito
Fave memory: There was a couple that came here for their first date years ago. They recently brought their kids in for dinner to see the place where it all started. Special things like that just happened here.
Cheetie Kumar, Prep Cook/Bartender ~2001–2010
Fave dish: The post-shift ‘mashups’ from stuff in the kitchen. I feel like I ate a lot of black bean quesadillas!
Fave memory: Just the camaraderie among the team and having all the local folks come through on a regular basis
Kevin Ruiz, Executive Chef 2020–2021
Fave dish: Burrata salad
Fave memory: Being a part of the bringing back of The Rockford post-pandemic
Standing the Test of Time
1994
Michael D’Amelio purchases the building at 320 1/2 Glenwood Ave. and opens The Rockford as the first restaurant on Glenwood South.
1996
Second-floor restaurant conversion approved
2010
Jason Howard purchases the restaurant, planning to change the concept, but after community pushback kept it as The Rockford.
2011–2015
Chef Jason Tran helms the kitchen.
2013–2014
Howard sells The Rockford to his partner J. Wellons.
2015–2017
Chef Howard McDonald runs the kitchen.
2018
Wellons is the first to change The Rockford menu—the ABC sandwich comes off.
2020–2021
Upon reopening post-pandemic closure, the cult-classic ABC sandwich returned for brunch, but didn’t hit and fell off the menu at the end of 2020.
Kevin Ruiz hired as executive chef.
Woody Johnson takes over ownership, along with Tony and Bill Coulter (the Coulters depart in 2021). Kitchen renovations ensue.
2021
Ruiz departs; chef Dylan Wicher is hired to lead back-of-house.
Management made updates that honored the character, ushering in a consistent, quality and “vibey” restaurant by Jermaine Caldwell.
2023
The restaurant announced its permanent closure in January.
Put those random facts taking up space in your brain to use via these local weekly trivia nights.
Weekly bar trivia is more than just a chance to flex your obscure knowledge—it’s a fun, spirited way to spend time with your crew (and, ahem, impress them with what you know). There are a host of fantastic bars and breweries in the Triangle offering weekly trivia nights, with food and beverage specials and prizes usually involved to boot. Let’s see what you got!
Think while you drink! Best known for its immense beer selection, this RM Best Craft Beer Bar also offers weekly trivia on Tuesdays at 7pm and adult trivia at 9:30pm, with over $220 worth of prizes awarded every week (!). P.S. Trivia nights also make for a great time to rack up those beers—drink 200 of ’em and you’ll get rewarded with a plate on the wall or ceiling (aka “Ring of Honor”).
A City Market mainstay, this RM Best Game Day Bar has got game of its own via its weekly Tuesday trivia night at 7pm. Quizzing and brainteasers aren’t the only things on the menu though—with trivia night comes specials on 12- and 16-ounce bottles and cans, Jager bombs and Sloppy Joe subs. You’ve gotta fuel your brain somehow!
Get hammered—trivia, that is—on Thursday nights at this OG Raleigh brewery. Beers cure what ales you (read: drowns your sorrows if you end up losing) while rotating food trucks on-site provide sustenance for when the drunchies hit. Pro tip: A Hell Yes Ma’am is the ideal trivia confidence booster!
Head to RBG’s airstream bar every Wednesday night for a fun-filled round of trivia, a great way to exercise your brain over a beer. And with 350+ brews from which to choose, you’ll have no trouble finding one that ups your mental abilities (or at least your ego). For those looking to flex their musical memory, this RM Best Craft Beer Bar also runs a weekly music bingo on Tuesdays at 7pm.
Come for the good hangs (plus tasty bites and sips), and stay for trivia night every Wednesday at this bright and colorful convenience store-meets-restaurant-meets-wine shop. (That bottle of vino will really come in handy when cheersing to your win!)
Bring your smartest and thirstiest friends to J. Lights at Smoky Hollow for a few rounds of free brain teasers—and some liquid courage, natch (you’ll need it to score a prize, awarded to the top teams). May the most knowledgeable team win!
Come my way for trivia every Tuesday night at this RM Best Game Day Bar (or try your hand at music bingo Wednesdays at 8pm)—NTM delish pub grub like wings, nachos, mac ’n’ cheese (go with the classic or switch it up with the chili mac or seafood mac), burgers, and so much more. To boot, every Tuesday all domestic bottles are only $2.50. … Cheers to that!
Don’t cause a ruckus… but do bring your A-game to Ruckus Mission Valley’s award-winning trivia, which was voted Best Trivia in the WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards three years in a row (!). Prizes are available—but if you don’t win, the pizza will always come through for you. Ruckus also features trivia at its Tryon Village location in Cary (Wednesdays, 7:30pm), Park West location in Morrisville (Mondays) and Costco Plaza location in Apex (Wednesdays, 8pm).
Chow is the perfect spot to well… chow down on some tasty bites and “show off just how much worthless information you really know.” Between questions, enjoy pizza, wings, nachos, sandwiches, burgers, salads and more—NTM beer, wine and cocktails.
Grab a pint of Bond Brothers beer (the Sorcery sour is a great pick for those who enjoy a tart beverage!) at this RM Best Burbs Bar and a meal from one of the daily food trucks, and get ready to answer Q’s on topics ranging from geography to current events to the favorite topic of host Tyler “Macgyver,” science!
Cider more your thing? BCC’s Thursday trivia nights are for you. Faves include the Cherry Tart, Bludacris and Cran-Pappy, but you can also opt for a flight to test out a few different flavors. Pro tip: BYO food.
Don your smarty pants and put your noggin’ to use during this Bull City brewery’s weekly trivia night. Hosted by Geeks Who Drink, this quiz night lets you answer virtually via your phone—no pants required. The best part? The team with the least points event gets a prize (!).
Time to get off your hi horse and show what you know at the Durham locale of this Asheville-based beer staple. Whether you’re a science nerd, music lover, new enthusiast or anything in between, surely you’ll have the answer to at least a couple of Q’s.
Sunday funday 🤝 trivia night. Head over to Durty Bull for some award-winning Hammered Trivia with Thor. And no playing durty! … Psst, mimosas, beer and beer slushies are where the “hammered” part comes in.
The hottest trivia nights on Franklin Street take place in the downbar of this Chapel Hill hot spot—not once, but twice a week. First-place winners receive a $25 Linda’s gift card, which you can ultimately put to use on food and drinks from Linda’s extensive menu (we suggest the “Drunchies” menu’s combo basket, loaded sweet potato tots or sprouts). Pro tip: Check Linda’s social media before trivia starts for some helpful clues!
Tuesdays, 9pm Gather your good—er, smart—fellows to take home the W at this Chapel Hill mainstay otherwise popular for watching the Tar Heels play. (Really smart ones will know to check the bar’s Instagram, where they post a weekly giveaway answer). Be sure to order the signature pickleback shots while you’re there, and if you want to keep the party going after trivia, stick around for karaoke from 11:30pm to 2am.
If you like big beads and you cannot lie… you’re gonna wanna post up at these New Orleans-inspired spots and celebrations around Raleigh. Eat, drink and dance the night away, but don’t you worry—what happens on the float, stays on the float.
Our very own Nawlins nugget in Raleigh, The Big Easy is obv here for Mardi Gras. Head to DTR and down some bevs while grooving to live music. And up the authentic factor with some bites from Big Easy’s Cajun-inspired menu (think alligator bites, shrimp and gouda grits, and Bourbon Street chicken) that promise to put you in the Fat Tuesday spirit.
Hola, NOLA. A Mardi Gras celebration at one of Raleigh’s most esteemed Nawlins-inspired restaurants is a no-brainer. Swing by for faves like oysters, crawfish hushpuppies, gumbo, fried seafood and more. Beignet, done that.
Fill your soul (and stomach!) with New Orleans -inspired eats from chef-owner Colleen Speaks—from gumbo to fried chicken livers to po’boys and more. (Note: Hummingbird is closed on Tuesdays but will be open Wednesday for anyone who’s craving a late Mardi Gras celebration!)
Calling all kings and queens! Feast your eyes on a one-of-a-kind riff on the classic Mardi Gras king cake feat. brioche dough, cinnamon chips, decadent icing and colorful candy. Let’s eat!
