Find some of the tastiest eats in the Triangle to try. These are the dishes that you dream about afterward! I’ve chosen the best and most memorable items that I’ve chowed down while exploring restaurants in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond. No diets allowed, here!
Rib sandwich at Rainbow Luncheonette, Raleigh (November 14, 2022)
Slide the bone out of some smoked ribs, place on Texas Toast and top with some tangy barbeque sauce, pickles, and white onion for a taste sensation. The rib sandwich at the Rainbow Luncheonette is like a McRib on foodie steroids! Paired with the Southern mac n cheese makes for a fantastic meal…
Solo’s BBQ Mix at Ni Armor’s Hawaiian and Polynesian BBQ (September 7, 2022)
This three-meat barbeque plate from Ni Armor’s Hawaiian and Polynesian BBQ in Burlington, NC is a show-stopper! Take succulent grilled chicken, steak, and ribs paired with a scoop of steamed white rice and macaroni cheese, Hawaiian-style and dee-licious…
—
Double BLT at Merritt’s Store and Grill, Chapel Hill (May 21, 2022)
The classic BLT at Merritt’s is built on sourdough bread baked in-house and layered with ripe tomato, crispy lettuce along with some crispy bacon, yum! The double BLT works perfectly for my appetite, otherwise you can take it up another level with the triple.
—
Truffle burger at Cowbar Burger & Fries, Raleigh (April 15, 2022)
Wow, wow, wow! I’ve had the Truffle Burger from CowBar at Morgan Street Food Hall but at their new location in North Hills, it takes things up to another level. A succulent, savory and umami-laden burger layered with smoky slices of gouda cheese and caramelized onions is stellar! And don’t miss out on the excellent skin-on fries, here.
—
Nigeri Omakase at Sushi Mon, Raleigh (March 9, 2022)
One of my sushi restaurant faves is now in its new home, Sushi Mon! Tried out their nigeri omakase which has eight pieces of nigeri with glazes and toppings for additional flavor. A great way to try out the breadth of their fish and fun meal or starter.
—
Three-way Combo at Sam Jones Barbeque, Raleigh (February 15, 2022)
A mighty, meaty plate of deliciousness at Sam Jones BBQ, you can’t get much better than this! Chopped queue, smoked chicken and succulent ribs makes for two meals. And the excellent collards and beans gives you a break from the smoked deliciousness
—
Fried pork chop and waffles at Parkside Restaurant, Raleigh (August 29, 2021)
You’ve likely tried chicken and waffles but how about pork chop and waffles?! This brunch favorite at the Parkside serves up a crispy, cheddar waffle topped with a fried pork chop, bourbon peach sauce and maple syrup. You’ve been warned!
—
Roast Pork Hoagie at Ideal’s Sandwiches and Groceries, Durham (July 30, 2021)
A classic Italian sandwich, take slow-roasted pork loin and layer it with broccoli di rabe and sharp provolone on a crusty, seeded sesame roll, fantastic! Ideal’s is doing some great sandwiches with a Northerner’s touch.
—
Chicken-fried Steak and Eggs at True Flavors Diner, Durham (July 11, 2021)
A pretty amazing concoction of a lightly battered, crisp chicken-fried steak sitting atop seasoned potatoes and smothered in peppery white gravy! There’s a lot of flavors, textures and calories going down on this plate but worth it all.
—
Chaos pie at Di Fara Pizza Tavern, Cary (May 30, 2021)
An amazing pizza that’s loaded with meatball, sausage, wild onions and fresh garlic! Usually this many toppings is too much for a pizza but Di Fara’s great crust holds up to deliver a delicious bite.
—
Brisket and Sausage at Prime Barbecue in Knightdale (March 25, 2021)
A classic Texas barbecue meal for me, the tender brisket and plump, snappy smoked sausage makes for a great protein base. Add in the tended baked beans and bacon-topped mac n cheese and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for a king or queen!