Featured Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining

May 12, 2019 by Ron Wen

First Take: Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson, a Destination for Smoked Meat Lovers

Front of Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson - nctriangledining.com

Outside of pizza, one one of my favorite foods has to be BARBEQUE! When you’re talking about meat smoked over hardwoods, it’s hard to go wrong when barbeque is done right. From ribs, to pulled pork, brisket and sausage, meat cooked low and slow is a special treat. And I got curious when I kept on seeing Redneck BBQ Lab showing up on my social feeds as a barbeque award winner for the area. While its bricks and mortar restaurant is in Benson, they send their food truck up to the Triangle every now and then. I’ve had a chance to dine at Redneck BBQ Lab multiple times with both their food truck and their physical store. And I quickly learned that all the awards they’ve won are well-deserved! If you’re a fan of smoked meats, read on!

Order area and awards at Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson - nctriangledining.com

If you’ve got that hankering for some ribs or brisket, just head on down south on 40 east to Benson. The Redneck BBQ Lab is conveniently located right off the highway in a…. (wait for it) gas station strip mall. Yeah, part of me was surprised, part of me wasn’t! Head on into the restaurant and you’ll find a neat, clean, country cafe with a chalkboard menu in the corner, order counter in the back, along with a SLEW of barbeque awards and medals above the service area. Looks like the Redneck BBQ Lab does pretty well on the barbeque competition circuit!

Logo sign at Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson – nctriangledining.com

The Redneck BBQ Lab offers up all the usual barbeque favorites: smoked turkey, chopped chicken, pulled pork, brisket, sausage and ribs. Meats are available in 1/4 lb, 1/2 lb and 1 lb increments as well as family packs. You’ve also got some fun sandwiches like the Fat Redneck (brisket, pulled pork, collards) along with a good selection of Southern sides (collards, mac n cheese, slaw, baked beans, brunswick stew, etc) And throughout the week, the Redneck BBQ Lab offers up some interesting specials like burnt ends (brisket, double-sauced), beef ribs and even pastrami, yum! Upgrade your meat with a side and drink for $2.99 or two sides and a drink for $3.99. Most meals with a side will run you under $15, very affordable.

Burnt ends with barbeque potatoes at Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson - nctriangledining.com

Over the course of my three visits, I’ve had a chance to sample quite a bit of Redneck BBQ Lab’s menu. I’m a sucker for their burnt ends, chunks of brisket that are double-sauced for extra flavor! These dense, cube of barbeque beef will have your eyes rolling in the back of your end with their tender, sinewy chew and fat. They’re so rich, you need to counter-balance them with bites of sweet cornbread or the barbeque potatoes which are prepared in a light, tangy sauce. The pulled pork at Redneck BBQ Labs shows off the signature smoke ring and you can taste it in the meat. Nicely done with some slaw on top and paired with some baked beans. I’ve also really enjoyed their ribs, mac n cheese along with the potato salad, classic eats!

Pulled pork sandwich at Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson - nctriangledining.com

Redneck BBQ Lab food truck in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Prices for the Redneck BBQ Lab are right in line for most smoked meats, maybe a touch higher but worth it for what you get! Service at the Redneck BBQ Lab has been outstanding for me at both the food truck and bricks and mortar. Nice friendly folks running the counter who seem to enjoy working here and serving up great food. So a slow round of applause for the Redneck BBQ Lab. They are serving some of the best barbeque I’ve had in the Triangle even if Benson may be on the outer edge of that geo. I’ll tell you what, the food is so good here it’s worth the ride, regardless. So make your way down to the Redneck BBQ Lab and chow down on some wonderful burnt ends, you’ll be glad you made the trip!

The Redneck BBQ Lab

12101 NC-210 B,

Benson, NC 27504

919.938.8334

Redneck BBQ Lab menu

Redneck BBQ Lab food truck schedule

Location on Google maps

March 10, 2019 by Ron Wen

Media: Sushi Mon in Raleigh, a Sumptuous Sushi and Japanese Dining Experience

Sushi bar at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Sushi bar at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Usually at the end of the year as a food blogger, I’m trying to wrap up my visits to new restaurants to pull together my list of the best. And every now and then your plans get thrown awry by a new and excellent spot. This year it was Sushi Mon out on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. An invite to visit hits my email inbox and I had seen some very positive reviews for the place so who can resist? I head over on a chilly Thursday evening to see what this new Japanese restaurant is about.

Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Sushi Mon is conveniently located off of Hillsborough Street in Raleigh in the old Mama Jee space I was so fond of. For first-timers looking to visit, parking is not super obvious. The lot next to restaurant actually belongs to Zaxby’s so do NOT park there! You’ve got options around the corner, in the Stanhope building structure or do what I do, park over on Dixie Trail and walk over. The front to Sushi Mon is dark and subtle but it sits right at the corner. Inside you’ll find a super-cool and hip, urban oasis, perfect for a fun date or small dinner party. I’m met by the owner, Chris Lee who shows me around the place. He points out many of the unique pieces of decor at Sushi Mon, all sourced in-state!

Cool interior at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Cool interior at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Live moss hanging at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Live moss hanging at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

From the tables made at Raleigh Reclaimed to a polished granite installation behind the sushi bar from Asheville, a lot of the exquisite decor at Sushi Mon was made right here in North Carolina. The piece de la resistance is the live moss wall-hanging on the side, very very cool! Overall the space has a very slick, West coast feel that would be good for an upscale dinner or date. Both Chris and Sushi Mon’s chef, Tom, have previously worked in the South Bay (CA) and Las Vegas which now makes more sense. But I’m sure you’re wondering, how about the food?

Mother's miso soup at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Mother’s miso soup at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Sitting at the sushi bar, we start our meal with the miso soup. Now I don’t know about you but miso soup is usually not something to get excited about. A bit of broth with seaweed and tofu cubes usually just cleans the palate but not the miso soup at Sushi Mon. Their version (known as Mother’s miso) is a thick, cloudy broth laced with salmon, mushrooms and more, wow! Lots of flavor and umami in this little bowl so enjoy it.

Oysters with oriental salsa at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Oysters with oriental salsa at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Seared salmon lettuce wrap at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Seared salmon lettuce wrap at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Sushi Mon’s menu is small but focuses on cold and hot appetizers, sushi (nigiri) and rolls. For appetizers, we opened up with the oysters which are beautifully prepared with oriental salsa and chives. A fun and colorful play to these popular bivalves offering up more flavor then the typical mignonette! We move on to a seared salmon in lettuce wrap which is topped with thin strings of kataifi. A savory but clean presentation with warm and cool, savory and crunchy for the palate.

Hokkaido scallops tiradito at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Hokkaido scallops tiradito at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Seared fish cheek at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Seared fish cheek at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Next up is Sushi Mon’s Hokkaido scallop tiradito drizzled with balsamic! An artistic dish offering a bit of soft, supple scallop with the crunchy strings featured in the previous appetizer. There’s definitely a subtle contrast of flavors and textures here at Sushi Mon. We follow up with a seared Kama dish, grilled sea bream fish cheek with yuzu salt which is a simple but wonderful preparation of super tender, white fish with just a hit of salt. You work out the fish meat around the bone and it’s super-moist and tasty!

King shrimp with seared brussels sprouts at Sushi Mon

Rainbow roll at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Rainbow roll at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Next up is an array of nigiri ranging from sea bream, king shrimp, and salmon! Sushi Mon offers up its nigiri with all the extras. Either a soy sauce (home-made) lacquered on top, wasabi spread underneath or whatever else Chef Tom is inspired by. The nigiri is in the $6 to $7 range with custom toppings for an additional dollar which I’d recommend for some unique taste combinations. And while we are slowing down for dinner, Chef Tom offers up their version of the Caterpillar roll: tuna, salmon, yellowtail and avocado in a dense, sushi-rice spiked roll. A great finish to a long but indulgent dinner.

Tiramisu at Sushi Mon in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Tiramisu at Sushi Mon in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Sushi Mon surprises us with one last plate, a small slice of tiramisu with gold leaf to finish off the meal and I was impressed. I really had no idea what Sushi Mon was about and had expectations based upon the previous business in this space, a favorite of mine, Mama Jee’s. But I was very pleasantly blown away but what they are doing here at Sushi Mon.

With an upgraded interior, excellent Japanese food and sushi, along with friendly service, they are really trying to upgrade the dining scene on Hillsborough Street and at NC State. And while I wouldn’t expect to get out of here for less then $40, the overall experience is worth it. Sushi Mon is also adding ramen for lunch along with an omakase (Chef’s choice) tasting menu soon which will give you some other dining options. So enjoy Sushi Mon for what it is, an upscale Japanese and sushi dining experience for Raleigh. And I promise you that once you find parking, you’re in for a culinary treat at this special restaurant!

Sushi Mon

105 Friendly Drive, Ste 100

Raleigh, NC 27607

919.322.0002

Sushi Mon menu

Location on Google maps

January 17, 2019 by Ron Wen

Best New Restaurants, Food and Drink in the Triangle, 2018 Edition

Over the course of 2018, I had a lot of great meals in the Triangle! Writing a food blog means I’m usually chasing down what’s new and what’s recently opened up for my best new restaurants of the year list. Looking back, I can say that it was a good year if not great (My Best New Restaurants of 2017 list is here). There seemed to be more quick-casual and more small, chain type restaurants but what can you do? We’ve had a good run of new restaurants in the Triangle and my guess is that things may be slowing down after several VERY busy years in the area.

But that’s not to say there weren’t some pleasant surprises for me! Restaurant openings continued through the end of the year resulting in some last minute changes on my ToEat list. It still took a lot for me to cut down a long list of contenders. But here you go, my Best New Restaurants and Bars of 2018!

Click on the restaurant name for a full review with details (if one is available)

Best of 2018 – Hops Burger Bar, Chapel Hill – Opened May 2018

When it comes to burgers in Chapel Hill, people usually think about Al’s Burger Shack but I think Hops Burger Bar is doing some seriously good beef! Based out of Greensboro, Hops Burger Bar brings fantastic craft beer along with creative, gourmet burgers. Their smallest burger starts at 6 oz. but beyond the heft of the burger, the quality is also there in the meat, toppings and bun. Love their weekly specials and interesting sides, do not miss Hops Burger Bar if you find yourself on Franklin Street sometime soon!

Best of 2018 – Hutchins Garage, Durham – Opened July 2018

Hutchins Garage opened up quietly during the summer and you could tell from the get-go, the owners knew EXACTLY what they were doing. From the cool and hip, industrial interior design to the fantastic, thin-crust pizzas, Hutchins was rockin’ things out from the start. Don’t miss their fantastically crunchy Grandma pie, delectable margherita pizza or well-curated beer list. Another great dining option in Durham’s Warehouse District and affordable to boot. A pit-stop at Hutchins Garage is always a great idea in my book!

Best of 2018 – M Tempura, Durham – Opened October 2018

When it comes to Japanese food in Durham, look no further then Chef Mike Lee. His newest restaurant entry, M Tempura, is a foray into uncharted territory for the Triangle: a classic Japanese tempura restaurant. Fresh produce and proteins are battered and quickly deep-fried for your dining pleasure, a simple but fantastic preparation. It’s a luxurious dinner experience but Chef Mike has also added a simpler lunch service focused on katsu and sandwiches. Expect more and better from the new M Tempura in 2019, M Restaurants has had a great track record over the years!

Best of 2018 – Morgan Street Food Hall, Raleigh – Opened August 2018

Given that Raleigh waited over a year for the delayed Morgan Street Food Hall, you know for sure that we were ready for its opening in the summer of 2018! And thankfully, it did not disappoint when it finally did open, offering an array of very good eating options under one roof! Love CowBar Burger, Cousins of Maine Lobster, Sassool Mediterranean and Carroll’s Kitchen and now can enjoy them with a beer or glass of vino from the central bar. Add in the large covered patio and you’ve got yourself a great, new dining option full of mouth-watering choices in downtown Raleigh!

Best of 2018 – Pizza La Stella, Cary – Opened October 2018

One of my bigger surprises for the year is the new Pizza La Stella in Cary. While I was familiar with the original Pizza La Stella in Raleigh, a new chef and new attitude was infused into the new Cary location. A menu of simpler items that are more authentic seems to be the mantra now. Nosh on a light Neapolitan pizza with a tender crust or some rich tomato-seared meatballs in an iron skillet, Pizza La Stella is bringing the I into Italian food for me! Along with a muted but stylish decor, I’m feeling that Pizza La Stella Cary is in for a good run at this busy location off Kildaire Farms Road.

Best of 2018 – Seoul 116, Raleigh – Opened May 2018

Given that Seoul 116 replaced one of my favorite restaurants (more) in 2018, I had some concerns about what this restaurant would be. But I’ll tell you what, Seoul 116 has totally won me over. With a menu of eclectic and modern Korean small plates, I’ve always had great meals here along with excellent service. Try the bulkogi or spicy pork sliders along with the Korean Fried Chicken and truffle corn with cheese. Paired with a glowing Capri Sun cocktail, Seoul 116 goes for an inventive and creative take on Asian eats! And for that, I am thankful for in 2018.

Best of 2018 – SideBar, Cary – Opened February 2018

As the cocktail craze continues in the Triangle, it was only a matter of time before it hit Cary! And SideBar has really amped up expectations in downtown Cary with an amazing combination of ambiance, service and superb cocktails. Co-owner Matthew Bettinger (previously at C. Grace in Raleigh) has brought his mixology skills to a sophisticated bar that combines speak-easy sensibilities in a more modern and bright location. I don’t often make special trips to visit Cary but when I do, SideBar is usually in the mix for Sunday Funday!

Best of 2018 – Sushi Mon, Raleigh – Opened December 2018

A late edition to my best of 2018 list, I was blown away by the sleek decor and excellent sushi served up at this inconspicuous Hillsborough Street location. North Carolina sourced wood tables, polished granite wall installation and a live moss wall hanging make for a beautiful and wonderfully designed space to enjoy your dinner. But it all would not work out without the exceptional talent of Chef Tom offering up fresh fish on Sushi Mon’s nigiri along with some creative toppings. Love the delicious simplicity of the space and menu, don’t miss out on Sushi Mon if you’re a fan of Japanese eats in Raleigh!

Best of 2018 – Tonbo Ramen, Raleigh – Opened February 2018

Over on Wilmington Street, you’ll find the wonderful Tonbo Ramen! Built with a classic ramen house design, you’ll find them ladling out large bowls of steaming ramen downstairs while the upstairs offers up Japanese small plates (and ramen) in a sexier setting. I prefer eating upstairs where you can choose from tonkotsu ramen, mazemen (dry ramen), chicken karaage and shrimp buns. The food at Tonbo is always flavorful and affordable which makes it a hidden gem in my mind. There may be other spots for ramen, but not many doing it as well as Tonbo.

Best of 2018 – Vita Vite Midtown, Raleigh – Opened August 2018

Last up on my best of 2018 list is Vita Vite Midtown over in North Hills! I love the design and space at this very modern wine bar and I think it takes the appeal of the original Vita Vite but broadens it to a wider audience. With two bars, stellar interior design and art, wrap-around views and a nice outdoor patio, Vita Vite Midtown is a wonderful spot for a date, glass of wine with friends or girls night out!

As it is every year, it was so hard to cut this Best of 2018 list down to ten finalists. So honorable mentions go out to Cha House in Chapel Hill; COPA, Cucciolo Osteria and the Wine Feed in Durham along with Heirloom Brewshop in Raleigh. While I thought this year’s list was a bit Raleigh-heavy, I’m hoping we get more from the Bull City in 2019; Boxcar Bar and Arcade is a great start! I’m also looking forward to Transfer Co. Food Hall filling out its vendor list along with great barbeque from Sam Jones in Raleigh, Kingfisher Lounge in Durham and the Cat Tales Cat Cafe in Chapel Hill. Keep up with the latest and greatest at my web pages below. I hope you enjoyed my best new restaurants and bars list for 2018 and I hope you’re as excited as I am about what 2019 will bring to the Triangle!

New Restaurants and Bars in Cary and Morrisville

New Restaurants and Bars in Chapel Hill and Carrboro

New Restaurants and Bars in Durham

New Restaurants and Bar in Raleigh

December 2, 2018 by Ron Wen

First Take: Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham

Front of Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Front of Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

When it comes to sandwiches, what comes to your mind? Couple of slices of bread, some protein in the middle, maybe some cheese. It just doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But thankfully we’ve got a new sandwich shop in town, Eastcut Sandwich shop in Durham. Located in the same building as the short-lived, Finch’s Durham, Eastcut Sandwich shop is a modern and hip take on a traditional up North sandwich shop. And it also adds a bit of gourmet surprise to the mix. After two visits to Eastcut I’ve got a pretty good feel for what they’re doing, most of which is good but there is some room for improvement!

Bright dining room at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Bright dining room at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Heading over to Eastcut Sandwich shop, you may be surprised at its location. Sitting in what seems to be a mostly residential neighborhood, you’ll quickly spy a narrow driveway leading to Eastcut’s parking lot and building. While the lot in front has limited spaces, there’s plenty of room in back for your vehicle! Head on over to the building and you’ll find a large wrap-around patio but the side doors are not usable as an entrance. Enter up front and you’ll find yourself in the main dining room which has a bit of a Western feel with the knotted pine floor planks and wood slat separator. Eastcut is counter order, table service and the line forms to the left!

Plenty of seating at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Plenty of seating at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

The menu at Eastcut Sandwich bar is focused on guess what?! You got it, hearty sandwiches either cold or hot along with some salads and burgers. What’s nice is that at Eastcut you can also grab a beer, cocktail or adult slushie with your meal so they’re trying to traverse the lunch and dinner periods with some alcoholic bevvies. There’s also a daily specials board and it looks like they like to get a bit creative here. Sandwiches are sold bare here on round buns or hero rolls. You’ll have to add a side (curly fries, sweet potato tots, salad, potato salad) to make it a meal. With most sandwiches between $6 to $15, you can eat pretty affordably here! Eastcut Sandwich Bar also has an after dark and brunch menu for Sundays which I have yet to try.

Chicken parm sandwich with curly fries at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Chicken parm sandwich with curly fries at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Chicken alla vodka sandwich at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Chicken alla vodka sandwich at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Given that I’m not much of a cold sandwich fan, my eyes settle on the chicken parm and cheesesteak offerings. But after a mental coin-flip, chicken parmigiana it is! Eastcut does a very nice chicken parmigiana sandwich which is served up on a beautiful but smallish, seeded roll. The chicken cutlet is very well browned and nicely assembled with great cheese and sauce coverage. It’s a delicious sammich but let’s face it, it’s hard to go wrong with chicken parm. On a second visit I get to try their chicken alla vodka sandwich on special. It’s similar to a chicken parm but goes with a creamier alla vodka sauce, ham and smoked gouda on top. It’s a hit for me, albeit a bit messy! And I actually like the form factor of the Eastcut sandwich on a standard roll vs. a sub roll, you seem to get a bit more with the smaller roll.

Confit chicken wings with peanut satay sauce at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Confit chicken wings with peanut satay sauce at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

While the overall menu is pretty standard for sandwiches, one thing I noticed is Eastcut Sandwich Bar’s creativity around the specials. The peanut satay wings I tried on special were a very unique rendition of a Thai-style wing with lots of rich, peanut-ty flavor. Cooked confit style (double cooked in oil, once at lower temp and then finished in hotter oil), the wings at Eastcut fall off the bone with a lot of tender chicken meat. This confit preparation takes a bit of work and isn’t something I’ve seen a lot of in the area, so kudos to Eastcut Sandwich Bar for the effort.

Service at Eastcut Sandwich Bar is solid but they are definitely training up their staff so be patient. There’s a new covered patio which has recently opened up so the owners here have some ambition with the seating! Overall I think you’ll be pleased by the sandwiches at Eastcut Sandwich Bar. They’re prepared with attention and a bit of creativity although the final results are a bit inconsistent. But given how recently they’ve opened, I’m hoping that Eastcut Sandwich Bar will get settled in across all aspects of its service and menu. Either way, if you live in the hood, don’t miss out on this little gem and that great patio. With a delicious sandwich and beer in hand, I can’t imagine you wouldn’t be happy and pleased…

Eastcut Sandwich Bar

3211 Old Chapel Hill Road

Durham, NC 27707

919.439.1852

Eastcut Sandwich Bar menus

Location on Google maps

September 12, 2018 by Ron Wen

It’s Good Eating at the New Morgan Street Food Hall

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After many delays, the new Morgan Street Food Hall is now open for business and business is booming! Thankfully I was able to get a couple of preview visits to Morgan Street Food Hall (MSFH) and get a feel for what was going in without having to fight the crowds. And from what I’ve seen, it’s a good mix of popular stand-bys along with some new dining options. But color me impressed overall! I’ll be working through the food and dining options at MSFH over the next several months so I’ll be updating this post over time!

I’d recommend visiting in off-hours (any time outside of 11:30 to 1:30 and 5:30 to 7:30pm) since the place is super popular right now. After I’m able to visit a restaurant, I’ll give it a star rating and short description. It’s a tough job but somebody has gotta do it, I’ve included menus when available to help you get a better understanding of prices and food options at the Morgan Street Food Hall!

Coming Soon to Morgan Street Food Hall

Primal Cuts (Sandwiches, Prime Rib)
Pazza Pasta (Italian)
Aunty Betty’s (Gin drinks)

Pictures, Menus and Prices for Morgan Street Food Hall Restaurants as of 7/27/19

Bad Cat Coffee Co.

Bad Cat Coffee Co. Menu

Bella’s Wood Fired Pizza & Tapas Menu

Boba Brew at Morgan Street Food Hall

Boba Brew at Morgan Street Food Hall Menu

Cocoa Forte

Cocoa Forte Menu

Cousins Maine Lobster

Cousins Maine Lobster: 4 Stars

The food truck turned food stall has done a great job here with its lobster rolls. In fact, it may even be better eating their food indoors with AC so a big thumbs-up from me!

Cow Bar

Cow Bar: 4 and 1/2 stars

A fun and delicious spot for a decadent and flavor-filled burger! Great selection of fries as a side, choose from Original, Italiano and Truffle. Just be aware that service can be a bit uneven and slow.

Curry in a Hurry

Curry in a Hurry Menu

Iyla’s Southern Kitchen

Iyla’s Southern Kitchen Menu

Makus Empanadas

Makus Empanadas menu: 3 1/2 Stars

A pretty quick meal of empanandas and S. American basics (black beans, rice, salad) will keep you happy here. Love the variety of baked empanadas here, they are light and crunchy but not super filling.

Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream

Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream Menu

MKG Kitchen

MKG Kitchen Menu: 4 Stars

Same great Vietnamese eats that you can find at their other restaurant, Mekong in Morrisville. But given the smaller kitchen, doing a broad menu is more of a challenge here.

Oak City Fish & Chips

Oak City Fish & Chips Menu: 2 1/2 Stars

Unfortunately, Oak City Fish & Chips has some serial service issues even with such a small menu. Running out of seafood items on the menu, slow cook times, lack of condiments, the staff needs better training and more kitchen help. The food is decent once you get it but not worth the stress.

Raleigh Mini Donuts

Raleigh Mini Donuts and Menu: 4 stars

Raleigh Raw

Raleigh Raw Menu

Raleigh Rolls

Raleigh Rolls Menu

Sassool Select

Sassool Select: 4 Stars

A Raleigh classic offering clean but tasty Mediterranean eats ranging from shawarma, wraps and salads.

The Arbor and Garden Bar

The Arbor and Garden Bar: 3 1/2 Stars

A decent bar with reasonable prices but service has been slow the handful of times I have been here, even in off-hours. Fingers crossed they get better with time and experience.

The Bowls

The Bowls: 4 Stars

A pan-Asian eatery offering rice bowls, poke bowls and small plates with Japanese, Chinese and Korean flavors. A good deal for the money, don’t miss the bulgogi egg rolls!