NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

The Best Restaurants and Bars in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and the 919

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September 4, 2019 by Ron Wen 4 Comments

Best Restaurants and Food in Glenwood South, Raleigh!

 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Known for its dance clubs and bars, S. Glenwood still has its fair share of good eats and restaurants!  Running from Peace Street down to Hillsborough, this busy strip in Raleigh has some hidden dining gems if you take the time to look.  From pizza to Spanish, steak and Thai, you can find it all on this street along with its side-streets and then dance it off at one of the clubs nearby.

Patio at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Patio at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Pizza at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Pizza at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Starting at the northern end of S. Glenwood you’ll find Mellow Mushroom!  A pizza chain from the Southeast, Mellow Mushroom serves up consistently good pizza and sandwiches along with a nice selection of craft beers and margaritas.  Perfect for families or a quick lunch given casual service, don’t miss the Mellow Mushroom patio during good weather.  It’s a great spot to while away the afternoon or early evening and watch people go by!

Patio at Mojoe's Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Patio at Mojoe’s Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Sliders and rings at Mojoe's Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Sliders and rings at Mojoe’s Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Across the street from Mellow Mushroom is the ever-popular Mojoe’s Burger Joint!  A NC state classic, Mojoe’s offers up delicious hamburgers, fries and onion rings.  They do regular specials and don’t miss the specialty of the house, their Vortex burger.  A 6 oz. burger between two cheese sandwiches along with pickles, bacon and ketchup.  Mojoe’s also has decent patio and outdoor dining area when the weather is nice.

Neon sign at Sullivan's Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Neon sign at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Chocolate cake at Sullivan's Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Chocolate cake at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Further south you’ll run into Sullivan’s, a small chain of premium steakhouses. Known for their prime-aged beef and excellent service, I have yet to do a full sit-down dinner but have done several events here.  It’s a formal and classic feel restaurant with a bustling bar scene on Thursdays for its $5 martinis and bar menu.  But if you go full-price, I’d expect to spend about $60 to $75 per person.

Dining room at Vidrio on Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Dining room at Vidrio on Raleigh
Grilled prawns at Vidrio in Raleigh

Down the block from Sullivans, you’ll find Vidrio, a lovely wine bar and Mediterranean small plates restaurant. This upscale restaurant is perfect for date nights offering an amazing dining room lines with colorful plates along with a fun and lively sidewalk lounge. Choose from healthy but flavorful grilled meats, seafood and much more.

Upstairs from Vidrio is the ever-popular Carolina Ale House! Loaded with televisions and a wrap-around patio overlooking Glenwood Avenue, you can catch up on the latest games and nosh on some above-average bar food. Love their burgers and wings, Carolina Ale House is great value for the money.

Interior of Clockwork in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Clockwork in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Clockwork in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Clockwork in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Next on my S. Glenwood list is Clockwork on North Street! Part bar, part lounge and part snackatorium, you can do apps, pizzas and sandwiches here.  And while they have a limited menu, the mod interior and roll-up garage door makes for a great night when the evening weather is good.  Great for a quick snack and drink but you could put together a full meal if you’re really hungry.

Patio at Thaiphoon in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Patio at Thaiphoon in Raleigh, NC
Pad kee mao at Thaiphoon in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Pad kee mao at Thaiphoon in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

On the other side of Glenwood on North Street is the Thaiphoon Bistro which has been dishing up good and spicy eats for years!  A menu spanning all the Thai favorites plus additions like roti canai make this spot a forgotten gem.  Sit inside in the clean-designed dining room or outside on the small porch by their koi pond.  Everything here is reasonably priced and a good deal for the portion size.

Front of Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Front of Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle
Corn-crab beignets at Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Corn-crab beignets at Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Around the corner from Thaiphoon Bistro you’ll find Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, which shares a patio with them.  Known for it’s local, farm to table fare in international flavors, Plates has come on strong over the past six months.  It dishes out well-prepared food spanning a broad variety of cuisines but don’t miss out on their corn-crab fritters, yum!  Basic Southern eats at very good prices with excellent service.

Anise Pho in Raleigh
Anise Pho in Raleigh
Anise Pho in Raleigh
Anise Pho in Raleigh

If you’re up for Asian but not Thai food, maybe Anise Pho will hit the spot! This humble Vietnamese eatery serves up really authentic pho, bun (noodle bowls), banh mi and more. Super cozy dining space with good service completes the dining experience. While it may not look like much from the outside, Anise Pho delivers a great meal for not much money.

Tin Roof in Raleigh
Tin Roof in Raleigh
Loaded tots at Tin Roof in Raleigh
Loaded tots at Tin Roof in Raleigh

One of the newest kids on the block, Tin Roof is a popular bar, live music venue and restaurant. Offering bar classics like nachos, wings, quesadillas, Nashville hot chicken and loaded tots. Sit up on the 2nd floor patio and you’ll have a great spot to grab a beer and people watch.

Game room at the new Tobacco Road Sports Raleigh
Bar at the new Tobacco Road Sports Raleigh

A little further down the street is Tobacco Road Sports which does elevated bar food.  But you come here as much for the TV’s and big game as you do for the food.  Busy on any night with a big sporting event, Tobacco Road Sports also puts out very large portions for the price, make sure to order their huge nachos plate with chicken or steak.

Glenwood Avenue looking south, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Glenwood Avenue looking south, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

All I can say is, wow!  While S. Glenwood is known for its nightlife, there are plenty of good eating options here!  I didn’t even bother to mention Armadillo Grill, Sushi Blues, DeMo’s Pizza,  the Hibernian, Rockford or Napper Tandys, some other popular eating options.  And on busy weekend nights, you’ll also find food carts working the busy streets around the clubs.  So don’t sweat it if you’re looking for something to eat when you’re out on S. Glenwood because there are plenty of choices to keep you going after a night out on the town…

 

Great Restaurants and Food on Glenwood South in Raleigh

Mellow Mushroom (Pizza, Italian)  $

Mojoe’s Burger Joint (American, Burgers)  $

Sullivans (Steak)  $$$$

Carolina Ale House (Sports bar) $$

Vidrio  (Small plates) $$$

Clockwork (Pizza, Sandwiches)  $$

Thaiphoon  (Thai)  $$

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe (American) $$

Plates (Southern, American)  $$

Tin Roof (Southern) $$

Anise Pho (Vietnamese) $$

Sushi O (Japanese, Thai)  $$

$ = Under $10  $$ = $10 to $20  $$$ = $20 to $35  $$$$ = Over $35

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Filed Under: Local Information, Overviews Tagged With: Glenwood South Restaurants

December 7, 2018 by Ron Wen 2 Comments

Food and Culinary Deals at Costco Wholesale in Raleigh for the Holidays!

Front of Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Front of Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

I’m not sure what I was thinking when I got my Costco membership.  I mean, what’s a single guy going to do with a 72 pack of toilet paper or a 10 pack of Brita filters?  But you would be surprised, my friend!  Once I learned the in’s and out’s of being a Costco member and navigating the parking lot, you realize there is definitely some value for even a single person with a membership. Especially if you’re into food and cooking, go figure.  And the more times I visit Costco, the more I find to enjoy and eat.  Let’s go for a quick tour!

Foodsaver at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Foodsaver at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Let’s start with Costco’s kitchen goods.  While they don’t have a huge selection, what they do have for kitchen brands is pretty strong.  I’ve been thinking about trying out sous vide cooking so I’m sort of in the market for a vacuum food sealer.  And while Costco doesn’t have more than 2 or 3 choices of any particular item, the 4880 Food Saver they have for $119, retails for over $175 elsewhere.  BIG savings!

And then I see a set of 4 KitchenAid ceramic knives for $25 which is typically $28 – $35 elsewhere.  KitchenAid mixers?  They’ve got them here and a LOT cheaper then Williams-Sonoma where I used to work.  If you’re in the market for kitchen tools, I think you’d do pretty well here. Costco usually also has a great selection of cookingware sets along with decent quality knives.

Custom cakes at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Custom cakes at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Moving on to the wine, baked goods and meats section, they’ve got a very nice selection of bottles here and from what I’ve been told, the wine-buyers at Costco are SUPER picky.  They are the 7th largest wine retailer in the world which means huge buying power.  I have yet to buy a bottle yet but will take some time to research their selection a bit.  Just past the wines are the baked goods, and I recently bought a 1/2 chocolate sheet-cake for $18!  You can choose from 20 or so decorations and choose from 2 types of cake and have a custom message on it.  And it was a decent cake with light butter cream, another great deal!

Meat section at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Meat section at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Just past the cakes there’s the bulk meat section where Costco sells vacuum-sealed USDA Prime and Choice meats, all at a good price.  I’ve done a couple of delicious prime rib roasts from Costco beef and you’ll know I’ll be back here sometime soon. Just be aware you will need some hungry mouths to take advantage of the family packs here.

Kirkland products at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Kirkland products at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Further in past the frozen goods, there are tons of foodstuffs with the in-house brand, Kirkland.  And while I may not want a bottle of Kirkland wine on my table, who cares when it comes to spices and other bulk cooking items?  I grab a 64 oz. container of organic extra virgin olive oil for $14, it goes for 50% more on Amazon.  A huge 160 oz. container of canola oil for $14 probably goes for at least $18.  And the best thing is that Costco usually stocks items that are above average in quality so you’re getting a great deal on really good food items!  I have yet to cost shop other items but I’d expect the same sort of discounts.  Costco employees are scattered through-out the warehouse demo’ing food items and handing out samples.  Some people say you can put together a lunch here just by grazing on the food samples.

Fresh flowers at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Fresh flowers at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

In addition to the food, you’ve obviously also got some great deals on electronics, basic clothes items, vitamins and more.  About the only thing they have that doesn’t seem to be a good deal are the movies, DVD’s and blu-ray discs.  Right before you check out, Costco has a great fresh flower stand which is well worth whatever price you pay.  Head on off to the cash register, make sure you grab a box to take your stuff out in and square up with cash, debit or the Costco AMEX card.  The lines can get long here but most Costco employees I’ve run into are well-trained and quick, phew!

Food stand at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Food stand at Costco Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Self-serve food kiosk at Costco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Self-serve food kiosk at Costco in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

But the food fun doesn’t stop here because right past the cash registers, you’ve got the Costco food stand.  Like many big-box stores, the experience can be so lengthy they need to provide you with some food (see my IKEA review).  And you can eat really on the cheap here. Hard to believe, but the food here is all pretty darn good, order your food at the self-serve kiosk and they’ve got a pick-up area for efficiency  Costco has their classic 1/4 lb. beef hot dog and drink for $1.50, a chicken bake for $3 and a slice of pizza for $2.  The beef hot dog is an 10″ long, filling beastie and you self-serve your soft drink.  Where else could you eat for under $2?!

The pizza is a medium crust with plenty of cheese and toppings, and of course, the slices are big.  If you want the whole pie, we’re talking only $9.95.  The chicken bake is a thin, well-browned Parmesan crust filled with chicken chunks and a bit of sauce, tasty stuff.  So AFTER you buy all that great food inside Costco, you get some more on the way out to fill yourself.  I’ve even heard of the Costco food challenge where you have to consume $10 worth of eats in under an hour.  Don’t think it’s impossible but I’ll pass for now.

Overall I’m really impressed by what I’ve found so far in my first month of membership and I’d highly recommend you check ’em out if you’ve got one in the area.  The newest Costco for the Triangle is coming to Apex in March 2016. Once you park, it’s not too painful outside of paying up at the cash register.  With their ridiculous buying power, Costco dishes out some great deals and eats for food lovers and aficionados.  Don’t let Costco’s big box presence scare you off from the great values inside, it’s totally worth the trouble…

 

Costco Wholesale

2838 Wake Forest Road

Raleigh, NC 27609

919.755.2801

Location on Google maps

Filed Under: Food, Local Information Tagged With: Shopping

August 20, 2018 by Ron Wen 2 Comments

European Style Shopping and Dining in Lafayette Village, Raleigh

Lafayette Village in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Lafayette Village in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Way up on Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh is a quiet little shopping area called Lafayette Village. You could pass this plaza a hundred times and not even notice it. But if you drive by without stopping, you my friend, are missing out! Because inside Lafayette Village are a slew of gourmet options for eating, drinking, and shopping. Slate stone walkways, stucco exteriors and metal hanging flower baskets accent the plaza. The quaint European facades give you some idea of what to expect but there’s no easier way to experience Lafayette Village than with a quick virtual visit!

LafayetteVillage-FountainSquare

Savory Spice at Lafayette Village in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Savory Spice at Lafayette Village in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Savory Spice at Lafayette Village in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Savory Spice at Lafayette Village in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

If you’re a home cook, Savory Spice is a must stop. A small chain based out of Colorado, Savory Spice’s Raleigh location is the only one in North Carolina. Pretty much any spice you can think of is available here. Take a sniff through their sample containers, buy a bag of spices or maybe one of their mixes. Paprika, peppers, meat rubs and more, this place smells wonderful. They even have a grinding room on site for their custom blends. As a home chef I can tell you that fresh spices can make all the difference in the end results. If you’ve had that little bottle of rosemary sitting on your shelf for a couple of years, maybe it’s time to replace it!

DriftwoodSouthernKitchen-InteriorMainFromBack

DriftwoodSouthernKitchen-BrisketBeans

Driftwood Southern Kitchen sits in the space that used to house the old Antonio’s Gourmet Market.  The interior has a modern yet rustic feel with a diner area right next to the kitchen, full bar and country decor spread out over the large interior. The menu is focused on local and farm to table, mixing Southern favorites (fried oysters, shrimp and grits) along with smoked meats and barbeque.  Prices are reasonable for drinks, apps and entrees especially given the location.  With excellent service, cool decor and an interesting menu, Driftwood Southern Kitchen is worth a visit if you’re shopping in the area.

Simply Crepes in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Simply Crepes in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
 Simply Crepes in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Simply Crepes in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Simply Crepe’s recently just opened up in Lafayette Village and again, it’s the only North Carolina location for a small, upstate NY chain. Inside, Simply Crepes has a continental feel but service is all Southern and friendly. You can do crepes for breakfast, lunch or dinner but I highly recommend checking them out for dessert. Their chocolate mousse crepe with strawberries and blueberries was great. And don’t miss their side of roasted potatoes if you’re doing breakfast at Simply Crepes.

Vinos Finos in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Vinos Finos in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Wine display at Vinos Finos in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Wine display at Vinos Finos in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

If you’re having dinner at Lafayette Village what better way to finish off your evening than with a glass of wine or gelato? Vinos Finos y Picadas is a labor of love from owner, Pat West. They specialize in S. American wines and appetizers. Grab a glass of malbec, a plate of empanadas or a charcuterie plate and kick back. Pat has family back in Argentina so he constantly visits to get the best wine deals for you. This classy little wine bar is worth the trip if you’re looking for a relaxed evening.

Jubala Village Coffee in Lafayette Village, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Jubala Village Coffee in Lafayette Village, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

And around the corner from Vinos Finos is Jubala’s, a neat little coffee shop. Bustling with its caffeinated crowds, Jubala is known for its latte art but also dishes out nice sandwiches and tea too.  With plenty of communal tables, you can certainly plop yourself down and get some work done along with getting an injection of high quality coffee.  Just be aware the place is busy and plan accordingly.

Farina-OutdoorSign

One newer addition to Lafayette Village is Farina, an Italian restaurant and sister restaurant to Driftwood Southern Kitchen. Inside the space is casual and open, featuring a brick, wood oven made for pizzas and other Italian specialties. A bar in back acts as a quiet lounge for solo diners and those looking for a quick drink and a snack.

Farina-DiningRoom2

Farina-MargheritaPizzaI’ve had the chance to eat at Farina a couple of times and it’s very solid Italian-American fare. Love their thin-crust wood-fired pizzas, the pasta carbonara with pork belly is also really rich and filling. Definitely a good spot for the family for some Italian favorites!

Interior of Zanyu Asian Noodles at Lafayette Village in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Interior of Zanyu Asian Noodles at Lafayette Village in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Niku udon noodles Zanyu Asian Noodles at Lafayette Village in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Niku udon noodles Zanyu Asian Noodles at Lafayette Village in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Last but not least is one of my favorites, Zanyu Asian Noodles! A small noodle shop specializing in SE Asian noodle bowls and small plates, Chef Michael Buongiorno knows his way around a kitchen. Don’t let the humble space fool you, he dishes out some wonderful khao soi, ramen, udon and more. It’s one of the few places in N. Raleigh I will make the drive up for…

Lafayette Village in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Lafayette Village in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Lafayette Village is still growing into its space so I expect even more in the upcoming year. The circular design of the village means there’s a ring of patios behind the shops where you can see all the action. They’ve also got a huge common area where I imagine they could do some great festivals and events. And while it may be a bit of a drive to get to Lafayette Village from downtown Raleigh, it’s worth the effort. Because all I can think of when I’m wondering through the area is bon appetit, it’s time to eat!

 

Shops in Lafayette Village

8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh

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Savory Spice Shop

Simply Crepes

Driftwood Southern Kitchen

Vinos Finos y Picadas

Upper Crust Bakery

Jubala Village Coffee

Farina

Zanyu Asian Noodles

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Filed Under: Local Information, Raleigh, Restaurant & Bar Reviews Tagged With: Lafayette Village Restaurants, North Raleigh Restaurants

June 2, 2018 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Take Flight with Great Restaurants and Dining Around Raleigh Durham Airport (RDU)

Terminal 2 at RDU International Airport, NC Triangle Dining
Terminal 2 at RDU International Airport, NC Triangle Dining

I don’t know about you but when I travel, I often take advantage of being on the road by stuffing myself full of high-calorie food. Let’s face it, when you’re flying from airport to airport, it’s hard to find meals that go beyond the local Applebee’s-TGIF-Ruby Tuesday trifecta. Burgers, quesadillas, chicken tenders, you know the deal! But if you are heading over to Raleigh-Durham (RDU) airport in Morrisville, you’ve got some good local restaurant choices to balance out all that chain food. Here’s a guide to some special restaurants that will keep your stomach happy and full before jetting off.

(Note: Dim Sum House is under new ownership)  Since you’re probably driving in on I-40, head south down on Airport Boulevard, Exit 284. Pass the Hooters and Cracker Barrel if you dare, and you’ll soon find the delicious Dim Sum House. Dim Sum House is true to its name and serves dim sum (small, Cantonese chinese plates) all day long! Start off with some delicious har gow (steamed shrimp dumplings) or shu mai (pork dumplings), standard dim sum favorites. Dim sum comes in three primary categories: fried-savory, steamed-savory and sweet so you’ll find something to suit your appetite. And depending on what they have available (daily selection changes), I’d also recommend the braised tofu rolls, ribs with black bean and chinese greens.

Salt & pepper pork chops from Dim Sum House, Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining
Salt & pepper pork chops from Dim Sum House, Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining
Namesake dishes from Dim Sum House, Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining
Namesake dishes from Dim Sum House, Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining

Dim Sum House does table service during the week but on weekends it can get quite busy with the dim sum served on rolling carts. If you’re not in the mood for small plates, Dim Sum House also does great cantonese Chinese food. Their beef chow fun (thick rice noodles) and salt-pepper pork chops are reminiscent of what I might find in San Francisco, great stuff!

Front of Smokey's BBQ Shack, Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining
Front of Smokey’s BBQ Shack, Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining
Brisket sandwich and fries from Smokey's BBQ Shack, Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining
Brisket sandwich and fries from Smokey’s BBQ Shack, Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining

Just a bit west of Dim Sum House is the cozy Smokey’s BBQ Shack on Chapel Hill Road! Smokey’s is the real deal with a pile of hardwoods out back. Try their beef brisket or smoked wings to get your meat on. Order at the counter and then pick up your food at the magic barbeque window. Smokey’s is all about slow-cooked meat whether it’s pork, beef or chicken with all the traditional sides: hush-puppies, brunswick stew, fried okra and mac n cheese. Inside it’s all country casual but perfect for some serious eatin’ So grab an old wooden table, plop your sweet tea down and dig in to some que! The parking lot is always busy here at Smokey’s so you gotta trust the locals.

Rosatis-Sign

If you’re up for pizza (and who isn’t?), check out Rosati’s Pizza on Davis Drive. Rosati’s in Morrisville is the only NC location for a popular Chicago deep-dish pizza chain.

Deep dish pizza at Rosati's, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Deep dish pizza at Rosati’s, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

We’re talking about thick, buttery crust loaded with chunky tomato, cheese and your favorite toppings: sausage, pepperoni, mushroom or whatever floats your boat. Just give your self a bit of time because Rosati’s is about six miles from the airport and their deep-dish pizza’s take a bit of time. But totally worth the effort if your up for some cheesy deliciousness!

Front of Angus Barn, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Front of Angus Barn, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

And north of the airport off of Lumley Road is the ever popular, Angus Barn! Super popular steak house that’s usually a great choice for special events and parties, Angus Barn puts out classic eats and is renown for their cheese dip, dry-aged beef and ribs. All presented in a beautiful country and barn setting. For a casual meal, eat at their Wild Turkey Lounge which serves up a shorter food menu compared to the main dining room. Not to be missed if you’ve got some money in your expense account to burn!

Turkey wings from Angus Barn, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Prime rib with asparagus from Angus Barn, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Besides these fantastic choices, there are some other great restaurants like C&T Wok (Sichuan Chinese) and Randy’s Pizza further out. There’s definitely no reason to suffer when it comes to food and restaurants around RDU Airport! Great Chinese, Italian and barbeque means you’ll be saying “bon appetit” as your plane circles and lands in the Triangle. Forget about those honey-roasted peanuts my friend, it’s time to eat…

 

Great Restaurants Around Raleigh Durham Airport

Dim Sum House- Morrisville

Smokey’s BBQ Shack- Morrisville

Rosati’s- Morrisville

Angus Barn- Raleigh

C&T Wok- Morrisville

Randy’s Pizza- Durham

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Filed Under: Cary, Local Information, Morrisville, Restaurant & Bar Reviews Tagged With: Barbeque-Smoked Meats, Dim-Sum, Restaurants Near RDU Airport

January 24, 2018 by Ron Wen 6 Comments

Best Dining and Restaurants at Waverly Place in Cary

Sunset at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Sunset at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining

Over the years, Waverly Place has seen good and bad days. I used to live in this neighborhood and I never found much of a reason to visit this large, sunken strip plaza. But over the past two years, things have really picked up at Waverly Place. A new developer has spent a lot of money bringing in some high-end touches to the plaza such as water fountains, ambiance lighting and more. And the incoming restaurants have been a cut above your usual strip mall fare with a diverse group of eating choices. And also really nice patios given the strip mall setting!  So where to go when visiting Waverly Place in Cary?  Here are some of my favorites…

Enrigo Italian Bistro at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Enrigo Italian Bistro at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Rigatoni amatraciana at Enrigo Italian Bistro in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Rigatoni amatraciana at Enrigo Italian Bistro in Cary- NC Triangle Dining

One of the first new restaurants here was the Italian classic, Enrigo Italian Bistro!  When they first opened up, I always found their food to be decent, just not amazing.  But a new chef has brought about a huge improvement in the food here. A recent lunch here showed off some great amatriciana pasta, apps and tiramisu.  Along with a great covered patio, Enrigo Italian Bistro has definitely stepped up its game and is a worthwhile meal at Waverly Place.

Taziki's at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Taziki’s at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Taziki's at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Taziki’s at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining

Next on the list is the relatively new, Taziki’s Cafe!  More of a quick casual, Greek-Mediterranean offering, they’ve got counter order and the lines to show that they must be doing something right!  Choose from salads, wraps and kebab plates, the food portions here are generous and fresh-tasting even though they may be a bit Americanized.  Still a good choice if you’re looking for something healthier and don’t want to pay for the full sit-down experience. Taziki’s usually pleases most people and for good reason.

Famous Toastery at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Famous Toastery at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Famous Toastery at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Famous Toastery at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining

A casual and country dining choice is the casual Toast Cafe which dishes out more classic American eats.  Think BLT’s, turkey sandwiches and egg salad!  But while the menu may look familiar, Toast Cafe does a nice twist on things.  Fresh sides and great service make it a good option for a quick but satisfying meal.  And they’ve got a side-patio complete with fountain, woohoo!

Shake Shack in Cary - nctriangledining.com
Shake Shack in Cary – nctriangledining.com
Shack burger at Shake Shack in Cary - nctriangledining.com
Shack burger at Shake Shack in Cary – nctriangledining.com

One brand new option at Waverly Place for dining is Shake Shack!  This chain of fast-casual grills offers up outstanding hamburgers, crinkle fries and shakes. While the price is a bit high for a burger joint, the quality is evident in every bite of your meal.  Don’t miss out on the classic Shack burger along with their great chicken sandwich. Great for families, Shake Shack has a great view of the Waverly Place green given its central location.

Fresca Cafe at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Fresca Cafe at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Fresca Cafe at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Fresca Cafe at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining

Next on the list is Fresca Cafe which is a mix of coffee-gelato shop along with some sandwiches and quiches for a savory moment.  Fresca has a modern Italian feel and while I think their strength is in their sweets, you can put together a casual lunch with soup, salad, sandwiches and crepes.  My experiences here have been a bit hit or miss, just an FYI.

GigisCupcakesWaverly-Sign

Gigi's cupcakes at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Gigi’s cupcakes at Waverly Place, Cary- NC Triangle Dining

And finally, Gigi’s Cupcakes!  Yeah, it’s a chain and they go a bit heavy on the frosting but if you’re looking for a cakey sweet to finish up your meal, you can do far worse than Gigi’s.  With a rotating assortment of daily flavors, you’ll still probably find something to suit your fancy and stomach.

View of Waverly Place in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
View of Waverly Place in Cary- NC Triangle Dining

So Waverly Place you’re all growed up!  In addition to the above restaurant there’s also a Barberitos (Mexican), Menchie’s (frozen yogurt) and a soon to come Cinebistro in 2015.  So walk around, window-shop, enjoy the fountains and green space along with the good dining options here.  Waverly Place is getting better each month, bring the family along for a relaxing visit…

 

Great Restaurants and Dining at Waverly Place

Enrigo Italian Bistro (Italian)

Tazikis (Greek, Mediterranean)

Famous Toastery (American, Sandwiches)

Shake Shack (Burgers)

Fresca Cafe & Gelato (Sandwiches, Pastries)

Gigi’s (Cupcakes)

Waverly Place Directory

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Filed Under: Cary, Local Information, Overviews Tagged With: Family Friendly Restaurants

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