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Local Information

January 24, 2018 by Ron Wen 8 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.

Next on the list is Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop which is a small chain based out of the mid-Atlantic region. Highlights for me include their Bobbie (pulled turkey, cranberry, stuffing) and cheesesteak sandwiches. A casual and tasty spot for a quick meal.

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, Dining and Food at Waverly Place in Cary

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop (Hoagies)

Chicken Salad Chick (Southern)

Enrigo Italian Bistro (Italian)

Tazikis (Greek, Mediterranean)

Famous Toastery (American, Sandwiches)

Gonza Tacos y Tequila (Mexican)

Mod Pizza (Pizza)

Shake Shack (Burgers)

Tasu Asian Bistro (Japanese, Thai)

Waverly Place Directory

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

January 21, 2020 by Ron Wen 4 Comments

The 20 Best Restaurants Near the Durham Performing Arts Center – DPAC

The Durham Performing Arts Center at dusk - nctriangledining.com
The Durham Performing Arts Center at dusk – nctriangledining.com

If you’re lucky enough to have gotten Hamilton tickets (or Elf or Miss Saigon) at DPAC, you know you’re in for a special evening! And what better way to kick off a great night at the theater than with a great pre-show meal. And not surprisingly, there are a ton of great eating and food choices near DPAC ranging from Mexican nouveau, casual Italian sandwiches, Neapolitan pizza, gourmet burgers, and much more. And all of these great restaurant options are within walking distance of DPAC in three primary areas around Mangum Street, Five Points, and the American Tobacco Campus!

Check out each neighborhood and its dining options below, 20 in total.

Best Restaurant and Dining Deals around the DPAC in Durham, Part I (Walk to DPAC, Mangum Street)

Best Restaurant and Dining Deals around the DPAC in Durham, Part II (Walk to DPAC, Five Points)

Best Restaurant and Dining Deals around the DPAC in Durham, Part III (Closest to DPAC, ATC)

View Best Restaurant and Dining Deals Around DPAC! in a larger map

Best Restaurants near DPAC- Mangum and Main Street

Right across the railroad tracks you’ll find nine great restaurant choices around Main Street and Mangum: Alley Twenty-Six, Bull City Burger and Brewery, COPA, Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter, Luna Rotisserie, M Kokko, M Sushi and Rue Cler (on the map in red)!

Inside of Alley Twenty Six in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Inside of Alley Twenty Six in Durham – nctriangledining.com
Fried oysters at Alley Twenty Six in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Fried oysters at Alley Twenty Six in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Alley Twenty Six has been a Durham classic for many years, starting off as a cocktail bar and then expanding into a full-service restaurant. With a bright and modern interior, the menu at Alley Twenty Six matches the decor! A great selection of bites and charcuterie along with small and larger plates will whet your appetite before the show. I’ve tried the cornmeal fried oyster along with a burger here, good, high quality bar food. And obviously you can’t miss the cocktails here at Alley Twenty Six, they are good but pricey. So enjoy Alley Twenty Six for dinner or just a cocktail, I think you’ll be pleased with either side of this business!

Front of Bull City Burger & Brewery in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Burger from Bull City Burger & Brewery in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

First up is Bull City Burger & Brewery , a cool and casual dining spot! Bull City Burger & Brewery spins out fresh beer brewed on the premises along with top-notch gourmet burgers. Most everything is made in-house at Bull City Burger, the owner Seth, is very fussy about the quality of his wares. Bull City Burger & Brewery is also family-friendly with a play area in the back for children.

Bar and dining room at COPA in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Bar and dining room at COPA in Durham – nctriangledining.com
Arroz con pollo at COPA, Durham - nctriangledining.com
Arroz con pollo at COPA, Durham – nctriangledining.com

COPA sits in a prime location at Mangum and Main Street, about as close as you can get to DPAC. But beyond its great location you’ll find a delicious menu of classic Cuban cuisine along with a contemporary and open dining room. Inside COPA, the pea green dining room, stencils and interior design gives diners a feel of the Caribbean. Try out the pan con chicarrones (bread with pork) or arroz con pollo (rice and chicken) for a taste of the Cuban island. Enjoy a refreshing daiquiri cocktail in a thick-cut crystal glass and you’ll be transported to 1920’s Havana. All in all, COPA is a very interesting and unique dining experience in the Triangle!

Modern dining room at Jack Tar and the Colonel's Daughter in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Modern dining room at Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter in Durham – nctriangledining.com
Poutine at Jack Tar and the Colonel's Daughter in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Poutine at Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter in Durham – nctriangledining.com

While the name is quite a mouthful, Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter keeps things pretty basic a modern diner. But it flips the concept on its head for Durham diners, offering up a super modern wood-paneled dining room along with spun up diner fare. Enjoy poutine, banh mi and Sichuan peppercorn chicken along with the usual grill type eats. Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter has a bit of a split personality with a more cozy bar and lounge opposite the main dining room. Don’t miss out on that space!

Lovely interior of Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Lovely interior of Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Pulled chicken plate at Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Pulled chicken plate at Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Conveniently on Main Street, you’ll find the new Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas! This hip and casual eatery offers up wood-smoked meats (chicken, brisket, pork) along with other Central American favorites at a reasonable price ($10 – $18 entrees). Inside the decor is warm and sultry, the delicious aromas of roast meat, will have you ready to eat. Add in a very nice bar and communal table and I’m pretty sure you’ll find Luna Rotisserie to be a great pre-DPAC show option for dinner.

 

Korean fried chicken at M Kokko - nctriangledining.com
Korean fried chicken at M Kokko – nctriangledining.com

M Kokko is the brain-child of Chef Mike Lee and offer some eclectic Asian preparations focused around the humble chicken. Choose from ramen, Korean fried chicken and more, all featuring their delicious bird. The space is small (15 to 20 seats) so it fills up quickly, keep your eye on the chalkboard menu on the wall to figure out your eats. If there’s a wait at M Kokko head on over to  their sister restaurant, M Sushi and grab a drink.

 Dining room at M Sushi - nctriangledining.com
Sushi bar at M Sushi – nctriangledining.com

Barbeque eel bun at M Sushi

And while M Kokko is quite good, M Sushi is great! This classic sushi restaurant utilizes some of the best and freshest fish around in their sushi, chirashi bowls and omakase offerings. The inside is simple and industrial sporting a long sushi bar, bare brick walls and concrete floors. Don’t miss the barbeque eel buns here, served with some crisp salmon skin and pickle, they are fantastic. But you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu! Note, you’ll probably need a reservation to eat here in prime-time hours, most nights.

Interior of Pompieri Pizza in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Pompieri Pizza in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Pompieri pizza

The interesting Pompieri Pizza sits in an old firehouse so it’s a large and open space. Pompieri specializes in Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizza, a classic Italian pie. Order in back at the counter, grab a soda or beer and they bring you your individual pie with shears! Snip away a slice that’s perfectly sized with some shears, the pizza is served unsliced here. I’ve tried their pork belly pie and name-sake Pompieri pie, both were excellent with a great chewy crust.

Front of Rue Cler in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Front of Rue Cler in Durham – NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Rue Cler in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Rue Cler in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Another good dining choice would be Rue Cler, a solid French bistro with great service. They’ve also got a very affordable ($35) three course prix fixe menu, perfect for theater night. Mix and match from the seasonal menu or from the a la carte portion to your heart’s content. Recently I had a lovely lentil soup, braised asparagus and steak frites with bearnaise sauce as my prix fixe meal. Just keep the stiletto’s at home for ease of walking since Rue Cler is a bit further away off of Mangum Street!

Best Restaurants near DPAC- Five Points Area

This DPAC dining post will take a look at some great restaurants in the Five Points area, also a short walk from DPAC: Cucciolo Osteria, It’s a Southern Thing, Mateo, Mothers and Sons, Pizzeria Toro, Thai at Main Street, Toast and Viceroy. On the DPAC dining map above, you’ll find the restaurants profiled in this post colored in green.

Long and narrow space at Cucciolo in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Long and narrow space at Cucciolo Osteria in Durham – nctriangledining.com
Linguine carbonara at Cucciolo in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Linguine carbonara at Cucciolo Osteria in Durham – nctriangledining.com

First up for great restaurants in the Five Points neighborhood is the newer Cucciolo restaurant. A spot for fine Italian food in a more sophisticated setting. The long and narrow space at Cucciolo is highlighted by a centerpiece bar perfect for single diners or couples. Ambiance is clean and a bit romantic with the dimmed lights here, perfect for the classic Italian menu. You’ll find a well-curated and shorter menu with some starters, pastas and entrees ranging from bruschetta, butter chicken, pasta carbonara and more. Prices are a bit higher than average but the food is well worth it! Reservations recommended due to the smaller dining room.

Pete-loaf at It's a Southern Thing in Durham
Pete-loaf at It’s a Southern Thing in Durham
Crab dip with pita points at It's a Southern Thing in Durham
Crab dip with pita points at It’s a Southern Thing in Durham

It’s a Southern Thing is one of the newer dining options on this list. Blessed with a beautiful and large dining room along with very reasonable prices, It’s a Southern Thing offers up classics such as meat loaf, shrimp and grits, smoked wings and more. A fun options within walking distance to DPAC but a bit off the beaten path.

Mateo-Interior2

Mateo-TortillaEspanola

Two hot dining spots in the neighborhood are located on Chapel Hill Street, Mateo for Spanish tapas and Mothers and Sons. Both follow a similar theme: fresh, ethnic eats in a super-hip, rustic environment. Mateo is the most upscale restaurant on this list, the type of place where you can get dressed up or go more casual. But that’s the beauty of tapas! You can come here to snack or build a full meal. And you can come as a pair or do it up as a large party, there’s plenty to choose from. Mateo puts out really authentic small plates such as pan tomate, braised oxtail toast and gambas ajillo. With a standard of decor that would fit into any major metro, Mateo does authentic small plates in a lively environment. Just be warned that the place can get loud, due to its busy crowd.

At Mothers and Sons you’ll find a bustling dining room with happy patrons and knowledgeable servers. The menu is authentically Italian offering up hand-made pastas, roast meats and more. Love the crispy arancini here along with the gnocchi ala romana! And the decor here is wonderfully done, you will probably need reservations to eat here on most nights.

PizzeriaToro-Oven

PizzeriaToro-MargheritaPizza

Serving up wonderful, neapolitan-style pizzas out of a showcase wood-fired oven, Pizzeria Toro has a great reputation for artisan pies. The crowd here was super-hipster and with fire-fly, Edison lights over each table, the space feels like it was pulled out of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I’ve got my fingers crossed that Pizzeria Toro will be re-opening soon and I’ll let you know as soon as I find out!

Toast-Front

Cheese sandwich with arancini at Toast in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Cheese sandwich with arancini at Toast in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Further down on Main Street is the wonderfully inexpensive but delicious Toast. Think panini’s, crostini’s, sandwiches and soup. The ingredients are all locally sourced and high-quality, I’m in love with their chicken salad sandwich. Add in a beer or glass of wine and you can still walk out of the place for $15. An amazing deal for food this fresh, it’s just not a fancy meal out. Be sure to check Toast’s website before making any plans to eat there. It’s a small operation run by a lovely couple but it may be closed from time to time for family reasons. Toast is typically open until 8pm which makes it a great choice for a pre-show dinner with some vino!

Rich interior at the Viceroy in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Rich interior at the Viceroy in Durham – nctriangledining.com
Spicy jeera wings at Viceroy in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Spicy jeera wings at Viceroy in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Next up on the Five Points list is Viceroy! A super popular Indian-British gastropub serving everything from classic curries to creative fusion type dishes. I think the best deal here are the small plates ranging from gobi sukka (spicy cauliflower) to the pasties (crescent pastries stuffed with assorted fillings. The menu here changes pretty frequently but it’s always a lot of fun and spicy. What really makes Viceroy special is the rich and textured dining room full of polished wood, paintings and Victorian wallpaper. Reservations recommended here for most nights before a DPAC show.

Thai at Main Street in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Thai at Main Street in Durham – nctriangledining.com
Crispy catfish at Thai at Main Street in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Crispy catfish at Thai at Main Street in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Thai at Main Street is a newer choice near DPAC and offers up flavorful Thai eats in a casual setting

So these eight restaurants near DPAC and in Five Points are all great dining and restaurant choices. A quick 5 to 15 minute walk will have you back at DPAC and in time for the big show!

Best Restaurants near DPAC- American Tobacco Campus

Ribeye and truffled cauliflower at Nana Steak in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Ribeye and truffled cauliflower at Nana Steak in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

The menu here is pretty traditional ranging from $18 to $60 and covering the usual array of grilled beef, seafood, chicken, and pork. I tried an Angus beef ribeye which was a bit fatty and luscious all at the same time. Along with the truffled cauliflower, it’s a solid meal and an overall good experience here. Given its proximity to DPAC and upscale environs, I suspect Nana Steak will soon become a favorite for the DPAC crowd!

Discrete front of Nana Steak in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Discrete front of Nana Steak in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Lux bar at Nana Steak in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Lux bar at Nana Steak in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

The newest dining addition to the ATC is the upscale NanaSteak located at the base of the new Aloft Hotel! The discrete front entrance hides a very upscale, well-appointed interior, typical of a steak house. The front bar and dining area have a lovely polished wood bar, chandeliers above and were filled with a more mature crowd on my visit. A second dining room and upstairs event/group area fill out the rest of the large dining space here. And while the ambiance is all steakhouse, prices here are pretty reasonable for what you get…

Press Coffee Crepes and Cocktails is one of the newer and closest options near DPAC! This casual but beautiful cafe specializes in coffee drinks, sandwiches and crepes so you can come here at any time in the day. Currently the hours are a bit limited but I imagine they will be expanded once DPAC has a more regular schedule.

Front of Tobacco Road Sports in Durham - nctriangledining.com
Front of Tobacco Road Sports in Durham – nctriangledining.com

One super-convenient option that puts you steps away from the DPAC entrance is the lovely, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. Serving upscale bar food at reasonable prices, you will definitely not go hungry here. Yes, they’ve got tons of televisions. Yes, they serve pitchers of beer. But Tobacco Road Sports barely qualifies as a sports bar given its upscale decor, full bar and solid service.

Nachos from Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Nachos from Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Love their nachos, sliders and frizzled chicken, and beef ribs. A large dining space, bar and patio means you’ve got plenty of seating options. But you’ll need ALL the space here because this place can get insanely busy. After you’re done, take a leisurely short stroll past the fountain over to DPAC, you can’t be much closer than Tobacco Road Sports…

Beauty and the Beast at DPAC in Durham, NC Triangle Dining

In the end it all just depends on your mood: fancy and frilly or tasty and simple! Getting in for an early dinner around DPAC is typically not that hard unless there’s something very popular showing. Just don’t go to the DPAC hungry because outside of some cookies, gelato, candied nuts and adult beverages, you won’t find much to tide you over for three hours! And it’s really hard to enjoy a show when you’re famished, take advantage of the great dining options in the area, bon appetit!

 

Best Restaurants near DPAC- Main and Mangum Street

  • Alley Twenty Six (American)
  • Bull City Burger & Brewery (American)
  • COPA (Cuban)
  • Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter (American)
  • Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas (Latin American)
  • M Kokko (Asian, Chicken)
  • M Sushi (Japanese, Sushi)
  • Pompieri Pizza (Neapolitan Pizza)
  • Rue Cler (French)

Best Restaurants near DPAC- Five Points Area

  • Cucciolo (Italian)
  • It’s a Southern Thing (Southern)
  • Mateo (Spanish, Tapas)
  • Mothers and Sons (Italian)
  • Pizzeria Toro (Neapolitan Pizza)
  • Thai at Main Street (Thai)
  • Toast (Italian, paninis)
  • Viceroy (Indian)

Best Restaurants near DPAC- American Tobacco Campus

  • NanaSteak (American, Steak)
  • Press Coffee Crepes and Cocktails (Cafe)
  • Tobacco Road Sports Cafe (American, Bar)

Additional Help for your DPAC visit

  • Best Bars and Cocktails Around the DPAC in Durham
  • Tips and Tricks to get the most out of your DPAC Visit

Filed Under: Durham, Local Information, Restaurant & Bar Reviews Tagged With: Date Restaurants, DPAC Restaurants and Bars

April 9, 2013 by Ron Wen 1 Comment

The Best Dining and Food Around Cameron Village (District) in Raleigh

CameronVillage-Sign

When it’s time to do some shopping and get your credit card revved up, the Village District is one of the most popular spots in the Raleigh area!  But of course as you do your power shopping, who doesn’t work up an appetite?  And as an older, classic shopping plaza, Cameron Village has got tons of choices for great gifts but not quite as many great ones for dining. While there are old stand-by’s such as Carolina Cafe and the Flying Biscuit, I’d probably lean towards some newer choices. And since I live right in the hood, I tend to be picky when it comes to a good meal when visiting the Village District!

Front of Tazza Kitchen in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Front of Tazza Kitchen in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

My all-time favorite at the Village District is probably Tazza Kitchen which replaced my OLD favorite, Cafe Caturra.  Located on the backside near Walgreens, look for the wood-paneled patio area. Tazza Kitchen has a great feel inside: dark and hip, it reminds me of a spot you might find on the West coast.  Tazza specializes in items from their imported from Italy, wood stove.  So we’re talking pizzas and other dishes served in cast-iron platters.  And it’s all pretty darn delicious!

TazzaKitchen-HoneyBlackPepperPizza

For openers, try out their brussel sprouts with bacon and egg.  Or how about some luscious pork, veal and beef meatballs?  But my favorite is still their thin-crust, Neapolitan style pizzas.  I’ve done a sausage with black-pepper honey along with a white bechamel-onion-bacon pie, both were excellent. Add in some great wine choices by the glass along with local NC beers and you’ve got a wonderfully versatile restaurant for small groups.  A great stop if you’re in Cameron Village, here’s the full review on Tazza Kitchen.

Cool interior at Ajisai Japanese Fusion in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Cool interior at Ajisai Japanese Fusion in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Bento box at Ajisai Japanese Fusion in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Bento box at Ajisai Japanese Fusion in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Next on my Cameron Village list is the new Ajisai Japanese restaurant!  A super modern and slick take on sushi and more, Ajisai has a cool bar lit up with blue LED lighting and a smallish dining room.  While sushi is never cheap (and you don’t want it to be), Ajisai does a great lunch for $10 – $12 for bento boxes, sushi and more.  Given the great décor and food, it’s a great and unconventional choice for lunch in Cam Village.

Inside of Tupelo Honey Café- NC Triangle Dining
Inside of Tupelo Honey Café- NC Triangle Dining

The recently opened Tupelo Honey Cafe is causing a big buzz in Raleigh and for good reason!  Large portions of inventive Southern fare means you get the best of both worlds: a satisfying meal with plenty of flavor!  I’ve tried their Appalachian egg rolls (pulled pork-collards), Cajun mac n cheese with blackened shrimp, ham wontons and shrimp and grits.

Fried shrimp and cauliflower at Tupelo Honey Cafe in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Fried shrimp and cauliflower at Tupelo Honey Cafe in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Everything is really satisfying at Tupelo Honey Café and delivered with Southern hospitality.  Located in the new development off of Oberlin Road (on the edge of Cameron Village), parking may be tricky but there are spaces behind the restaurant in the work-live structure.

Entrance at soca
Crab mofongo at soca

On the corner of Oberlin and Peace you’ll find the very lovely Soca! Known for its Latin-American menu with a creative flair, you’ll find everything from churrasco steak to lamb patties and more. Great cocktails and a stunning dining room compleate the meal. And their patio may be one of the best in Raleigh during good weather, a fantastic. outdoor dining experience.

Front of Village Draft House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Front of Village Draft House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Village Draft House has been a Cameron Village favorite for years. With great bar food and burgers, what really draws people to Village Draft House is their large selection of excellent beers! Take note that Village Draft House is not as big as it used to be, they’ve cut back on their dining space a while ago.

French dip sandwich at Village Draft House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
French dip sandwich at Village Draft House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

My last visit to Village Draft House was for an excellent French dip sandwich paired with great onion rings! Wednesday is typically draft night special with all pints at $3.50 minus the higher ABV offerings. Village Draft House is a great spot to grab a quick bite or catch the game in Cameron Village…

Cantina18-FrontDayCantina18-ShortribBurritoSlaw-Close

And don’t forget Cantina 18 which delivers a nice spin on Southwestern eats from the folks that run Seaboard 18.  Their new two-story space is modern and open spurning more traditional Southwestern decor. Quesadillas, tacos and more in a comfortable casual setting.  Cantina 18 has a nice brunch menu and sidewalk seating options for fresh air!

RiseBiscuitsDonutsCameronVillage-FrontOpeningDay

On the more casual side, grab a chicken biscuit at Rise Biscuits and Donuts! Newly open in Cameron Village, Rise is a popular spot for donuts, pastries and their savory biscuits. Just beware that there’s little to no seating inside the space.

ChickFilACV-FrontDay

For more casual fare, grab a sandwich at the only two story Chick-fil-A in the country!  This spot can get crazy busy with a long line at the drive-thru but they are fast and polite.  Who can resist a solid chicken sandwich and their famous waffle fries?  This Chick-fil-A is big and great for children with a small patio and play area.  Super popular with mom’s and kids, don’t miss their double drive-thru in back.

WhichWichCameronVillage-FrontDay

You’ve also got a new Which Wich in Cameron Village which puts out some great sandwiches customized just the way you want it.  Step inside, grab a bag and check off your sandwich type and customized ingredients.  While Which Wich doesn’t put out an over-sized sammich, they’re solid, tasty and made on some great bread.  Certainly worth the effort and a step up from Subway.

So once you’re doing shop, shop shopping, consider any of the above choices to fuel up yourself.  You definitely have got some good dining choices if not great.  Right in Cameron Village or just outside, choose from fresh sandwiches, sushi, burgers, Asian and more to refill your tank after you’re done shopping.

Best Dining, Restaurants at Cameron Village in Raleigh

Soca (Latin American)

Tazza Kitchen (Pizzas, Seasonal)

Tupelo Honey Cafe (Southern)

Village Draft House (American, Burgers)

Rise Biscuits and Donuts (Bakery, Donuts)

Cantina 18 (Southwestern)

Chick Fil A (Chicken)

Which Wich (Sandwiches)

Complete List of Food and Dining at Cameron Village

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Filed Under: Local Information, Overviews Tagged With: Cameron - Village District Restaurants, Shopping

December 8, 2020 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

The 10 Best Restaurants Near the Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and City Plaza!

Raleigh Convention Center- NC Triangle Dining
Raleigh Convention Center- NC Triangle Dining

When I first moved to Raleigh back in 2008, downtown was a sleepy little area under construction. But over the past 10 years, City Plaza, the Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater have opened up to revitalize the downtown area.  Add in Broadway theater and shows at the historic Progress Energy Center-Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and you’ve got a lot of people visiting the south side of downtown Raleigh. And while it’s a busy area there aren’t a ton of restaurant or dining options on that side of town, yet.

Front of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, NC Triangle Dining
Front of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, NC Triangle Dining
View from Red Hat Amphitheater stage, NC Triangle Dining
View from Red Hat Amphitheater stage, NC Triangle Dining
City Plaza in Raleigh, nctriangledining.com
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So where to go to eat if you don’t want to do McDonalds or hotdog cart?  Well my friend, just hoof it a couple of blocks further out and you’ll have some great, higher end options that are off the tourist path. From simple to fancy, downtown Raleigh has got you covered for some great eating!

 

Pooles Diner near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Pooles Diner near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Mac n cheese at Pooles Diner near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Mac n cheese at Pooles Diner near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining

On the pricey end of the spectrum, head over to Wilmington Street to find Ashley Christensen’s acclaimed Poole’s Diner! Known for it’s seasonal Southern fare, Poole’s takes classic Southern comfort food and puts it on its ear. From the moment you step in and ingest the quirky horseshoe shaped bar, hipster staff and cocktail menu, you realize it’s something special. There’s no online menu, just a chalkboard with some of the freshest food around. I’ve been here for brunch and dinner and tried everything from an amazing mac n cheese au gratin, to slow-cooked Berkshire pork. Preparation is everything at Poole’s and everything she puts out is tasty. The one drawback is that due to Poole’s popularity, they don’t take reservations and have only one dinner seating. Plan accordingly.

Sono near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Sono near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Sushi at Sono near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Sushi at Sono near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining

Sono is a chic sushi restaurant and long-standing Raleigh favorite decked out in crimson and black. With the stylish decor you know you’re not in for a traditional Japanese experience but that’s fine because their sushi is pretty darn good. With rolls with names like Screaming O and G-Spot, it’s got a sexy rep to live up to. And Sono dishes fresh and interesting non-sushi entrees and appetizers too.

Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Taco plate at Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Taco plate at Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Further west near the Warehouse District you’ll find the very popular and reasonably priced Fiction Kitchen! Popular with vegetarians and vegans, Fiction Kitchen does some amazing things with veggies and tempeh. They also pour a mean cocktail here.

Beasleys-ChickPlateMacCollards
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

And don’t forget some other restaurants I’ve reviewed:  Beasley’s for their fried chicken and honey, and Bida Manda for Laotian.  All are within 5 blocks of City Plaza, Red Hat Amphitheater and the Raleigh Convention Center and worth the effort.

Interior at Bida Manda, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Interior at Bida Manda, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Honey ribs plate at Bida Manda, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Honey ribs plate at Bida Manda, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Overall while I’m sure the catering is decent at the Convention Center, if you’ve got an expense account or are visiting for a show, there are lots of options in the core of downtown Raleigh for great eats!  Or if you’re at the Raleigh Amphitheater for music, City Plaza for Winterfest, the Progress Energy Center for a show, take some extra time to find a good meal. And I guarantee you it’s worth the walk and effort, bon appetit!

 

10 Best Restaurants Near the Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, Progress Energy Center and City Plaza

Beasley’s Chicken and Honey (Southern)

Bida Manda (Laotian)

Capital Club 16 (American, German)

Clyde Coopers Barbeque (Southern)

Fiction Kitchen (Vegan/Vegetarian)

Oak City Meatball Shoppe (Comfort)

Poole’s Diner (Southern Seasonal)

Sam Jones Barbeque (Southern)

Sono (Japanese, Sushi)

Whiskey Kitchen (Southern, Bourbon)

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Filed Under: Local Information, Overviews, Raleigh, Restaurant & Bar Reviews Tagged With: Restaurants Near City Plaza, Restaurants Near Progress Energy Center, Restaurants Near Raleigh Convention Center, Restaurants Near Red Hat Amphitheater

June 10, 2014 by Ron Wen 2 Comments

The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC): A Live Performance Gem for the Southeast

dpacopenhouse-entrywelcome

There’s nothing that gets me more excited than a great live performance.  A good concert or Broadway show gets my proverbial tail wagging! From theater to music and more, seeing performers live and up close gives you a real understanding of all the work that goes into a production.  And on the right night with the right show, you leave your seat with a chill running down your spine.  And thankfully for those of us in the Triangle, we have one of the best performance venues around: the Durham Performing Arts Center or as more fondly known, the DPAC.

The DPAC in Durham at night - NC Triangle Dining
The DPAC in Durham at night – NC Triangle Dining

Opened in 2008 at a cost of $48 million, the DPAC has been a key part of downtown Durham’s revival over the past five years.  With a seating capacity of over 2,700 patrons and a busy show schedule, the DPAC consistently ranks near the top, nationally, in terms of attendance.  Which of course means all these great restaurants and bars are needed in the neighborhood!

DPAC2015Awards

The DPAC’s Broadway series has brought top-notch shows from NYC ranging from Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and Mamma Mia along with new favorites such as Book of Mormon.  And as a previous season-ticket holder, attending DPAC shows was what really introduced me to downtown Durham. But in the end, DPAC’s success has been very much earned by providing a stellar performance venue from both the guest and performer standpoint.  And if you haven’t been there yet, you really need to get there for a show.  Here’s why…

dpac-2ndfloor

From the outside, DPAC’s lines are esthetically clean and simple, very Scandinavian in look and feel.  Lots of glass, white members and a slightly curved and organic shape gives it a nice presence.  But when the sun goes down and the lights inside are on, DPAC glows like a beacon in the night beckoning you inside.  The rich, red carpeting projects a rich feel without being stuffy or overbearing.  Staff in red tailcoats and top-hats greet you inside and everyone is impeccably trained.  I’ve never met a rude employee at DPAC over the past 5 years and probably 25 or so shows I’ve gone to.  With three floors, the interior is subtly decorated with blonde woods for warmth.  Grab a beer or snack from one of the main concessions stands or one of the bars/vendors scattered on each floor. Drink and food prices are also reasonable, you can bring it into the seating area.

Stage for Beauty and the Beast at DPAC in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Stage for Beauty and the Beast at DPAC in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Once you step inside of the DPAC seating area, you’ll see you’ve got perfect line of sight to the stage from every angle and seat.  I’ve sat in 4th row orchestra all the way up to the back of the balcony and it’s still a good experience.  Yeah, it’s always nice to be closer but even the “cheap” seats are solid.  Audio and acoustics are also quite good at the DPAC for the Broadway shows and music performances.  So overall, you’re going to get a premium experience, now it’s just up to the performers.

DPAC-BannersFront

Typically at the show intermission, it’s easy to get out to the men’s and ladies room, the staff will hold up a sign for the women signifying the end of their line.  Soap and towels are stocked well and even in the short 15 minute intermission, I’m able to get cleaned up and a snack or second glass of wine for the rest of the show.  And after the great performance is over, getting down the stairs and out usually takes under 15 minutes which is efficient.  Right next door you also have the lovely American Tobacco Center for an after-show drink or bite, perfect!

View from stage at at DPAC in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
View from stage at at DPAC in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

And during the DPAC Open House, I had a lot of fun checking out the DPAC from the performer perspective.  It was SO cool to stand on the stage, check out all the staging and prop equipment and poke around the changing rooms in back.  The murals and signatures left behind by each performance group is uber-cool to check out, I highly recommend you check out their next Open House if you get an invite.

Broadway cast murals backstage at at DPAC in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Broadway cast murals backstage at at DPAC in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

dpacopenhouse-wickedmural

So thanks so much Durham Performing Arts center for helping me get the most of my entertainment dollar over the past five years.  I can’t count the number of great evenings I’ve had with you and I know it all happens because of all the tremendous and hard work you perform on the back-end.  Here’s to more and better from the DPAC, I’m already looking forward to my next visit…

Best Restaurant and Dining Deals around the DPAC in Durham, Part I (Walk to DPAC, Mangum Street)

Best Restaurant and Dining Deals around the DPAC in Durham, Part II (Walk to DPAC, Five Points)

Best Restaurant and Dining Deals around the DPAC in Durham, Part III (Closest to DPAC, ATC)

Best Bars and Cocktails Around the DPAC in Durham

 

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)

123 Vivian Street

Durham, NC 27701

919.680.2787

Location on Google maps

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Filed Under: Durham, Local Information

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