NC Triangle Dining

Find the Best Restaurants, Food, and Drink in Raleigh, Durham, Cary & Chapel Hill

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Valentines Day Pairings and Dates for the NC Triangle!

Valentines Day is coming up my friends and while I love eating out, I usually recommend staying in and just cooking for that special day. BUT if you absolutely need to go out and deal with the masses, here are some great Valentines date pairings to help keep things simple. These pairings are focused on a cozy, full service restaurant(s) paired with a good bar. And when I mean bar, I mean, cocktails! On a special day like Valentines Day, I think it calls for cocktails or maybe a glass of wine. It’s a classic combination like champagne with strawberries or red wine with dark chocolates. And of course, the pairing must be walkable and within a block or two.

I’ve included links to full reviews when available. Good luck and buono appetito!

 

Oakleaf or Elaines on Franklin or Crooks Corner with Belltree in Carrboro

 

Postmaster or Pro’s Epicurean with Sidebar in Cary

M Sushi or Dashi with Alley Twenty Six in Downtown Durham

Mothers and Sons or Viceroy with Criterion at Five Points Durham

COPA or Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter with Counting House on Main Street Durham

The Station or Crawford and Son with William & Co on Person Street, Raleigh

 

Cortez or Vidrio with C. Grace Bar in Glenwood South, Raleigh

Humble Pie or Jose and Sons with Circa 1888 in Warehouse District, Raleigh

Centro or Sitti with Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria on Wilmington Street, Raleigh

Garland or Sono Sushi with Foundation in downtown Raleigh

Jimmy V’s or Rye Bar Southern Kitchen with Haymaker Bar in City Plaza, Raleigh

Brewery Bhavana or Bida Manda with Fox Liquor Bar or Watts & Ward near Moore Square, Raleigh

City Market Sushi or MOFU Shoppe with Apero in Raleigh City Market

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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

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Pizza Wars: Blaze vs Your Pie vs Mod Pizza vs Pieology for Build Your Own Pizza in the Triangle!

When it comes to building your own pizza, you’ve never had more choices! While I’m a huge fan and supporter of local pizza joints along with more upscale Neapolitan pizza joints, sometimes you just need something quick and easy and Build Your Own Pizza (BYOP) restaurants have been popping up left and right around the Triangle. Over the past five years, we’ve seen Blaze Pizza, Your Pie, Pieology and MOD Pizza open up locations throughout the area. Following the same basic Chipotle-like concept, you choose from one of the suggested house pizzas or build your own custom pizza with unlimited toppings. Your personal pizza is put together right in front of you as you move down a pizza prep area choosing your custom ingredients! Pay at the cash register, grab your drink and you’ll have a short wait before your individual pie is brought to your table. Pizzas typically only take 5 minutes or so to bake, so service can be pretty quick depending on how busy the place is. But there are differences between each of the options, here’s my take on your Build Your Own Pizza options in the Triangle! (Pricing as of September 2018)

Interior of Blaze Fast-Fired in Morrisville, nctriangledining.com
Interior of Blaze Fast-Fired in Morrisville, nctriangledining.com
Blaze Fast-Fired BYOP counter in Morrisville - nctriangledining.com
Blaze Fast-Fired BYOP counter in Morrisville – nctriangledining.com
Sausage pizza at Blaze Fast-Fired in Morrisville
Crust peek at Blaze Fast-Fired in Morrisville
Crust peek at Blaze Fast-Fired in Morrisville

Blaze Pizza – Morrisville, Durham, Garner, Holly Springs – 4 Stars  ($7.95 for 11″ pie)

The grand-daddy of the BYOP pizza joints tin the Triangle, Blaze Pizza offers up Neapolitan-style pies in a blink of the eye! Given the number of BYOP options what Blaze does really well is pizza crust. They’ve only got a couple of options including gluten-free and a high-rise dough but the basic crust is light and airy with a bit of char (leopard spotting) on the bottom, yum! Besides pizza, Blaze offers a handful of salads, desserts (smores pie, brownie) and that’s about it. Blaze’s dining room is pretty hip and modern, a nice and bright space. With four locations in the Triangle, you’ll also have plenty of options to try out Blaze Pizza and I’d have to put them near the top of my list for chain pizza choices.

Your Pie in Cary - nctriangledining.com
Your Pie in Cary – nctriangledining.com
Interior of Your Pie in Cary - nctriangledining.com
Interior of Your Pie in Cary – nctriangledining.com
Seasonal peach and prosciutto pizza at Your Pie in Cary - nctriangledining.com
Seasonal peach and prosciutto pizza at Your Pie in Cary – nctriangledining.com

Your Pie – Locations in Raleigh, Cary – 3 1/2 Stars  ($7.99 for 10″ pie)

Your Pie is a newer BYOP chain and only has two locations in the Triangle in Cary and Brier Creek. Your Pie does a similar crust to Blaze (tender and light), I’d call it a Neapolitan-style pie but adds some other menu options such as paninis, salads, gelato and beer-wine. I’ve also tried some of their specialty seasonal pies, the peach and prosciutto was a very nice summer option. Overall I think Your Pie is a bit more gourmet when it comes to its pies and a solid option to grab a quick lunch! However, note that their pie is a bit smaller then the competition’s.

MOD Pizza in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
MOD Pizza in Wake Forest – nctriangledining.com
Assembly area for MOD Pizza - nctriangledining.com
Assembly area for MOD Pizza Wake Forest – nctriangledining.com
Cheese pizza at MOD Pizza Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Cheese pizza at MOD Pizza Wake Forest – nctriangledining.com
Crust peek at MOD Pizza Wake Forest - nctriangledining.com
Crust peek at MOD Pizza Wake Forest – nctriangledining.com
Mad Dog pizza Cheese pizza at MOD Pizza Wake Forest- nctriangledining.com
Mad Dog pizza Cheese pizza at MOD Pizza Wake Forest- nctriangledining.com

MOD Pizza – Locations in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Cary – 3 1/2 Stars  ($7.97 for 11″ pie)

With three locations in the Triangle suburbs, MOD Pizza seems to be a popular option for families. The pies at MOD Pizaa have a chewier, flakier crust, which feels more more commercial to me, similar to Dominos. But they’ve got a great array of topping options including seven different cheeses and eight different finishing sauces/drizzles. Salads, bread sticks and beer/wine are also available at MOD Pizza in a dining room that’s a bit more casual. Overall a good spot for a basic pie that’ll keep most everyone happy, lots of variety available here at MOD Pizza.

Pieology in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Pieology in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Pizza assembly at Pieology in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Pizza assembly at Pieology in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Made to Meat you pizza at Pieology in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Made to Meat you pizza at Pieology in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Plethora of pizzas at Pieology in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Plethora of pizzas at Pieology in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Pieology – Raleigh – 3 Stars  ($8.95 for 11.5″ pie)

Pieology is the smallest BYOP chain in the Triangle with only one location at North Hills. They offer up what I would call a bar-type pizza with more of a cracker-crust, thin and snappy. Pieology has a good selection of toppings including some after bake sauces drizzled on top. It’s a thinner and less substantial pie than your other options but still tasty. Pieology goes for a very modern dining room from a decor and design standpoint.

I’ll be honest with you, pizza is like sex to me: Even when it’s bad it’s still pretty good and I’d happily eat at any of these BYOP spots in the Triangle. Because how can you complain when you can choose exactly what YOU want on your pizza? Build Your Own Pizza is a great option for busy families with picky eaters since most everyone loves pizza! So enjoy all these BYOP pizza options in the Triangle. And the beauty of an individual pizza is that you get exactly what you want and don’t have to share it…

 

Build Your Own Pizza and Custom Pies in the Triangle!

Locations for Blaze Fast-Fired, Your Pie, MOD Pizza and Pieology

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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!

Pictures, Menus and Prices for Morgan Street Food Hall Restaurants as of 2/15/19

Bella’s Wood Fired Pizza & Tapas Menu

Bella’s Wood Fired Pizza & Tapas Menu

Boba Brew at Morgan Street Food Hall

Boba Brew at Morgan Street Food Hall Menu

Carroll’s Kitchen at Morgan Street Food Hall

Carroll’s Kitchen at Morgan Street Food Hall Menu: 4 and 1/2 Stars

Same great, satisfying eats as the main location but with an even broader menu! Great cause supporting women at risk, too.

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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.

Morgan Street Java & Crêperie

Morgan Street Java & Crêperie Menu

Oak City Fish & Chips

Oak City Fish & Chips Menu

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!

The Broth

The Broth Menu

Wicked Tacos

Wicked Tacos Menu

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Great Triangle Chain Restaurants for Foodies

Image from thrillist.com

If you’re a food-fanatic like I am, you’re probably a huge supporter of local, independent restaurants. Because it’s those chef-driven, family-driven, owner-driven restaurants that usually offer those special, unique menus and personal touches in their service. And yet, I hate to write off ALL chain restaurants. I’m usually not a fan of chain restaurants and eateries but there are some decent ones in the Triangle. Here are some of my favorites in the area covering an array of cuisines: barbeque and smoked meats, donuts, Tex-Mex, pizza and good ol’ American!

    • Blaze Fast Fired Pizza – While I LOVE my authentic Neapolitan pizza, Blaze Fast-Fired does a great job offering up a Neapolitan-style pie for not much money. Love the Chipotle style ordering system and ability to add as many toppings as you’d like. But don’t abuse it given the structural quality of thin-crust pizza! If I had a Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza in my hood, I’d be there pretty often even with all the other great pizza in the Triangle!
    • City Barbeque – When it comes to smoked meats, I am a huge fan. And City Barbeque does it right, covering a variety of barbeque styles ranging from Texas to North Carolina and more. Choose from brisket, smoked turkey, pulled pork along with some great Southern sides! My faves include the corn pudding, baked beans and collard greens. Don’t be fooled by the casual setting here, the food and service at City Barbeque are consistently excellent!
    • Cheesecake Factory – Now the Cheesecake Factory takes a lot of flack for its calorie counts but if you’ve got some to spare, you could do far worse. From their delicious bread basket, perfectly fried chicken with pasta plates, to huge appetizers and the signature cheesecake, you will never leave the Cheesecake Factory, hungry. And don’t miss their happy hour from 4 to 6pm, Monday to Friday for some fabulous deals.
    • Metro Diner – While there’s only one Metro Diner (that I know of) in the area, I am so glad to have it reasonably close in N. Raleigh. What Metro Diner does really well is the tasty diner breakfast! From omelettes, to benedicts and french toast, Metro Diner nails the first meal of the day and does it with fast and friendly service. And while I do love my Waffle House, the Metro Diner just does it better!
    • Rise Biscuits and Donuts – It’s hard to complain about Rise Donuts as a chain since they started and grew locally from Durham. And thankfully even with 10 locations in the Triangle, they’ve managed to keep the quality of their biscuits and donuts up to a very high level! Love the fact that they allow each store to offer its own unique and creative biscuits and donuts, I gotta say that my Cameron Village Rise rocks it for me on a regular basis. Don’t miss the oreo donut and chicken-fried steak biscuit!
    • Tijuana Flats – While Tijuana Flats is whole-heartedly Mex-American fare, what it does it does really well. From large crunchy tacos to big ol burritos, Tijuana Flats is perfect for families and a quick bite. Service is always excellent and don’t miss their cool hot sauce bar! Add in the funky decor and regular food specials you’ve got a great option in the area to cure your Tex-Mex fix.

     

In the end, many of these chain restaurants start out as independently owned restaurants and end up becoming regional chains and then national chains. And you’ll think back fondly to when it all started and can say “I remember when”

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