NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

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

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April 17, 2021 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Preview: Torchy’s Tacos Brings a Taste of Austin, TX to Raleigh

Front of future Torchy's Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Front of future Torchy’s Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

As we slowly pull out of this COVID pandemic, I’ve seen a lot more restaurant activity of late since February. Restaurants are slowly opening up with renewed confidence in the future for diners and life in general. What’s really great is that the Triangle has pulled through the pandemic in style and new restaurants are quickly filling in gaps of restaurants lost in 2020. One of the more exciting new additions is the upcoming Torchy’s Tacos out at Midtown East! A popular Tex-Mex chain from Austin, Texas, Torchy’s will be their first East coast location so I feel pretty special! Highlights include their Trailer Park taco (fried chicken, green chiles), breakfast tacos and queso. They’ll also have a bar pouring margaritas and more, perfect for their side patio.

Dining area at Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Dining area at Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Opening officially on May 5, I was able to sneak in and unofficially grabs some quick pics. I’ll be adding more information to this post including menu, prices and more as we get closer to the opening date but enjoy this sneak peek for now!

Interior of future Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Interior of future Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Interior of future Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Order counter and bar area at Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Signage at future Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Signage at future Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

 

Torchys Tacos Midtown East

1110 Mercantile Drive

Raleigh, NC 27609

919.439.1177

Location on Google maps

Filed Under: News-Upcoming, NoRSS, Photo Album Tagged With: Tacos, Tex-Mex Restaurants

March 29, 2021 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Photos: ParTee Shack for Indoor Mini-Golf in Raleigh

The new ParTee Shack in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
The new ParTee Shack in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

As the Triangle evolves and moves forward as a region, it’s really cool to see new companies and concepts hitting the the local scene. A couple of years ago we added Drive Shack, a high-end and modern golf driving range. And now we’ve added ParTee Shack, a locally-owned mini-golf facility that’s great for family and friends. I heard online that they had opened up earlier this week so I decided to take a trip on over to see what it’s all about!

The new ParTee Shack in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Golf mural at ParTee Shack in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Head on down S. Saunders drive to 401 south and you’ll find ParTee Shack in a new and low-slung building on the right. Through the double-doors you’ll find the check-in counter to your right, a private room to your left along with a cool golf mural. Right in front you’ll see three mini-golf courses (Yellow, Blue, Red) in increasing difficulty levels! Some cool features and obstacles you’ll find on the course include a school bus, bowling pins and a giant green Hulk! Head on over to the far right side and you’ll find a lounge area, small kitchen for beer and snacks, pool table and a future spot for virtual golf simulators.

School bus hole at ParTee Shack in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
School bus hole at ParTee Shack in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Hulk smash at ParTee Shack in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Hulk smash at ParTee Shack in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Yellow, easy mini golf course at ParTee Shack in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Yellow, easy mini golf course at ParTee Shack in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Drink, food menu and prices at ParTee Shack in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Drink, food menu and prices at ParTee Shack in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

A game of mini-golf will be $12 for adults, $8 for children which is a good deal for 30 minutes of fun. The decor here is pretty cool and well-designed but try to keep your ball on the “course” and on the greens since the holes are right on top of each other. And don’t miss the crazy ball return mechanism that transports your golf ball from the 18th hole to the desk up front. The video down below shows you how clever this setup is! So whether you call in mini-golf, putt-putt or mini-putt, you’ll have some good, clean fun at ParTee Shack! I’m sure they will be adding more to their new facility but it’s certainly worth a visit for families and dates, enjoy!

https://www.nctriangledining.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Parteeshack-Ballreturn-Small.mp4

 

ParTee Shack (Grill, Mini-Golf)

5300 Fayetteville Road

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.670.2980

Location on Google maps

Filed Under: Activities, Photo Album Tagged With: Arcade-Games

February 2, 2021 by Ron Wen 2 Comments

Photos: Sam Jones BBQ Arrives in Raleigh

Front of Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Front of Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

If you’ve spent any time in North Carolina, you quickly learn about the area’s passion for barbeque! And whether you’re a fan of Eastern NC barbeque or Western NC barbeque, you’ll have legendary que shacks that you just have to try and check out. Skylight Inn is one of those barbeque classics and third generation pitmaster Sam Jones is part of that barbeque legacy. With his original restaurant in Winterville and now his newest location in Raleigh, you don’t have to travel very far to try out his top-notch whole-hog barbeque that’s smoked over oak. Located a couple of blocks away from the Red Hat Amphitheater, you’ll find his delicious smoked meats and Southern sides just a stone’s throw away from the downtown action. My first take-out meal was great and I’m looking forward to trying more off their menu. While it’s still early, I suspect they will get even better once they get settled in and that dining room will be packed with diners later this year. Here’s a quick photo preview of what to expect order online or give them a ring for a take-out order!

January 2021 menu of Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
January 2021 menu of Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Dining counter at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Dining counter at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
2nd floor private room at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
2nd floor private room at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Barbeque, smoked chicken and sides at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Barbeque, smoked chicken and sides at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Pork ribs at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Pork ribs at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Side patio at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Side patio at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Smokehouse at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Smokehouse at Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

 

Sam Jones BBQ

502 W. Lenoir Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

984.206.2555

 

Location on Google maps

Filed Under: Photo Album, Raleigh Tagged With: NC Barbeque, Southern Restaurants

November 28, 2020 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Photos: Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh

Front of Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Front of Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

With the recent addition of Wegmans and McNeill Pointe (Chido Taco, Shuckin Shack), the Wake Forest Road corridor has been booming with construction lately! A recent addition to the scene is the newish, Bowyard Pizza and Brewyard located just south of E. Whitaker Mill Road. The entrance to Bowyard is pretty tricky, a small entryway between Tobola Automotive and StorageMax. Thankfully they’ve added some permanent signage there. Drop down into the gravel lot and you’ll find a small building to your left along with two side patios. There’s also a larger lawn and gaming area decked out with picnic tables, umbrellas and cornhole for when the weather is better.

Signage at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Signage at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Serving up craft beer, cocktails and pizza, the scene at Bowstring is pretty casual and young but an interesting spot with interesting decor inside. They are currently partnering with Vic’s Pizzeria pizza bus for their pies. Like many businesses that have opened up during the COVID pandemic, they are still figuring things out. But definitely stop by for a visit if you’re in the area. I’ll add to this post after I’ve had time to come for a couple of visits.

Cool interior at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Cool interior at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Bar at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Bar at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Mobile communal table at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Mobile communal table at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Games area at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Games area at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

 

Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard

1930 Wake Forest Road

Raleigh, NC 27608

Location on Google maps

 

Filed Under: Photo Album Tagged With: Beer - Brewery, Patio

October 2, 2020 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Photos: First Look at Publix in Downtown Raleigh

Front of the new Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Front of the new Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

When it comes to supermarkets in the Triangle, for years it was mostly all about Harris Teeter and Kroger. But given the growth and bright future for the area, we’ve seen increasing competition on the grocery store side of things. Aldi, Lidl and Wegman’s have established themselves in the state along with the newest option, Publix! And while there are other Publix locations in the Triangle, this new Publix in downtown Raleigh breaks the mold. Located in the new Smoky Hollow development off Peace Street, having a new, bright and clean grocery option downtown is a game-changer and much needed given all the residential growth in the neighborhood.

Entry area of Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Entry area of Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Bakery area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Bakery area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Deli area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Deli area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Sub menu at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Sub menu at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

If you head on over for a visit by car, there are two entrances to the underground parking lot. One off of Peace Street which is very easy to miss and a bigger entrance on Harrington Street! There’s a good amount of underground covered parking, head on over to the stairs/elevator bank to pop up to the main level. Up top you’ll find an entry area with seating leading into a light and bright store! In my handful of visits, I can say that the bakery and deli are top-notch along with the meats and produce. For lunch, a big thumbs-up for the popular “Pub Subs”! For about $6, Publix offers an array of cold and hot subs on an excellent grinder roll. I tried out the chicken tender Pub Sub with lettuce, tomato, sliced pickles and American cheese, dee-licious! And you can order these subs online and pick them up in a warming bin near the deli, cool. And don’t miss the Publix fried chicken, you can grab an 8-piece on the way out for dinner.

Chicken tender Pub Sub at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Chicken tender Pub Sub at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Publix cookies and holiday cranberry-turkey sub for lunch - nctriangledining.com
Publix cookies and holiday cranberry-turkey sub for lunch – nctriangledining.com
Publix smokehouse ribs for lunch - nctriangledining.com
Publix smokehouse ribs for lunch – nctriangledining.com

Overall I can say I’ve been really pleased with my handful of visits to Publix. Large and clean store, friendly employees and those Pub Subs! It’s great to have new grocery choices and Publix can hold its own against favorites like Wegman’s and Harris Teeter.

Cheese area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Cheese area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Produce area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Produce area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Refrigerated area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Refrigerated area at Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Fried chicken and chocolate chip cookies from Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Fried chicken and chocolate chip cookies from Publix on Peace Street in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

 

Publix – Downtown Raleigh

417 W Peace Street, Ste 100

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.755.5444

Location on Google maps

Filed Under: Food, Photo Album Tagged With: Groceries

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