NC Triangle Dining

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

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The Federal in Durham, A Casual Gastropub for In-the-Know Locals

The Federal in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
The Federal in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Over on W. Main Street in Durham you’ll find Brightleaf Square and a block of classic restaurants. Located between the ever-popular downtown Durham and 9th street neighborhoods, these two blocks often get forgotten by visitors to the area. But you’ll find a handful of interesting restaurants and bars ranging from the Little Dipper to Parker and Otis and more. One Durham fave for many years has been the Federal. Part pub, part restaurant, the Federal strikes a balance between old-school and hipster that’s appreciated by locals!

Bar at the Federal in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Bar at the Federal in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Head on over to a little white-washed brick building and you’ll immediately notice the Federal’s outdoor patio seating. Inside the Federal it turns into a dark and seasoned pub setting with lots of worn, weathered dark woods. You’ll usually find a good mix of plaid and beards here at the Federal, the place tends to appeals to in the know hipsters and locals. The large L-shaped bar with red leather stools dominate the space but you’ll also find a back room for your dining pleasure!

Braised pork sandwich at the Federal in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Braised pork sandwich at the Federal in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

The Federal offers up a decent selection of draft beers along with a small menu of carefully curated eats. Basic appetizers like fries, hummus and nachos. A handful of salads, sandwiches and plates, mostly American fare. And while it may not look that impressive, where the Federal really shine is its daily specials! Here you’re find the Federal chef stretching his wings a bit and dabbling in the gourmet category so make sure you take a long look at that specials menu. And pretty much everything here is $15 and under, very reasonable prices for the Bull City.

Fried oyster poboy at the Federal in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Fried oyster poboy at the Federal in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Over the course of my handful of visits at the Federal I’ve chowed down on a wonderfully spicy, braised pork sandwich covered in melty cheese and jalapenos. And another visit turned up a perfect fried oyster poboy dressed with some wonderful lettuce, tomatoes and onion! And absolutely don’t miss the double-fried garlic fries which are amazingly pungent. Crispy, crunchy and garlicky, they will leave you wanting more.

Service at the Federal is casual but pretty well buttoned-down. They do a volume business here and are usually quite busy but well-run. So thank you, Federal! You’re a little bit hip but plenty delicious! And while there are newer, hotter restaurants in downtown Durham, it’s the main-stays here in the Bull City that are so crucial to keeping things real.

 

The Federal

914 W Main Street

Durham, NC 27701

919.680.8611

 

Location on Google maps

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First Take: Get a Slice of NYC at the Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh

Front of Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

When it comes to pizza in the Triangle, Raleigh has been left a bit behind. While new Neapolitan pizza joints have popped up in Durham and Cary, there haven’t been any really good spots for pizza in the Oak City which has been really disappointing for me, a self-confessed pizzaholic! But thankfully, that streak of bad luck has been broken with the opening of the Oakwood Pizza Box on Person Street. Brought to you by Anthony Guerra (formally from Bella Mia, Cary) we can now breath a bit more easily knowing we’ve got some great thin-crust za in Raleigh!

Interior of Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Interior of Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Head down to Person Street and a couple of storefronts down from the ever-popular Crawford and Sons, you’ll find the new Oakwood Pizza Box. It’s a cool little spot and has that hipster vibe that’s oh so common in Oakwood! Roll-up garage door up front, black and white tile flooring, exposed brick wall and a counter for single diners. I stopped in on opening day and a week after that to get a feel for what Oakwood Pizza Box is doing and I can tell you that it’s doing pizza right! And it’s already quite popular so you might be in for a wait.

Menu at Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Menu at Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Order up front at the iPad, you can do a whole pie or do it by the slice. Oakwood Pizza Box is doing 18″ pies, red and white with the usual veggies ($2) or meats ( sausage, meatball, pepperoni, bacon $4) as extras. They’ve also got some some soda, beer and wine available along with garlic knots and zeppole (fried dough) for dessert but given it’s opening week, they’re doing a limited menu. I’ve had the chance to try out some garlic knots and a couple of pies so far.

Sausage pizza at Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Sausage pizza at Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Cheese pizza at Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Cheese pizza at Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Given how busy it’s been during opening week, it’s about a 30 minutes plus wait for a pie but I suspect that wait times will drop a bit once they get things running smoothly and the crowds slow down. Both pies I’ve tried look great and featured excellent ingredients. Oakwood Pizza Box is doing mozzarella slices with fresh grated parmesan along with basil on their basic pie from what I can tell. The crust is baked just right in their large gas oven with a speckled char and good chewiness.  The tomato sauce displays a soft and mellow tang and it complements the cheese perfectly. It’s an excellent NY thin-crust with great balance, the basil is a nice touch and adds some green to the flavor profile. I have to admit that I was a little embarrassed to be eating a whole sausage pie as a solo diner on my 2nd visit but I was counting on delicious leftovers!

Kitchen at Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Kitchen at Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

And while the 30+ minute wait can be a bit long, it’s worth it so far in my opinion! Just grab a beer, hang out and watch the locals roll in. Raleigh had been left out of the current pizza renaissance in the Triangle so I’m so happy to have Pizza Box here and in downtown Raleigh. It reminds me a lot of what Pie Pushers is to Durham. A casual neighborhood pizza joint that’s offering up a delicious slice for the discerning public. And that’s high praise indeed, given the competitive nature of the Triangle food scene. So rock on Oakwood Pizza Box! I’ll be back soon, maybe not for a whole pie but a couple of slices along with some zeppole for dessert, too!

 

Oakwood Pizza Box

610 N Person Street

Raleigh, NC 27604

919.594.1605

 

Location on Google maps

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First Take: The Inside Scoop, Two Roosters is Dishing Out Great Ice Cream in Raleigh!

Two Roosters Ice Cream in N. Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Two Roosters Ice Cream in N. Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

If you’re a fan of creamy, sweet ice cream have I got a hidden gem for you: Two Roosters in N. Raleigh! Located in Greystone Village off of Lead Mine Road, Two Roosters was known for their brightly colored trailer and doling out delicious ice cream. Thankfully they were able to make the leap to bricks and mortar and to a permanent storefront so you don’t have to chase them around again! It’s a busy strip plaza and Two Roosters is hidden a bit in a corner, just look for the Bottle Rev 3 sign and to the right.

Inside Two Roosters Ice Cream in N. Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Inside Two Roosters Ice Cream in N. Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

The small store-front opens up into a bright and light space with high ceilings! It’s a simple space with a handful of small marble-topped tables, refrigerated case and large black and white sign overhead with press-on letters (important, the menu!)  Two Roosters does 8 or so regular flavors and gets a little crazy and creative with seasonal flavors. I’ve seen everything from pizza to roasted black sesame to sriracha and fortune cookie, very cool! Scoops run from $4 to $7 (cup or cone) and they offer up a handful of extras like hot fudge, sprinkles, whipped cream and more.

Butterscotch haystack at Two Roosters Ice Cream in N. Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Butterscotch haystack at Two Roosters Ice Cream in N. Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

For ice cream, I tend to stick to the basics. It’s a rare treat for me since I’m a bit lactose-intolerant but I squeeze in a cone every now and then. I’ve tried out both their butterscotch haystack and Sola cinnamon donut in cup and cone form. They do a really nice job with their ice cream and balancing flavors. The butterscotch haystack is speckled with crunchy bits which are nicely blended in. And the Sola cinnamon donut?! Wonderfully light with just the right amount of sugar and cinnamon to amp up your taste-buds.

Sola cinnamon donut cone at Two Roosters Ice Cream in N. Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Sola cinnamon donut cone at Two Roosters Ice Cream in N. Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Two Roosters is definitely scooping out some great ice cream on par with say, Parlour out in Durham. Portion size is about right and service is friendly so sample away! The space is basic compared to Parlour but who cares when the ice cream is so good? And while the seating is somewhat limited inside, there’s also plenty of plaza patio space outside. So glad you were able to open a storefront Two Roosters and I’ll make the longish trek out to N. Raleigh just to have more of your delicious cream, congrats!

 

Two Roosters Ice Cream

7713 Lead Mine Rd #49

Raleigh, NC 27615

919.803.9369

 

Location on Google maps

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Travel: Kindred, Dishing out Fantastic Farm-to-Table Fare in Davidson, NC!

Front of Kindred in Davidson, NC - nctriangledining.com
Front of Kindred in Davidson, NC – nctriangledining.com

While the food scene in the Triangle has been booming, it’s always great to explore other culinary delights in this lovely state. One restaurant that had hit my radar screen was Kindred out in Davidson. Known for their farm to table fare, just north of Charlotte, Kindred opened up in February of 2015 and is helmed by Chef Joe Kindred. Luckily, a trip through Charlotte was on my schedule so I took a slight detour into Davidson to meet up with friends and see what all the fuss was about…

Beautiful bar at Kindred in Davidson, NC - nctriangledining.com
Beautiful bar at Kindred in Davidson, NC – nctriangledining.com

One of the great things about Kindred is its convenient location on Main Street in Davidson. Given nearby Davidson College, there’s an academic feel to the city and you can stroll up and down Main Street peering into quaint restaurants and storefronts. It’s got a quintessential Southern feel and charm to the area which is a lot of fun. And things don’t change much when you enter Kindred. Past its large pane glass windows lies a very chic and stylish space with minimalist aesthetics. The space here at Kindred is bright, light and well designed with a centerpiece bar to the left and bricked wall to the right. Tables are neatly lined up on the right-hand side and Kindred also has a patio for outdoors dining, good stuff!

Dining room at Kindred in Davidson, NC - nctriangledining.com
Dining room at Kindred in Davidson, NC – nctriangledining.com

We are led to a small 4-top across from the bar and seated with a very friendly wait-person who’s extremely knowledgeable about the menu. Kindred’s lunch menu is pretty tight with a handful of starters, sandwiches and a couple of entrees. We’re trying to tag-team this meal to make sure we try not only what we want but as much as possible so there’s some horse-trading going on at our table given the delicious-sounding menu! After all is said and done, we decide to share out the crispy oysters, frites and Grandfather’s pickles. And I decide to go with the classic skillet burger with potato salad, yum!

Crispy oyster app at Kindred in Davidson, NC - nctriangledining.com
Crispy oyster app at Kindred in Davidson, NC – nctriangledining.com
Frites w aioi at Kindred in Davidson, NC - nctriangledining.com
Frites w aioi at Kindred in Davidson, NC – nctriangledining.com

Looking around Kindred’s dining room, I can tell you that it draws a very affluent and Southern crowd. The crisp oysters come out first and it’s a visually beautiful dish! Crisp orange-brown bivalves sitting on top of a creamy yogurt sauce (tzatziki style) and peppery Calabrian chile oil. It’s a delicate plate despite its fried nature and the crispy crunchy seafood plays well with the creamy sauce. We then jump into the fries and pickles and they are awesome! Kindred’s fries are lightly battered with a bit of dill flecked underneath and paired with a fresh aioli. And the quick pickles with shards of white onion are a fresh and crunchy bite and acts as a good palate cleanser.

Skillet burger at Kindred in Davidson, NC - nctriangledining.com
Skillet burger at Kindred in Davidson, NC – nctriangledining.com

Our sandwiches arrive at the table and we’re looking at the shrimp roll, BLT and my burger, fantastico! And while I’ve eaten my share of burgers, Kindred’s rendition is a thing of beauty. Two small, seared patties with lovingly melted cheddar, bits of onion and aioli, wow. The burger is small (4 – 5″ across) but delivers a mouthful, given the stacked ingredients. Kindred uses a wonderful sesame seed bun that’s been buttered and browned on the grill. Taking a bite results in a wonderful mix of beef, cheese and tang, the burger patty has been salted a bit and seared perfectly. My tablemates’ shrimp roll and BLT looks awesome, Kindred really cares about presentation even with its simple lunch offerings.

BLT at Kindred in Davidson, NC - nctriangledining.com
BLT at Kindred in Davidson, NC – nctriangledining.com

As we dine, the dining room quickly fills up with hungry locals and sadly, we have not left enough room for dessert but I’m sure they’re excellent. Overall our visit to Kindred was totally worth the stop on my way to Atlanta. Chef Joe at Kindred shows a lot of love for his eats and all the little details are covered in terms of decor, service, ingredients, plating and preparation, kudos! I’m already negotiating a return visit for dinner here because I feel that lunch is just a small reminder of what they can probably do for dinner. So I’m hoping to get back to that area, stat, for dinner at Kindred or their upcoming project, Hello Sailor on Lake Norman in Cornelius. Their food is so good, it’s worth a 2+ hour drive down south from the Triangle, enjoy!

 

Kindred

131 N Main Street

Davidson, NC 28036

(980) 231-5000

 

Location on Google maps

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First Take: BottleDog Bites & Brews Delivers Great Beer, Pizza and Poutine

Front of Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary - NC Triangle Dining
Front of Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

Along with beer and brewery boom here in North Carolina, one other type of storefront has proliferated: the bottle shop!  A place where you can sample some craft brews or grab a specialty 4-pack to enjoy at home. And usually they have one thing in common, no food! But they usually give you the option of BYOF or ordering food from a nearby restaurant or delivery service. Recently I ran across BottleDog Bites and Brews in Cary online and the reviews mentioned the food quite often. Could it be true? Might there be a bottle shop in the area that’s now offering great food on top of their beers? Well it was time to find out!

Patio at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary - NC Triangle Dining
Patio at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

We head on over to the address looking hard for BottleDog Bites & Brews and the GPS is only somewhat helpful getting us to Chapel Hill Road. We find ourselves in a small plaza with Woody’s Sports Tavern and not much else, we start scratching our heads. But we’re not ready to give up and head to the right-hand side of the plaza and find BottleDog’s storefront. Located in the old Maximillians Pizza Kitchen, there’s a nice covered patio up front that looks dog-friendly!

Dining area at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary - NC Triangle Dining
Dining area at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

Heading on inside to BottleDog, we find a large beer bar on the right hand side and a retail beer section and dining area to the left. BottleDog is airy and open, there’s plenty of space to stretch out in here, it definitely feels different than most other bottle shops I’ve been to in the Triangle! It neatly fills the space between bottle shop and restaurant, similar to State of Beer in Raleigh. But there are some more pleasant surprises to come!

At the bar, BottleDog has 10 or 12 beers on tap, I go with the Bond Bros American IPA, Obfuscate! It has a super floral palate but also a nice clean afterbite with just a touch of hops, dee-licious! My beer loving buddy gives BottleDog’s beer selection a big thumbs up on its quality. Peering through the food menu, we find some really cool options for lunch. Poutine?! A beaver tail? Or how about some smoked meats? So in addition to the usual hot dogs and flatbreads, BottleDog seems to be going a bit Canadian with the menu which is fine by me, I love Canada! We put our food orders in and just sit back and enjoy our beers. It’s pretty quiet given a holiday weekend but slowly people start trickling in with kids and dogs in tow.

Nashville hot chicken at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary - NC Triangle Dining
Nashville hot chicken at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary – NC Triangle Dining
Poutine with smoked meat at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary - NC Triangle Dining
Poutine with smoked meat at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

Soon enough, our food starts coming out starting with my friend’s Nashville hot chicken tenders. Served up on some white bread and thick pickles, it looks fantastic and spicy! I hold back on a taste since I need to save room for my meal. My Quebecois poutine comes out next and it starts with their basic poutine (fries, brown gravy and cheese curds) but adds in some smoked meat and pickles, yum-may! I haven’t eaten much poutine in my life but this dish is G-O-O-D! The warm potato is soaked in the gravy and the cheese is just decadence on top. Add in the peppery smoked meats and you’ve got yourself a mouthful! I’m already looking forward to trying some of the other poutines, stat.

Sweet Caroline flatbread at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary - NC Triangle Dining
Sweet Caroline flatbread at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

The Sweet Caroline flatbread also hits the spot with a perfectly done thin-crust topped with mozzarella, onions and grilled chicken. House-made barbeques sauce is drizzled on top making for a delicious barbeque chicken pizza (I know, they call it flatbread here, but…) While the crust at BottleDog isn’t a perfect Neapolitan style, it’s similar but with a crisper bottom to hold all the toppings. An excellent pie and plenty to eat for one person, you can certainly share for two lighter appetites.

Bottle selection at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary - NC Triangle Dining
Bottle selection at Bottledog Bites & Brews in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

Service at BottleDog was solid and pretty casual which is fine for a place like this and prices this low. All you really need to know is that the food at BottleDog is really good! I’m not often surprised by restaurants but BottleDog did it for me in a very pleasant way. I get the strange idea that there may be some leftover culinary talent from the old Maximillian’s Grill here at BottleDog which would explain the great, bar eats here. So rock on BottleDog Bites & Brews. Your name is a mouthful but then again, so is your delicious food. I’ll be back again, soon…

 

Bottle Dog Bites & Brews

8306 Chapel Hill Road

Cary, NC 27513

919.694.5377

 

Location on Google maps

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