NC Triangle Dining

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First Take: Metro Diner in N. Raleigh Busting Out a Great Breakfast

Front of Metro Diner in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Front of Metro Diner in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

I don’t know about you but I’m usually not a fan of chains. From a bland menu to questionable and inexperienced service, I typically avoid them. But I had heard about Metro Diner coming to the Triangle a while back and while I missed their grand opening, online reviews that soon popped up seemed very positive. And while I’m not a breakfast guy, sometimes you can’t resist so I decided it was time for an early visit to the new Metro Diner in N. Raleigh!

Coffee mug at Metro Diner in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Coffee mug at Metro Diner in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Heading up on Falls of Neuse Road, I’m scanning the area for Metro Diner. This area is rife with strip plazas so I wasn’t sure where it was exactly but my GPS brings me to an elevated plaza area up on a corner. I enter the plaza and spy Metro Diner on the far side, I’m pretty sure it’s in the same space that used to be Aladdin’s. The front of Metro Diner is a bit covered up behind a green, patio cover so keep your eyes peeled! And as I approach I realize why the patio is covered: the place is packed at 9:30 on a Sunday morning. Inside, there’s a small waiting area and the place is buzzing with conversation and activity. Every seat is taken and Metro Diner appears to be a favorite with families in the area. I’m able to grab a stool at the counter area near the kitchen, woo-hoo! It’s a prime spot for me as a blogger, right next to the service area.

Breakfast service area at Metro Diner in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Breakfast service area at Metro Diner in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

The staff and kitchen is hustling hard this morning with the hungry crowd. Decked out in casual greet t-shirts, I’m immediately asked about a drink and have a laminated menu handed to me. A white, porcelain mug of nicely roasted coffee is dropped off in front of me while I scan the menu. I’m hungry for some sweets today and start piecing together a breakfast that combines some of Metro Diner’s waffles-pancakes-french toast along with the usual eggs and meat. But thankfully my server must have read my mind and suggests their Bissell Breakfast (2 eggs, bacon, hash browns and pancakes for $9.49) but allows for substitutions, woo-hoo! I go with two eggs over easy, sausage and their pecan, raisin cinnamon french toast as my blinged out breakfast!

Huevos rancheros at Metro Diner in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Huevos rancheros at Metro Diner in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

As I’m waiting for my eats, I spin around in my stool to take in the scene here. Lots of locals and the dining room is jam-packed with a handful of folks sitting up front in the covered patio and in the waiting area. The dining room is SO busy I’m unable to get any clean photos of it but suffice it to say, it has a modern diner feel with plenty of ceiling fans spinning above. I’m guess that Metro Diner’s origins in Jacksonville, Florida may account for this more tropical, interior design style. Sitting by the staff service area, I see a lot of great looking breakfast plates heading out to the dining room, me hungry!

Bissell breakfast at Metro Diner in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Bissell breakfast at Metro Diner in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining
Pecan cinnamon raisin french toast at Metro Diner in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Pecan cinnamon raisin french toast at Metro Diner in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

And thankfully, my breakfast comes up pretty quickly and it looks delicioso! Two eggs done over easy along with some wonderful link sausage, english muffin AND a heaping portion of hash browns, yum-may! Everything is perfectly cooked and grilled on my plate and I love that the hash browns are made from grated potato vs. home fries. The plate of pecan, cinnamon french toast is just over-kill at this point but I take a bite with some syrup, good stuff. While I’m not a huge breakfast fan, Metro Diner does it right. Over the course of the meal, staff stops by to check in on me and you can tell they are trained to handle the heavy crowds here.

Breakfast at Metro Diner in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Breakfast at Metro Diner in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Overall I found Metro Diner to be a very pleasant surprise. With 4 1/2 stars on Yelp I’m guessing I should not have been but I’m glad to see that the online reviews are accurate. If you’re looking for a casual spot and a hearty breakfast, I can heartily recommend this place! Given its location, it’s best for N. Raleighites but even worth the ride from downtown given that it’s not easy to find a good breakfast spot ITB in my opinion. So rock on Metro Diner! I’ll be back sometime soon to work off of your lunch menu.

 

Metro Diner

6325 Falls Of Neuse Road

Raleigh, NC 27615

919.578.9053

 

Metro Diner Raleigh menu

Location on Google maps

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First Take: True Flavors Diner in Durham Delivers a Full Plate

Front of True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Front of True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Out by Route 55 in Durham you’ll find a small cafe and catering business named True Flavors! I had heard a bit of buzz about it through my network but there wasn’t a ton of visibility given its part catering business and has limited hours (closes at 2:30pm in general). But I really wanted to check it out and took a special trip out there for a work lunch which was well worth the effort.

Dining area at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Dining area at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

If you’re looking for True Flavors just be aware that it’s in a back corner of a quiet plaza, we stumbled on it nearly accidentally while getting lost! Big red signage in front, inside True Flavors has a nice open feel with a lot of sunshine and green for brightness. The place is busy already at noon time, I suspect they do more of a breakfast/early lunch type crowd here. There’s plenty of space to stretch out in and we get seated in a back corner with a friendly and enthusiastic waitress.

Meatloaf at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Meatloaf at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Since we’re short on time, we put in our orders quickly for the Hot Bird chicken sandwich and a bacon-bourbon meatloaf that I had been stalking for a while! Yeah, I was checking out their menu for the last month or so and nothing would sway me from my plan. The food comes out REALLY quickly, in less that 10 minutes and closer to 5 which is great if you’re pressed for time. And it looks really impressive overall.

Hot chicken sandwich at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Hot chicken sandwich at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

My meatloaf is hard to see under the gravy, bacon and greens but it’s sitting on some mashies along with some green beans! It’s a large portion for lunch but not close to the Hayes Barton Cafe which will coma you. I take a bite and it’s good, excellent meatloaf texture but not as much flavor in the meat. Taken as a whole with the mashies and beans it’s a good meal but felll a bit short on the flavor side for me. But at home I usually do a Cajun meatloaf which is loaded with peppers and spices so maybe my taste buds are tuned differently.

Onion rings at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Onion rings at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

My table-mate’s TFD hot bird sandwich looks fantastic! A fried chicken breast with spicy sauce on brioche along with a wonderful stack of beer-battered onion rings, I’m a bit jealous of his choice but what the heck, maybe next time. Service through-out lunch is great and tempting, she asks about dessert but I’d actually like to be conscious back at the office this afternoon. So we head out of True Flavors, stuffed and happy, back to work! In the end, I think I may have picked the wrong lunch item but overall I think True Flavors is doing a good job and presenting a nice twist on diner food in a more gourmet setting. And yes, I’ll need to get back for visit two to understand how good this place is and you can bet I’m getting those onion rings!

 

True Flavors Diner + Catering

5410 NC-55,

Durham, NC 27713

919.316.7978

 

Location on Google maps
True Flavors Diner Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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First Take: Finch’s Restaurant, a Taste of Breakfast and Raleigh

Classic front of Finch's Restaurant in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining Classic front of Finch’s Restaurant in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

 Along with the Mecca, Finch’s Restaurant is one of those places that often gets mentioned as a taste of old-school Raleigh.  And it TOTALLY is exactly that!  Located in a dusty parking lot on Peace Street near the on-ramp for Cap Boulevard, Finch’s looks like it used to be a drive-in eatery.  And the lot is usually packed on the weekends so try not to be scared off!  Inside Finch’s you’ll find a lot of formica, wood paneling and worn chrome.  Opened in 1953, Finch’s lays claim to being one of the oldest restaurants in Raleigh.  I grab a seat at the counter to watch the action in the kitchen and at the grill.  Order up the Big Man breakfast and it’s time to hang loose.

Menu at Finch's Restaurant in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining Menu at Finch’s Restaurant in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

At the counter, I can spin around on my stool and check out the rest of the diner space.  Great mix of people, all ages and all colors, a real cross-section of Raleigh.  An old boombox is gently pumping out some pop tunes, regulars are stopping in to say hi and the grill cook is sassing the waitresses, it’s all good here at Finch’s!  My breakfast comes out on two plates: a couple of hotcakes on one, and my eggs over easy, sausage and home fries on another.  There is a lot of food here and even though I’m more of a small guy, the Big Man breakfast makes me happy.

Big man's breakfast at Finch's Restaurant in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining Big man’s breakfast at Finch’s Restaurant in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

The pancakes are decent, probably buttermilk, light and fluffy. With a bit of butter and syrup, we’re talking about a solid starter.  The eggs and home fries aren’t quite as successful.  The eggs are fine and well-fried, the home fries are red skin potato chunks and tender but sorta flavorless, oh well.  The star of the plate is the hot link sausage which is different from what you usually get at breakfast spots.  It’s spicy and delicious, nice change of pace.  Overall Finch’s is a decent spot if you’re not expecting stellar food and just want a comfortable spot to nurse your hangover and watch the nice people of Raleigh pass by.  This Raleigh classic is still classic but don’t get too focused on the food, it’s all about the overall experience.

 

Finch’s Restaurant

401 W Peace Street

Raleigh, NC 27603

 

Location on Google maps

Finch's on Urbanspoon

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Hwy 55 Burgers in Apex for Beefy, Greasy Deliciousness!

Front of Hwy 55 in Apex, NC Triangle Dining
Front of Hwy 55 in Apex, NC Triangle Dining

Have you ever been hit by an overwhelming desire for a big ol’ greasy cheeseburger?!  Well yeah, it’s not always the wisest feeling to cave into but sometimes ya gotta do it.  Usually Five Guys in Cary would be my dealer of choice.  A quick check on Yelp and it looks like there’s a Hwy 55 down the street in Apex.  Previously known as Andy’s Cheesesteaks and Cheeseburgers, the re-naming hasn’t changed the concept or food that much.  So off to Hwy 55 we go, via Route 1 to a busy little strip in Apex that has quite a few interesting spots to eat at.

Counter at Hwy 55 in Apex, NC Triangle Dining
Counter at Hwy 55 in Apex, NC Triangle Dining

As soon as we step into Hwy 55 we’re greeted enthusiastically by the staff which is nice.  The interior is all diner like in whites and chromes, stool seating by the main counter.  A quick scan around the dining room and EVERY single person in there is a dude so yeah, I’m hoping they do a good burger!  The menu at Hwy 55 is pretty simple: burgers, grill sandwiches, chicken tenders, cheesesteaks, probably not more than 20 or so items to choose from.  Which is fine if they do it well!  You can upgrade your sandwich with a drink, fries, specialty side (onion rings, salad, chili-cheese or gravy fries)  or specialty drink (shakes, orangeade, lemonade) for anywhere from $2 – $5.  I order up the John Boy & Billy BBQ burger along with some chili-cheese fries!  It’s hard holding back when you’re eating at a place like this.  Understand that the standard burger at Hwy 55 is over 1/3 of a pound and you know you’re going to be eating big!

Burger at Hwy 55 in Apex, NC Triangle Dining
Burger at Hwy 55 in Apex, NC Triangle Dining

Ten minutes later our food comes out, I’ve got a nicely stacked burger and a side plate of fries.  The burger is a solid piece of work: irregular patty (hand-formed) nicely grilled, well-melted American cheese along with some wavy bacon and an onion ring!  The John Boy is tasty with a broad range of meat, crispy and cheesy on top of a soft bun.  And it’s plenty of food, not sure how my friend Dennis downs a double without falling into food coma.  The chili-cheese fries at Hwy 55 were also decent but the chili could have used a bit more heft and taste.  Service was solid overall but they were probably a bit under-staffed for the busy lunch crowd.

Chili-cheese fries at Hwy 55 in Apex, NC Triangle Dining
Chili-cheese fries at Hwy 55 in Apex, NC Triangle Dining

So while it may be a chain, this Apex location of Hwy 55 does a very solid burger at a decent price (under $10 with a diet coke).  I know there’s a burger renaissance happening in the Triangle but there’s nothing wrong with going non-frou-frou basic burgers.  Apparently there used to be an Andy’s challenge which meant downing a 50 oz burger with 4 toppings, fries and drink but it’s no longer offered at this location.  The owner told a funny story about some college kids who came in for the challenge but just didn’t quite finish, ending in an abrupt and messy dining room accident.  And that’s a shame cause the burgers here are pretty darn good at Hwy 55, bon appetit!

 

Hwy 55 Burgers

802 Perry Road

Apex, NC 27502

919.303.3533

 

Hwy 55 menu

Location on Google maps

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The Mecca in Raleigh for Old-School Diner Eats

Cool neon sign for the Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Cool neon sign for the Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

When you think of classic Raleigh restaurants, there are certain places that come immediately to mind:  Roast Grill, Angus Barn and of course, the Mecca.  It’s really hard to miss this place given it’s 20′ neon sign but for five years I did.  I’d poke my head inside and couldn’t figure out what the place was about.  And there would always seem to be something higher up on my ToEat list.  But finally, I had a reason to stop in and I have to say it was an enjoyable experience!  Not to say that the Mecca has amazing food or anything like that, but it’s like going back in time, just not nearly as cramped as the Roast Grill.

Front of the Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Front of the Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Interior at the Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Interior at the Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Inside, the Mecca is all about polished wood booths, a diner counter with liquor bottles in back, the place can probably fit 30 or so people at most.  You’re greeted as soon as you enter, it’s definitely a neighborhood spot that has got to have its regulars.  We grab a booth and work through the plastic covered menus.   Which doesn’t take long because the menu at the Mecca is pretty small, your usual diner classics like soup, salads, burgers, steak, some pasta and fried seafood.  I go with the broiled cheeseburger steak which comes with fries and a salad for about $8 which is really reasonable.

Broiled steak cheeseburger at the Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Broiled steak cheeseburger at the Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

About 10 minutes later my meal comes out and whoops, I’m a little surprised!  My broiled cheeseburger steak is actually a ground sirloin patty with no bun, sniff.  With a slice of American cheese melted on top, it looked like a meal for a 12 year old but hey, it’s my first time here so I just didn’t know.  I watched my buddy dig into his thick, double-patty burger and let’s just say I was a little jealous but you know what?  I didn’t need the extra calories anyhow.  The steak itself was fine, lean, good flavor with a nice char taste, similar to what you might get at Char-Grill.  The fries were well-browned and a nice accompaniment.  My second visit was much better, I went with the standard cheeseburger which was well-grilled and a great deal for the price!  I learned from my earlier mistake…

Cheeseburger with fries at Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Cheeseburger with fries at Mecca, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Service-wise, the Mecca is excellent.  It’s a small place so you would expect it but that just adds to the diner feel by having old-school (not in age) waitresses with some flair.  They serve their soft drinks in small glasses so decent service is necessary to keep em filled.  All-in-all I do like the place.  As much as I don’t see myself coming here too often, it’s a great little diner for those of you who live in the hood or if you’re in downtown Raleigh on a fun night out.  Classic American eats at excellent prices with great service?  Well, there’s always a place for that in my book but I know my tastes run to more spicy and ethnic.  But I do appreciate the Mecca and what it’s about.  They have got to be doing something right after 80+ years in business and it is definitely worth a visit for its classic feel and eats!

 

The Mecca Restaurant

13 E. Martin Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.832.5714

 

Mecca menu

Location on Google maps

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