RTP Restaurants Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

August 21, 2021 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP in Durham

Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP – nctriangledining.com

During the pandemic of 2020, it was a CRAZY year for restaurants and for those of us who love and support them. A tip of the hat to those restaurants that were brave enough to open up during the pandemic. I fondly remember when Lawrence Barbecue launched its pop-up over on West Street (Raleigh) in March of 2020. I was sheltering at home quite a bit so it was a welcome, culinary reprieve to grab some of their fantastic smoked meats for a meal. Fast forward a year later and Lawrence Barbecue has finally opened up their bricks and mortar in the new Boxyard RTP complex. Here’s what to expect from this up and coming, barbecue restaurant!

Inside Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP – nctriangledining.com

Covered seating next to Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP – nctriangledining.com

If you haven’t made it over to Boxyard RTP, be prepared for something new! This facility is made up of restored shipping containers that are typically used on massive shipping barges. I’ve seen something similar out in Albequerque New Mexico so it felt familiar to me. Decked out in a high-gloss navy paint, Lawrence Barbecue sits in the center of the action next to the dining area on the ground floor. The space is small with an open kitchen, storage area and merch display. What’s cool is that given the pandemic, you can order online or out front at the order window for convenience. Boxyard RTP has a large, open courtyard with covered seating in a community setting. There’s also seating up on the second level overlooking the courtyard.

Smoked wings at Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP - nctriangledining.com — Smoked wings at Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP – nctriangledining.com

The menu at Lawrence Barbecue should be pretty familiar with a short menu of smoked meats and Southern sides. Chef Jake Woods (previously worked at Seaboard 18) who runs and owns Lawrence Barbecue is pretty creative and tries a lot of different things for the menu, ranging from Kombucha marinated burnt ends to a chicken-fried rib patty over the past year. The chicken wing appetizer is a tasty starter, slicked with a bit of sweet and savory smoke. But yes, given the current wing shortage they may or may not be on the menu!

Stuffed brisket sandwich from Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP – nctriangledining.com

Lawrence Barbecue is also known for their over-stuffed sandwiches! Their brisket on toasted brioche is a mouthful and a half. Chopped brisket beef loaded onto a tallow-toasted bun and topped with slaw and barbeque sauce. Pair it up with their deviled egg potato salad and you’ll be a very happy camper.

Deviled egg potato salad at Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP - nctriangledining.com — Deviled egg potato salad at Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP – nctriangledining.com

But in the end, the mark of a good barbecue joint is always their meat, served up with a minimum of fuss. Lawrence Barbecue is doing a great job here, check out their sliced brisket (with beautiful smoke ring) served up with some Southern slaw and a side of BBQ sauce. The meat here is perfectly tender and loaded with luscious fat, making for an umami explosion in your mouth. The slaw provides a bit of tangy contrast to tame it all down.

Sliced brisket at Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP – nctriangledining.com

Sticky ribs at Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP – nctriangledining.com

Broccoli Caesar-style at Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP – nctriangledining.com

The sticky ribs are another favorite here. Tender pork ribs slicked with a bit of sweet and totally lean. Paired with their Broccoli Caesar style (served cold with brioche croutons), you’re in for a taste sensation that’s relatively healthy? Or at least that’s what I tell myself to justify the meal! I have yet to try the pork barbeque at Lawrence Barbecue but will put it on the ToEat list for my next visit.

Overall, Lawrence Barbecue has transitioned from pop-up to store-front really well. Their three smokers in back show you that they mean business! And while the pandemic has slowed things down, they are already dishing out great smoked meats along with creative, fresh and tasty sides. I’m expecting more and better from them as they settle into their new space at Boxyard RTP. And as a bonus, they’ll be opening up the Lagoon, a leisure bar on the 2nd floor above Lawrence Barbecue soon. So if you’re in the RTP area, take a stop over at Lawrence Barbecue for a delicious lunch! I’m pretty sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the quality meats they are dishing out here…

Lawrence Barbecue

900 Park Offices Drive, Suite 120

Durham, NC 27703

919.593.6923

Location on Google maps

February 23, 2021 by Ron Wen 3 Comments

LuLu Bang Bang, Durham – A Culinary Trip Across Asia for the RTP Crowd

LuLu Bang Bang in RTP, Durham - nctriangledining.com — LuLu Bang Bang in RTP, Durham – nctriangledining.com

The food scene around the Research Triangle Park is usually focused on quick casual lunch spots to feed the office crowd. I worked in RTP for five years and trying to find a decent restaurant for dinner events was usually a challenge but it’s good to see some things changing and the area evolving. The new Lulu Bang Bang Pan-Asian restaurant is one great example of a better restaurant for denizens of RTP (along with the upcoming Boxyard complex). Currently open for take-out and now, lunch dine-in!

Dining room at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP - nctriangledining.com — Dining room at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP – nctriangledining.com

Sushi bar at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP - nctriangledining.com — Sushi bar at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP – nctriangledining.com

I was recently invited to a preview of their menu and it was pretty impressive. Chef William D’Auvray (previously at LuLa’s in Chapel Hill and Fins in Raleigh) is bringing his culinary skills to LuLu Bang Bang and delivering a diverse menu of Thai, Japanese, and Asian eats. The restaurant is large and light, with plenty of windows for warm sunshine. Polished concrete floors, Asian-style wood furniture along with some pops of color with the chartreuse padded seating placed strategically around the dining area make for a modern scene. There’s a sushi bar, cocktail bar and open kitchen to complete the space and show off the employees and their activity.

Bar at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP - nctriangledining.com — Bar at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP – nctriangledining.com

Private room at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP - nctriangledining.com — Private room at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP – nctriangledining.com

We sampled a variety of small plates on the current take-out menu and what will be on the upcoming dine-in menu. Thumbs up for the chicken satay with cucumber salad, the Thai shrimp toast and chicken yakitori skewers. Chef William stays true to Asian flavors but uses upper end ingredients for a cleaner finish. He doesn’t shy away from the signature spice and heat often found in SE Asian cuisine. Coconut charcoal for their grills and a new tandoori oven will allow them to turn up the heat and explore further across the Asian food palate, they will be expanding the menu over time. A great assortment of Tiki cocktails complement the food and cocktails are available to go in single-serving pouches. Their talented bar manager knows how to pair cocktail flavor profiles with the broad menu. And two private dining rooms will cover the needs for future office events.

Menu at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP, February 2021 - nctriangledining.com — Menu at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP, February 2021 – nctriangledining.com

Thai shrimp toast at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP - nctriangledining.com — Thai shrimp toast at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP – nctriangledining.com

Chicken satay and cucumber salad at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP - nctriangledining.com — Chicken satay and cucumber salad at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP – nctriangledining.com

Overall I can tell you that Lulu Bang Bang (lulu: an outstanding or remarkable thing, bang bang: an ancient Sichuan dish that harmonizes spicy, sweet, sour, salty, & bitter – from business website) offers a very updated take on Pan-Asian cuisine that will be well received by the RTP crowd. Located next to the popular Page Road Grill and MEZ as part of the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, I’m sure it will be a busy spot once we recover from the current COVID pandemic. LuLu Bang Bang opens their dining room for lunch service on 2/23 and will be expanding to a dinner service a couple of weeks later. Enjoy their Asian-style eats and modern dining space as a break and interlude in your day during these interesting times!

LuLu Bang Bang

5418 Page Road

Durham, NC 27703

919.908.1851

Location on Google maps

Wedge Salad Teppanyaki-style Pineapple Express Mocktail Naan at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP

Tom Kha Goong Pineapple Express Mocktail Naan at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP

Thai Shrimp Toast Pineapple Express Mocktail Naan at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP

Japanese Eggplant Pineapple Express Mocktail Naan at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP

Seared Shishito Pepper at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP

Chicken Yakitori Skewers at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP

Grilled Strip Loin at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP

Pineapple Express Mocktail at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP

Food and Cocktail Menu at LuLu Bang Bang in RTP

January 8, 2017 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: Doing Sandwiches and Subs Better at Cheerz Deli in Durham!

Front of Cheerz Deli in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Front of Cheerz Deli in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

If you’re working in RTP, like most office parks, it’s hard to find good lunch and restaurant options! There’s a smattering of plazas in the area and one of my favorites is at the corner of S. Miami and TW Alexander Drive. Along with Pho 9n9, V’s Southern Kitchen and Gussy’s Place, you’ll find a small sandwich shop, Cheerz Deli! Now, I’m not much of a cold sandwich guy so delis are not usually my first choice. But a co-worker likes Cheerz so it was time to stop in for a lunch visit, twice to be exact. And I can tell you that Cheerz was a pleasant lunch experience…

Dining area at Cheerz Deli in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Dining area at Cheerz Deli in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Like most businesses in this plaza, the front is pretty non-descript from the outside but open the door and you may get a surprise. Here at Cheerz it has the traditional sandwich shop feel. A smattering of 2 and 4-tops along with a sandwich counter on the side. Cheerz offers up a handful of specialty sandwiches or you can choose from some classics like Italian, BLTs, ham, tuna and chicken salad along with some salads with most items under $10. Cheerz does primarily breakfast, lunch and catering so don’t try to stop here for dinner. They’re only open Monday to Friday, servicing the RTP work crowd.

Order counter at Cheerz Deli in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Order counter at Cheerz Deli in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

I’m cheerfully greeted up front and put in my order for their “Crusher” sandwich (pastrami, corned beef, provolone, bacon) and skip out on the bag of kettle rosemary chips. Sandwiches at Cheerz are made to order in front of you taking a couple of minutes per person. You can also bling out your sammy with a choice of tomato, green bell pepper, banana pepper, pickle, olive, jalapeño, yellow onion, chickpea, and/or cucumber according to the menu. I get my Crusher sandwich wrapped up in white wax paper, pay the cashier up front and grab my fountain drink.

At the table I start unwrapping the sandwich, it’s a good 11″ long for the large. Cheerz bakes all their bread in-house (white or wheat) and it’s a pretty sandwich. Well stuffed with thin-sliced meat, layered with Russian dressing and served up warm. Cheerz does an excellent job putting together their well-stuffed sandwich and the combination of the two cured meats, bacon and dressing makes for a great bite! Definitely consider one of the signature sandwiches if you’re dining here, I’ll have to do the “Death Wish” next time. And while Cheerz isn’t fancy or eclectic, it does a very good deli sammich. Give ’em a try if you work in RTP or if you’re in the hood and looking for a quality lunch and sandwich!

Cheerz Deli

2945 S Miami Blvd # 106

Durham, NC 27703

919.572.6789

Location on Google maps

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March 5, 2017 by Ron Wen

Retake: Randys Pizza in RTP Serves Up a Perfect NY Slice

Front of Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining — Front of Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

When it comes to NY thin-crust pizza, I’m a huge fan! And while I would occasionally try out Randy’s pizza from time to time, it’s locations never worked for me as a lunch option. But thankfully a career change brought me to RTP and right down the road from Randy’s Pizza off S. Miami Boulevard. And as you can guess, I’ve been there a couple of times in the past year (ok I confess, probably about 20 times!) which means I’ve gotten a pretty good feel for this humble and delicious pizza joint. Dine-in, take-out, lunch combos, pizzas, sandwiches, I’ve put down some serious calories at this place. And I can also tell you that it’s probably one of the best all-round pizza joints in the area, here’s why…

Counter at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining — Counter at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

If you pop into Randy’s Pizza around lunch time, you’ll usually find the place slammed! They’ll have the day’s special on a board near the entrance and a U-shaped line snaking around. But don’t be intimidated or turned off, they are pros here and the line moves quickly. Eventually you’ll reach the two-station order area where you put in the order and then pay at the next station. Once that’s done, self-serve your drink and go find your table. They’ll call out your order on the overhead speakers when it’s ready but usually people are doing some sort of pizza slice/salad combo for their meal.

Two slice lunch combo at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining — Two slice lunch combo at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

Randy’s RTP specializes in thin-crust NY style pizza and it is really good! The type of slice that’s about as large as your head and has that floppy, foldable crust that’s so delicious. Sauce and cheese coverage is excellent and perfectly balanced. Toppings at Randy’s are generous and of good quality. They use a thin-crumble sausage and spicy pepperoni for starters. If you do the two-slice combo (1-topping and drink for $6.98) I’m pretty sure you’re going to have a snoozy afternoon! I’ve also done their full pies (14″, 16″, 18″ which are equally good and tasty. The sauce used on their pies is quite good with a bit of garlic kick.

Meatball pizza at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining — Meatball pizza at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

Chicken parm sub at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining — Chicken parm sub at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

And if you’re not up for pizza, how about one of their amazing subs? Choose from deli favorites like at Italian, ham and turkey but I’m partial to their parmesan subs that come in meatball, chicken or veal! They use a perfectly toasted sub roll, sweet marinara and melty cheese on top, it’s really a perfect version of a classic sub! Pretty much any lunches at Randy’s RTP will be under $10 so you also won’t be spending a fortune to make your stomach happy.

Dining room at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining — Dining room at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

And while the food is excellent and the dining area humble, what really stands out at Randy’s RTP for me is their service. Whether I’m on the phone or at the cash register, they’re unfailingly well-trained and polite. But when you do as much volume as they do, you really have to be. I know that the other Randy’s Pizzas in the area are also pretty good but not quite as good as this one. I’m pretty sure this location is run separately given the different websites and advertising used. Given how much I’m at Randy’s RTP, I’m hoping to get to the bottom of THAT story. But all you need to know, hungry diner, is that Randy’s RTP does some of the best and biggest NY pizza in the area. So enjoy it and make the drive even if you don’t work in the RTP like I do!

Randy’s Pizza RTP

5311 S Miami Blvd,

Durham, NC 27703

919.941.7755

Location on Google maps

December 2, 2015 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: Bowl of Pho in RTP Offering Great Soups!

Front of Bowl of Pho in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

I am a HUGE fan of Vietnamese eats and I’m always on the look-out for good, down-home eateries. So I was really excited to find Pho 9n9 near my office and it immediately went into my lunch rotation. Lo and behold but I find another Vietnamese spot right down the street on Yelp, Bowl of Pho. It was time to spread my wings a bit and check out this newer Vietnamese eatery in RTP.

Counter at Bowl of Pho in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Located a bit further north on S. Miami Boulevard, Bowl of Pho sits in a stand-alone pea green building right up the street from Pho 9n9. Inside the space is large and cleanly but humbly decorated in VN cafe-style. Small 2 and 4-tops, bamboo decor and a chalkboard with food and drink specials. It’s clean and bright with natural lighting but very simple. I’ve stopped by a couple of times and there’s always an older Vietnamese couple working the floor, I’m assuming the owners. The menu is pretty basic with a smattering of pho, rice, bun and banh mi offerings. Prices is about the same as Pho 9n9 in the $8 to $12 range with appetizers at $4 to $5.

Summer rolls at Bowl of Pho in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

For my two visits to Bowl of Pho, I managed to try out their summer rolls, bun bo hue and a combo pho. The summer rolls here are solid and stuffed with both pork and shrimp, a nice touch. The bun bo hue, was my first taste of this dish but it’s a spicier beef broth with lemongrass. It was served with bean sprouts and cabbage and was loaded up with slightly different proteins. A tasty bowl but I have nothing to compare it to! Just think pho a more spicy, tangy base.

Bun bo hue at Bowl of Pho in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

And finally the combo pho. At $11.50 it wasn’t cheap but Bowl of Pho offers up a sizable bowl with plenty of noodles, lightly spiced broth and decent cuts of meat, balls and other beef parts. I liked it but may still give the nod to Pho 9n9 for their broth.

Service at Bowl of Pho is super quick, the owners that run the place are on the ball and get you in and out quickly. You pay at the counter and I’m back off to work in under 45 minutes including the drive over, not bad! Overall I think Bowl of Pho is a VERY solid choice for Vietnamese but I need a bit more time to see how different they are from Pho 9n9. But all I can say is that I am happy to have two solid and authentic Vietnamese eateries so close to me at work. Vietnamese eats just makes me happy and I’m pretty sure Bowl of Pho will too.

Bowl of Pho

2806 S Miami Boulevard

Durham, NC 27703

919.734.8664

Location on Google maps

First Take: Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP in Durham