Warehouse District Restaurants Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

September 12, 2018 by Ron Wen

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! And if you’re curious about the Transfer Co. Food Hall on the other side of town, details here!

Coming Soon to Morgan Street Food Hall

Pazza Pasta (Italian)

Pictures, Menus and Prices for Morgan Street Food Hall Restaurants

Aunt Betty’s Gin and Absinthe Bar

Aunt Betty’s Gin and Absinthe Bar: 4 1/2 Stars

A great looking speak-easy tucked behind a plain door on Morgan Street. Fun cocktails and decor for some casual conversation and drink!

Bad Cat Coffee Co.

Bad Cat Coffee Co. Menu

Bella’s Wood Fired Pizza & Tapas

Bella’s Wood Fired Pizza & Tapas Menu

Boba Brew at Morgan Street Food Hall

Boba Brew at Morgan Street Food Hall Menu

Cousins Maine Lobster

Cousins Maine Lobster nenu: 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 menu: 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.

Oak City Fish & Chips

Oak City Fish & Chips Menu: 2 1/2 Stars

Unfortunately, Oak City Fish & Chips has some serial service issues even with such a small menu. Running out of seafood items on the menu, slow cook times, lack of condiments, the staff needs better training and more kitchen help. The food is decent once you get it but not worth the stress.

Primal Cuts

Primal Cuts menu

Raleigh Mini Donuts

Raleigh Mini Donuts and Menu: 4 stars

Raleigh Raw

Raleigh Raw Menu

Raleigh Rolls

Raleigh Rolls Menu

Sassool Select

Sassool Select menu: 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 menu: 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 Katsu

The Katsu Menu

Wicked Taco

Wicked Tacos Menu

YoHo Hibachi & Sushi Burrito

Yoho Asian Bistro Menu

August 11, 2015 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Circa 1888: A Plush New Bar in Raleigh’s Warehouse District

Entry-way sign at Circa 1888 in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

As Raleigh’s bar and cocktail scene continues to grow and evolve, you’ll occasionally run into a surprise. In my case, it’s the newly opened Circa 1888 in Raleigh’s Warehouse District! Located in the space that used to house the old FUBAR, you now have the decidedly upscale and posh, Circa 1888.

Bar at Circa 1888 in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Owned by the same folks as Landmark Tavern, this innocuous front entrance opens up to a huge space inside. Arched stone entry-way, antique brick interior and a long, serious bar on the right hand side. Circa 1888 has a hidden speak-easy feel but does it totally different.

Billiards area at Circa 1888 in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

On my first visit to Circa 1888 my friends and I stopped in for a quick visit before dinner. Keeping things simple, I ordered up a pint of brown ale and started wandering around. Circa 1888 is a huge space with high ceilings, different than your usual “speak-easy”. They’ve got an upscale billiards area (4 tables), huge red banquette/booths, a private back room along with a side patio. Service at the bar was personable and friendly, I’m curious to see what kind of crowd they draw here.

Plush booths at Circa 1888 in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

I never made it here when it was a dance club but I’ll come back now that it’s Circa 1888. I was pretty impressed during the day time and I’m guessing that this place will be even more interesting at night. The bar and cocktail scene takes another leap forward in the Triangle with Circa 1888…

Circa 1888

412 W. Davie Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.307.4203

Location on Google map

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November 11, 2014 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Great Dining and Restaurants in the Warehouse District, Raleigh

Warehouse District, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Warehouse District, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

When most people go out in Raleigh on the weekend to bar-hop or hang out, they usually end up on Fayetteville Street or S. Glenwood. But more often than not, lots of locals now visit the Warehouse District for their fun. Loosely bound by Morgan Street to the north, Cabarrus to the south and Boylan-S. Dawson on either side. Within this neighborhood you’ll find a good mix of dining, bars, retail, and the arts. Moreover, it’s an area that’s LGBT-friendly which means you’ll be amongst a diverse and eclectic crowd for those looking for some flavor! But if you’re looking for food and restaurant flavor, here’s where you might want to check out when visiting the Warehouse District!

Raleigh Warehouse District Places

Interior of Five Star, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Interior of Five Star, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Heatseeker shrimp at Five Star, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Heatseeker shrimp at Five Star, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Out on Hargett Street lies the hidden but cool Five Star restaurant. Known for it’s popular Chinese-American fare, Five Star puts a twist on it by serving it in a sultry and dim space full of brick and artwork. An upper lounge area provides music on the weekends and a quiet place to grab a drink. Don’t miss their heatseeker shrimp or dumplings. While I’m not a fan of over-Americanized Chinese fare, Five Star is striking a nice balance between more authentic and fusion Asian eats. And you usually get pretty solid service here, great for a date.

Front of the Pit, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Front of the Pit, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Three-meat plate at the Pit, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Three-meat plate at the Pit, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Move down to S. Davie and you’ll run into several Raleigh favorites for dining and eats: the Pit, Jose and Sons along with Humble Pie. It’s hard to go wrong with any of these three restaurants and they all nicely cover a cuisine that’s super-popular for most diners. The Pit is the big-hitter here, a nationally renown barbeque and smoked meats joint that serves up good Carolina que, ribs, brisket and more at reasonable prices. The large dining room is usually crowded so try to grab a seat at the bar if you’re in a hurry. While I don’t think the Pit is as good as it used to be, it’s still a solid dining choice, especially during off-peak dining periods.

Interior of Humble Pie, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Interior of Humble Pie, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Shrimp and grits at Humble Pie, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Shrimp and grits at Humble Pie, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Around the corner from the Pit on Harrington is the ever-popular Humble Pie. Focused on small, mixed plates you will get everything from shrimp n grits, to short-rib tostada and more here. Love the urban feel the place and the open dining space. Also Humble Pie sports one of the best patios in Raleigh, perfect for brunch. So if you’re looking for something more sophisticated, Humble Pie should fit the bill.

Jose and Sons, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Jose and Sons, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Waffle and chicarrones at Jose and Sons, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Waffle and chicarrones at Jose and Sons, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Now across from the Pit in the historic Raleigh Train Depot you’ll find Jose and Sons, Mexican with a southern twist. Jose and Sons might be your best dining choice in the block because usually it’s not too busy, they’ve got plenty of space, excellent food and at a decent price. My fave dish here is the chicarrones as an appetizer or with waffles. They also do a nice job with their ceviche in a mason jar. Jose and Sons has a very colorful and rustic interior and it all pulls together for a fantastic dining experience.

Contemporary Art Museum (CAM), Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Contemporary Art Museum (CAM), Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Legends Club, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Legends Club, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

So there you go, a quick dining tour through the Warehouse District! And the fact is that in addition to good food, you’ll also find cool spots like Visual Art Exchange (VAE), the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM), Videri Chocolate Factory along with Deep South, Legends, Crank Arm Brewery and the Flying Saucer if you want to get your drink or dance on! it’s a cool neighborhood and one that should grow even more with the upcoming Raleigh Transit Center gets built and services all the passenger train traffic in the area! And it’s within walking distance of the Red Hat Amphitheater. Rock on Warehouse District, cause you may have been about warehouses at one point and time but now you’ve grown into so much more…

Great Restaurants and Dining in Raleigh’s Warehouse District!

Five Star (Chinese-American)- Hargett Street

The Pit (Barbeque, Southern)- Davie Street

Humble Pie (Seasonal plates)- Harrington Street

Jose and Sons (Mexican, Southern)- Davie Street