We named Raleigh’s ‘essential restaurants.’ You helped us add a few more to the list.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a two-part series featuring what I considered to be the Triangle’s essential restaurants. My aim was to showcase — as I put it — “local landmarks that reveal the region’s culinary history, as well as relative newcomers that are leading the way in its evolution.”
I limited the lists to 10 restaurants in Raleigh and 10 in Durham-Chapel Hill— an admittedly arbitrary number. It didn’t take me long to realize I had left out some worthy establishments.
That realization came with a little — okay, a lot — of help from you, dear readers. The first clue came in the form of an email, minutes after the first article went live on the News & Observer website: “How could you leave out Irregardless Cafe?”
Feel free to picture me facepalming when I read that.
In the hours and days that followed, more emails arrived, asking the same question about Players Retreat, and Second Empire, and ... well, you get the idea. I decided to ask your opinions and share the best of them, along with your comments (edited for brevity and clarity) for a follow-up.
I’ve gotten more than 50 responses so far, including multiple recommendations for a few restaurants. Following the same format as the original series, I’m breaking the list into two parts: Raleigh this week, and Durham-Chapel Hill next week.
Consider this a more fleshed-out version of Raleigh (and Cary’s) essential spots. My original 10 spots are listed below.
And of course, these restaurants don’t have open dining rooms right now, though many have carryout, curbside delivery and other family meal options. I know we’ll all look forward to visiting them again in the future.
Amedeo’s
“Great atmosphere, especially for an NC State fan. I love the baked ziti, Italian sausage, pizza, chicken parm.”
Bloomsbury Bistro
“John Toler has been cooking in Raleigh for 25 years. His menus include a variety of dishes from continental to some Asian-influenced food. Rabbit is not on many menus in the area, but he has it every so often. Prices are reasonable and portions are a good size. Friendly bar scene with a bar menu. Billy, front desk, welcomes guests in a friendly manner and is always efficient.”
Bruno
“We live in Wakefield, and this is where we take out of town guests. The seafood is outstanding. I don’t know where the chef sources it, but it’s consistently better than any other place I know. We lived on the South Carolina coast, in Hilton Head and Charleston, for 14 years, and know the joys of good seafood. Everyone thinks Bruno is an Italian restaurant, and there are a few Italian dishes on the menu, but I consider it a great seafood restaurant.”
Cloos’ Coney Island
“A staple in Raleigh! It is amazing, the food is phenomenal, and people have been loyal customers for over 30 years.”
Death and Taxes
ac-restaurants.com/death-taxes
“The food and service are simply excellent. We prefer it to Poole’s, which, of course, serves terrific food, but because Poole’s doesn’t take reservations, Death and Taxes is a better place to eat before a show or concert.”
Glenwood Grill
“Consistently good food with consistently good service. It’s comfortable. A good neutral place for us to meet folks from other parts of the county. Even if you’re not a regular, you are always treated well here. And that’s not true everywhere.
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard
“You absolutely, positively must take out-of-town guests to a Goodberry’s. They will not forget it.”
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery
hayesbartoncafeanddessertery.com
“The standard by which I evaluate all other restaurants. The food is delicious, served by a welcoming and friendly staff presided over by a genial host. The cozy interior is conducive to just enough interaction with fellow diners so that one feels he is dining with friends.”
And from another reader. . .
“My favorite restaurant since it opened over 20 years ago. Good variety, new specials each week, well-prepared, consistently delicious. The cakes are fabulous. The decor is attractive (candlelight at dinner) and staff are consummate professionals. The bartender Kate is a pro. The owners know exactly how to run a successful restaurant — no pretense, all kindness and expertise in one lovely package.”
Herons
“One of the best restaurants in the area. Innovative dishes and outstanding service. After dinner, the Umstead provides a great place to spend the night and then have breakfast the next day.”
Irregardless Cafe
“A Raleigh institution since the ’70s, one of the first to serve vegetarian food.”
And from another reader. . .
“The essential restaurant for the development of Raleigh as a dining destination.”
Mamma Mia
“The food is the best I’ve eaten in the area. There are always specials and excellent sea plates, often scallops with clams and other clam and mussel plates. Another one of my favorites is osso buco. The owner, Ciro, and the servers are very friendly. Ciro jokes with people and sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to people. I feel like I am part of the family.”
Neomonde
“Outstanding selection, always fresh. Pretty sure the one on Beryl (Road) is the oldest Lebanese deli in the Triangle.”
Players’ Retreat
“Historic sports bar with a good variety of well-prepared and fresh food. Service is excellent. NCSU Bell Tower nearby makes it special for walking around and seeing some of the NCSU campus.”
And from another reader. . .
“A neighborhood institution, in my opinion better than ever.”
Saint Jacques
“The essential French restaurant in Raleigh for years.”
Seaboard Cafe
“One of our favorite places to go is Seaboard Cafe next to Logan’s. The food is fresh and you can get a half-sandwich with chips or a side. And the owner and staff are really nice, too. A nice gathering place with friends.”
Second Empire
“Great food and service. We always eat in the downstairs Tavern, a very pleasant room.”
Side Street Restaurant
“Hidden gem sandwich shop in Oakwood, been around forever. Love their pimento cheese.”
And from another reader. . .
“The best chicken salad sandwich.”
Taverna Agora
“No nonsense, good Greek food. Nothing ever changes here, and that’s great. The rooftop dining area is wonderful on a pleasant evening.”
Vivace
“Quality food at reasonable prices. Good service. Good location for a place to meet after shopping or a movie at North Hills.”
RALEIGH’S ESSENTIAL RESTAURANTS
▪ 42nd St. Oyster Bar: 508 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 919-831-2811 or 42ndstoysterbar.com
▪ Angus Barn: 9401 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 919-781-2444 or angusbarn.com
▪ Big Ed’s: 220 Wolfe St., Raleigh. 919-836-9909 or bigedsnc.com (Two other locations in North Raleigh and Garner, but the original downtown location is the go-to spot here).
▪ Brewery Bhavana: 218 S. Blount St., Raleigh. 919-829-9998 or brewerybhavana.com
▪ Crawford and Son: 618 N. Person St., Raleigh. 919-307-4647 or crawfordandsonrestaurant.com
▪ Garland: 14 W. Martin St., Raleigh. 919-833-6886 or garlandraleigh.
▪ Jose & Sons: 327 W. Davie St., Suite 102, Raleigh. 919-755-0556 or joseandsons.com
▪ The Mecca: 13 E. Martin St., Raleigh. 919-832-5714 or mecca-restaurant.com
▪ Poole’s Diner: 426 S. McDowell St., Raleigh. 919-832-4477 or ac-restaurants.com/pooles
▪ The Roast Grill: 7 S. West St., Raleigh. 919-832-8292 or roastgrill.com
This story was originally published April 12, 2020 at 12:00 PM.