Apex, NC Food & Drink and More

Steaks Are Still Cut Tableside at This Dim, Old-School Raleigh Steakhouse North Carolina Steak Lovers Swear By

Some Raleigh restaurants chase trends every season. This one has barely changed in decades, and its regulars would not have it any other way. Here, a staff member can roll up to your table, show you the raw cut, and slice your steak right in front of you before it heads to the charcoal grill. The lights stay low, the salad bar feels like a trip back in time, and there are no reservations for small groups, so the line forms early.

Raleigh, NC · 5d

everafterinthewoods.com

publisher · 100.7K followers

North Carolina Shoppers Are Looking Beyond Supermarkets For These Farm-Fresh Finds

Seventy-five acres. That’s how much room one farmers market needs to hold its farm sheds, restaurants, garden shop, and a busy wholesale side. It opens every day of the year, closing only on Christmas Day. Rain, heat, or a chilly January morning, the gates still swing open at 8 AM.

Raleigh, NC · 6d

WRAL News

Foodie News: New BBQ spot coming to Raleigh Iron Works, Diwali party and Oyster Fest this weekend

Raleigh Magazine shared the exciting news this week that Michelin-recommended Lewis Barbecue is beginning construction on its Salvage Yard at Raleigh Iron Works location in Raleigh this week. Owner and pitmaster John Lewis, who got his start in Austin (where he helped open Franklin Barbecue and the much-beloved La Barbecue), currently has locations in Charleston, Atlanta and Greenville (SC). Barbecue enthusiasts have flocked to his pits for years, waiting in long lines to get a taste of his expertly smoked pork spareribs, beef ribs, “Texas hot guts” sausage, oxtail, and his legendary beef brisket. Expect them to open in the second quarter of 2027. Take a moment to get familiar with them here.

Raleigh, NC · 7d

Raleigh News & Observer

One of Raleigh's most influential restaurants will close after 13 years

One of Raleigh’s most distinct and influential restaurants will close this month after more than a decade of championing and celebrating vegetarian cuisine. Fiction Kitchen plans to close its doors for good on Saturday, Nov. 14, and will serve its final Sunday brunch on Nov. 8. “This was a very difficult decision and one full of tears, but we feel the time has come for us to sunset Fiction Kitchen,” owners Caroline Morrison and Siobhan Southern said in an Instagram post. Fiction Kitchen opened in 2013 on Davie Street in Downtown Raleigh. Serving an entirely vegan menu of comforting and seasonal favorites, Fiction Kitchen became a destination for vegetarians and omnivores alike, solidifying its spot as one of the city’s signature restaurants for a time. Its vegan pulled “pork” has been a sensation for years, collecting national write-ups from outlets like The Washington Post . View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Fiction Kitchen (@thefictionkitchen) In 2024, Fiction Kitchen closed its original location in Downtown Raleigh and relocated to the redeveloping Gateway Plaza shopping center, first as a pop-up and then in a new permanent space in 2025. The owners hoped the move would offer a fresh

Raleigh, NC · 9d

takemetotn.com

This North Carolina Amish Bulk Store Sends You Home With Way More Than You Came For

Plenty of people walk into a small country store planning to grab one thing. Most of them walk out with two bags and a new favorite errand. In the tiny Chatham County town of Moncure, just off US 1, a family-run shop has quietly turned quick stops into full pantry hauls. It stocks bulk baking staples, Amish-made goods, fresh pies, and a candy wall that can derail even the most disciplined shopping list.

Moncure, NC · 18d

Raleigh News & Observer

Multiple coffee shops across Triangle will close or change in the coming months

On Monday, Nov. 2, a fire was reported at Village Coffeehouse in North Raleigh, prompting the business’ closure for until further notice, according to a post on the business’ social media . It’s the latest in a number of setbacks for coffee shops across the Triangle, which are experiencing struggles for a variety of reasons. In addition to the Village Coffeehouse fire, The Optimist Raleigh announced chapter 11 bankruptcy, Bad Brain Coffee Co. faces relocation and Parallax Coffee will close its Wendell location at the end of the year. On Monday, Oct. 26, Andrew Ward, owner of Optimist Raleigh, took to social media to share the news of the bankruptcy filing. “We will continue to operate normally going forward,” The Optimist said in a social media post. “Staff will be paid. Coffee and food will be served and nothing will change, especially in the interim. This process is just beginning, but the idea will always be to be here and protect this place and our staff.” In January 2025, The Optimist opened WRK by The Optimist on the first floor of North Hills’ The Exchange Raleigh before closing. Then Café Royale , a Parisian-inspired café and bar took over the

Raleigh, NC · 9d

raleighweekend.com

Enjoy Sunday’s Rooftop Drag Brunch with a Canned Food Drive and Legendary Queens

Nothing beats starting the day with dazzling costumes, powerhouse lip-syncs, and a side of bacon overlooking North Hills. On Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, Raleigh’s original drag brunch returns to the Level 7 rooftop for an afternoon of unmatched entertainment and community impact. The Crape Myrtle Festival team is bringing out a stellar lineup featuring Chloe Cassidy, Kayla LaShay, Alexandra Vittz, Portia Foxx, and Portia Dupree XL.

raleighweekend.com

Smoke and Shuck NC Oysters with Star Pitmasters at Raleigh Iron Works on Saturday

Few pairings capture North Carolina fall quite like briny half shells and rich, wood-fired barbecue. On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, the Rawleigh Oyster Fest takes over Raleigh Iron Works from 1–5 p.m. for its annual Smoke & Shuck showdown. The lineup brings together six chef-and-grower duos—pairing Triangle favorites like Figulina, Seraphine, and Cucciolo Terrazza with coastal N.C. farms like Kinnakeet and Hold Fast—alongside four heavy-hitting pitmasters, including Nick Dampf and Katsuji Tanabe, plus plant-based dishes from Cuya Cocina’s Kevin Ruiz.

Raleigh News & Observer

A new artisan ice cream shop has opened in Raleigh. Here's where to try it

The small-batch artisan ice cream shop Ladybug Creamery has officially opened at North Raleigh’s Glenwood Place. The creamery emphasizes quality ingredients without artificial flavors or colors. Their dairy, fruit and honey are sourced from North Carolina farms, as well as toppings that are “baked, boiled or roasted” in their own kitchen, according to their website . “First taste, first impression is everything,” the business said in a social media post. “We have been perfecting our recipes and tracking down the perfect local produce to bring a real farm-to-cone experience to the neighborhood.” Ladybug Creamery maintains a rotation of 12 flavors made daily in their location, each categorized under signatures, classics, international or seasonal. These tastes are subject to change, but their signatures — milk & honey, Turkish coffee, and pistachio — are always available, per the website . “Ladybug means: luck, hope, and new beginnings — the courage to move forward and make something meaningful in a new place,” the business said on its website . “That is the whole idea behind our Ladybug Creamery.” It’s led by Onur Yilmaz, a student of gastronomy and culinary arts. Yilmaz had years of experience in professional kitchens before “ice cream became the

Raleigh, NC · 7d

familydestinationsguide.com

You’ll Feel Like You’ve Traveled Back In Time At These 10 Old-Fashioned North Carolina Diners

Looking for old-fashioned North Carolina diners that’ll make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time?. These 10 diners deliver classic eats and a genuine 1950s atmosphere that’s totally worth the trip!. 1. Snappy Lunch (Mount Airy) Snappy Lunch in Mount Airy is the kind of place...

Raleigh, NC · 18d

jocoreport.com

Raleigh Market At State Fairgrounds Reopens Saturday

RALEIGH — After a monthlong break for the N.C. State Fair, the Raleigh Market will reopen Saturday, Nov. 7. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays except during October, when the annual State Fair is held. The Raleigh Market is one of...

travelmag.com

Fried Chicken, Ham Biscuits And A Line Out The Door Make This Raleigh, North Carolina Diner A Saturday Ritual

Old farm tools hang over the tables, and the smell of country ham reaches you before the door does. That was my first clue that a plain little brick diner in North Carolina was going to feed me better than I expected. The line outside looked long, but it moved...

Raleigh, NC · 10d

Raleigh News & Observer

A Raleigh bar, beloved for 40 years, will return after more than a decade away

A revival is in the works for a Raleigh icon that closed more than a decade ago. The sandwich shop and dive bar Sadlack’s will return in a few months in a new location and under new ownership. Jack-of-all-trades Henry Goodall is reopening Sadlack’s in a century-old building at 913 W. Morgan St. in Raleigh. The name is the same, but the new Sadlack’s will open for drinks only to start, with food to follow if all goes well, Goodall told The News & Observer. But more than a menu, Goodall said the new Sadlack’s hopes to conjure a sense of community. “We’re not trying to be the old Sadlack’s, you can’t go back in time and do that,” Goodell said. “But whether you miss the old Sadlack’s or you never had the opportunity to go and always felt like you missed something, this will be here to fill whatever it is they’re trying to find. The world is lacking community and that’s what we’re trying to create here.” The Sadlack’s return was first reported by Raleigh Magazine . Sadlack’s stood for 40 years on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, serving sandwiches and drawing fans from all walks of life. Goodell

Raleigh, NC · 10d

whatnow.com

Five Guys Burgers & Fries Could Bring Its Made-to-Order Burgers to Downtown Raleigh

Five Guys Burgers & Fries could be bringing its made-to-order burger concept to downtown Raleigh, with preliminary development plans identifying 442 Fayetteville St. as the site of a potential new restaurant. The News & Observer reported October 28 that plans submitted to the city on October 19 outline renovations to prepare the space for the Virginia-founded chain.

midtownmag.com

Cooper’s Hawk Brings Its Wine-and-Dining Playbook to Cary

An Illinois-born restaurant-and-winery concept is coming to Parkside Town Commons. In an exclusive conversation, general manager Heidi Williams explains why the wine is only part of the attraction. Cary isn’t exactly short on places to eat or enjoy a glass of wine. So when Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants announced...

Cary, NC · 9d

travelmag.com

8 North Carolina Diners Where The Chili Cheeseburger Plate Comes With Onion Rings

Onion rings were supposed to be the side, but the first crunchy, golden bite made the burger fight for attention. That small surprise happens all over North Carolina, in plain little diners with paper napkins and squeaky booths. The chili cheeseburger here is a proud local tradition, piled with chili,...

North Carolina · 10d

Raleigh News & Observer

The best Carolina-style BBQ joints in the US, says USA Today. 2 are in Raleigh

In barbecue, Carolina-style usually means one of two things: vinegar or tomato. In bridging the barbecue divide, there’s a new ranking of Carolina-style joints that puts a Raleigh icon in the top spot. Raleigh’s influential smokehouse The Pit Authentic Barbecue was named the country’s best Carolina-style barbecue, according to USA Today’s 10Best. In compiling its rankings 10Best barbecue experts nominated top spots and readers voted for their favorites. The Pit helped brighten the spotlight on North Carolina’s most famous culinary tradition when it opened in downtown Raleigh. Co-founded by legendary pitmaster Ed Mitchell and now solely owned by Greg Hatem, The Pit serves up whole hog and Lexington-style barbecue, covering all the Carolina-style bases. The 10Best writers praised The Pit’s ability to cater to all tastes. “Whole-hog barbecue is the main event at The Pit, a Raleigh favorite housed inside a restored 1930s-era warehouse,” the story said. “In addition to pork, the venue offers a diverse range of other proteins including beef brisket, chopped barbecue turkey, and Southern fried chicken — and there are even barbecue soy nuggets for the meat-averse.” Though Carolina-style could mean either state, the rankings show a clear superiority. Of the top 10 Carolina-style spots, seven

Raleigh, NC · 10d

Raleigh News & Observer

partner publisher · 141.7K followers

Insects in rice, floating black growth: 3 Triangle restaurants get ‘B' grades

The News & Observer publishes a weekly roundup of restaurant sanitation scores to keep you up-to-date on the health grades at Triangle dining spots. Sanitation scores and their corresponding letter grades are used in North Carolina to assess restaurants’ adherence to rules and standards intended to mitigate and prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses. You’ve likely seen sanitation grade cards at restaurants you’ve visited, and The N&O previously explained what those scores mean and how they’re calculated . Here are sanitation scores in Triangle counties from Oct. 20-26. Wake County sanitation scores The Wake County inspection management system shows 85 restaurant inspections were completed Oct. 20-26. One restaurant received a B grade (a score of at least 80 but lower than 90): Acacia Tree Asian Cuisine (101 Keybridge Drive, Suite 100, Morrisville) received a score of 87.5 on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The restaurant was in violation of 11 standards. Violations include a metal bowl of standing water with black growth floating inside, encrusted buildup of debris on several dishes stored as clean and flying insects inside bulk bins of rice, among other violations. The restaurant previously scored an A grade in January 2026. Durham County sanitation scores The Durham County

Wake County, NC · 17d

ABC11 Eyewitness News

He started selling banana pudding from trunk of his car, now he has a store in Durham: NC Made

One Durham man is reimagining a classic southern staple, banana pudding, with new flavors and combinations while staying close to his roots.

Durham, NC · 21d

decorhint.com