Starting in 1931 as a grocery store selling only oysters and beer, 42nd Street Oyster Bar is well-known as a staple seafood restaurant in Raleigh.

“There’s no telling how many people have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and promotions at this perennially popular steakhouse. Six decades after its opening in 1960, folks still make the trek out to the big red barn on the outskirts of Raleigh for its unlikely combination of down-on-the-farm atmosphere, world-class wine cellar, and aged beef”

Lying in the heart of City Market is a place most known for its country-style Carolina breakfast serving country ham, grits, and gravy. Their lunch is just as packed with chicken, pork, steak, catfish and more!

“Start with a contemporary Asian dim sum-inspired menu, developed by the owners of Bida Manda, the award-winning Laotian restaurant next door. Pair it with a selection of 40 craft beers, including an assortment of house brews that spans the style spectrum from classic farmhouse ale to mango peppercorn saison.”

“Crawford and Son, which he opened in 2016, dialed down the plate presentations to a more approachable level. The result, expressed in anything from exquisitely simple malted wheat dinner rolls to soul-satisfying chicken confit with roasted root vegetables, reveals a chef who, free from the constraints of high-end hotel cooking, is clearly in his comfort zone.”

“Fittingly, the menu — which meanders tantalizingly from heirloom field pea chaat to Szechwan local turnips to lemongrass brisket — is the brainchild of owner/chef Cheetie Kumar, a native of India who comes to Raleigh by way of New York.”

“On the plate, that translates to the likes of braised collard green tamales, skirt steak with charro black-eyed peas, and North Carolina sweet potato tacos dorados. While you’re enjoying the meal, be sure to raise a glass of sangria roja spiked with blackberry brandy to Jose & Sons, a fitting gastronomic symbol of the colorful cultural melting pot that our region has become.”

“The menu has evolved over the years, but remains true to the spirit of the original with an offering that ranges from a Greek diner take on spaghetti with meat sauce to the best fried chicken in town. Order a homemade cobbler for dessert, and as you wash it down with coffee served in a classic diner mug, you can just taste the history.”

“You should go for the food: a daily changing offering of Southern-inflected contemporary fare listed on wall-spanning blackboards. Christensen’s roasted chicken and macaroni au gratin are legendary, but you can’t go wrong here. Whenever you do go, know that Poole’s doesn’t take reservations, and a line starts forming a half-hour or so before the restaurant opens for dinner at 5 p.m. Plan accordingly.”

“The Roast Grill has been cooking hot dogs on a flat top grill to various degrees of darkness since 1940 (It’s one of the few places where customers are known to order their selection “burned”). This is purist’s nirvana, serving only hot dogs – no burgers, no fries, and don’t even think about asking for ketchup. Toppings include mustard, onions, hot sauce, and a beefy homemade chili.”

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