Top 5 Raleigh Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Review

Raleigh, that pretty North Carolina hub, is becoming, like, a total foodie hotspot, you know? That dining scene? Totally exploded in the past few years, you guys! And I get it, seriously, choosing where to spend your time and cash can be overwhelming. So, being a Raleigh resident practically born with a fork in hand, let me share my tried and true spots. I’ve eaten my way through the city – it’s a tough job, honestly – and, too, these picks are legit crowd-pleasers and offer, actually, a taste of what the City of Oaks is serving.

Brewery Bhavana: Where Books Meet Beer

Okay, if you’re after a drinking location with a twist, Brewery Bhavana is that cool place you have to check out! Is that right? It’s like, this gorgeous spot, it’s almost a brewery and dim sum restaurant *and* bookstore rolled into one, alright? Yeah, you got that right! Basically, the atmosphere is just really lovely – big, open space, those shelves brimming with cool books and, frankly, that wonderful aroma of brewing beer filling the air. Their beer? It tends to be Belgian-inspired, meaning it’s got those complex, fruity, almost spicy notes. A bit different, perhaps? Certainly. Then, that dim sum? Seriously delicious! Those steamed buns? A little bit amazing! The potstickers? Seemingly to die for! It’s really more a unique experience that just elevates grabbing a drink or bite, in some respects.

I remember, back when I first checked out Bhavana, I was super struck by the sense of community there, too. Basically, there’s these long, communal tables, so you end up chatting with your neighbors, very naturally. Plus, like, you can actually pick up a new book while you are sipping your brew? In a way, it is pretty cool. Pro tip? The “Dumpling Drop” is totally worthwhile, on certain nights. Trust me. Seriously.

Read our full review: Brewery Bhavana Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Table)

Poole’side Pies: Pizza Perfection

Looking for, you know, just amazing pizza? In fact, look no further than Poole’side Pies, it has the best pizza you will find anywhere around here. And who cares who created it! Actually, this offshoot of Ashley Christensen’s empire turns out Neapolitan-style pizzas that can only be called a masterpiece, naturally. Actually, that dough? It tends to be perfectly chewy and a little bit charred. The toppings? Super fresh and obviously local as possible, certainly. Just very classic combinations, but everything has such good quality it just tends to blow your mind. Plus, like, that location is super fun – it is in a repurposed gas station, you see. So, yeah, very kitschy.

A little while ago, my friends and me were celebrating my birthday here. And, well, we had some pies for everyone! It tasted fantastic! A little spicy from their fresh grown peppers. It hit just the right spot and left us all wanting to go back again some time in the future. The restaurant tends to be popular, so be willing to chill or just arrive right when they unlock the doors to the dining area for their grand opening, if you know what I mean. Still, believe you me, that is a fantastic spot if your group has agreed for some top-tier pizza in this fantastic state.

Read our full review: Pooleside Pies Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Table)

Beasley’s Chicken + Honey: Comfort Food Redefined

So, I bet you want that classic comfort food done *right*, right? In other words, this is Beasley’s Chicken + Honey. Also owned by Ashley Christensen, this restaurant just seriously focuses on that simple pleasure of amazing fried chicken. Anyway, this chicken? It’s almost always crispy on the outside, yet seriously juicy on the inside, typically. Add some spicy honey, in that case? Next-level stuff is happening right before your very face, just so you know. Plus, that restaurant has all those classic Southern sides, like, mac and cheese, collard greens and mashed potatoes – honestly, what could go wrong, really?

I honestly recall the first time I brought my out-of-state family to Beasley’s; they nearly lost their minds! Seriously! Being a born southerner, they stated without hesitation the chicken did have something a touch better then their grandmother’s cooking. What I can’t stress enough. That kind of praise? Almost very high coming from them, but they spoke a high truth in their testaments, just so you understand! Any chance you have, Beasley’s will remind us all why that simple foods can seriously bring happiness!

Read our full review: Beasley’s Chicken + Honey Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Table)

Death & Taxes: Wood-Fired Flavors

Now, when you are feeling that urge for something a touch fancy-pants, and not in your face obvious but really on the down-low if that works for you. Let me strongly suggest Death & Taxes, is that so? Yes. Still, another of Ashley Christensen’s ventures. Yes, but what is more unique about it than the other fantastic restaurants on this fantastic list? And you know what it might be?! So everything is cooked in a wood-burning oven. Also! It really gives such dishes some awesome, smoky flavor! Really, It is great for dates and fancy-occasion dinners too. The spot it inhabits is just ideal. Very cute spot to be sure, also. This makes them fantastic for all of the parties and wedding ceremonies I host as well. Also, what do they offer? I forgot, woops! Let me get to it for you.

Their menu changes depending on that season, yet almost all the entrees (and quite a few side things as well) go with a great smoky taste because they came straight away from their hearths! And their bar provides many great vintages and beers to mix with your chosen food pick, that makes that spot basically amazing and, honestly, something people must try if those persons wanna claim they fully enjoyed the town from Raleigh!

Read our full review: Death & Taxes Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Table)

Morgan Street Food Hall: A World of Flavors

Alright, are you with someone who literally never agrees on where they wanna eat or hang at? In any event, I strongly advise checking out Morgan Street Food Hall, honestly! To say nothing of, this incredibly gigantic food hall just houses tons of vendor booths! So it just has everything: tacos, pho, pizza, ice cream; very really everything, seriously. Anyway, with all the choices, everybody is capable of finding *something* that does sound wonderful!

Also, that area has communal sitting, basically! Making that very nice if that collection did consist of more then simply some couples and, for instance, is for, oh, I do not know… something that might include a huge conference and such, which is not beyond some normal people’s ability if people go with coworkers and such! Plus that location did present so many pop-ups, activities, not to mention some wonderful shopping options; so most can just make a whole day inside if wanted!

Read our full review: Morgan Street Food Hall Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit Now)

In that place called Raleigh, which provides various dining choices which span great drinks to cooking brilliance, all these places just bring special feels! No matter how folks were either resident from round that region or simply those passers by’s hoping they were enjoying those best locations around, and almost trying those places almost gave anyone some memorable adventures! Remember! Enjoy that trip!