Issuu

PLACES &SPACES 21

Projects Connecting Our City

TEEN CURFEW: YES or NO

NOVEMBER 3

GET READY TO VOTE

’T MI

DON

p. 8 OCTOBER 2026 | 1

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campbell.edu 2 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

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4 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

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OCTOBER 2026 | 5

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OCTOBER 2026 | 7

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8 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Raleigh Magazine’s The Cocktail Classic is back shaking things up Nov. 14 at The Exchange. The glamorous holiday kickoff will bring together RM’s 10 Best Bartender nominees—this year, owners and founders behind some of our city’s finest cocktail bars—at 10 separate bars, each putting their own spin on classic cocktails (think old-fashioned, Tom Collins, martini) alongside premium spirits brands. Your golden ticket unlocks unlimited craft cocktails from Raleigh’s finest, exceptional Southern eats and DJ beats to set the vibe—plus the chance to snag a front-row seat at one of 10 custom demo bars, where the pros will pour, talk and share the stories behind their spirited ’tails. Don’t miss Raleigh’s ultimate night out. Grab your ticket today!

2026 BARTENDER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

LEWIS NORTON BITTERSWEET

KATIE O’KANE GUSSIE’S

ZACK MEDFORD TAP YARD

KEVIN BARRETT DRAM & DRAUGHT

JOSH GAGNE KILLJOY

KYLE HANKIN FOUNDATION

MATT BETTINGER MR. HENRY

MATT COLEMAN THE DAVIE

MARSHALL DAVIS PEYOTE MINI-BAR

LILY BALLANCE WILLIAM & COMPANY

OCTOBER 2026 | 9

FEATURES • OCTOBER 2026 PAGE 74

READY TO RISE

Think Raleigh’s skyline has shifted? Just wait. But Raleigh isn’t just building more towers—it’s building the pieces of a bigger city. Here’s what’s rising next—and how it could reshape the skyline.

PAGE 85

RAISING THE BAR

The bartenders behind some of Raleigh’s best watering holes helped build the city’s bar culture from the other side of the stick. Now, as owners, they’re fighting to keep the neighborhood bar alive.

Turnbridge Equities

RISING UP: Raising 37 stories above Glenwood South is Highline, what will be Raleigh’s tallest tower upon its 2028 opening.

10 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

We design a custom playbook to score your financial goals. Whether you’re saving for college, planning for retirement, buying your first home, or building an emergency fund, United Community is here to support you every step of the way. No matter where life takes you, we’re ready to help you reach your financial goals with personalized banking designed around you. Discover the difference banking built for you can make at ucbi.com. This content is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice.

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ON THE COVER:

North Hills is primed to (high)-rise again with residential tower Vesper, alongside a slate of burgeoning development. Rendering by Kane Realty

IN THIS ISSUE

BUZZ

EAT

19 DEAL OR NO DEAL

41 HOG WILD

20 CRITICAL CONNECTION

42 FIRED UP

22 POLL POSITION

44 GET LOW

24 SAINTS & SINNERS

46 STAYING POWER

26 WHAT THE FLOCK

48 STAY CRISPY

30 HOUSING HOPE

50 FARE PLAY

STUFF

62 MOUNTAIN MATCH

69 STATEMENT PIECE

66 WITCH, PLEASE

70 MOD MOMENT

67 FOUL PLAY

72 THE GRIM READER

Fate of the city youth curfew Linking Downtown to Dix Meet your ballot.

Sam Jones BBQ doubles down. Live fire lands in Raleigh. Low Bar—high spirits

The Exchange to NHID pipeline The eyes all over Raleigh

Eyes on the fries

First look: Fair Food Hall

Your peak chill moment Spooky spirits season

Beyond the surface

Design is within reach.

Sidelining youth sports?

Thrillers we’re dying to read

“

NHID has developed a strong local following and great neighborhood feel, so we love the idea of bringing Little Saint into a district that already has so much energy and personality.”

EVERY ISSUE 14 CONNECT

54 FOODIE NEWS

16 FROM THE EDITOR

58 DON’T MISS THIS

34 BE SEEN

64 GETAWAY

39 PEOPLE ARE TALKING

91 DINE LISTINGS

52 LOCAL LEGEND

98 LAST CALL

Read, listen, follow What’s on my mind

Spotted around the city Who’s making moves Enduring favorites

— K A N E E V P C O M M E R C I A L O P E R AT I O N S S TAC E Y B U E S C H E R , PAG E 24

Openings, closings + cravings This month’s must-do’s Escape the everyday Every mood, mapped Feel-good finish

12 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Low Bar: Sean Junqueira; Blue Ridge Parkway: Explore Asheville

The $10 difference

Why some spots are built to last

OCTOBER 2026 | 13

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH ALLIANCE PRESENTS

CONNECT READ | LISTEN | FOLLOW

e Subscrib Here!

INBOX ENERGY ARE YOU AN INSIDER?

The only newsletter in the city covering all the bases in one brief update: headlines, events and foodie news. Think of it as the group chat before the group chat, serving hot takes, local drama, food drops, exclusives and the stories everyone is talking about— or should be—straight to your inbox.

▲

TUESDAYS: NEWS YOU CAN USE

On Tuesdays, we spill tea. Your smartest noon scroll, Raleigh Insider delivers your weekly cheat sheet to the news, scoops and can’t-miss stories shaping the city.

Butler 20 Knowles Quartet

NCCU 01 Jazz Collective

Brevan Hampden 17 y sus Hermanos

Enloe Jazz Ambassadors OCT 08 & Moore Square Middle School Jazz Band

Turnabout 24 Players

OCT

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OCT

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THURSDAYS: BEST BETS

Your weekly itinerary starts here. A curated roundup of the most buzzworthy happenings for the week ahead sent straight to your inbox every Thursday—zero doomscrolling required.

Jasmine Best the Jazz Xperiment 15 & Rescheduled from Aug 27

For series information & more: DowntownRaleigh.org/Jazz

14 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

▲

FRIDAYS: DISH ON THIS

Come hungry. From resto openings and chef scoops to menu drops, cocktail buzz and where to book next, Dish on This serves the week’s tastiest bites and bevs—all before your first weekend rez.

Rosewood: Cline; Football: Courtesy of NC State; Birdie’s: Richard Barlow Photography

MOORE SQUARE 6-8 PM / FREE

Gina Pearce Stephens Publisher

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Melissa Howsam Associate Editor Lauren Kruchten Assistant Editor Heidi Reid CREATIVE Graphic Designer Shirley Polk Graphic Design Assistant Grayson Carter Lead Photographer Sean Junqueira SALES & MARKETING Account Executive Molly Hepler Account Executive Sam Stephens CONTRIBUTORS Editorial Intern Callie Honeycutt Contributing Writers Abigail Celoria-Francis, Mecca Folwer, Sunny Hubler, Dawn McDonald, Peyton Masilun, Sam Morrison, Elyse Waters Contributing Photographers Food Seen, Forrest Mason Media, Jennifer Robertson Photography, Jesus Cabrera, Susan Holt Photography, Veritas Digital Photography

Raleigh Magazine is published 10 times a year. RM is not responsible for unsolicited material. Such material will become the property of RM and is subject to editing and digital use. Reproduction of this magazine in part or in whole is prohibited without the express consent of the publisher. To contribute: RM welcomes your ideas. Please send ideas and comments to Melissa Howsam at melissa@raleighmag.com for consideration. Queries are accepted for feature stories, photographs and calendar events. Subscriptions: Raleigh Magazine is available at various locations throughout the city; you can also subscribe for $20 annually (10 issues). 100 S. Harrington St., Raleigh, NC, 27603 919.805.4698 | raleighmag.com

OCTOBER 2026 | 15

FROM THE EDITOR

INTO THE WOODS

But what’s remarkable about that evolution isn’t simply how much we’ve built—it’s how intentionally so much of what’s next draws from our city’s rugged roots, towering oaks, and brick-and-beam warehouses that still stitch together our Downtown cityscape. Even the lack of that obvious urban calling card—a river, lake or waterfront— has forced Raleigh to find her identity elsewhere. Or, as DRA President and CEO Bill King so perfectly put it at this year’s State of Downtown: “We’re in the woods, y’all.” But in the right hands, those woods are an asset—as seen in the vision for Raleigh’s Oakline, which would answer the longdecried need to connect Downtown to Dix by turning the landscape itself into part of the experience (“Critical Connection,” p. 20). It’s just one of the significant developments paying homage to our roots while ushering Raleigh into her next era. Just three decades ago, Downtown Raleigh was a very different place—and it showed. Fayetteville Street’s pedestrian mall stretched through the city like a concrete no-man’s-land. Everything seemed to come in some shade of brown. What followed was a series of big bets on Downtown, Midtown, West Raleigh

and beyond: connecting neighborhoods, destinations and people, and building not simply a place people pass through, but one where they belong. Dive into a dozen citywide developments coming out of the ground right now and shaping what Raleigh becomes next (p. 74). Perhaps no projects signal a city’s shift into a destination quite like hotels—and checkin time has arrived as several long-awaited stays finally come online (p. 82). Because this boom isn’t only about where visitors stay— it’s about creating a city they want to stay in. Of course, building a city people want to stay in means making sure the people who already call it home can afford to stay here too. As we turn the page on October, we’re wrapping Give Raleigh, RM’s fourth-annual 40-day giving campaign, in partnership with Pinnacle Financial Partners, to raise funds for Cooper Charitable Foundation in support of seven local nonprofits working to prevent homelessness and housing insecurity across Wake County. And there’s still time to give. It starts with just $10—and thanks to Pinnacle matching the first $10,000 raised, your dollars can go even further. Give $10. Give whatever you can. Because when Raleigh gives together, even a small gift can help keep a setback from becoming homelessness. From cover to cover, we take you through what’s new, now and next—and as we round the bases on another year in the city, I invite you to keep following along: on social, through the podcast, with our nopaywall inbox drops—or even to lock in a yearlong subscription for the price of lunch ($20/10 issues). Because if the Raleigh of my childhood sometimes feels like a false memory, I have a feeling the Raleigh we’re building now will someday feel just as improbable. Cheers,

TASTEMAKERS: The RM team raises a glass to our 2026 Best Restaurants atop One Glenwood. 16 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Melissa Howsam melissa@raleighmag.com 919.805.4698

Headshot: Jesús Cabrera; team photo: Veritas Digital Photography

When I think about my first recollections of Raleigh in the ’80s, it feels like a false memory. Few American cities have experienced the level of explosive growth and transformation as our City of Oaks.

NOW OPEN IN

RALEIGH AT NORTH HILLS

OCTOBER 2026 | 17

exactly like no place else Maybe it’s the signature lake. Or the wraparound porch overlooking it. Maybe it’s the already-open park, event lawn, fitness center and fishing pond. Or the thoughtfully crafted homes by three builders that make everyday life feel a little like a summer retreat. It’s hard to put a finger on what makes Ponder feel so unmistakably different. But once you get here, you’ll see.

New homes now selling from the mid $300 s 5 models open daily ○ From the creators of Wendell Falls PONDERNC .COM Ponder is owned in a joint venture partnership between North America Sekisui House, LLC (NASH) and Brookfield Residential, and is proudly managed by Brookfield Residential. These partners share a deep commitment to sustainable development practices and apply these core values to the vision, planning, and development of their communities. Ponder is one of more than 20 communities this partnership manages together across the US. For more information, visit pondernc.com. NB Ammons Acres LLC (“Fee Owner”) is the owner and developer of the Ponder Community (“Community”). Fee Owner has engaged Brookfield Residential Properties (“Brookfield”) solely as the Community’s property manager. North American Sekisui House, LLC (“NASH”) has an interest in one of Fee Owner’s members. Certain homebuilders (“Builders”) unaffiliated with the Fee Owner or its related entities are building homes in the Community. Fee Owner, Brookfield and NASH are not co-developing, co-building or otherwise responsible for any of the obligations or representations of any Builders. Fee Owner’s responsibility to the Community is limited to the development of certain infrastructure and such obligations run solely to the person buying real property directly from Fee Owner. Homebuyers at the Community waive any and all claims against Fee Owner, Brookfield, NASH and their affiliates arising from the purchase of a home at the Community. Actual development may vary from Fee Owner’s vision. No guarantee is made that the development of the Community will proceed as described. This material is provided for informational purposes only. Not an offering of real property in any jurisdiction where prior registration is required unless the Community has been registered or an applicable exemption is available. Ponder is a trademark of Fee Owner and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission. © 2026 NB Ammons Acres, LLC. All rights reserved. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. (10/2026)

18 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

BUZZ

Codyg123/shutterstock.com

CURFEW: YES OR NO

DONE DEAL OR NOT? Contrary to recent reports, City Council has not formally tabled Raleigh’s proposed youth curfew, per At-Large Jonathan Melton. “Council continues to engage the community about a teen curfew and has a forum Oct. 12,” he told RM. “No official vote has taken place.” That said, council members appear to have reached consensus behind the scenes. Some have signaled the curfew is headed for the chopping block, others say the conversation isn’t over. District A’s Mitchell Silver

sets the record straight, telling RM that council simply placed a pause on coming to a decision until the public meeting, after which they’ll come back together and decide how to move forward. Additionally, an opento-the-public vote must take place before council can adopt a new policy. So, for now: Raleigh teens and residents still get their say. The October community forum at Five Points Center for Active Adults remains on the books, giving people a chance to weigh in on the curfew and pose broader questions around teen safety and community. —By Lauren Kruchten OCTOBER 2026 | 19

BUZZ

CRITICAL CONNECTION The Oakline could turn the journey between Downtown and Dix Park into a destination of its own.

FROM TROLLEYS to aerial cable cars, Raleigh’s seen a wide range of ideas to link Downtown with Dix Park. Now, one pitch is outshining the rest: The Oakline—an elevated path for pedestrians and bikers—that could finally bridge the gap. The two destinations sit a mere three-quarters of a mile from each other—basically a jaunt from Capitol Square to the Warehouse District— yet they feel miles apart. That’s largely thanks to uneven terrain, multilane roads, railroad crossings and sprawling intersections. “We’ve got a 300-acre park, and we’ve got a vibrant Downtown—becoming more vibrant by the day,” Wake County Open Space & Parks Advisory Committee board member Sig Hutchinson tells RM. “The barriers include three of the busiest streets in the city, a railroad line and 50 feet of elevation.” 20 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Ideas for linking Downtown to Dix with a safer, bolder and more accessible connector have been floated for years—gondolas, trolleys, BRT and so on. The Oakline could overcome those obstacles and be the path to a solution. Proposed by SfL+a Architects, the group behind the mixed-use City Gateway project coming out of the ground at the corner of McDowell Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard—alongside Surface 678 and Preston Montague Studio—the elevated path would stay relatively level the entire route and hurdle the uneven topography between the two crucial Oak City attractions. And, most significantly, The Oakline would be an attraction in itself. The proposed plan wouldn’t just provide a safer connection, but would allow Dix Park to spill into Downtown—meaning getting to the park will feel like being at the park. Public art,

local history, intentional overlooks and lush canopy trees would extend that destination vibe—with shade to boot. As proposed, The Oakline would begin at the Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts, jump the rail line and continue through City Gateway before hurdling MLK Jr. Boulevard, McDowell and South Saunders streets, ultimately leading to Dix in a 16-minute jaunt—and for those on wheels, six. “One of the really strong suits of the current pathway is it’s half in private developments and half in the public realm,” says SfL+a Architects’ Barry Buckman. Unlike some big pie-in-the-sky infrastructure idea, much of the route already runs through compatible private projects like Salisbury Square or Rockway, or falls into NCDOT Right of Way—meaning pieces of The Oakline could piggyback on projects already underway,

SfL+a Architects, Surface 678 and Preston Montague

By Heidi Reid

PROJECTED PATH DTR TO DIX

SALISBURY SQUARE

MARTIN MARIETTA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

RED HAT AMPHITHEATER

CITY GATEWAY

LK M

VD BL

HERITAGE PARK

DIX PARK

including BRT, adds Surface 678 landscape architect Charles Bradley. City Gateway, Salisbury Square and Rockway could also help build out portions along private property, notes Buckman. The developments the route will snake through are not only compatible, but complementary, adds Buckman, nodding to its connections beyond Dix and Downtown, with easy access to neighboring F&B concepts, retail and gathering spots upping the area’s overall walkability. But none of the hype—or hope—means The Oakline is a done deal. City officials, project architects and Downtown Raleigh Alliance hope to collectively push the project forward this fall to nail down design, cost and potential funding sources. “There’s financial stacks that can make this a reality,” maintains Hutchinson, pointing to

transportation funding. “Paint a picture of what people want, and they’re going to figure out a way to pay for it.” Early enthusiasm is high. “When I saw this proposal, [I thought] they cracked the code,” says City Council member Mitchell Silver. “They actually figured it out.” And the ambition extends beyond cracking Raleigh’s decades-old connectivity problem. “It will really become an iconic gateway into Downtown,” says Bradley. “There will be trees marching across the road, and there’s something really magical when you’re driving under oak trees into the City of Oaks.” More than a route from Downtown to Dix, The Oakline would become Raleigh’s new front— and a calling card for the City of Oaks.

Another Path A path from DTR to Dix is already approved and in the works: The Chavis-Dix Strollway, a cultural trail linking Dix Park and John Chavis Memorial Park while celebrating historically Black neighborhoods in the area. The two paths follow different routes—the strollway will run along South Street through South Saunders Street. “You can’t have enough good connections to get to Dix Park,” says Buckman. “There will be some amazing work celebrating the history of the Fourth Ward community throughout the Strollway, and we strive to have The Oakline celebrate that history as well.” The Chavis-Dix Strollway project is in planning stages and is backed by $3 million in federal funding secured by Congresswoman Deborah Ross.

OCTOBER 2026 | 21

BUZZ

POLL POSITION

MAYOR

Who’s running—and what to know before you vote Nov. 3. By Melissa Howsam

ELECTION SEASON is officially upon us—and this time, Raleigh’s ballot carries some serious weight.

Ashleigh Heath Armstrong

The rules are shifting, the terms are changing, and the outcomes will stick. So to cut through the noise of yard signs and campaign mailers flooding your mailbox, inbox and phone, we’re breaking down who’s running, what’s changing and why it actually matters.

Janet Cowell (I)

AT-LARGE

On Nov. 3, voters will choose a mayor and City Council members who will help steer a rapidly growing Raleigh through some of its biggest questions: housing and development, public safety, transit, Downtown’s future, and more. And some of those choices will stick around longer than Raleigh voters are used to: Raleigh is moving to four-year staggered terms for mayor and City Council (see sidebar), with half of the council seats expiring every two years. Also vying for your vote: $203 million in proposed housing and transportation bonds. Voters will weigh two $101.5 million measures—which the city says can be issued without an additional property-tax increase—putting even more of the city’s future directly in voters’ hands.

Joshua Bradley

Stormie Denise Forte (I)

Clark Rinehart

DISTRICT A

Sana Siddiqui

DISTRICT B

So, yes, local elections matter—a lot. Before you head to the polls, we’re making the homework easy. Here’s your district-by-district snapshot of who’s running—and everything else you need to know to cast your ballot. See you at the polls, Raleigh. • EARLY VOTING: Oct. 15—31, select polling sites • ELECTION DAY: Tue., Nov. 3, 6:30am—7:30pm, at your assigned polling place

Whitney Hill

Megan Patton (I)

Mitchell Silver (I)

DISTRICT C

New Ballot, New Terms • 4-YEAR TERMS: Mayor, Districts A & B and the top-finishing at-large candidate • 2-YEAR TERMS: Districts C, D & E and the second-finishing at-large candidate, before moving to four-year terms in 2028

Find your district: raleighnc.gov/city-council

Corey Branch (I)

Jared S. Ollison

DISTRICT D

Jane Harrison (I)

Jevon Smith-Cook

Christina Jones (I) 22 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Marc Scruggs

Cowell: Teresa Porter

DISTRICT E

Amped Up New Red Hat Amp now rising—and bringing a serious upgrade with it.

Breaking ground October 2026 By Melissa Howsam

RALEIGH’S FAVORITE boutique amp is making major headway in front of its 2027 opening act. Marking a major milestone this summer with the topping out of its highest vertical steel, construction is now in full swing on the ~$40M Red Hat Amphitheater move across Lenoir Street.

There’s a whole lot

happening @ THE EXCHANGE

The new DTR digs promise an upgraded concertgoing experience from top to bottom, including improved sightlines, high-tech concessions, backstage spaces and—cue the applause—permanent bathrooms. Because after 16 summers of Porta Potties, some amenities deserve a standing O.

Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex

“We want everyone to look forward [to] what a great thing this is going to be for concertgoers, shops, restaurants, hotels—and everyone Red Hat Amp has a positive economic impact on,” says Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex Executive Director Kerry Painter. As beloved as the McDowell Street space has been during its 16-season run, it was never built to last. Originally conceived as a temporary placeholder on land earmarked for now-incoming convention center expansion, the scrappy amp became a DTR institution in its own right. And for those who have sweated and swayed at the OG site, the memories will live on— literally. Last month, the venue curated a time capsule packed with stage-side scrim banners, news clippings, merch, artist riders and more, which will be cracked back open in 2076. Meanwhile, its successor is already booking shows for 2027. Consider this an encore—not an ending. OCTOBER 2026 | 23

BUZZ

Middle Ground As development fills in St. Albans Drive, the space between North Hills and The Exchange could become Raleigh’s next walkable entertainment corridor. By Lauren Kruchten

And Patrick Shanahan—of Noble Experiment Hospitality fame, alongside partners Robby Opperman and Frederique Leonard—is betting big on the space between them. With Capulet, Peregrine and soon-to-bow Cafe Royale under their belt on The Exchange side, the hospitality group is putting down roots in North Hills with the district’s first dedicated cocktail bar, Little Saint.

In an effort to connect his concepts at The Exchange with ever-growing North Hills, Shanahan approached Kane about the Little Saint space with his broker Jeremy Deckelbaum at Elm Partners, immediately falling for its visibility— and the other projects growing around it.

Joining newly opened Standard Beer + Food and Benchwarmers Bagels, Little Saint—anticipated to open next year on the ground floor of St. Albans Lofts—adds another piece to an emerging entertainment corridor that could eventually connect North Hills to The Exchange by foot, food and beverage.

He envisions a series of experience-driven concepts from NHID to The Exchange joining Little Saint in the future, creating a corridor of sorts with connectivity and walkability between the two destinations— where one could, say, take a class at Dose Yoga, grab lunch at Standard, walk over to The Exchange Park and then grab a drink at Capulet.

“Between what Dewitt’s doing at The Exchange and what Kane’s doing at the North Hills Innovation District, it just feels like we’re in the epicenter of something,” says Shanahan.

“Because I’m so invested in The Exchange, finding that home at North Hills, for me, draws this line,” emphasizes Shanahan. “I just see so much potential from here to there.”

“Opera’s most notorious femme fatale.”

Bizet

THE GUARDIAN

CARMEN OCT 16 & 18, 2026 RALEIGH MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

ncopera.org Carmen is generously sponsored by Ross Lampe, Jr. North Carolina Opera is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission. North Carolina Opera is supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, as well as the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

24 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Capulet Cocktail Club

FOR YEARS, the stretch of St. Albans Drive between North Hills and The Exchange has felt like more of a divide than a destination. But as cranes rise, apartments take shape and new restaurants begin filling in the gap, two of Midtown’s biggest developments are starting to grow toward each other.

As North Hills’ first dedicated cocktail bar (read: no food, just drinks), Little Saint spearheads entry into nightlife. The concept will pay homage to Shanahan’s Irish roots, but, he maintains, it will not be a pub. Telling the story of his family heritage via tall ceilings, cathedral arches and stained glass, Little Saint will feature two distinct bars. The first leans light and bright, transporting patrons to Ireland with stonework, living moss accents and a 30-foot bar; while the back bar—with its low ceilings, velvet curtains, tile, rich emerald greens, and dark and moody atmosphere—draws inspiration from both catacombs beneath a church and an abandoned New York City Subway station, a subtle nod to where Shanahan studied film and fell in love with cocktails. “It’s a balance of light and dark—which is where design happens: the balance of light and shadow, color and contrast,” notes Shanahan. “I say you can be as good or as bad as you’d like to be at Little Saint.”

St. Albans Lofts

Spotlighting bubbles, vodka and gin in the front and darker liquors like whiskey, cognac and scotch in the back—plus Guinness on tap and NA options—Little Saint will lean into a public house nature, even opening in the early afternoon for business meetings. Kane Realty Corporation Executive VP of Commercial Operations Stacey Buescher shares that vision, pointing to Shanahan’s involvement with the two developments as forming a natural connection as Midtown continues to grow. Not to mention Kane’s boardwalk-esque pedestrian bridge will further that connectivity, linking wooded trails and an onstreet urban greenway that will eventually extend to the city’s planned multimodal bridge over I-440.

“We’ve been watching NHID really come into its own, and it felt like the right time to add something a little different to the mix,” says Buescher, nodding to the—until-now—lack of a dedicated cocktail bar at North Hills. “Little Saint felt like a natural fit—it will have its own personality and feel, and it adds another option for people… to come to North Hills and stay.”

“We love seeing these destinations complement one another, and we think Little Saint will be another great addition to the area as a whole,” she says.

And as more pieces fall into place along St. Albans, the space between North Hills and The Exchange could soon become a destination in its own right.

A Flavorful Escape for Your Everyday Culinary Adventure Heirloom is a modern, all-day café and eatery where Southeast Asian flavors meet the warmth and comfort of Southern cooking. From breakfast and lunch to dinner and drinks, we serve bold, thoughtful dishes that bring the two together—with coffee, matcha, and a little something in between.

219 S West St

(919)897-2288

Heirloom-raleigh.com

Monday - Tuesday 8am - 6pm Wednesday - Sunday 8am - 9pm Dinner Wednesday - Sunday 5pm - 9pm

OCTOBER 2026 | 25

BUZZ

What the Flock?

All eyes are on Flock—and Flock’s got eyes on everyone. By Heidi Reid

The backlash was so immense that soon after, Ring and Flock canceled their agreement to combine the two surveillance systems. But, alas, the 2017-launched Flock cameras were already popping up everywhere, surveying streets and suburbs across the U.S.—including Raleigh. Flock maintains its cameras are intended solely for public safety. According to the company, its surveillance system helped locate more than 10K missing people in 2025 alone and has aided 1M+ investigations. With the promise of keeping streets safer, jurisdictions have been buying in. Here in Oak City, RPD began a partnership with Flock in March 2022, according to RPD Chief Rico Boyce. Today, 417 users have access to the 29 cameras* and database, with captured data retained for 30 days, he says. Boyce also firmly states that former city employees have no access to the system, and RPD does not share Flock data with ICE. While Flock and partnering cities emphasize safety, the public is not having it. A Florida man recently made headlines for blocking a neighborhood Flock cam with a pool skimmer. Asheville City Council canceled its Flock partnership entirely after concerns from both residents and council members. Three teenagers in SC were arrested for vandalizing cameras. Texas barred state agencies from funding the cameras, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis even called the system “out of control.” 26 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

If safety is the ultimate goal, why isn’t the public on board? For starters, Americans generally aren’t wild about being watched (we see you, Fourth Amendment). Then there are mounting reports of misuse by people with access to the network—not to mention questions about cameras appearing in places that clearly aren’t roadways. Dozens of police officers across the nation (including NC) have been charged or accused of using Flock cameras to stalk or harass individuals and exes. Georgia residents found out Flock had been using livestreams of a local children’s gymnastics room as part of a sales pitch, and in Texas, residents raised concerns about a camera pointed directly at a public swimming pool. The evident scope of disdain is a rarity: The outcry reaches across the political spectrum. Officials have begun to probe investigations into Flock—with Congressional Republicans stating they “never authorized the system [the] industry has built.” Locally, Boyce maintains RPD’s cameras only capture vehicle models and tag numbers. But RPD’s 29 cameras represent only a portion of the 120+ Raleigh cameras* that appear on DeFlock’s crowdsourced map, many of them privately owned—and it’s not clear who can access their data. As Flock’s surveillance network keeps expanding, the question remains: How much privacy should we sacrifice for safety—and who gets to decide? The answer may be up to those on the other side of the camera. *As of press time

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FLASHBACK TO the Super Bowl: Home security camera company Ring unveiled an ad depicting a lost dog, found by his family via their popular doorbell cameras and AI identification. The ad—in partnership with surveillance company Flock—was framed as a heartwarming tale, but instead, the takeaway for many Americans felt more 1984.

Park & Play

A reimagined R-Line could connect Downtown’s family attractions—letting visitors park once and make a day of it. By Mecca Fowler & Melissa Howsam

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH’S museums and attractions are a major draw—but they’re also scattered across a footprint that can be difficult to navigate on foot for families with littles or visitors unfamiliar with the grid. Now, a defunct city route could be the difference between a visitor frequenting one or two spots and spending a full day in the city core, says Downtown Raleigh Alliance President and CEO Bill King. The timing offers a rare opening to rethink the R-Line. Launched in 2009, the Downtown circulator was paused in August for up to 18 months, giving the city a chance to reconsider what—and whom— the next iteration should connect. “We have had an idea that we’ve been pushing for the last year,” says King: Take the now-defunct Downtown R-Line and make it a connector between major tourism destinations—particularly those that serve families: Marbles Kids Museum, NC Museum of History, NC Museum of Natural Sciences and the Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park.

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King expanded on that vision at the recent State of Downtown event: Connect those attractions with a route that lets families park once and spend a full day exploring. Together, he suggested, they could offer a family itinerary that outshines others across the region. “When you build these experiences all up together,” says King, “they become a lot more powerful than they are individually.” The connector could make it easier for families across the region to plan a day—or even a weekend—of Downtown activities, he adds. A museum visit wouldn’t have to be the day’s only stop. With a ride between destinations, it could be the start of a much bigger outing.

Dennis MacDonald/shutterstock.com

For King, that could mean thinking about the R-Line less as a way to simply move people around Downtown and more as the thread that ties some of its biggest family attractions together. The destinations are already here. The opportunity is making them feel like one experience.

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OCTOBER 2026 | 27

BUZZ

Recovery in Motion Three Raleigh lives changed in an instant. Here’s how they’re finding their way forward. By Abigail Celoria Francis

THIS AUGUST, Raleigh experienced a tragic loss when Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery owner Frank Ballard passed away from pneumonia after recently suffering a spinal cord injury from a fall down the stairs.

other causes like multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and even traumatic brain injuries. In step with LA’s OG model, the Raleigh gym uses activity-based therapy to strengthen clients and support recovery over time.

Ballard’s injury was certainly unexpected— but spinal cord injuries affect more than 18,000 Americans each year, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. And when paralysis is part of the aftermath, independence takes on a whole new meaning.

It’s easy to assume that once you lose motion somewhere, you can’t get any bit of it back. That’s what Bridger herself thought when she came to NextStep 21 months ago. But she’s since learned that the nervous system has a remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize—a process known as neuroplasticity.

“These are things that could happen to anybody, at any time,” says Sandy Bridger, executive director of paralysis recovery and fitness center NextStep Raleigh. Adding insult to injury, finding specialized care can mean traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles. But in Raleigh, NextStep is working to close that gap—and help people reclaim pieces of everyday life along the way. The nonprofit’s roots trace back to 2015, when Whiskey Kitchen co-owner Michael Thor was in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. For three years, he worked toward recovery at Atlanta’s Shepherd Center, but he couldn’t stay away forever. That’s when his mom, Karen, decided to open NextStep, to give her son—and other paralyzed locals—the kind of activity-based therapy they need. The Oak City outpost is one of 10 NextStep locations serving people whose paralysis stems not just from spinal cord injuries, but

“Neurons are the social butterflies of the human body,” she analogizes. “If you give them the right environment, they’ll form new pathways to each other.”

Car Crash to Confidence In 2023, Rahman Mateen was sitting passengerside on the way back from a party when the driver, who was drunk, lost control of the car. “We hit some trees, then the car ricocheted and rolled seven times,” he recalls. The crash left him with a spinal cord injury that paralyzed most of his body, minus his arms. His PT at Duke was the first to recommend NextStep—and when he learned of her passing last year, he decided to take the plunge. In the year that Mateen’s been at NextStep, he’s seen serious progress. While he can’t unclench his hands (yet), he can do more with them, like brush his hair and teeth. What’s more: he says he’s also starting to get sensation back in his legs. But perhaps the biggest gain of all, he says, is “just being able to look at myself in the mirror and have that same love for myself I did before my accident.” Now, Mateen’s back to hanging out with friends, taking trips and even starting his own small business, The Best of Life Candles.

That’s why NextStep’s therapy is based in movement—from guided, weight-bearing exercises to assisted standing or walking to electrical stimulation designed to activate muscles and encourage the nervous system to forge those pathways. And it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sam Pasnon, a certified exercise physiologist and NextStep trainer for six years, says that while the same principles of neuroplasticity apply, workouts become increasingly tailored to each individual’s needs. Just like the regimen is different for each client, so are their goals. For some, that may be walking again. For others, seemingly smaller movements—pulling up sheets, picking up vitamins or swiping on lipstick—mean something bigger: getting back to themselves.

Coma to Campus In his second semester at the University of Colorado Boulder, Owen Markham skipped class to hit the slopes. He was barreling down the mountain at nearly 60 mph when he collided headfirst with a tree—and, then, he was lights out for three months. He had suffered a traumatic brain injury that, when he awoke, left him with balance issues, primarily affecting his left side. He doesn’t remember exactly how his family found NextStep—but what he does remember is his progression over his two years there. Starting in a wheelchair, Markham graduated to a walker, then a cane—until he was walking completely on his own. Now, he’s returned to school—this time at UNC Chapel Hill—and spends most of his days walking to and from his psychology classes. “I’m trying my best not to deny that it happened, but to live as if it didn’t,” he says. 28 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

We keep it real. Wheelchair to Hiking Trails On New Year’s Eve 2024, Corrie Cooper and her partner were riding a tandem bicycle when a car hit them from behind. The driver fled the scene, and Cooper, who took the brunt of the impact, suffered multiple fractures in her lower spine that paralyzed her from the waist down. “Before my injury, I was an athlete,” she stresses. “I was used to exerting my body every single day, and I needed an environment that was going to give me that.” After insurance stopped covering her rehab, she found NextStep online—and funds raised through a GoFundMe organized by her sister helped cover the cost, allowing her to continue therapy in her own city and progress from a wheelchair to forearm crutches that help her regulate her gait.

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Though she left after a year and a half to focus on other therapies, she says NextStep was integral to her recovery, helping her build endurance and giving her an environment she looked forward to being in every week. Now, Cooper’s back on the trails she loves, hiking, backpacking and finding joy in nature again.

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BUZZ

It Starts With $10 Seven local nonprofits. One shared mission: putting your dollars to work before a setback becomes homelessness. By Melissa Howsam

through seven local nonprofits helping neighbors stay—or become—safely housed.

For this single mother, that nonprofit was Oak City Cares. A $3,000 Cooper Charitable Foundation grant covered the move-in costs, finally allowing her family to trade nights in parking lots for a permanent home. Today, her children have a safe place to sleep, And she almost did. The PARTNER study and grow—and their mother apartment was within reach. The can focus on raising them instead monthly rent was manageable. of wondering where they’ll spend But the thousands of dollars the night. required upfront to actually move in weren’t. After everything she’d BENEFITING Ten bucks didn’t pay that $3,000. done right, $3,000 stood between Neither did $20 or $100. But your her children sleeping in a car and $10 was never meant to do it alone. sleeping in beds of their own. Add it to ours. And your neighbor’s. Your mom’s. Your dad’s. Then add Her story is far from unusual. So many of Wake County’s housing-insecure neighbors Pinnacle Financial Partners’ dollar-for-dollar aren’t who you might imagine. They’re working match of the first $10,000 raised. That’s what Give parents, professionals and families who were Raleigh does. That’s how $10 becomes something making it—until suddenly they weren’t. An illness. much bigger. An injury. A divorce. An unexpected death in the Last year, those gifts became $118K+ through Give family. One ordinary setback that becomes another, Raleigh—money Cooper Charitable Foundation put and in a flash, the stability they spent years building into the hands of those seven local nonprofits that begins to unravel. know exactly where a few dollars at exactly the right moment can change the trajectory of someone’s life. That’s precisely what RM’s Give Raleigh, in partnership with Pinnacle Financial Partners, was A deposit gets paid. A bed gets delivered. A car designed to interrupt. The annual 40-day giving gets repaired. A student stays in school. A mother campaign raises funds for Cooper Charitable stays housed. That’s the $10 difference. That’s what Foundation, which puts those dollars to work happens when Raleigh gives together. 30 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

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A PARKED car was never supposed to be home. But that’s exactly where one local mother and her two children found themselves after a divorce upended their lives. Bouncing between their car, emergency shelters and, when she could afford it, hotel rooms, she kept working—and saving—determined to secure a permanent home for her family.

$10 Helps...

Seven ways your gift can help keep a Wake County neighbor moving forward.

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How to Give Through Oct. 10

Keeps families together—and housed— through prevention, shelter, rapid rehousing and ongoing support

Helps former foster youth stay focused on a degree—not survival—with financial and wraparound support

Turns four walls into a home with beds, furniture and household essentials

Gives recovery another chance through free, peer-based treatment and support

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Earmark your nonprofit Removes barriers to housing by connecting neighbors with the resources they need under one roof

Prevents one unexpected expense from unraveling a family’s stability through housing and financial support

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DOUBLE THE DIFFERENCE One $10 gift becomes part of something much bigger. Last year, Give Raleigh donors turned small acts of generosity into $118K+ in support. This year, Pinnacle Financial Partners will match the first $10,000 raised dollar for dollar—meaning your $10 becomes $20 before it ever reaches the people who need it most.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

DISCOVER CAROLINA PREPARATORY ACADEMY: A Vibrant Middle & High School in Raleigh-Durham Independent School Education

Carolina Preparatory Academy is redefining independent school education in the Research Triangle. While Carolina Prep is in its second year as an International Baccalaureate middle and high school (grades 6 - 12), it enjoys the rare advantage of immediate strength, drawing on established resources, a deeply rooted community, and a clear, forward-looking vision. Sharing one board and leadership team with its sister school, The Montessori School of Raleigh (MSR), Carolina Prep enters the educational landscape with stability, momentum, and a distinct mission. Growth and Student-Centered Rigor

Carolina Prep is actively in growth mode; it is expanding its student population alongside its academic and athletic offerings, faculty and staff, and campus facilities. At its core is a rigorous college preparatory curriculum where students are challenged daily to reach their highest intellectual potential. Yet, academic rigor at Carolina Prep never comes at the cost of personal engagement. The school delivers a student-centered program designed to cultivate and build learning opportunities directly around each student’s individual passions. Whether diving into advanced research,

pursuing creative interests, or exploring complex problem-solving, students are empowered to own their educational journey. A Kind, Diverse, and Curious Community

The community at Carolina Prep is defined as much by its character as by its scholarly ambition. Students and educators alike are intellectually curious, perpetually eager to ask questions and explore new ideas. Equally important is the culture of empathy and kindness that permeates daily life on campus. Carolina Prep proudly values diversity, fostering a rich, multicultural community where varied perspectives are celebrated and integrated into the learning experience. As an IB World School, the academy cultivates global citizenship, encouraging students to think critically, act ethically, and engage compassionately with the world around them. What Makes Carolina Prep Unique in the Triangle

Nestled on a scenic 40-acre campus centrally located in Brier Creek, Carolina Prep holds a unique position within the Triangle region. It offers a mid-size, secular independent school

environment where every student is known, supported, and valued. Carolina Prep is the only independent school in North Carolina that offers grades 6 - 12 International Baccalaureate curriculum, providing students opportunity and time to academically and socially thrive as they matriculate. Experiential learning is woven into every facet of the student experience. From handson curriculum and independent studies, to meaningful community service and IB projects, learning extends far beyond traditional classroom walls. And, Project Week, a hallmark of the Carolina Prep experience, engages all students in immersive local, domestic, and global learning adventures designed to broaden horizons and build real-world skills. Looking Ahead

Carolina Prep offers the perfect balance: the energy, freshness, and growth of a new institution combined with the proven foundational strength of its sister school, MSR. Through rigorous IB academics, experiential discovery, and a warm, inclusive culture, Carolina Prep is preparing the next generation of curious, empathetic leaders to thrive in an interconnected world.

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BUZZ

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Best Restaurants Awards Party

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Cheers to the creme de la creme! Raleigh Magazine toasted its 2026 class of Best Restaurants on the One Glenwood rooftop Aug. 31, with supporting partners United Restaurant Equipment, Inspro, Vitis House and Dram & Draught.

34 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

OCTOBER 2026 | 35

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BUZZ

BE SEEN

Give Raleigh Pop-Ups Raleigh sipped and raffled for a cause across our weekly Wednesday happy-hour pop-ups at Dram & Draught, Mr. Henry and Moon Room, with a portion of proceeds benefiting our annual campaign—in partnership with Pinnacle Financial Partners—to help prevent homelessness and housing insecurity across Wake County.

36 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

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Design Within Reach Ribbon-Cutting Exceptional design is officially within reach in Raleigh with the ribboncutting + opening of Design Within Reach’s North Hills location Aug. 21. The ceremony included speeches from Mayor Janet Cowell, Kane Realty’s Stacey Buescher and DWR Raleigh GM Rick Grogan—plus a tour of the brand-new space.

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BUZZ

BE SEEN

Pinnacle Lunch Fundraiser Hurricane warning: Pinnacle Financial Partners hosted Stanley Cup-winning Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour over lunch Aug. 26 to support nonprofit AnimalKind, raising $42K toward the opening of its new local Community Veterinary Clinic providing preventive care and wellness services.

BE SEEN

Rosewood Groundbreaking Creating a luxe link between Boylan Heights and Dix Park, new mixeduse lifestyle community Rosewood broke ground July 22 at the hands of Blue Heron Asset Management, NC-based Cline and build partner W.M. Jordan Company.

BE SEEN

Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center Naming Ceremony New name, who dis? The Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex held a ceremony Aug. 27 to celebrate Atlantic Union Bank as the new naming rights sponsor of Raleigh’s convention center.

38 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

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Your Everyday

Escape

Shop. Dine. Play. Unwind. All at North Hills.

EAT

MEAT UP The collab has been years in the making. Jones and Hibernian Hospitality Group owner—and food hall visionary—Niall Hanley go

way back, making Hanley’s recent tap of Jones for the new MSFH outpost a natural fit—and less than a mile from Sam Jones BBQ’s OG DTR stomping grounds. “Sam Jones is the real deal,” boasts Hanley. “Having him in Morgan Street Food Hall is a big deal for us and for anyone who cares about North Carolina food. We’re delighted.” —Lauren Kruchten

Baxter Miller

A ’CUE icon is going hog wild, y’all. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand winner Sam Jones BBQ is cooking up its second Downtown location. Slated to open by the end of the year, Sam Jones BBQ Pit Stop will bring the pitmaster’s traditional East Carolina wholehog ’cue to a food stall at Morgan Street Food Hall.

OCTOBER 2026 | 41

EAT

Triple Threat Three friends turned their love of Japanese cuisine into a growing trio of restaurants. By Lauren Kruchten

Founded by three friends who moved from the Bay Area to NC three years ago, the female-led Shinmai brand now consists of Shinmai Shokudo and Shinmai Kumo in Cary, with Shinmai Moku expected to open this month in Raleigh’s Quail Corners shopping center. Moku marks the trio’s biggest and most high-end concept yet—a crowning achievement of sorts, and a bold entry into Oak City. Each of the three women plays a specific role: Chef Mingmin Jin is the brains behind every dish across all three locations; Stacia Zhong handles the finance/ operations side of the biz; and Jayden Chen leads marketing and assists with operations. Together, their shared love of the restaurant industry—and desire to bring their own takes on Japanese cuisine to the Triangle—led them to move across the country. Zhong was the first to explore Oak City’s Japanese offerings, and immediately clocked an opportunity: While sushi, ramen and hibachi were well represented, there’s an untapped market for less expected interpretations of Japanese cuisine. “We feel that RTP is a really good area for the business,” she says. The team started small, opening the 32-seat, 1,500-square-foot Shokudo—which translates to “eatery”—in March 2024, leaning into Japanese homestyle comforts like ramen and bento boxes as they got familiar with local diners. 42 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Moku: Sean Junqueira

WHAT STARTED as a small ramen shop in Cary has quickly grown into a budding Japanese food empire. And now, Raleigh is next.

“When we first came to North Carolina, we wanted to start with something familiar and approachable,” recalls Jin. “That’s how Shokudo began—a casual neighborhood restaurant centered around something I knew very well from my previous experience.” And locals ate it up right off the bat—with customers even telling the team the food reminded them of what they had while traveling to Japan, adds Chen.

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A year later came Kumo (aka “cloud”), giving Jin a canvas for JapaneseItalian fusion, which she experienced in Japan but didn’t find a whole lot of here in the States. An artist by trade who has worked in restaurants her whole life, she saw parallels between the two cuisines. “Japanese and Italian food actually have some natural similarities… so [it] didn’t feel like two random cuisines we’re forcing together,” emphasizes Jin, pointing to both culture’s strong relationship with noodles, sauce, quality and technique. “At the same time, the Triangle was becoming more diverse and modern, and people were becoming more open to new concepts.”

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Now, Moku (meaning “wood”) marks the latest addition to the Shinmai family, an izakaya featuring grilled meat and veggie skewers cooked over charcoal (see “Burn Notice” below), shareable small plates, ramen and rice bowls—with both a yakitori bar facing the grills where Jin will cook, and the brand’s first full cocktail bar. The third concept found its home in Raleigh—a “really good fit,” notes Chen, thanks to its location and proximity to customers already traveling from places like Wake Forest to visit their Cary restaurants.

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For Jin, it’s a dream concept: an izakaya where people can come together to finish the workday or settle in over drinks, food and conversation in a warm, relaxing and intimate environment. “Moku brings together two things I really love: cooking with fire and bringing people together,” shares Jin. “I want the food to be taken seriously, but I don’t want the experience to feel serious.” As for what’s next, Chen says they’ll likely take a break, though franchising Shokudo and Moku is something they may consider down the line.

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For now, though, the trio is focused on letting each concept stand on its own—less about growth for growth’s sake and more about building on what they’ve already created. “Each restaurant represents a different part of our journey,” says Jin. “They’re different, but they’re connected by the same philosophy: food, service and atmosphere. We want people to eat well, feel comfortable, enjoy the people they’re with and want to come back.”

Burn Notice The highlight of Shinmai Moku’s grilling program is binchotan, a specialized Japanese charcoal traditionally used for grilling. It burns at a very high, consistent heat with minimal smoke, adding depth to the latest restaurant’s already ~fire~ yakitori offerings. “Fire is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it fun,” says chef Jin, who says grilling over charcoal requires constant attention and adjustment. “When I’m grilling, I become completely focused. It’s almost like being in a flow state.”

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EAT

Low Bar, High Spirits DTR’s newest neighborhood bar is low on pretense and high on life. By Melissa Howsam Photography by Sean Junqueira

YOU’VE OFFICIALLY got friends in low places—literally. And that’s exactly the point of DTR’s newest downstairs watering hole, Low Bar. Opening Oct. 8 in the former IMURJ space beneath Whiskey Kitchen, the “neighborhood bar” from WK co-owners Jeff Mickel and Michael Thor is a throwback to a particular kind of bar—and a particular kind of bar night—that used to define Raleigh: a place you just went. “Part of me would love to recreate that energy,” Mickel says of his early aughts Flying Saucer days. “You just showed up there. … It almost didn’t matter if your friends were there.” And Low Bar is, in a lot of ways, a throwback to that experience—not the era. There’s no ’90s cosplay here. It’s nostalgic, not vintage—a direct nod to a time and a way of going out Mickel actually lived. Even the term “neighborhood bar” isn’t random. It’s not a speakeasy. It’s not a dive. It’s not a sports bar. You don’t need a password, a reservation or a key. You don’t need trivia or theme nights—or even much of a reason—to go. You just go. And chances are, someone you know—or someone you’re about to—is already there. “We wanted a basic bar,” Mickel says. “You’re not going because you have to see the game. … You’re coming to meet people and connect with people”—the kind of place where, as Mickel puts it, “the Downtown construction worker and the lawyer from across the street” can sit shoulder to shoulder. And the bar’s vibe is a manifestation of those accidental friendships. Case in point: Low Bar designer and collaborator Antoine Ponton— whose portfolio includes the OG High Horse— forged a fateful friendship with Mickel after sidling up to his bar 20 years ago. The origin story is almost too on the nose: Newly moved to DTR, Ponton wandered into Saucer, took a seat at Mickel’s bar—and, well, you get it. 44 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

LOW DOWN: Serving the nostalgia of your uncle’s basement—but make it basement-chic—designer and collaborator Antoine Ponton (far left) and Whiskey Kitchen co-owners Jeff Mickel (pictured) and Michael Thor channel Raleigh’s OG bar culture via exposed brick, mismatched furniture and an ’80s Lincoln limo.

That lived-in ease carries across mismatched furniture, exposed brick, mirrors, tufted banquettes and a free old-school push-quarter pool table—all channeling your fun uncle’s basement, says Ponton. Think if the OG Father & Sons on Hargett was a Cheers-esque bar— but make it basement chic. Even the furniture has an agenda: “That’s why we chose to do all bar-height stuff,” says Mickel, “so people can walk around and talk to each other at eye level.” Then there’s the front end of an ’80s Lincoln limo mounted to the wall—a nod to the limo company that once operated out of the building. And, setting the vibe, it’s not just any limo: While Cadillacs were for “important things like funerals and dignitaries,” says Mickel, “Lincolns were for partying.” Naturally, because it’s a bar—there will be booze. Expect well-made, ~spirited~ ’tails

with a slight Tiki lean (just no umbrellas and shrunken-head mugs), plus a bigger focus on THC bevs. But like its sibling upstairs, Low Bar won’t take itself too seriously—if anything, it’ll be seriously unserious, if you will. Just as WK can stock rare whiskies and still be a place you roll into on a Tuesday. Same DNA, totally different bar. And it’s bucking trends in the best way. “There are a lot of stories about another restaurant or another bar closing,” says Ponton. “It’s just wonderful to see a fantastic business that’s not only celebrating a decade Downtown and being part of the community—but also doubling down, expanding and growing.” Which is the ultimate throwback: the belief that the bar itself can still be the draw. No gimmick, no agenda, just come as you are. And who knows—you might just make a friend in a low place. It’s core Raleigh in Raleigh’s core.

SHOTS FIRED

Chicago’s bitter little secret is taking Raleigh bars by storm. By Lauren Kruchten

BURNT RUBBER, gasoline, lighter fluid. Not the smell from an auto body shop, but the tasting notes of the infamous Chicago-born liqueur that is Malört.

Jeppson’s Malört

While some may have never heard of it, most who have despise it (a recent poll on RM’s Instagram revealed a whopping 70% of followers were not fans)—and then there’s the small growing contingent that actually enjoys the stuff. Perhaps it’s a very specific taste bud. Or lack thereof. For those who aren’t familiar, describing what exactly Malört tastes like is no easy task. The revered and reviled wormwoodbased digestif is shockingly bitter, with an intense, polarizing taste that lingers on the tongue. Taking a shot feels unethical, like it’s

something you’re not actually supposed to be ingesting. And regret is almost immediate. Even the brand pokes fun at itself: “Do Not Enjoy. Responsibly.” “Weeding out the weak since 1933.” “It’s not a drink for most people, but we’re not most people.” So why, then, is the spirit gaining popularity here in Raleigh? While local bars Slim’s and Dram & Draught have been big proponents for years—with the former hosting monthly First Friday Malört tastings—you can now find the shot at multiple spots across town. Even Gussie’s recently added a cocktail to its menu starring Malört. For his part, Slim’s co-owner Bill Johnson discovered the liqueur about 15 years ago on a guys’ trip to the Windy City, but it wasn’t until around 2024 when he bought the bar that Malört could legally be sold in NC. Now, Slim’s is the No. 1 seller in the state. “It suits Slim’s very well—it kind of tastes like Slim’s,” he says. “The real magic around it is it always creates a conversation… and it’s a definite way to connect with people in a way that’s extremely unusual and sometimes distasteful.”

like the taste or just enjoy hazing others with it, it’s a conversation starter. (Malört is a common “try this” prank shooter for novice drinkers and a service industry standard “handshake.”) “It’s fun to lean into something that people have such strong opinions about and present it in new and different ways that make it a little more approachable,” adds Barrett.

Malört’s polarity is precisely what makes it so appealing, agrees Johnson and Dram coowner Kevin Barrett—whether you actually

Bottom line: Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure—a shot of Malört is hard to forget.

OCTOBER 2026 | 45

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STAYING POWER The secret recipe behind Raleigh’s longest-running restaurants By Lauren Kruchten

THERE’S NO shortage of splashy restaurant openings—and closings— in Raleigh. Concepts that burn bright but disappear just as quickly, leaving gutted spaces vacant for years or a steady stream of businesses that come and go at a dizzying pace. It’s a sure sign that Oak City is accustomed to the new and next, always waiting for a fresh hot spot to come onto the scene. But tucked among the city’s constant reinvention are tried-and-true spots—surviving wars, economic turmoil and pandemics while proudly serving Raleigh residents and visitors for decades. So what’s their secret? The answer isn’t luck. It’s a combination of relentless consistency, adaptation and resisting fads—never wavering from exactly who they are—while upholding the utmost quality in service, food and beverage. It’s a recipe Players Retreat, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, has honed since its opening. “We’ve stayed Players Retreat—the soul of the place has not changed at all,” says owner Richard “Gus” Gusler. “Our role is not to take from the community, but to give back. For us, being a good steward is as important as serving good food.” It’s that soul that has allowed PR to become a go-to for generations— with an all-welcoming atmosphere, and where the new crop of NC State students may sit in the same barstools as their parents or grandparents. Gusler is also fiercely protective of his customers—and his staff. The same can be said for Angus Barn, and its wildly popular Wild Turkey Lounge, which has maintained its high standards—and its mission statement: Ensure each and every guest feels like the most important person in the room—since 1960. While decor, uniforms and dishes may change with the times, one thing Big Red never changes is its commitment to making every experience feel personal. “Those are good old-fashioned values that are sort of slipping away, and people are craving that feeling,” says owner Van Eure, who carried on the legacy from her father and Angus Barn co-founder Thad Eure Jr. “Even 46 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

if you’re a brand-new person, you feel warmth. It’s almost so simple, but simple is hard.” To Eure’s point, it’s not enough for a restaurant to come onto the scene with flashy decor and a “chef-curated menu.” Guests want to feel like they matter—and belong. A place where people know your name, greet you with a smile or treat you to something a little extra for a special occasion keeps diners returning time and again. “Everything is changing so fast, it’s nice to walk into a place that feels like it’s been there forever,” adds The Mecca owner Greg Hatem, who took over the 96-year-old DTR mainstay in 2018 after frequenting the restaurant for years. “It survives because it’s not trendy or new—it’s real. That’s what’s special about it: It’s kind of like going home.” While customer experience is key, Winston’s Grille owner Wil O’Neal says survival also boils down to great employees—some of whom have been with the circa-1986 restaurant for 30+ years. “Employee retention is the No. 1 challenge most restaurants have,” he emphasizes. “You are nothing without great employees; nothing without great customers.” And those new restaurants? The old-timers welcome them with open arms. “Competition is good,” says O’Neal. “I encourage people to go out and try things—and I know they’ll come back because they can count on us to have a great experience.” That said, these restaurants aren’t resting on their laurels—every day they’re doing the work to find ways to be better. It’s not about changing the standards, it’s about improving the customer experience, freshening up the atmosphere and playing with new ingredients. But it always comes back to consistency—and a reputation built on thousands of great memories. “What we’re being allowed to do is a gift, it’s a public service,” maintains Eure. “We need medical care, but we also need places we can go and have great times. You want to be taken care of—and you never forget when a place makes you feel that way.” So while new F&B spots will no doubt continue to garner immediate attention from Raleighites, these stalwarts will remain in their regular rotation.

Made From Scratch

Emeril’s Restaurant alum to open Raleigh eatery. By Abigail Celoria Francis

THE FINE-DINING-TO-NEIGHBORHOOD-MARKET pipeline isn’t exactly crowded, but local chef Stacy Murphy is making the leap anyway. An Emeril’s alum—the only two-star restaurant in the inaugural Michelin Guide American South—Murphy is gearing up to open Gallicchio’s Market & Eatery in the former (ish) delicatessen space this fall, bringing a distinctly Italian flavor—and NOLA-style service—to the neighborhood. Named after Murphy’s late grandfather, the North Person Street spot draws on influences from her extensive culinary career. After graduating from the Connecticut Culinary Institute, she staged at renowned New Orleans kitchens Commander’s Palace and Herbsaint before joining Emeril’s under executive chef Chris Wilson—eventually relocating to Raleigh with her husband and son in 2014. Murphy recalls the intensity of NOLA’s F&B industry: “They pride themselves on hospitality,” she explains. “There’s generations of servers and cooks—it’s an art. That really gave me this love of the kitchen, and it set the tone for what I wanted out of my career.” That approach will carry into Gallicchio’s, where Murphy will bring the Italian flavors she grew up with in the Northeast to the Oakwood neighborhood. “I took for granted the amount of Italian restaurants and markets there were because they’re everywhere there,” she recalls. “Anywhere you go within a 5- to 10-mile radius, there’s an amazing place where you can get pastry, antipasti, prepared foods and whatnot.” That’s where the market part of Gallicchio’s will come into play. Up front, patrons will be able to grab housemade provisions to-go, mimicking the antipasti and prepared meals of the markets Murphy grew up with— plus artisan bread made with the guidance of former Night Kitchen owner Helen Pfann. For those who wish to sit and stay awhile, the eatery will shift from provisions to made-to-order fare, from polpette and crostini to a rotating fish special and muffuletta—alongside wine and beer. The goal, Murphy says, is to be rich enough to satisfy, but “light enough that people could eat here every day.” Gallicchio’s shares space with Person Street Pharmacy, where months of renovation have transformed Murphy’s half into a warm, casual space that evokes a neighborhood trattoria. It’s a decidedly more casual stage for Murphy—but one built on the same hospitality that shaped her career. OCTOBER 2026 | 47

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Stay Salty Crispy, salty and insanely craveable, Raleigh’s

french fry game is elite. Whether you like them handcut, crinkly or doused in truffle oil (the ultimate format), there’s a joint in town delivering peak fried-potato perfection. Here, the local fries we’d happily steal off someone else’s plate. By Lauren Kruchten

MY WAY TAVERN Glenwood South @mywayraleigh

MOJOE’S BURGER JOINT Glenwood South @mojoesburgers

JOLIE Seaboard & Person Street @jolierestaurant

WYE HILL Warehouse District @wyehill

WHISKEY KITCHEN Warehouse District @whiskey.kitchen

COQUETTE BRASSERIE North Hills @coquetteraleigh

WILSON’S EATERY Iron District @wilsonseatery

Johanna Torres

EAST END BISTROT Iron District @eastendbistrotraleigh

48 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Park Pours

A Dix Park landmark gets a new round of hospitality. By Mecca Fowler

DIX PARK has always been home to golden-hour strolls, tail-wagging laps around the dog park and miles on the greenway—but now, there’s a new reason to linger. Enter Flowers Cottage, the park’s freshly reimagined historic gem, which reopened its doors in August for double-duty service as Cottage Coffee and Park Bar. Behind the counter are two familiar faces in Raleigh’s booming hospitality scene, Jeff Clarke and Justin Pasfield, the duo behind some of the city’s most beloved neighborhood haunts: Person Street Bar, Natural Science and Big Cat. The pair landed the project in 2024 after winning a bid from the City of Raleigh, then worked with the city and Dix Park Conservancy to bring this vision to life. And while the setting may be new, the ethos isn’t: For Clarke and Pasfield, Flowers Cottage is another extension of the neighborhood-first hospitality that has long defined their spots. “In all the projects we work on, we’re always focused on community and gathering,” says Pasfield, “and this is the ultimate place to do that because it’s a perfect space for people of all different backgrounds.” The renovated space splits the difference between cafe and cocktail hour: Cottage Coffee occupies the upstairs, slinging locally roasted coffee, tea, soft-serve and baked goods, while Park Bar operates below on an expanded back deck, offering craft beer, wine and nonalcoholic options with a front-row seat to the Downtown Raleigh skyline.

Mark Terry

“We’ve been longtime fans of Dix Park,” muses Pasfield, “and for us to have a chance to do a small business inside the park was obviously a really exciting opportunity to connect with the city.” Whether stopping in after a run, seeking out Thomas Dambo’s whimsical troll sculptures with a side of sips or simply looking for a spot to linger in nature, Cottage Coffee and Park Bar’s invitation is simple: Pull up a seat, sip and stay awhile. OCTOBER 2026 | 49

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Fair Game

First look: NC State Fairgrounds’ highly anticipated food hall set to make its debut. By Peyton Masilun

Located adjacent to the iconic Dorton Arena, the two-story, 30K-squarefoot building is “going to be something different than the State Fairgrounds has ever had,” says NC State Fair Director Kent Yelverton. But the real treat? Getting a first look inside. “When people come in, they’re going to be wowed and blown away by the beauty of this space,” says Kristen Hess, CEO of Raleigh-based HH Architecture, the firm behind the project. “It’s very upscale.” Think less utilitarian concession hall, more funky fair nostalgia meets serious design. The first floor spills out onto a sunken, terraced outdoor dining area filled with seating and landscaping, while inside, booths, banquettes and tables are layered among playful finishes. Look closely and you’ll spot hot dog wallpaper, ice cream motifs, State Fair Flyerinspired decor and other cheeky details. “There’s some Easter eggs in the building,” teases Hess. A monumental staircase leads upstairs, where another bar, additional dining areas and an outdoor terrace overlook the midway. The icing on top? The State Fair Flyer chairlift passes right by, setting up an only-atthe-fair vantage point over all that fried food-fueled action below. “It’s going to be a super cool experience for people to come in, move up through the space, explore, and then go out on the terrace and look out over the midway,” explains Hess. And the second floor isn’t all about the view—it also delivers something the Fairgrounds has long needed: dedicated event space. 50 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

A large room seating about 150 for a banquet can host meetings, gatherings and private events. During the Fair, expect programming in the space—but when nothing’s on the calendar, it’ll be open to the public, says Yelverton. As for what’s actually on the menu this October: While the eight permanent food vendors are still being identified and contracted— and will not be fully operational for this year’s fair—the building itself will be very much a part of the action. But officials do anticipate up to four temporary vendors serving from dedicated stalls along the south terrace, complete with exterior walk-up windows and counters. And then there’s the food hall’s rather famous next-door neighbor. Designing a contemporary gathering place beside Dorton Arena—one of Raleigh’s most recognizable modernist landmarks—meant designing something new without trying to upstage the icon next door. “We were never wanting to compete—we were wanting to complement,” says Hess. The new building’s roofline rises toward Dorton in a subtle architectural nod, while walls of glass and expansive terraces keep the Fairgrounds action in view. Beyond the State Fair, once the permanent kitchens come online, the eight food vendors, two bars, dining areas and event spaces are intended to operate year-round—giving Raleighites a reason to hit the Fairgrounds without a flea market, trade show or corn dog calling their name. So, sure, come October for the Ferris wheels and fried everything. But next year, don’t be surprised if one of the fairgrounds’ buzziest new attractions doesn’t move at all.

Top image: Justin Kase Conder/NC State Fair, courtesy of Visit Raleigh

STEP RIGHT up—the NC State Fairgrounds’ game-changing new food hall is ready for its debut. First announced last year, the Midway Event Center is gearing up to welcome fairgoers inside during the NC State Fair Oct. 15–25.

Sauce Bosses

Two NC-made concoctions ready to heat up fall By Callie Honeycutt

IF THE sauce is the boss, these two local concoctions run the show. From brunch tables to tailgates, backyard barbecues and fall weekends, NC’s latest saucy deliveries bring bold flavor by the bottle. Consider this your excuse to put a little more NC in your next pour, dip or drizzle.

GOLD HEN BLOODY MARY MIX And the plot chickens. … A tailgate staple and a nonnegotiable brunch requirement, the bloody mary gets a local upgrade with Gold Hen. Loaded with horseradish and organic coconut sugar and packing just the right kick, this NC-made mix ups your bloody game. Just add vodka, pile on the olives—or whatever accoutrements your heart desires—and consider your game-day cocktail handled. goldhenbloodymary.com

SLOBBERIN’ SAUCE The great NC barbecue debate is over, with Slobberin’ Sauce offering the best of both worlds. Refined and taste-tested for over 15 years by NC State professor Chris DePerno, the ~packed~ condiment marries Eastern NC’s signature vinegar tang with the rich tomato-forward flavor of Western NC-style barbecue. The sweetest part? The officially licensed NC State sauce sports the Wolfpack seal, with a portion of proceeds supporting student scholarships. drdsbbqsauces.com

MAMA MAISA’S

Slobberin’ Sauce: Marc Hall

Some family recipes are too hot to be kept secret. Rooted in a century-old Caribbean tradition, Raleigh-based Mama Maisa’s brings island flavor to the table, packing its bottles with 50% Scotch bonnet pepper mash, balanced with curry, mustard, garlic and onion for a heated kick that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. mamamaisas.com

Rted In Raleigh since 1967

Homewood-Grown Mums Pumpkins & Gourds Local Pansies Fall Container Gardens Landscape Plants

10809 Honeycutt Rd, Raleigh homewoodnursery.com OCTOBER 2026 | 51

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Raleigh Rooted

A Raleigh landmark, served with two sides By Dawn McDonald

THERE ARE restaurants you visit because they are new. And then there are restaurants you visit because they are not. Long before crowded brunch spots, rooftop bars and construction cranes became part of Raleigh’s scenery, there was Jack’s. Jack’s Seafood & Soul Food gives a growing city like Raleigh something new construction never can: roots. And here in the City of Oaks, we understand growth means very little without them. Raleigh grew up around the small building on New Bern Avenue. People moved across town. New neighbors moved in. And somewhere along the way, a little place to get a plate of fried fish became something much harder to build: a Raleigh landmark.

But the best thing that Jack’s serves may be something you can’t order at the counter: continuity. Food carries memory. A taste or smell can put you back in a kitchen that no longer exists. One bite can remind you of somebody who isn’t here anymore. TIKTOK SENSATION: Mrs. Maxine (aka the “Potato Salad Queen”) has been cooking & baking it up at Jack’s for over a decade.

Now don’t let the “seafood” in the name fool you. Yes, people will tell you Jack’s has some of the best fried fish in Raleigh. The menu reads less like a restaurant trying to decide what its concept is and more like somebody asking what you want for Sunday dinner. Sure, there’s catfish, croaker, shrimp, oysters and more. But have you heard about their turkey wings? Get them with the rice and gravy and a side of greens—that’s turnip or collard for those of you who are new here. And don’t forget the fried chicken, pork chops, mac and cheese, fried okra… how about some chitlins and gizzards and maybe a grape Kool-Aid or sweet tea to wash it all down? It’s the kind of food that doesn’t need to be deconstructed or drizzled with anything

52 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

More than four decades of people walking through the same door can’t be manufactured. Jack’s is a reminder that a city’s identity isn’t created only by what comes next. It’s also carried by what manages to remain. There are restaurants where the person behind the counter knows your name. Then there are restaurants where they know your grandma— and cook like her too. So go to Jack’s. Get the fish. Get the wings. If you go on a Monday, get the meatloaf. Don’t pass on a slice of cake or the banana pudding. And while you wait, listen. There’s a certain sound to a place people have been coming back to for decades—part family reunion, part homecoming. Some of Raleigh’s most significant history isn’t sitting in one of our wonderful museums. Some of it is still frying fish—and it comes with two sides and hush puppies.

Top photo: Visit Raleigh

For more than 40 years, Jack’s has served more than food. It has served Raleigh itself. But its legacy isn’t measured in years alone. It’s measured in kids who grew up eating there and eventually came back with kids of their own. In Friday night dinners and plates picked up on the way home. In somebody behind the counter knowing your order before you finish saying it. In paper bags still warm from the fryer, familiar faces behind a counter, recipes that don’t need improving—and a sign you’ve passed so many times you can’t quite remember Raleigh without it.

unexpected. It just needs to hit the spot, and the portions are generous enough to suggest somebody back there is personally concerned you haven’t been eating enough.

Food for Thought Put your F&B brains to the test.

ACROSS 1. Canadian director behind recent Anthony Bourdain biopic Tony 4. NC’s “star” restaurant 8. Famed OBX resto & the subject of a Hamilton track 11. Pasta type shaped like tiny bowties 13. This new Raleigh bar shares a name with an A$AP Ferg song 15.

Room: Where Top Chef contestants wait during judge decisions

DOWN 2. He protects from plagues, but in Raleigh, he’s the patron saint of oysters 3. A status symbol with a ring and an uberpopular locally made IPA 5. The fastest part of going to Johnson Street Yacht Club 6. HOT WEINERS! 7. Botiwalla masterminds’ original Asheville digs 9. On the prowl on Brookside 10. The ~greatest~ Western Boulevard dive 12. Hargett Street coffee shop + a good way to pack a punch 14. “Like if a dive bar were a girl”

Answers on p. 97

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’  

 OCTOBER 2026 | 53

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FOODIE NEWS Smashing reset: Smash Raleigh temporarily closed its doors to rework the concept, with LM Restaurants teasing some changes to come. A once-quiet strip of West Cabarrus Street is gaining new momentum via Pizzeria di Territorio—an elevated Italian restaurant specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza and fresh pasta—plus speakeasy Stoccaggio, featuring specialty cocktails, wine and small plates, both slated to open early next year.

Joining the lineup at Cary’s Waverly Place is H&H Bagels’ second NC location, Eastcut Sandwich Bar’s third Triangle location, and South Block’s first—with Eastcut slated to open this year and H&H bowing in early 2027.

Canes defenseman Jaccob Slavin is entering the restaurant biz, partnering with local pitmaster Christopher Prieto on Prime STQ, the barbecue-meets-steakhouse concept on track to open at Horseshoe at Hub RTP next spring. If you thought mezcal maven Lily Ballance was done—think again. The Willco and La Veladora owner recently announced she’s planning another concept in the former trophy shop next door, with a lab area for prep and fermentation. Moves are finally being made at Garden West, HM Partners’ upcoming development across the street from 400H. Enter Quin, a brand-new restaurant from Raleigh chef Connor Johnson, anticipated to open sometime next year.

From the heart. Cora Kitchen & Cocktail Bar is now open on Person Street, an all-day player serving Spanish-inspired breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner—plus cocktails, wine and beer.

Bon appetit! Get a taste of the Italian lifestyle at Pranzo, recently opened at The Exchange with lunch and aperitivo offerings—think Barolo braised short rib, smoked burrata, spicy prawns and beef carpaccio— complemented by a handpicked wine program prioritizing small vineyards, organic producers and women-owned wineries.

54 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Pour one—or three—out. Flavor Hills closed its DTR location after two years, pivoting to catering and private events, while Asian restaurant CO and Foxcroft Food & Wine both shuttered in North Hills. The Sharky’s strip is leveling up—and you’re gonna want a ~pizza~ this. Turning Stone Bar & Pizzeria is opening soon in the former TheMixx space in Duraleigh Corners with Neapolitan-style pies, craft cocktails, cold beer, music and good vibes.

All in: Biddy Thomas is now serving lunch, brunch and dinner at Gateway Plaza. Think Southern-meets-NOLA fare like chicken and sausage jambalaya, fried seafood, po’boys, and more. I scream, you scream… Local ice cream shop Ladybug Creamery is expected to open at Glenwood Place this month.

Give it up for Boatman Spirits Co., which is in the running for the 2026 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, with the winners announced Oct. 5.

Prime STQ: Forward Agency; Boatman Spirits Co.: Kyle Foreman Photography

There’s nothing plain about Plain Jane’s—full stop. Now open on Hillsborough Street in the former Green Monkey space, the watering hole is like a time capsule of all your favorite old Raleigh bars—with a pool table, lounge areas and nostalgic signs galore to boot.

FOODIE NEWS Fullsteam Brewery is returning to Durham with a massive 9K SF restaurant and brewery at the Boiler Room at the historic American Tobacco Campus feat. beer, cider, wine, NA offerings and NC spirits—plus Southern and American-style bar food.

Caviar Clause, anyone? Local restaurateur Scott Crawford has announced a new venture, Crawford Caviar Company, set to debut this holiday season. In the name of health, preparedmeal brand Project LeanNation is opening a new 1,230-square-foot cafe at Seaboard Station in early 2027. Expect smoothies and other grab-and-go good-for-you snacks.

Ooh, la, la! Parisian flavors have landed at Fenton with the addition of Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café. Boulted Bread is getting that, well, bread... earning a nod as the No. 1 bakery in NC by Tasting Table— and cementing its carb king status. Twirl it up—Torii Noodle Bar by Kanki reopened at Crabtree Valley Mall with ramen, Japanese-inspired small plates and elevated comfort dishes for lunch and dinner.

Flying into North Raleigh is another location of Flying Biscuit Cafe, aiming to bow on Falls of Neuse Road early next year with all your classic breakfast and brunch faves.

New biz in the box: The Pudding Man and KatSushi have joined the lineup at Boxyard RTP—the former slinging handcrafted pudding and the latter, the latest concept from Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe and Anthony Rapillo, rolling in with made-toorder Japanese hand rolls, rice bowls and cocktails.

The 1920s called. … Now dialing into downtown Durham is the first NC location of Red Phone Booth, inviting guests to step back in time with handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits and a curated 150–200-cigar program. You can now sip and stroll in Chapel Hill thanks to its new University Place social district dubbed UP Social. Cheers!

OCTOBER 2026 | 55

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Visit Raleigh

Pullen Out the Stops AFTER MONTHS high and dry, Lake Howell is making a splashy comeback. Water returned to Pullen Park’s centerpiece in September as city contractors wrapped up a $2 million face-lift replacing the concrete-block walls and metal railings. Refilled and ready for feathered locals and pedal boaters alike, this Raleigh fave is back in the flow. —Callie Honeycutt

OCTOBER 2026 | 57

DON'T MISS THIS

OCTOBER

HOW TO KEEP BUSY IN RALEIGH THIS MONTH By Callie Honeycutt

1 ART FOR HOPE

artforhoperaleigh.org

1 SERIAL KILLERS

martinmariettacenter.com

RM PICKS RALEIGH WIDE OPEN OCT. 1–3 raleighwideopen.com

We’d pick you every time. Raleigh goes wide open as Fayetteville Street turns into one giant jam sesh with 40+ artists spanning bluegrass, Americana, folk, R&B, gospel and more.

CANES VS. CAPITALS OCT. 2 lenovocenter.com

Get inside the minds of the world’s most savage and prolific murderers —from Ted Bundy to Jeffrey Dahmer— via one deliciously chilling evening of true crime.

1 JONAS BROTHERS

OCT. 1–29

CURTAIN CALL FROM BEYOND martinmariettacenter.com

After the final curtain call, ghost stories call. Get spooked at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium with a behind-the-scenes tour of backstage corridors, theatrical history and ghostly lore—complete with spirited sips.

DEAD 1-11 EVIL THE MUSICAL theatreinthepark.com

Enter the splatter zone for a gory musical mashup complete with chainsaws, singing zombies, a cabin in the woods and more than enough fake blood.

lenovocenter.com

You’ll be hot (then cold) if you miss this one. The JoBros are slipping back into the fire of Raleigh on their viral Burnin’ Up Tour All Over Again tour, packed with fan-favorites and a taste of Disney-era nostalgia.

Forecast calls for a Category 5—and DC doesn’t stand a chance.

1–15

JAZZ IN THE SQUARE

downtownraleigh.org

Need a little sax appeal? Catch free performances each Thursday from the NCCU Jazz Collective, local student musicians, and Jasmine Best & The Jazz Xperiment at Moore Square—with food trucks and drinks to fuel your jazz hands and slick moves.

1 LEARN TO FIX YOUR BIKE 2 GHOSTBUSTERS dixpark.org

Ditch the training wheels and get your hands dirty. Stop by Dix Park’s Chapel to learn how to fix flats, care for chains and adjust brakes— because every friend group needs a bike mechanic.

1–2 MADDY SMITH improv.com

Blame it on the DNA. Between her cutting roasts and rapid-fire jokes, consider this a warning: The frontrow seats are risky business.

58 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

raleighnc.gov

Who you gonna call… for your Friday night plans? Moore Square zaps that problem with local vendors, food trucks, live music and an outdoor screening of the fan-fave ’80s classic.

2 THE MIDNIGHT livenation.com

Don’t mind the time. The ATL-based synth band hits The Ritz on their Time Machines Tour with dreamy instrumentals, popular tunes and just enough hype to make you move.

2 THE MOVE

bittersocialraleigh.com

Dance away last month’s drama with DJ Jermainia’s pop, disco and funk spins alongside cocktails, mocktails and plenty of motivation to hit the floor at the monthly First Friday dance party.

MUSIC OF 2–3 THE PINK FLOYD ncsymphony.org

If you don’t eat your meat, you can’t have your pudding! Bringing Pink Floyd’s legendary hits to life, the NC Symphony and The Machine are rocking Meymandi Concert Hall, pairing symphonic sound with classic rock ‘n’ roll. Trust: You’ll wish you were here.

Ghostbusters: Husein Rozak/shutterstock.com; Saxophone: NewAfrica/shutterstock.com

Art goes to a good cause at this annual grassroots effort to eliminate all pediatric cancers at The Maxwell, feat. a live and silent auction, live painter, and awardwinning food.

2–3 TRIANGLE OKTOBERFEST

BACK MOVIE SERIES AT 3–4 FALL VINTAGE MARKET 6 PULLEN PARK

Fetch the dirndl and lederhosen: Koka Booth’s Oktoberfest returns with German eats, stein-hoisting competitions, beer for days and wiener dog races. Prost!

Stock up on unique preloved pieces and wardrobe essentials at the annual vintage market feat. 40+ vendors slinging clothing, jewelry, records, desserts, home decor and sweet treats all weekend long.

boothamphitheatre.com

FILM & 2–4 RALEIGH ART FESTIVAL raleighfilmandartfestival.org

Roll the film! Indie flicks, experimental art and global storytelling collide via filmmakers, screenings and creative energy.

fallbackvintage.com

lincolntheatre.com

Genre-bending California tunes arrive in Raleigh via Frasco’s vaguely psychedelic high-energy blend of bluesy rock and soul at an anything-goes show.

eventsupporter.onecause.com

livenation.com

Call it a little blessed madness. The Mexican music icon fills the night with powerhouse vocals and beloved hits on her Bendita Locura Tour at The Ritz.

FALLING FOR LOCAL shoplocalraleigh.org

Kick off the season—and fall for local makers—with goods from over 150 vendors at Dix Park, plus food truck nosh and beer samples from NC breweries.

Football: Ceren Bayrak/shutterstock.com; film: nicopopi/shutterstock.com

VS. 3 NCSU LOUISVILLE gopack.com

The Cardinals get squawked.

3 TASTE OF ASIA allevents.in

Expand your palate halfway across the globe with a world of Asian cuisine, cultural exhibits and crafts, live music, and martial arts performances at Moore Square.

TO END 3 WALK ALZHEIMER’S act.alz.org

Each step is one step closer to a cure. Lace up and take a walk at Halifax Mall to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

To infinity and beyond! Grab a blanket and your BFF, and wear your best Toy Story costume because Pullen Park is breaking out of the toy chest with a free outdoor screening of Toy Story 5.

FRASCO & 4 ANDY THE U.N.

HARVEST 4 FREEDOM DINNER ALICIA VILLARREAL

raleighnc.gov

Pull up a chair to the meal that always has room for one more. Chef Scott Crawford dishes out a family-style feast at Union Hall with a mission to give those struggling with addiction a second chance.

KINDLED FOR GOOD eventbrite.com

Twelve courses, one cause. Three local chefs bring an omakaseinspired dinner to Landon Estate, pairing interactive chef stations and sommelier-selected wines to benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina.

RALEIGH 7 GIVE POP-UP

8 CANES VS. CANUCKS lenovocenter.com

Sorry Canada, our Southern hospitality stays outside the rink.

8-25 TRAVESTIES

burningcoal.org

Three historical icons walk into a play… James Joyce, Vladimir Lenin and Tristan Tzara collide in Burning Coal’s dazzling comedy, where fact, fiction and one man’s questionable memory become hilariously tangled.

raleighmag.com

Bites, bevs and raffles for a good cause? Say less. Raleigh Magazine is popping up at Birdie’s to cap off our Give Raleigh campaign— in partnership with Pinnacle Financial Partners—in support of the Cooper Charitable Foundation.

7 MINDFUL MUSEUM ncartmuseum.org

Stop, stare, maybe even take a picture so it lasts longer. NCMA invites you to slow down with guided meditation inspired by Nancy Baker Cahill: Ecologies of Scale, connecting mindfulness and art beyond the canvas.

9–10 PREACHER LAWSON improv.com

Can we get an amen? America’s Got Talent’s breakout comedian brings his bit to the Raleigh Improv, preaching rapid-fire punchlines and animated storytelling.

4 WEEZER

lenovocenter.com

Looking just like Buddy Holly? The alt-rock icons are drifting into the Lenny with the jams that soundtrack angsty car rides, teenage garage bands and oh-somany awkward phases.

4–25 SUNDAY RESET SERIES theexchangeraleigh.com

Sunday funday has entered the chat. Tap into wellness with free community yoga, Pilates and sound bath classes led by Current Wellness at The Exchange Park. BYO water, mat and good intentions.

OCT. 15–25 NC STATE FAIR ncagr.gov

Come one, come all for exhilarating rides, fried food galore, shopping, competitions, and various activities and entertainment. Nothing could be finer! OCTOBER 2026 | 59

FOR FIVE 10 FALL POINTS FEST

15 TY MYERS

boothamphitheatre.com

Humpty Dumpty isn’t the only one having a great fall. Post up on Fairview for the annual fall fest packed with local vendors, artists, live performances, neighborhood nosh and plenty of Five Points pride.

From TikTok to the stage, Myers is joined by Brent Cobb and Benny G to serve up a night of bluesy old-soul country.

10 MIGHTY GIVEBACK

IN 15–18 SINGIN’ THE RAIN SR.

fallforfivepoints.com

bandtogethernc.org

dancingmanproductions.com

Band together in the name of music and meaningful impact as headliners JJ Grey & Mofro and The 502s take to the Lincoln Theatre outdoor stage for the Southeast’s largest annual benefit concert.

events.humanitix.com

Take off the mask—and put on another one. Cannonball Music Hall’s Masquerade for Mental Health combines elegance and meaning for a night that brings the community together to break stigmas and cultivate honest conversations.

16 AVERY ANNA livenation.com

THROUGH WINTER 2027 RALEIGH RHYTHM downtownraleigh.org

Dance like everyone’s watching. DRA’s latest ARTivation traces and transforms your steps into colorful light patterns at Raleigh Union Station Plaza. Channel your inner dancing queen or king, or challenge a stranger to a friendly dance-off.

11 HARVEST DINNER

FINGER 14 FIVE DEATH PUNCH

Dinner under the stars? Say less. Celebrate another season of growth and change via a multicourse dinner with locally sourced ingredients and wine and beer pairing.

Consider this your five-finger warning. The metal heavyweights smash Walnut Creek with Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire for one intense Wednesday night.

raleighcityfarm.org

10–11

NIGHTMARE WEEKEND

galaxycon.com

Sweet dreams are ~not~ made of this. The Raleigh Convention Center summons horror icons, celebrity guests and creepy collectibles for two days where nightmares aren’t just invited, they’re the guest of honor.

UNDERGROUND MARKET

makrs.com

Ditch the Sunday scroll and go for a Sunday stroll around Midtown Park, where 50+ local vendors come together with live music, workshops and food trucks for a seriously stacked market.

11 11

BEABADOOBEE lenovocenter.com

Lenny loading: Bring the FilipinoBritish singer-songwriter’s dreamy lovesick lyrics straight from your headphones to the stage.

WALK FOR HOPE walkforhope.com/events

Raleigh rallies for research. Lace up for the Foundation of Hope’s 38th annual walk and festival at Angus Barn bringing the community together to support groundbreaking mental health research and treatment at UNC.

60 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Pouring heartbreak, family drama and those all-too-well growing pains into her music, Anna hits The Ritz with brutally honest tracks.

16–17 RHAPSODY IN BLUE ncsymphony.org

Jazz hands meet classical fingers. Pianist Clayton Stephenson tickles the ivories at Meymandi Concert Hall, playing through George Gershwin’s iconic composition.

livenation.com

14 THUNDERCAT

16 + 18 CARMEN ncopera.org

Red flags have never looked—or sounded—this good. NC Opera turns up the heat at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium with Bizet’s famously fiery score.

livenation.com

Attention span: gone. Stephen Lee Bruner brings his Distracted AF Tour to The Ritz, cranking up his unmistakable bass lines, funky grooves and psychedelic sound for a night destined to get… weird.

TALK SMUTTY TO ME bittersocialraleigh.com

Don’t turn the page on a steamy Thursday night. Bitter Social and Blackbird Books hand over the mic to present brief selections of sexy published works.

WINE 17 &INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL internationalwine andbeerfestival.com

Pinkies up! Sip, taste and celebrate the world via wines from over 15 global wineries + beer from 10 countries at City Plaza—best followed by chowing down on international fare and groovin’ to live music.

Guitar: Lienskyy/shutterstock.com; book: Woodpond/shutterstock.com; wine & Beer: MariyanaM/shutterstock.com

10 REVEAL

What a wonderful feeling! Tap your toes and sing along to the splashy adaptation of the Hollywood classic at Raleigh Little Theatre.

17 POP-UP RALEIGH popupraleigh.com

Shop small at Trophy on Maywood, where vintage finds, handmade goods, local art and more turn a Saturday shopping spree into a local love letter.

17 TIME WARP eventbrite.com

It’s just a jump to the left… and a trip to the City of Raleigh Museum, which transports attendees back to the ’70s with DJs, dancing, food, drinks, raffles and groovy swag.

HOME 17–18 NC SHOW homeshowsnc-rc.com

Make your house a home at the Raleigh Convention Center with expert advice; exclusive deals; and resources in home improvement, landscaping and design services.

23 BREAKING BENJAMIN

24–25 GREEK FESTIVAL

29–5/29

The early aughts called… crank up the hard-rock hits that defined an eyeliner-heavy, angst-filled era. Rock on.

Opa! Greece is closer than ever as the signature Greek fest returns home to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with traditional music, dancing and a weekendlong celebration of Greek culture.

gregg.arts.ncsu.edu

livenation.com

SPOOKY 23 KOOKY HALLOWEEN PARTY marbleskidsmuseum.org

Calling all little monsters—and their grown-up ghouls. Marbles gets kooky-spooky with mad-scientist experiments, creepy crafts and a fa-boo-lous costume parade.

23 TALES OF WOE

Forecast: blue skies and dark clouds. Sturgill Simpson scoots into Oak City, bringing his genre-bending country laced with rock and blues for a psychedelic experience.

WOMAN’S 21THE CLUB OF RALEIGH ANNUAL GALA Disco ball: NewAfrica/shutterstock.com; sugar skull: Rimma Bondarenko/shutterstock.com

womansclubofraleigh.org

Follow the yellow brick road to celebrate the club’s legacy of service via its annual gala, which raises funds to continue its community impact for generations to come.

redhatamphitheater.com

It’s time to get grounded. Artist-inresidence Maya Freelon layers color, tissue paper, memory and heritage to showcase decades of work exploring fragility and strength.

revistalatinanc.com

Knock ’em dead. City Plaza bursts with color for Día de los Muertos, honoring Mexican and Latin American heritage through altars, music, Aztec dancers and the Catrina parade.

30–31 JAMES MURRAY

naturalsciences.org

Oh, yeah? Woozy guitar riffs and effortlessly cool sounds will have you seeing “dark red.”

GROUNDED

OF THE DEAD 25 DAY FESTIVAL

No sunshine and rainbows here. The museum uncovers the science behind your darkest fears with interactive science stations, music, games, local entertainment and special activities.

BLUE SKIES 21 &JOHNNY THE DARK CLOUDS 23 STEVE LACY lenovocenter.com

raleighgreekfestival.com

goodnightscomedy.com

Impractical Joker “Murr” brings never-before-heard jokes and interactive stand-up to the Goodnights stage.

25 VINCE STAPLES livenation.com

When sparks fly, take to The Ritz for signature West Coast cool vibes made for anything but sitting still.

31 HALLOWEEN AT HOGWARTS ncsymphony.org

Yer a wizard, Raleigh. Step into a world of wizardry for a spellbinding concert we solemnly swear you’ll enjoy.

MUSIC 23–24 THE OF JOHN WILLIAMS ncsymphony.org

May the orchestra be with you. Launch yourself into another galaxy with Williams’ legendary scores from Star Wars, E.T. and more—no Millennium Falcon required.

23–25 RON FUCHES goodnightscomedy.com

A warm hug and a masterful roast sesh roll into one joyful yet disarming stand-up.

21–11/8 DRACULA 24 DELTA RAE theatreraleigh.com

Sink your teeth into Theatre Raleigh’s Comedy of Terrors, during which Bram Stoker’s bloodsucker gets a ridiculous makeover. … And the stakes have never been higher.

livenation.com

There’s no place like home. Durhamborn Delta Rae returns to its NC roots for a night at The Ritz, bringing home the band’s signature harmonies and Southern folk-rock sound.

31 DAY OF THE DEAD 5K & STREET FESTIVAL runsignup.com

Run like the dead are after you. The 14th annual Day of the Dead 5K dashes through historic Oakwood Cemetery before coming back to life with a Wilmington Street fest packed with food, music, traditional dancers and more. OCTOBER 2026 | 61

quiz

hot on the Trail The mountains are calling—famously. If you’re ready to give in to the age-old adage beckoning you to Western NC this fall, take our quiz to find your mountain-town match made in heaven. By Heidi Reid

who are you heading west with?

preferred place to stay?

top priority while on mountain time?

mountain must-have?

mountain attire of choice?

the perfect mountain day consists of:

top of your to-do list in the morning?

ideal soundtrack?

A. Beer, second only to live music B. Hiking with a side of winter sports C. A walkable main street + quiet evenings D. As much time in the woods as possible

A. Flowy boho layers—or a vintage Grateful Dead shirt B. Blundstones and a flatback hat C. Linen button-downs and sleek but comfy pants D. I’m not afraid to break out my Chacos

A. Finding a cute coffee shop B. Checking ticket prices for the App State football game C. Pastries and coffee in pajamas D. Lighting a fire and cooking up breakfast

A. A chic but artsy hotel room B. A homey cabin C. An inn with a spa D. A tent—or even a hammock

A. Film camera B. Fishing pole and tackle—just in case there’s time C. A read akin to Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing D. Instant coffee and a camp mug

A. Hozier-esque tunes at an outdoor venue B. Caving followed by a pint & pub food C. Window shopping with frequent stops for a glass of vino D. Chasing waterfalls and swimming holes

A. “Julia” by Mt. Joy B. “All That And More” by Rainbow Kitten Surprise C. “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac D. “The Swimming Song” by Loudon Wainwright III

Count 'em up --->

MargaretWiktor/shutterstock.com

A. The gals or guys B. My significant other C. My parents D. Me, myself & I

Asheville: Explore Asheville; High Country: Mary Griffin; Brevard: Explore Brevard

which letter did you circle most? If you picked mostly A’s, the music, mood and brews of Asheville are calling your name.

If you picked mostly B’s, hit the tailgates, trails and taverns of the High Country.

If you picked mostly C’s, Highlands is here for you with a perfect balance of comfort and nature.

If you picked mostly D’s, the waterfalls and lush forests of Brevard are beckoning.

You’re hungry for a little taste of everything: The Land of the Sky is your move for live music, craft beers and cocktails, and a smattering of unique eats—plus easy access to the Parkway for vibrant fall views.

You’re ISO all the best parts of a college town, from sports to live music with a side of mountain muck and mire via skiing, snowboarding, caving, fishing and more? Boone and Blowing Rock have you on lock.

You’re yearning for a secluded and quaint getaway with all the charm a small Southern town can muster— plus boutique shopping and eats, views for days, and hiking nearby if the mood strikes.

We get it. You’re outdoorsy—and the Blue Ridge Mountains give you good reason to be. Lace up and go off the grid via myriad trails in the Pisgah National Forest, but don’t forget to grab a beer or a sweet treat.

Must-go's

Hellbender, Hole Doughnuts, Neng Jr’s, Lazy Diamond, Antidote Cocktail Lounge

Come Back Shack, Beech Mountain Resort, Basil’s, Linville Caverns, Town Tavern

Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Mountain Fresh Grocery, Dry Falls, Highlander Mountain House

Dolly’s Dairy Bar, Whaleback Swimming Hole, Frying Pan Tower, Oskar Blues Brewery

OCTOBER 2026 | 63

GETAWAY

YADKIN V ALLEY

Grape Escape Six standouts to sip through in NC’s own wine country. By Peyton Masilun

FORGET THE flight to Napa—NC has a wine country all its own. Yadkin Valley, the state’s first federally recognized American Viticultural Area, rolls out grand estates, mountain vineyards, historic farms and even a working college winery—all just a few hours from Raleigh. Consider these six stops your excuse to head west, drink your way through the foothills and get a taste of what’s growing in our own backyard.

SHADOW SPRINGS VINEYARD

HAMPTONVILLE

Wine, spirits and a little field trip energy— Shadow Springs does all three. Its reservationonly Grand Tasting Experience hops between Shadow Springs, sister winery Windsor Run Cellars and Windsor Run Distillery for curated pours, a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking and distilling operations, and locally sourced charcuterie. Not bad for a family-run vineyard that got its start with 4 acres of grapes on former tobacco land. shadowspringsvineyard.com 64 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

RAFFALDINI VINEYARDS AND WINERY

RONDA

Raffaldini commits to the Italian bit—and we’re here for it. The 102-acre estate grows Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Sagrantino, Vermentino and other Italian varietals beneath a striking villa, with Blue Ridge views doing their part in the background. Even the winemaking stays on theme: Raffaldini uses appassimento, the old-school practice of drying grapes before fermentation. Go all in with the tour and tasting, or post up on the piazza or balcony with a glass and pretend Ronda is somewhere much farther east. raffaldini.com

GRASSY CREEK VINEYARD & WINERY

STATE ROAD

A horse stable, a dairy barn and a hiking trail walk into a winery… That’s more or less the scene at Grassy Creek, set on the former Klondike Farm, where historic outbuildings have found second lives as a tasting room and winery. Beyond the vines, trails lead toward Carter Falls and the Mountains-toSea Trail—including NC’s first Forest Bathing Trail—while neighboring Klondike Cabins make staying the night awfully tempting. grassycreekvineyard.com

ROARING RIVER VINEYARDS

TRAPHILL

Grassy Creek: Bailey Batten Photography

Roaring River has the kind of setup that makes a packed tasting itinerary feel like a breeze. Set along the East Prong Roaring River, the vineyard pours French-inspired wines alongside German-style fare at its Tasting Haus and seasonal Biergarten, with tables spilling toward the water. And with vacation rentals and a small RV campground on-site, settling in overnight is very much on the table—so drink up. roaringrivervineyards.com

DYNAMIS ESTATE WINES

SURRY CELLARS

A 2025 Wine Enthusiast American Winery of the Year nom sets the tone at Dynamis, where handpicked estate grapes, Greek-inspired wine names, French oak and concrete egg fermenters fuel a seriously dialed-in operation. The whole experience leans luxe—read: reservations required—without losing the winemaking cred, from the 90-minute Estate Tasting to bottle service paired with fondue, smoked trout, charcuterie or even caviar. dynamisestatewines.com

Meet the coolest winery on campus. Inside Surry Community College’s $5 million Shelton-Badget NC Center for Viticulture and Enology, students get hands-on with the whole process—from growing and harvesting grapes to bottling, label design and marketing. Tours run by appointment Tuesday through Friday, giving visitors a firsthand look at where NC’s next crop of winemakers get their start. ncviticulturecenter.surry.edu

JONESVILLE

DOBSON

OCTOBER 2026 | 65

Here for the Boos

Two local Halloween pop-up bars to get you in the ~spirits~ By Peyton Masilun

SPOOKY SEASON is creeping into Raleigh early—and this year, it’s bringing better (boo)ze than the average cauldron punch. Two local cocktail haunts are going all in for the haunted holiday, from an apothecary dripping in herbs and candlelight to a nostalgia-fueled takeover straight out of the Halloween aisles of your childhood. Prepare to eat, drink and fall under the spell.

The Haunting Call it a “Nightmare on North West Street”—the good kind. Killjoy is leaning all the way into over-the-top vintage decor, glowing jack-o’-lanterns and hauntedhouse nostalgia this Halloween as it becomes Raleigh’s only outpost for The Haunting, the inaugural Halloween pop-up from the team behind the beloved Miracle Christmas brand. Like an eerie ghost story or your favorite scary movie, the wonderfully strange environment immerses guests in a twisted realm of oddities, playful mischief and creepy secrets. The cocktails are also bewitchingly inventive: Scream-sicle mixes tequila, spiced vanilla, carrot-orange cordial and habanero, while Poison Apple layers Calvados and rye whiskey with bitter apple, sherry and miso. And for anyone who likes their booze with a little souvenir, the Pumpkin Payback shot comes with a collectible Haunting glass. Oct. 1–31, Killjoy, Glenwood South, killjoycocktail.com

Something wicked this way comes as Wye Hill swaps its usual brewery scene for something far more spellbinding. The buzzy Boylan brewery’s first-ever Halloween pop-up, Witch, Please!, fills the taproom with flickering candles, dangling herbs, weathered spell books and ancient-apothecary energy. Behind the bar, ~spirited~ potions and elixirs get the full treatment— smoke, scorched herbs and dramatic flair included. So basically—witchy theater meets cocktail hour. Try the Wise Woman, a tequila-and-Strega concoction with cucumber, mint, lime and absinthe, or go darker with the rye whiskey- and pomegranate-laced Better Half of Hades. Even the glassware gets in costume, with specialty vessels adding to the theatrical pours, while seasonal bites complete the spell. Through Nov. 1, Wye Hill, Warehouse District, wyehill.com

66 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

The Haunting: Melissa Hom

Witch, Please!

The Kids Aren’t Alright Dear Little League Industrial Complex, Why did we screw up youth sports so badly? At some point, we stopped letting kids play—and started turning childhood into a fulltime industry. Every week, my sister and nephew are out of town for baseball. Not a game—a five-day tournament: Atlanta, Omaha, Cali. And he’s playing on multiple teams? Each with a different uniform, bat—different everything. They’re going into debt to pay for it all. And that’s before you add the personal coach, nutritionist, strength trainer and yearround seasons that never actually end. These days, playing baseball has become managing a small business. And don’t even get me started on the travel. Every few weeks you’re required to stay at the designated overpriced hotel for another tournament hours from home. What does that mean for families that simply can’t afford it? Youth sports are supposed to build community— not price kids out of participating. And here’s what really gets me: Does any of this actually make the kids better? We pour thousands of dollars into private coaching, specialized equipment and nonstop competition, yet these young athletes are still getting their butts kicked in plenty of international competitions. We’ve confused spending more with developing athletes. Now my nephew has signed up to play baseball at NC State, so maybe for him it’ll all work out. But I’ve also watched him become the absolute center of the family. Everything revolves around baseball. There’s no balance. And while we’re at it, do both parents really need to be at every practice and every game? Do these people not have jobs? Have they never heard of a carpool? I’m grateful we had a different experience. My daughter swam for the Marlins of Raleigh and her high school. No private lessons or personal coaches—just swimming. Sure, it was an 11.5-month season and we traveled for meets about once a month, but it never consumed our lives. We need to recenter youth sports. Let kids play different sports in different seasons. Let them compete for fun, leadership and teamwork—not because there’s another tournament, another uniform or another check to write. —Youth Sports Skeptic This rant has been lightly edited for style and space and is not endorsed by Raleigh Magazine. GOT A RANT OR RAVE? Email it to melissa@raleighmag.com for print consideration. OCTOBER 2026 | 67

BALLET TO OPERA. CONCERTS TO COMEDY. photo: Joshua Dwight

SYMPHONY TO THEATRE. AND MORE. photo: Eric Waters

RALEIGH’S

premier

ARTS VENUE photo: Tom Beck

join us as we raise the curtain on world-class performances

photo: John Hansen

STUFF

Bartosik Studios

MATERIAL MATTERS

WHAT HAPPENS when acrylic paint meets Fiberglas resin, automotive cleaners, solvents and plaster? For local abstract artist and Bartosik Studios founder Chris Bartosik, the answer unfolds across the canvas, harnessing the materials’ unpredictable chemical reactions to produce one-of-a-kind works that raise eyebrows and demand attention. —By Callie Honeycutt

OCTOBER 2026 | 69

STUFF

D. E.

Modern Classics By Peyton Masilun

ONE OF modern furniture’s biggest names has officially put down roots in Raleigh. Design Within Reach opened its North Hills location in August, delivering its first Triangle studio—and only its second NC outpost—with a showroom packed with design heavy-hitters like Herman Miller, Knoll and beyond. At the helm is studio manager Rick Grogan, a 28-year furniture industry vet who spent 14 years running his own logistics company before moving into retail and leading DWR’s Charlotte team for the past six years. For Grogan, great modern design comes down to a mix of legacy, personality and livability—pieces made not just to admire, but to actually live with. “I’m not the expert,” he jokes, “but I’m definitely a library.” And his preference? Pieces he calls “past, present and future heirlooms”—designs that shaped modernism yet still feel right at home today. Here, five modern icons Grogan thinks every design lover should know. 70 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

A. Eames Lounge Chair + Ottoman If modern furniture had a hall of fame, this one would be first on the ballot. Charles and Ray Eames introduced the Lounge Chair and Ottoman in 1956, pairing molded wood with sink-in comfort in a design that’s remained in continuous production ever since. The set is also part of MoMA’s collection—proof that the best design can be both beautifully livable and museumworthy. B. Saarinen Dining Table Consider the table-leg tangle solved. Eero Saarinen’s 1957 Pedestal Collection trades the usual four-legged base for one sculptural stem, clearing visual clutter and giving diners more room to move. The result is sleek, instantly recognizable and still remarkably fresh nearly seven decades later. “They succeeded,” Grogan says simply. C. Womb Chair + Ottoman Modern doesn’t have to mean austere. Saarinen’s 1946 Womb Chair was built around comfort, with a generous shell made for settling in rather than sitting stiffly. By 1958, it

had crossed fully into pop culture, appearing in a Coca-Cola campaign. Grogan’s favorite detail? Santa Claus himself took a seat in the holiday ad—an appropriately cozy co-sign. D. Noguchi Table Part coffee table, part sculpture—all icon. Isamu Noguchi designed his glass-topped table for Herman Miller in 1942, balancing an organic surface atop two interlocking wood supports. It’s so legendary, even those who don’t speak fluent modernism tend to know it when they see it. “It gives a wonderful, warm architectural element to a space,” emphasizes Grogan. E. Eames House Bird This one’s personal. The folk-art bird famously lived in Charles and Ray Eames’ own home, and it’s now a favorite of Grogan’s to include in client renderings he creates. It’s his signature— and a reminder that good design should feel personal, not precious. Better yet, clients have actually called him back with his hoped-for line: “A little birdie told me to call Rick.”

DWR

DWR’s Rick Grogan on five modern icons worth knowing

More Than a Remodel:

Luxury Bathroom, & Closet Designing Spaces Kitchen That Truly Work Renovations - All Under One Roof Detail Driven • Design Focused • Done Right

Shaking It Up Social media’s latest fitness craze promises big results in under 10 minutes—but does it pass the vibe check? ARE VIBRATION plates actually worth the (literal) buzz? If your social feed has suddenly become inundated with influencers vibrating through their morning coffee, you aren’t alone. Whole-body vibration plates are back, with proponents touting potential benefits from improved bone health and cognitive function to muscle activation, toning and lymphatic drainage—all in just 10 minutes a day. But effortless exercise? That’s a tough sell.

Visit our 3,000sf design center at 115 Ward St, Cary, NC 27511

919-330-0082

thebathremodelingcenter.com

Like most viral wellness crazes, these plates are nothing new. They first gained popularity after popping up in gyms decades ago before social media gave them a second life. Some users swear by the recovery benefits; others treat them as a waist-trimming tactic. Here’s how it works: A motorized platform vibrates rapidly while you stand, squat or stretch on top, forcing your muscles into rapid-fire contractions as your body works to stay stable. Local gyms and health houses like Planet Fitness and Blue Water Spa have incorporated vibration-based therapies into their wellness offerings as more of a supplement than a shortcut. And that distinction matters. “Vibrating plates, even professional-level devices, will have minimal effect on the lymphatic system,” says BWS’ Kile Law, noting that the spa instead incorporates them with other wellness services. “It’s important that people don’t expect dramatic or transformative results from vibrating plate therapy as a stand-alone treatment.” That doesn’t mean they’re all shake and no substance. Catching the vibe may improve muscle activation, balance and stability; reduce postworkout soreness; and even help ease you back into movement after injury—but it’s more a sidekick than a shortcut.

Lifepro

Because, spoiler alert: There’s no such thing as standing still and sculpting a six-pack—and research doesn’t support these plates as magic weight-loss tools. That said, studies do suggest some benefits when paired with regular exercise. No matter which way you lean, vibration plates’ biggest win is simpler than any viral claim: They offer an approachable way to move your body—even on days when motivation is running low. So if a 10-minute jiggle gets you off the couch and into a routine, that alone is worth shaking things up for. —Elyse Waters OCTOBER 2026 | 71

STUFF

Murder, She Read

8 thrillers worth losing sleep over By Melissa Howsam

a side of murder.

“A podcast ruined my life so I’m buying a chicken.” First line = hooked—and it only gets better. From the POV of a woman who can’t remember if she murdered her best friend (seriously), Tintera’s razor-sharp, darkly funny thriller—paired with a perfectly snarky narrator—is slick and twisty as hell, while also making one of the riskiest narrative choices feel completely natural.

After tearing through roughly 50 of them over the past year— from BookTok sensations to Goodreads recs—I learned one thing: Most don’t actually live up to the hype. Too often it’s just: Surprise! Everyone’s evil! These aren’t those books. If you’re looking for that rare thriller that actually earns the gasp, the goosebumps and the 2am lights out, consider this a collection of the ones I’d happily erase from my memory just to experience again for the first time. And, yes—for audiobook lovers—narrators absolutely factored into my rankings. Still not scared? Three bonus reads at raleighmag.com

READ IF you think you can figure out who to trust (spoiler: You can’t).

Psychologically slippery, unsettling, addictive and unreliable to its core, Jewell delivers a masterclass on unreliable narrators where everyone is lying and somehow you still trust all of them—and love every second of it. Bonus points if you’re mad for British narration.

READ IF you want to lose to a book. Wickedly clever, relentlessly twisty, impossible to outsmart—and every time you think you’ve solved it, Donlea pats you on the head and says, “That’s adorable. Guess again.” I’ve never read a thriller orchestrated this brilliantly—even the twists have twists.

READ IF you’re down for some serious emotional devastation.

Where a lot of thrillers can feel cheap, Jar raises the stakes— earning its darkness by slowly reconstructing the protagonist’s entire psyche and survival logic. So by the time you realize the full truth, it lands emotionally instead of just mechanically, all with a narrator who doesn’t sound like a Victorian ghost trapped in a gramophone.

READ IF you think your siblings are a lot. On a family road trip where every mile makes the family more unhinged, Downing turns sibling rivalry into psychological warfare. Fiendishly funny, wildly original and unlike any I've read, it balances pitch-black humor with genuine suspense.

READ IF you want to feel better about your own dating choices. Tinder turns to terror in one of McFadden’s few thrillers that truly fooled me. Modern, chaotic and deliciously deceptive, I bought every single misdirection.

READ IF you want an airport read... in

READ IF you love a slow burn that actually

Fast, cinematic, impossible to put down, Garcia’s high-concept page-turner is exactly the kind of fast-moving, wildly readable ride that keeps saying, “just one more chapter”—until your flight lands and you've forgotten to get off the plane.

I’d been burned by enough “if you liked…” recs that my expectations were basically buried with the dead bodies—then this one pulled me absolutely under. If All Her Fault wrecked you, Dangerous belongs next in your queue.

the best possible way.

72 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

pays off.

Courtesy of publishers

READ IF you want sharp humor with

“IS TAMARA there? Are you sure?” Horror movies have mastered the art of making you want to climb inside your own skin. Psychological thrillers? Not so much.

For Old Times’ Sake Your bible for scoring vintage finds around Raleigh By Heidi Reid

WHAT’S OLD is in again. While shopping for brand-new clothing is always fun, there’s no dopamine hit quite like uncovering a coveted vintage find for mere dollars—and in this economy, that matters. Not only does vintage shopping get you a better deal—plus unique, quality clothes— there’s a plethora of ways to navigate the vast vintagescape. Vintage resellers are an easy place to start—all the work is already done, aside from picking what you like and making sure it fits. Pro tip: Sizing was not the same 30 years ago, so when in doubt, try it on. Because the ~curating~ part is already done for you, resellers can lean pricey. While convenience can come at a premium, many resellers are open to negotiation or offer $5 or $10 bins. For curated finds around town, try The Burrow, Pallbearer, Wolfe & Porter’s monthly markets or any Vintage Bazaar event. If you’re after furniture, head to Cheshire Cat or TrunkShow.

FALL FEST Friday, October 30th

6pm to 8pm

GAMES INFLATABLES HOT DOGS CANDY POPCORN PRIZES TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH RECREATION OUTREACH CENTER (ROC) 4815 Six Forks Rd. Raleigh, NC

FUN & FELLOWSHIP FOR EVERYONE!

If those price tags hurt, save some dollars and do the digging yourself. Read: Hit the thrift store. Dorcas Thrift Shop and Goodwill are good places to start, and—when in doubt—stores that require an appointment to donate are always a good bet. Racks rarely stay organized, so look in as many sections as possible—you may find a hidden gem of a tank top in the pajamas section or an oversize vintage tee shoved between dresses. Found a contender? Check the tags for 100% wool, cashmere, cotton, silk and leather, and note where and how the garment was manufactured. “Made in the USA” labels and union tags are rarely from this century and a good indication you’re scoring a steal.

eBay

Resale sites like Vinted, eBay and Depop serve up an unrefined blend of curated and chaotic: Some resellers sport astronomical markups, while others just want items gone—for cheap. When searching, be specific and try a couple different wordings—i.e., search for both “black leather cowboy boots size 8” and “tall black leather boots Western style.” Before you lock it down, research the seller’s ratings, read the listing carefully (bare minimum, it’s a smoke-free household) and don’t underestimate the power of the lowball: You never know what a seller will accept. Be respectful—and mindful that it’s some people’s only source of income—but never assume the listing price is final. See if the reseller will go lower, and if not, so be it. Happy hunting! OCTOBER 2026 | 73

LIFE TIME LIVING

Raleigh’s building boom is kicking into high gear. Beyond the projects already reshaping the skyline, another wave of towers, hotels and mixed-use developments is permitted, planned and primed to break ground. By Melissa Howsam + Lauren Kruchten

“BUILDINGS DON’T create great cities—people do.” Highwoods Properties SVP Skip Hill’s mic drop statement isn’t just lip service.

bolted—and even The News & Observer was considering leaving Downtown amid a dearth of investment.

Today’s most ambitious projects increasingly reflect that principle. It’s no longer enough to plop down an office tower or apartment building and call it a day. The new playbook layers places to live and work with restaurants, recreation, gathering spaces, greenways and connections designed to make entire districts useful, accessible—and somewhere people actually want to be.

What followed wasn’t one silver-bullet project, but a series of big bets: Fayetteville Street reopened. The Civic Center came down. A new convention center went up. Then came housing, restaurants, public spaces and destinations that gave people a reason not only to come Downtown—but to stick around. Three decades later, DTR is hardly the place that emptied out at quitting time.

Just three decades ago, Downtown Raleigh was a very different place— and it showed. Storefronts sat empty. Fayetteville Street’s pedestrian mall was failing. “Everything was brown,” recalls DECO’s Pam Blondin. “The old Civic Center looked like a prison.” Come 5 o’clock, everyone

And Downtown was just the beginning. Beyond the cranes and projects already reshaping the city, another wave of residential towers, hotels, mixed-use developments and entirely new districts is permitted, planned or preparing to break ground.

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Life Time: Dewitt Carolinas; Highline: Turnbridge Equities

WHAT’S RISING NEXT?

ONE NASH SQUARE HIGHLINE GLENWOOD

Now selling • 20 stories • 82 residences Downtown Raleigh’s condo market is heating up. Sales officially launched over the summer at One Nash Square, DTR’s newest condo development aptly situated across from its namesake green space on West Martin Street.

From Downtown and Midtown to West Raleigh and beyond, billions in investment are laying the groundwork for a larger, denser and more destination-driven Raleigh.

One Nash: Bloom Images

But citywide, bigger buildings and taller skylines are only part of the story. For decades, developers, restaurateurs, small business owners and residents have worked to create “a place where people don’t just pass through—they belong,” says Neetzan Zimmerman, co-owner of The Newsagent’s. Increasingly, the projects coming next are being designed with that same biggerpicture thinking—connecting not only uses, but neighborhoods, destinations and people. Because, as Hill put it another way, “real estate is not the story— people are.” That’s the opportunity as Raleigh’s next chapter rises: not simply to make room for more residents, businesses and visitors, but to build a bigger city that works better for the people already here—and gives everyone else a reason to come.

Here’s what’s rising next.

The 20-story tower from NYC-based Alchemy Properties is making a play in a market that remains relatively untapped in Raleigh’s core: luxury for-sale housing. Its one- to four-bedroom layouts give buyers the chance to put down actual Downtown roots—rather than rent them—while delivering the lifestyle and amenities expected at an $800K+ starting price. And Alchemy is betting Raleigh is ready. Pointing to Downtown’s increasingly walkable environment and the next generation of residents looking to transition from renting to owning, “We think the timing is right,” says Alchemy’s Ryan Ray. “It’s always tough to be the first in the market, but we think it’s just the right time for us.” Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, living spaces lean light and airy via open floor plans, 10- to 12-foot ceilings, oversize windows, terraces and balconies, with engineered oak flooring offering a subtle nod to the City of Oaks. Beyond residents’ walls, an extensive amenities program enhances the luxe lifestyle: An outdoor saltwater pool and state-of-the-art fitness center with spa facilities bring the wellness factor, while a resident’s lounge, golf simulator and private dining add spaces to gather. Even four-legged occupants get in on the action via an outdoor dog run and pet spa. Ground-floor retail and on-site parking further reinforce the ease of DTR living—adding another piece to a Downtown increasingly built not just for people to visit, work and rent, but to own a piece of it. OCTOBER 2026 | 75

HIGHLINE GLENWOOD

Under construction, opening 2028 • 37 stories • 306 units • 7.5K SF retail • 50K SF office/commercial Raleigh is officially growing up—way up. Currently rising in Glenwood South, Highline Glenwood will claim the title of the city’s tallest tower at 37 stories when it opens in 2028, redefining not only the Downtown skyline, but the scale of a district long dominated by renovated homes-turned-businesses, low-slung bars and restaurants, and comparatively modest apartment buildings. But for Jason Davis, managing director of developer Turnbridge Equities, it’s not just about height. “It’s about offering a distinctive living experience in the heart of Downtown,” he says. Spanning an entire city block, the mixed-use high-rise pairs that vertical future with a piece of Raleigh’s past, preserving historic DTR landmark The Creamery building as part of the development—while marking a turning point for the strip, which until now has been predominantly characterized by its industrial lore. And Highline is going big on more than height: A ninth-floor outdoor terrace packs a pool, cabanas, padel court, firepits and lounge areas— complemented by a Trackman golf simulator; a fitness and wellness center with cold plunge, sauna and recovery amenities; and coworking suites. Raising the city’s bar, a 37th-floor indoor/outdoor sky lounge— and upper-floor balconies—serves up sweeping unobstructed vistas of the urban core from DTR to North Hills. “This project offers an unmatched perspective,” says Davis. “As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Raleigh deserves a development that reflects its energy and vision.” Back on the ground, retail fronts a landscaped public plaza, bringing some of the development—and activity—to the street rather than keeping it all up in the clouds.

ROSEWOOD

In progress, opening 2028 • 8 stories • 269 units • 5.5K SF retail

Rosewood: Cline; Life Time: Dewitt Carolinas; Highline: Turnbridge Equities

The last piece of the puzzle connecting the greenway to Downtown is taking shape. Occupying a uniquely complex site at DTR’s southern edge between the historic character of Boylan Heights, the evolving South Saunders corridor and Dix Park, Rosewood isn’t just bridging distinct parts of Raleigh architecturally, socially and physically—it’s building a community around that connection. Developed by Blue Heron Asset Management and designed by Cline, the residential project comprises two podium buildings with parking tucked beneath, intentionally stepping down in scale with Boylan Heights. Rather than mimic the industrial ethos of the nearby Warehouse District, the design leans into Raleigh’s brick architectural roots, layering warm wood accents, arched elements and contemporary detailing to create something new that still feels at home in its storied surroundings. But perhaps Rosewood’s most consequential connection happens outside its walls. The project will help complete the missing link between the future Lake Wheeler Road section of the greenway and Downtown, creating a pedestrian connection through the site to Dix Park and into the city’s growing trail and greenway network—with the greenway connection slated to come online alongside the development. Outside, the living experience gets decidedly more playful, as the two buildings frame a central outdoor amenity space flanked by private terraces from select premium residences. Up top, a lounge and terrace take in South Saunders views—while a hidden speakeasy is tucked discreetly behind an entrance designed to look like any other residence. A dedicated wellness suite puts me-time front of mind via a sauna and cold plunge, with South Street-facing retail bringing another layer of lifestyle to a project designed not simply to sit between neighborhoods— but to stitch them together. 76 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

And Highline is only the beginning. Turnbridge plans to next develop 404 Glenwood at The Creamery, adding up to 280K square feet of Class A office space and 41,400 square feet of retail and dining—signaling Glenwood South’s vertical evolution is just getting off the ground.

THE EXCHANGE RALEIGH

Breaking ground October • 19 floors • 261 luxury apartments 10 penthouses More than just another residential tower, The Exchange’s Life Time Living project redefines the category of luxe living in Raleigh—not just in size, but ambition. Slated to break ground this month, the two-in-one project pairs a boutique apartment tower with Life Time Athletic’s sprawling athletic country club, while The Exchange’s East Park retail plaza is set to deliver alongside it, marking the development’s next phase of activation. Calling Life Time Athletic Club a gym would be selling it wildly short. Designed for residents and members alike, the club layers cardio equipment, free weights, resistance training and personal training with dedicated Pilates, yoga, cycling and barre classes, plus a coworking lounge, child care and all-day, open-to-the-public Life Time Cafe. Resort-inspired amenities carry over to the residential side, where luxury apartments with best-in-class finishes—including 10 penthouses—are complemented by a loaded amenity floor featuring a clubroom, billiards and shuffleboard room, sports and golf simulator, grills, firepits, cornhole. Then there’s the whopping 39K SF Life Time Rooftop Beach Resort and Bistro, and up top, 19th-floor Sky Lounge with fireplace, and cocktail bar and rooftop terrace—all adding to the hotel-meets-private-club feel. “We’re confident this development will be a transformative addition to Midtown Raleigh,” says Dewitt Carolinas President Steven Beattie, “setting a new standard for living, wellness and community.” OCTOBER 2026 | 77

NORTH HILLS INNOVATION DISTRICT

Under development • Four residential buildings • 250-key hotel • Office tower If you thought North Hills’ expansion was over, just wait. After acquiring an additional 28 acres earlier this year, Kane Realty is primed for a new series of projects at the North Hills Innovation District—the next phase of the 20-plus-year evolution of its 130-acre mixed-use development in Midtown. Set to expand the district’s footprint to Wake Forest Road, the next era builds upon Kane’s original vision of intersecting the natural and urban worlds while adding housing, hospitality, office, retail, open space and new connections to the surrounding community. “This next phase of NHID extends our vision of a place where people can work, live and connect,” says Kane Realty Managing Director of Development Drew Yates. As part of that effort, Kane is extending a greenway connection that will ultimately tie into Raleigh’s larger trail network. With the initial segment from St. Albans Drive to Hardimont Road now open, the next phase of the boardwalk-esque pedestrian bridge will connect St. Albans

Lofts to the currently under-construction residential Tributary before eventually extending to the planned multimodal bridge over I-440. And that’s only the beginning. Future phases call for high-rise residential tower Vesper, midrise apartment building Merit, as well as Veranda— North Hills’ second active-adult community—plus an upscale hotel, office tower, freestanding retail, sports courts, nature trails, park spaces and amenitized walking paths. Across the residential projects, Kane is leaning heavily into wellness and outdoor living, from rooftop pools, terraces and fitness lawns to cryotherapy, infrared saunas and dedicated recovery spaces. “The market is telling us there’s demand for housing at every stage of life,” says Yates, “and by delivering that within an urban, nature-forward setting, we’re not just meeting Raleigh’s needs today—we’re building a stronger, more resilient community.” Still to come: a planned office tower and upscale hotel with up to 250 rooms, a cafe, rooftop dining and bar, event spaces and pool—further extending a district that increasingly functions as a destination unto itself. Taken together, the projects make one thing clear: North Hills is nowhere near finished.

Tributary

Under construction, opening 2028 • Six stories • 332 units • 6K SF retail

Kane Realty

Currently under construction, midrise Tributary will deliver a dynamic living component alongside a decidedly modern amenity mix, complete with digital content creation studio, elevated wellness center with hot/cold contrast therapy, and ground-floor retail.

78 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Merit

Development begins 2027, arriving 2029 • Seven stories • 387 units • 10K SF retail Sustainability and wellness take center stage at seven-story Merit, pairing lifestyle-focused residences and 10K SF of neighborhood-serving retail with a robust amenity lineup spanning a saltwater pool, multisport simulator and indoor-outdoor fitness space to cryotherapy, infrared sauna and meditation room. A rooftop canopy lounge adds another elevated gathering spot overlooking the growing district.

Veranda

Development begins 2027, arriving 2029 • 207 active-adult units Catering to a different stage of life, Veranda marks North Hills’ second activeadult community, bringing 207 residences and an expansive, service-oriented amenity program spanning a game room and demonstration kitchen to a resortstyle pool and sundeck, outdoor kitchen, wellness suite and Maker’s Space— raising the bar on active-adult living in the market.

NORTH HILLS PARK DISTRICT

Delivering summer 2027 • 20 stories 362 units • 20 penthouses • 9K SF retail

Stacking up well against North Hills’ roster of high-rises is the Park District’s newest addition, situated nearby such popular spots as Cucciolo Terrazza, Tamasha, Vita Vite and Midtown Yoga. Rising 20 stories, The Strand introduces 362 modern residences—including 20 distinctive penthouses—along with a dedicated arrival and ride-share area.

Vesper

Kane Realty

Construction begins 2027, opening 2029 • 20 stories • 346 units

Adding to the city’s second skyline, Vesper delivers topof-market amenities leaning into indoor/outdoor entertainment—think a rooftop heated saltwater pool with social terraces; a glass-wrapped rooftop clubroom with a fireplace, entertainment kitchen and lounge; and a sky yard boasting outdoor grills, a fitness lawn and putting green, firepits, and TV. Wellness gets equal billing via a massive fitness center with skyline views, recovery room, infrared sauna, steam room, treatment room and meditation lounge.

A hospitality-inspired lobby welcomes residents with a comfortable lounge area, fireplace and full-service concierge, while a slate of boutique amenities delivering unique high-end elements sets it apart from the district’s current apartmentbuilding lineup. Balancing entertainment, wellness and community, offerings range from a sixth-level clubroom with game tables and billiards, a resort-style saltwater pool with cabanas, and garden terraces with intimate conversation enclaves to an indoor/outdoor fitness studio and bike room with rentable bicycles and e-bikes. The cherry on top? A Reserve Clubroom boasting an entertainment kitchen and dining space, lounge and terrace for taking in sweeping views of both North Hills and Downtown— while The Indigo Room serves up a private speakeasy exclusive to penthouse residents. On the public-facing side, The Strand delivers ample groundlevel retail alongside a welcoming promenade with generous sidewalks encouraging outdoor dining, strolling and activity throughout the day—further stitching the new tower into the burgeoning activity throughout North Hills. OCTOBER 2026 | 79

Construction begins this fall, opening 2028 • 20 acres 250K+ SF mixed-use • Direct connectivity to 500K+ SF retail What looks like a basic brick building we’ve all breezed by thousands of times is about to become one of Raleigh’s next big developments—and a case study in moving the city forward without bulldozing its past. Enter Eastside, the transformation of the long-abandoned former Colonial Stores distribution warehouse at 2233 Capital Boulevard. Backing up to Raleigh Iron Works and stretching toward Salvage Yard, the massive pedestrian-oriented adaptive-reuse project from Beacon Partners and Cline will carve the sprawling industrial building into a new mixed-use destination for offices, retail, restaurants, recreation and gathering—while engineering new pedestrian connections across the corridor and adjacent to Raleigh’s extensive greenway trail network. Rather than raze the warehouse, the team plans to retain the majority of its brick bones, punching in windows and selectively removing portions—including the southern end to make way for a multifamily

DOWNTOWN SOUTH Construction starting 2026 • 350 units

After years of starts, stops and big promises, Downtown South may finally be moving from blueprint to reality. Originally unveiled in 2019, the $2+ billion mixed-use development spearheaded by Kane Realty founder John Kane and North Carolina FC and North Carolina Courage owner Steve Malik encompasses roughly 140 acres along the southern edge of DTR. The goal: transforming a largely industrial corridor into a dense, walkable urban district blending residential, office, retail, hospitality, entertainment and public green space. Now, Kane has filed plans for the first piece: 350 apartments across eight three- to four-story buildings on 11 acres, with construction targeted to begin by year-end. It’s a modest start, but a meaningful one. Long term, Downtown South is still envisioned as a new southern gateway to DTR, layering additional housing, a hotel and a concert venue. 80 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

component—to carve its enormous footprint into more usable, inviting spaces. At least two F&B concepts are envisioned alongside fitness and activity-based retailers, while a former rail spur lends itself to a string of pocket parks and outdoor spaces designed to bring some of the site back to the public. For Cline, which plans to relocate its own HQ to the site and invest in the project, preserving that identity is the point. “There’s history to it and a story to it,” says Cline Design Director Dan Rider, “and as long-term investors in the city, it’s important for us to acknowledge and be part of that.” While nearby RIW leans into steel and its industrial roots, Eastside takes its cues from Raleigh’s brick architectural vernacular—straddling the line between making the old warehouse recognizable and giving it an unmistakably contemporary second life. And the location may be as consequential as the building itself. Capital Boulevard has long functioned as Raleigh’s northern gateway without exactly looking the part. With Iron Works, Salvage Yard and new housing already pushing DTR’s perceived borders outward, Eastside answers a yearslong call to turn this overlooked stretch into an entrance worthy of a growing cap city.

EARLY RENDERINGS OF DOWNTOWN SOUTH

From top: Cline; Kane Realty

EASTSIDE

OCTOBER 2026 | 81

RALEIGH CHECKS IN Check-in time has arrived in Raleigh—but it’s about much more than high-end hotels. By Melissa Howsam & Lauren Kruchten

WE’VE BEEN saying it for years—and for good reason. Raleigh’s hotel boom is coming. But it isn’t just a random flurry or a lust for the suite life. It’s about building an identity. Plans for a new crop of boutique, luxury and full-service hotels have steadily stacked up across DTR, promising more rooms, more rooftop bars and, finally, the upscale stays Raleigh has long lacked. A robust hotel inventory is part of the infrastructure a city needs to compete for the major sporting events, conventions and marquee attractions that put it on the national stage—and bring thousands of visitors along with them, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance Director Tori Collins tells RM. And it’s a formula Raleigh has already seen pay off: The 2023 NHL Stadium Series weekend generated $20.1 million in economic 82 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

impact, while this year’s Stanley Cup Final delivered another $13.4 million and more than 6,700 hotel room-nights across Wake County. And check-in time has arrived as several of those long-awaited projects are now opening, while still more are under construction or taking very real shape. The iconic round Holiday Inn debuted its second act as Hotel Indigo. The Oberlin is nearing its reveal in the Village District. The long-planned Omni is moving forward alongside the convention center expansion. And White Lodging is preparing to transform Downtown’s Sheraton into a Westin—adding yet another major player to Raleigh’s growing hospitality roster. And that’s just the confirmed reservations. From a planned upscale hotel at City Gateway to boutique projects and potential stays tucked into some of Raleigh’s biggest mixed-use developments, the next wave is already checking in behind them. Because this boom isn’t only about where visitors stay—it’s about creating a city they want to stay in.

HOTEL INDIGO RALEIGH Capital District Now open

Downtown Raleigh’s iconic “hair curler” Holiday Inn is finally getting new life. Marking a new chapter as Hotel Indigo Raleigh, the 204room DTR fixture just unveiled a $36 million transformation that brings it into the modern age while preserving its unmistakable circular nee-1969 exterior.

Sean Junqueira

While almost no aspect of the interior has gone untouched, Tidal Real Estate Partners Principal Eyal Einik emphasizes the design intentionally

harkens back to the hotel’s ’60s heyday—from new coffered ceilings referencing the building’s architecture and geometric carpeting inspired by its circular room configuration to a largely locally rooted art program. “The location is a pillar of the brand,” he says. “The goal was to bring as much of Raleigh into the hotel and let the building speak for itself.”

rooms, a warm contemporary lobby opening onto Hillsborough Street, and a lush courtyard designed for guests and locals to linger round out the reinvention. Coming full circle, Hotel Indigo preserves the character that made one of Downtown’s most recognizable landmarks memorable while opening its doors to a new generation.

Its crowning glory: 20th-floor cocktail lounge and event venue High Ground—creating a new perch for Raleighites and out-of-towners to sip, dine and gather from a vantage point unlike anywhere else in the city. Below, 204 boutique

GROOVY BY DESIGN: Paying homage to its past while bringing it into the modern era, Hotel Indigo blends ’60s pastiche with fresh decor.

OCTOBER 2026 | 83

OBERLIN HOTEL | Village District Opening October 2026

Delivering a dose of history—and a bolt of energy to an already booming district—the

But this isn’t some could-be-anywhere hotel— or just a place to sleep. Developed by familyowned, Winston-Salem-based Quality Oil Co., the boutique stay is uniquely Raleigh. And it’s deeply rooted in city history, down to its moniker, a nod to the historic Oberlin Village— one of Raleigh’s freedmen’s communities established by Black landowners and families following emancipation. That legacy of selfdetermination, resilience, community and opportunity carries throughout the property, as seen in the large-scale mural by Raleigharea artist Sean Kernick paying homage to the historic neighborhood. The Raleigh nods continue into the wellappointed guest rooms and public spaces, but the latter are designed as much for locals as overnight guests. Street-level Grounded, an

open-to-the-public boutique coffee bar and cafe, moves from breakfast and grab-andgo fare into a daytime gathering spot, while lobby lounge Proper dishes lunch, dinner and cocktails that spill out to the courtyard. Flexible meeting and event spaces, including the Magnolia ballroom and adjoining outdoor courtyard—add capacity for weddings, corporate gatherings and celebrations of 150plus, filling another previously underserved need in the district. Still to come: Wren Rooftop, the hotel’s signature sixth-floor restaurant and bar, slated to bow in early 2027—bringing with it contemporary Southern fare rooted in NC ingredients backdropped by sweeping 13foot ceilings, walls of glass and a wraparound rooftop patio serving up expansive DTR views. All told, the long-awaited hotel delivers another piece of Village District’s evolution into an 18-hour destination—giving visitors a place to stay and locals plenty of reasons to check it out... or check in.

WESTIN RALEIGH | Fayetteville Street District Construction starting spring 2027

OMNI RALEIGH HOTEL | Fourth Ward Entertainment District Opening 2028 Set to become a cornerstone of Raleigh’s newly dubbed Fourth Ward Entertainment District, the long-awaited 29-story Omni Raleigh Hotel brings something the city has sorely lacked: 600 rooms and serious meeting capacity rising between the expanding Raleigh Convention Center and Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Catering to those enhanced meeting and event capabilities, the transformative stay strengthens Raleigh as a premier destination for business and leisure travel via its massive ballroom, 61,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and rooftop pool—all directly 84 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

supporting the Convention Center and Raleigh’s growing pursuit of larger conventions and events. “We believe great hotels are shaped by the communities that surround them, and Omni Raleigh is designed to reflect the essence of this dynamic, fast-growing city,” says Omni Hotels & Resorts President Kurt Alexander. And the local appeal goes beyond conventiongoers. The first-ever coffee shop from Raleigh-based Peter Millar will pour an exclusive Black & White Coffee Roasters blend, while a sports bar with golf simulator and covered outdoor patio brings another place to play. Meanwhile, NC’s first Bob’s Steak & Chop House adds another destination dining draw backed by Raleigh-inspired artwork.

The Downtown Sheraton is getting more than a new flag on the building. Slated for spring construction, the conversion of the 353-room hotel into a Westin promises what White Lodging VP of Investments & Development Eric Stone calls a “transformative renovation.” “I don’t think there’s any area of the hotel we won’t be touching,” he adds. Think new guest rooms, lobby, corridors, meeting and public spaces, destination restaurant and bar, plus additional meeting space and a modified facade that will transform it into an urban destination. Perhaps most consequential: The potential relocation of the hotel’s main entrance to Fayetteville Street—a move designed to inject new energy into the corridor and complement the city’s broader push to activate the area. The overhaul comes as Raleigh prepares to expand its convention center—and hotel capacity along with it.

Clockwise from top left: Sean Junqueira; Visit Raleigh; Omni Hotels & Resorts

Oberlin Hotel is ready for check-in. The 153room hotel marks Village District’s first stay and Hilton’s second Curio Collection property in NC, filling what Regency Centers GM Brooke Conn calls “a long-standing need for lodging in Raleigh’s central hub.”

The bartenders who built Raleigh’s modern drinking culture get candid about keeping people coming at a time when drinking itself isn’t the draw. But here’s the thing: It never really was. By Melissa Howsam Photography by Sean Junqueira

Q-Studio/shutterstock.com

When a Bar Was Just a Bar For a sud-soaked stretch in the mid-aughts, a great bar didn’t need a reason to exist beyond being a great bar. Bars were what bars had always been. “You didn’t go there for the drinks,” muses William & Company’s Lily Ballance. “Well, sometimes.” But more significantly, she remembers, you just went where your friends were. To be together. In 2009, down a set of concrete stairs in DTR and past an ominous red neon sign, an edgy, whiskey-soaked, exposed-brick haven laid the Foundation (pun fully intended) for a DTR cocktail revolution when it poured its first dram.

Two years later on Glenwood South, classic jazz got the Bram Stoker treatment at C. Grace—in the best way—rewriting the local bar scene from behind its red curtains. And a year later on a sleepy side street on DTR’s southern edge, Ashley Christensen took the cocktail movement underground again with Fox Liquor Bar. Call it Raleigh’s golden bar era. You could tuck away at Havana Deluxe in a fever dream of cigarette smoke, politicians and underground secrets; catch up with friends while trying to down enough beers to earn a plate on the wall at Flying Saucer; or simply show up somewhere to blow off steam, hang out or hide for a while. A friendly bartender could be your therapist—or the only person you purposefully spoke to that day. And behind those bars, Raleigh’s next generation was learning how to create exactly that.

Then They Inherited the Bar It was an education earned one barstool, one cocktail and one shift at a time—barbacking together, sharing mentors and after-shift drinks (and later regulars), schooling and challenging each other and, eventually, training the next generation. Rinse, wash, repeat.

“At its best, this is an industry that’s always been built on mentorship,” says Mr. Henry’s Matt Bettinger at an RM roundtable with this year’s 10 Bartender of the Year nominees, all owners of some of the city’s best bars. But getting schooled didn’t end at last call. On nights off, they drank at one another’s bars, passed around the same $20—and sometimes showed up with a mystery ingredient from Taz’s and a simple challenge for whoever was behind the stick: Make me something. That’s how Raleigh’s bar DNA replicated. In a scene small enough that everybody seemed to know everybody, competition took a back seat to community. Back then, in a far less saturated market, “the cream just rose,” says Peyote Mini-Bar’s Marshall Davis. But those great bars produced great teams, and eventually “everyone got hired up to open up their own bar. And now you’ve got this web.” You see their past in the blueprint. Kevin Barrett took the best pieces of Foundation, C. Grace and Fox Liquor Bar and rolled them into Dram & Draught, literally opening the garage door on his own version of a neighborhood bar. Matt Coleman envisioned The Davie as something permanent—a “home” not only for guests, but for the career bartenders who spend OCTOBER 2026 | 85

every night creating one for them. Bittersweet’s Lewis Norton, who grew up on Cheers before finding his footing at Foundation, has spent the last dozen years building his own versions of the place where everybody knows your name. And what Ballance built with Willco goes far deeper than the bottom of the bottle: Art, culture and community grew up around it, nods Tap Yard’s Zack Medford.

Because bartending had always been learned just as much after the shift as during it. The bartender who busted a barback’s balls through service might take them out for beers afterward, introduce them to the person working the next bar—and start the cycle all over again. That’s how people learned not only to bartend but, as Bettinger puts it, “how to be a good bar guest, be a regular—socialize.”

Different bars. Same fundamental proposition: Come in, sit down, belong somewhere. The bartender’s job hasn’t fundamentally changed—owning the room around that bartender has.

The Great Bar Undoing The pandemic didn’t kill drinking. But bars reopened into a culture that increasingly drinks—and socializes—differently.

nights, pop-ups, events and programming, Instagrammable moments—whatever might break through the scroll and get someone off the couch. Which means today’s neighborhood bar owner isn’t just hosting a party—they’re playing youth group leader or camp counselor. Keeping the calendar full has become its own job—one that would have seemed almost foreign to a generation that remembers when drinking was fun, recalls Foundation’s Kyle Hankin. “That was the thing.” “We’re all just doing what we can do to get people in the door,” adds Killjoy’s Josh Gagne.

Keeping a Bar And just as this generation began building their own bars, the system that raised them broke. Welcome to March 2020. The pandemic wasn’t just another hurdle—it was the rupture. These spirit savants spent 15 to 20 years learning how to make a room people wanted to inhabit—and suddenly the room itself became the liability. Going out suddenly felt criminal—and bars were singled out. As restaurants began reopening at limited capacity that May, standalone bars remained shuttered, sparking

a monthslong fight for survival—and helping spawn the NC Bar and Tavern Association. For operators like Medford, there was “no light at the end of the tunnel.” Unable to keep carrying full rent on closed Fayetteville Street bars, he and his partners eventually sold Isaac Hunter’s and Parliament and shuttered Coglin’s. But the pandemic didn’t only threaten the bars they’d built. Hospitality workers left the industry in droves—and many never came back. Those who remained got promoted fast, while the next crop of barbacks and young bartenders missed years of the side-by-side training that had raised the generation before them. “Post COVID, there are a lot more people who are here because they have to be,” says Barrett. “They come at entry-level, they leave entrylevel. They never learn a thing or grow—or really fall in love.” The industry basically lost a four-year period where that didn’t continue, adds Bettinger. 86 | RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Now, drinking has hit a near-century rock bottom, especially among younger generations, and the old-school night out competes with everything from mocktails and THC alts to an endless roster of things to do instead—run clubs, mahjong, craft nights, book clubs. You can see the shift from the barstool. When this generation was on the comeup, “we had Megatouches on the bar top,” Medford remembers, noting now everyone has a phone in their pocket, Netflix on the TV and seemingly endless reasons to stay home. “It’s that much harder to pull them out of their house and put them onto a barstool.” Plenty of people still want a bar to be their neighborhood gathering place. But that slice of the pie “seems to get smaller every year,” he adds. And so, increasingly, a bar needs a reason, the bar owners all agree. Call it the great eventification, requiring anything from trivia, BYO craft night, theme

“It’s almost survival in a sense. It’s changed so much from when we were bartenders and you opened the doors, and they just came.” But programming presents its own paradox. An event can get someone through the door while inadvertently teaching them that the event— not the bar—is the reason to return. Bettinger wonders whether someone who discovers a bar during live music simply thinks, I’ll come back next time they have music, asking: “Does that dilute your core concept?” And getting people through the door is only half the battle. Keeping the doors open has become exponentially more costly. “Everything is so expensive,” says Gussie’s Katie O’Kane, prompting immediate agreement. But even that familiar refrain has acquired an absurd new wrinkle: The equipment costs more— and, according to several owners, lasts far less. At Foundation, Hankin recently spent $23,000 replacing an HVAC unit that had lasted 15 years. The installers’ prognosis for its far

pricier replacement? About eight. Across the table came similar stories of refrigeration systems, frozen-drink machines, dishwashers and, hilariously and apparently universally, ice machines arriving faulty, failing early or sitting useless while operators waited weeks for parts. Add a laundry list of growing pains: diminished distributor support, parking and infrastructure headaches, regulation—and responsibilities that never used to belong anywhere near a bartender. Norton sees it in his best staff, who are “exhausted” by tasks that never used to be part of the job—from enforcing publichealth rules during COVID to being trained to

And there are signs the uncomplicated night out may be making a comeback. Several owners are seeing 21- to 23-year-olds checking out bars just to be in bars—and the 35+ crowd emerging from young-kids-at-home years with a renewed appreciation for going out. “It’s reenergizing,” says Gagne. “It feels like, oh, this is kind of coming back.” So the bar, it turns out, still works. Getting people there is the hard part. So why keep fighting so hard for it? “I think a lot of us in this room all just love taking care of people,” says Coleman, as the owners emphatically nod along.

story: One proposed at Foundation, then the other returned the favor at Bittersweet, shares Hankin. “I’ve seen people go to bars to do everything and anything.” It’s where you go on your worst day and your best day—both “can exist in the same bar at the same time,” says O’Kane. “Which is the best part.” Because eventually a bar becomes your bar. That’s it—it’s your bar. It’s where you feel most comfortable. Turns out, the same is true on the other side of the stick. Need ice? Another bar will let you drain what you need from its machine. Basil? Somebody has it. A repair person? They’ll share the number. “None of us have ever seen each other’s bars as competition,” says Norton. “It’s family.” The interconnected community that raised this generation never really went away. Maybe that’s how you keep a bar after all. You build a place where people take care of one another. And when keeping that place alive gets harder than you ever imagined, you let those people take care of you too.

administer Narcan in the event of an overdose. “Why is that a bartender’s job?” he adds. The modern bar owner, in other words, can start to sound less like someone throwing a party than someone perpetually trying to keep the building—and everyone inside it—from falling apart. Which raises the question: Can a bar still just be a bar?

Can a Bar Just Be a Bar? “Got to hope so,” says Bettinger. “I’m banking on it.” And around the table, heads nod. Turns out, the answer is unanimous: Yes. Everything around the bar may have changed. The reason for one hasn’t. People still want somewhere to go after work or on a weekend, somewhere they might run into an old friend—or make a new one—without first arranging it in a group chat. “I think people appreciate a third place as much as ever,” says Bettinger. “I do think how we get them out is … the constant conversation.”

And there it is. For all the obsession over spirits, technique and the perfect pour, what keeps pulling this group behind the stick isn’t really the drinking after all.

Raise a Glass Because what makes a great bar matter has never really been what’s in the glass. It’s the people. Think Cheers or How I Met Your Mother or Friends: You don’t necessarily call everyone and make a plan. You just go—and run into each other. “It really is that third place that people need,” says Medford. A meeting place where you might see an old friend, make a new one or meet the person who eventually becomes your significant other. And over enough nights, life starts happening around the barstools. They’ve watched first dates become marriages, poured drinks after people have passed away. Foundation and Bittersweet even share a pair of regulars who turned both bars into part of their engagement

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Just a short drive from Raleigh, Alamance offers a different pace without a long trip to get there. Spend the morning browsing local shops, then head outdoors— the Haw River State Trail winds through wooded stretches perfect for kayaking or hiking. When it’s time to slow down, Saxapahaw comes alive with music, and communities like Mebane and Burlington offer dining for any palate. Stay the night at a farmhouse, a riverside cabin, or a historic inn. Whether you’re chasing a trail, a good meal, or a night somewhere different, Alamance has a way of making a short visit turn into a stay you didn’t plan on.

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DINE LISTINGS A GUIDE TO RALEIGH’S FOOD SCENE KEY

Average dinner entree price $: 20 and under $$: 21-35 $$$: 36-55 $$$$: 56 and up

How we pick our listings: This is your table. Raleigh Magazine’s curated guide to locally owned, fullservice restaurants—with a few regional standouts worth savoring. Dig into the directory (plus bonus fast-casual picks) at raleighmag.com under Food & Drink.

CAPITAL DISTRICT Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar $$ 309 N. Dawson St. An idyllic setting transports you to the banks of Tuscany, nibbling on arancini Siciliani, red wine-braised lamb shank or housemade pasta dishes, best enjoyed alfresco, spritz in hand, beside the serene, greenerydotted pool. Press $ 400 Hillsborough St. European-inspired, Carolinamade is the mantra at this tiled coffeehouse and resto, where coffees, cocktails, crepes and sandwiches make a convincing case for lingering. First move? Always that patio. Second Empire $$$ 330 Hillsborough St. Fine dining never goes out of style at the 1879 Dodd-Hinsdale House, where seasonally inspired plates— from rabbit rigatoni to impeccably cooked salmon—match the grandeur of the setting. Taverna Agora $$ 326 Hillsborough St. Start with the mezze at the lively Mediterranean oasis, where Greek classics—from tzatziki and hummus to theatrically aflame saganaki—pair perfectly with one of downtown’s favorite rooftops.

SMOKY HOLLOW Five Star $ 301 N. West St. Skip the white tablecloths and come for the energy instead: local DJs, late-night crowds and Asian comfort-food classics ranging from lo mein and fried rice to Heat Seeker Shrimp and crab rangoons. Flour & Barrel $ 400 W. North St. Housemade pasta takes center stage at the rustic Italian eatery and craft

brewery, from tableside mafaldine to seafood-studded chitarra, alongside shareable small plates built for passing around. LaGana $ 911 N. West St., Ste. 105 Elevated burgs, bubbles and giant Matilda-worthy cakes collide at chef-owner Luis Zouain’s “finecasual” burger counter. Order the Textbook wagyu burg without hesitation—and consider the tots mandatory. Madre $$

518 N. West St. Sophisticated without trying too hard, the Hollow’s sultrychic darling pairs rotating small plates—think beef tartare, roasted cauliflower and Calabrian chicken—with cocktails worthy of a second round.

SEABOARD & PERSON STREET DISTRICT Big Cat $$ 1000 Brookside Drive Bringing big cat energy to East Mordecai, the tavern-style resto from a group of top-tier local hospitality vets puts the fun in dinnertime with uberplayful cat decor, refreshing ’tails and festive fresh fare spanning Joyce Farms chicken, NC oysters, esquites tostadas—and jeera rice you’ll come back for. Boatman Spirits Co. $ 713 Seaboard Station Drive Set sail for the Mediterranean at Seaboard inside award-nominated digs, where a delish cast of crispy halloumi, grilled za’atar wings, harissa chicken and steak kabobs pairs with craft cocktails amid moody arches and old-world flair.

Crawford and Son $$$ 618 N. Person St. Local ingredients meet refined technique at chefowner Scott Crawford’s flagship, where the line between food and art deliciously blurs. Seasonal dishes span inventive apps and showstopping crudos to rotating entrees, alongside cult-fave manchego-herb biscuits and tartare. Gringo A Go Go $ 100 N. Person St. Playful vibes, a plant-filled patio, and worth-the-trip housemade margs have kept this sup spot sating local Mexican-food lovers—including vegans—since 2014 with its tortas, tacos, burritos and the like. Jolie $$ 620 N. Person St. Inspired by a trip to Paris and named for chef-owner Scott Crawford’s daughter, Michelin-recognized Jolie marries modern Euro elegance with classic French fare—escargot, onion soup and bubbles to pair, natch—in an intimate setting crowned by a dreamy rooftop. Omakase by Kai $$$ 15 Seaboard Ave. Sushi gets the sleek treatment at this wood-wrapped Seaboard Station stunner, where specialty rolls and the likes of Nagasaki champon ramen and donburi share top billing with the main event: a thoughtfully executed chef-led omakase experience. Side Street Restaurant $ 225 N. Bloodworth St. Soups, salads, sandos—and sweet treats—hit the spot at this oldtimey Southern staple tucked inside a white cottage, where clapboard walls and wide windows serve up a side of nostalgia with every bite.

want to linger. Each visit unfolds as a surprise feast of reimagined fare inspired by the day’s bounty, where the only constant is plated perfection—always.

MOORE SQUARE DISTRICT Bida Manda $$ 222 S. Blount St. Escape to the Far East with flavorful Laotian fare—from aromatic broths to craveable spice-driven dishes—inspired by generationsold recipes. Cheat code: The crispy pork belly soup and purple sticky rice are nonnegotiable. Big Ed’s $ 220 Wolfe St. & 5009 Falls of Neuse Staying true to its best-in-class country cookin’ culture since the late ’80s, good eats are always abundant at Ed’s. The mainstay features downhome fare like grits, biscuits, and chicken and pastry, plus daylong breakfast ops. Come hungry! Brewery Bhavana $$ 218 S. Blount St. Culinary nirvana: found here. Post up at the M i c h e l i n - re c o g n i z e d DTR dumpling destination for a bevy of bamboo steamers dishing all that and dim sum—or peck into the likes of hoisin-honey-sauced Peking duck. Bonus house brews seal the meal. Caffé Luna $ 136 E. Hargett St. Classic Italian comforts think chicken Parm and ravioli Fiorentina—shine at this white-tablecloth favorite built for date nights, family dinners and a neon-sign photo op.

SmokeStacks Cafe $ 701 E. Lane St. Come for the charm; stay for locally sourced brunch and dinner, from signature smoked wings to rainbow trout, jerk chicken and more—all best enjoyed alongside a curated lineup of wine, cocktails, beer and spirits.

City Market Sushi $$ 315 Blake St. Pull up and roll out for a smattering of specialty and classic rolls (always the play: the Crazy Monkey), appetizers, nigiri and sashimi at this sleek sushi hideaway—equal parts easy night out and low-key date spot. And don’t skip dessert: Mochi ice cream seals the deal..

Stanbury $$ 938 N. Blount St. Moody, magnetic and Michelin-recognized for a reason, the garagechic hideaway hums with the kind of cool energy that makes you

Daijobu $$ 170 E. Davie St. From the same team behind City Market Sushi, this slurpworthy hot spot serves up comforting ramen— plus seafood hand rolls and Asian small plates. OCTOBER 2026 | 91

Gravy $$ 135 S. Wilmington St. Carb-loading has never tasted so good. Get lost in the sauce with madedaily batches and Italian-American selects straight from the stove. Sitti $$ 137 S. Wilmington St. The Lebanese grandmother (Sitti) you wish you had is serving up love in the form of pizzettes, kabobs, shawarma and swoonworthy dips— the hummus and baba ghanouj are *chef’s kiss*! And the vibes? As welcoming as the food. Just like grandma’s house. St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar $$ 223S.WilmingtonSt. Channeling the spirit of the namesake NOLA neighborhood from which chef Sunny Gerhart’s family hails, Michelin-recognized St. Roch turns out standout raw and roasted oysters alongside craveworthy hits like crawfish hushpuppies, gator Bolognese, and fried seafood platters. Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria $$ 331 Blake St., 1 Glenwood Ave. & 4035 Lake Boone Trail Old-world Italian cuisine and traditional New Yorkstyle pizza collide at this family-run fave, dishing comforting fare for 30+ years. You can’t go wrong with the pasta and calzone—and those garlic knots are nonnegotiable.

FAYETTEVILLE STREET DISTRICT Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen $$ 150 Fayetteville St. Let your taste buds take flight through soups, starters, handhelds and ’tails at the community beacon—complete with Birdie’s Backyard—or swing by for a quick energy boost from the lineup of coffee, sandwiches and pastries at Birdie’s Cafe. Centro $ 106 S. Wilmington St. Queso and margs are the love language at Centro, the vibrant DTR go-to slinging dank tacos and cocktails. Don’t skip the enchiladas, flautas or burritos. Death & Taxes $$$ 105 W. Hargett St. Dedicated to the technique of cooking with wood fire, Ashley Christensen’s contemporary eatery serves top-notch steaks alongside seasonal delights like roasted NC

oysters, Appalachian gold gnocchi and grilled asparagus. Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar $$ 420 Fayetteville St. Never give up! Named for legendary NC State coach Jim Valvano, upscale Italian shines through classic staples like chicken Parm and bistro filet, alongside palate pleasers like paninos and pizzas. The Mecca $ 13 E. Martin St. Dishing out Southern comfort and daily specials since the ’30s, this old-timey diner serves breakfast, lunch and brunch against a vintage backdrop of checkered floors, a bright red counter and polished wood booths. ORO $$ 18 E. Martin St. Post up for a global tour of the senses—drool-worthy seasonal small plates, rotating tapas, craft cocktails and a full wine bar—all set in a bright, chic two-story space. Poole’s Diner $$$ 428 S. McDowell St. Mod meets retro at Ashley Christensen’s M i c h e l i n - re co g n i ze d 1945 pie shop-turned-elevated diner where comfort food and craft cocktails star. Pro tip: Order the macaroni au gratin. The Raleigh Times $ 14 E. Hargett St. Housed in the former The Raleigh Times newspaper building, this DTR mainstay pours craft beer and crowd-pleasers—from cult-classic Times Nachos to beer-battered cod—across multiple rooms and a buzzy rooftop. Sono Raleigh $$ 319 Fayetteville St. A DTR staple for a minute (and now freshly renovated), this sexychic yet easygoing sushi spot turns out world-class rolls (the play: the Screaming O!), plus ramen, miso and izakaya favorites—backed by a strong cocktail and sake game and a lively, lingerworthy vibe.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT Barcelona Wine Bar $ 430 W. Martin St. It’s always tapas time at this Spanishinspired oasis feat. shareables like charcuterie, patatas bravas and pork belly—best enjoyed on the spacious patio and washed down with sangria. Figulina $$ 317 S. Harrington St. Pasta la vista, baby! Twirling up creative rotating pasta delights is

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this refreshing concept boasting both lesser-known shapes and classic dishes—from rigatoni and tagliatelle to rotolo—plus sipworthy cocktail selects. Irregardless Café $$ 901 W. Morgan St. Meat eaters and veggie lovers alike thrive at this OG Raleigh eatery showcasing everything from tofuforward mains to salmon crudo and burgers. Don’t sleep on brunch— and check the cal for live music. La Terrazza $$ 223 S. West St. Perch high in the DTR sky for Dillon rooftop vistas paired with approachable Southern Italian and Mediterranean ops—from burrata to cheesy cauliflower and pizzas, and a bubbles program that will send you. O-Ku Sushi $$ 411 W. Hargett St. Roll up for authentic Asian eats with Southern nods and sophisticated presentations. Think petite plates and sushi specialties to contemporary robata-style dishes—and even a multicourse omakase tasting. Oak Steakhouse $$$ 417 W. Hargett St. Let them eat steak! Carnivores will delight in this modern take on steakhouse dining offering a slew of signature steaks (natch)— NTM housemade bread, oysters Rockefeller and bone marrow frites. Parkside $ 301 W. Martin St. “Parked” at the entrance to the Warehouse District, this DTR staple slays brunch, lunch and dinner with its chef-inspired fare (burgers, bowls, shrimp and grits, and more)—and quenches any thirst via a bevy of beers on tap. The Pit $$ 328 W. Davie St. Carrying North Carolina’s barbecue legacy into a Michelin moment, this gem doles out authentic wholehog, pit-cooked ’cue worth pigging out over, with sides and starters to boot—see: pimento cheese balls, fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs and more. Trophy Brewing & Pizza $$ 827 W. Morgan St. Droolworthy signature pies (Most Loyal and Local Celebrity earn their names), a slew of small plates and seasonally rotating brews have a hold on locals—not to mention the fresh produce-packed salads... because it’s all about balance.

Tuscan Blu $$ 327 W. Davie St. Send your taste buds on a trip to Tuscany through myriad pastas, meat-forward mains and rotating specials. Standouts include gnocchi pesto con pollo, linguine with meatballs and homemade lasagna. Nom nom! Whiskey Kitchen $ 201 W. Martin St. It’s more than just a little whiskey business at this hip indoor-outdoor haven. Beyond the impressive bar program, find a smattering of Southern-inspired plates, including a bangin’ fried chicken sando, steak and potatoes, elevated Brussels and beyond. Wye Hill $$ 201 S. Boylan Ave. For brews and chews with epic views, Wye Hill serves up the best patio around with daylong foodie ops that always slap. The dill pickle pimento cheese is a crowd fave; the Everything Brussels make vegetables delectable; and the Wye Hill burger is anything but ordinary.

HILLSBOROUGH STREET CORRIDOR Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar $ 105 Friendly Drive, Ste. 101 Journey through India’s many regions in a modern atmosphere via the likes of authentic tikka masala, veggie samosas, chicken curry, naan and much more— plus specialty cocktails with an Indian twist. Lobera Tacos & Tequila $ 2100 Hillsborough St. Nosh on classic Tex-Mex dishes like enchiladas and burritos—plus creative standouts like birria ramen and Mexican-inspired sushi— across from the Belltower at this family- and NCSU alumni-owned tacos and tequila spot translating to “the place where all the wolves gather” in Spanish. Players Retreat $ 105 Oberlin Road One of Raleigh’s favorite OG sports bars since 1951, PR (as it’s affectionately called) is both a game day and everyday go-to for Raleighites—most of all State fans, natch—for its laid-back vibe; lively outdoor patio (with TVs!); and elevated bar food like specialty burgers, baby back ribs and chicken wings.

VILLAGE DISTRICT Cantina 18 $ 433 Daniels St. A Southern-Tex spin on Mexican classics drives chef/owner Jason Smith’s spot—nachos, taco platters, fajitas and loaded quesadillas, with queso, guac and rotating specials in the mix. Add fruity margs and a lively patio, and you’re set. Cape Fear Seafood Company $$ 2018 Clark Ave. & 832 Spring Forest Road “Where the sea meets Southern charm”: Relaxed coastal vibes set the stage for fresh regional seafood, signature dishes, plus handcut fish & steaks, pastas, tacos and the like—and Sunday is worth dropping anchor for. Piccola Italia $ 423 Woodburn Road Indulge in a one-way ticket to the Italian countryside via late Sicily native Frank Amato’s handmade New York-style pizzas, traditional pastas, sandwiches, soups and salads that are—dare we say— better than your nonna’s. Postino WineCafe $ 401 Daniels St. It’s always wine o’clock at this mod bar slinging handpicked vinos, cocktails and beer with bruschetta boards, “snacky things” and paninis. Pro tip: The patio bar is pure maincharacter energy. Tazza Kitchen $$ 432 Woodburn Road Rustic environs and moody lighting set the vibe while wood-fired pizzas, tacos, elevated entrees and “serious libations” serve the soul. Tupelo Honey Cafe $$ 425 Oberlin Road An Asheville-born staple turning out made-from-scratch Southern fare—sourced from Carolina purveyors—and worth the hype. Order the biscuits and a blueberrylavender mimosa. Village Draft House $ 428 Daniels St. This fan-fave sports bar is always the name of the game. Go for the laid-back vibe and loungeworthy patio with TVs—stay for 100plus rotating brews and elevated bar bites.

crispy pickled okra, ribeye and oysters paired with classic cocktails at the indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant, bar and lounge. Cuya $$

413 Glenwood Ave. Take your taste buds South via vibrant Caribbean, Mexican and South American flavors—think tuna ceviche, pastelon and fried yuca balls—served up in a highenergy, music-filled space with refreshing ’tails. Hibernian Irish Pub $ 311 Glenwood Ave. & 8021 Falls of Neuse Road Sláinte! Raleigh has the luck of the Irish at this storied staple, long loved for its deep beer and whiskey lineup—and hearty Irish fare like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash, equally suited for kicking off a night out or curing the morning after. La Mala $ 126 N. West St. La Santa’s sister concept brings a triple dose of color, flavor and culture to Glenwood—plus a bold, lively backdrop for Mexicaninspired cocktails and authentic street food like tacos, chilaquiles and ceviche. La Santa $ 222 Glenwood Ave. Mama’s recipes meet handcrafted hooch. Guadalajaran-rooted dishes run the show—think handmade tortillas, bolillo and chicken enchiladas—all begging to be washed down with a crafted cocktail or freshly squeezed fruit marg. MoJoe’s Burger Joint $ 620 Glenwood Ave. There are burgers— then there are MoJoe’s burgers. A dozen-ish hand-pressed takes keep this Glenwood icon ruling Raleigh. For the full effect, snag a patio seat, a booze-optional shake and a side of that famed MoJoe’s sauce.

GLENWOOD SOUTH

My Way Tavern $ 522 St. Mary’s St. With a Cheers-esque vibe and TVs on every wall, this neighborhood tavern is a go-to for catching the game over cocktails, brews, bar food and late-night bites—all served your way. Settle in, stay awhile and don’t skip the made-to-order mac.

Botanical Lounge $$ 419 Glenwood Ave. Lush green velvet couches, marble tables and skyline views set a posh stage for the likes of patatas bravas,

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Indian hits—from samosa chickpea chaat to paneer tikka and chicken 65—at this family-owned fave. Sushi Blues $$ 301 Glenwood Ave. The BOGO rolls and half-price Sun. & Wed. wine bottles will bring you in—the smattering of sushi selects, craft cocktails and bustling patio overlooking Glenwood Ave. will keep you coming back. Clouds Brewing $ 505 W. Jones St. The beloved local taproom is back near its Downtown OG stomping grounds with a beer garden/pub vibe paired with apps, sandwiches, salads and Raleigh’s favorite bratwurst platter. Vidrio $$ 500 Glenwood Ave. Beautiful blown-glass plates and set a Mediterranean-meets-museum mood for dishes ranging fig-andbleu flatbreads, salmon, stuffed peppers—plus craft cocktails and 50-plus wines on tap. The Willard Rooftop Lounge $ 9 Glenwood Ave. Bites with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Perched atop Glenwood South’s chic AC Hotel, The Willard plates Mediterranean-inspired small bites alongside a spirited bar program of classics and house specialties.

FIVE POINTS Ajja $$ 209 Bickett Blvd. Middle Eastern- and Mediterranean-inspired fare—whipped feta, warm Moroccan hummus, braised lamb tagine—sets the tone at Beard-nominated Cheetie Kumar’s neighborhood gem, where a retro-leaning dining room and a Technicolor patio bring the “world” to Five Points—no passport required. Bloomsbury Bistro $$ 509 W. Whitaker Mill Road The longtime Raleigh staple blends French technique with American comfort in a refined, cozy bistro setting, turning out oysters, steak frites and seasonal selections with the consistency and polish that have made it a go-to for 30+ years. Glenwood Grill $$ 2603-151 Glenwood Ave. A refined take on low-country classics anchors this neighborhood go-to, leaning on locally sourced ingredients for Southern staples like seafood and grits, fried green tomatoes, and catfish. Hako $$ 2603 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 155 Glenwood Village serves up a sushi

mainstay where fresh cuts shine, from crowd-pleasing rolls to pristine nigiri and sashimi—proof that consistency is its calling card. Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery $ 2000 Fairview Road Come for the famed Americana cuisine (pro tip: dial “M” for meatloaf), stay for the towering slices of homemade cake, all served amid checkerboard floors and photo-lined walls that nod to Raleigh’s past. J. Betski’s $$ 1916 Bernard St. Prost to Raleigh’s only German-Polish kitchen! Famed pierogies, spaetzle and bratwurst fuel a lively, beerfriendly hang, complete with rollup garage doors and covered patio. Lola’s Beach Bar $ 1803 Glenwood Ave. It’s forever 5 o’clock at this tropical cantina, where island-inspired bar fare meets housemade margs and cocktails built on 100% agave tequilas and freshly squeezed juices—perf for patio sipping. Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie $ 518 Pershing Road Belgian-inspired dishes—poutine, steak frites and mussels among them—pair seamlessly with a deep bench of brews in a laid-back brasserie with patio and outdoor herb garden. NOFO @ the Pig $$ 2014 Fairview Road Set inside a reno’d Piggly Wiggly, the quirky neighborhood spot serves Southern staples for lunch, brunch and dinner, from pimento cheese dip to shrimp and grits and fried catfish. And don’t sleep on the shop. Red Dragon $ 2513 Fairview Road The Five Points comfort-food fixture turns out Chinese faves from stomach-warming soups to sesame chicken, coconut shrimp, lo mein and fried rice, with an extensive a la carte menu to match. Stellar $ 1912 Bernard St. Elevated comfort food takes center stage in an intimate setting, where dishes like tuna tataki, coq au vin, and Basque cheesecake pair with curated pours, brunch standouts and a polished all-arewelcome vibe. Timber Pizza Co. $ 627 E. Whitaker Mill Road Your standard slice gets an upgrade thanks to the likes of sous vide chicken

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thighs, pea-shoot pesto, Peruvian sweet peppers and cured chorizo across a creative lineup of pies.

feat. broth made in-house daily and house-braised chashu—plus rice bowls, apps and signature drinks.

Trophy Brewing Five Points $ 207 Bickett Blvd. Housed in the bright-blue former Electric Supply Co. building, the latest Trophy outpost draws crowds for its cult-favorite pies (Most Loyal is a must) and house brews—plus a steady dose of community spirit.

WEST RALEIGH

IRON DISTRICT Brodeto $$$ 2201 Iron Works Drive In this Michelin stunner, the likes of crudos, housemade pastas and breads serve as a love letter to Adriatic cuisine—and a one-way ticket to the Mediterranean for your taste buds. East End Bistrot $$$$ 2020 Progress Court, Ste. 110 Dishing culinary theatrics in pure art form, the swanky Frenchand Asian-inspired eatery perfectly choreographs exquisite eats, bevs, atmosphere and service.

Amedeo’s $ 3905 Western Blvd. A certified Raleigh classic, Wolfpacker Amedeo “Dick” DeAngelis founded the famed Italian spot in 1963 and won local love via pizzas, pastas, calzones, wings and sandwiches— and those Wolfpack-themed cocktails, natch. Bella Monica $$ 3121 Edwards Mill Road Ciao, bella! Blistered Neapolitan pizzas, flatbreads and antipasti— many from recipes passed down through generations—nod to owners Corbett and Julie Monica’s Italian roots at this beloved familyrun West Raleigh trattoria still going strong after 25 years. Bru’s Public House $ 5433 Wade Park Blvd. It’s always game day at this elevated sports bar, where wall-to-wall TVs and a menu of stacked burgers, crispy wings and shareable pies keep the crowd posted up. Add a beer or cocktail and settle in.

The Fiction Kitchen $ 2431 Crabtree Blvd. It’s not fiction—you won’t miss the meat at this 100% vegan kitchen cooking up a globally inspired menu of charcuterie boards, noodles and Impossible meatloaf—plus beer, wine, cocktails and NA bevs.

The Iron Oaks Taproom and Lounge $ 3800 Glenwood Ave. Tee up a good time via golf simulators paired with bevvies and elevated bar fare like truffle fries and stacked handhelds—perfect for practicing your swing or settling in with friends long after the 18th hole.

Hummingbird $$

Napa Bistro & Wine Bar $$ 3705 Exchange Glenwood Place Quench your Golden State thirst with a deep wine list, craft cocktails and wine-country fare—shareable small plates, seasonal soups, bright salads—in a relaxed yet elevated setting inspired by Napa Valley.

1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road NOLA-born chef-owner Coleen Speaks serves up eclectic American fare with a twist in a chic, colorful space—or alfresco on the alwaysbright Dock 1053 patio. Pro tip: Brunch is a no-brainer. Mala Pata $$ 2431 Crabtree Blvd. Heirloom masa shines in this Michelin-recognized kitchen, where a starstudded team of food-and-beverage vets fire up mod crowd-pleasers like tuna tartacos, flautas and tacos. Cap the meal with a nightcap next door at its Bar Peyote. Miso Ramen Bar $ 2409 Crabtree Blvd. Nood lovers give high praise to the super-popular ramen haven offering up slurpworthy selects

Lakeside Kitchen $ 2450 Alumni Drive Southern-infusion gets a fresh spin with from-scratch dishes rooted in seasonal bounty from the NC State Farmers Market, nearby farms and the resto’s own patio garden—think vibrant salads, veggie-forward bowls and fresh-picked specials. The Oak $$ 4035 Lake Boone Trail From-scratch bar bites and plates pair perfectly with 100+ bourbons, including an in-house blend—and brunch is built for lingering. State Farmers Market Restaurant $ 1240 Farmers Market Drive Southern comfort breakfasts like

biscuits, grits, eggs and bacon stand the test of time at the bustling antiques-dotted resto and patio.

crab dip, nachos, wings, burgers and pizza—aka the perfect grub for kicking back while enjoying a cold one.

Sushi Mon $$ 3800 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 100 Mod and moody digs set the tone for fresh sushi, bento and sashimi nigiri—making Sushi Mon a Raleigh “roll model” for good reason. Don’t sleep on starters like spicy garlic edamame or gyoza.

Dos Taquitos $$ 6101 Glenwood Ave. Flavors of the homeland shine at this Mexican mainstay serving the likes of tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles and fruity margs. The play: You just haven’t had queso until it’s served by train.

Sushi Nine $ 3812 Western Blvd. Bangin’ BOGO rolls, apps, noodles, stir-fries and hibachi galore seal the sushi spot as a fan-fave. Pro tip: This is Wolfpack country—so the Mr. Wuf roll is a must.

J. Alexander’s $$$ 4600 Crabtree Valley Ave. Twinkling views set the scene at this perch above Crabtree, dishing wood-fired American classics from old-fashioned cheeseburgers, Emerald Coast shrimp to slowroasted prime rib.

NORTHWEST RALEIGH Angus Barn $$$ 9401 Glenwood Ave. Housed in a literal barn, this nationally renowned resto pairs an award-winning wine list with succulent steaks and seafood. Pro tip: The Wild Turkey Lounge is the move for first-come, first-serve drinks and dinner. Azitra Indian $$ 8411 Brier Creek Parkway Fusion surprises and Indian classics share the spotlight at this contemporary eatery “encapsulating the essence of nirvana” one dish at a time. Indulge in makhmali lamb, paneer, and tandoori surf and turf—and don’t sleep on dessert. Bazil Indian Cuisine $$ 6602 Glenwood Ave. An enticing ride of elevated Indian fare (think tandoori, chaat, pakora) unfolds in an upbeat setting with weekend DJ sets—and a fully stocked bar to boot. Brier Creek Beer Garden $ 8521 Brier Creek Parkway Garden party meets crackin’ open a cold one. Get your fix via 50+ craft beers on draft and 100+ bottles, snarky signage, and globally inspired bites (German nachos, Moroccan meatballs—plus a pint of bacon). Casa Carbone $$ 6019 Glenwood Ave. It’s a family affair—and the legacy’s been on lock since 1984. Join the crew for classic Italian fare like zuppa di clams, fettuccine carbonara, chopped sirloin pizzaiola and pizza galore. Crooked Hammock $$ 4501 Edwards Mill Road Live life in full swing at the Hammock, dishing up classics like

Jalwa Indian Bistro $$ 6112 Falls of Neuse Road Dinner and a show: Creative Indian dishes (changezi raan flambé, palak paneer baklava) arrive plated with flair—best paired with an inventive cocktail for a museumworthy experience. Jose and Sons $$ 4112 Pleasant Valley Road Mexican fare with a Southern twist meets a festive, high-energy setting where local ingredients elevate staples like enchiladas, chimichangas and loaded nachos. Order a marg, dig in and settle into the buzz. Kanki Japanese House of Steak and Sushi $$$ 4325 Glenwood Ave. & 4500 Old Wake Forest Road This hibachi and sushi staple doubles as dinner theater, with tableside chefs slicing, dicing and performing as they cook. Prepare to catch the shrimp—and watch out for the ketchup bottle. The Mill $$ 3201 Edwards Mill Road Divey vibes, quality fare. Urban Food Group’s mod tavern proves you can have both, updating the OG Edwards Mill Bar & Grill (RIP) playbook with steak frites, smashburgers and more. The Peddler $$$ 6005 Glenwood Ave. A pillar of the Raleigh resto scene, this old-school steakhouse has been peddling out steaks, seafood and chicken with a healthy dose of nostalgia since 1969. Trali Irish Pub $ 10370 Moncreiffe Road Authenticity is on tap at this traditional Irish gastropub, pouring pints alongside classic fare, live local music and trivia nights—a true slice of Ireland in Raleigh. OCTOBER 2026 | 95

V Pizza $$ 7930 Skyland Ridge Pkwy Slices of authentic pizza Napoletana—“so Italian it needs a translator”— share the table with craveable apps, salads, sandos and desserts. Waraji Japanese Restaurant $$ 5910 Duraleigh Road The Carolinas’ largest sake selection meets an extensive Japanese whiskey lineup—backed by a deep roster of sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese fare. Book a sunken booth for the full experience, or slide over to the casual-chic izakaya next door. Wong’s Tacos $ 4251 Parklake Ave. Mexican and Chinese fusion found at the GlenLake taco haven boasting tuna poke nachos, chorizo egg rolls, and tacos filled with shrimp tempura and Korean brisket that are so right it’s “wong.” Zayka Indian Cuisine $$ 10410 Moncreiffe Road The Punjabi Northern Indian eatery lets the spice do the talking, plating the likes of paneer, seafood and naan in an elevated setting.

NORTH RALEIGH 13 Tacos & Taps $ 10511 Shadowlawn Drive Authentic Mexican with a vibrant twist, the food truck-turned-brickand-mortar spins out taco fusion, loaded burritos and nachos—aka the perf fiesta pregame (or post). Café Tiramisu $$ 6008 Falls of Neuse Road With roots in Raleigh fave Piccolo Mondo, this cozy, rustic spot has been serving Northern Italian staples—think sauteed mussels, beef carpaccio and rich comfortfirst pastas (housemade ravioli is the move)—for decades. Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque $ 1326 E. Millbrook Road A DTR legend since 1938, Cooper’s brought its award-winning ’cue north, where chopped pork, tender brisket and juicy chicken, classic sides, and those signature hush puppies still lead the charge. Farina $$ 8450 Honeycutt Road Antipasti first—always. Then it’s authentic wood-fired pizza, pasta and comfort-forward mains in a welcoming space that feels equal parts classic and current. Franko’s Prime $$$ 8460 Honeycutt Road Steakhouse energy, dialed up: USDA

Prime cuts, quality seafood and a stacked lineup of starters and sides anchor a polished, white-tablecloth setting in Lafayette Village. Gonza Tacos y Tequila $ 7713 Lead Mine Road Come for the Day of the Dead vibe; stay for a Mexican menu that goes hard—tacos (steak is the move), enchiladas, passion fruit salmon—plus a marg lineup that doesn’t miss. Margaux’s $$$ 8111 Creedmoor Road Margaux’s is like your favorite spunky Southern aunt: funky, cool, always there—and serving flavor, flair and lived-in confidence through a deep bench of gnocchi, grouper, lamb, lobster and the like. Milton’s Pizza $ 8853 Six Forks Road & 14520 Falls of Neuse Road The early-’80s icon is still doing it right via steady standbys like classic pies, calzones, pastas and wings. Quiet standout: Don’t sleep on the lunch buffet. Northside Bistro & Cocktails $$$ 832 Spring Forest Road Neighborhood staple meets polished New American in John Scarangella’s bistro with a roster of duck confit, beef Wellington and those signature sausage-stuffed mushroom caps—plus cocktails that keep pace. North Ridge Pub $ 6010 Falls of Neuse Road Pull up for burgers, wings, crabcakes and nachos—then settle in for the surprising deep spirits list and easy neighborhood vibes. Peri Brothers Modern Italian $$ 7321 Six Forks Road Refined but relaxed, the “Peri Brothers” know Italian classics done right. Think veal Parmigiana, truffle tagliatelle and standout proteins all backed by a wine list that goes deep. The Piper’s Tavern $$ 8304 Falls of Neuse Road Guinness flows, the fish and chips slap, and the vibes stay come-asyou-are in a proper Irish pub with staying power. Slainte! Poppyseed Market $$ 8801 Lead Mine Road Market meets wine bar meets dinner spot. Expect hand-tossed pizza, elevated comfort plates, cocktails and a bottle list worth browsing. Low-key hit: pizza + wine combo.

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Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar $ 5625 Creedmoor Road Relish in Southern comfort done right across go-tos like shrimp and grits, bourbon-glazed everything, and that can’t-miss mac and cheese skillet that will live in your head rent free. Salt & Lime Cabo Grill $$ 6006 Falls of Neuse Road & 4800 Grove Barton Road Baja vibes are in full swing across a cast of Mexican staples like tacos, seafood, quesadillas and burritos, plus margs that just aren’t optional (house or skinny both hit). Sushi One $$ 8470 Honeycutt Road Fresh sushi, Asian fusion plates, sake and handcrafted cocktails lead at this Lafayette Village spot, where specialty rolls and polished small plates come with a side of swank. Thaiphoon Bistro $ 7496 Creedmoor Road Bold Thai flavors lead the way across papaya salad, green curry and pad thai, with plenty of veg-friendly options for the herbivores. uglyfish $ 4701 Atlantic Ave., Ste. 129 Sleek, seasonal and anything but ugly—the buzzy newcomer delivers a Japanese-leaning menu Raleigh didn’t know it needed—yakitori, udon, pristine nigiri and sashimi— plus a tight sake and cocktail program. A gorgeous minimalist space seals it as a new go-to. Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern $$$$ 7440 Six Forks Road Since ’87, this old-school steakhouse has delivered—prime cuts, classic sides and a wine list to match. The move: Go big on the steak—and save room for dessert. Vinos Finos Tapas and Wine Bar $ 8450 Honeycutt Road Tapas, but make it a night. Find: lamb sliders, burrata and rotating wines by the glass in a laid-back, linger-worthy setting. Winston’s Grille $$ 6401 Falls of Neuse Road A longtime favorite for a reason— think prime rib, rotisserie chicken, pastas and salads, plus a sprawling patio and steady cocktail game.

MIDTOWN Barking Dog $ 201 Park at North Hills St. Bring Fido for a patio romp at this pup-friendly bar and resto dishing

out classic American eats for brunch, lunch and dinner—plus cocktails and treats. Capital Grille $$$ 4242 Six Forks Road Dry-aged steaks and wagyu steal the spotlight at the polished steakhouse, backed by artfully prepared seafood, shareable sides and a patio built for lingering. CO $ 101 Park at North Hills St. Bright Southeast Asian flavors take shape through dumplings, noodles, rice and poke bowls—reimagined with modern flair in a sleek, designforward space. Coquette Brasserie $$ 4351 The Circle at North Hills Escargot, frites and tartare get a local, farm-fresh spin inside a sophisticated, Parisian-leaning setting with sidewalk tables for primo people-watching. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar $$ 4208 Six Forks Road Burgushi—read: burgers + sushi— powers the menu at the vibrant North Hills hot spot, where stacked burgers, inventive rolls and playful mashups match the room’s high energy. Cucciolo Terrazza $$ 4200 Six Forks Road Italy is only a reservation away thanks to upscale vibes, antipasti, pasta and contemporary Italian fare— including an Italian-esque brunch (!) and plenty of wine to pair. Foxcroft Food & Wine 4421 Six Forks Road Charcuterie, flatbreads, housemade pasta, salads and ample bottles fuel the buzz at the lively restaurant, wine bar and bottle shop—complete with brunch and patio seating. Don’t sleep on the burger. Giorgio Pizza Bar $ 141 Park at North Hills St. Signature sourdough ’zas fly through the air while handmade pastas, seasonal snacks and fresh salads keep diners posted up long after the first slice. Mezcalito $$ 1000 Social St., Ste. 140 Tequila and Tex-Mex meet in a swirl of vibrant digs, colorful cocktails and flavor-packed plates— think ACPs, tacos, fajitas and other classics. Midtown Pho $ 424 E. Six Forks Road Pho, banh mi, rice dishes and

summer rolls headline the menu at the longtime Vietnamese go-to where noodles reign supreme. Peregrine $$$ 1000 Social St. East meets West as chef Saif Rahman and designer Patrick Shanahan channel the places that shaped Rahman’s life into storied dishes spanning dry-aged beef tartare, sheesh kabob, and Bengali wedding chicken—plus craft cocktails and inventive desserts. Pranzo $ 1000 Social St. Satiating midday lunch slumps and the post-work aperitivo scene, 1000 Social’s Italian-inspired concept delivers sandos by day before swapping the vibe for evening small plates, wine, beer and spritzes. Rosewater Kitchen & Bar $$ 110 Park at North Hills St. A light-filled “garden party” atmosphere sets the scene for eclectic wines alongside burrata, seafood and veg-forward dishes inspired by Mediterranean flavors. STIR $$ 4242 Six Forks Road Scratchmade entrees, craft cocktails and polished energy have made the upscale spot a go-to for dates, business meets and brunches alike. Pro tip: Oysters are the move.

Tamasha $$ 4200 Six Forks Road Seeing is believing. One of “America’s 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants,” the Michelin-recognized stunner pairs dramatic interiors with elevated Indian fare—from tandoori paneer tikka to chaat and butter chicken. Village Tavern $$ 4140 Lassiter Mill Road The Winston-Salem-born casual-chic staple makes North Hills a magnet for tavern vibes and comfort classics—think hot crab dip and nachos to tacos, pizza, burgers, and meat- and seafood-focused dishes— with patio perches to spare. Vivace $$ 4209 Lassiter Mill Road Long cushioned banquettes and a sprawling patio set the mood for fresh pastas made daily, pizzas and creative seasonal takes on contemporary Italian faves.

KEY

Average dinner entree price $: 20 and under $$: 21-35 $$$: 36-55 $$$$: 56 and up

RM’s 2026 Best New Restaurant, Big Cat, pounced on the scene in a feast of color, flavor and personality—already cementing itself as the place to be in Raleigh.

Hungry for more? Baxter Miller

Browse our full sit-down dine listings—plus fast-casual faves, lunch spots, Best Restaurants, Best Bars and more at the Food & Drink tab at raleighmag.com. Answers to crossword on p. 53: Across: 1. Johnson 4. Counter 8. Theodosia 11. Farfelle 13. Plain Jane’s 15. Stew Down: 2. St. Roch 3. Trophy Wife 5. Slide 6. Roast Grill 7. Chai Pani 9. Big Cat 10. Goat 12. Left Hook 14. Stella’s OCTOBER 2026 | 97

LAST CALL

For nearly 30 years, Frank Ballard was a familiar face—and friend to many—at Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery, the Five Points institution he built with his wife, Marget.

To call his death a loss for the community hardly captures it. When Frank unexpectedly passed away in August following a hospitalization with pneumonia, the outpouring of heartbreak was a testament to the life he’d spent showing up for others. Just months earlier, a serious accident at his home had left him with a life-changing spinal cord injury requiring round-the-clock care. Through it all, the community that Frank had embraced for decades rallied around him in return. “Alongside his wife, Marget, Frank has built more than a business," the Hayes Barton team shared after his passing. "He has helped create memories for families, supported community fundraisers, and shown up time and again for others.” Frank built more than a restaurant. While his friendly face may no longer greet guests at the door, his generosity and warmth remain woven into a neighborhood beacon built as much around fellowship as food. Rest easy, friend. Your legacy lives on.

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🤍 —Melissa Howsam

Bottom left: John Goodwin Photography

THERE ARE few people who have that X factor—that thing that makes you feel truly heard and seen. That thing that makes you feel special. Frank was one of those people.

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