Featured Restaurant News
- Smash Social Club opened this week bringing an upscale social playground with table tennis, shuffleboard and electric darts alongside creative craft cocktails, local beers, wine and shareable bar bites to Raleigh’s Glenwood South. It took over the former Carolina Ale House space at the corner of Tucker St. and Glenwood Ave. It is the latest from LM Restaurants, the Raleigh-based, family-owned hospitality company that operates more than two dozen Carolina Ale Houses across the Southeast as well as Taverna Agora, Vidrio and Birdie’s Barroom and Kitchen in Raleigh. They will donate 10 percent of all sales during the first week to Cooper Charitable Foundation. Check them out here.
Wake County Restaurant News
- Next Tuesday, December 16th, hospitality entrepreneur Patrick Shanahan will open The Capulet Cocktail Club with co-owner Robby Operman and beverage director Zack Thomas. Midtown’s first dedicated cocktail bar is located at The Exchange (1000 Social Street, Suite 110), across the courtyard from Shanahan’s Peregrine restaurant. The Italian-inspired cocktail destination blends Renaissance grandeur with contemporary artistry. Open Tuesday thru Saturdays beginning at 5pm. Take a peek now.
- Wilmington’s K38 Baja Grill will open tomorrow, December 13th, at downtown Raleigh’s Seaboard Station. This will mark K38’s sixth location and the first outside of Wilmington and Carolina Beach. This will soon be followed by their seventh location next summer in downtown Cary at 139 E. Chatham Street. Check out K38 here.
- We first told you about this back in October, but we learned that Dutch Bros’ first North Carolina drive-thru coffee spot has opened in Morrisville (near Trader Joe’s) in Park West Village (971 Morrisville Parkway). They offer customizable specialty coffee, teas, lemonades, sodas, and Dutch Bros’ signature energy drinks and nitrogen-infused cold brew. With over 1,000 locations across the United States, this will mark their first location in North Carolina. Get to know them here.
- RALtoday shared this week that Nan Xiang Express, a restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodle soups, is coming to Hillsborough Street near Cup A Joe and Ebisu. They also have a location in Durham. Vsit them here.
- Up in Rolesville, we learned that Mezcalito has opened at 130 Bluestone Crossing Road in the Cobblestone Village shopping center. This is their fifth Triangle-area location, and eighth location overall. Look for them to serve up their unique take on Mexican cuisine with a Tex-Mex heart. Visit them here.
- Down in Holly Springs, reader Chris Creighton shared with us that Alpaca Peruvian Chicken will soon open their newest location near the Mellow Mushroom in Collings Crossing. No word on an open date, but the sign is up according to Creighton. Visit Alpaca here.
- And in Knightdale, starting tomorrow, Saturday, December 13, Unhinged Coffee Co. will be operating out of Rewind Retro Bar at 319 N. First Street. The move gives them more consistency, and accessibility, including being open seven days a week. Visit them on Instagram here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Timber Pizza Co., the Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning, wood-fired neighborhood pizza brand, is officially opening its doors in Durham on Tuesday, December 16th. Following a successful Raleigh debut in 2024, they are opening its second North Carolina location tucked inside the Bull City’s Historic City Garage (501 Washington St., Suite H) at the area’s newest hybrid, mixed-use community, Wye Junction. Look for a community-centered space that feels like the first day of summer camp in the 90’s featuring a Durham-inspired mural from a local artist, bench tables, and reclaimed wood throughout. During the grand opening they are hosting a donation drive for the Diaper Bank of North Carolina. As a thank-you, anyone who brings in a donation, from baby diapers to hygiene products, will receive a free cheese pizza. Visit them here.
- In Durham, we learned that Baker’s Dozen Donuts has opened at 3825 S. Roxboro Street in the Shoppes of Hope Valley near Tacos Number Juan, right behind Zaxby’s. Thanks to reader Dave Salman for bringing this to our attention. Check them out on Instagram.
- Down the hill at University Place, we are days away from the opening of H&H Bagels’ first North Carolina location. Earlier reports suggested that opening will happen next week, but definitely by the end of 2025. The new shop will offer authentic New York-style bagels that are kettle-boiled and baked to order. You’d be wise to start getting familiar with them now.
Closings
- Triangle Business Journal shared the news that Havoc Brewing Co. in downtown Pittsboro will pour their last pint this Sunday.
Food Trucks
- Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.
Events
- The tenth-annual WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards are back! Vote on the top 5 finalists in each category through Dec. 15. Winners will be announced in January, 2026. Get your nominations in here.
- On December 14th, The Mecca Restaurant in downtown Raleigh, is commemorating their 95th Holiday season by joining the community together for a special three-course Holiday Supper. They will have two seatings at 6 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include food, a winter beverage, tax and gratuity. In the spirit of giving and giving back to the community, 10% of the proceeds will benefit Urban Ministries of Wake County Food Pantry. Get all the details and tickets here.
- Looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve? Ring in 2026 with a memorable and delicious evening at Figulina where chef David Ellis has created a special 4-course menu showcasing seasonal and luxurious ingredients, a complimentary toast, plus some other surprises – while their wine director, Jeff Bramwell, has curated optional luxe wine pairings to complement each dish! $145 per person (pre tax and service fee). Reserve your spot now.
- Tickets have gone on sale for the 2026 version of the Triangle Food & Wine Experience which will take place February 5-7, 2026. From its humble inception over 30 years ago, the Triangle Wine & Food Experience has grown to become one of the leading charity wine auctions in the nation with all proceeds benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center. And let me tell you, the lineup of culinary talent (from all corners of the United States) is absolutely incredible – see the list here. If you call yourself a foodie, these are the not-to-miss events of the year. A weekend of the most incredible food and wine. Get details on the weekend of events here.
Food Bank Corner
- The high cost of healthy foods is putting a huge strain on families in central and eastern North Carolina this holiday season. As colder weather sets in, heating bills start to compete with the grocery budget, leaving many people at risk of an empty holiday table. Let’s lift that burden of worry for families, seniors, and veterans in our community. At more than 700 local food assistance sites supported by the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, every meal you help provide will be delivered with kindness, often alongside other critical services that address the root causes of hunger. Thanks to a match from some generous friends, your gift today can DOUBLE — but only until December 31.
