Featured Restaurant News
- And then there were four (and soon to be five). That’s right, The Pickled Onion, arguably the Triangle’s favorite locally owned and operated sports bar, is quickly moving into the former Village Grill spot in North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village (Village Grill closed on December 20th after 14 years). Expect a pretty quick turnaround where we will see them open in April. And we should see their fifth Pickled Onion location open in Youngsville at 701 Tarboro Road not too far behind that. The Pickled Onion also operates the breakfast spot Sundays AM Eatery up in Wakefield Commons. Visit Pickled Onion here.
Wake County Restaurant News
- Raleigh Magazine posted this week that the long-anticipated Mala Pata and Peynote Minibar could open as early as next month in Gateway Plaza. They are being brought to us by four folks very well known in the local food scene – Angela Salamanca (Centro/Ex-Voto/Gallo Pelón/Patty Boy), Marshall Davis (Ex-Voto/Gallo Pelón/Patty Boy), Eric Montagne and Zack Gragg (both with Locals Seafood). Raleigh Magazine noted that they will deliver unique Mexican dishes infused with Southern flavors (think lechona tacos and collard green tamales), plus frozen drinks and refined central and South American classics. Follow along on Instagram here.
- Raleigh Downtown reported on Instagram that Omakase by Kai, a new Omakase-style Japanese restaurant, is set to open soon on the ground floor of the Hyatt House Hotel at Seaboard Station (15 Seaboard Avenue). The space features a wrap around sake bar, promising a fully immersive dining experience, and is the latest creation from chef/owner James Chung, who also operates Kai Sushi & Sake Bar in North Raleigh. Might be best to follow along on Instagram here.
- The Triangle Business Journal reported that over in Raleigh’s Village District, Matthew Bettinger (think SideBar and Hank’s Downtown Dive in Cary) is moving into the former Which Wich location next to Goodnights Comedy Club with a new bar called Mr. Henry Lounge & Cocktails. The bar is named after Bettinger’s dog. Look for them to open in June.
- Up in North Raleigh, saw that Jalwa Indian Bistro opened on January 27th in the former Saint Jacques space in the North Ridge Shopping Center at 6112 Falls of the Neuse Road. Check them out here.
- Owner Alex Chandler shared with me that they have opened the Cary location of the MilkShake Factory (he also owns the location in Durham) at 161 E Chatham Street. They are currently in soft opening mode and will have their Grand Opening event on February 15th from noon until 4 p.m. featuring live music, giveaways, lots of chocolate samples, and a FREE vanilla shake. Visit their Facebook event page for all the details.
- Also in Cary, reader Kevin Crutchfield shared some exciting news. The former Mookie’s space in Tryon Village (1010 Tryon Village Drive, Suite 705) is being taken over by the owner of The Craft House who will open an Italian restaurant. Look for them to open this August. Stay tuned for more details.
- And we close the Wake County section with a happiest of birthdays to Transfer Co. Food Hall’s Benchwarmers Bagels. They turn six this Saturday, February 1st. I’m sure they’ll have something special going on Saturday morning (they are open 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. – but remember bagels go quickly). A great way to kick-off your Saturday. This will be a big year for Benchwarmers as they open a second location, and a third on the way in 2026. Visit them here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Axios reported this week that Durham chefs Matt Kelly and Tom Cuomo are opening Dino’s, a new pizza restaurant in University Hill in the former BB’s Crispy Chicken space. Look for them to serve up hoagies, wings, chicken parms and made-to-order pizzas (New Jersey style). The space will feature a large outdoor patio and they will offer delivery. They could open as early as March.
- For those keeping up with their New Year’s resolutions by going to the Gym every day, you have a new option in downtown Durham. My buddy Glenn Gillen shared with me this week that on a recent stroll in downtown Durham he noticed that Gym Tacos had opened in the former Pompieri Pizza space. The menu features tortas, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and, of course, their delicious tacos! You can find them at 102 City Hall Plaza. Check them out on Instagram here.
- Zweli’s Ekhaya in Durham at 406 Blackwell Street will begin offering Sunday brunch THIS SUNDAY February 2nd (and every Sunday) from 10 a.m until 3 p.m. Look for creations like Caramel Rum Bread Pudding and Banana Foster’s French Toast with Caramelized Pistachios and Honey Ricotta Cream. Make your reservation now!
Closings
- A couple of closures up in North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village. After 14 years, Village Grill closed their doors back just before Christmas. And this week, Driftwood Cantina closed their doors as well. Read above for what is going into the Village Grill spot. And stay tuned for a very exciting announcement for what is coming to the Driftwood Cantina spot.
- Also in Raleigh, and I guess not too many people noticed, but Uncle Julio’s at Crabtree Valley Mall apparently closed back in October/November. Guess I missed that (or didn’t miss that). Thanks to reader Spencer Brown for the heads up. The location in Durham remains open.
- Sad to share that Durham’s Mike D’s BBQ has closed at 455 S Driver Street. He was the winner of “I Quit” TV Show and had award winning sauces and rubs. They opened in 2013.
- Over Carrboro, Chapelboro reported that 401 Main would close after a five-year run at the close of business on Tuesday, February 4th.
- A couple of closures in Cary’s Parkside Town Commons. Reader Tim Decker notified us that both Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt have closed. Menchies still has locations in Garner and Durham. The next closest Dickey’s is in Southern Pines.
Food Trucks
- Great news as the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo returns to downtown Raleigh on Saturday, June 28th from noon until 6 p.m. all along Fayetteville Street. From savory flavors to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity. Whether you’re a fan of gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo promises to have something for everyone! Visit their Facebook event page here.
- 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
- This Saturday is one of the most important days of the year. Yes, this Saturday, February 1st is National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. And what better way to celebrate it than stopping by one of the locations of Two Roosters Ice Cream where they will serve Bojangles Bo-Berry Biscuits with Two Roosters ice cream. Yes, you read that right. And they will have six cereal guest flavors! All their stores will be open from 9 a.m. until noon. Get details and locations here.
- Triangle Restaurant Week runs through this Sunday, Feb. 2, featuring over 50 restaurants in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond offering special two-to-three-course menus with fixed prices. This is a great chance to check out restaurants you’ve been meaning to try. Get all the details and a list of participating restaurants on their site here.
- Rocky Top Catering is proud to sponsor and host the 7th Annual Cooking for the Kids benefiting Overflowing Hands and King’s Ridge which kicks off with Round One the week of February 17th. This fun competition matches eight premier Triangle chefs in a tournament-style culinary showdown to win cash prizes. The competition takes place at Millbrook Manor (formerly 1705 East) at 1705 East Millbrook Road in Raleigh. Round Two takes place February 26th and 27th and the Finale is scheduled for March 5. See the participating chefs as well as purchase tickets here. Thanks to Dean Ogan for reaching out to me about this great event!
- Tickets went on sale earlier this month for An Evening To Ignite, the annual fundraiser by the teams at The Merrimon-Wynne House, Band Together and La Fête Planning & Design. The nonprofit beneficiary of this year’s event will be Ripe for Revival, which operates a fleet of pay-what-you-can mobile markets in central and eastern North Carolina. They will use the proceeds to expand the mobile markets’ presence in Raleigh. This year’s An Evening To Ignite will be March 14, 2025 in downtown Raleigh. Get tickets here and get information on Ripe for Revival here.
- Fest in the West returns to Cary after a one-year hiatus on Saturday, April 5th from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Mills Park (441 Mills Park Drive). The event is geared towards children and families with tons of entertainment and activities – and of course a plethora of food trucks for everyone’s enjoyment! Get all the details here.
- NC Sugar Rush will be held in downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza on Sunday, May 25th from noon until 6 p.m. If you are not familiar with this yumminess, it is a dessert food only event with something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Sign me up! Get all the details on their Facebook event page here.
- The 10th Annual Raleigh International Food Festival will take place this year on Saturday, June 7th from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street. The event will feature over 120 food trucks/dessert trucks from around the globe with over 60 cultures represented. Free tickets and all the details here. (Tickets not required as this is a free event)
Food Bank Corner
- With over 560,000 community members facing food insecurity and hunger at its highest in over 15 years, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is working overtime to ensure no one goes hungry. Your generous support is making a positive impact for people who are fighting to stay afloat. Monthly giving is a great way to increase your impact for our neighbors. Just $10 a month could provide 50 meals to families experiencing hunger. A monthly pledge is a steadfast commitment to providing nourishment across our community. Join a caring group of donors by becoming a Sustainer today!
