Featured Restaurant News
- Raleigh Magazine shared the exciting news this week that Michelin Recommended Lewis Barbecue is beginning construction on its Salvage Yard at Raleigh Iron Works location in Raleigh this week. Owner/pitmaster John Lewis, who got his start in Austin (where he helped open Franklin Barbecue and the much-beloved La Barbecue) currently has locations in Charleston, Atlanta and Greenville (SC). Barbecue enthusiasts have flocked to his pits for years, waiting in long lines to get a taste of his expertly smoked pork spareribs, beef ribs, “Texas hot guts” sausage, oxtail, and his legendary beef brisket. Expect them to open in the second quarter of 2027. Take a moment to get familiar with them here.
Wake County Restaurant News
- In the world of interesting developments, according to the News & Observer a version of Sadlack’s, which was a legendary hangout on Hillsborough Street for many of us from Raleigh (Sadlack’s Heroes) will open soon just a few blocks away from the original location. One of those that used to hang out at the former Sadlack’s, Henry Goodell, a longtime Raleigh resident, is reviving Sadlack’s, at least in name. Goodell plans to bring Sadlack’s to 913 W. Morgan St. in Raleigh, in the house he grew up in nestled in the row of Irregardless, Gussie’s and The Bend. The new Sadlack’s won’t have sandwiches to start, but does hope to draw on the kind of old Raleigh nostalgia and community that made Sadlack’s famous.
- Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants opens its first Triangle location on November 9 at Parkside Town Commons in Cary, bringing its modern American menu, wine-centered hospitality and Napa-style tasting room to the region. The globally inspired menu features recommended wine pairings throughout, alongside a portfolio of more than 60 varietals led by Master Sommelier Emily Wines. The space features a covered, heated patio and two private dining rooms offering options for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. Get familiar with them here.
- Happy to share the news that Raleigh’s rooftop restaurant, Urban Oak, has welcomed a new head chef. Chef Jon Pettitt has been with Urban Oak for a little less than a year, but with Hilton for over two years. His main focus is “good dinner done correct” in a sense with the hope that guests arrive with an expectation and they blow that expectation out of the water with simplicity and hospitality. See what else is new on their Instagram here.
- Over at Glenwood Place (just inside the beltline) and next to Ladyfinger’s, Ladybug Creamery is holding their grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 21. Everyone that day gets a Lucky Ladybug card with a prize inside, and one of them is a plated chef’s ice cream tasting for the winner and five friends. A little background, the concept is being brought to us by Onur Yilmaz and Simge Tekgul, the couple behind Ice Creamonology in Toronto. They looked at cities for six months and picked Raleigh because of the dairy farms. Onur makes every flavor, cone and topping in-house. Twelve flavors to start with two dairy-free sorbets, and a scoop is $6. He placed second in Canada at World Gelato Masters in 2025. They’re open Thursday through Sunday afternoons now. Visit them on Instagram here.
- Down in the Holly Springs/Apex area, we got word this week that that Libations Bottle and Bev Co. is in soft open mode this weekend at 3101 McChesney Hill Loop, Apex in Peterson Station in the same building as Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. It is brought to us by Bart and Kali Gentile, along with business partner Ryan Walters. Get to know them here.
- The News & Observer reported that there was a fire at Village Coffeehouse in North Raleigh’s Durant Village, prompting the business’ closure until further notice, according to a post on the business’ social media. Probably best to follow along on their Instagram for when they will reopen.
- And staying on top of the coffee news, the News & Observer also reported on some changes for how you will get your coffee over at Raleigh Iron Works. The paper reported that Bad Brain Coffee Co. is being displaced by Drift Coffee + Kitchen, which is finishing construction there. The RIW location will be Drift Coffee’s third in Raleigh. The good news is that Bad Brain is not closing but will be moving elsewhere (and apparently that is moving in a positive direction). Also, don’t anticipate any changes before the end of the year, so continue, for now, to enjoy Bad Brain serving coffee from their trailer at RIW. Follow Bad Brain on Instagram here.
- And one last coffee report from the News & Observer. Parallax Coffee Lab in Wendell announced at the end of October that they would be moving and leaving their current location by the end of the year. On an Instagram post, they noted that their move will take them into Raleigh. Best to stay tuned on their Instagram page for the latest.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Tonya’s Cafe Bakeshop, which recently suffered a fire at their location in Chapel Hill on Elliott Road, announced this week that they will open a holiday pop-up starting next Wednesday, November 11 at University Place! Located in the 900 Willow building by Silverspot Theater, they’ll have cookies and desserts available as well as gift boxes and Southern gourmet foods for the holiday season. It will also serve as a pick-up location for Take & Bake meals, including Thanksgiving dinners. Hours are Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm. Get all the details here.
- Sean McManus shared on the Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook page that Welcome to Willie’s has taken over the former Walt’s Grill location, and is officially open at 111 N. Merritt Mill Road. Named in honor of their beloved grandfather, Willie Davis, their doors are open to friends, neighbors, and people who love great food and good company. Make plans to swing by and grab a delicious plate of soul food. Visit them on Facebook here.
- The Latin Effect, a popular food truck in the Triangle (which also had a brick-and-mortar location on W. Franklin Street until May of this year), announced that they will soon be opening a brick-and-mortar location near 15-501 in Durham and expect to have it open in early 2027. Thanks to Carrie Brogren for the tip. Best to keep up on Facebook here.
- Saw on social media this week that a concept called East Thai & Sushi will soon open at 3109 Shannon Road in Durham in the University Hill development. The folks behind East Thai & Sushi recently relocated from Miami where they owned and operated a similar concept. Best to follow along on Instagram here.
- Reader Delonda Alexander shared with us that a new Texas Roadhouse is replacing the old Applebee’s in Durham at Patterson Place. This will be their second location in Durham.
Closings
- In Raleigh, Fiction Kitchen announced on social media it will close November 14th, with its final Sunday brunch slated for November 8th (this weekend).
- Raleigh Downtown shared that bar and bottle shop, Roshambo Beverage Company, on the corner of East and Martin Streets near the Transfer Co. Food Hall, is now empty.
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
- Botiwalla will be hosting a big Diwali Party at Iron Works on Friday, November 6th. Diwali (aka as the Festival of Lights) is one of the biggest celebrations in Indian culture so they are going all out. It is the celebration of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. During Diwali in India, oil lamps and fireworks illuminate the night and neighbors and families visit each other, sharing sweets, gifts, and good wishes. Expect a Bollywood DJ, special menu items, free henna and more for the community. Visit Botiwala here.
- Tickets are now on sale for the third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, presented by Earp’s Seafood Market, returning Saturday, Nov. 7th. This year’s event, themed “Smoke & Shuck,” expands the festival’s signature chef-and-oyster-farm pairings to include North Carolina pitmasters for the first time, bringing barbecue into the mix alongside raw oysters. It will be held at Raleigh Iron Works. Rawleigh Oyster Fest has sold out both of its previous events — its launch in November 2025, which sold all 550 tickets, and a spring 2026 edition that sold out in just five days. The event is organized by Eduardo Mera of Mera Brothers Oysters, Katie Dombrowski, communications administrator for the City of Raleigh, and Max Trujillo of the NC F&B Podcast. Together, the two previous events raised approximately $12,500 for the Frankie Lemmon School and Development Center and the N.C. Coastal Federation. Quick Update: Quick update: Organizers have added a lower-priced ticket after hearing from people who felt priced out. The new Half Shell ticket costs $60 and includes nine oysters, two pitmaster or chef bites and one drink. Get tickets and all the details here.
- And if that is not enough oyster options for you, Carolina Brewery is holding their Ninth Annual Oyster Roast on Saturday, November 7th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at their Pittsboro restaurant. Proceeds will once again benefit the North Carolina Coastal Federation and Outer Banks Forever. Admission is free, and freshly steamed or raw oysters will be available for purchase by the half-dozen or dozen. The oysters, sourced from North Carolina’s own Ghost Fleet Oyster Co., will be served by the oyster farmers themselves, offering a true farm-to-table experience. Guests can enjoy live music and order from the full Carolina Brewery menu throughout the event. The restaurant is located at 120 Lowes Drive in Pittsboro. Check them out on Instagram here.
- In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Town of Apex is hosting a Native American Tasting Experience on Thursday, November 19th, from 6–8 p.m. at the Apex Senior Center. The experience will be led by Chef Lorrie Dial, an educator and member of the Lumbee Tribe, and will feature a curated tasting menu highlighting Native American food traditions. It’s a unique opportunity for food lovers throughout the Triangle to try something new while learning more about Native American culture and culinary heritage. Cost is just $15. Get all the details and register here.
- The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year on Thanksgiving morning (November 26) to Dorothea Dix Park, benefiting Healing Transitions, a Raleigh nonprofit that provides recovery services for people struggling with addiction. The race has grown into a beloved holiday tradition, and 2025 was its biggest year yet: nearly 3,000 runners and walkers signed up, and the race donated about $60,000 to Healing Transitions, up from $42,000 the year before. Since 2016, the annual race, hosted by nOG Run Club and Trophy Brewing Co., has raised more than $210,000 for the nonprofit. Register here.
Food Bank Corner
- With the holidays just around the corner, the Food Bank is asking for your help to fill every plate for neighbors who need a hand. Continuing policy changes and cuts to federal food assistance, on top of high prices, have made it very difficult for many people to stock the pantry and fridge at home. Families who have always worked hard to make ends meet are coming up short. More of our friends and neighbors are discovering that their paychecks can’t cover everything their family needs this month. Many are turning to their local food pantry for the first time. During our Meal Drive, every $10 you give is enough fresh produce, protein, dairy, and pantry staples for 30 meals. And with 600,000 people facing food insecurity across the 34 counties we serve, every meal matters. That’s family dinners, after-school snacks for the kids, and holiday meals with all the trimmings so nobody has to sacrifice a beloved family tradition this year. You’ll help families who have had some setbacks and need help to get by this month. You’ll also help seniors who see their retirement income buying fewer and fewer groceries at today’s prices. Everybody deserves to gather around the table for a special meal with loved ones at the holidays. Together, let’s make that possible. Please make your gift of any amount to ensure every plate is full during one of our busiest seasons of the year!
