Raleigh Restaurants

We went on a Friday night around 8:30 and there was a 45 minute wait for a table, but we only had to wait a few minutes for a spot at the bar where we ate. We split a half carafe of house red (which was excellent wine from Montepulciano) that was $9, so we paid $4.5 for almost two glasses of wine each - pretty good deal. The giant pieces of bread come drizzled with olive oil and topped with chopped purple onion. My favorite part was the bowl of green and kalamata olives floating around. Our server was the bartender, and she was very friendly and prompt.

It got pretty crowded while we were there, so I would recommend reservations.

Also, the cafe is located in a strip of stores near a grocery store. It was a very unlikely spot for what may become my favorite Italian restaurant in Raleigh.

Favorite Dish: The portobello & sun-dried tomato lasagna with spinach, fresh mozzarella, and white wine herb cream sauce... mmm...

This Italian restaurant offers good food and a great atmosphere. Located next to the railroad tracks in downtown Raleigh, 518 is housed in a brick building with the brick arches and walls visible from the interior. Warm bread is served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The salads are excellent, the pasta is fresh, and the pizzas delicious.

Monday nights are the best time to go, as bottles of wine are half priced.

Favorite Dish: I've had most of the pizzas, but the good ol' margarita might be my favorite. My favorite pasta is a tie between the hazelnut pesto and the baked pasta. The polenta is also good.

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There are daily specials with beers as low as USD $2.50 and there is a massive selection of high-octane brews including Great Divide's Hercules Double IPA and Avery's "the Reverend".

Served up in a boisterous beer-hall or pub atmosphere with great service, the Flying Saucer makes for a great time out with friends and a chance to enjoy fine ales & lagers. 80+ taps, featuring many local/NC products, micros and imports are available.

You can become a BEERKNURD by paying $14.00 at the Flying Saucer where you will receive a free BEERKNURD t-shirt and a personal magnetic card. You can then swipe your card to keep track of the beers you consume to be immortalized in the Ring of Honor..... Plus win prizes along the way. The Ring of Honor is a plate (large saucer) that confirms you have tried 200 or more beers and it will be adorned on a wall within the pub.

Open Mon,Thu-Sat 10pm-2am; Tue-Wed 11am-1am; Sun 12pm-12am and other locations can be found in Arkansas and Texas.

Favorite Dish: The Bratwurst plate with 1 Usingers Brat, 1 Beer Brat, German potato salad & sauerkraut for USD$ 8.99 was excellent as the portions were perfect and the brats were very tasty.

There are also beer "flights" or sampler plates for tastings with over 180 different beers available. Drink one of each and you can have a plate memorialize your effort.

Very nice atmosphere coupled with really good food. I've gone here for a couple of dates and I always enjoy it immensely. The thing I dislike is the lack of parking sometimes. But I still highly recommend this place.

This place has a down to earth hippie sort of feel. They have the best gourmet pizza's, gourmet salads, and sandwiches to die for. The staff is really helpful and friendly. They have a wine, beer, and liquor selection if that is what suits you. They can be pretty busy between 11:30AM-1PM so make sure you check them out at a later time if you don't feel like waiting 10min for a table. It's definitely worth every penny.

Favorite Dish: The BBQ chicken pizza is a good option but everything on the menu is great.

If you want the real BBQ go to Rub's BBQ. Kevin the owner is there to greet you everyday with a big smile and a pair of scissors to cut off your tie if you wear it into his place (only kidding). It is the best BBQ I have found since living in the great state of N. Carolina. The atmosphere is extremely casual and somewhat self service. The owner makes it fun for everyone. It is important to get there when they are open though. They are only open Monday-Friday from 11AM-2PM. So, make sure you come hungry and you'll definitely leave happy.

Favorite Dish: My favorite is the pulled pork sandwich basket with the sweet tea, green beans, and mac and cheese. I don't care for his baked beans too much, but they definitely aren't like my momma's either. Try them, you might like them. I prefer the green ones personally though.

This place is has a nice atmosphere with great carved wooden tables that have plenty to look at while you wait for your meal. At night they have $1 and $2 sushi specials. It's great for a budget. The sushi is good, not amazing, but for the prices it is. You can have an entire meal of sushi with a beer for $10 . For those people who don't like Sushi, they also have a great Thai menu to select from.

Favorite Dish: My favorite is the eel roll. It's sweet and not raw. Mmmm Mmmm... Once you try it you'll never go back.

Fresh seafood with an excellent selection of wines and beers as well as a full bar. This Raleigh classic has live bands till midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday, stays open till 10 sunday through Wednesday. Steamed oysters are their specialty but they also have chefs specials, steaks and great soups.