Raleigh Restaurant Challenge 2010
One of my goals for the year was to get out and about in Raleigh a little more. One of the best ways to do this is to eat at new restaurants, so I went looking for the top restaurants in Raleigh. OpenTable.com puts together a great list, so here are the "Best Overall" restaurants in Raleigh according to them:
- Saint Jacques French Cuisine
- Bella Monica
- Red Room
- Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
- 18 Seaboard
- 42nd Street Oyster Bar
- Vivace
- the Pit
- Glenwood Grill
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
Of those, I have been to the Pit and 42nd Street Oyster Bar. Erin's hasn't been to 42nd St. but they have had some sanitary issues lately, so it is coming off the list. We both LOVE the Pit, but this challenge is about exploring new places, so it has to come off the official list (doesn't mean we won't go get some of Ed's famous ribs though). In the place of both of those, I am adding Poole's Downtown Diner and the Angus Barn, both recommended to me by lots of people.
So our challenge is this. By 2011, we will eat at all 10 of these restaurants, and of course report back here. I kinda wish some of them were a little cheaper, but it will be nice for Erin and I to have a nice night out every once-in-a-while.
What Raleigh staple am I missing? Anybody care to join us on our quest? Anywhere I can get coupons so I don't spend a fortune on dinner?
For your reading pleasure…
Follow me on Twitter...
- It's a #unccause kinda day. Prepping to send out acceptance emails for the proposals! 1 week ago
- Never did I think I would welcome the work week like I will this one...stress and all! BRING IT #fb 1 week ago
- M.C. Hammer rocking it out at the prom. http://twitpic.com/2j7hz7 1 week ago
- Erin and I are going to prom tonight! http://twitpic.com/2j4ma1 1 week ago
- More updates...
Connect with me...
February 16th, 2010 - 10:31
Dim Sum at Neo-China in Cary (Saturday/Sunday for Brunch-Lunch)
February 16th, 2010 - 10:38
OMG, I LOVE Bella Monica. You’ll enjoy that. I went to Second Empire with friends for our big Holiday dinner this past December and that was utterly fantastic too. I’ve also been to 42nd Street but I’ve always through they were over-rated so I think you’re smart to drop it. Red Room is pretty good but equally expensive.
Zely & Ritz (http://www.zelyandritz.com/) is one I’d suggest. The owners change their menu constantly to serve fresh, locally grown, organic options.
This is a good resolution! I may steal it…
February 16th, 2010 - 10:42
Chamas Churrascaria in Durham at Brightleaf Square or Brasa at Brier Creek (Chamas has better meat, but Brasa has a better hot bar). Either way it’ll be AWESOME.
February 16th, 2010 - 10:53
If you can find coupons, link to them/share ‘em and we’re totally in. I’m sure the wait-staff will love seeing a table full of coupon-holders….especially if these are ‘expensive’ places
I’ve heard of a few really good Thai & Indian places, which are awesomely vegetarian friendly, but i can’t remember the names. I’ll find out when i talk to my Indian buddy and report back.
February 16th, 2010 - 11:51
I have a few additions: Dos Taquitos on Creedmoor (it’s better than their downtown location), The Peak City Grill in downtown Apex, and Ole Time BBQ on Hillsborough. I have a few other favorites too but they’re mostly favorites because of their consistency and proximity to home/work.
Stay tuned to Groupon for deals – my referral code is http://www.groupon.com/r/uu1054099
I just got $20 of food at Ole Time for $10 yesterday.
I *think* that OpenTable list consists of only restaurants that support OpenTable reservations. I’ve only been to Bella Monica, 18 Seaboard, and The Pit (I know I need to get to 42nd Street). I’m using Yelp to help me explore more restaurants and places nearby (I just got my Elite badge yesterday!).
February 16th, 2010 - 13:26
I don’t know if chain restaurants count, but we ate at Bonefish Grill recently and it was the best fish I’ve ever had. Looks like they have a location on Six Forks Rd., and another in Cary. Was The Pit the one that was on Throwdown with Bobby Flay?
February 16th, 2010 - 13:46
Yeah, it’s been on Throwdown (and won) and a bunch of other Food Network/travel channel things. They have the best ribs in the whole friggin world.
August 9th, 2010 - 10:43
Thank you for sharing the list of restaurants in Raleigh, NC. I would like to recommend adding Coquette Brasserie (http://www.coquetteraleigh.com/ ) to this list. It offers authentic french cuisine, and it’s a good place to catch up with friends and the food they serve is simply delicious!!