Every city has its "must-visit" restaurants, whether they are regional chains or unique to that city. Raleigh, North Carolina is no different. Here are 10 fantastic places to eat when you visit the Research Triangle.
1. Cookout (Regional Chain)
Cookout is a household name in the South. Generally known for its huge variety of milkshake options, Cookout is a burger and BBQ drive-in. One of the best burgers you can get in Raleigh, Cookout is fast and inexpensive, the perfect meal for anyone making a pit stop in Raleigh.
2. Winston's Grille
Described as "A Raleigh Tradition since 1986," Winston's Grille is a Raleigh landmark. With casual yet elegant decor, the restaurant is a must-go for anyone looking to have a sit-down dinner while in Raleigh. The food is well made and tastes fantastic, and their homemade ice cream is to die for.
3. Metro Diner
A newcomer to the Raleigh food scene, Metro Diner brings Southern Comfort to the heart of North Raleigh. Featuring such famous menu items as Chicken and Waffles, a "12-inch pancake" and Croissant French Toast, Metro Diner is the perfect place to bring your family on any day of the week. A must-go for those seeking breakfast food at any time of day, Metro Diner is a fantastic new addition to Raleigh.
4. Bojangles
Anyone hailing from the South knows about Bojangles; however, for the uninitiated, Bojangles is similar to Popeye's and other chicken-focused restaurants. Bojangles features friend chicken and hand-made biscuits. Growing up around Bojangles, it was very much the staple chicken place in Raleigh. Described by my father as the perfect way to get over a cold, visitors have to try the Cajun-Filet biscuit and some famous Sweet Tea.
5. Bad Daddy's Burger Bar (Regional Chain)
Burger-lovers everywhere, look out. Bad Daddy's is at the top of my list for burger spots, and one of my favorites to be on this list. Featuring locations in many Southern states, Bad Daddy's delivers upon its name with every order. The restaurant features massive burgers and a variety of crazy specialty burgers, as well as milkshakes to die for. If you are ever flying through the Charlotte International Airport, try to find the Bad Daddy's, or look for one of its many other locations.
6. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
One of the most interesting combinations I've experienced, Cowfish delivers upon its promise to provide fantastic sushi and burgers. Featuring traditional sushi, as well as burgers made to order, Cowfish also has its own specialty. Called Burgushi, the burger-sushi fusion is something that cannot simply be described. For one to truly understand the genius behind the restaurant, you simply have to visit.
7. Plates Neighborhood Kitchen
Plates is a restaurant that I hadn't discovered until recently. Straying from serving traditional food, Plates sources all of its ingredients locally. With a seasonally rotating menu, Plates is not for everyone. Described as "globally inspired and locally produced," Plates has a unique dining experience with every visit. Other than their specialty menu items, Plates also features hand-crafted sodas that do not use artificial sugars or flavoring, and every option will blow your sense of flavor wide open.
8. Sake House
If you are looking for a traditional Japanese Grille and some fantastic Sushi, look no further than Sake House. Featuring traditional Bento Boxes, as well as Fusion Sushi, Sake House is perfect for a lunch-break or dinner with the family. With elegant decor and delicious Japanese food, those looking for a bit of Asian flair on their visit to Raleigh must visit Sake House.
9. Kamado Grille
Kamado Grille is rather unique in both their ordering and their food. All orders are done by the customers on iPad's, inputting their choices and sending them directly to the kitchen. This allows for customers to have very little interaction with any servers, as well as saving time on the restaurants end; however, even more striking is their method for preparing food. Done entirely in slow-cookers, every option at Kamado melts in your mouth. My personal favorite option, the Reverse Seared Pork Bomb, falls apart at the touch of your fork with beefy goodness.
10. Burgerfi (Regional Chain)
Featuring natural, hand-crafted burgers and Shakes, Burgerfi is perfect for both non-vegetarians and vegetarians alike. With their logo stamped right into every bun, Burgerfi feels like a personalized experience with every visit. On top of their natural style, Burgerfi burgers are also delicious, and the melt-in-your-mouth patties impress every time. Additionally, Burgerfi features options for those not inclined to eat meat, including lettuce-wrapped non-beef patties.
