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Featured Restaurant News

• What is best than Merritt’s Grill in Chapel Hill? (Hint: there is just one right reply.) Answer: two Merritt’s Grills in Chapel Hill. That’s proper. We obtained phrase this week from Matt Baker that Merritt’s Grill will open a second location subsequent Friday – working out of the clubhouse at Finley Golf Course. Look for ample seating, TVs, a very nice patio, a full bar, and tons of parking. Kind of provides new that means to the Double BLT! And sure, they’re open to the general public. Visit Merritt’s here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• We first advised you about this again in March, however we realized this week that Biddy Thomas, positioned in Gateway Plaza subsequent to Union Special (2409 Crabtree Blvd.) started lunch and dinner service this week (began with dinner service final evening). The menu affords up recent Southern fare with a nod to New Orleans, seasonal craft cocktails, and banana pudding that’s already making a reputation for itself! Margaret Soler’s idea blends a myriad of concepts below one roof. In addition to the eating, the spot additionally incorporates a retail part that includes items equivalent to taking part in playing cards, stationery and desk calendars; in addition to a recreation space for visitors to get pleasure from. The identify is a nod to Soler’s grandmother. This week’s hours: Friday: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday: Brunch from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Follow along on Instagram.

• Got phrase from Raleigh Magazine that the not too long ago closed Tucker Street Diner spot in Smoky Hollow won’t sit empty for lengthy. The journal shared the thrilling information this week that husband-and-wife house owners Bryan and Reghan Haven of Iris Coffee Lab will open their subsequent enterprise, Madeleine Coffee + Bread, in that spot. The new bakery-meets-cafe idea will deliver world-class espresso, cold-fermented bread and pastries to the neighborhood. Look for them to open earlier than yr’s finish based on the journal. Follow their progress on Instagram here.

• We first advised you about this again in March, 2025, however realized from the News & Observer this week that Monya Ramen opened in Raleigh subsequent door to sister restaurant Sushi Mon, marking the primary growth for the favored sushi bar led by chef and co-owner Chris Lee. Located within the former Sost spot, it incorporates a ramen and noodle bar on one facet, and an Izakaya (aka a casual-atmosphere gastropub) on the opposite. The menu options each a conventional and modern Japanese
  made-to-order ramen, together with a curated number of sake, beer and soju. They are positioned within the Glenwood Exchange growth, simply contained in the beltline on Glenwood Avenue. Get to know them here.

• Celebration at Six Forks in North Raleigh will quickly have two new tenants based on the Triangle Business Journal. Bagel Dock Express plans to open November 1st at 7365 Six Forks Road, suite 745. In addition, Koi Sushi & Hibachi, a Japanese restaurant based mostly in Durham additionally signed leases. Visit Bagel Dock Express here right here and Koi Sushi & Hibachi here.

• Also in Raleigh, reader Rachael Geedey noticed an indication for a brand new Rita’s Italian Ice on the nook of Hardimont and Wake Forest, proper in entrance of Thai Twist in the identical procuring middle as Aldi. Rita’s web site says ‘coming soon’ and an Instagram account for the placement posted the identical factor in mid-June with no additional updates. Thanks Rachael! Visit Rita’s here.

• Got phrase this week that the parents behind Shinmai Shokudo and Shinmai Kumo in Cary are on the brink of open their third idea, Shinmai Moku, within the new part of Quail Corners procuring middle later this July (nook of Millbrook and Falls of the Neuse roads). Moku is an intimate Japanese yakitori and izakaya impressed by the evenings discovered all through Japan, the place folks collect round charcoal grills to share skewers, small plates, and drinks with associates. Their aim isn’t simply to open one other restaurant, however to deliver a extra genuine yakitori expertise to North Carolina by craftsmanship, environment, and hospitality. Best to follow along on Instagram here.

• Up in Rolesville, caught wind of the truth that Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar is opening a brand new location in Rolesville on the Cobblestone Village growth, bringing genuine regional Indian delicacies to the downtown neighborhood. They will likely be positioned at 101 Rolesville Center Road, Suite 121. Visit Lime & Lemon here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• From the parents that introduced us Knucklehead BBQ up in Mebane, they’re sweetening the pot a little bit with the opening of Konehead, the sweeter facet of Knucklehead. In the identical constructing as Knucklehead, the idea affords up premium ice cream, loaded sundaes, milkshakes, desserts, and loads of treats which are, effectively… silly candy. Join them tomorrow, Saturday, July twenty fifth, at 401 E Center Street in Mebane for his or her Grand Opening from 11 a.m. till 8 p.m. Stop by and take a look at Mebane’s latest spot place the place associates and households can collect, have a good time, and fulfill their candy tooth. Follow along on Instagram here.

• Over in Durham, we noticed this week that La Santa Modern Mexican Food expanded to downtown Durham at 110 Corcoran St, bringing its fashionable trendy Mexican dishes and craft cocktails following a delicate opening yesterday (July 23). It is delivered to us by the parents behind La Mala, which has operated in the identical Durham constructing since 2022. Visit them here.

• Also in Durham, Chicken Salad Chick is formally opening in Durham on Tuesday, August 4, at 6807 Fayetteville Road. Pro tip: they’re making a gift of free hen salad for a yr to the primary 100 visitors in line! This location is owned and operated by multi-unit franchise house owners, Mike Saccone and John Schuster. They additionally personal and function the Raleigh and Cary places. Durham will mark their third restaurant to open. Visit them here.

• The News & Observer shared the information this week concerning the rising line-up of eating choices at Chapel Hill’s University Place – with the announcement that Texas-based Whataburger had utilized this previous June for a 2,074-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru at 219 S. Estes Drive, subsequent to Circle Okay. This comply with up on the current information that Postino, with a wildly profitable location in Raleigh’s Village District, may even quickly be part of the lineup in University Place. Visit Whataburger here.

• With energy now connected, Sabine Farer-Buers has efficiently accomplished the transfer of her extraordinarily fashionable “coffee house” – transferring the espresso gem SaBean’s Coffee simply a few miles from their former location adjoining to Captain John’s Dockside. She is now positioned alongside 15-501 on the former gasoline station on the nook with Andrews Store Road. Please check them out on Instagram here.

, Closings

• After simply 18 months, Tucker Street Diner in downtown Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow growth has closed. James Park additionally owns Peak City Diner in Apex and The Shiny Diner in West Raleigh, which stay open.  

• Over in Durham, Glenn Gillen shared that after 7 years Koki has closed. That’s the dangerous information. The excellent news is you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from their Puerto Rican delicacies at their location in Morrisville (10970 Chapel Hill Road). Follow them on Instagram.

• Gillen additionally shared that Killer Queen Wine Bar has closed. Again, that’s the dangerous information. The excellent news is their Wine Club lives on. And probably a KQ popup! Join their wine club here.

Food Trucks

• The last Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will likely be held from midday to 4 p.m. on September 27. You’ll discover foods and drinks at over 30 meals vans in addition to inflatables and household enjoyable for all ages. It will likely be hosted at Durham Central Park (500 Foster Street, Durham). Go forward and mark your calendar. Get all the details here.

• Looking to seek out your favourite meals truck (or stalking them and easily don’t need to need to admit it)? We perceive. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• This is sort of enjoyable! Wednesday, aka hump day, is known as that for a cause. You want a little bit additional to get to the second half of the week – and so Eastcut Sandwich Bar, with places in Durham (3211 Old Chapel Hill Road) and Raleigh (1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Suite 126), is throwing you a little bit assist. Stop by any Wednesday morning for Wired Wednesday the place you will get a free scorching or iced Black & White Roasters espresso with a breakfast meals buy. Consider this an indication to spend Hump Days at The Cut, attempting out our new-ish egg sammies and zeppole. Visit them on Instagram here.

• This is the ultimate weekend of Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week which lasts by July twenty sixth. From skyline cocktails to neighborhood favorites and thrilling new discoveries, you’ll discover unique prix fixe menus, chef-crafted specials, and limited-time affords all through Downtown Raleigh throughout this celebration. Get all the details here!

• On Sunday, July 26 at 7 p.m. on the Southern Village Green in Chapel Hill, Porch will likely be jamming out and gathering meals donations to help the greater than 800 households they serve. This summer time they’re offering additional meals out there to assist households make ends meet till youngsters are again in colleges receiving free and lowered meals within the fall. If you possibly can, please assist youngsters have all of the nourishment they should have a cheerful summer time? Here are our most-needed objects: Hearty snacks; Pasta sauce (plastic jars please); Maseca; Condiments (ketchup, mayo, salad dressing); Cooking oil, and Nutella. Reach Porch here.

• The Left Hook Coffee store is holding their grand opening at its Hargett Street cafe with a circus on Saturday, August 1. Located at 912 E Hargett Street, on the nook of Hargett and State, you’ll get pleasure from native distributors/artists/makers, dwell music, native meals distributors, dwell display printing, “circus” actions, wrestling, and extra. An enormous congratulations to Kristin and Nick! Follow along on Instagram here.

• Chef Caleb Vasquez, previously of Stanbury and Longleaf Swine, will likely be cooking a pop-up dinner at 5 p.m. August 2 at Boatman Spirits Co. Enjoy 4 programs of Chef Caleb’s Izakaya-inspired meals, alongside three cocktails from the Boatman Spirits crew. Menu particulars: Otsumami platter: an assortment of consuming snacks, together with sashimi, togarashi boiled peanuts, gai lan aemono (hearty greens in thick sesame dressing, tomato ohitashi and Japanese pickles. A Take on the Classic Japanese Rice Bowl: Wild Ramp Scotch Egg, XO Sauce, Spicy Seaweed Aioli, Eel Sauce, Ramp Karashi, Sushi Rice. Seared Duck Chashu, Blackberry Ponzu Beurre Blanc, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, Rosemary Oil, Candied Shiitake and Kaiware. Butter mochi, Edible Flower, Persimmon Curd, Matcha. Tickets price $125 per individual. Boatman Spirits Co. is at 713 Seaboard Station Drive in Raleigh. Get tickets and all the details here.

• Cary’s Peck & Plume is celebrating its third personal choice Maker’s Mark bourbon with a sequence of dinners and particular occasions from Aug. 7-8. The bourbon was crafted throughout The Mayton management group’s third barrel-selection journey to Kentucky. Here’s the lineup of particular occasions: Bourbon Release Dinner: 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7. Kick off Bourbon Barrel Weekend with an intimate night celebrating the discharge of Peck & Plume No. 3. Enjoy a guided tasting of all three Peck & Plume Private Selection bourbons earlier than having fun with a four-course dinner by Chef Tyler Trice within the Redbud Room. The price is $200 per individual. Saturday Pig Pickin’ + Bourbon Release: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 Celebrate the discharge of Peck & Plume No. 3 with a buffet of barbecue favorites, traditional sides, drink specials and the primary probability to style and buy this unique bourbon—all set on the out of doors Terrace overlooking Downtown Cary Park. Tickets: $45 per individual. Bourbon Pairing Dinner: 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8. Continue the celebration with a chef-curated four-course dinner paired with Maker’s Mark bourbons. Hosted within the Park Room, this intimate night highlights thoughtfully crafted dishes alongside distinctive whiskey. The price is $150 per individual. Make a reservation of buy tickets for each event here.

• Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner within the Meadow occasion on September thirteenth for a fundraiser that helps the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, a non-profit group that helps small farms in North Carolina. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Stop Summer Hunger when your present doubles! The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina presently has a $100,000 match till July 31! For youngsters, summer time needs to be a time of play and relaxation. But for too many native households, it’s a time of fear as a substitute. When faculty breakfasts and lunches cease for the summer time, mother and father on an already-stretched funds are challenged to fill the hole. Thanks to some beneficiant associates, each greenback of your present in the present day will double, as much as $100,000, to fund our summer time meal packages so that youngsters will be youngsters. Because of our purchasing energy and relationships with native meals suppliers, each present, of any dimension, will go a good distance. Every $30 can feed one youngster two youngsters for a month! Every $90 can feed one youngster two youngsters all summer time! Consider a donation today!

Featured Restaurant News

• With nationwide dialog surrounding Standard Time, we’re extra right here within the Triangle-area concerning the opening of Standard Beer + Food. The independently owned restaurant group behind the longtime Person Street spot, opened a second location this week, Standard NHID, at 560 St Albans Drive in North Hills. A shift from Person Street’s QR-service, no-reservations mannequin, the North Hills location is full service and reservation-friendly. The menu, developed by Executive Chef Andrea Cardella, builds on Standard’s fan favorites whereas introducing wood-fired cooking and a uncooked bar. The smash burger carries over from Person Street, alongside new NHID dishes together with the Standard Tavern Burger, Swordfish Schnitzel, and Bar Steak. The kitchen works with native companions together with Raleigh City Farms, Joyce Farms, and Fox Farm & Forage. The bar program at Standard NHID options six slushies on faucet (together with an Espresso Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, and Painkiller), together with home and visitor beer, a low-intervention wine record, and a craft cocktail menu. Get by today!

Wake County Restaurant News

• We first advised you about this again in June, however realized this week that Clouds Brewing has now opened within the former location of Tobacco Road Sports Café positioned at 505 Jones St. They are celebrating their first weekend (Friday and Saturday) and you’re invited to affix them from 4-10 p.m. each days for nice drinks, tasty bites, and good vibes. They are beginning with a restricted menu because the group perfects the Clouds means, however all the things on supply is crafted to impress. Swing by the primary bar, seize a beer, and be among the many first to expertise Clouds of their latest location! Visit Clouds here.

• On a current drive down Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, I seen that Beignets & Brew has opened on the bottom flooring of the Stanhope constructing (3001 Hillsborough Street). They serve scorching, fresh-made beignets with numerous toppings (like strawberry cheesecake and caramel) together with specialty coffees, teas, and breakfast croissants. With places all around the Eastern United States, that is their first enterprise into North Carolina. Visit them here.

• Over on Western Boulevard, buddy Hugh Autry reached out to me to let me know that we are going to quickly have a brand new Pizza Hut location, nestled between Wendy’s and Dunkin’. No phrase but on an open date. Visit Pizza Hut here.

• And only a few months after opening their first Triangle-area location in Durham, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a Mexican-fusion idea, opened its latest location in Cary based on Triangle Business Journal. Located at 337 Sembler Lane within the Ambery Place Shopping middle, they serve up greater than 12 varieties, together with Papi Hibachi steak and shrimp burrito, the crispy buffalo hen quesadilla, Nashville scorching crispy hen burrito and the California steakhouse burrito. They have places throughout 14 states. Pick your burrito here.

• Got phrase this week that the parents behind Shinmai Shokudo and Shinmai Kumo in Cary are on the brink of open their third idea, Shinmai Moku, within the new part of Quail Corners procuring middle later this July (nook of Millbrook and Falls of the Neuse roads). Moku is an intimate Japanese yakitori and izakaya impressed by the evenings discovered all through Japan, the place folks collect round charcoal grills to share skewers, small plates, and drinks with associates. Their aim isn’t simply to open one other restaurant, however to deliver a extra genuine yakitori expertise to North Carolina by craftsmanship, environment, and hospitality. Best to follow along on Instagram here.

• And we realized this week that Sully’s Misfits Kitchen at 213 Fayetteville Street in Fuquay-Varina is now open and serving up good eats and drinks. Self-described as a Massachusetts-inspired dive bar kitchen serving North Shore roast beef, South Shore bar pies, wings, and luxury meals from in all places. Best to get to know them on their Facebook page here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Thanks to a tip from Glenn Gillen, we realized that Kristine Suh and her associate Andrew Mehring have formally opened Dosirak Outpost, a Korean-style comfort retailer at 307 W Main Street within the coronary heart of downtown Durham. The retailer is stocked with Korean snacks, cabinets of noodles, Asian stationery, drinks, kimchi from native vendor Spicy Hermit, gochujang, and a wide range of different objects. Grab-and-go choices stocked with kimbap, rice bowls, soups, and different scrumptious eats are coming quickly, simply ready on metropolis allowing. Get by and see for yourself.

• Also in Durham, the News & Observer reported that Ideal’s Sandwich & Grocery, one among the Triangle’s finest eating places, has been open solely three hours a day, Thursday via Monday. It typically sells out far sooner than that. That has all modified, because the Durham restaurant has doubled its hours and is now open from midday to six p.m. And based on the N&O reporting, breakfast is on the way in which. Visit them here.

• At the tip of final month over in Durham, Woody’s Bar-B-Q opened their tenth location and their first in North Carolina at 3500 N Roxboro Street. Founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1980, they’re most well-known for his or her slow-smoked child again ribs, pulled pork, and signature burgers. Thanks to reader Ian Fetterolf for bringing this to our consideration. Visit them here.

• Also in Durham, reader Tim Decker tipped us off to the truth that we’ll quickly have our fourth Triangle-area location of LongHorn Steakhouse. It is transferring into the previous Chili’s location on the Renaissance Center shopping center close to The Streets at Southpoint (6917 Fayetteville Rd.). Visit LongHorn here.

• Just throughout the county line from Chapel Hill in Chatham County, espresso gem SaBean’s Coffee has moved to a brand new location, simply a few miles from their former location adjoining to Captain John’s Dockside. She is now positioned alongside 15-501 on the former gasoline station on the nook with Andrews Store Road. Please check in on Instagram here earlier than going as a result of ultimately verify Sabine was nonetheless ready on energy to be connected.

, Closings

• David McCreary shared the unhappy information that La Grassa Pastificio, an Italian bistro positioned at 908 Northeast Maynard Road in Cary’s Reedy Creek Square procuring middle, has closed resulting from “overwhelming health issues.” Chef/Owner Robert Reynaud has battled critical kidney illness for a lot of months. Please preserve him and the workers affected by the closure in your ideas and prayers.

• In Raleigh, reader Rebekka Mastin noticed an indication on the door of Stromboli’s Express on Spring Forest Road indicating they’d closed after 21+ years.

• My “everything Durham” man Glenn Gillen, shared with me that Afters Dessert Bar in Brightleaf Square is closing on the finish of this week.

• Also in Durham, we realized that after 10 years, Durty Bull Brewing Co. will likely be closing their doorways in Durham on the finish of September.

• And the Herald-Sun reported that Annexe, subterranean lounge and cocktail bar, would shut on the finish of the week after a 6-year run.

Food Trucks

• The last Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will likely be held from midday to 4 p.m. on September 27. You’ll discover foods and drinks at over 30 meals vans in addition to inflatables and household enjoyable for all ages. It will likely be hosted at Durham Central Park (500 Foster Street, Durham). Go forward and mark your calendar. Get all the details here.

• Looking to seek out your favourite meals truck (or stalking them and easily don’t need to need to admit it)? We perceive. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• This is sort of enjoyable! Wednesday, aka hump day, is known as that for a cause. You want a little bit additional to get to the second half of the week – and so Eastcut Sandwich Bar, with places in Durham (3211 Old Chapel Hill Road) and Raleigh (1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Suite 126), is throwing you a little bit assist. Stop by any Wednesday morning for Wired Wednesday the place you will get a free scorching or iced Black & White Roasters espresso with a breakfast meals buy. Consider this an indication to spend Hump Days at The Cut, attempting out our new-ish egg sammies and zeppole. Visit them on Instagram here.

• Yesterday kicked off Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week – July sixteenth by July twenty sixth. From skyline cocktails to neighborhood favorites and thrilling new discoveries, you’ll discover unique prix fixe menus, chef-crafted specials, and limited-time affords all through Downtown Raleigh throughout this celebration. Next week, they’ll begin unveiling taking part eating places, together with The Willard Rooftop Lounge, with many extra to come back. Stay tuned to see who’s joining this year’s list!

• Join the parents at Figulina in downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, July 22 for a night celebrating the launch of “On the Road in Piemonte”, a two-volume labor of affection written by our very personal Wine Director, Jeff Bramwell, with Jay Murrie. Inspired by the meals, wine, landscapes, and other people of one among Italy’s most fascinating and numerous areas, the night’s à la carte menu will characteristic a mixture of dishes featured within the e-book alongside traditional Piemontese preparations and some playful interpretations from Chef David Ellis and Guest Chef Nate Garyantes. There are nonetheless a handful of reservations obtainable for dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Come increase a glass, have a good time an unimaginable accomplishment, and spend a night exploring the flavors of Piemonte. Get all the details on Instagram here.

• On Sunday, July 26 at 7 p.m. on the Southern Village Green in Chapel Hill, Porch will likely be jamming out and gathering meals donations to help the greater than 800 households they serve. This summer time they’re offering additional meals out there to assist households make ends meet till youngsters are again in colleges receiving free and lowered meals within the fall. If you possibly can, please assist youngsters have all of the nourishment they should have a cheerful summer time? Here are our most-needed objects: Hearty snacks; Pasta sauce (plastic jars please); Maseca; Condiments (ketchup, mayo, salad dressing); Cooking oil, and Nutella. Reach Porch here.

• The Left Hook Coffee store is holding their grand opening at its Hargett Street cafe with a circus on Saturday, August 1. Located at 912 E Hargett Street, on the nook of Hargett and State, you’ll get pleasure from native distributors/artists/makers, dwell music, native meals distributors, dwell display printing, “circus” actions, wrestling, and extra. An enormous congratulations to Kristin and Nick! Follow along on Instagram here.

• Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner within the Meadow occasion on September thirteenth for a fundraiser that helps the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, a non-profit group that helps small farms in North Carolina. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Stop Summer Hunger when your present doubles! The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina presently has a $100,000 match till July 31! For youngsters, summer time needs to be a time of play and relaxation. But for too many native households, it’s a time of fear as a substitute. When faculty breakfasts and lunches cease for the summer time, mother and father on an already-stretched funds are challenged to fill the hole. Thanks to some beneficiant associates, each greenback of your present in the present day will double, as much as $100,000, to fund our summer time meal packages so that youngsters will be youngsters. Because of our purchasing energy and relationships with native meals suppliers, each present, of any dimension, will go a good distance. Every $30 can feed one youngster two youngsters for a month! Every $90 can feed one youngster two youngsters all summer time! Consider a donation today!