April 205

COULD YOUR CAR BE NEXT?

2025 American Dance FestivaL

We invite you to gather your friends and family to experience a spectacular season of dance! June 12–July 26

Tickets On Sale April 29

From pregnancy and childbirth to mammograms, menopause and more, the care is as compassionate as it is comprehensive. Covering everything and anything female from outpatient and inpatient surgery to specialty and subspecialty care, and the most advanced technology. After all, when it comes to you, your health and your family, you’re the decision maker. And the decision is clearly WakeMed Women’s. WakeMed Women’s

wakemed.org/womens-services Your children. Your family. Your health. Your well-being. Your place.

APRIL

65

MILLENNIAL MAVERICKS

Meet our cast of 30-somethings leading the charge locally—from media to arts, hospitality to real estate, business to government and beyond. 77

RM’S HOT TICKETS

From hot-ticket concerts and epic fests to arts, theater, comedy and more, Raleigh’s lineup is stacked. Here, our bucket list worth clearing your cal for.

BUZZ

17 AT A CROSSROADS

Six Forks delay?

18 GRAND THEFT AUTO Is your car a target?

21 COUNT YOUR CHICKENS Egg prices frying wallets

22 IT’S HIGH TIME Buzzy new bevs taking over

24 CROWD CONTROL Front-row rules

26 RANT Enough noise ordinances!

28 BE SEEN Spotted at local events

31 PEOPLE ARE TALKING Who’s on the move

EAT

33 SUPER SCOOPS New North Hills gelato spot

34 SNACK ATTACK Fair food year-round

35 SWEET TREATS Indian desserts at Seaboard

36 FRESH YET FAMILIAR Cortez adds a dose of culture.

39 OUT OF THIS WORLD Five Points wine bar landing

40 BUBBLING UP Boba tea is in.

41 NEW BERN MADE NEW Foodie concepts debuting

42 FOODIE NEWS

DO

45 STAYING ON THE GRIND Skating exhibit coming to COR

46 NEW + NEXT Your calendar best bets

50 COMIC RELIEF Comedy having a moment

52 GETAWAY Beantown

54 FIVE OUTSIDE 5 must-do’s outside Raleigh

STUFF

57 OFF THE ICE Jarvy on the record

60 GENERATING CONFIDENCE Serum for growing (hair) pains

61 SPRING INTO ACTION Spring ’25 wardrobe picks

62 RETAIL FIX Makers, goods, hot spots

63 PODCAST PICKS In our Millennial Mavericks’ queues

EXTRAS

91 DINING GUIDE Local restaurant review

Explo Downtown Raleigh

Gel pedicures are pretty—until your toenails come off. … A growing trend, the consequences of those perfectly polished toes could result in permanent damage—or even extreme injury and deformity (true story). So, before that spring salon sesh, get polished up on what you need to know raleighmag.com/2023/05/gel-pedicure-dangers.

→ THE LATEST BUZZ

You’ll be the first to know what’s trending, what’s dropping and what everyone’s talking about.

→ NO FLUFF

Just raw, unfiltered no-paywall content straight to your inbox to keep you in-theknow between issues

→ EXCLUSIVE STUFF

Think insider scoop, early access to secret drops, special offers, perks + more

What’s the thing people do at concerts that pisses you off the most in terms of ruining your experience?

Streaming the show via FaceTime like it’s bootleg 2.0

Holding your phone up so I can’t see and filming the entire concert

Yelling “Free Bird” at the artist

Publisher Gina Pearce Stephens gina@raleighmag.com

Editor-in-Chief

Melissa Howsam melissa@raleighmag.com

Senior Designer

Alex Crotti

Account Executive

Debby Serena

Associate Editor

Lauren Kruchten

Assistant Editor

Heidi Reid

Editorial Intern

Peyton Masilun

Spilling drinks on me

Pushing and shoving to get to the front in a general admission venue

Being tall in front of me, since I’m so short ��

Contributing Writers

Laura Brummett

Elliott Harrell

Abigail Mason

Emily O’Brien

Jillian Olsen

People standing in front of me recording every song

Shoving past without saying excuse me

Peoplestepping onmytoes

Throwing drinks

People SCREAMING the lyrics the whole time

Contributing Photographers

Albright Studio Food Seen

Sean Junqueira

Forrest Mason Media

Jennifer Robertson Photography

Steady Film Productions

Susan Holt Photography

People who bring massive signs and hold them up for a majority of the concert

People taking really long videos

Raleigh Magazine is published 10 times a year. RM is not responsible for unsolicited material. Such material will become the property of RM and is subject to editing and digital use. Reproduction of this magazine in part or in whole is prohibited without the express consent of the publisher. To contribute: RM welcomes your ideas. Please send ideas and comments to Melissa Howsam at melissa@raleighmag.com for consideration. Queries are accepted for feature stories, photographs and calendar events. Subscriptions: Raleigh Magazine is available at various locations throughout the city; you can also subscribe for $20 annually (10 issues).

100 S. Harrington St., Raleigh, NC, 27603 919.805.4698 | raleighmag.com

MANIFEST DESTINY

I USED TO LAY on a bench in grad school between classes and daydream about one day being editor of a city magazine in this very city. One didn’t exist yet, but that’s the thing about manifesting—alongside a heavy dose of sheer grit and persistence. Shoutout to Publisher Gina Stephens for making our city’s namesake publication a reality.

Now celebrating our 10th year, in this issue we’re thrilled to shine a bright light on a cast of best-in-class 30-somethings who, across all sectors, have turned ambition into action and ideas into impact—and they’re just getting started. Theirs are no doubt names you’ll hear for decades to come. Meet them in “Millennial Mavericks” (p. 65).

That kind of star power is precisely what we see in breakout Canes sensation Seth Jarvis. Get acquainted with the man behind the mustache in our sit-down with the Canadianturned-Raleighite scoring machine (“Jarvy Unlocked,” p. 57).

While Jarvy’s stock is rising, so too are those breakfast staples. With egg prices continuing to render us shell-shocked, we dive in—from high-rolling huevos to whether setting up a flock in your backyard is all it’s cracked up to be (“What the Cluck,” p. 21). And in other buzzy talkers, Associate Editor Lauren Kruchten delivers a prescient piece on hemp-derived bevs having a moment—fueled by a downturn in drinking + the Surgeon General’s advisory that there is no “safe” amount of alcohol to sip (“All Buzz, No Booze,” p. 22).

And in our annual edition dedicated to the top tickets over the next 365 days tempting your cal—and wallet—we dive into the Cap City’s popping entertainment appeal, from comedy having a moment (“Divine Comedy,” p. 50) to how not to behave at a concert (“Concert Etiquette 101,” p. 24) to our curated list of must-attends (p. 77).

Until next time, thank you for reading—and if you don’t already, I’d love for you to give our weekly Tuesday-drop pod Office Talk w/ Raleigh Magazine a listen—available wherever you get your podcasts.

Melissa Howsam melissa@raleighmag.com; @mahowsam

THURSDAYS | 6PM – 9PM MIDTOWN PARK

APR 10 North Tower Band

APR 17 Band of Oz

APR 24 Liquid Pleasure

MAY 1 The ToneZ

MAY 8 The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra

MAY 15 The Chairmen of the Board

MAY 22 Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot

MAY 29 Jim Quick & Coastline

JUN 5 The Catalinas

JUN 12 Too Much Sylvia

JUN 19 Blackwater Band

JUN 26 The Embers ft. Craig Woolard

WEDNESDAYS AT 6PM IN MIDTOWN PARK

APR 2 Midtown Yoga

APR 9 Pure Barre

APR 16 Hometurf

APR 23 Burn Boot Camp

APR 30 WOLF Fitness

MAY 7 YoBa Studio

MAY 14 Dose Yoga

MAY 21 MADabolic

MAY 28 Title Boxing Club JUN 4 Oak & Iron Fitness

JUN 11 MADabolic JUN 18 FlowCorps

Breaking Bonds?

By Lauren Kruchten

Six Forks at a standstill? The long-planned expansion of one of Raleigh’s most heavily trafficked thoroughfares just hit a massive roadblock with the projected spend soaring from $56.1M to $93.5M, driven by rising construction costs and a thriving real estate market. Originally part of the city’s 2017 $206.7 million transportation bond, that hefty price tag pushes the project way over the originally allocated $60M budget.

“We could reallocate the funds to another transportation project,” says At-Large Raleigh City Councilor Jonathan Melton, “but typically, in the past, we’ve used the remaining funds to advance the project and get it ‘shovel ready.’ Then we identify options for construction. I’m willing to consider all options to make sure this project is delivered to the community; they’ve been waiting a long time.” Next month, city staff will deliver next steps to City Council. Stay tuned on whether the city will move forward or hit the brakes.

RPD SHIFTS GEARS

New task force puts the brakes on car theft.

By Melissa Howsam

GONE IN 60 SECONDS: It’s not just a famous heist flick, it’s a reality playing out on Raleigh streets—and nationwide. And it’s precisely what the Raleigh Police Department Auto Theft Task Force is designed to solve.

Mobilized in June, the task force has already seen measured success—so much that the new police chief plans to make the team permanent, says Lieutenant JC Black, who heads up the special unit. “Chief [Rico] Boyce has had a hand in the creation of this team from the very start,” Black tells Raleigh Mag in a sit-down interview. “He was our operations deputy chief when we discussed

implementing this team and has been extremely supportive.”

An epidemic spurred by the viral TikTok Kia Boyz challenge showing how to swipe Kias and Hyundais with a USB cord, carjackers run the gamut from joyriding juveniles to organized crime rings employing 007-worthy tech like key programmers. “When we started heavily focusing on the Kia Boyz challenge, that opened this whole world of organized car theft groups to our department—and departments around the country as well,” shares Black.

And if it’s got wheels, it’s fair game. While Infinitis, BMWs and Mercedes are among the makes getting hit locally, Hyundai, Kia and Dodge top the target list. Fasttrack felons move from dealerships to driveways, including a recent crime ring spree at dealerships swiping Dodge Chargers,

Challengers and high-end Jeeps; and a masked summer parking deck heist at Midtown’s luxe apartment tower The Eastern.

Once snatched, gearshift grifters clone the cars and hock them on Facebook Marketplace and the like for a quick and easy buck. “It’s a lucrative business for them,” notes Black. “They turned to this type of criminal activity

because the punishment is less severe. You’re not dealing with a rival drug dealer who might potentially kick down your door.”

Further fueling incentive, the National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates every crime has an 80% vehicle nexus, says Black.

“Someone has to drive to the scene. We’ve identified stolen Hyundais and Kias utilized in violent crime—shots fired into occupied homes and several incidents where individuals were shot. We know by targeting these, we’re going to have an overall impact on violent crime in the city.” Continued next page...

DON’T BE A TARGET

If it all feels a little Fast & Furious, here’s how to stave off the steal.

TRACK IT:

Install LoJack or hide Apple AirTag or similar device with disabled speaker to prevent detection and enable recovery

POWER OFF:

Unattended idle cars are theft magnets—and against the law.

9PM ROUTINE:

Exterior home lights on and security cameras recording, valuable/ firearms removed, vehicle locked, doors and windows shut, check for/report suspicious activity

DON’T ARM THIEVES:

Cars with guns are targets.

UPDATE SOFTWARE:

Prevent “Kia Boyz” theft methods with dealership software updates to Kias and Hyundais.

REMOVE PARTS:

Remove start relay or fuel pump fuse to secure Dodges and Jeeps.

LOCK STEERING:

RPD provides free locks for Kia and Hyundai owners.

Beyond your casual joyride, there’s a handful of lucrative tactics employed to strip, smuggle or scrub the cars to make bank.

TITLE WASHING TACTICS

From Bond-like techniques to brainiacs, auto bandits can be very sophisticated, says Black. One such trick, title washing is employed to erase a car’s stolen past. By swapping VINs and registering vehicles in multiple states, they create a paper trail that hides its true identity, culminating in a clean title for an unsuspecting buyer. As state title laws vary, tracking these scams can be difficult, says Black. “We’re recovering cars from all over the place: Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida. We recovered a $187K Lamborghini Urus stolen out of Texas registered to somebody here.” Cars jacked here that aren’t recovered in the first few days likewise turn up in places like Charlotte, Virginia, Georgia and Florida. “This is something that is certainly connected throughout the U.S. with some of these organized core theft groups. It’s wild.”

SMUGGLED & SHIPPED

From driveways to docks, U.S. ports are pipelines for stolen cars shipped overseas for big bucks, says Black. Packed into containerships, these hot wheels are funneled to West Africa—usually Ghana—where their price tags multiply fourfold, fueling a lucrative black market.

CHOP SHOP STING

Turning stolen cars into untraceable parts, chop shops are still a thing, but RPD is cracking down and making it harder for thieves to cash in by working closely with the NCDMV License & Theft Bureau to track, raid and dismantle illegal operations.

GRAND THEFT AUTO: RPD Auto Theft Task Force pictured with recovered Lamborghini Urus and Jeep Wrangler

Ultimately, no matter the payoff, it’s a high-stakes chess match. “We were very quiet about our organized car theft group investigations early on because we really wanted to target them and get them off the street,” says Black. “But with everything we do, information ends up in search warrants and police reports, and when those investigative techniques get out, they try and get one step ahead of us—think theft methods, technology, etc. It’s certainly a game of cat and mouse.” But no matter how fast they pivot—RPD’s working to stay ahead of the curve.

WHAT THE CLUCK

Sky-high egg prices are scrambling breakfast and hatching a DIY boom.

By Elliott Harrell

EGG PRICES ARE CRACKING RECORDS—period.

Thanks to widespread bird flu, the January U.S. average dozen price of $4.95 appeared to have just been the appetizer, as the price jumped yet again in February, setting a new record of $5.90/dozen. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture expects prices to soar another 41% this year.

The outbreak is affecting local businesses as well, with restaurants forced to up the cost of breakfast, brunch and other egg-heavy items. Spots like Watkins Grill and Ex-Voto in the Durham Food Hall have already made the change.

“Despite the insane cost of eggs, we’ve done our best to hold off and not change the price of our breakfast burrito,” Ex-Voto shared in early March. “We’ve operated at a loss for seven weeks, but we’ve gotta do this price bump.” After some debate, the go-to graband-go Mexican hot spot decided against shrinking its popular brekky wrap because “we’re not McDonalds” and messing with product consistency is just not an option. Now up from $12 to $15, the “Crunchwrap Factory” promises prices will go down as soon as the yolk economy settles.

In addition to high-rolling huevos and the like, the spike has hatched a home movement: backyard chickens. Rental services (yes, they’re a thing) like Rent The Chicken are booming, while such local hatcheries

CHICKS DON’T LAY EGGS:

Full-grown hens? You could see eggs in a week. But if you're starting with chicks, get comfy—your first bounty is six months away.

$TEEP STARTUP:

Chicks run only $5–$20ish each—but their real price tag? A coop can set you back anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

HENS GOTTA EAT TOO:

With five fowl on egg duty, Wake Forest’s Renee Miller shells out $50 for chicken feed every ~six weeks.

HOA CRACKDOWN:

Raleigh’s cool with chickens, but better check your covenants before you ruffle any feathers.

IT’S A JOB:

“[Chickens] are relatively low maintenance,” says Miller, “but they’re still animals. I have to care for [them] and consider them our pets.”

SAVINGS SCRAMBLED:

Miller’s hens crank out ~30 eggs a week—aka ~10 dozen a month, matching a $50 bill at the grocer. But when you

FARM-FRESH ALTERNATIVES

Skip the grocery store for these fresh egg ops around town.*

S&L Farm, available at Midtown Farmers Market: $9/dozen

Yellow Dog Bread Co., Seaboard & Person Street District: $6/dozen, sourced from Hillsborough’s Latta’s Egg Ranch

Rebus Works, Warehouse District: $7/dozen sourced from MrytleBee Farms; available direct delivery twice a month for $8/dozen within allotted delivery area

MAE Farm, available at State Farmers Market every day: $6/dozen for extra-large brown eggs; ostrich, goose and quail eggs also on offer

Juicekeys, Quail Corners: $9.95/dozen from Oxford’s The Fatted Calf Ranch; also available for farm pickup and at The Franklinton Market

Pope Farms, Knightdale: $7/dozen, buy at the farm from the self-serve box

Grasshopper Farms, Knightdale: $7.50/dozen, buy directly from the farm

Valley Love Farm, available at Holly Springs Farmers Market: $8/$9/$10/$11 for a dozen medium/large/XL/ jumbo eggs

*Pricing and availability as of press time

All Buzz, No Booze

THC and CBD beverages have surged in popularity— now they’re bubbling up all over Raleigh.

By Lauren Kruchten

GONE ARE THE DAYS when conversations around THC, CBD and hemp—even marijuana—are murmured in a whisper. Now, at almost any Raleigh bar, bottle shop, brewery or restaurant, you’ll find a hemp-derived bev (key word: hemp, which is legal in NC). While THC and CBD drinks aren’t new, they’ve exploded in popularity over the last year-plus, with a bevy of local businesses either brewing their own or adding multiple ops to their menus.

And, no, this isn’t just a Dry January remnant. At an ever-growing clip, people are turning to these NA options as an alternative to alcohol—especially on the

heels of the new Surgeon General warning echoing the 1964 smoking report: “Even light to moderate drinking can contribute to cancer risk,” linking it to at least seven types of cancer.

But cropping up even prior, young American adults are progressively drinking less, with 59% of adults under age 35 reporting they drink, per a 2024 Gallup poll, down from 72% in the 2000s—and nearly half of Americans are planning to cut back in 2025. While mocktails certainly had their own NA moment, consumers seeking to take the edge off are realizing these THC tonics serve up similar effects to, say, a glass of wine— sans the hangover.

“THC drinks are being refined and are definitely an option a lot more people are choosing,” says Hibernian Hospitality Group mastermind Niall Hanley, who recently added local delta-8 and delta-9 THC Groovewagon cans to its roster. “Such products are making a move into the

booze market for all the reasons people know—easier on the body, no hangover, less damaging side effects. It’s definitely a growing sector.”

Once a stigmatized swap, these “cannabevs,” as Groovewagon co-owner Reilly Dunn calls them, are becoming more mainstream and accepted, even among high-end restaurants that before would turn their nose up to them for fear of “attracting the wrong crowd.” Think from such trailblazers as Irregardless to F&B spots like Johnson Street Yacht Club, Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, and The Bend—even Stanbury and East End Bistrot, where GM Greta Montellano says patrons are “definitely destigmatized” and warming up to them.

That mindset shift really comes down to education and exposure, as Dunn and Groovewagon co-owner Sasha Klimczak explain. “It’s been really exciting to see it move from the perception of THC as this sketchy thing where you have to meet some

Trophy Brewing’s Starry Eyes THC/CBD seltzers are just one of many new offerings locally.

dude in the parking lot of a Harris Teeter to [getting] it at the same family-friendly establishments that are selling alcohol,” shares Dunn.

Local breweries are hopping on board with their own offerings. Seeing the hype at State of Beer, Trophy Brewing released its first line, Starry Eyes, earlier this year via two canned ops and one draft, crafted with equal parts THC and CBD in fruit-forward flavors like grapefruit and strawberry lime.

“Some people aren’t drinking or changing the way they’re drinking,” says Trophy co-owner Chris Powers. “We want to be accommodating to that—we’re beverage people; we’re connoisseurs; we like to try new things. It just makes a lot of sense for us to do our own.”

Incendiary Brewing also released its Seditious hemp-infused seltzer with 10mg delta-9 in February, and both Brewery Bhavana and Element Gastropub have plans in the works to drop buzzy drinks later this year. For those still craving spirits, Whiskey Kitchen, Bowstring and Irregardless are already mixing up THC cocktails—with a THC spirit line by Groovewagon in the works to boot.

“The only way this thing is going to be as powerful as it can be is when people expect that anywhere they go is going to have an alternative that does something,” maintains Dunn. “It doesn’t need to be weird, it’s perfectly reasonable—and the audience is everybody.”

Fast Facts

→ THC drinks can contain anywhere from 1mg to 100mg+.

→ THC can come up in a drug test.

→ Age to buy: 18+

→ THC has a psychoactive that produces a “buzz” effect, while CBD has more calming properties.

RED FLAG

Fans filming entire show on an iPad held overhead

Audience hurling water bottles—prompting a bottle-cap ban

How to not be that person at concerts

By Heidi Reid

If you’ve bought concert tickets lately, you no doubt have paid the price. Scalpers and fees aside, costs have climbed 19% post-pandemic. Fans keep showing up—even waiting in uberlong online queues to boot—but when shelling out for live music, they expect the show to be worth it.

That vibe, though, is only as good as the audience. As a former Raleigh venue employee, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the crowd absolutely makes or breaks a show for everyone: fans, artists and staff.

So as the first shows of concert/fest season kick off at Raleigh’s biggest outdoor venues this month with big names like Tyler Childers, Pearl Jam and The Kooks, we all want the most for our money. For a crash course on what not to do, we rehash behavior gone bad across a host of local/viral incidents.

Deafening crowd chorus

Spectator chucked a camera at Lacy and hit him square in the torso

Fans stuck around after like they paid rent.

Crowd posted up in the pit with massive signs

VENUE

Lenovo Center

BASIS FOR BLAME

Those behind you don’t want to watch the show through your grainy screen.

Coastal Credit Union at Walnut Creek

Would you want to get hit in the head by a flying object?

CFG Bank Arena Baltimore

Violence isn’t the vibe.

Red Hat Amphitheater

No one paid to hear you sing.

Orpheum Theater New Orleans

Coastal Credit Union at Walnut Creek

This isn’t dodgeball.

Qudos Bank Arena Sydney Olympic Park

You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.

Didn’t pay for a view of the back of a sign begging for a free vacation.

Keep Raleigh Fun

IF YOU LIVE IN DTR and complain about noise, grow up. Or don’t live Downtown—period. I am tired of constantly reading about new noise ordinances among all the chatter of breathing new life into Downtown. Clearly some locals are all about revitalizing our city’s core until they are minorly inconvenienced. And it’s getting old.

We should want our city to grow and flourish. And living in a bustling city means not every neighborhood is going to cater to your exact sleep schedule. Stop whining and let Glenwood South stay fun. It’s an *entertainment* district—and no one is forcing you to live there.

A little extra noise means people are buying drinks, tipping our bartenders and getting food from vendors at night—and enjoying our restaurants, streets and small businesses during the day. We should be welcoming them with open arms and encouraging this support for our service and retail industries. And the “noise” under scrutiny is, most of the time, from our local bands, DJs and musicians. If we want to be taken seriously as a great city to live in and visit—on par with New Orleans and Nashville—then why are we threatening businesses and smothering culture? Glenwood South is nowhere close to Bourbon Street or Broadway—yet here we are silencing it.

Reviving Downtown and ensuring the area thrives means supporting all businesses and ventures, not just ones you feel cater to your individual lifestyle. Keep complaining and DTR will go back to being a ghost town—and then you killjoys will probably complain about that too.

So, to City Council: It’s time to stop pandering to a select few at the peril of many. Just let them be mad—or, better, let them leave. Noise is part of living in a cool city. If you want to “keep Raleigh boring,” please go to a neighborhood that is already boring and keep your complaints to yourselves.

–A fellow Glenwood resident

This rant has been lightly edited for style and space and is not endorsed by Raleigh Magazine. Email it to melissa@raleighmag.com for print consideration.

GOT A RANT OR RAVE?

NEW SWEETGREEN RIPPLE FRIES

RIPPLE FRIES have arrived, bringing a fresh take on a fast food classic to Sweetgreen’s menu. As the first national brand to offer air-fried fries made without seed oils, Sweetgreen is proving that even the most iconic comfort foods can be reinvented with cleaner ingredients and healthier cooking methods. Light, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, Ripple Fries are designed to complement Sweetgreen’s bold, chef-crafted menu while staying true to the brand’s commitment to real, high-quality ingredients.

Best known for its fresh salads, hearty grain bowls, and protein plates, Sweetgreen is redefining fast food with meals made from scratch using

responsibly sourced ingredients. Since opening its first location in 2007, the brand has grown to over 240 locations across the U.S., including its newest Raleigh restaurant in North Hills. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation, Sweetgreen continues to expand while staying true to its mission of making craveable, nourishing food more accessible.

Now available nationwide, including at Sweetgreen North Hills, Ripple Fries can be ordered in-store, through the Sweetgreen app, or via the website.

TRIANGLE WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE

Over 50 winemakers and 30 chefs from around the country culminated in Raleigh for this tasty 32nd annual affair Jan. 30–Feb. 1, complete with 30 community wine dinners, a VIP party at Death & Taxes, a food and wine tasting event and live auction, and more. Altogether, the weekend raised $3 million for the Frankie Lemmon School (!).

by

IRREGARDLESS 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

And they don’t look a day over 30! … Irregardless celebrated 50 years with a party Feb. 24 feat. sips, bites and live music by Peter Lamb and guests. Gov. Josh Stein even proclaimed it Irregardless Restaurant Day!

Wake Tech went on safari for its eighth-annual themed IGNITE event March 4 at the Raleigh Convention Center, during which 800 business and community leaders gathered to hear how the school is transforming and impacting lives via educational journeys.

by

People ARE Talking About

Raleighites making moves

Heather Gray Interim General Manager WRAL-TV & FOX 50

TRANSPORTATION

Michelle Jeng Chief Financial Officer GoTriangle

Cheetie Kumar Vice President Board of Directors Independent Restaurant Coalition

Meredith Rutledge Marketing Director Sunstates Security

Joy Malone Chief Information Officer GoTriangle

Saanchika Weerasinghe Chief Financial Officer Brightly Software

Jay Matthews Executive Director The Oaks at Whitaker Glen

Anne Hurd Interim CEO ALS United NC

Angel Johnson Director of Homeownership & Stewardship Services Raleigh Area Land Trust

Pack your bags for fall! This unforgettable immersion culinary trip is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts, wine collectors, professionals in the industry and for those looking to experience and taste Spain as a local.

+ FAIR FOOD FIX + WHAT’S POPPIN’ + OUT OF THIS WORLD

BREAKING THE ICE

We all scream for brand-new gelato shop Tifa at North Hills. p.38

MIDWAY MUNCHIES

Fairgrounds food hall bowing next year

By Lauren Kruchten

LET’S BE REAL —the NC State Fair is basically a food festival in disguise. And, soon, you won’t have to wait until October to venture to the grounds for some good eats and drinks. Expected to break ground this summer with a slated opening ahead of the 2026 Fair is Midway Event Center, a two-tiered food hall with a full bar—plus indoor/outdoor seating.

Once completed, the project will boast eight permanent stalls for food vendors with breakfast, lunch and dinner ops, as well as four stalls existing fair food vendors can maximize during the annual event (candied oatmeal pies, Buffalo mac bowls, Alaskan king crab pops?!). While those eateries are still in flux, NC State Fair Director Kent Yelverton promises a great mix.

“We’re the State Fair, so we certainly want to appeal to all demographics— from families to afterwork gatherings,” he says. “We want everybody to feel comfortable and want this to be a gathering place.”

And it certainly will be a place to gather during the fairgrounds’ 300+ events a year, encouraging those festivity-fueled travelers to

stay longer or check out multiple events while they’re already on the grounds—or venture out for a meal on any given day. In turn, the food hall promises to bolster the relative food desert as part of the up-and-coming Blue Ridge Corridor as a whole given its current lack of F&B options.

“We do see a need in the area,” maintains Yelverton. “We know there are other projects that will contribute to that down the road as well, which we support and see as complementary to what we’re doing.”

That daily foodie traffic is a definite win-win for the NC State Fair and the entire local community, providing a lively hub for diverse sips + snack selects while “adding to activity on the fairgrounds by having the food hall open every day,” Yelverton adds. And just like that, a sleepy city corridor is waking up—one bite at a time. ncagr.gov

Sweet Spot

Seaboard Station’s new Indian dessert cafe

By Peyton Masilun

IN INDIA, SWEETS ARE A WAY OF LIFE. And the same rings true for AMMI’S, a new Indian dessert cafe at Seaboard Station next to Bad Daddy’s. From the owners behind Cary’s cherished Cilantro Indian Cafe, the sweet retreat is dedicated to more than just indulgence—it’s a love letter to family, tradition and the simple joys of a shared treat.

Translating to “mother,” AMMI’S draws its inspiration from co-owners Mustafa Ansari and Rumie Rahman’s mothers, both of whom have an undeniable sweet tooth and a penchant for treating dessert as a full-fledged meal.

“Whether it’s a new job, a raise, an acceptance letter, a graduation, an engagement, a wedding or a newborn,” says Rahman, “every joyful moment begins with something sweet. ‘Mooh meetha karo!’ is a phrase we say to share happiness through sweets. They symbolize new beginnings, success, love and all the good things in life.”

AMMI’S keeps the family tradition of indulging in and creating new desserts alive via an enticing selection of cakes and desserts. The menu also includes perfectly spiced chai and curated savory faves from Cilantro’s menu—think standouts like the ever-popular samosa chaat, chicken and steak samosas, and lentil soup.

With a footprint one-fourth the size of its sister restaurant, AMMI’S is intentionally intimate, evoking the warmth of a family kitchen where flavors tell stories and every bite carries nostalgia. “Sweets paired with snacks and chai have been the heart of so many cherished moments we have spent together,” says Rahman—“they turn our simple gatherings into lasting memories.”

So whether you’re stopping in for an afternoon pick-me-up or lingering over chai and sweets with friends, AMMI’S is meant to feel like an extension of home. And with that, the new dessert cafe is poised to become Raleigh’s go-to spot for a little extra sweetness in life. ammisnc.com

Feeding Diversity

Raleigh chef breathes new life into former Cortez space.

By Lauren Kruchten

TIMING IS EVERYTHING, and change is inevitable. So while Raleighites were distraught over the announcement of beloved nee-2017 Glenwood South restaurant Cortez’s closure, owner Charlie Ibarra realized it was time for a fresh start. And, luckily for him, former Oro executive chef Kevin Ruiz was also ready to carve a new chapter.

The dynamic duo, who maintained their connection after working together at Cortez, are joining forces once again to open Cuya Cocina Latina in the now-closed space (upstairs Cuya Bar will remain unchanged). Anticipated to open in April after an interior/ exterior reno, the concept will cater to Raleigh’s changing population, as both Ibarra and Ruiz have noticed an influx of people from not only

around the country, but from other parts of the Caribbean and Latin America—specifically Puerto Rico, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.

“It’s made me think there’s not a lot of restaurants that cater to them in our city

right now—and definitely not in Downtown,” observes Ibarra. “With Glenwood South an evolving street, I just thought, as much as I love Cortez, it was time to make a change—and I didn’t think this new direction made sense with the Cortez name and what Cortez was doing.”

Fittingly, the interiors will complement the cultures through warm earthy tones, patina elements, colorful tiles, greenery and wood textures, altogether crafting an intimate yet lively vibe. Think “Abuela’s house, but modernized,” dubs Ibarra. The chef’s kiss? A retractable all-season pergola slated for

this summer, transforming the patio into a weatherproof oasis.

The menu will likewise reflect those cultures in dishes such as ceviche, Cortez-throwback char-grilled oysters, Peruvian steak dish lomo saltado, lobster mofongo, and esquites-style

At Wendell Falls, every day is an adventure and every night feels like a getaway. Dine with friends at the Farmhouse Café, stay active at our 24/7 fitness center, or unwind by the saltwater pool. Wendell Falls offers more than a home— it’s a lifestyle.

BrookfieldResidential.com/WFRaleigh

corn ribs. Empanadas will also star, pulling from myriad influences—think Caribbeaninspired and a Mexican-ode quesabirria version—and additionally appear on the latenight menu (10pm to midnight).

The uberpopular Cortez smashburger will also remain, alongside reimagined takes on octopus and gambas—the popular menu item Raleighites begged to retain, shares Ibarra. For its part, the bar program will also play to PanLatin cultures via Caribbean rums, Mexican agave spirits like tequila and mezcal, and such South American potables as Peruvian pisco and Colombian aguardiente. Those bold flavors come to life in fresh, vibrant handcrafted cocktails—much like at upstairs bar Cuya— from mojitos and piña coladas to pisco sours and frozen cocktails (one with agave and one with rum).

“We’re really trying to bring everything together,” says Ruiz. “Cuya is now one living thing with two different sides to it. We want it to be thought of as two places—like ‘I just finished dinner and now I want to go grab some cocktails upstairs.’”

In essence, Ibarra and Ruiz’s new Cuya Cocina Latina proves that sometimes a positive shift can unlock a world of new flavors and opportunities. You just have to get on board. @cuyacocina

with Cabana & Grilling Stations

• Playgrounds, Parks, Trails & Dog Park

• Shopping & Dining at Nearby Treelight Square, Including Publix©

• Located Just 3 Miles to Downtown Wendell & 15 Miles to Downtown Raleigh

Superb Scoops

Sweets lovers, gear up for gelato, chocolate, pastries and more.

By Lauren Kruchten

THERE’S PEOPLE WHO LIKE ICE CREAM, and then there’s local Sean Dill, a bona fide ice cream lover who’s opening the first Raleigh locale of Tifa Chocolate & Gelato in the Captrust Tower in North Hills this summer. After spending his childhood making homemade ice cream with his family using the old-school ice and salt bucket method, Dill always joked ice cream was going to be his retirement plan.

Now, after buying his own professional-grade ice cream maker during COVID and later leaving his job in health care occupational management, the frozen dessert connoisseur is making that dream a reality via Tifa.

“When I was in grad school getting my MBA, I had a professor say, ‘If you want to make people happy you don’t go into management, you sell ice cream,’” recalls Dill. “That’s really

stuck with me—and having spent seven years in operational management, I can confirm at least half of that statement.”

Dill and his wife were introduced to the Tifa family and immediately hit it off, eventually signing with the franchise in June of last year. He says the Raleigh locale—complete with indoor and outdoor seating on a loungey mezzanine—is one of multiple stores he plans to open in the greater Raleigh-Durham market. “I don’t think there’s any better place we could’ve picked for our first location than North Hills,” he emphasizes.

Like all Tifa establishments, the City of Oaks outpost will feature a dozen standard flavors of gelato—think your staples like vanilla, chocolate, and cookies & cream—plus 11 other rotating and seasonal ops churned out of a gelato machine built-to-order in Italy. Additionally, the menu will boast its own signature flavor, which Dill is still fine-tuning.

Confections fans will also be able to relish in artisan chocolates, cookies, desserts and “any type of pastry you could think of when you

sit down for coffee,” says Dill, who hopes to source those from as many local suppliers as possible. With rise, grind and unwind in mind (read: 10am to 7pm), locals, Captrust office regulars and North Hills neighbors can hit pause on the grind with espresso, tea—or a well-earned sugar fix.

Dill’s main mission, though? Crafting a community staple where all walks of life— friends, family, etc.—can gather, connect and vibe. “You never see anybody unhappy at an ice cream shop,” he says. “It’s just a place filled with joy and happiness—and the idea of being a real part of that is really exciting.” Naturally, Raleigh could not be more excited too. @tifaraleighnc

Fun fact: Gelato is whisked with less air, producing a smoother scoop than traditional ice cream. It also has fewer calories, less sugar and lower fat content.

SO STELLAR

New restaurant/wine bar coming to Five Points

By Elliott Harrell

HIGH PARK VILLAGE in Five Points already has a star-studded lineup stacked with standouts like Timber Pizza Co., Seaboard Wine and J. Betski’s—but there’s a new spot poised to hang the moon.

Enter Stellar, a concept by local Mandy Tamplin set to bow this month in the former Taste location. No stranger to restaurants or Raleigh, Tamplin spent nearly 20 years as a wine rep around town before leaving and eventually opening a wine bar in Portsmouth, Virginia, with the same moniker as this new spot.

The oenophile purchased the space with Seaboard Wine owner Doug Diesing, who she met during her early days selling wine in Raleigh, and Daniel Willis. “[Doug] told me about this great place, Taste, that was for sale,” says Tamplin. “And we welcomed the opportunity to work together again.”

Diesing emphasizes Stellar will be a casual neighborhood spot with a cozy interior dishing innovative craft cocktails and modern American shareable plates + elevated comfort food from executive chef Tory Glossner that pull inspiration from across the globe. Diesing will also be curating an out-of-this-world wine list while Tamplin focuses on the food and feel.

“We really just want to be a neighborhood place where people want to come two or three times a week that’s very comfortable—and offers delicious and inspired food and drinks,” maintains Tamplin.

In addition to those, ahem, stellar offerings, the spot will host live music on the weekends as well as a BYO vinyl night to keep the vibes high. And in the not so far away future, Tamplin and Diesing hope to open a pass-through between their two spaces to allow for the likes of winemaker dinners and classes. Houston, we don’t have a problem with this news.

FEELING BUBBLY

Where to sip boba tea in Raleigh

By Jennifer DuMond Zelek

PLAIN TEA IS OUT, BOBA TEA IS IN. Also known as bubble tea, pearl tea and tapioca milk tea, the viral drink—which originated in Taiwan in the 1980s—has exploded in popularity locally, with cafes popping up all over Raleigh. The infinitely customizable flavored beverage featuring trademark chewy tapioca pearls comes in a variety of flavors—from classic black tea to fruit flavors like lychee. Further upgrades include flavored foams, adjustable sweetness levels, and toppings running the gamut from flavored jellies to popping boba. Here, where to *pop* in around town to get your boba fix.

Moore Square District budacai.com

Southwest Raleigh bumbleteanc.com

NEW New Bern

Trio of concepts aims to revitalize a sleepy strip.

By Elliott Harrell

A VERITABLE CORNUCOPIA of new dining options is set to transform a once-ignored section of the New Bern Corridor. Enter the 1601 New Bern Avenue development, anticipated to begin unfolding as early as

It’s “a blank canvas with a lot of potential,” says Squeeze juice bar and cafe’s Wes Woody, one of the purveyors eager to breathe life into the area, alongside taco concept Que Pashoo Tacos & Bar and neighborhood bar Blotto. “There’s an opportunity here to shape the culture and create a real community hub.” In short, the trio of upcoming heavy hitters is poised to serve this East Raleigh corridor a major upgrade.

Get ready to squeeze in some liquid gold. Beyond fresh juices, expect customizable smoothies and acai bowls, lunch salads and sandos, plus coffee to keep you fueled—all making for the perf outpost to yap with friends while you feed the vibe, not the regret. @squeeze.raleigh

Expect to get “drunk” (aka “blotto”) on good times via rounds of pool or some straight chill time paired with “Tried and True” traditional martinis, craft cocktails and beer, natch. Bringing a bar to a relatively, ahem, underserved area, “we’ll be joining the neighborhood as a trailblazer,” says co-owner Jennifer Kolarov—who also runs Neuse River Brewing with husband Ryan—of her excitement to convert New Bern into a happening locale. And for those who prefer an alfresco hang, Blotto delivers via not one, but two outdoor patios. And when the snackies hit, come prepared with BYO bites or look out for the occasional food truck. @blottonc

QUE PASHOO TACOS & BAR

Rounding out the trifecta is this taco restaurant and bar serving a range of tasty + authentic fiesta folds and craft cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. “Our goal is to bring something special to this community,” says co-owner Ruth Guerra—“a space where people can connect, celebrate and enjoy incredible food.” So you can come hungry, stay late and let the tequila (er, good vibes) flow. @quepashoonc

4/5

Raleigh Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival

NC State Fairgrounds chocolatewinewhiskey.com

4/6

Drag Brunch

Raleigh Beer Garden ctheraleighbeergarden.com

4/6

The Raleigh Crawfish Festival Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard raleigh.bowstringbrewyard.com

4/11

The Art of Wine: Seeing Red NCMA vitishouse.com

4/12

Pimento Cheese Festival

Downtown Cary Park downtowncarypark.com

4/12

Tacos ’N Taps Koka Booth Amphitheatre boothamphitheatre.com

4/19 NC ’Cuegrass Festival Downtown Raleigh cuegrass.com

4/20 Easter Brunch Buffet Vidrio vidrioraleigh.com

4/25–26

I dip, you dip, we dip... into decadence at Simons Says Dip This’ new Raleigh location, officially open at Bloc[83] scooping up 24 Belgian chocolate dip flavors and tons of toppings.

RIP. After a decades-long run, one of DTR’s most iconic establishments, 42nd St. Oyster Bar, officially closed its doors March 30.

The bad news: The Architect Bar & Social House has permanently closed after 13 years. The good news: The Merchant is moving in, converting its old location into an events/catering space, while The Green Light will remain open and unchanged.

FOODIE NEWS

Big pretzel energy is coming to Raleigh! Crofton’s Pretzels opens April 26 on South Saunders Street in the former Slice Pie spot, serving up gourmet soft pretzels stuffed with everything from mac and cheese to Nutella to cheesecake.

If you’ve ever craved a snack or drink while hanging out at Dix Park, good news—elevated grab-and-go House of Many Porches Market feat. local vendors is debuting next to the highly anticipated Gipson Play Plaza.

Hurrah for Haraz Coffee House, a Yemeni coffee shop brewing soon on Western Boulevard near NC State with ops like lattes, teas, refreshers, pastries and more.

Tucker Street Diner is now open in Smoky Hollow serving up coffee, allday breakfast (think egg platters, pancakes and waffles), blue plate specials and more.

Sip on this: DTR’s newest coffee shop, Cortado, is now open on Glenwood South. The cafe serves up all your standard coffee + espresso bevs, plus teas and pastries—complete with ample cozy seating.

STUNNING SPECTACLE

By Lauren Kruchten

A FEAST for the eyes and the senses, Peregrine released a first look at its forthcoming 1000 Social space, slated to soar this spring. The brainchild of dynamic duo artist/ filmmaker Patrick Shanahan and NCRLA-celebrated chef Saif Rahman, the highly anticipated behemoth 4,000-square-foot resto evokes an “ancient-meetsmodern” aesthetic.

Designed by first-time restaurateur Shanahan in collaboration with Maurer Architecture, the vibe perfectly complements Rahman’s globally inspired fare. Think standout features like a full-height glass facade, a 10-seat private dining room with floor-to-ceiling courtyard views, handcrafted lighting, handplastered Roman clay walls and Moroccan tadelakt finishes—to name but a few.

“I taught myself these techniques while renovating my own home and found there is a beauty to the imperfect nature of plaster,” says Shanahan of the application. “I fell in love with the look, as well as the process.” The result? A bold, textured space that speaks the same language as the menu: raw, refined, unapologetic— and anything but ordinary. @peregrineraleigh

A two-story wine bar coming to North Hills?! Say less. Dallasbased Sixty Vines is uncorking its vineyard-inspired vibes at One North Hills later this year in the space once set for Limani Grille.

“Where every dish is poetry,” new Indian restaurant Soul Flavorscape is set to dish timehonored recipes—think curry, tandoori, etc.—and craft cocktails in the former Thaiphoon Bistro space on Glenwood Ave.

Live every day like it’s Taco Tuesday when Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey arrives at Smoky Hollow this summer.

“They’re selling chocolate!” Beloved bean-to-bar hot spot Escazu Chocolates is taking over the former Gateway Plaza Craft Habit space.

Slice it up at Slice Pie Company, now open in its new location on North Person Street next to Oakwood Pizza Box, a shared space with specialty cake shop Sugar Euphoria.

Ditch the sad desk lunch. Oakwood Deli is coming to New Bern Avenue with sandwiches that slap.

Peak nostalgia is coming to Glenwood South in the form of Super Rad Retro Lounge, a bar and arcade slated to launch in the former Mojito Lounge space this summer.

Wave hello to the ninth Drift Coffee destination, set to bring bevvies, brekkie and lunch faves like avocado toast and harvest bowls to Hub RTP’s Horseshoe this year.

Craving crepes? Simply Crepes is rolling into the Shoppes at Oberlin Court with its roster of sweet and savory ops like huevos rancheros and bananas & cream.

Forbes Five-Star resto Herons at Umstead flipped the script from its exclusive tasting menu to a versatile a la carte experience with starter, second course, main and dessert ops.

The brainchild of a pair of CAVA vets, Farmside Kitchen just planted its third flag—now serving up farm-fresh fuel at Waverly Place in Cary.

*Sea* food, eat it at Cape Fear Seafood Company making waves in Cary in May—and that crab dip alone is worth the hype.

Raleigh is getting more ruckus— in the best way. Ruckus Pizza is expanding to Leesville Town Center and Quail Corners with its signature pies, wings, Phillys and more.

Fast food—but make it fresh. Diced will be dishing its fresh, made-to-order salads, wraps, and bowls in Holly Springs this spring.

Your late-night tray run is about to get even easier with Cook Out ’s new upcoming Strickland Road spot.

Ancient flavors, modern vibes— Jabin Beverage Company’s canned Sekanjabin is hitting 50+ Carolina retailers.

JOKES ON YOU + WICKED SMAHT + FIVE OUTSIDE

City of Raleigh Museum set to showcase Raleigh skating culture through the decades. p. 51

APRIL

By Peyton Masilun

4/2–6/18

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS

Midweek mood boost? Free yoga and meditation at Midtown Park delivers the Zen you need to power through. visitnorthhills.com

THROUGH 4/6

MORNING AFTER GRACE

Prepare to be charmed by a hilarious and heartwarming take on love and life in a Florida retirement community. raleighlittletheatre.com

THROUGH 4/6

THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL

A powerful journey of home, hope and second chances unfolds onstage at Theatre Raleigh Arts Center. theatreraleigh.com

4/1

NEAL FRANCIS

A connoisseur of retro grooves, the Chicago-based singersongwriter is bringing his soulful sound to Lincoln Theatre. Think Dr. John meets Elton John. lincolntheatre.com

4/4–6

CAROLINA MUDCATS VS. FREDERICKSBURG NATIONALS

Peanuts, Cracker Jacks and Mudcats—oh, my! Five County Stadium is calling for opening weekend. milb.com

4/2

HURRICANES VS. CAPITALS

The North Carolina capital just does it best. lenovocenter.com

4/4–6

NCSU VS. VIRGINIA BASEBALL

The Pack takes on the Cavaliers at Doak Field—because who still fights with a sword in 2025? gopack.evenue.net

4/4 & 6

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

Schemes, love triangles and Mozart’s genius… this opera at Martin Marietta Center is just the drama fix you need. ncopera.org

4/5

DANAE HAYS

TikTok’s “redneck” queen of comedy and music takes the Fletcher Opera Theater stage. martinmariettacenter.com

5

4/5

FANTASIA & ANTHONY HAMILTON

An unforgettable evening awaits as this powerhouse R&B duo delivers soul, swag and Grammywinning vocals. lenovocenter.com

4/6

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

4/5

RALEIGH CHOCOLATE, WINE & WHISKEY FESTIVAL

Stretchy pants: on. Indulge in the ultimate tasting experience ranging from Champagne and fine whiskey to cupcakes, cookies, cakes and more sweet treats at the State Fairgrounds. chocolatewinewhiskey.com

4/6

THE RALEIGH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

Come out of your shell for all-you-can-eat crawfish and live music from New Orleans legend John “Papa” Gros, known for making every party feel like Mardi Gras thanks to his signature funk, rhythm, blues and Americana sounds. raleigh.bowstringbrewyard.com

4/10–6/26

MIDTOWN BEACH MUSIC

Dust off your lawn chairs and dancing shoes for live beach music every Thursday through June. visitnorthhills.com

4/11

Get ready for jaw-dropping dunks and basketball wizardry via these ballers’ immaculate mix of athleticism, entertainment and comedy. lenovocenter.com 4/5–6

4/8

JOJO

It’s not too little too late to see this comeback star at The Ritz. livenation.com

4/10

THE MAGIC OF ERIC EATON

Who says magic is just for kids?

The Merlin Award-winning (think the Oscars of magic) is bringing his mind-blowing illusions and pure sorcery to Raleigh Improv. improv.com

21MARBLES: PARTYOLOGY

Because grown-ups deserve a fun night at Marbles too, release your inner child to sip, create and play like a kid again. marbleskidsmuseum.org

4/11

THE ART OF WINE: SEEING RED

Life’s too short for bad wine. Sip bold reds, savor chef-crafted bites and explore the art of color at NCMA’s exclusive tasting. vitishouse.com

4/11

DENZEL CURRY

Florida’s rap powerhouse is bringing the heat to The Ritz with high energy and hard-hitting bars. livenation.com

4/11–12

ELGAR ENIGMA VARIATIONS

Enjoy a symphonic puzzle wrapped in breathtaking orchestration at Martin Marietta Center. ncsymphony.org

4/11–13

ESL ONE

Esports fans, this one’s for you. World-class Dota 2 teams battle for glory and a $1 mill prize pool at the Raleigh Convention Center. esl-one.com

DREAMVILLE FESTIVAL

Even the best acts take their final bow. … J. Cole’s iconic music fest hits snooze for good after one last run at Dix (see p. 98) feat. such well-known names as GloRilla. dreamvillefest.com

4/15

BEACH BUNNY

Early 2000s nostalgia meets fresh, relatable angst—perfect for screaming in your car, dancing in your bedroom or catching live at The Ritz. livenation.com

4/11–13

JON LOVITZ

From SNL to The Simpsons to Raleigh, this comedy legend stays bringing the laughs as one of the best known comedians for the last 35 years. improv.com

4/11–13

TIM MEADOWS

The “Ladies Man” himself is in town for a weekend of smooth jokes and even smoother delivery at Goodnights in Village District. goodnightscomedy.com

4/12

EKPHRASTIC POETRY WORKSHOP WITH JAKI SHELTON GREEN

Join the NC Poet Laureate and verse yourself in this workshop where you’ll learn to transform brushstrokes into bold stanzas and canvases into captivating couplets. ncartmuseum.org

4/12

NCMA FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: SIROCCO AND THE KINGDOM OF WINDS

Grab the fam, settle in and let this whimsical adventure whisk you away on a breeze of imagination. Plus come early for hands-on mask-making and sweet treats from Captain Cookie & the Milkman. ncartmuseum.org

4/12 GIT ALONG VINTAGE MARKET

Giddy on up for Raleigh’s newest vintage market feat. vintage curators and collectors—plus craft beer, natch. loneriderbeer.com

4/12

HURRICANES VS. RANGERS

What even is a Ranger, anyway? Prepare for the Hurricanes to blow them back to NYC. lenovocenter.com

4/12

PENNY & SPARROW

This folk duo is poised to deliver haunting harmonies so beautiful at The Ritz, they’ll pluck your heartstrings. livenation.com

12

4/12

PIMENTO CHEESE FESTIVAL

The South’s favorite spread takes center stage with pimento cheeseinfused bites, brews and even a pimento cheese-sculpting contest in Downtown Cary. So cheesy! downtowncarypark.com

4/12

TACO ’N TAPS

Tacos, tequila and tunes—what else do you really need?! Head out for a fiesta of flavor across 10+ Triangle taco trucks, taquerias and Mexican restaurants—plus 60+ craft beers, mezcals, margaritas and tequilas. boothamphitheatre.com

4/12–13

NIKKI GLASER

Fresh off roasting Hollywood at the Golden Globes, this “alive and unwell” comedy firecracker is bringing her razor-sharp wit and unfiltered hilarity to the City of Oaks. martinmariettacenter.com

4/12–11/1

MIDTOWN FARMERS MARKET

Discover oh-so-fresh finds from more than 35 local vendors offering everything from fresh produce and meats to baked goods and crafts. visitnorthhills.com

13

4/13

HURRICANES VS. MAPLE LEAFS

Spoiler alert: *Leafs* don’t stand a chance in a storm. lenovocenter.com

4/14, ONGOING

YOGA IN THE PARK

Sun salutation in the sun? Say less. Find your flow with free outdoor yoga at Dix. dixpark.org

4/19

NORTH CAROLINA ’CUEGRASS FESTIVAL

This Raleigh tradition (now in its 15th year!) brings together the best of NC—smoky BBQ, cold beer, and live bluegrass— for one unforgettable day in DTR. cuegrass.com

4/17–19

BILLY STRINGS

Bluegrass, but make it shred. Catch the performer in Cary as he takes tradition, rips it apart and makes it something new. boothamphitheatre.com

17

4/17–19

CRAIG ROBINSON

Leave the warehouse drama behind and get ready for a night that’s smoother than one of Darryl’s keyboard jams. improv.com 4/18

RALEIGH MINIFEST

Big sound, small fest. Catch local indie artists and fresh talent up close at Pour House. bridgingmusic.com

4/25

RALEIGH EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

Reduce, reuse, rejoice—and celebrate Earth Day at Dix Park with music, games, crafts and food trucks. And don’t forget to grab your free tree! weplantitforward.com

4/25

SHREK RAVE

19

4/19

80Z NATION

Don’t stop believin’! The ’80s are so back. Join this electrifying tribute band as they recreate the sounds from the memorable era. raleigh.bowstringbrewyard.com

4/24

THE FRAY

How to save a life? Step one: Get tickets. Step two: Sing your heart out at The Ritz. livenation.com

4/24–26

NCSU VS. CLEMSON BASEBALL

The Pack goes claw-to-claw with the Tigers at Doak Field. gopack.evenue.net

4/24–5/4

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

Book club takes a turn via this comedy about, well, books, friendships and just how messy literature can get—also featuring nods to novels spanning Moby Dick and Twilight. Hint: Reading between the lines is required. theatreinthepark.com

Don your fave Shrek character costume and head to the swamp— er, The Ritz—to dance the night away at “the silliest rave on Earth.” livenation.com

4/25

WARREN ZEIDERS

Grab your “Pretty Little Poison” and get ready for a night of bootstomping anthems as country music’s rising star hits the stage. redhatamphitheater.com

4/25–26

BREWGALOO

NC’s biggest craft beer fest is back with 110+ local breweries, food trucks and live music taking over Downtown. shoplocalraleigh.org

4/25–26

SAINT-SAËNS ORGAN SYMPHONY

An orchestral powerhouse that’s so dramatic, it helped inspire The Phantom of the Opera ncsymphony.org

4/29

STAVROS HALKIAS

It’s Stavvy, baby! The “Dreamboat” comedian, actor and writer is bringing his signature unfiltered comedy to Raleigh. … Come for the laughs, stay for the stache (!). martinmariettacenter.com

4/24–27

TCHAIKOVSKY PIANO CONCERTO Sweeping movements and soaring melodies collide as Carolina Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s brilliance to life at Martin Marietta Center. carolinaballet.com

DivineComedy

Raleigh is becoming a comedy hot spot.

By Heidi Reid

COMEDY is clearly having a moment in Raleigh. Raleighites are eating it up—and comics from near and far keep coming back for more. The first Raleigh Comedy Festival debuted last month with 50 comics across 19 shows; Hopscotch Music Festival added comedians to their 2023 lineup (and came out strong with SNL darling Sarah Sherman as its first headliner); and big industry names like Pete Davidson and Nikki Glaser are casually dropping by Goodnights Comedy Club or Martin Marietta Center.

“These sorts of acts don’t come here unless they know they are going to sell tickets,” stresses Jeff Merritt, executive director of the Centennial Authority. Having watched the local entertainment scene grow over the decades, Merritt credits the comedy boom to many local booking and venue managers having deep roots in Raleigh, coupled with our city’s reputation as a mature market.

“It helps when the scene is familiar, when you know what you are going to get and the staff is receptive to your needs,” he emphasizes. “Visitors and performers are our guests, and if

you are a guest in Raleigh, we roll out the red carpet for you.”

Local leaders in entertainment agree Oak City’s reputation as a live entertainment hot spot is growing, and its diverse audiences encourage the nation’s top funnymen and women to keep local venues booked and busy. “This combination makes it an attractive stop for big names looking to connect with engaged fans in a vibrant community,” says Goodnights COO Brad Grossman.

Raleigh’s booming population definitely bolsters ticket sales, but it’s not just locals showing up and laughing out loud—when it comes to live entertainment, the Southeast is our oyster. “When you look to see where Lenovo shows

have sold tickets, you’ll see places like Knoxville, Richmond and Charleston,” Merritt mentions. “It’s easier to get to Raleigh than ever before.”

Not only is our city accessible, but the art of comedy itself is becoming more attainable as well. Grossman also gave a shoutout to the expansion of comedy on social media as a contributing factor. In addition to local fuel, the internet—and more specifically TikTok—is upending the comedy scene everywhere.

Many comics have taken to the app to launch their comedy careers, with this new age bringing about increased visibility for talent that previously could only be scouted at small clubs. And anyone who loves to laugh is reaping the benefit—especially Raleigh.

An Endless Grind

Coming exhibit highlights local skating from the ’60s onward.

By Heidi Reid

THERE ARE NO REFS, no penalties, no set plays—and almost anyone can do it almost anywhere. Which is precisely why skating has long been a staple sport around Raleigh. Now, further highlighting the subculture is City of Raleigh Museum’s The Endless Grind, a onenight-only preview exhibit May 2 in collaboration with DTR’s nee-1986 skate shop Endless Grind— with a more extensive exhibit bowing by 2027.

The sport’s local history showcase boasts photographs from the ’60s through the ’90s, featuring Fairgrounds contests, NCSU Brickyard skating snaps, and shots of a ramp in the Endless Grind parking lot—altogether bringing the widespread but oft-overlooked lifestyle to the forefront.

While an exceptional documentation of the early days of this culture isn’t always easy to come by, local publications from the time covered all the bases. Enter the State Archives of NC.

Growing up in Raleigh, exhibit organizer Cody Charland regarded the East Jones Street locale as just another building among the puzzle of “super-

serious” government properties into which he’d never need to venture. But after following Olde Raleigh on Instagram—a local account posting a few archived Raleigh photographs weekly— Charland followed the rabbit trail into the archive building, where he stumbled upon the beginnings of the Cap City skating culture.

“We looked at film negatives of thousands of pictures and picked the best—the few we wanted everybody to see,” he reminisces. “It was incredible to see not only skateboarding evolve, but also the city.”

And giving the skating community a leg up is the upcoming Wheel-A-Thon at Conlon Family Skatepark April 12. In partnership with Leadership Raleigh, the fundraiser will get as many people—and wheels—out to the park. Skateboards, Rollerblades, skates and scooters are slated to roll out for four hours straight in support of this look back at—and celebration of—this crucial Raleigh subculture. Get ready to grind! skateraleigh.com

SAVE THE DATE

Wheel-A-Thon Sat., April 12 Conlon Family Skatepark

RDU DIRECT BOSTON

Historic meets hip in Beantown.

By Abigail Mason

BOSTON—AKA “THE HUB,” “Titletown” and “Athens of America”—more than lives up to its many nicknames. Here, history, culture and wicked-good cuisine collide for a unique urban experience that feels at once distinctly American with a touch of European charm— from its walkable streets and stunning historic neighborhoods to its beautiful parks and waterfront. Both timeless and trendy, the cosmopolitan vibe of the city continues to attract all walks of life, lending to its all-around vibrant feel.

History buffs can immerse themselves in the city’s revolutionary roots, while foodies can feast their way through the city’s infinite award-winning restos and bars. And sports fans? Between the Red Sox, Pats, Bruins and Celtics, let’s just say Beantown plays to win. With so much to do, see and devour, narrowing down the must-visit spots is nearly impossible. But if you want to experience the absolute best of Boston, here’s where to start.

DO

FENWAY PARK

You don’t have to be a Sox fan to appreciate the magic of MLB’s most beloved—and oldest!— ballpark. Snag a Fenway Frank, sit above the Green Monster (the iconic left field wall), and belt out “Sweet Caroline” in the eighth. After all, it’s not just a game, it’s a lifestyle. mlb.com

SOWA BOSTON

Packed with galleries, funky boutiques and incredible eats, the Art + Design District in the South End is a creative paradise. Whether you’re an art lover or just a cool vibe connoisseur, there’s something for everyone. Pro tip: Hit up First Fridays to rub elbows with local artists, shop small and try out some of the city’s best food trucks. sowaboston.com

WHALE WATCHING

Fun fact: Thanks to its prime location near the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Boston is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching. Hop on a three- to four-hour

excursion from Long Wharf for a chance to get up-close and personal with the gentle giants of the ocean. cityexperiences.com

EAT

THE BANKS

When in Boston, eat as the New Englanders do. “Celebrating New England past and present,” Chris Himmel and executive chef/partner Robert Sisca’s fresh seafood spot dishes up all of the classics, from hearty New England clam chowder to melt-in-your-mouth lobster rolls. For a good time, roll up on Sundays for jazz brunch feat. an extensive menu of breakfast faves with a New England twist— think fried clams & waffles and lobster hash. thebanksboston.com

SOMAEK

It’s all about family at this James Beard 2025 Best New Restaurant semifinalist near Boston Common, which pays homage to chef Jamie Bissonnette’s mother-in-law—also the casual resto’s official consulting chef. Traditional Korean dishes such as seogogi mandu (beef and scallion dumplings), kimchi jjigae (kimchi The

stew) and jabchae (sweet potato starch noodles) make for an intimate and filling dining experience. somaek.com

FOX & THE KNIFE

Bringing a taste of Modena, Italy, to South Boston, the elevated Italian spot embodies the “spirit of aperitivo” via a curated selection of sharable starters such as housemade ricotta, prosciutto di Parma and harissa-marinated olives. When it comes to mains, dig into the tagliatelle Bolognese, pollo al mattone, pesce fritto or any of the other bold and comforting dishes. foxandtheknife.com

DRINK

BACKBAR

Frequently topping the lists of Boston’s best bars, the eclectic spirit-forward speakeasystyle destination is a hidden gem of the city— literally. Down an alley through an understated orange door, street art-covered walls set the stage for carefully crafted cocktails like the Florida Man, The Kraken and the Jackalope. backbarunion.com

BELL IN HAND TAVERN

Pouring pints since 1795, America’s oldest continuously operating tavern is worth a visit

for a round or two and some tasty pub grub. Enjoy Revolutionary era-themed cocktails such as the Paul Revere Punch and Presidential Maple feat. Jefferson VSB Bourbon (naturally) in a cozy historic brick setting. Ring it on! thebellinhand.com

BLOSSOM BAR AT SICHUAN GARDEN

A little bit of Tiki and a lot of Sichuan, this craft cocktail bar and restaurant located in Boston’s Brookline suburb perfectly encapsulates the art of the cocktail with award-winning sips such as the Gloria (Bacardi Cuatro Años, passion fruit, lime, cinnamon, coffee and mascarpone). Together, the beautiful ’tails and delicate light wood-filled and mint-colored interior make for the ultimate ’Gram-worthy experience. blossombarbrookline.com

STAY

THE LIBERTY HOTEL

It doesn’t get more “quintessentially Boston” than this lavishly renovated Beacon Hill stay. In 2007, the historic and infamous Charles Street Jail ditched its cells for swanky suites, crafting a luxury experience in the heart of the city. Lean into the theme by dining at Clink., Alibi or one of the hotel’s other jailhouse-chic restaurants and bars. libertyhotel.com

THE VERB HOTEL

Rock ’n’ roll is the name of the game at this one-of-a-kind midcentury music lovers’ oasis tucked beside Fenway Park. Relax in a retro-luxe hotel room or opt for a one-of-akind experience in a music legend-inspired Backstage trailer. In addition to the ballpark, the surrounding neighborhood is home to the House of Blues, MGM Music Hall, and ample bars and restaurants. theverbhotel.com

THE LANGHAM

Sleek and sophisticated, this centrally located hotel formerly housing the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston blends the new with the old through thoughtful nods to the city’s history—think art, architecture and other elements. From warming gold and plaid accents to British-inspired cocktail bar The Fed, you can also expect touches of Europe. langhamhotels.com

FIVE OUTSIDE:

Five must-try hot spots outside Raleigh

By Peyton Masilun

1

SWEET TALK CAFE GARNER

Pastel perfection meets Asian-inspired indulgence at this charming cafe dishing out swoonworthy desserts and specialty ’Grammable drinks (like, seriously, your feed will thank you). From fluffy Korean milk-based shaved-ice bingsoo piled high with fresh fruit and mochi to buttery croffles that are the ultimate crispy-meets-flaky treat, every bite is as pretty as it is delicious. And you can’t go wrong pairing with a bright-green matcha or strawberry latte. Sweet tooths, consider this your new happy place. sweettalkcafenc.com

2

BURLINGTON FOOD HALL BURLINGTON

Packing serious flavor into the Alamance County small town is this dynamic food hall shaking up the local food scene with five unique eateries, a fully stocked bar and a buzzy communal atmosphere. With ops ranging from hibachi and boba tea to Turkish street food and Filipino cuisine, there’s certainly something for everyone—plus desserts for those wanting to end their meal on a sweet note. Not to mention regular live music and ample spots to sit and stay awhile both inside or out on the patio. OK, Burlington, we see you! burlingtonfoodhall.com

3

NAN XIANG EXPRESS DURHAM

NYC’s cult-favorite hot spot has officially made its mark in the Bull City as the place to get ~dumped~. A household name in the Big Apple’s dim sum scene, the offshoot of the Michelinrec’d dumpling darling is now serving up its famous xiao long bao (choose from pork, chicken, beef, and crab & pork), crispybottom buns and pot stickers, and rich beef noodle soup right near Duke’s campus. Pro tip: The scallion pancake is also a must-order. A Raleigh location is also in the works—but, until then, you know where to get your slurp on. nanxiangexpress.com

4

ANNEXE DURHAM

Dimly lit, neon-drenched and oozing with funky flair, this underground escape is as electric as its drinks. Tucked beneath its sister bar, Bar Virgile, the upbeat hideaway thrives on tropical ’tails (some literally on fire), late-night grooves and immaculate vibes. Sip a Dragons Breath while DJs spin vinyl and heat up the dance floor, or cozy up in the lounge with next-level bites like crispy fried oysters, steak frites, risotto and a bangin’ burger. So whether you’re there to sip, snack or shake it, Annexe more than delivers. annexedurham.com

5

MOONRUNNERS SALOON GARNER

From Bar Rescue to hometown hero, this lively saloon proves that a little grit—and a whole lot of moonshine!— goes a long way. Serving up Prohibition-era speakeasy meets honky-tonk energy, the oldtimey watering hole is home to the world’s largest moonshine menu—plus ample traditional bar food and Southern comfort selects. Think award-winning wings and burgers, fall-off-thebone ribs, and scratchmade Carolina classics that hit the spot every time (shrimp and grits, please!). While you nosh, enjoy a smoky craft cocktail, catch a live band or kick back with a Mason jar of shine and see what all the fuss is about. moonrunnerssaloon.com

100,000 SF of repurposed warehouse space for Dining, Retail, and Entertainment

Connected by Boardwalks and Breezeways with outdoor gathering spots

Prime location next to Raleigh Iron Works

Exciting tenants like Triangle Rock Club, Mami Nora’s, NOCO Beverage, Tilden Car Care, and Cannonball Music Hall

Site Work Completing Q3 2025—leasing available now!

+ LOCKS TO TALK ABOUT + RETAIL FIX + EAR CANDY

BREAKING THE ICE

JARVY UNLOCKED

Breaking the ice with Canes hotshot Seth Jarvis

By Heidi Reid

WE MAY BE BIG FANS of Hurricanes’ rising star Seth Jarvis on the ice, but off the ice, he’s a big fan of Raleigh—which will serve the Canadian center well, as he’s less than one year into an eight-year contract here in Oak City. During Jarvis’ early NHL seasons with the Canes, the breakout player quickly established himself as an MVP on the rise, and Carolina took notice—with the team signing a $63.2 mill contract in 2024.

But the deal is clearly paying off for both parties. Last season, Jarvy ranked second for the Canes in both goals and points with 33 and 67, respectively. To boot, the 23-year-old became the third member of the 2020 NHL Draft Class to have a 30-goal season, and he also had a hand—and to much chagrin after the initial American W—in helping Canada clinch the win in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal in February.

Answering the call for more about the man behind the mustache off the ice, an episode of Faceoff: Inside the NHL featuring the hockey star is set to air on Amazon Prime in September. Until then, get to know a little bit more about No. 24 when he’s away from the game.

► Does your hefty contract add additional pressure to how you play? I don’t think anything of it. There’s a lot of guys who could probably make more money than me on this team, and we’re all doing the best we can. I just have to be the best version of myself and that’s what I focus on.

► What was it like to represent Canada and play your teammate in the 4 Nations Face-Off? That was a lot of fun—obviously a lot more fun when you win. It was everything I could’ve wanted. The atmosphere was great. Hockey is a way of life in Canada, especially in Montreal, so you feel a little more pressure, but I think everyone on the team knew what we needed to do. I’m just happy we could win. Playing against Slavin sucked about as much as I could’ve expected. He’s shown the world how good of a hockey player he is, and I got to see the forefront of it.

► What has filming for Faceoff: Inside the NHL been like? It’s good, we did a little bit in Montreal at 4 Nations, so I got a little taste of what it’s like. I’m not used to having a camera follow me around, but we’ll start [in March] here. I don’t do anything, so I don’t know what they’re going to film. Right now, the plan is to golf on my off-day. But on the game day and the practice day, I’m not going to change my routine for those guys.

► Your pregame ’fit influence? That would be me. I spend a lot of time on TikTok, and some of the stuff on my TikTok is cool clothes—so I’ve been working on expanding my fashion. When he was here, [Martin] Nečas was a big influence for me. He took a lot of the heat for a lot of the stuff he was wearing, so I could kind of slide in behind him and copy him a little bit. He definitely took the reins.

► Nicknames on or off the ice? Just Jarvy— teammates only though. My older brother was always Jarvy so it would get confused at home.

► Fave local restaurants? I eat a lot of my pregame meals at Vivace, so I’ve spent a lot of time there. I do like Bar Taco.

► Fave local bar and drink of choice? Teets and vodka Red Bull

► Local college sports picks? NC State in football and Duke in basketball

► TV show you can watch on repeat? I’ve watched Shameless a few times, and I’m in the middle of it right now.

► Favorite music ATM?

A lot of everything. Right now, alternative rock. I don’t know if it falls in that category but Tame Impala is my favorite lately. I don’t listen to anything to warm up, maybe just on the bus on the way to games. I’ll usually listen to rap or something like that.

► Hopes are high for the Cup. What will it take to get over the Eastern Conference Hump? A lot of things have to go right, especially in the playoffs. Your power play needs to be on and that’s what we’re working on this year. Getting that figured out will be a big help. You need to get a lot of that right to get to those positions, and I think it’s a matter of time until we get those bounces. And I think we can up our physicality—we have a lot of big bodies, and I think if we play a little bit harder it’d be beneficial.

Back to Your Roots

New luxe elixir looks to restore your confidence one follicle at a time.

By Jillian Olsen

SHEDDING STRANDS can be a real confidence killer. And with doomscrolling spewing seemingly endless suggestions, quick fixes and remedies ad nauseam all vying for your attention, the struggle is real.

It’s a struggle with which Chastity Sullivan is deeply familiar. After a bout with COVID, the Raleighite was met with her perimenopause era and those luscious locks started clocking out— giving her pillow “stranded” fur coat vibes and rendering her shower drain a never-ending hair trap.

As would anyone experiencing the slow-fade, Sullivan checked all the boxes for a reboot—from hormone doctors and supplements to serums and red light therapy in an effort to rejuvenate her hair growth. She was specifically on the hunt for a fix that would detox her scalp, spark regrowth and strengthen her hair follicles, but every oil and blend she tried came up short.

But as they say, adversity breeds invention. Enter her handbatched hair oil. “I started to do a little research and realized there were essential oils and different types of natural ways I can go about trying to fix the problem, as opposed to just covering it up,” says Sullivan.

So, in typical DIY fashion, she combined her know-how with her husband’s entrepreneurial spirit, and, a few individual test runs and trials by friends and family later, regener8 was born. “I noticed a huge difference, just in the way my hair felt—the shedding in the hair—and then within a few months I started to notice the little hairs growing in the front where I was losing my hair,” reflects Sullivan.

Now, with a focus on keeping things local (though a shamp or conditioner down the line isn’t out of the question), she’s sharing the blend in hopes of helping others find a permanent solution to hair loss. The oil is a combination of high-quality natural and plant-based ingredients—think argan, turmeric, avocado, lavender, castor and tea tree—applied directly to the scalp.

While women are at the forefront of regener8’s mission, its benefits leave no head unturned. “I am here,” she shares. “I want to go on this journey with people because I’ve been there.” And looks like now, she’s rewriting the narrative— one drop at a time. Exclusively at ELLA Collective, regener8.co

SpringFever

Revamp your wardrobe for the season of renewal.

By Heidi Reid

SPRING has officially sprung there’s no better way to get into the season’s growth mindset and mood than dressing the part.

Although botanicals are still blooming in the occasional spring wardrobe (this one’s for you, Miranda Priestly), the broader runway focus spotlights texture and cuts—think beading, sequins, exaggerated silhouettes and funky hemlines. As for color, soft pastels bring romance and whimsical charm to mind, edged up with contrasting denims to cut the overly girlish and juvenile aesthetic. Now, time to put some spring in your step and shop these bright picks from local retailers.

A treasure trove of unique locally crafted items—think cards, books and more—await at the NC Museum of History’s spring-slated museum shop on Glenwood Avenue. @ncmuseumhistory

When in doubt, sweat it out. Perspire Sauna Studio is bringing its signature sciencebacked infrared and red-light therapy to Raleigh this year. Can you handle the heat?! @perspiresaunastudio

RETAIL FIX

MAKERS | GOODS | HOT SPOTS

Where to treat yo’self and better

Shifting gears from its shipping container outpost at Lake Raleigh, The Bike Library opening a permanent outpost at Platform Apartments—serving up bike rentals and repairs, plus coffee and a bar. @the.bike.library

athleisure and wellness brand Alo Yoga debuting in the North Hills Main District this summer next to Bartaco. @aloyoga

Marking the end of an era, Logan’s Garden Shop relocated from its ~34-year home at Seaboard Station to the North Carolina State Farmers Market garden center. @logantrd

Get in the ~mood~ for nail salon Mood Raleigh to open at Platform Apartments this summer, bringing with it an elevated approach to nail artistry and design + premium products. @moodraleigh

Go sports! Edge Athletic Company’s new cutting-edge indoor facility is leveling up training for soccer, sports performance, strength, speed and beyond for kiddos to pro athletes and everyone in between. @the_edge_raleigh

Home is where the best thrifted goods are. Enter Honed Home, recently opened inside Heights House feat. a curated selection of vintage furniture, decor, jewelry and other novelties. @honedhomenc

PLUGGED IN

We tapped a few of our Millennial Mavericks for the pods they keep on repeat.

By Melissa Howsam

Modern Wisdom

Cheat code, unlocked. Powered by some of today’s most brilliant minds—from titans of industry to gamechanging entrepreneurs and visionaries—plus host Chad Williamson, Modern Wisdom is the ultimate life playbook.

PICKED BY: Anthony Rapillo, owner/CEO, Layla’s Son Hospitality Group

Anything Ghost

Chasing a thrill? Up the spook factor with eerie firsthand paranormal accounts and ghostly legends the globe over, complete with haunting music—because mood. Dare you to listen in the dark…

PICKED BY: Jose Harvey, founder/CEO, Urban Pothos Houseplant Shops

Therapy for Black Girls

Smart, soulful and supportive—Dr. Joy Harden Bradford delivers your weekly unfiltered dose of mental health matters, personal growth and the small steps that lead to your best self.

PICKED BY: Shirnetta Harrell, founder/executive director, The No Woman, No Girl Initiative

The Skinny Confidential

Dishing the skinny on how to live your best life, this “Him & Her” pod unlocks life’s next level via unfiltered conversations and VIP hacks that run the gamut from business and beauty to wellness and lifestyle tips. Glow on.

PICKED BY: Alexa Rose Carlin, founder/CEO, A.Rose Media

THE SOURCE OF ICONIC RALEIGH STYLE

2068 CLARK AVE, RALEIGH NC, 27605

Raleigh’s 30-somethings are bossing up, leading the charge as tomorrow’s leaders already shaping today’s world. Meet our cast of Millennial Mavericks—across sectors from media to arts, hospitality to real estate, business to government and beyond—who are totally crushing it, promising to be names you’ll hear for decades to come.

By Melissa Howsam & Lauren Kruchten

JOSE HARVEY

FOUNDER + CEO URBAN POTHOS HOUSEPLANT SHOPS

Harvey’s journey is one of resilience. Spurred by a former teacher’s claim that “people like me don’t go to college,” the passionate plant lover and vice chair of the LGBT Center of Raleigh Board of Trustees accepted that challenge and ran with it, opening a greenery business that too provides a space “where people can connect with nature, develop new skills and find small moments of joy in their lives,” he says. Now, five years and two locations later, that little boy whose abusive father destroyed his and his mother’s budding garden attributes his success to “years of learning, adapting and recognizing a need—then taking action to meet it.” At the root, he’s committed to fairness and creating meaningful and lasting positive change throughout the community both through his business and advocacy—and in everyday small moments.

GO-TO BOOK: I’m currently reading Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.

WHOSE BRAIN YOU WANT TO PICK: RuPaul Charles because they are a force within the queer community. They took something they love— something uniquely queer—and brought it into the mainstream despite the pushback.

PASSION PURSUIT: I hope to write two books, a memoir and a children’s book.

TOTAL FLOP ADVICE: I should never feel too satisfied with what I’ve accomplished because someone might take it from me. I’ve learned appreciating both my successes and setbacks is important—growth comes from both.

MAGGIE KANE

FOUNDER + EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A PLACE AT THE TABLE

A force to be reckoned with, Kane’s biggest passion is bringing people together. And she does just that at Raleigh’s pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe A Place at the Table. In serving up a space where diversity vibes and thrives, she noticed something was missing—a place that fed and welcomed everyone in a dynamic safe space—and bridged that gap to national acclaim (think not one, but two appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show). But ever humble, the NC State alumna doesn’t bask in the limelight—nearly declining this honor. “Community has shaped me in every way,” she maintains, “and any impact I’ve had is a direct reflection of the incredible people I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside. This award should go to everyone!”

RANDOM TIDBIT: I have a twin, and she is the coolest person ever. She married a twin too.

TOP TIP: A friend told me a quote similar to Frederick Buechner’s: ‘Your passion meets halfway with the world’s greatest need.’

GUIDANCE TO OTHERS CHARTING A SIMILAR COURSE: Celebrate the small wins and remember the mission. It will be hard, but so worth it. Keep going and lean on the community around you—what you’re building is important!

LIZ MCLEAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HOLT BROTHERS FOUNDATION

A lifelong Raleighite, McLean has “always believed in the power of intentional connections and community building to make our city a better place.” At every phase of her life—from moonlighting as a The Flourish Market stylist to marketing and communications management at The Green Chair Project to a decade of volunteering with + serving as current board member for Band Together— her goal to foster meaningful relationships, bridge gaps, strengthen communities, and create spaces where people feel welcomed and engaged remains. But it was through Holt Brothers Foundation she knew she could create real change—giving back while building something impactful and fulfilling. “I hope to be remembered as someone who brought people together, helped others feel seen and valued, and made a lasting difference,” stresses McLean.

WHO FUELED YOUR PASSION? My mom. From an early age, she showed me what it means to truly give back and build community—she didn’t just talk about service, she lived it and made sure we did too.

PASSION PURSUIT: Less than a year ago, a group of connected 30-somethings got together to talk about ways to foster real in-person connections. That conversation led to Singles Pitch Night, where friends take the stage to ‘pitch’ their incredible single friends.

GUIDANCE TO OTHERS CHARTING A SIMILAR COURSE: Lead with intention, build genuine relationships and always look for ways to contribute. Every opportunity is a chance to make an impact. Say yes to getting involved, show up for your community and don’t be afraid to connect with new people.

LOCAL LEISURE: Catching live music Downtown—I’ve been hanging out at Lincoln Theatre since I was a teen.

MEGAN PATTON

RALEIGH CITY COUNCILOR

DISTRICT B

A catalyst for change, Patton’s plunge into city government hinged on having a foot in two worlds—with a mother relocating to Raleigh to age in place with dignity, and as a mother herself hoping her own daughter can one day call this city home, whether as a sanitation worker or surgeon. “I really wanted to have an impact on making Raleigh a city that works for everyone,” explains the broker of compromise and connection. Now in her second term—and driven by her mantra to “go hard on systems and easy on people”—she’s leveraged her time as a former elementary school teacher, factory manager and gun-sense community advocate to propel her platform to amplify the city in such a way that benefits us all.

TOP TIP: ‘You’re always going to drop the ball sometimes. You just have to know which are rubber and which are glass.’

FUR BABIES: I have two terribly trained fur babies at home, Huxley (a Yorkie) and Fitzgerald (a mini Aussie).

WHOSE BRAIN YOU WANT TO PICK: Ruth Bader Ginsberg

PASSION PROJECTS : When I’m not doing City Council work, I’m a suburban homesteader. I love gardening, sewing and baking bread.

JONATHAN LAMBERT-MELTON RALEIGH CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AT-LARGE

A longtime LGBTQ+ community advocate, the five-year at-large member was the first openly gay person elected citywide, and one of the youngest council members voted in at that time. “Representation matters,” says the board-certified family law specialist, “and I’m proud to have earned a seat at the table.” A founding board member of LGBTQ+ and ally community-based nonprofit sports org Stonewall Sports and co-founder of Stonewall Sports Raleigh, Lambert-Melton aspires to be remembered for making a positive impact in the community and on the lives of others, like through his service as former board member for TLC. “If you see a void and you feel called to serve, believe in yourself enough to raise your hand and try,” he says. “Our city is structured like a nonprofit, and I felt it was time for new leaders to step forward to build a city that works for everyone.”

MO: ‘Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.’

—Conan O’Brien

FAVE FOOD SPOT: So many—but Centro and Gallo Pelón hold a special place in my heart.

SHIRNETTA HARRELL

FOUNDER + EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE NO WOMAN, NO GIRL INITIATIVE

Since 2021, Harrell has helped serve over 7,000 individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness and crises via The No Woman, No Girl Initiative. Ensuring local females and families have access to basic necessities like soap, toothbrushes, tampons, shampoo and the like, the nonprofit most recently expanded statewide in response to Hurricane Helene. “I’m simply trying to raise awareness about a global issue impacting many women and children that is invisible yet so desperately needed,” she says. But, most importantly, the Nashville, NC-native hopes to be remembered not just as a leader who positively affects the lives of vulnerable community members, but “a force that solves problems with tangible solutions, leading to sustainable change for populations who are forgotten about.”

MO: ‘Leaders eat last.’ This is a driving force for my compassion each day to lead others—a concept of true servant leadership that reminds me to always seek the well-being and welfare of any team.

WHOSE BRAIN YOU WANT TO PICK: Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to be elected to Congress. She helped create WIC, was an advocate for education reform and a beacon in helping impoverished communities.

FAVE BAR: Vita Vite is my place to catch up on emails or with friends, enjoy a glass of wine, or host an event—all in one place!

THE 20-YEAR-OLD LIFE HACK YOU WISH YOU HAD: Girl, take up the space. You’re not too much. You’re enough. Follow your dreams. Shake tables. Get folks uncomfortable. Walk with your head up. Never let anyone tell you who you are. You are destined for great things. You are a force. Change lives. Leave the legacy.

WHO FUELED YOUR PASSION? Two people opened my eyes to the idea that younger folks should run for City Council: Matt Tomasulo, who ran in 2015; and Nicole Stewart, who ran in 2017 and served two terms.

DEFAULT BINGE: Breaking Bad

ALEXA ROSE CARLIN FOUNDER + CEO

A.ROSE MEDIA

“It only takes one”—one idea, one opportunity, one connection to change everything for the better. Such is the mantra behind this multihyphenate media maven who flipped the script on adversity when an encounter with septic shock and an induced medical coma gave her a 1% chance to live. Survive and thrive mode activated, she turned limitations into aspirations, building a platform to inspire others as author, keynote speaker, content creator, and founder of the diverse and inclusive powerhouse Women Empower X movement for women in business—garnering the attention of Forbes , among others. Fueled by an innate drive to be present for her twin boys, she launched A.Rose Media, merging her passions for content creation, strategy and impact while demonstrating—alongside WEX—how storytelling and community drive success. In short, Carlin is living proof that “collaboration is more powerful than competition.”

GUIDANCE TO OTHERS CHARTING A SIMILAR COURSE: Your authenticity is your greatest asset—lean into it.

TOTAL FLOP ADVICE: Stick to one thing and don’t deviate.

WHOSE BRAIN YOU WANT TO PICK: Spanx founder and twin mom Sara Blakely—she’s proof you don’t need all the answers to succeed, you just need the determination to start.

SURPRISING REVELATION: I once spoke at Taco Bell HQ and got to make a taco in their test kitchen—with some very questionable ingredients!

KODY KINSLEY FORMER NC SECRETARY HEALTH

& HUMAN SERVICES

Securing presidential appointments by Obama and Trump commands attention. Ignited by paying forward the leg up NCDHHS gave his own family as a child and fully invested in making the behavioral health system work better for more people, the 2018 NC transplant did just that: fighting for Medicaid expansion (read: record pace 600K+ enrollment gain); negotiating a historic $4B medical debt relief bill; securing ~$1B to broaden mental health and substance-use service access; and unlocking greater access to resources in schools, communities and homes the state over. Committed to the notion that “what matters most is getting stuff done for people,” he says of his fulfilling public service: “The work of making health care and government work better for all people is far from over, and I have so much more work to do.”

GUIDANCE TO OTHERS CHARTING A SIMILAR COURSE: It’s hard work— someone will always not approve of your efforts, and you’ll never have all you need. Listen well. Bring folks along. Be patient and focused. Our communities and country need your talent more than ever.

WHO FUELED YOUR PASSION? Gov. Roy Cooper… I had the honor of working closely with him through some of the lowest points for our state’s health. … No matter what was in front of us, his guidance was clear. He centered the

people of NC, and he always had a dad joke ready to go.

FAVE FOOD SPOT: Trophy Pizza: The vibe. The wings.

HOW YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: I’m not interested in being remembered. I’d rather help people forget—forget health care was too expensive and only available to some, forget too many people died from preventable diseases, and forget public services didn’t work well and were too complicated to navigate.

GINNY HAGER

LEASING REPRESENTATIVE HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC.

Since the sandbox, Hager has had an affinity for big buildings and architecture. “I wanted to be part of an industry that influenced the landscape of a city—and be part of discussions on where and why buildings are built and why companies, restaurants and people, etc., would want to be there,” says the NC State alumna. That drive to level up the local community has played out in spades—from roles on Dress for Success of the Triangle, National Association for Industrial and Office Parks, and Blue Ridge Corridor Alliance boards—to name but a few—to her portfolio of ~2 million square feet in 20+ Raleigh office buildings. Outgoing, competitive and determined, Hager relishes every win while relentlessly pushing to shape a better future for Raleigh.

GUIDANCE TO OTHERS CHARTING A SIMILAR COURSE: I’ll steal a line from the singer Aaliyah, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.’

PASSION PROJECT: Playing guitar—I started taking lessons when I was 12, and it’s continued to be a great outlet for me.

FAVE FOOD SPOT: Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen

FUR BABIES: Curlie is my 15YO dog and very best friend. I adopted him when he was 8, and he changed my life forever.

A trailblazer in the design-build field, Patrick has amassed great recognition since founding full-service federal prime contractor Achuti in 2016—from being among the select business leaders the SBA invited to the White House for the Entrepreneur & Innovator summit to earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row. Also part of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe of NC, the driven, resilient and collaborative ECU grad has successfully partnered with nearly every federal agency across the U.S. But if there’s one thing he hopes to be remembered for, it’s being a changemaker right here in Raleigh.

MO: Do it well or don’t do it at all.

YOUR ULTIMATE MEETUP—LIVING OR DEAD? Prince

WHO FUELED YOUR PASSION? My grandmother was a leader who encouraged and inspired me to follow the path to leadership and entrepreneurship.

FAVE FOOD SPOT : Brodeto is my absolute favorite restaurant. The flavors are unmatched.

JANE HARRISON

RALEIGH CITY COUNCILOR

DISTRICT D

Ignited by the 2016 election and the driving force to have “regular, good people run for office,” the concurrent economist for the NC Sea Grant and NCSU College of Natural Resources faculty member sees Raleigh as a “bright spot in the government landscape—and the work we do shapes our region for years to come.” Carving out a legacy for repping Raleigh on all fronts—from preserving democracy to making it safer to bike and walk as a bicycle commuter herself—the PhD scholar was inspired to aim higher and pursue her educational path by her stepdad, soil chemist and professor Dr. Terry Logan. “It’s all hands on deck right now,” she says. “I love my District D neighbors and am thrilled to serve them as long as they’ll have me.”

FAVE BAR: Neptunes—best place to dance any night of the week. We all need a release!

GUIDANCE TO OTHERS CHARTING

A SIMILAR COURSE: Experience as much as possible and look people in the eye. Spend time in nature. Listen without judgment.

TOTAL FLOP ADVICE: You have too much heart.

THE 20-YEAR-OLD LIFE HACK YOU WISH YOU HAD: Go with grace.

GO-TO RETAIL SPOT: Logan’s Garden Shop—I love native plants and Logan’s has a good selection.

CARLY P. JONES

PRESIDENT + CEO ARTSPACE

Deeply committed to fostering creativity and opportunity, Raleighbred Jones has dedicated her life’s work to her MO of “creating fearlessly, uplifting others and leaving every space better than you found it.” Having done just that via former roles with NC Arts Council and Arts Together, and board seats from DRA to Dix Park and beyond, the gregarious multihyphenate witnessed the transformative power of creatives firsthand as a budding performing artist. “I’m dedicated to serving the community that raised me and working every day to make my city better,” she says. “My approach emphasizes pushing boundaries; collaboration; and creating lasting, positive change for those around me.” Laser-focused on mastering the complexities of arts funding, structure and community integration, Jones is hellbent on ensuring more access, support and opportunity for artists of all kinds, from every walk of life. “The diversity of artistic voices is what makes communities thrive, and I knew I wanted to be a part of creating spaces where every artist could find their place.”

TOP TIP: ‘As a working mother and an artist with a creative practice, you can absolutely have it all—just not all at once—when you embrace the journey, not perfection.’

LEGACY YOU HOPE TO LEAVE: A catalyst for change in my community: bold and unafraid—who redefined how we sustain and value the arts, ensuring they remain a vital, transformative force in our world… accessible to all. Everything I do is rooted in honoring those who came before me—my family, my ancestors—by building something lasting and meaningful, ensuring their sacrifices and stories continue to shape a better future.

RANDOM TIDBIT: I am a classically trained singer and a complete nerd for opera and musicals! I make up songs for everything in life.

DEFAULT BINGE: Insecure is my favorite show on the planet and Issa Rae is my hero; SNL is a classic and gives me some levity when I need it; Succession, The White Lotus, and I am a sucker for a good period-drama show like The Crown or Bridgerton.

CLAYTON COLLINS

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

CBRE

A mover and shaker—plain and simple—the three-time Emmy-nominated producer and Telly Award-winner traded Hollywood for the “people business” as a “Rising Professional” at CBRE. “Helping others find their best next chapter in the Triangle community is the most fulfilling aspect of my role,” emphasizes Collins. Building on that dedication, the commercial real estate power-player is also a steward in the community, having served on industry/leadership boards—and now on the board for Caring House, a nonprofit providing Duke Cancer Institute patients with affordable housing and other support; and as a founding member/volunteer of First Tee of the Triangle’s Game Changers Council, which supports youth development through the game of golf. Ultimately, “serving the interests of others above myself is more than a moral platitude, it’s a fiduciary obligation with my clients—and it’s leaving the world a better place for my daughters.”

LOCAL LEISURE: Running the trails of Umstead State Park (I ran the Umstead 100 last year) and attending shows at our local music venues

RANDOM TIDBIT: I played the love interest in Taylor Swift’s music video for “Tim McGraw.”

TOP TIP : ‘It’s not all about who you know, but who knows you. In a relationship business, you have to be relatable first, and there’s no better way to refine your narrative and your gameplan than through building relationships with others.’

GO-TO RETAIL SPOT: Unlikely Professionals has a big-city vibe, unique gifts, cool clothing—and there’s something new to see each time you visit. The koozies they sell are a riot (iykyk)!

CAMERON LAWS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ARTSPLOSURE, FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH

A self-described firebrand, Laws’ passions run deep, showcased through her MO to shine a light on the community’s talents by “elevating the work of others and empowering artists to reach their fullest potential.” Through her professional work, she’s connected creatives with opportunities that further their artistry and careers— even putting these pursuits above her own. “I find it rewarding to see so many thriving in part because of connections I’ve facilitated,” she says. Nevertheless, Laws is a creative in her own right, turning her own artistic vision into impact and honing in on subjects she sincerely cares about—including large-scale festivals like Artsplosure and First Night Raleigh, Sleepy Cat Records’ annual Sleepy Fest, and numerous DTR artistic activations.

GUIDANCE TO OTHERS CHARTING A SIMILAR COURSE: Always make life choices that make you feel truly fulfilled instead of what feels strategic.

FAVE FOOD SPOT: Stanbury will always have my heart. They have nailed the art of high/low, elegant but casual.

FUR BABIES: Most recently I became a dog mom to Norma Jean. We found her on the side of the road after the first 19-degree night of the winter, skin and bones and truly on the brink of death.

RANDOM TIDBIT: You have never met a person better at Super Mario.

ANTHONY RAPILLO

OWNER + CEO

LAYLA’S SON HOSPITALITY GROUP

Homeless to hospitality titan, Rapillo is the poster child for his driving mantra: Failure is not an option. From setting his sights on the restaurateur life while bussing tables in the family restaurant at 14 in Queens to rising to one of Raleigh’s most prolific hospitalitarians behind such palatable powerhouses as V Pizza, Flask, The Side Door, Flour & Barrel, La Taqueria—and more on the way—the grateful gastronome has clawed from rock bottom to reinvention, even including time as an officer for V for Victory. But his driving force isn’t simply launching culinary ventures: “I aspire to be remembered as a mess-up who worked incredibly hard to rewrite their story. A homeless kid from Queens, living in his Nissan Altima in his 20s, shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be here.” But here he is— because beyond necessity, hard and consistent work are the mother of invention. And, clearly, can change your life.

WHO FUELED YOUR PASSION? My late mother, Layla. She taught me the value of hard work and empathy in both life and in business. I pray she’s looking down on me—and that she’s proud.

LEGACY MILESTONES? We’ve awarded sweat equity to partners solely through hard work—100% of our managers have been promoted from within, and we employ 125+ NC locals.

GUIDANCE TO OTHERS CHARTING A SIMILAR COURSE: Embrace every failure. Let it fuel you. Hope for the vision to see life will bring you losses that will eventually—through hard work—turn into wins.

PASSION PURSUIT? The speakeasy I’ve been trying to open on Fayetteville Street for two years

ABBY KELLERMAN

DIRECTOR

CITY OF RALEIGH MUSEUM

Indiana Jones first sparked Kellerman’s museum aspirations—namely one that celebrates local history. Now, less than a year into her position as director, it’s COR Museum’s motto, “Then, Now, Next,” that serves as her main inspiration: “I hope my vision and leadership will lead the COR Museum in a positive direction that embraces our city’s history and culture, and inspires us as a community to think about what we want for the future.” While dedicated to preserving the past, the Pennsylvania native hopes her success will pave the way for future generations. In short, her mission is to ensure the DTR attraction is one where everyone belongs—newcomers, Raleigh lifers and curious tourists alike.

GUIDANCE TO OTHERS CHARTING A SIMILAR COURSE: It’s so important to build relationships before taking action. At the museum we understand, in order to engage our community and [offer programming] that is interesting and relevant, we first need to truly understand our community and listen to their thoughts, interests and needs.

TOP TIP: ‘You can’t pour out of an empty cup. You’ll always be faced with

challenges and negativity, but you need to learn what fills your cup.’

FAVE FOOD SPOT: Two places with good history and good food: Mecca and Players Retreat

DEFAULT BINGE: Like a true millennial, my favorite way to destress from work and life is to come home and watch terrible reality TV—current obsessions are Love Is Blind and Love Island

HOT TICKETS 2025

By Heidi Reid & Peyton Masilun

Life is too short for FOMO—so grab the tickets and file the memories. From hot concerts and epic fests to arts, theater, comedy and beyond, Raleigh’s lineup is stacked. Here, our bucket list worth clearing your cal for.

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS

FACE THE MUSIC

BEST FESTS 10 Fests Worth Traveling For

DREAMVILLE FEST

APRIL 5–6

DIX PARK

Dreamy atmosphere curated by J. Cole feat. performances by top + up-and-coming hip-hop artists

BREWGALOO

APRIL 25–26

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

Sips and snacks for days from local food trucks and 110+ NC craft breweries

GOT TO BE NC FESTIVAL

MAY 16–18

NC STATE FAIRGROUNDS

It’s gotta be NC—make your way through local vendors, food and entertainment.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL

JUNE 7

CITY PLAZA

Taste the globe locally with bites from over 60 cultures.

GALAXYCON

JULY 24–27

CONVENTION CENTER

Cosplay, listen to and learn about your fave sci-fi, fantasy and comic characters.

OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL

JULY 27

WALNUT CREEK

Finger-picking, boot-stompin’ classic folk music from the likes of Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Turnpike Troubadours

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL

AUG. 30–31

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

A testament of cultural power and expression topped off with puppetry, performances and vendors

HOPSCOTCH MUSIC FESTIVAL

SEPT. 4–6

CITY PLAZA + MOORE SQUARE

Hop between two DTR stages for performances by local and national indie musicians.

BUGFEST

SEPT. 20

NCMNS

A creepy crawler lovers’ delight where all things entomology are found. Hissing roaches, anyone?

RALEIGH WIDE OPEN

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

OCT. 3–4

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

Bluegrass is so back with IBMA Bluegrass Live!’s new fest.

MAY 2–4

LOVIN’ LIFE MUSIC FEST

Mr. Worldwide, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone and more head to Queen City to throw some love in your life. Charlotte, lovinlifemusicfest.com

SEPT. 20–21

IRON BLOSSOM MUSIC FESTIVAL

High spirits blossom at this indie music fest featuring the likes of Vampire Weekend, Khruangbin and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Richmond, ironblossomfestival.com

NOV. 28–30

NC HOLIDAY FLOTILLA

Float on alright at the annual boat-decorating competition and parade kicking off the holiday season. Wrightsville Beach, ncholidayflotilla.org

MARCH 2026

Feast Wilmington

Feed your need and consider this fest your passport to all the food and bevs that give Wilmy its foodie credentials. Wilmington, feastwilmington.com

COMEDY

NIKKI GLASER

April 12–13 @ Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

CRAIG ROBINSON

April 17–19 @ Raleigh Improv

SHANE GILLIS

May 9 @ Lenovo Center

GODFREY

May 23–25 @ Raleigh Improv

DAVE ATTELL

May 29–31 @ Goodnights Comedy Club

MARLON WAYANS

June 12–15 @ Raleigh Improv

RANDY FELTFACE

June 13–15 @ Goodnights Comedy Club NATE BARGATZE

July 17–18 @ Lenovo Center CASEY ROCKET

July 17–19 @ Goodnights Comedy Club

JOE DOMBROWSKI

Oct. 9–11 @ Goodnights Comedy Club GRACE O’MALLEY

Oct. 16–18 @ Goodnights Comedy Club

BIG JAY OAKERSON

Oct. 23–25 @ Goodnights Comedy Club

Athletic Affairs

MAY 12–18

2025 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

*Quietly* cheer on your fave pro golfers as they vie for the top title at one of the finest country clubs in the U.S. Cue the golf clap! Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, pgachampionship.com

JUNE 4–9

THE SOCCER TOURNAMENT

Kick it for a shot at $1 mill with locals, legends and professionals at the “most exciting and highest stakes” 7 vs. 7 soccer tourney in the world. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, tst7v7.com

NOV. 2

CITY OF OAKS MARATHON

Put your body’s endurance to the test on this 26.2mile run from North Raleigh to DTR—or opt to hold a snarky poster and line the course to cheer on the overachievers. Both are winners in our book! Raleigh, cityofoaksmarathon.com

FALL, DATE TBD

PANTHERS VS. BILLS

Are you ready for it? This year’s T. Swift and company losers—er, the AFC runners-up Buffalo Bills—look to get stampeded in Charlotte by a Panthers team on the glowup finding new life under coach Dave Canales and now-hot QB “the Carolina Reaper” Bryce Young. Keep Pounding! Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, panthers.com

MAY 15–18

SWAN LAKE

Classical ballet | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, carolinaballet.com

AUG. 6–24

WAITRESS

Musical dramedy | Theatre Raleigh, theatreraleigh.com

JAN. 3

THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER

Family symphony | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, ncsymphony.org

MAY 31

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS

Family symphony | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, ncsymphony.org

OCT. 16–26 ALL MY SONS

Drama | Theatre Raleigh Arts Center, honestpinttheatre.org

JAN. 30 & FEB. 1

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

Tragic opera | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, ncopera.org

JUNE 19–22, 26–29

HAMLET

Tragedy | Theatre in the Park, theatreinthepark.com

OCT. 24–NOV. 9 WITCH

Dark comedy | Raleigh Little Theatre, raleighlittletheatre.org

FEB. 5–22 RED PITCH

Coming-of-age | Burning Coal Theatre Company, burningcoal.org

ARTS & THEATER

BENEVOLENT BENEFITS

MAY 29–JUNE 1

UNC HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP →

Tee up for a better tomorrow while catching future PGA pros in action, indulging in top-tier hospitality and making a real impact—all from the best seat on the green at Raleigh Country Club. unchealthchampionship.com

MAY 31

SUMMER SALUTE

No beach? No problem. Get your shag on at North Ridge Country Club by swaying to live beach music, running it back at the Pink Flamingo Casino and partying for Transitions LifeCare—good vibes guaranteed. northstatebank.com

SEPT. 7

ROCK YOUR WORLD

Party hard—give back harder. Crank up the volume at this adrenaline-fueled fest serving live music, sky-high thrills and nonstop energy that promise to, ahem, rock your world as you hop and bop to Band of Brothers and the Rae Radick Band, throw your hats for a military tribute, and sample sips and snacks in support of the Hope for Haiti Foundation and more. hopeforhaitifoundation.com

SEPT. 10 & 11

EVENING OF HOPE & IGNITING HOPE

Double the impact as hope takes center stage across two powerhouse nights of purpose hosted by Foundation of Hope at the Pavilion at the Angus Barn to fuel critical mental health research and support for those battling mental illness. Glam up for a gala and inspiring keynote, then shift gears for a more laid-back evening of dinner, drinks and dancing. walkforhope.com

EXPECTED SEPTEMBER ← MIGHTY GIVEBACK CONCERT

Nothing’s mightier than music with a mission. Dip your feet into this philosophy by uplifting local nonprofits—and dancing hard—with a high-energy lineup of live music at Red Hat Amp. bandtogethernc.org

SEPT. 13

HOPS FOR HOPE

The only thing better than cracking open a cold one? Cracking open a cold one for a cause. Compassion meets craft beer at the 10th annual brew-tiful fundraising fest landing in North Hills’ Midtown Park to fund life-changing medical flights for children and families in need. We’ll drink to that—with plenty of brews to pick from. childrensflightofhope.org

TRAVELER

Looking for a relaxing escape or a fun-filled family vacation? We’ve got you covered.

Real quality beach time.

Spend a little more time enjoying the beach with the ones you love and a little less time fighting for your spot in the sand at North Carolina’s uncrowded coast.

KEY

Average dinner entree price

$: 20 and under $$: 21-35

$$$: 36-55

$$$$: 56 and up

CAPITAL DISTRICT

Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar

DINE LISTINGS

A GUIDE TO RALEIGH’S FOOD SCENE

How we pick our listings:

Here, Raleigh Magazine’s highly curated list of locally owned full-service restaurants, with a few specialty regional favorites to boot. Find this directory online under the Food & Drink tab at raleighmag. com, with a bonus list of locally owned fastcasual eateries.

and more. 301 N. West St., Ste. 101, 919.833.3311, fivestarsnc.com $$

Gringo A Go Go

With its playful vibe, plant-filled patio, and authentic food and drinks (those housemade margs though!), this sup spot has been sating local Mexicanfood lovers—including vegans—since 2014 with its tortas, tacos, burritos and the like. Guac on! 100 N. Person St., 919.977.1438, gringoraleigh.com $

Jolie

A simply idyllic setting transports you to the banks of Tuscany, wine in hand, via the likes of arancini Siciliani, red wine-braised lamb shank or housemade pasta dishes (the gnocchi is a must), best enjoyed alfresco alongside the lush greenery-dotted serene pool. 309 N. Dawson St., 919.838.8595, mulinoraleigh.com $$

Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails

An all-day affair awaits at this Euroinspired cafe serving scratchmade sweet and savory crepes, natch—plus coffee and espresso in the am and ’tails in the evening. Don’t sleep on the weekend brunch either! 400 Hillsborough St., Ste. 108, 984.272.2325, pressccc.com $

Second Empire

Stately and sophisticated are on order in the elegant 1879 Dodd-Hinsdale house where executive chef Daniel Schurr dishes unparalleled seasonally inspired first courses, mains and seafood plates, from the must-order rabbit rigatoni special to the always succulent salmon. 330 Hillsborough St., 919.829.3663, second-empire.com $$$

Taverna Agora

A Mediterranean oasis topped off with an open-air rooftop sets the stage for authentic Greek fare, from tzatziki and hummus to flambéed saganaki, which literally arrives at your table on fire. 326 Hillsborough St., 919.881.8333, tavernaagora.com $$

SMOKY HOLLOW

Five Star

For a five-star experience sans the stuffiness, head to this legendary locale for its famous unparalleled vibe, weekly local DJs and authentic Asian cuisine—think fried rice, lo mein, heat seeker shrimp, crab Rangoons

Flour & Barrel

Flour is, naturally, the name of the game at this intimate rustic Italian spot/craft brewery—spotlighted in housemade pastas like mafaldine and seafoodladen chitarra, plus additional small plates meant for sharing with the table. 400 W. North St., Ste. 120, 919.322.5638, @flourandbarrelnc $

Madre

Oh, mother! The Hollow’s sexy, sophisticated sup spot showcases a fresh protein-, seafood- and veggie-forward rotating small plates menu that expertly mirrors its impeccable sultry atmosphere. Think must-appearances like the spicy kale salad, pork belly and Calabrian chicken. 518 N. West St., 919.594.1871, madreraleigh.com $$

Tucker

Street Diner

Not your mama’s diner, the nostalgic establishment by the same team behind The Shiny Diner serves up all-day comforting eats like pancakes and waffles, egg plates, and blue plate specials in a hip yet homey space. 421 N Harrington St., Ste. 110, tuckerstreetdiner.com $

SEABOARD & PERSON STREET DISTRICT

Crawford

BEST

and Son

Drawing inspiration from local products and both classic and modern techniques, chef Scott Crawford’s menu is like a work of art—almost too pretty to eat. Seasonal dishes include everything from showstopping crudos to elevated beef short ribs—and the manchego-herb biscuits are always a must-order at this fab James Beard Foundation Outstanding Hospitality Finalist. 618 N. Person St., 919.307.4647, crawfordandsonrestaurant.com $$$

Named for chef Scott Crawford’s daughter and inspired by a trip to Paris, Jolie pairs modern European elegance with classic French dishes (think escargot, onion soup and bubbles to pair, natch) in an intimate setting featuring a stunning marble bar, sidewalk cafe seating and dreamy covered rooftop patio. 620 N. Person St., 919.803.7221, restaurantjolie.com $$$

Stanbury

Come as you are to an eclectic outpost serving elevated everrotating fare such as Asianinspired fried oysters and creamy cauliflower bisque. While feasting (sharing is caring!), sip on a cocktail or glass of wine and take in the eclectic surrounds.938 N. Blount St., 919.977.4321, stanburyraleigh.com $$

The Station at Person Street Station yourself at this chill neighborhood hangout offering the perfect perch—either in the energy-filled dining room or out on the spacious patio—to sip a brewski and nosh on quality bar food like chipotle chicken tenders, burgers and wings. 701 N. Person St., 919.977.1567, stationraleigh.com $

MOORE SQUARE DISTRICT

Beasley’s Chicken + Honey

RM’S

Ashley Christensen’s casual dining oasis serves up Southern comfort fare at its finest with the likes of fried chicken, Carolina catfish, chicken pot pie and collard greens—plus biscuits and gravy and more for brunch. It’s the bee’s knees. 237 S. Wilmington St., 919.322.0127, ac-restaurants.com $$

Bida Manda

Escape to the Far East via flavorpacked authentic Laotian fare

inspired by family recipes. Pro tip: The crispy pork belly soup is a must-try. And be sure to sate your postmeal sweet tooth with the purple mango sticky rice. 222 S. Blount St., 919.829.9999, bidamanda.com $$

Big Ed’s City Market

Good eats abound at Ed’s, which has been serving up best-in-class country cookin’ since 1989. The mainstay features down-home fare like fried okra, grits, and chicken and pastry, plus daylong breakfast ops. Show up hungry—and tell ’em we sent ya! 220 Wolfe St., 919.836.9909, bigedsnc.com $

Brewery Bhavana

BEST RESTAURANTS

Sharing is caring at this culinary nirvana, so belly up with your crew for a bevy of bamboo steamers holding dishes that’re all that and dim sum— or go ham and peck into the hoisinhoney-sauced Peking duck. Oh, bao! 218 S. Blount St., 919.829.9998, brewerybhavana.com $$

Caffé Luna

For flavorful Italian cuisine with a Tuscan flair, twirl into palatable pasta dishes like ravioli Fiorentina and farfalle al salmone—NTM the *chef’s kiss* chicken Parmigiana— in intimate, white-tablecloth surrounds perfect for date night or any other special occasion. Bon appetit! 136 E. Hargett St., 919.832.6090, cafeluna.com $

City Market Sushi

Roll up for a smattering of specialty and classic rolls (s/o to the crazy monkey), sushi plates, nigiri and sashimi at this sleek sushi hideaway—and don’t miss the mochi ice cream to sweeten the deal. 315 Blake St., 919.322.1987, citymarketsushi.net $$

Gravy

Get lost in the (pasta) sauce–er, gravy—in the form of dailyprepped sauce and ItalianAmerican selects. And you can’t go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna, natch. 135 S. Wilmington St., 919.896.8513, gravyraleigh.com $$

Mofu Shoppe

If you’re all about that dumpling life, belly up to this “authentically untraditional” mod Asian resto founded following a win on Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race—also offering reimagined classics like noodles, rice bowls, bao buns, wings and more. 321 S. Blount St., 919.301.8465, mofushoppe.com $

Sitti

The Lebanese grandmother (sitti) that you never had but always wished you did delivers in the form of traditional fare like pizzettes, kabobs, shawarma and dips (the hummus and baba ghanouj are standouts!) in an inviting atmosphere. 137 S. Wilmington St., 919.239.4070, sitti-raleigh.com $$

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar

Embracing the spirit of the namesake New Orleans neighborhood from which chef Sunny Gerhart’s family hails, St. Roch dishes standout raw or roasted oysters—plus craveworthy crawfish hushpuppies, gator Bolognese, and fried seafood platters. 223 S. Wilmington St., 919.322.0359, strochraleigh.com $$

Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

For old-world Italian cuisine and New York-style pizza, look no further than this family-run resto serving fare for over 30 years. You can’t go wrong with any of the pasta dishes—and the garlic knots are a must. Moore Square District, West Raleigh & Glenwood South, vicsitalianrestaurant.com $$

FAYETTEVILLE STREET DISTRICT

Centro Mexican

Queso is the name of the game at this brightly colored Downtown staple serving up dank tacos, a smattering of mouthwatering mains (think tamarind/chipotle-glazed salmon, flautas and a 20-ingredient mole poblano) and craveable cocktails. 106 S. Wilmington St., 919.835.3593, centroraleigh.com $

Clyde Cooper’s BBQ

Since 1938, Clyde’s has been a fave for its award-winning BBQ (splashed with the longtime resto’s signature sauce, naturally), succulent beef brisket and juicy chicken—NTM classic Southern sides aplenty such as Brunswick stew, collard greens, hush puppies and fried okra. 327 S. Wilmington St., 919.832.7614, clydecoopersbbq.com $

Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria

Mezcal and Mexican = match made in heaven at Centro’s moody sister concept flaunting a slew of foodie faves also found at Centro (think: tacos, enchiladas and flautas)—plus a spirited program of liquor (mezcal for days), cocktails, flights and wine/beer. 106 S. Wilmington St., 919.835.3593, gallopelon.com $

Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar

Another dub, NC State coach Jim Valvano’s namesake resto takes classic Italian eats—spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parm, woodfired pizza—next-level, NTM a spirited lineup of libations (s/o the housemade sangria). Never give up! 420 Fayetteville St., 919.256.1451, jimmyvsraleigh.com $$

Mecca

Serving up Southern comfort fare for almost a century, this old-fashioned and family-owned DTR staple offers breakfast all day (hey, pancakes and omelets!), plus a lunch- and dinnertime burger bar, meatloaf, salads and more. 13 E. Martin St., 919.832.5714, mecca-restaurant.com $

ORO

BEST RESTAURANTS

A global tour awaits in this chic two-story sup spot via droolworthy seasonal tapas from the garden, land and sea (the burrata salad, wild mushroom carbonara and pork belly skewers are musts!), paired with extravagant craft cocktails (see: the Bathtub Hooch) and a full wine bar. 18 E. Martin St., 919.239.4010, ororaleigh.com $$

Poole’s Diner

BEST RESTAURANTS

The No. 1 rule at this circa-1945 restored pie shop of the same name is that you must order the macaroni au gratin. Beyond the cult classic, settle into a signature red booth for more modern rotating diner fare (sometimes daily) and a craft cocktail, natch. 426 S. McDowell St., 919.832.4477, acrestaurants.com $$$

The Raleigh Times Extra, extra! Belly up to the twiceexpanded watering hole housed in the 100-year-old building formerly home to The Raleigh Times newspaper for a generous selection of elevated bar food (pro tip: always the Times Nachos) and craft beers. 14 E. Hargett St., 919.833.0999, raleightimesbar.com $

Sono

BEST RESTAURANTS

Let the good times roll at this chic-but-approachable vibrant sushi spot serving up world-class rolls (the Screaming “O” deserves a, ahem, standing ovation); bento boxes; ramen; and other Japanese faves like nigiri/ sashimi, gyoza and miso soup—with a vast cocktail and sake selection to boot. 319 Fayetteville St., 919.521.5328, sonoraleigh.com $

Virgil’s Cocktails & Cocina

Margs and tacos? Say less. The hip Local Icon Hospitality hot spot also offers a killer playlist, cocktails and other “dope-a$$ things”—think flautas; sopes; quesadillas; and house tortilla chips with your choice of salsa, guac or queso (or all three).

126 S. Salisbury St., 919.833.3866, virgilstacos.com $

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

Barcelona Wine Bar

It’s always tapas time at the cozy yet rustic Spanishinspired spot on the ground floor of The Dillon feat. such shareable snacks as charcuterie, patatas bravas and pork belly—best washed down with a pitcher of sangria to share.

430 W. Martin St., 919.808.5400, barcelonawinebar.com $$

Figulina

Pasta la vista, baby! Twirling up creative rotating pasta delights is chef David Ellis via his refreshing concept boasting both lesser-known shapes and classic pasta dishes—from rigatoni and risotto to tagliatelle and doppio ravioli. 317 S. Harrington St., figulinaraleigh.com $$

Irregardless Café

RM’S

Meat eaters and veggie lovers alike thrive at this circa-1975 Raleigh eatery showcasing everything from tofuforward dishes to salmon and shrimp selects. Don’t sleep on brunch—and check the cal for live music. 901 W. Morgan St., 919.833.8898, irregardless.com $$

La Terrazza

Post up on The Dillon rooftop for approachable spins on Mediterranean meets Southern Italian ops spanning to-die-for tuna tartare, burrata and cheesy cauliflower to pizzas, homemade pastas (porro ravioli is a must), meaty entrees—and a bubbles program that

will send you. 223 S. West St., 9th floor, laterrazzaraleigh.com $$

O-Ku Sushi

Roll up for authentic Asian eats with Southern nods and sophisticated presentations, from petite plates and sushi specialties to contemporary robata-style dishes and even a multicourse omakase tasting. 411 W. Hargett St., 919.792.3777, o-kusushi.com $$

Oak Steakhouse

Let them eat steak! Carnivores will delight in the modern take on steakhouse dining offering a slew of signature chops and steaks (natch)—NTM housemade bread, oysters Rockefeller, bone marrow frites, tenderloin tartare and frog legs. 417 W. Hargett St., 984.255.1818, oaksteakhouserestaurant.com $$$$

Parkside

“Parked” at the entrance to the Warehouse District, this DTR staple slays brunch, lunch and dinner with its chef-inspired fare (burgers, bowls, shrimp and grits, and more). Plus, sate your thirst via the bevy of beers on tap. 301 W. Martin St., 984.232.8969, parksiderestaurant.com $

The Pit

Continuing NC’s barbecue legacy, this DTR gem doles authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked BBQ worth pigging out over—and the sides and starters are worth shouting out as well (think pimento cheese balls, fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs and more).

328 W. Davie St., 919.890.4500, thepit-raleigh.com $$

Trophy Brewing & Pizza

A “Local Celebrity” indeed, the pie of the same name keeps Raleighites “Most Loyal”—NTM the salads provide ~balance~. Wash it all down with the seasonally rotating brews that made Trophy a true winner in our hearts. 827 W. Morgan St., 919.803.4849, trophybrewing.com $$

Tuscan Blu

Send your taste buds on a trip to Tuscany when digging into the myriad pasta, meat and rotating specials at this Italian eatery. Standouts include the gnocchi pesto con pollo, linguine with meatballs and homemade lasagna. 327 W. Davie St., 919.834.5707, tuscanblu.com $$

Whiskey Kitchen

RM’S BEST BRUNCHES

It’s more than just whiskey business when dining out at this hip indoor-outdoor haven. Beyond the impressive bar program, find a slew of Southerninspired plates for pairing, from a bangin’ fried chicken sandwich to curried mahi to fried Brussels and more. And brunch is a vibe. 201 W. Martin St., 919.803.3181, whiskey.kitchen $

Wye Hill

RM’S BEST BRUNCHES

For brews and chews with epic views, Wye Hill serves up the best patio around with daylong foodie ops that always hit. To name but a few, the dill pickle pimento cheese is a crowd fave; the everything Brussels sprouts make vegetables delectable; and the Wye Hill burger is mouthwatering. 201 S. Boylan Ave., 919.275.5718, wyehill.com $$

HILLSBOROUGH STREET CORRIDOR

David’s Dumplings & Noodle Bar

Anchoring the corner of Hillsborough and Oberlin streets since 2010, this authentic Pan-Asian mainstay is known for its spicy noodle salads, cashew and kung pao chicken and original half-fried dumplings, natch. 1900 Hillsborough St., 919.239.4536, ddandnb.com $

Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar

Journey through India’s many regions in a modern atmosphere via the likes of authentic tikka masala, veggie samosas, chicken curry, naan and much more—plus specialty cocktails with an Indian twist. 105 Friendly Drive, Ste. 101, 919.900.7825, lnlrestaurant.com $

Players Retreat

One of Raleigh’s favorite OG sports bars since 1951, PR (as it’s affectionately called) is both a game day and everyday go-to for Raleighites—esp. State fans, obv—for its laid-back vibe; lively outdoor patio (with TVs!); and elevated bar food like specialty burgers, baby back ribs and chicken wings. 105 Oberlin Road, 919.755-9589, playersretreat.com $

VILLAGE DISTRICT

Cantina 18

Chef/owner Jason Smith serves up dank Mexican-fusion dishes aplenty

at this decidedly upscale and urban local fave—famed as much for its heated patio and garage-door openair edifice as for its tasty tacos and margs. 433 Daniels St., 919.835.9911, 18restaurantgroup.com $

Cape Fear Seafood Company

Seafood lovers are gonna want to post up at this award-winning restaurant specializing in fresh regional seafood, signature dishes and handcut steaks in a chill and relaxed setting. Village District & North Raleigh, 984.200.5455; capefearseafoodcompany.com $$

Piccola Italia

Since 1982, Sicily native Frank Amato has been dishing classic Italian meals at this relaxed lunch and dinner spot via handmade pizzas, homemade soups and salads, traditional pasta dishes—and of course vino. 423 Woodburn Road, 919.833.6888, piccolaitalianc.com $

Tazza Kitchen

High ceilings lend a simple urban ambiance that aligns with the wood-fired menu selects (tacos, pizzas, etc.) sourced from dozens of local farmers, paired perfectly with one of Tazza’s “serious libations.”

432 Woodburn Ave., 919.835.9463, tazzakitchen.com $$

Tupelo Honey Cafe

This storied Asheville-born spot dishes fresh made-from-scratch fare sourced from Carolina farms in its authentic Southern atmosphere—think logstump-finished tables & honeycombed ceilings—with an expansive patio to boot. 425 Oberlin Road, 919.723.9353, tupelohoneycafe.com $$

Village Draft House

The game is always on at this fanfave sports bar. Go for the relaxed neighborhood vibe, chill patio and 100-plus ever-evolving brews on tap; stay for the extensive menu of burgers, sammies, dinners and more. 428 Daniels St., 919.833.1373, villagedrafthouse.com $

GLENWOOD SOUTH

Botanical Lounge

Velvet couches and marble tables set a luxuriant stage for the likes of patatas bravas, crispy pickled okra and the market catch paired with classic cocktails, wine and beer at the indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant, bar and lounge. 419 Glenwood Ave., 919.322.4515, botanicalraleigh.com $

Hibernian Irish Pub

Sláinte! Raleigh has the luck of the Irish indeed at this storied staple, famed for its beer and liquor selections, and delish Irish dishes perfect for both the start of a night out and the day after. Glenwood South & North Raleigh, hibernianpub.com $$

La Santa

Transport your taste buds to Mexico via this family-owned resto serving up the owner’s mother’s recipes from Guadalajara—think handmade tortillas, bolillo and chicken enchiladas, which are best served with a freshly squeezed fruit marg. 222 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 107, 919.720.4096, lasantanc.com $

MoJoe’s Burger Joint

With a dozen-ish different styles, MoJoe’s signature award-winning handpressed burgers are 100% Sterling Silver Choice beef and 100% delicious. Prop up on the patio with a side of the famous MoJoe’s sauce and a signature shake for the full experience. 620 Glenwood Ave., 919.832.6799, mojoesburgerjoint.com $

MAGAZINE

My Way Tavern

With a Cheers-esque vibe and TVs on every wall, this neighborhood tavern is a great spot to catch the game with friends over cocktails, brews and bar food—with a late-night menu on offer to keep the party going. 522 St. Mary’s St., 919.900.8273, mywaytavern.com $

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Lively jazz and smooth martinis serve as a bonus to a luxe interior and enhanced housecut steaks at this finedining Creamery Building mainstay. 410 Glenwood Ave., 919.833.2888, sullivanssteakhouse.com $$

Sushi Blues

The BOGO rolls (try the Wolfpack) and half-price wine bottles on Sun. & Wed. will bring you in, while the wide selection of fresh sushi and sashimi, craft cocktails, and bustling patio overlooking Glenwood Avenue will keep you coming back. 301 Glenwood Ave., 919.664.8061, sushibluescafe.com $

Thaiphoon Bistro

DTR’s first—but no longer only— Thai resto garnered fame for its authentic fare repping every region of Thailand, plus its large selection of vegetarian ops. Don’t miss the papaya salad, green curry or any of the house noodle dishes.

Glenwood South & North Raleigh, thaiphoonbistroraleigh.com $

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

Born out of owners Amra brothers’ vision for combining good food and great teams, TR is the quintessential spot for cheering on your team with a world-class beer in hand and fresh scratchmade fare on the table. 505 W. Jones St., 919.301.8793, tobaccoroadsportscafe.com $

Vidrio

BEST RESTAURANTS

A array of blown-glass plates provide a backdrop for the likes of fig and bleu cheese flatbread, salmon, and stuffed peppers—NTM a craft cocktail or vino select from the 50-plus wines on tap. 500 Glenwood Ave., 919.803.6033, vidrioraleigh.com $$$

The Willard Rooftop Lounge

Bites with a view? Don’t mind if we do. In addition to en plein air Mediterranean small plates atop Glenwood South’s chic AC Hotel, The Willard also offers a spirited bar program featuring classic cocktails and specialty concoctions. 9 Glenwood Ave., 919.803.5200, thewillardraleigh. com $

FIVE POINTS

Ajja

BEST RESTAURANTS

For flavorful fare taking inspo from the Mediterranean and Middle Eat in a groovy atmosphere, belly up to Cheetie Kumar’s vibey eatery boasting cuisine “of the world, for the world”—think kebabs, amba-glazed pork belly, plus curated cocktails. 209 Bickett Blvd., 919.213,1276, ajjaeats.com $$

Bloomsbury Bistro

A Raleigh staple for a reason, this longtime gem curates a seasonal menu blending vibrant French flavors with traditional American fare, feat. the likes of oysters, steak frites and beef sliders dished up in a quaint yet classy bistro setting. C’est la vie! 509 W. Whitaker Mill Road, 919.834.9011, bloomsburybistro.com $$$

Glenwood Grill

Putting an elegant spin on Southern and low-country favorites, the neighborhood resto sources locally harvested/produced products to create delectably comforting dishes like seafood and grits, fried green tomatoes, and catfish. 2603-151 Glenwood Ave., 919.782.3102, glenwoodgrill.com $$

Hako

Feast your eyes—and stomach— on the plethora of Japanese dishes found at this Glenwood Village sushi spot and restaurant serving up specialty rolls, sashimi, apps, and entrees like yakiniku and katsu chicken and pork. 2603 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 155, 919.235.0589, hakosushinc.com $

Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery

Go for the famed Americana cuisine (pro tip: dial “M” for meatloaf), stay for the huge slices of delish homemade cake—all enjoyed in the ’40s-indebted atmosphere boasting black-andwhite-checkerboard flooring and historic photo-adorned walls. Swoon! 2000 Fairview Road, 919.856.8551, hayesbartoncafeanddessertery.com $

J. Betski’s

Prost to Raleigh’s only resto cooking up German/Polish faves like those famed pierogies, spaetzle and bratwurst—plus beer, wine and ’tails for pairing—complete with rollup garage doors and a covered patio. 1916 Bernard St., 919.803.0008, jbetskis.com $$

Lola’s Beach Bar

Be on island time year-round at this tropical cantina with island-inspired bar fare and housemade margs and cocktails repping 100% agave tequilas and freshly squeezed juices. 1803 Glenwood Ave., 984.222.3647, lolasbeach.bar $

Mandolin

Housed in the old Johnson’s Pharmacy space local chef/ owner Sean Fowler ate as as a child, this upscale Southern-meetsglobal affair serves up sammies, salads, burgers, brunch and dinner selects rooted in locally sourced ingredients. 2519 Fairview Road, 919.322.0365, mandolinraleigh.com $$$

Neuse

River Brewing & Brasserie

Belgian-inspired, locally crafted dishes including poutine, steak frites and mussels perfectly complement a range of brews in a relaxed setting—with a patio and outdoor herb garden to boot. 518 Pershing Road, 984.232.8479, neuseriverbrewing.com $$

NOFO @ the Pig

RM’S

This quirky two-story cafe, resto and gift shop lives in a renovated Piggly Wiggly and serves up a creative selection of

Southern staples across lunch, brunch and dinner— think pimento cheese dip, shrimp and grits, and fried catfish. 2014 Fairview Road, 919.821.1240, nofo.com $

Red Dragon

This Five Points staple chefs up cozy dishes and authentic Chinese classics—from sesame chicken and coconut shrimp to lo mein and fried rice—as well as an extensive a la carte menu. Don’t sleep on the hot and sour soup. 2513 Fairview Road, 919.782.1102, raleighreddragon.com $

IRON DISTRICT

Brodeto

BEST RESTAURANTS Scott Crawford’s love letter to Adriatic cuisine takes inspiration from his many trips to the Mediterranean through dishes like crudos, housemade pastas, breads and more—plus the resto’s namesake brodeto (aka fish soup), natch. 2200 Atlantic Ave., brodeto.com $$

East End Bistrot

BEST RESTAURANTS C’est la vie! Offering theatrics for your taste buds is Giorgios Bakatsias’ French eatery expertly composing exquisite eats, bevs, atmosphere and service into a perfectly choreographed dance. The show must go on! 2020 Progress Court, Ste. 110, 984.281.8869, eastendbistrotraleigh.com $$$

Hummingbird

NOLA transplant chef/owner Coleen Speaks dishes up eclectic fare in a bright and colorful dining room, as well as alfresco on the always-buzzy patio overlooking Dock 1053. Pro tip: Brunch! 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 111, 919.301.8900, hummingbirdraleigh.com $$

WEST RALEIGH

Amedeo’s

Founded in 1963 by Wolfpacker Amedeo “Dick” DeAngelis, the iconic Italian sup spot is famed for its pizzas, pastas, calzones, wings and sandwiches—plus signature and Wolfpack-themed cocktails. Buon appetito! 3905 Western Blvd., 919.851.0473, amedeosrestaurant.com $

Bella Monica

A nod to owners Corbett and Julie Monica’s Italian heritage, this familyrun trattoria channels their Nana’s table via Neapolitan pizza, flatbreads and antipasto recipes handed down for

generations. 3121 Edwards Mill Road, 919.881.9778, bellamonica.com $$

Bru’s Public House

Game day or not, good grub is always on deck in the Wake Park elevated sports bar where locals belly up all day for a beer, burgers, wings, pizza and cocktails. 5433 Wade Park Blvd., Ste. 100, 919.977.8755, bruspublichouse.com $$

The Iron Oaks

Taproom and Lounge

Tee up a good time via golf simulators paired with beer and wine, cocktails, and elevated bar food (think charcuterie, truffle fries and handhelds) crafted with unique flavors.3800 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 130, 919.244.2876, theironoaks.com $

The Oak

Friendly staff serves made-fromscratch bar bites, entrees and sliders to pair with 100+ bourbons, including The Oak’s own in-house blend. And brunch is always a good idea. 4035 Lake Boone Trail, 919.787.9100, theoakraleigh.com $$

State Farmers

Market Restaurant

Southern comfort fare stands the test of time in this bright and bustling restaurant plus patio. Think homemade biscuits, local country ham and the like. 1240 Farmers Market Drive, 919.755.1550, realbiscuits.com $

Sushi Mon

Fresh sushi, bento and sashimi/ nigiri dished in moody digs make Sushi Mon a Raleigh “roll model” for a reason. Don’t sleep on starters like spicy garlic edamame or gyoza. 3800 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 100, 919.803.1000, sushimonraleigh.com $$

Sushi Nine

Long known for its bangin’ BOGO rolls, apps, noodles, stir-fries and hibachi, this sushi spot is also a fan-fave for its modern atmosphere and spacious patio. Pro tip: This is Wolfpack country—so the Mr. Wuf roll is a must. Go Pack! 3812 Western Blvd., 919.615.3100, sushinine.com $

NORTHWEST RALEIGH

Angus Barn BEST

This nationally renowned upscale (literal) barn with an award-winning wine cellar turns out succulent steaks, seafood and more. Pro tip: Skip the rez and grab a drink or dinner in The Wild Turkey Lounge. 9401 Glenwood Ave., 919.781.2444, angusbarn.com $$$$

Azitra Indian

Indulge in Indian classics and a few fusion surprises at this contemporary Indian eatery “encapsulating the essence of nirvana” with each dish. Dig into makhmali lamb, paneer, or tandoori surf and turf—and dessert is non-negotiable. 8411 Brier Creek Parkway, 919.484.3939, azitra.us $$

Brier Creek Beer Garden

Get your garden fix sans plants and dirt with 50+ craft beers on draft and 100+ bottles; snarky signs lining the walls; and unique dishes including German nachos, Moroccan meatballs and a pint of bacon (!). 8521 Brier Creek Parkway, 919.748.3900, briercreekbeergarden.com $

Casa Carbone

It’s a family affair—and the legacy has been passed down since 1984. Nosh on authentic Italian fare like zuppa di clams, fettuccine carbonara, chopped sirloin pizzaiola, and pizza and dessert galore. 6019 Glenwood Ave., Ste. A, 919.781.8750, casacarbone.com $$

Dos Taquitos

An institution on the Raleigh food scene, this Mexican haven channels the flavor and spirit of its homeland through staples like tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles and delicious margs. And the train-served queso is a must. 6101 Glenwood Ave., 919.787.3373, dostaquitosraleigh.com $$

Estampa Gaucha

It’s always “time for prime” at this Brazilian-style steakhouse, where fire-roasted meat selections are carved tableside and paired with mashed potatoes, crispy polenta and delectable salad bar pickings—plus martinis, ports and cognacs to boot. 3931 Macaw St., Ste. 100,919.323.4050, estampagaucha.com $$$

J. Alexander’s

Twinkling views abound from this contemporary resto’s perch above Crabtree Valley Mall, where you’ll find traditional woodfired American classics like oldfashioned cheeseburgers, Emerald Coast shrimp and slow-roasted prime rib. 4600 Crabtree Valley Ave., 984.200.4493, jalexanders.com $$$

Jalwa Indian Bistro

It’s all about the presentation here. Creative Indian dishes (changezi raan flambé, palak paneer baklava, etc.) are served in such an artistic way they’re almost too pretty to eat—best paired with a classic or innovative

cocktail for a true masterpiece. 6112 Falls of Neuse Road, 919.239.4312, jalwaindianbistro.com $$

Jose and Sons

Traditional Mexican comfort food fused with Southern influences found seven days a week in a festive high-energy atmosphere, where local ingredients enliven the flavors of staple dishes like enchiladas, chimichangas, nachos, soups and salads. 4112 Pleasant Valley Road, 919.571.1188, joseandsons.com $$

Kanki Japanese House of Steak and Sushi

Prepare to catch the shrimp! This hibachi and sushi staple is best known for its talented tableside chefs who entertain as they expertly chop, dice and cook your meal before your eyes with the flip of a spatula. Northwest Raleigh & North Raleigh, kanki.com $$$

The Mill

The name and vibe a nod to the OG Edwards Mill Bar & Grill (RIP), this upscale dive-meets-quality American steakhouse promises to make you a regular with steak frites, salads, smashburgers and more. 3201 Edwards Mill Road, themillraleigh.com $$

The Peddler

A pillar of Raleigh’s restaurant scene, this old-school steakhouse has been peddling out seafood, chicken and steaks aged to perfection since 1969 6005 Glenwood Ave., 919.787.6980, peddlersteakhouse.com $$$

Seasons 52

Keep your body healthy and stomach happy every season at 52’s post overlooking Crabtree dishing healthy-meets-delish low-cal staples like flatbreads, tartare, rainbow trout and mini sweet treats. 4325 Glenwood Ave., 919.787.3052, seasons52.com $$$

Trali Irish Pub

Authenticity is on tap at Trali’s traditional Irish gastropub dishing a “true slice of Ireland” in Raleigh via classic cuisine—plus Irish pints, local craft beers and live local tunes. Brierdale Shopping Center, 10370 Moncreiffe Road, 919.544.4141, traliirishpub.com $$

V Pizza

Buongiorno! A bangin’ hot spot, V slices up “pizza so Italian it needs a translator”—not to mention a slew of must-nosh shareable apps, salads, sandwiches and desserts. 7930 Skyland Ridge Parkway, Ste. 100, 919.748.3633, vpizza.com $$

Waraji Japanese Restaurant

Sip on the large sake selection—plus extensive Japanese whiskey in its attached izakaya—to wash down the substantial selection of scrumptious specialty rolls, sashimi and donburi. 5910 Duraleigh Road, 919.783.1883, warajijapaneserestaurant.com $$

Zayka Indian Cuisine

Adding some spice to mealtime, one of the only local Punjabi Northern Indian restaurants serves a variety of paneer, seafood and naan with authentic spices and elevated flavors. 10410 Moncreiffe Road, Ste. 104, 919.361.5370, zaykaraleigh.com $$

NORTH RALEIGH

13 Tacos & Taps

Specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine with a vibrant twist, this food truck-turned-brick-andmortar dishes a whole new style of taco fusion, burritos and nachos, making for the perf nosh spot for a fiesta. 10511 Shadowlawn Drive, 919.900.7023, 13tacosandtaps.com $

Café Tiramisu

Originating from old Raleigh favorite Piccolo Mondo, this quaint eatery with rich rustic decor has been dishing ravioli, stuffed clams, bruschetta and other authentic Northern Italian fare for ~30 years. 6008 Falls of Neuse Road, 919.981.0305, cafetiramisu.net $$

Chow

Prepare to chow down on burgers, handtossed pizzas, loaded fries and onion rings—best washed down with craft beers on the patio or inside surrounded by a multitude of TVs. 8311 Creedmoor Road, 919.841.4995, chowraleigh.com $

Farina

Classic Italian bites with a modern take are all the rage at this casual American-Italian restaurant. Kick off the meal with antipasti paired with a signature cocktail, followed by primo pizza and pasta. 8450 Honeycutt Road, Ste. 100, 919.714.7477, farinaraleigh.com $$

Gonza Tacos y Tequila

Go for the hippie-chic vibe— complete with neon colors fashioned into modern Day of the Dead decor—and stay for the enchiladas, passion fruit salmon, tacos and fab handcrafted cocktails. 7713 Lead Mine Road, Ste. 39, 919.268.8965, gonzatacosytequila.com $

RALEIGH MAGAZINE | raleighmag.com

Margaux’s

Southern hospitality meets a “highenergy metropolis” at this staple eatery established circa 1992 that specializes in international takes on classic dishes like gnocchi, grouper, spiced lamb and lobster. 8111 Creedmoor Road, 919.846.9846, margauxsrestaurant.com $$$

Milton’s Pizza

A comfort-food go-to since the early ’80s, Milton’s is the place for traditional todie-for ’za, calzones and pastas, plus sammies and wings to boot. Pro tip: The lunch buffet is the stuff of legends. 8853 Six Forks Road, 919.847.0604; 14520 Falls of Neuse Road, 919.570.9099; miltonspizza.com $

Northside Bistro & Cocktails

John Scarangella’s bistro evokes a sense of nostalgia with its neighborhood-friendly vibe and classic New American-style menu including sausage-stuffed mushroom caps, duck confit and beef Wellington. 832 Spring Forest Road, 919.890.5225, northsidebistroraleigh.com $$

North Ridge Pub

This upscale tavern dishes elevated versions of classic pub fare like burgers, wings, crabcakes and nachos—best paired with plenty of wine and beer to wash it down. 6010 Falls of Neuse Road, 919.790.9125, northridgepub.com $$

Peri Brothers Pizza

For authentic NY-style pizza, look no further than this longtime outpost, also serving up homemade pasta, hot subs, and desserts like cannoli and tiramisu. Buon appetito! 7321 Six Forks Road, 919.844.6692, peribrotherspizza.com, $

Sushi One

Putting the swank in sushi, the mod family-owned spot rolls out tempura, teriyaki, Thai and hibachi selects, and classic rolls—plus a smattering of signature ’tails perf for pairing. 8470 Honeycutt Road, 919.615.3209, sushioneraleighnc.com $$

The Piper’s Tavern

Irish heritage, traditional sports pub and homey family resto collide in this fam-friendly neighborhood tavern with a menu to satisfy all appetites—from soups to sammies to burgers and beyond. 8304 Falls of Neuse Road, 919.676.7413, thepiperstavern.com $$

Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar

RM’S BEST BRUNCHES

Relish in this craft kitchen and bourbon bar specializing in fresh comfort food with a “new Southern” twist via a menu showcasing NC’s best ingredients. Hot take: You can’t go wrong with a mac and cheese skillet. 5625 Creedmoor Road, 919.787.1855, relishraleigh.com $

Salt & Lime Cabo Grill

Live your best island life via Baja peninsula-inspired flavorful fare like street tacos, seafood, quesadillas and burritos in a tropical cantinaesque setting. And don’t forget the signature margs. 6006 Falls of Neuse Road, 919.872.223; 4800 Grove Barton Road, 919.473.6066, saltandlimecabo.com $$

Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern

BEST RESTAURANTS

Succulent steaks and classic a la carte sides like mashed potatoes, spinach and the like meet an extensive wine list, impeccable service and retro vibes at this nee-1987 mainstay. Life hack: Dessert is a must. 7440 Six Forks Road, 919.847.7319, vinniessteakhouse.com $$$$

Vinos Finos

South American small plate dreams delivered at this sip and sup spot serving up delish tapas—from lamb sliders to burrata—and a wide selection of rotating wines by the glass. 8450 Honeycutt Road, Ste. 110, 919.747.9233, vinosfinosypicadas.com $

Winston’s Grille

A Raleigh staple since 1986, this traditional upscale resto is a hit for its selection of prime rib, pastas and fresh salads—NTM its expansive outdoor terrace and signature cocktails. Sutton Square, 6401 Falls of Neuse Road, 919.790.0700, winstonsgrille.com $$

MIDTOWN

Capital Grille

Situated in the Bank of America Tower at North Hills, this fine-dining restaurant and steakhouse with a palatable patio specializes in dry-aged steaks, artfully prepared seafood and delicious sides to share. 4242 Six Forks Road, 919.787.3901, thecapitalgrille.com $$$$

Coquette Brasserie

Ooh la la! Fine French fare is on full display—and infused with local farm-fresh

RM’S BEST BRUNCHES

ingredients—in a sophisticated lightfilled Parisian-esque setting, with tables open to the sidewalks for that authentic City of Lights feel. 4351 The Circle at North Hills, 919.789.0606, coquetteraleigh.com $$

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Fresh meat and seafood collide (aka Burgushi) in this vibrant space—with famed ultramod cylindrical fish tank centerpiece— sating carnivores, seafood lovers and sushi fans alike. 4208 Six Forks Road, 919.784.0400, thecowfish.com $$

Cucciolo Terrazza

Bull City’s Cucciolo Osteria’s stylish and sophisicated sister Italian resto touts modern Italian cuisine with a twist—plus an extensive and award-winning wine list. 4200 Six Forks Road, Ste. 100, 919.747.7887, cuccioloraleigh.com $$

Giorgio Pizza Bar

Post up to watch these Giorgios Hospitality Group talents handtoss the signature crispy, thin-crust sourdough pizzas while you feast on handmade pastas, seasonal vegetable side dishes and salads. 141 Park at North Hills St., Ste. 112, 919.809.8000, giorgiopizzabar.com $

Las Ramblas

Named for the famous Las Ramblas boulevard in Barcelona, this sleek Spanish tapas bar features classic Spanish small plates with Old and New World influences, complemented by Spanish wines. 141 Park at North Hills Street, Ste. 100, 919.322.4338, lasramblasraleigh.com $$

Leo’s Italian Social

Say ciao to Italian fare faves (think pizza, pasta, chicken scallopini and more)—in a reno’d atmosphere with live music on the docket. Did we mention there’s housemade limoncello?! 4100 Main at North Hills, Ste. 114, leositaliansocial.com, $$

Midtown Pho

Oodles of noodles can be found at this authentic Vietnamese restaurant—along with rice dishes, banh mi, summer rolls and more. 424 E. Six Forks Road, 919.747.9899, midtownphoraleigh.com $

Rosewater Kitchen & Bar

The beautiful light-filled “garden party” atmosphere is ideal for

sipping eclectic wines and inventive craft cocktails while dining on small plates and comfort food inspired by Mediterranean villages. 110 Park at North Hills Street, 919.424.7886, rosewaterraleigh.com $$

STIR

The upscale vibe, scratchmade entrees and craft cocktails have stirred up quite the following for dates, business meets and brunches alike. 4242 Six Forks Road, 984.200.8614, stirraleigh.com $$

Tamasha

BEST

For a dining experience that is nothing less than a “grand performance,” slide into a seat at this primo elevated Indian restaurant serving dishes from an internationally acclaimed chef showcasing authentic rich and diverse Indian flavors. 4200 Six Forks Road, Ste. 130, tamashanc.com, $$

Village Tavern

Satiate all taste preferences via the elevated neighborhood spot’s ample menu of small plates, salads, tacos, pizzas, burgers and more. 4140 Lassiter Mill Road, Ste. 140, 919.987.2500, villagetavern.com $$

Vivace

Long cushioned banquettes and spacious outdoor seating serve as the perfect backdrop for classic Italian pastas and pizzas, plus creative seasonal menu items. 4209 Lassiter Mill Road, 919.787.7747, vivaceraleigh.com $$

MIDTOWN EAST

The Fiction Kitchen

You won’t miss the meat at this 100% vegan kitchen churning out globally inspired vegan share plates, mains and sides featuring locally sourced ingredients. 2409 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 100, 919.831.4177, thefictionkitchen.com $

Miso Ramen Bar

Ramen lovers, rejoice! The superpopular noodle haven serves up its delish ramen with housemade broth, rice bowls and other dishes. 2411 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 104, 919.307.3032, misoramenbar.com $

Where to Eat Now?

EAST END BISTROT, 2024 RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

From legislation to libations, we take you inside the issues, events and flavors that matter most to our city. If it happens in Raleigh, you hear it here first. Honest and passionate, we are the voice of Raleigh.

Fifth & Final

J. Cole’s Dreamville Fest hits its last note.

By Lauren Kruchten

NO, YOU’RE NOT DREAMING—after five epic years, J. Cole is putting his era-defining Dreamville Festival to rest. On April 5–6, the rapper will link up with a host of hip-hop and R&B music greats—not to mention local small businesses, artisans, vendors, muralists and community organizations—for one final fest.

“Watching people from all over the world and all walks of life gather here each year has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of our journey,” J. Cole said in an Instagram post via Dreamville. “Whether it’s the day-one fans or the newcomers, each reunion has been unforgettable.”

This year’s ~dreamy~ lineup includes top-tier artists like Lil Wayne, GloRilla, 21 Savage, Wale and Ludacris—and who knows what other surprises might be in store. Hey, the sky’s the limit! dreamvillefest.com