Good eats and comfy seats.
Post by Taylor Cashdan
Whether you’re soon to be a part of the Wolfpack family or currently attend NC State, if you’re anything like me then you eventually get bored of eating the same food over, and over, and over, and over again.
Today I’m going to introduce you to a few places I go to so that I can refresh my pallet.
Aside from reviews, I’m going to suggest a dish, tell you what it’s going to cost, and give you the approximate time it’ll take you to get there from campus.
“Thanks Taylor, you’re the greatest!”
You are welcome, lovely reader.
Rankings
$ – cheap, just how we like it.
$$ – won’t break your bank, but worth every penny
$$$ – woah woah woah, you mean refills WEREN’T free?!
$$$$ – you better dine and dash because this meal has cost you your inheritance
(I am in no way condoning this behavior, just providing a bit of dramatic sarcasm)
First on my list: Orchid Japanese Restaurant
I’m an Italian jew from New York…so you can say that I’ve had my fair share of oriental food–enough for this lifetime at least. But when I moved down south I wanted to spice it up a bit, so I tried sushi, and since then, my mercury levels have been sky high. Orchid Japanese Restaurant incorporates all the things you’d want in an oriental place: nice dim lighting, authentic-looking atmosphere, and lots of menu items that you’d never understand if they didn’t have descriptions. Orchid, however, throws a wrench into the normality of Japanese restaurants–THEY OFFER A SUSHI BUFFET. Now I know, at first you think “ew mass produced, assembly line sushi? sounds gross” but, you sir/madam, are incorrect. Every piece/roll is handmade when ordered and brought to your table-side for you to devour. Needless to say, they didn’t like it too much when my friends and I each ate our approximate body weight in sushi.
RATING: lunch time – $$
dinner time – $$$
Suggestion: order the teriyaki beef sticks
Distance: about 8.2 miles
Website: http://www.orchidjapanesebuffet.com
Second: Gravy
Like I said, I’ve eaten a variety of food, and when I lived at home my parents always cooked–so I’ve eaten some good food in my day. But Gravy is the perfect date spot. Not only is the place super elegant, but the servers and waiters/waitresses are ridiculously nice. Depending on what you order it can get a bit pricey, but the portions compensate greatly for those prices. Definitely one of the best Italian-American food joints in Raleigh.
RATING: $$ to $$$$ depending on what you order
Suggestion: I’ve always ordered their special entree of the night and have never been disappointed
Distance: about 1.9 miles
Website: http://www.gravyraleigh.com
My third is called: Chuck’s
I’ve had a lot of burgers in my day, and will always continue to return to Mojo’s and Natty Greene’s for a good eat, but the burgers at Chuck’s are just too unique to not mention. If you know anything about meat, their burgers are made from the chuck of the cow, house-ground, flat-top seared and served by the half-pound. The place is decorated with a very urban, open feel, though the place is quite small. They serve their fries in buckets too, with a huge selection of dipping sauces, which is pretty awesome.
RATING: $$$ – a little pricey for a burger, but still delicious
Suggestion: the Bradley-Time
Distance: about 2 miles
Website: http://www.ac-restaurants.com/chucks/
Last but not least is: Finchs
Traditionally, I’m a fan of Waffle House–whether it’s for their hours, or because there’s always entertainment while I go there. But recently I went to Finch’s for breakfast and let me tell you, this was one of the most filling and delicious breakfast feasts I’d ever had. Plus, their locally owned, so you know the recipes are legit, and the people are really friendly.
RATING: $
Suggestion: one of their awesome combos
Distance: about 1.8 miles
Website: http://www.viewmenu.com/finchs-restaurant/menu?ref=google
I hope you give one, or all, of these places a try next time you visit the area, or are just hungry. But I’m going to start ending these blogs by stealing John Stewart’s closing line in saying “here’s your moment of zen”. Lookout for little quotes, anecdotes, funny pictures, and other things of that nature that will from now on conclude my blogs. Enjoy!
If you don't watch MythBusters, then you need to start. NOW.
I get the magazine Garden and Guns. I know, weird title. They feature some Raleigh restaurants that are all owned by same person, Ashley Christensen. I would like your opinion of these…Beasley’s Chicken and Honey, Poole’s Diner Fox Liquor Bar. She also owns Chucks.
Hey Jean Davis! Thanks for reading, and that is a bizarre title haha. I’ve never actually been to those other restaurants, but if I have the chance I’ll certainly let you know how they were!