I am by no means an expert foodie. However, I am a person who is usually hungry, forms habits, and likes to try funky places. These traits have resulted in my formulating a little list of my places to go in Raleigh when I am hungry for certain things. Where to go if I want a big burger, something cold and sweet, or if I need a big ol' helping of guacamole.
Read on for my consolidated list of Raleigh's Bests: the yummiest things I've found, and exactly where to get them.
1. The Best Burger
The best burger I have found was at Parkside, a restaurant in downtown which is, well, right beside a park. The location is good because they have a separate parking lot for customers, a spunky ambiance, and an extensive menu of yumminess. Among the rosemary waffle-and-chicken sandwich, vegan BBQ sandwich, and many other delicious items, Parkside's menu hosts the best burger I have ever tasted: The Brie Burger. The first time I ordered this burger I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Expecting a medium sized burger with a modest amount of brie, I was met with a massive hunk of juicy beef with brie spilling over the sides of the sandwich. Amazing. I have gone back for this burger many times. The only downside of this dish is that it only comes with one side, and the sides list is impossible to choose from. I usually switch it up between the brussels sprouts (super seasoned and CRUNCHY), tomato bisque (thick and flavorful), and their mac n cheese. I have no further explanation for the mac n cheese. Just know that it is really good.
2. The Best Frozen Treat
When I need something sweet, or friends and I want an evening ice cream run, I always suggest Goodberry's. Their Carolina custards are THICC and amazing and, okay, a little bit expensive, but so worth it. I get the vanilla custard with raspberries and cheesecake chunks added. Amazing, never disappoints.
3. The Best Latte(s)
A Croissant Latte from Global Village
Laurel Hecht
This one is actually a two-parter because I could not decide between two places. So, I will say that my favorite place for a flavored latte is Global Village on Hillsborough St. My all-time favorite here is the strawberry vanilla latte. It sounds kind of gross, but it tastes really good. This is a good spot to go if you have classes on Main Campus because it's just a hop, skip, and a jump from D.H. Hill Library. If I want a plain, old-fashioned latte, however, I will venture down to Morning Times in downtown. They have a nice upstairs area complete with big wooden tables, ideal for homework or just hanging out with friends.
4. The Best Croissant
Laurel Hecht
Go to Boulted Bread for croissants. Disclaimer: I have only recently discovered the croissants here. I have tried them one time. However, it was the best croissant I have ever had and I will absolutely be back for many more. They were three dollars, about the size of a conch shell, and had at least one thousand layers. Not a hyperbole at all, that's my honest estimation.
5. The Best Chips and Guac
I made this discovery on accident, actually. A friend and I were wandering around downtown Raleigh one fateful night, searching for a nice place to sit and do homework. However, all coffee shops were apparently closed by 11 p.m., giving us very slim study spot pickings. We ended up in Raleigh Times, which happens to be open until 2 a.m. and has free WiFi. It was the perfect place, except that we needed to be paying customers to be there and neither of us was in the mood for a midnight meal. So we got a little appetizer of chips and guacamole. The chips are homemade and super crunchy and thick. The guac was fresh, flavorful, and chunky (I'm noticing I have a thing for chunky foods, here). I totally recommend.
6. The BEST Pasta
In 2018, I traveled to Italy where I visited both Florence and Rome. In these lands where the alfredo sauce flows like milk and honey and pasta grows on trees, I had pasta at least twice every day. I did my best to make my pasta intake as high as possible in order to fully enjoy as much authentic Italian pasta as I could. However, even after this thorough pasta tour, surprisingly, the best pasta I had in 2018 was still right here in Raleigh. I order a simple ravioli dish, described on their website as, "House Made Ravioli Filled with Ricotta Cheese and Spinach, Parmigiano, Cream, and Sage Sauce". It was super cheesy, super filling, and I think about it approximately seven times a day. Truly an extraordinary dish.
7. The Best Chicken Biscuit
just look at that greasy goodness
Sorry, Bojangles. The best chicken biscuit I have had in Raleigh is at Rise, a biscuit and donut shop in Cameron Village. The chicken: super juicy and nice batter to meat ratio. The biscuit: salty, tasty, and the perfect amount of flake and moisture. Again, I'm no expert, but these are some enjoyable 'chick biscs' at a friendly price.
8. The Best Salad
The beaut with grilled salmon on top.
I am a BIG salad girl, so this is a tricky decision. However, nine times out of ten, when I am craving some fresh greens I take my tummy to the aforementioned Parkside restaurant and get their fruit power bowl. I have a thing for fruit in my veggies, and boy does this salad come through for me every time. They hand you a massive bowl filled with kale, spinach, spiced nuts, GOAT CHEESE, lots of berries, and even apple chunks!! I get this with a blue cheese dressing and grilled chicken chunks.
9. The Best Pizza
Laurel Hecht
The best Raleigh pizza is a tough one. I was very tempted to deem Pieology the best, what with their crispy crust and an endless selection of toppings (with NO extra costs) I get a 'za with spinach, cilantro, ricotta, mozzarella, ham, broccoli, tomato, and chicken. It costs the same as if I had just gotten a pepperoni pizza. HOWEVER, I still say that Trophy Brewing Company has the best pizza I have tasted in Raleigh. Their overwhelming hipster vibe is completed with a funky menu giving you lots of topping combinations to choose from. My personal favorite is the "Most Loyal," which consists of a basil pesto base, with mozzarella, roasted chicken, little tomatoes, and lots of honey drizzled on top. 10/10.
10. The Best Jelly Biscuit
Laurel Hecht
Another dish available right off campus, Jubala is home to a super tasty homemade biscuit with fruit preserves on top. The biscuit is quite fragile, I recommend eating it with a fork, due to its handmade assembly. The biscuit is salty, the fruit is sweet. They give it to you on a little metal dish. You get a tiny spoon for jelly spreading. The whole thing is adorable, I absolutely recommend.
I hope this list of my favorites has inspired you to go out and give some of my spots a try!!
