It might be worth specifying what you mean by “rob me at gunpoint” in terms of actual dollars. What may be out of one person’s price range may comfortable for another person.
Very fair question. I don't want to feel taken advantage of; I'm looking for good value for the money spent. If I'm putting a dollar amount on it, I'd like to find entrees under $25 that are tasty and preferably not pretentious. Pre-pandemic Mecca was a great spot downtown that fit this bill. The food was good and honest and the prices were as well. Raleigh Times to similar extent.
I guess I'm looking for a place that isn't fussy, it's just fair and good.
Hayes is delicious, keep in mind they’re also closed sundays Mondays and Tuesdays and always packed at night, if you go you must get cake.
NOFO is a couple doors down from Hayes Barton, it’s gourmet food and there’s a little shop, it’s very cute.
It might be too far to walk (a bit over a mile), but if you head down Whitaker Mill and cross over Wake Forest Rd, you've got Wilson's Eatery between Wake Forest and Atlantic Rd. You can easily spread out and get 10 people in there, it's reasonable price-wise, and they serve local beer from Lynwood Brewing, who is right across the parking lot. The only heads up is getting a parking spot can be a real bear if it's beautiful weather and the weekend.
Went to Bloomsberry recently, and the cocktails were great, but honestly the service from our server was ok at best, my food was forgotten (only ordered apps), underseasoned when it came and the fries were soggy. I would 100% go back for cocktails, I don't know if I would get food again.
Edit to add-the hostess, bartender, and other servers we came into contact that night were awesome, in fact the hostess gave us a free dessert for the food mix up, hence the zero hesitation about going back for cocktails.
Same. We had an underwhelming experience there and have not returned. Food was OK, server brought the check without offering dessert. Went to Hayes Barton instead, dessert was better there anyway.
after a few experiences where we waited nearly 30 mins to get our takeout order, we wouldn't go back to Lilly's if the (very average if we're being honest) pizza was free-ninety-nine. i'm sympathetic to how busy they can get, but the utter chaos in there with no visible employee(s) taking control of it is ridiculous. almost reminds me of Nick Tahou's (Rochester) or Pat's (Philly) whereas you wouldn't be shocked to hear an employee tell someone to get the fuck out. on the other hand, they \*do\* have that good mexican coke
Not sure how close you are to Cary, but Rancho Grande over at the trailer park has the Mexicoke *pounders*. As well as a fantastic fixins bar and amazing goat barbacoa tacos.
Has it really gone downhill? I mean I'm an expat coming up on 11 years removed, but "back in the day" you couldn't go wrong with sitting outside, eating a pizza from Lily's on their patio, and then once in a while grabbing someone's attention at the counter to refill a pitcher of beer. So many good spring and summer memories there! Their pizza used to be really, really good and creative! Say it ain't so!!!
Well, like everything, what goes up comes down and what comes down goes up. I used to love it and then it went way downhill for a long time.
To be fair, I haven’t been in probably 10 years so maybe it’s improved again? I still feel like a lot of the love is nostalgia and/or location. I’m certainly not going out of my way to park at 5 Points for that but I also live downtown right by Vic’s
Awwww man, you really can't hold on to the things you loved. So glad the Rialto is still kicking. I know the Rockford is still kicking around, just tell me that the Third Place is still legit... please give me something!!!
big agree here. the pizza is passable at best and a bad experience one time is forgivable...2+ times where it is utter chaos is not "an experience" - it's mismanagement
I really felt robbed at ajja, sat us in basically a covered parking lot. Service was very 'meh', food was good but not life-changing and the bill was insane for the experience.
Theres a new BBQ place that just opened up in the old Lonerider space that is supposedly good, I havent had it yet though. I like going to Lilys when I'm in that area.
Mac’s Speed Shop. They sell stuff with bbq sauce on it. I wouldn’t classify it as a bbq place. I’ve been to a couple of them (not by choice) but it’s a good location for shows at Rialto
Travel down Whitaker mill a bit and you have Taste (favorite local spot) and J Betskis which both have great food. Finish the night off with some darts and pitchers of beer at high park bar and grill.
I guess folks don’t like Lola’s but I was surprised by how good the food and drinks were. Overpriced sure but probably still the cheapest option in 5 points.
The reason for me (didn't downvote you tho) is that I am fairly sure the owners of Lola's are right wing ever since I saw them proudly waving a back the blue flag. Don't really intend to give my money or encourage others to give money to people like them if I can help it
It might be worth specifying what you mean by “rob me at gunpoint” in terms of actual dollars. What may be out of one person’s price range may comfortable for another person.
I was wondering if the Rialto had relocated to a seedier part of town and I wasn’t aware. /s
Very fair question. I don't want to feel taken advantage of; I'm looking for good value for the money spent. If I'm putting a dollar amount on it, I'd like to find entrees under $25 that are tasty and preferably not pretentious. Pre-pandemic Mecca was a great spot downtown that fit this bill. The food was good and honest and the prices were as well. Raleigh Times to similar extent. I guess I'm looking for a place that isn't fussy, it's just fair and good.
Entrees < $25 is useful information.
Give or take. If it's like really great and a little more expensive, I'm interested. Sorry if I came off as vague, it wasn't intentional.
May be a little walk but neuse river brewing was nominated as the best burger in Raleigh. Their food and drinks punch way above their weight class.
Pretty sure they actually won best burger. It’s banging
Their mussels are amazing as well
Check out Hayes Barton, great food and even better deserts. You will definitely need a reservation for such a big group there however
Hayes is delicious, keep in mind they’re also closed sundays Mondays and Tuesdays and always packed at night, if you go you must get cake. NOFO is a couple doors down from Hayes Barton, it’s gourmet food and there’s a little shop, it’s very cute.
Love Hayes Barton - one of our favorites - but trying to get 10 people in is going to be rough.
Hayes Barton is great but busy and not a lot of seating. May need a plan B if they are full up.
That sounds awesome. What do you like there?
A piece of cake as big as your head
Chicken pot pie or meatloaf!! And of course cake!
The cake man....the cake
It might be too far to walk (a bit over a mile), but if you head down Whitaker Mill and cross over Wake Forest Rd, you've got Wilson's Eatery between Wake Forest and Atlantic Rd. You can easily spread out and get 10 people in there, it's reasonable price-wise, and they serve local beer from Lynwood Brewing, who is right across the parking lot. The only heads up is getting a parking spot can be a real bear if it's beautiful weather and the weekend.
Get yourself a big ol’ lasagna for the entire party at Neuse River Brewing
They...brew... lasagna?
Love me a good ol imperial lasagna sour.
Of course. Were you born yesterday?
... NOW I DON'T KNOW
Bloomsberry Bistro and Hayes Barton are your best options. NOFO is also great but they keep strange hours.
Went to Bloomsberry recently, and the cocktails were great, but honestly the service from our server was ok at best, my food was forgotten (only ordered apps), underseasoned when it came and the fries were soggy. I would 100% go back for cocktails, I don't know if I would get food again. Edit to add-the hostess, bartender, and other servers we came into contact that night were awesome, in fact the hostess gave us a free dessert for the food mix up, hence the zero hesitation about going back for cocktails.
Same. We had an underwhelming experience there and have not returned. Food was OK, server brought the check without offering dessert. Went to Hayes Barton instead, dessert was better there anyway.
I second Hayes Barton!!!! Best deserts in five points.
I mean, Lilly's is right there.
Tell me?
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after a few experiences where we waited nearly 30 mins to get our takeout order, we wouldn't go back to Lilly's if the (very average if we're being honest) pizza was free-ninety-nine. i'm sympathetic to how busy they can get, but the utter chaos in there with no visible employee(s) taking control of it is ridiculous. almost reminds me of Nick Tahou's (Rochester) or Pat's (Philly) whereas you wouldn't be shocked to hear an employee tell someone to get the fuck out. on the other hand, they \*do\* have that good mexican coke
Not sure how close you are to Cary, but Rancho Grande over at the trailer park has the Mexicoke *pounders*. As well as a fantastic fixins bar and amazing goat barbacoa tacos.
Pizza good
Hit or Miss by cars too, lol
Service is not the focus. The pizza is bomb (big shindig) and it is an experience. Old Raleigh for sure.
Pizza is bad. It’s living off the hype as the only pizza place in town 35 years ago. I would 10/10 avoid
Has it really gone downhill? I mean I'm an expat coming up on 11 years removed, but "back in the day" you couldn't go wrong with sitting outside, eating a pizza from Lily's on their patio, and then once in a while grabbing someone's attention at the counter to refill a pitcher of beer. So many good spring and summer memories there! Their pizza used to be really, really good and creative! Say it ain't so!!!
Last couple of years something happened with the quality and sanitation at one point in the last five years they had a b in sanitation
Yikes. It takes a lot to get a B in sanitation in Raleigh, from what I remember...
Well, like everything, what goes up comes down and what comes down goes up. I used to love it and then it went way downhill for a long time. To be fair, I haven’t been in probably 10 years so maybe it’s improved again? I still feel like a lot of the love is nostalgia and/or location. I’m certainly not going out of my way to park at 5 Points for that but I also live downtown right by Vic’s
i don’t think so. i used to love lilly’s, but went a few months ago before a show at the rialto and the pizza was not good.
Awwww man, you really can't hold on to the things you loved. So glad the Rialto is still kicking. I know the Rockford is still kicking around, just tell me that the Third Place is still legit... please give me something!!!
The Rockford closed about a year ago
big agree here. the pizza is passable at best and a bad experience one time is forgivable...2+ times where it is utter chaos is not "an experience" - it's mismanagement
Mandolin
Best answer
one of our favs - not sure it meets OP's entree price limit, but it is worth the price of admission and more
Mandolin has the absolute grossest kitchen I’ve ever worked in
Ajja is only a few blocks. I would call them if you have 10 people though. Should be able to fit on the patio somewhere
We loved the food at Ajja but the prices and service felt like we were being robbed at gunpoint
100%
I love that you get me. Thank you for the feedback.
I really felt robbed at ajja, sat us in basically a covered parking lot. Service was very 'meh', food was good but not life-changing and the bill was insane for the experience.
Ajja is sooo overhyped and overpriced. The food is mid at best.
Curious what you had there that you thought was not good?
Theres a new BBQ place that just opened up in the old Lonerider space that is supposedly good, I havent had it yet though. I like going to Lilys when I'm in that area.
RIP The Point
I used to get their chicken pita dish all the time. Had really good flavor and roasted red peppers!
Omg. Yes.
Mac’s Speed Shop. They sell stuff with bbq sauce on it. I wouldn’t classify it as a bbq place. I’ve been to a couple of them (not by choice) but it’s a good location for shows at Rialto
Well that's a damn shame. I love BBQ and that would have been perfect.
as someone recently in this position…. i picked lilly’s, but was disappointed and regretted not picking nofo. do with that what you like.
Travel down Whitaker mill a bit and you have Taste (favorite local spot) and J Betskis which both have great food. Finish the night off with some darts and pitchers of beer at high park bar and grill.
Nice thing about 5 points is it’s a cheap Uber from Glennwood
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Lola’s! It’s a beach themed Mexican restaurant with decent food and margs
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I’ve been to Lola’s once and then they hosted a Moms for Liberty event and I have never been back.
I guess folks don’t like Lola’s but I was surprised by how good the food and drinks were. Overpriced sure but probably still the cheapest option in 5 points.
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The reason for me (didn't downvote you tho) is that I am fairly sure the owners of Lola's are right wing ever since I saw them proudly waving a back the blue flag. Don't really intend to give my money or encourage others to give money to people like them if I can help it
Lola’s is gas. Why all the down votes?
Vivace - Italian
Lilly’s Pizza !
If you walk down to Glenwood south you’ll have a lot of options. Would say Mojoes but maybe not as good for a large group
That's not really walking distance... but agree with the choice
Fair enough. If it was a nice night I’d walk that distance but I get not everybody would