Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hill Restaurants

Editor's Pick

An old favorite with a few nice upgrades

Team photos dating back to the days of leather football helmets hang so close together on the walls of the Players' Retreat that you can barely see the age-darkened wood paneling behind them. Hundreds of beer cans, some of them brands that haven't been brewed in decades, stand in neat rows on high, narrow shelves. — Greg Cox

The Players' Retreat

Greg Cox

Greg Cox is the restaurant critic for The News & Observer. Read Greg's Columns on newsobserver.com.

N&O Mouthful blog

The Mouthful blog focuses on all things food in the Triangle: where to dine, where to shop, what to eat, what to cook.

Featured Restaurants

Jerk Masters

1909 Poole Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27610

Restaurant critics, neighborhood regulars, and first time visitors alwaysagree about Jerk Masters: the atmosphere is great, the food is superb,and the service is outstanding. The restaurant offers a casual atmospherethat is perfect for dining with friends, co-workers ... more

Amedeo's Italian Restaurant

3905 Western Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27606

Raleigh, NC is a long way from Reading, PA, yet Amedeo "Dick" DeAngelis made the trek to play football for the mighty NC State Wolfpack in 1954. Playing on a scholarship, he was a long way from home and he greatly missed "home cooking". The idea of opening a small ... more

The Barmuda Triangle

11514 Hwy 70 West, Clayton, NC, 27520

Fun, friendly, local neighborhood bar with lots of great people, music, food, and activities. We have drink and kitchen specials daily. See below for August schedule of events, bands, and menu. Come sing, dance, drink, eat and just have some fun with old ... more

The Fishing Pier Restaurant

1900 Murchison Rd., Fayetteville, NC, 28301

Welcome to The Fishing Pier Restaurant! We specialize in delicious and reasonably priced cuisine, including our house specialties and other customer favorites. Our cuisine entrees are served in a relaxed and welcoming setting that you and your friends and family ... more

Blu Seafood and Bar

2002 Hillsborough Rd., Durham, NC, 27705

News & Observer restaurant critic Greg Cox says: Aqua blue and beach sand white set a south Florida mood in Blu’s dining room, bar and sun-dappled patio, and owner/chef Tim Lyons’ menu keeps that mood alive. Start with queen conch seviche, and follow with seaf ... more

Japanese