First Watch

4.3 (123 reviews)

ModerateBreakfast & Brunch, Cafes, American

Closed • 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

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First Watch - a plate of food with pancakes and eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

First Watch - Bar area. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

First Watch - a hand holding a cup of ice cream and caramel - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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First Watch - Bar and kitchen. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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FIRST WATCH ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

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Moderate noise

Casual

Outdoor seating

Good for kids

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Shamara H.

I LOVE LOVE this First Watch location. I'm here for breakfast at least once a week. This location is always busy so I typically grab a seat at the bar. Service: My favorite servers are Laura and Katie and everyone is always nice and helpful. Definitely service with a smile. Food: I pretty sure I've everything on the menu at least once. My go to orders for breakfast are the Tri-fecta, Healthy Turkey, Bacado Omelette. Sometimes I treat myself to the Million Dollar Bacon. My lunch fav is Ham & Gruyere Melt with the Sweet Honey Pecan Salad. I like that they offer a seasonal menu too. Brunch Cocktails and Drink: Try either the Sangria or Spiked Lavender Lemonade. Yum! They also serve Mimosas and Bloody Mary's. They also have daily juice options available. I've tried the Morning Meditation and typically drink over two days. My only gripe is the cost of the coffee. Parking: Ample parking is available.

This WAS Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Every. Single. Bite. Yummy!

JP W.

Yep! It was THAT good! You must try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes!! Treat yourself Our server, Morgan, was fantastic!

Kenyatta J.

This was my second time experiencing first watch! From my first experience, I was very skeptical however, I want to give it a second try. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food and service. I definitely recommend the fresh eggs, chicken, sausage, and crispy bacon. The potatoes were a mess for me! Overall 8/10! The ambiance gives farmhouse vibes! It was clean and the staff were very friendly! I will be back soon!

Chip R.

Bottom line: Had a tasty Smoked Salmon/Roasted Vegetable Fritatta for brunch. I would appreciate a bit more on the portion size for this menu entry, but enjoyed it. Service was good for the most part. The Deets: I found myself around Lake Boone Trail one Sunday afternoon, and since it was brunch time I decided to walk down to First Watch. There were a lot of people there and it was pretty crowded but luckily there was an open seat at the bar area so I was seated quickly. The bar area is bright, clean looking, and next to the kitchen area. I was greeted by the server/bartender who got me coffee and menus. First Watch has a pretty sizable selection for brunch, and looking over the menu I decided to go with the Smoked Salmon and Roasted Vegetable Frittata. This choice is described on the menu as a "classic frittata with Wild Alaska Smoked Sockeye Salmon, house-roasted shallots and tomatoes topped with Parmesan, a chive cream drizzle and fresh herbs." I chose not to have the tomatoes on this order. When it came, a few things I noticed...the portion/size of the frittata was a bit less than I had anticipated, mainly. Another was it came with a long slender piece of ciabatta toast and breakfast potatoes...the toast and the potatoes were good but my personal preference for breakfast potatoes are more crispy/crunchy on the outside. I enjoyed the frittata taste as smoked salmon is one of my brunch faves, it was delicious. Service was good, with only noting that I did have to wait a long period before my card was taken to close out my bill at the end. I actually waver between 3.5 and 4 stars here but I will go with 4 stars since Yelp does not have half stars and it was definitely better than a 3 star visit. I can see myself enjoying First Watch again but I think I would explore the menu a bit more for brunch in the future.

Very friendly staff..seated immediately. Farm to Table esthetic. Clean and bright. Condensed menu on account of Mother's Day. Enjoyed the Farmhouse Skillet Hash (picture does not due justice). Served hot with plenty of melty cheese and crisp potatoes Love the whole grain artisan toast and preserves! Just the right sweetness to go with my meal! Good quality for the price.

Fresh flavorful food. Generous portions. Friendly servers - shout out to Skylar! Bright relaxed atmosphere. Ordered from spring menu Berries French toast with blueberry compote & lavender whip. Delicious! Came for breakfast but open menu so Hubby had the beef Harvati sandwich with Cobb salad and side tomato bisque. If you're hungry a little or a lot, you'll find something delicious to eat at First Watch.

Karen E.

Love their skillets. This is my first time trying the Parma skillet and I really like the Italian sausage and the melted Parmesan cheese. The sun dried tomatoes are good as well. Service was fine as we saw how busy it was. There was a nice vibe in the restaurant and even outside on the patio.

Viki N.

First time in this location on Monday morning. No wait at all. The restaurant had a nice vibe and it wasn't too noisy that we couldn't hold a conversation. The waitress was friendly and professional. She was also attentive. The food was brought to our table quickly and was warm and appealing to the eye. Tge Market veggie omelet was prepared to my liking. Veggies were cooking nicely and plentiful. I had a side of potatoes and they were tasty. Overall a pleasant experience at First Watch on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.

Elizabeth W.

Great service today - all our lemon wedges delivered for our water without asking twice, affable demeanor, delicious food perfectly prepared, all the Hazelnut creamer we could wish for, extra ketchup, and takeaway coffees to go. Seated in a 2-person booth near the front windows and the ambient noise was easy to talk over. We quite enjoyed our adult morning out. Thank you for a bright spot on a rainy day. COVID precautions: all servers were really consistent about wearing their masks and in the proper fashion, and guests wore theirs when going to restrooms. Tables are distanced and there is outdoor seating available.

Teresa W.

It's official I am addicted to first watch. The waffles was so light and fluffy. I have had waffles and many different places but this one is my favorite. The kale tonic will change your life!!! I have been many times and have never had a bad meal. Store always clean, staff great as normal and parking never an issue. Come in more than likely I will be there!!

Floridian French Toast, spinach and cheese omelette bacon and potatoes.

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Kelly Z.

332

179

5 years ago

Really nice place! Loved my omelette and fresh juice! Super cute and comfortable. Our waitress was really nice and informative. Lots of delicious looking items...it was hard to choose what to order! read more

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Hanna F.

Kelly, thank you for visiting First Watch on Lake Boone! We are…

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Brooke L.

3 years ago

food was great as always, great service although it was busy! Our server Andria was very kind.

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Lauren W.

3 years ago

Food and service were terrific! Andria took great care of us even with a full restaurant! Will definitely be coming back. Great experience, and even better food. read more

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Daniel S.

3 years ago

Great service by Andria today. Great go to spot with kids.

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Shreya P.

Elite 21

147

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181

5 years ago

Tried this popular brunch cafe in town and we were not disappointed! The highlight was their fresh juices along with many vegeterian friendly menu items. We ordered breakfast tacos, biscuits and both of their fresh juices. Great flavors and very fresh! The service was commendable knowing how busy they were! read more

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Dk K.

5 years ago

Spencer Joyner is the BEST!!!!!!!! We adore spencer he's just an amazing guy and we always love seeing him here. Such a hard worker. He's so so amazing and always gives his all to me and my family and anyone I bring over here .. also mark the manager he was amazing .. would go above and beyond for all of us. honestly everyone at first watch here ...all the servers and workers are absolutely amazing .. they truly are super genuine .. I've never once have had a bad experience .. this is my place to go.. literally not only the food but the people here make everything perfect. thank you first watch fam!!!! in lake Boone trail MAD LOVE !!! read more

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Danny R.

5 years ago

It's always worth the wait. I am so grateful for the amazing (and super unique) menu that lives up to the printed hype. Many of the meals are like angels dancing on your taste buds. Plus, there are so many healthy options. And the service was phenomenal. Claudia was our server and juggled all of the things during a crazy Sunday morning with grace and wonderful service. The warmth we received was above and beyond. read more

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L C.

109

5 years ago

Last time I visited, I happened to have my dog with me so I called from the parking lot to ask if I could take a seat outside (several empty tables available) or if my name be put on the list. Amy was short on patience and kindness when she answered the phone. She told me I had to come in to put my name on the list. Normally when there's a wait, people are crowded at the door; no one was in sight. I explained I was alone & had my dog and she insisted I still had to come in. Her attitude told me I should eat elsewhere. read more

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Paige T.

L, thank you for your feedback. We apologize for the service you…

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Maria M.

5 years ago

Absolutely the best breakfast ever. Fresh, great precentation & courteous service. Anna was very attentive & pleasant. Definitely recommend. Elevated Egg sand which & Frittata are a must. Can't wait to comeback read more

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Darci K.

6 years ago

Great food! Phone number on google isn't correct. I found it though! Called 919-925-6900 and was able to order kids meals and a great breakfast pack deal! Got free coffee and free iced coffee as well! Just ask. read more

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Jessica W.

5 years ago

Always great food and service! I can never decide what to order because everything is so delicious!

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Paige T.

Jessica, thank you for the five stars! We're overjoyed to hear that…

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Bobby A.

296

121

5 years ago

Awesome breakfast our server Fatima was awesome. Sorry ate my food before i realized i didnt take pic. I asked for huevos rancheros (wasnt on the menu). It came out on crisy tostadas with avacado mash pico, red onion and sunny side up eggs cooked perfect. With side black beans. Never had better. Also coffee was amazing read more

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R2 M.

5 years ago

I still don't understand how this gets good reviews. The food is consistently bad--like cafeteria food. I had a vegetarian sandwich was greasy and had a pathetic smattering of worn out-looking vegetables. The food had a rancid grease smell to it. The second time I went--only because of a work event--I had another sandwich which was also greasy and tasted bad. There are so many better places to get fresh, great-tasting food. I'm not clear why anyone would choose this place. read more

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Hanna F.

Thank you for visiting First Watch on Lake Boone. We greatly…

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Richard C.

3 years ago

I want to like this place because the food is good but the service is so slow. It's slower than any restaurant I've ever been to. I walked in and it was 5 minutes before anyone even acknowledged me because there was no hostess. The front area was empty and no hostess. Once I got seated the waitress was incredibly slow. This was my experience the second time I came on a slow Wednesday. The first time I came on a Sunday it was 15 minutes after being seated that our waiter even came and asked if we wanted water. Do not come here. So many places in Raleigh with equal food and not garbage service. read more

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Jennifer C.

Richard, thank you for visiting First watch and we are thankful for…

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Pat T.

174

5 years ago

Much more roomier than our regular FW on Glenwood. Love the bar area. Great waitstaff but was disappointed to watch a cpl of guys in the kitchen area continuously removing their masks to talk. read more

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Paige T.

Pat, thanks for dining with us! The health and safety of our…

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Marissa H.

5 years ago

Food was great we got the BLT Benedict & Florida toast. Spencer was our server, he was really on top of it, and gave us some great local recommendations. We'll be back! read more

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Miriam R.

3 years ago

All the managers were bitchy and rude and they all stared at me and had a tone when I talked to them

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Dee D.

457

5 years ago

First visit to this location! Staff was great and the atmosphere is very inviting. Good food is a plus!!!!

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Les M.

4 years ago

Terrible service. Waited an hour after being told 30min. Watching groups for 4 go in before our group of 2. Instead of seating the groups of 2, they pushed tables together and took groups of 3 or 4 who checked in 45 minutes after us. We will not return. read more

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Josh W.

6 years ago

Mario was our server and the attention to detail, uplifting attitude during service allowed for a really enjoyable experience. We would highly recommend this restaurant for the service and quality of food. We have been here multiple times and have not beeen disappointed. Thank you FW! read more

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Brittani M.

4 years ago

Once again love First Watch. I work at the Fort Collins location and am out here visiting for the summer. Missed my crew back home. Coming here made me feel at home again. The manager and server were just as friendly as my crew. One thing that they did differently was one server brought out one plate at a time whereas I'm used to the team help bring every plate out once the table 's order was up (unless it was a big top, but even then the other half would be up shortly). read more

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Myron D.

Elite 21

6 years ago

The food here is fresh and incredibly delicious! I had the pesto chicken bowl and it was the best tasting pesto dish I've ever eaten! The chicken was juicy and the bowl was seasoned just right. The only reason I'm giving them a 4 star instead of 5 is because their serving size was much smaller than anticipated especially for what u pay. That being said, I could have probably finished 2 bowls. Their potatoes are also good af! Give them a try and you'll be coming back for more! I know I will, fo sho read more

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Madison G.

354

5 years ago

Good variety and all fresh and clean. Always ask for my potatoes extra crispy but they always come out soggy as hell....

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Rachel B.

6 years ago

The French toast is delicious but both times we ordered turkey sausage one comes burnt but the order that isn't burnt is good! read more

First Watch - Turkey sausage - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Carisa C.

4 years ago

We arrived at 2:05, didn't realize they closed at 2:30om, could be why I feel like they could have done better. My son ordered the blueberry muffin top special, it was good but missing the granola topping, noticed this after he finished, so didn't mention to server. He didn't get syrup until several minutes after as well, but he didn't need it as it was tasty enough without it. I ordered the 1/2 havarti sandwich with 1/2 salad, the roast beef was cold, but the sandwich was still tasty. Husband had the same sandwich full size with the soup of the day, but I guess they didnt have anymore, so was given the tomato soup, he was aware this might happen and was ok with it. Manager asked if everything was ok when paying the bill as he had to make a correction to it and I replied yes, didn't want to complain about these small things as we already finished and overall enjoyed our lunch. read more

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Perry L.

4 years ago

Great food and service. The server Haley was very good and helpful. Great place for brunch.

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Jennifer G.

Perry, thank you for this amazing share! We are excited to hear that…

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Tracy C.

6 years ago

Food was good but nothing that just made me want to go back soon. The service was outstanding, very friendly server, but for the price you pay I was expecting them to step up there game at least a little. Nothing really wrong with it, nothing really great about it either‍ Just a very pricy breakfast read more

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Cole S.

6 years ago

Both the food and service here is excellent! As a second time customer, I will be back again soon without a doubt! Very big fan of First Watch!!! read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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George F.

6 years ago

Came in today. Seated right away. Had no clue who the server was because there were about 5 that walked by and it took 10 minutes to even be acknowledged. Then when the server finally told us "I'll be more than happy to serve you, give me a minute," she then walked by two more times. I really don't post much but if you like bad service, go here. We ended up walking out which is probably only the 3rd time in my life I've done that. read more

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Jennifer G.

George, We greatly appreciate your feedback, as it’s the best way we…

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James H.

6 years ago

O.M.G! Spencer our batender and Paul the manager were extremely kind and knowledgable about the drinks and food they served. Everything was great! Would definitely recommend. Indoor and outdoor seating. No wait on a Sat brunch. Very clean and covid precautionary measures are being taken very seriously, including plexi glass between the booths. Enjoy your visit! read more

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Gwen M.

4 years ago

As always, the food was delicious and our server Haley was very attentive. Great location for breakfast and brunch!

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Jennifer G.

Gwen, thank you for this amazing share! We are excited to hear that…

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Tamekia T.

4 years ago

The food at First Watch was amazing! My server was Haley and I highly recommend her!!! She was nice and even though they were busy she took the time to chat with me. read more

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Jennifer G.

Tamekia, whether it is breakfast, brunch, or lunch, we are happy to…

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Cynthia M.

4 years ago

Taylor provided a wonderful experience. She was friendly and welcoming. The food and beverage was very good.

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Nahyr T.

4 years ago

Great quality ingredients, welcoming environment and energized staff. I frequent this location 2-4 times a week for a particular menu item customized to my preference. (Chicken Avocado Chop Salad) I did have a issue recently with my order. However, it occurred again the next day on my following visit. To be honest I thought about not coming back. However the hostess (whose name I can't remember. But appreciate the MOST at this location) informed her leadership of the issue. Cody the general manager took accountability, gave a full explanation, and corrected my order( I was also refunded partially for the prior day).I could care less about the refund, what meant a lot to me was his handling of the situation. I truly felt valued and heard which is a necessity we all have. Thus, I wanted to reciprocate the kind gesture with a positive and full circle review of one of the best breakfast / lunch eateries in town! Thank you for the amazing food and above the mark service, I WILL be back! read more

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Jennifer G.

Nahy, thank you for dining at First Watch. Quality and consistency is…

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Nancy E.

4 years ago

We are frequent customers here at First Watch, mainly because the food is always delicious, and served promptly. The servers are so friendly and welcoming. read more

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Nash P.

6 years ago

GREAT PLACE! The breakfast stuff is to die for and during the quarantine I would go and get some breakfast on the way into the office. Delicious, even had a little maple syrup jar for my waffle. The bacon and eggs were spot on, and the chicken sausage was amazing. Can't beat good breakfast food and this is some of the best in the triangle read more

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Brinn A.

548

5 years ago

Do not use the online waitlist. Whatever wait time shows up on your phone actually starts when you arrive at the restaurant, therefore the "online wait time" essentially does nothing. Even the manager didn't know what it was supposed to do when asked to explain. It was inefficient and wasted more of my time when I had already done the 45 minute online wait. read more

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Sandra C.

5 years ago

From PA and was surprised by overseating inside- but wasn't dining in, just grabbing out to-go order. Food was delicious!

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Mariana P.

5 years ago

Great price, super pretty decorations. Good for a nice and comfy breakfast. I ordered the Florida French Toast and it came out very quickly. Just a note, the cranberry juice is super sour but diluted with water it's better. read more

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Grant H.

6 years ago

Friendly staff, delicious coffee, and consistently good food will bring me back to First Watch over and over. Spencer was an excellent server. Great job y'all. read more

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Page 3 of 4

4035 Lake Boone Trl
Ste 103
Raleigh, NC 27607
Directions
(919) 925-6900
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.firstwatch.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does First Watch open?

First Watch opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does First Watch close?

First Watch closes at 2:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Payment methods

Does First Watch take credit cards?

Yes, First Watch takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does First Watch have a drive thru?

No, First Watch does not have a drive thru.

Does First Watch serve alcohol?

Yes, First Watch serves alcohol.

Outdoor Amenities

Does First Watch have outdoor seating?

Yes, First Watch has outdoor seating options.

Does First Watch have parking?

Yes, First Watch has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is First Watch wheelchair accessible?

Yes, First Watch is wheelchair accessible.

Does First Watch have free WiFi?

Yes, First Watch has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

First Watch is an award-winning breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, serving a chef-driven menu of elevated classics and seasonal specialties, always made to order using the freshest ingredients. We greet the sunrise by slicing and juicing fresh fruits and vegetables, whipping French toast batter from scratch and brewing pots of our single-origin Project Sunrise coffee. Freshness is never comprised, which is why we welcome each season into our menu with ingredients and flavors inspired by the position of the sun. All year long, you can enjoy craveable favorites like Avocado Toast for breakfast, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict for brunch and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for lunch. Whether you start at the crack of dawn or not, we'll leave that up to you!

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Any vegan options?

Unfortunately no.

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The service was nice and the food was good at The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Village District! I met a…read morefriend here on a Saturday at 10am for breakfast and we were sat right away. Freebird Benedict with Moon Dusted Potatoes: A twist on a Benedict - Chicken tenders, chicken sausage gravy, and a poached egg on top of a split biscuit. Yum! I loved the potatoes, the seasoning was on point! Fluffy Flying Biscuit with Cranberry Apple Butter: Great biscuit. The cranberry apple butter was nice, but I think I would prefer plain butter. Firecracker Shrimp Wrap with Truffle-Parmesan Fries: My friend had this and she let me try a shrimp and some fries. The shrimp was cooked well and I enjoyed the spice of the sauce. I enjoyed the fries too (really well seasoned), but I liked the Moon Dusted Potatoes that came with my dish more. There is a Flying Biscuit closer to my house, so I can't wait to check out that location next!

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A Place At The Table

Great food, friendly staff. 1st time here was great! Clean restaurant, quick service the Breakfast…read morePlate was good.

I tell you the truth whenever I give a five star is because they're deserving meeting all top tiers…read moreand critters in my restaurant journey; the food the service and always go check out the ambiance please :D. A Place at the Table is Raleigh first pay as you go kitchen, there's no limit on the quality of the team, volunteers and atmosphere. With eatery space outdoors, indoor and upstairs a fast kitchen with flavorful healthy options stop in and volunteer for a hour for a meal or pay the suggested option prices given. Flavorful rich creamy soup with fresh crisp ingredients!!! The staff is welcoming always greeting with a smile and cheerful loving family feel this kitchen is the way foundation of service should be. Thank you for always pursuing I have a great experience. .

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Inside

The huevos rancheros!

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Tupelo Honey

This breakfast hit all the classic comfort notes but with a little finesse. Scrambled eggs were…read morecreamy, bacon perfectly crispy, and the potatoes golden and seasoned just right. The toasted sourdough was a nice touch for sopping up bites. The fried okra was a standout--lightly battered, bright green inside, and not soggy (a minor miracle) The chicken tenders had a peppery cornmeal breading that stayed crunchy and paired well with the dipping sauce. But the most nostalgic part was the warm biscuit split open with peach jelly--sweet, sunny, and the perfect finish! Overall: Comfort food done well, generous portions, great textures, and totally worth the visit

The Service is dreadful. If I could zero stars I would. My husband and I went for lunch. Six tables…read moreoccupied, 3 servers walking around. All three passed our table multiple times while avoiding eye contact for 20 minutes. I love the food and coffee. Their target demographic is obviously not patrons that spend money. I won't be back.

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Summerberry Salad

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PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails

Mother's Day brunch with the kid and we both absolutely loved our bruschetta breakfast toast!!! It…read morewas a hit! Our server was awesome! Hate I forgot her name. She was super sweet and I think we kept her entertained! lol!

European touches and the best savory crepe (Steak and Eggs!) I've ever had this morning with my…read morehusband for brunch. I can absolutely see why this place has such great reviews. This visit was also meaningful for us personally. Tomorrow is my 30th birthday, and since my husband had to leave today for military duty, this was our chance to celebrate together. I asked if it might be possible to have "30" written on the plate with sauce--just a small touch to mark the moment. I completely understand that Sunday mornings are busy and that staff have to keep things moving. Still, I was a bit disappointed when the request was declined. (I ended up making my own little design with my knife from the sauce, which was delicious)- It felt like a missed opportunity to create a memorable moment on a big day for us. And although I had zero other issues I couldn't help but leave remembering only that part of the experience. Overall, the food and atmosphere were great. I'm sharing this as gentle feedback, because small gestures like that can really make a lasting impression. People will forget what they ordered, but they won't forget how they felt when they left.

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Press interior

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Outdoor seating

Benelux Café

I try a new coffee shop every Saturday and today it was Benelux…read more There isn't a lot of street parking, but there is an underground garage behind it, which is so convenient. It's located next to Village District. I was greeted immediately by a nice young man. I asked for his hot food suggestion, and of course he suggested the waffles! I ordered a waffle with fresh bananas and Nutella...every bite was absolutely delicious. I also ordered a lavender latte and loved it. They sell scones from a local vendor and I had a gluten free orange cranberry scone which was also delicious. Benelux is spacious and has plenty of seating. Tables, high tops and even a couple of comfortable love seats.

This is great coffee shop with a good, family friendly a diverse vibe…read more Benelux offers a good variety of coffee drinks and delicious pastries. We ordered lattes and other pastries, and they were all delicious. I met the new owners when I stopped by, and they shared their new plans for upgrades and improvements. They own other coffee shops in Colombia, so I'm guessing those improvements will be good. It is located in a shopping plaza centrally located. If you are not from the area, the GPS will take you straight to it. There is a parking lot for the entire shopping plaza with free parking. If you like to work in coffee shops, this one gets a bit busy and noisy at times. Keep that in mind. The staff was friendly and helpful. The space is comfortable and common areas are clean. Overall, 100% recommended.

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Menu.

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Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

Best spot for walk-in breakfast biscuits, located in Cameron Village. Great variety of menu options…read morefor signature biscuits and sides. This time I went with a custom BYO - Bacon & Egg White Biscuit, extra bacon and added a side of grape jelly for balance. Biscuit was baked to perfection, nice texture, and the egg white was my splash of health consciousness. On a prior visit I had the Sweet Country Blues biscuit which was very good as well. I enjoy the open kitchen vibe that really gives it the bakery ambience. I recommend placing your order online in advance for pickup. The pickup process is convenient using your name to unlock the box containing your order.

Shop is small. They had one ordering tablet and a pick up area. No seating indoors. 3 tables…read moreoutside and on a slant/hill. Parking available since there's a lot. Ordered chicken sandwich on potato bun with regular tots (seasoned) with sweet tea. Overall the quality was good. The tea helped with the tots.

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Biscuit Belly - Seaboard Station

the atmosphere was relaxing and the staff was welcoming . loved the strawberry mimosa .read more

I ordered the bacon chicken wrap with grits and a jumbo strawberry mimosa. My friend went with the…read morebasic biscuit - pork sausage and a yogurt & berries bowl. The grits were cooked perfectly with a nice thick texture and nicely salted. I was amazed at the portion of bacon that came in the wrap and the chicken was seasoned well. Big portion and worth the money. I appreciate the fact that it's open seating without a traditional host stand. The dining room is causal, colorful, cozy, and well lit. One of my new breakfast favorites in Raleigh. The location is convenient to hotels downtown for business or leisure travelers looking for a quality bite to eat to start their day. Overall 9/10.

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Morning Times

This downtown Raleigh stop really came through when I was craving a breakfast sandwich!!! LOL…read more The staff was very friendly. Service was prompt. It's a small space but there's plenty of outdoor seating (and I believe there is additional indoor seating next door). Loved my bacon, egg, and cheese croissant! Added a nice fruit salad too. Just love the vibe of this part of downtown Raleigh!

The morning times was a weekly if not daily staple in my life for 10+ years, after moving away from…read morethe city 3 years ago, every time I would come into Raleigh it would be my first stop and it would always feel like home seeing the same familiar faces every time. This morning, I walked in and saw not one familiar face there, and I've come to learn all the staff walked out simultaneously weeks ago. After getting to know many of the staff over the years of frequenting there, anything to make every staff member walk out at the same time has to be big enough to leave a sour taste in your mouth. Am truly sad to see such a Raleigh staple not see the value in the community their staff created. Cheers to Joe, Brennan, Brett, amber, and all of the others past a present (shout out Tim and Casey and Jackie!) for their place in our lives over all of these years! If you are looking for a coffee nearby, jubala (pendo), black & white (videri), heirloom are all great options (and sir Walter coffee and 42 & Lawrence are decent and close)

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Front counter

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Upstairs seating

Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant

A cute breakfast place in Downtown Raleigh that gets very busy! I came immediately after landing at…read morethe airport to get brunch on a weekday around noon. The place was crowded but there was no wait. I got seated immediately at a table near a column in the middle of the restaurant and Christy came over and asked if I wanted anything to drink. She brought me iced water and gave me time to look at the menu. I wanted to try so many things and I was too optimistic about ordering 3 things and finishing them myself. Good thing I only ordered 2 things! An order of fried catfish with home fries and one egg. And a biscuit with sausage gravy. The fried catfish was salted and well fried. It tasted delicious for my first bite! The home fries were basically cut potatoes, but they weren't very fried or flavored. I wished I ordered the side of apple sauce instead. The biscuit and sausage was good, but a bit too much for one person after eating a separate order already. Definitely bring more people so you can try more things. Also, I wished I had asked for sausage gravy on the side so I can try the biscuit on its own first as well. Furthermore, I would have more time to eat the catfish so I wasn't worried about the biscuit getting soggy. Christy came to check up on me every now and then. The place was buzzing with people and decorations so I didn't feel so alone. When it was time to pay, Christy brought me the check for me to pay at the cash register. Both Christy and the cashier were so friendly! The restaurant does have a women's and a mens restroom if needed.

This casual downtown Raleigh restaurant has a very authentic Southern vibe. From the red-and-white…read morechecked tablecloths to the other old-fashioned decor and the Southern cuisine menu offerings, you will know you are in North Carolina when you dine here. Walking in feels like you've stepped into a time capsule from a few decades back (for those who like that retro feel - I usually opt for more modern/contemporary vibes so this was a change of pace for me). Its downtown location adds to the retro feel because it is in a quaint marketplace area with cobblestone walkways. And they serve breakfast all day which is great if you are a breakfast lover like me. They have fantastic omelets. I tried the veggie omelet and it was delicious. Service was good. We were promptly seated and our waiter appeared rather quickly too. The food was served soon after ordering.

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Dining area

Brunswick stew with grilled bologna and cheese sandwich

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Outside

Layered Croissanterie

Two days in a row I've gone to layered croissant. The layers are on point and it was fascinating to…read morewatch the bakers use a machine to roll out the layers. I tried the passionfruit mango cruffin and the brown butter crookie. Both were spot on with their flavors. The passionfruit cream was especially noteworthy for being packed with flavor and yet not too sweet. The layers of pasty were perfection. There's one spot to order, though they do a brisk takeout business. Once ordered, items come out quickly. There is some seating, and if you order to stay, then they'll bring your items to the table. The vibe is bright and semi industrial with some pastel colors to soften it up. I love the bright windows, even if you're just looking out on the car's parked right outside!

Ohhh, I have been sleeping on this place. No longer. Visited in September 2024 and tried pretty…read moremuch the whole menu of pastries: + LKA + raspberry pistachio + butterscotch Cruffin + Plum financier + Ham & cheese + Boston cream donut + Brown butter crookie + Classic croissant + Pain au chocolat Standouts were the raspberry pistachio and ham & cheese. Also loved the filling in the financier, and the brown butter cookie was top notch. Cruffin was another highlight. Iced coffee was alright. Will get the iced purple matcha next time. This bakery is definitely born from the Dominique Ansel/Supermoon Bakehouse era, and they are executing very well. (I've had some baaaad knockoff cruffins/cronuts/croissant hybrids, but this place is killing it.)

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Taverna Agora

Absolutely delightful! From the moment we sat down as a party of six friends, Diondre took…read moreexcellent care of us. His service was greatly appreciated as all of us wanted to make it somewhere to watch The Canes game! He was efficient with opening the wine and getting our dinner orders in right away. Thank you Diondre for a great start to our evening. All of us raved over our food. Two of our friends had the Tomahawk Pork Chop featuring spinach, barrel-aged feta, herb aioli, and yummy Greek lemon potatoes. Both people agreed the kitchen team cooked them perfectly. One person absolutely loved his fire-roasted lamb chops that also had the delicious Greek lemon potatoes. Another one of our friends loved her Chicken penne Mykonos which we have ordered to-go many times. It looks even better in the restaurant as it has spinach, feta, mushrooms, tomatoes, white wine lemon cream sauce, and parmesan. This dish is a must try when you visit Taverna Agora in downtown Raleigh. Lastly, someone at the table exclaimed that their grilled salmon was one of the best salmon dishes he had ever enjoyed as its unique presentation features pickled beetroot, sautéed spinach, and a lemon caper sauce. I had the Poseidon Branzino which was fabulous. The dish had roasted branzino, medley of sautéed cherry tomatoes and onions, fresh herb rice, and skordalia (I had to look up what that is - a fascinating Greek garlic puree). The blending of all those flavors made for a scrumptious dinner, and thanks to the kitchen team for preparing it perfectly so that I could even eat the skin of the fish. We shared two bottles of Assyrtiko wine which is one of our favorite Greek wines after visiting Greece a few years ago. The wine list at Taverna is simple but thorough and fun to experiment with. Great job Taverna Team!

We came on a Sunday night and were seated right away. The hostess was very friendly and…read moreaccommodating and suggested the rooftop terrace. The weather was amazing, and we really enjoyed sitting up there. Surprisingly, we've been frequenting the area and had never noticed this restaurant before--what a miss! I can definitely see myself becoming a regular here. We started with the sun-dried tomato hummus. While I'm more of a traditional hummus fan and wish they offered a regular version, I still enjoyed it, and the fresh pita was absolutely delicious. For my entrée, I ordered the lamb chops with roasted potatoes and substituted fries for the vegetables. Everything was excellent. The lamb was incredibly flavorful and cooked perfectly. At around $40, it was a bit pricey, but lamb isn't cheap these days and, honestly, most dining out isn't either. Fortunately, the portion was generous and well worth it. I took nearly half of it home and enjoyed it again for lunch the next day. Overall, the restaurant is beautiful, the service was good, and the food was delicious. It's hard to ask for much more than that. I'd definitely come back.

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Proteins from the Grecian Feast

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Menu Outside

Gravy

Gravy is a nice little spot in downtown Raleigh. From beginning to start, the service here was…read moregreat :) we were greeted promptly & treated with kindness, making for a lovely experience. The food itself was nice, not the best Italian food I've ever had, but still worth a visit. Nice atmosphere as well, with low music allowing for easy conversations.

Visited this Italian-American restaurant for an office/team outing in downtown Raleigh. Service was…read moregood. Food was tasty. Great bruschetta and risotto balls. Good Chicken Caesar salad (I had grilled chicken, but colleagues ordered seared scallops or shrimp). A colleague also had the pomegranate and pickles fennel which looked delicious. The space is a rather narrow one as another reviewer mentioned but worked for us. No complaints. Also, FWIW, I hear this establishment was once proclaimed the best Italian restaurant in the Triangle, but I haven't fact checked so take that with a grain of salt. Their outdoor seating looks nice but we were limited to indoor seating due to our party of 10 (on the large side for a restaurant this size).

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Meetball Sub with Kale Caesar salad

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Gravy toddy: soothing!

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

We ate here in May and loved it! Great food and over-the-top good service…read more Flash forward to June 9 when we invited our grown kids and three year old grandchild to join us. Let's start with the sticky, unwashed table...yuck. Someone did come and wipe it down, but they left it soaking wet. Then...... 1. They didn't give us enough set-ups, even after we asked twice. We finally went to the station to get it ourselves. 2. The waitstaff ignored us most of the time and, after waiting for their help, we observed SIX of them just hanging out at the station, chatting and looking at their phones. 3. My husband spilled an entire beer and we asked the guy who came to help wipe it up if we could get another. His response was a very snippy, "...that's not my responsibilty". No help at all. 4. While we were still deciding on drinks, someone came by and took away the drink menu. we asked for two more, they brought only one, then someone came by and took it again! Since we now couldn't get a waiters attention, I finally went to the station myself to get one. 5. The food : Brussels sprouts in sauce were placed in front of us with no serving utensil, we asked for extra roumelade for the Pickles & Peppers but it took so long to arrive that there was nothing left to dip in it, wrong plates were placed in front of us, hamburgers were WAY over cooked and super dry, sweet potato fries were very soggy, sushi was bland. The espresso caramel chocolate malt that we loved so much before had zero malt flavor and was pretty much melted by the time we got it. We asked for six spoons for the malt and they brought five. We couldn't get anyone's attention to get a sixth, so two of us shared (we were tired of going to the station to fetch things for ourselves). This was overall a really bad experience at a place we had previously thought was outstanding. Sad!

Love Cowfish! Decided to pop in for dinner on a Sunday night and we were surprised at how busy it…read morewas. The wait time for a table was long so we decided to sit at the sushi bar. We were glad we did because football was on and we were hoping to watch the game! Our waitress was very engaging and made sure to check on us often. The tuna and avocado-tini was amazing, loved the ginger dressing instead of a spicy mayo or soy sauce which is what I feel like this type of dish normally comes in. I also ordered a salmon roll with brown rice, which tasted good. Also snuck a few sips of the vanilla milkshake that my husband ordered, hit the spot!

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Cuya

4.5

(28 reviews)

3.5 mi

I've driven past Cuya Cafe more times than I can count, and now I'm wondering why it took me so…read morelong to go inside. The vibe? 10/10. The drinks? 10/10. The food? Unlike anything I've had before. And somehow they managed to be stylish, delicious, AND fast. The only thing that took some time was us deciding what to order because there were so many amazing things on the menu! Raleigh, add this one to your list immediately & honestly...this may be the best fried chicken in Raleigh! CUYA Cafe

This place was absolutely amazing. All I can say is, we made a lot of happy noises while eating,…read moreand there were plenty of "oh my God" moments at the table. From the staff to the manager to the food, everything was on point. The food truly speaks for itself. They serve small plates, which we love because it gives you the chance to try different things and experience a variety of flavors. We started with the fried pork belly on tostones. It was perfectly seasoned, topped with avocado, and every bite just melted in your mouth. Next, we had the tamarind sticky ribs with a tamarind mango barbecue sauce. This was a perfect example of how simplicity can create complex flavors. The ribs were cooked just right -- not completely falling off the bone, but tender enough that when you bit into them, the meat pulled apart so easily. They were juicy, full of flavor, and had just the right touch of spice from the chili flakes. Then we moved on to the mini arepas, and oh my God. They had slow-cooked pork, guava barbecue sauce, and fried papas on top. The arepa itself was crispy on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside. The savory pork paired with the sweetness of the guava barbecue sauce was incredible, and the crunch from the fried papas took it to another level. Now, I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but my wife does not. I wanted dessert, and we were leaning toward the tres leches, but our waitress highly recommended the bread pudding. I am not usually a fan of bread pudding at all, but her recommendations had been on point all night, so I decided to trust her. I am so glad we did. They take a Mexican bolillo, soak it overnight in tres leches, then pan-sear it to create this crispy caramelized outside while keeping the inside warm, soft, and sweet. It is topped with crema and toasted coconut, then they pour warm guava syrup over it and serve it with a scoop of coconut sorbet. The layers of flavor in that dessert were unreal. Honestly, it may have been the best dessert we have ever had. And remember, my wife is not big on sweets -- she usually only takes one bite of dessert, but this time she tried to eat over half of it. Lol. I highly recommend this place. The food, the service, the drinks, and the atmosphere were all amazing. And after dinner, you can even head upstairs to work off the food with salsa lessons and a dance club. This is definitely a spot worth checking out! Este lugar fue absolutamente increíble. Lo único que puedo decir es que hicimos muchos sonidos de felicidad mientras comíamos, y hubo muchos momentos de "¡Dios mío!" en la mesa. Desde el personal, hasta el gerente, hasta la comida, todo estuvo excelente. La comida realmente habla por sí sola. Sirven platos pequeños, algo que nos encanta porque te da la oportunidad de probar diferentes cosas y experimentar una variedad de sabores. Comenzamos con el pork belly frito sobre tostones. Estaba perfectamente sazonado, cubierto con aguacate, y cada bocado simplemente se derretía en la boca. Después probamos las costillitas pegajosas de tamarindo con una salsa barbecue de tamarindo y mango. Este plato fue un ejemplo perfecto de cómo la simplicidad puede crear sabores complejos. Las costillas estaban cocinadas en su punto: no se caían completamente del hueso, pero estaban tan tiernas que al morderlas, la carne se desprendía fácilmente. Estaban jugosas, llenas de sabor y con el toque perfecto de picante gracias a las hojuelas de chile. Luego pasamos a las mini arepas, y ¡Dios mío! Tenían cerdo cocinado lentamente, salsa barbecue de guayaba y papitas fritas encima. La arepa estaba crujiente por fuera, calientita y esponjosa por dentro. El sabor salado del cerdo combinado con la dulzura de la salsa barbecue de guayaba fue increíble, y el crujiente de las papitas fritas lo llevó a otro nivel. Ahora, a mí me gustan mucho los dulces, pero a mi esposa no tanto. Yo quería pedir postre, y estábamos pensando en el tres leches, pero nuestra mesera nos recomendó mucho el budín de pan. Normalmente no soy fanático del budín de pan, pero sus recomendaciones habían sido excelentes toda la noche, así que decidí confiar en ella. Me alegra muchísimo haberlo hecho. Toman un bolillo mexicano, lo remojan durante la noche en tres leches y luego lo sellan en sartén para crear una capa exterior crujiente y caramelizada, mientras que el interior se mantiene calientito, suave y dulce. Lo sirven con crema y coco tostado, luego le vierten encima un jarabe tibio de guayaba y lo acompañan con una bola de sorbete de coco. Las capas de sabor en ese postre fueron irreales. Honestamente, puede que haya sido el mejor postre que hemos probado en nuestra vida. Y recuerden, mi esposa no es muy amante de los dulces; normalmente solo prueba un bocado del postre, pero esta vez intentó comerse más de la mitad. Jajaja.

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Très lèche

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Seasonal cocktail

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Dorothea D.

4 years ago

Lake Boone First Watch always has great food and excellent service. Staff is always friendly and attentive. Katie waited on us this morning and made our day start out right. We appreciate the warm family friendly atmosphere. read more

Mary P.

4 years ago

We love this place for Sunday breakfast. Today our waitperson was Katie, and she was perfect--attentive but not intrusive, took our order and brought our check in a timely fashion. read more

Meredith S.

4 years ago

Great food and and lovely service! Been to this location a few times and it never disappoints. There may be more of a wait at times but it's worth it! Enjoy :) read more

Steven M.

3 years ago

Great place. Great food. Our waitress Andria was amazing and very friendly and helpful. Next time I'm in the area I'll definitely be coming back read more

Robert H.