So, didn't start out well. New to the area, I didn't realize you had to enter via patio. Would have parked accordingly with my foot issue. Anyway, Was shown to my table, a male server showed up, lit the candle, and I didn't see anyone for 18 minutes while two tables around me were greeted, cleared the table of extra dishes not needed and was served water, and their plates for the dinner buffet. The server that lit the candle, came back, asked if my server showed up. Uh, no. Finally, a woman server came by, went to the other table. Can't make this up. Then she realized they were being taken care of. She finally made it to me. I informed her I was dining alone, she cleared extra dishes, asked if I needed salt or pepper. Interesting question considering I didn't have any food. She filled my water glass, then brought my plate, as it was a dinner buffet night. Their first dinner buffet. No excuse for the poor service, though. Make me feel important, valued whether dining alone or with a group, please. The buffet had a great variety of proteins and sides. A couple of beef strip choices, shredded chicken, crisp tortillas to build your own nachos for the kids, fried catfish, fried chicken patty, salmon, swordfish, all cut into small portions. Proteins were the perfect size to try everything without filling up. A carving station consisted of sirloin, pork loin, sausage and baked salmon. The seasoning on every protein at the buffet and carving station was different. Excellent. Sides included mac and cheese, roasted potatoes, a squash medley, Brussels Sprouts, and mashed potatoes. A nice spread for a salad included mixed greens, large leaves of them. All the veggie toppings, two kinds of shredded cheeses, house made croutons, four dressings and fresh fruit that blew me away. Every bite of the fruit was ripe, sweet. Not the hard, no flavor offerings at some establishments/groceries this time of year. The gumbo had large pieces of shrimp, crawfish, sausage, potatoes, and smaller pieces of mussels, mini shrimp, etc. The breads selection was biscuits, baguette and others. All fresh, soft and crunchy. Great to dip into the gumbo broth. Dessert offerings included brownies and cookies. I opted to enjoy a brownie along with the fresh berries/fruit. They also offer a Sunday brunch buffet. The other nights they have a full menu. Be aware, they automatically add in a "brunch gratuity" of 20% to the bill. Overall, I would visit again. read more

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Decided to visit this beautiful establishment on a whim. I was hungry, kid free, and had a taste for Italian. I arrived around 5pm on a Saturday and they weren't busy at all. I entered the front door of the giant converted craftsman style home. When you enter you see stairs and a few private dining rooms. Because they were slow, it took the hostess a bottle to realize I was there. It took about 3 minutes for someone to come out and greet me. When they finally came out they were kind and apologetic. I opted for outdoor seating and was guided down and hall and through the large main dining area that was very open with multiple tables and a bar. We went out the back door to the large partially covered back deck. From there you could see more parking. There were string lights and ceiling fans. I bet it's adorable at night. I was promptly greeted and asked if I wanted sparkling, still, or tap water. I also ordered my Crostini Rustica appetizers. I originally asked for the Arancini, but i was told they were out and changing over to a fall menu. I would have appreciated a heads up by the waiter upon being greeted and maybe even on the website that they were in the middle of transitioning their menu The appetizer was rish and delicious. The cheese curdled a bit but it was good overall. I especially enjoyed the balsamic reduction and pops of Tomato and basil. I then asked about popular dishes but the the waiter shared his preferences. I opted for the lasagna. It was a very large portion . But I expected more sophisticated plating. It was served and heated in sn individual oval baker. It was super cheesy, but therefore greasy. Not very pretty. I would have like to have seen a slice mid plated with a ladle of sauce and sprinkle of cheese. I also ordered the house Pino Noir, but was served pilot grigio. Didn't feel like correct him. I drank about half of it before a fly decided it wanted some too. I noticed that other servers took their tables table top fly swatters, but my server did not. Overall a good experience. I would go back. This would be a great date spot. I plan to try the canneloni next time. read more

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Wow! What a great place, nestled in a historic home on a side street in Knightdale. The restaurant offers seating in various rooms of the "house", with a few outside, in the back. A spacious bar occupies the left side. We were surprised to find the dining room nearly empty on this Friday night at 6:30. Hopefully this was just an off night; I'd hate to think that people aren't flocking here for dinner. Our server, Monica, was fantastic. Friendly, funny, helpful. She made some great suggestions and orchestrated the meal perfectly. Everything was delivered as-ordered. Time from order to service about 15 minutes. Started with Crostini Rustica. A melange of artichoke hearts, sun dried tomato, roasted red pepper, arugula is blended with cheese, balsamic, herbs and spices. Served with focaccia. Better than bruschetta - this was the best part of the meal! For entrees tried Lobster & Crab Cannelloni & Brasstown Filet. Cannelloni perfectly cooked - not too soft, not too hard. Stuffed with lobster and crab - the filling is seasoned just right, topped with dollops of mozzarella. Tomato cream is slightly sweet. Served with focaccia for dipping. Good! The 6 oz filet was prepared perfectly medium rare, as ordered. Fork tender, no need for a knife. Lightly seasoned - the beef is the feature not the spices! Not your Outback cut of steak, this is high quality and delicious. We saved a little room for Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake with Raspberry Sorbet for dessert. In reality we should have STARTED with this! Rich, moist and creamy poundcake balanced perfectly between tart lemon and sweet blueberry. With a scoopy of raspberry sorbet. Yah, it was DELISH! Even though I'm tempted to keep this one a secret so I can always get a table, I must encourage everyone to give them a try. A cool setting, friendly and efficient service, tasty food read more

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We have come here multiple times, and had good food, service, and we love sitting on the outside patio! This last time we went though, our food took over an hour to come out, we ended up having to get it boxed up and leave. Our waiter never apologized for the wait or acknowledged it. We also added a crab cake to our order, realized that wasn't included when we got home (we paid for it). No apology from staff about the crazy wait time. Ugh just so disappointing especially for a nicer more expensive place. read more

Once a humble Sears Roebuck kit home -- the kind you could order from a catalog between a lawnmower and a loveseat -- this charming relic has been reborn as a lavish dining destination in the heart of Knightdale, where vintage craftsmanship meets modern decadence. What was once a tidy front porch for gossip and lemonade now hosts cocktails with names longer than the mortgage, It's nostalgia in high heels: a mail-order dream house turned culinary jewel box. Soon as you hit the front porch, you're met with the same smiling faces that've been holdin' the fort since before sweet tea had ice. They greet you like kin comin' home from a long trip -- arms open, eyes twinklin', and that "well hey there, sugar!" tone that could melt butter on a biscuit. It's less like checkin' in for dinner and more like wanderin' into a family reunion where everyone actually likes each other. Once through the original front door feels like walkin' straight into a hug from your rich aunt who married well and learned to host. The air's warm with good manners, and the whole place just glows--all that honey-colored wood gleamin' like it's been polished by a thousand Sunday sermons. The shiny concrete floors shine back at you so bright you'd best mind your posture. Its grand but cozy! The bar stretches out like a polished river of mahogany, gleaming under the soft hum of golden light. Bottles line the back wall like trophies -- a proud parade of spirits, bitters, and secrets -- all watched over by the same crew of bartenders who've been holdin' court there since forever. They've got that sixth sense for faces and favorites; you barely have to perch on a stool before your glass is slid your way, poured just how you like it. Now when it comes to the entrées there, you best loosen your belt and say a little prayer of thanks for Chef Kevin. The man's got a gift -- turns whatever's fresh off the farm into somethin' that'll make you wanna hug the nearest cow in gratitude. Every plate's a little love letter to the land, dressed up proper but never puttin' on airs. You'll find vegetables so bright they practically gossip on the plate, meats cooked with the kind of care usually reserved for baptisms, and sauces smoother than a Sunday sermon. Chef Kevin doesn't just cook -- he orchestrates a downright revival of flavor. This is Knightdale's, "night out" destination, cheers to 2 years! read more

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I was completely blown away (in the BEST way) after our experience on Valentine's Day with the Depot on First. Firstly, the atmosphere was intimate and romantic. We were sat in the back of the restaurant and felt tucked away, but this didn't hinder service in the slightest. Our waiter was attentive, friendly, and very helpful. He knew the menu and had a confident answer to every question. Before being sat at our table, we grabbed a drink at the bar and asked the bartender about the menu. There was a woman who took special time to explain what the menu items were and how they differed from your usual "chicken or beef etc". Which was not only informative, but interesting too. Onto the star of the show, the meal. We ordered the bison & farro and the poulet rouge carbonara. Both of these dishes were phenomenal. I've never had a culinary experience even close to this one. These are meals you think about for the rest of your life. The textures and flavors together resulted in an exquisite explosion of harmony. The kitchen staff put their heart and soul into these dishes and it is obvious! I cannot wait for my next visit. read more

The Depot on First - Bison & Farro - Seafood Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

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Food is outstanding!! Great wine menu too. The service was very friendly!! The Wednesday night Italian night is so fun and so delicious!! Such a cute spot too with many different rooms in the house. read more

The Depot on First - Linguine Bolognese Con Filetto - Seafood Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

First time at The Depot on First. We came to checkout their brunch buffet. Don't be deceived by my bad pictures cause every bite was so good! The buffet itself was well curated. Shout out to the grits, the prime rib from the carving station, the french toast and the biscuits! The restaurant is tucked in a quaint part of Knightdale, rustic and feels like home. The staff were incredibly accommodating as well! read more

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Unorganized! Very bad service they make you have a reservation than make you wait when it's your time. This place is too expensive to be acting like a wild a zoo. The space of this restaurant was overwhelming and was over crowded.. from all the people waiting on their set reservations. The food I'm not sure. but I shouldn't be waiting 30 to an hour to get sorted when I have a set time. It is currently one a clock and they close at two a clock . There won't even be enough time to enjoy the time. This needs to be fixed immediately get this restaurant together. We keep getting moved further back into people's dinning area it's unprofessional and there is no productivity. Me and my family shouldn't be pushed back like a bunch of sardines. read more

The Depot on First - Too many people on deck. - Seafood Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

Went to Depot on First this evening. Got there a little before our reservation so we could enjoy a cocktail before dinner. I had a good Gin and Tonic and my wife had a Cosmo which she enjoyed. Dinner was amazing. We enjoyed the homemade fried mozzarella as an appetizer. Main courses were delish as I got the crab meat encrusted salmon which I cleaned the plate, wife had the lobster and shrimp cannelloni and another at our table had the Elk. Everyone devoured their meals with few words. Dessert we enjoyed the Triple Chocolate crème brûlée and the Cheescake with toasted caramel. OMG! Service was very attentive and we are excited to come back in the summer to be able to sit outside. A great culinary experience! I would give it 5 stars but the drinks were terribly expensive. I felt like I was at a club in Vegas with those prices. read more

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The hub and I had a wonderful dinner here to celebrate my birthday. The waitress brought me a rose when she came to the table, and the kitchen made me a special gluten-free dessert. They made the evening special. All of the menu items were delicious, and the cocktails were exceptional. We will be back! read more

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I have seen this restaurant multiple times & said that I was going to visit one day and finally had a chance to do so. When I arrived I found street parking in front of the business. The restaurant is an old historic Sears catalog home that has a large bar and is spacious with multiple areas to dine in. I was greeted when I walked in & seated right away. My server, Emma, was very personable & attentive. She told me about the specials & some of the popular dishes. She also recommended pairings from the menu. The food was really good and the portions were definitely large enough to share. I loved the garlic cheesy scalloped potatoes! My pork chop was tender. This was my first time here & I will definitely be back to try other items & their brunch that Emma recommended. read more

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Great service. Fresh food. Such a variety on the buffet. French toast, biscuits, waffles, pork, chicken, grits, eggs, fresh fruit , omelet, and the list goes on. It's gourmet southern so the dishes are a lil different but I like it. read more

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We went for the Sunday brunch buffet which had excellent food choices- I wish I could eat more- the carving station as well as the choices of food was excellent. Service was very good and very friendly. Definitely a good place to try, especially for special occasions read more

Stopped by for lunch on Saturday and had great burgers with fries and salads. Greens tasted fresh picked and delicious. Fries were tender on the inside and crisp. All around great food and service. Felt welcomed and loved hearing about the history of the building read more

This was such a great date night experience. The ambiance was so moody and cozy. My husband and I visited on a rainy week night and the staff showed us so much attention it was awesome. Our waitress was the marvelous Monica and she took really good care of us and lovely conversation. My food was the filet mignon with the steak sweet fries and Caesar salad. The steak was so tender and delicious that I am counting down the days for our next date night. read more

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Pouring rain date night success!!! We stopped into this location on a very rainy Wednesday evening a night that we finally secured a babysitter, but we had to stay pretty close to home. This establishment is truly a fine dining restaurant and one that is in eastern Wake county that saved us about 30 minutes from driving to other fine dining establishments in North Hills . we live in Rocky Mount and frequent the triangle on most of our date nights simply because the restaurants in the triangle that are fine dining simply get it. Rocky Mount has a couple of restaurants that would qualify as fine dining however, the food hasn't quite yet met our definition of high end unfortunately. So to be able to save some drive time and get to experience a quality meal in an amazing atmosphere was really important. We arrived with about one hour until closing and had almost the entire restaurant to ourselves thanks to the storm that was brewing outside. We are not sure if we walked into the correct door or not, but we entered right at the bar area and did not find a host until after my wife left the restroom and it was on a completely other side of the restaurant when the host finally walked up, greeted us and quickly. Let us know that the kitchen would be taking their last order in about 20 minutes. We were seated in a dining area that was adjacent to the garage door that opens up to the rear patio, which is huge and beautiful from what we can tell in the daytime unfortunately it was nighttime and pouring rain so we could not see how it looked at night time from from the interior of the restaurant, however The interior of the dining room was very clean very detailed and a lot of the paintings paid homage to the train and depot vibe of the space. Menu and food The very first time that we saw this restaurant, the menu was quite different than the one that we see now so much that we actually wanted to visit this time versus the first iteration. The current menu seems to cater a wide variety of eaters, which is great and what we wanted and because of that, we had a lot of choices. I went with a starter for the prime rib, sliders and the french fries this was a great starter whether you were starving hungry or just want something to share and try everything. I would've liked to have more french fries but that's just me, the plate still was amazing and the sliders were great. I wanted to try the prime rib mac & cheese however I didn't wanna have prime ribs, sliders, and prime rib mac & cheese so I just asked for a side of mac & cheese. The Mac & cheese was phenomenal. My main meal course was the Lobster and Crab Cannelloni , it's like a lobster and cheese pasta. It was pretty good tomato sauce that was made with tasted really fresh and you can tell that they take their time with the dish. the lobster the crab that were inside of the dish were Very good and cooked perfectly. There aren't many places in the triangle that would warrant my myself and my wife to say oh this steak is one of the best we've ever had however, the 6 ounce or 8 ounce filet mignon is what my wife had and she gave me a bite. It was tender and flavorful, and it is definitely up there. Top three for steaks we've had in the triangle so great job Depot in Knightdale and we can't wait to come back when it's less rain and see you soon. *ps the SWEET TEA WAS BUSSIN!!!!! read more

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Ok where to start.....we had a party of 7 Service was good. Until our food came. One of us ordered chicken parm. When she brought it to the table it was chicken fettuccine. We told her that was not ours so she apologized and the chicken parm was brought after the rest of us had finished our meals. No complaint on the chicken parm but they comped us $2.00 because it was late.. really?? Then 2 people got the Tuesday special, beef and bourbon.. the ribeye was very gristly and both of them left half the steak ( gristle) on the plate. I got the bolognese with filet medallions. I could not cut the filet let alone chew it. The waitress assured me it was filet I told her it was not. A manager came over and literally argued with me, it absolutely was and so I showed her I couldn't cut it with a knife. She made me put it on a plate and took it away then comped us $9.00 Side note the pasta and sauce was awesome.. the meat was not! The kicker is we came home and realized we were also charged for the fettuccine we never ordered. Working on that now!! Really want this place to make it in Knightdale, atmosphere is great and we need great restaurants in the area.. but this was very disappointing. read more

I had the honor of visiting for the first time today mothers day 5/10/26 Depot on First in Knightdale with my daughter. can you say FABULOUS. say no more. pleasant atmosphere, delicious food. Server Michele so fantastic,I will be visiting more often. keep up the excellent work. read more

We had our Bridal Shower at the Depot on First. The room was prepared, the service was smooth and friendly and the best part - the food was delicious! Highly recommend any of the entrees. read more

Wow just wow! The food was amazing and the ambiance was great. I just recently moved here from Naples Florida where we are used to high end cuisine. This restaurant compares with some of the best I have been to. We are already planning our next meal! 100% a must try. When you come in do yourself a favor and try the duck carbonara you won't be disappointed. read more

The Depot on First - Duck carbonara - Seafood Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

The restaurant is in a beautifully renovated and expanded home. Service was good, there is an effort being made to train their new team in the art of fine dining. Our food was prepared well with fresh ingredients. The owner spent time at our table to ensure all was well and gave us the origin story of the establishment. Overall, for a new restaurant, we had a very nice experience. My only hesitation to giving a five star rating is the price point of the meals are a bit high, especially for a new restaurant striving to become a fine dining experience. read more

The atmosphere and food were great! Service was top notch! We are definitely going back!

D Tier. For the eyes, not the stomach. We did not hear anything positive about this restaurant before visiting, but decided to give it a try for date night anyway. The restaurant is visually appealing. It's well kept, brand new, and you can tell that they care about the appearance. Unfortunately, that's the best part. The service was less than what I felt the expectation was by the ambiance. The food was similarly underwhelming. Parking was very easy, they have their own private parking lot behind the restaurant. read more

If you aint been here, you're missing out. My need favorite restaurant. So good. And ask for Monica to serve you. She was awesome.

Depot on First absolutely ate -- and I mean that in every sense. The food? Fire. The atmosphere? Immaculate. But the real MVP was our server Parsh. They were the definition of good energy -- funny, quick, and on point with every detail. They made the whole night feel effortless and fun. I left full, happy, and lowkey wishing I could hang out with them again. 10/10 experience. read more

I ordered the buffalo chicken tortellini and it was amazing!!!! The sauce was creamy and everything was delicious. Knocked one star for slow service and another for the automatic 20% gratuity added onto our check for "large party"... we were not told it would be added onto our check. Also, we had 3 people.. so that was weird. read more

The Depot on First - Seafood Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

Food is delicious, service and ambience are amazing, will definitely add to list of regular dinner spots, also excited to try unlimited brunch. Plenty of parking, most upscale restaurant in knightdale by far read more

My first time to the Raleigh area for business: our team wanted a nice meal after a long several days of concentrated work (and a crucial presentation the following morning). The Depot on First Chophouse delivered. We were warmly greeted, and the magnificent and spacious interior was beautifully decorated for Christmas. Our server was top notch (I'm sorry to have forgotten her name), and the Thursday 20% whiskey discount convinced us to enjoy a preprandial. Her recommendations were thorough, so we began with the pork belly (perfect appetizer size to share for the five of us without simply having too much food). Housemade Caesar salads followed, which, too, were delicious, well seasoned, and perfectly balanced. When dining with others I appreciate a variety of dishes at the table, but the Dragons Milk Short Rib tempted all but one of us. A true masterpiece: the beef was perfectly seasoned, tender but not mushy; the accompanying potatoes, onion, and mushroom completed the dish. My only complaint? needed crusty bread to sop up the delicious jus that bathed this perfect entree. The seafood cannelloni ordered by our other companion looked amazing, and also met with rave reviews. We finished with the cheesecake to share (another great recommendation) and the chocolate crème brulee. I cannot say enough about the ambiance, the waitstaff, kitchen excellence, and magnificent experience. I know where to return when I visit Knightdale again. read more

Where to start? Service: 5/5. The staff were very attentive, they walked around and helped each other out. Our waters never emptied, they were polite and made sure we had everything we needed. The manager checked in on us and asked how the food was as well. Some of the best service I've received in a while. Food: perfection/5. Oh lord, where to even start with the food? The chef is a food genius. Everything was balanced beautifully. The food cooked perfectly. Not a single thing I ate was disappointing, everything was perfectly seasoned and I couldn't get enough. The bruschetta was the best I've ever had, the steak tender, the salad balanced. I mean, I could go on but I don't want this to be too long winded. Atmosphere: 5/5. Clean, crisp, beautiful. The space is cozy and intimate without being bland and boring. It's perfectly balanced with being open and yet cozy. I seriously can't wait to go back and try some of the other items on their menu! read more

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Went on a Saturday afternoon during lunch, not very busy at all. Waitress behind the bar refuses to acknowledge us and there was no one to greet us. Walked around for a few before being sat. Food was alright, but the service was very slow. If they were busy, I would have understood, but there was less than 4 tables sat in the restaurant. Would not go back. read more

Came here for our anniversary. All staff were so friendly. Constantly checking on us. Asking if we wanted anything else drink or food wise. Recommended their favorite and restaurant favorite dishes and drinks. It is pricey but the food was amazing. Farm to table. We had the stuffed mushroom as a starter. Yum! I had the 16oz local ribeye. Cooked to perfection with sautéd mushrooms on top. My wife had the fish of the day and she loved it. The dessert was a chocolate crème brûlée. Delicious! I had there famous Old fashioned made with all local ingredients. One of the smoothest drinks I've had. Also had a rum drink and it was just as good. Forget the name. Definitely would go back as they change their menu based on seasons. read more

This was our first time visiting Depot on First. We stopped for drinks after dinner about an hour before they closed. So a light crowd, The service was great, with attentive and courteous staff. Unfortunately, our experience was overshadowed by the owners' inappropriate conversation at the stools right next to me. They casually referred to their neighbors in derogatory terms like "the gay ones" and "the Asians." This created an uncomfortable atmosphere that tainted what could have been an otherwise pleasant evening. Despite the good service, the owners' behavior left me disappointed and uneasy. If this is the type of language they like to casual use with each other and their friend I'd suggest they wait until customers have left before using peoples' sexuality and race as descriptors. read more

we were expecting a better meal since they say they are a refined restaurant in Knightdale. I don't rate myself as a sophisticated patron, so perhaps I was expecting something that a "refined" restaurant doesn't offer - such as some type of bread or crackers and cheese spread while you're waiting for your food (especially if the kitchen was on pause due to the health inspector was in the kitchen doing his thing) and bread with your pasta? The steaks that were served were not the quality that were expected either, which was a disappointment. would we go back? With the prices of food these days, I don't know, perhaps. I sincerely hope that they can improve on these points and become the "refined" restaurant that they are striving for. read more

We went for brunch. The food was outstanding and the service even better. Our waiter was very attentive and even brought a bowl of water for our furry one. Will go again very soon. read more

I ate at the Depot food truck several times and it was always fantastic. Now that the full restaurant is finished, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a soft opening to see the food and drinks they will be having. I don't know if I can fully describe how amazing everything was. The actual restaurant is beautiful. The construction and interior design is very well done. The food was incredible. Some of the dishes were things that I don't even normally like, but the way they were prepared here, I actually loved them. The drinks were also very good. Knightdale needed a place for great cocktails. The service was on point. From the managers to the servers, they never missed a thing. I highly recommend the Depot on First. You won't be disappointed. read more

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I was debating on a 4-star rating but I just couldn't justify it I was very excited to try it with my husband for date night; a nice restaurant around the corner, so excited! We went during the week so it was pretty empty. We were seated in the dining room, the inside decor is nice. I got the Caesar salad and trout topped with crab and a baked potato. The Caesar was fine, but my problem was with the trout. It was very bland, no flavor at all, not even salt. The crab was the best part and that's just because it's crab and provided some kind of flavor on its own. The baked potato was just as bland. One of the questions I pose to myself when I rate restaurants is: can I make this myself at home, better? When I choose to spend money and go to a restaurant, I want to eat something that i can't duplicate, especially in this economy, and this place just unfortunately, did not meet that criteria. I'm very sad it didn't, I had high hopes, but there are other restaurants I'd rather take an extra 15 min to drive to and spend my money. read more

The Depot on First - Trout topped with crab and a side baked potato - Seafood Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

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The cocktails are amazing if your long for bottom self this ok isn't the spot. You pay for what you get!!!! The bar tender is well educated on flavors and liquors in my opinion. Food has been pretty good. I recommend the pork belly read more

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Another great visit to The Depot in First. We sat outside on the enormous patio and enjoyed the nice weather. Brooke provided great service and accommodation when offering vegan options for my wife. I had an Aperol spritz to start. Then devoured a Corn beef hash and a side of Biscuit and gravy! I love having an upscale dining venue so close to home. It was great catching up with Ben, the GM, who was going table to table insuring everyone was having an excellent experience. read more

The Depot on First - Aperol Spritz - Seafood Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

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As a resident of Knightdale, I was excited to see this restaurant being built. My wife and I enjoyed great food and service our first few visits, and it was my first choice when booking a Valentine's Dinner for my wife, my ten year old daughter, and me. I paid the $50 per person reservation fee, and looked forward to a great family night out. We arrived on time for our reservation, and proceeded to wait 30 minutes before being seated. No problem, I thought - people must be sitting a bit longer than anticipated following their meal. Besides, we were not the only ones as the entrance was crowded with people in the exact same situation, and the bar had to ask the hostess to stop sending people to wait there, as they too were at capacity. After being seated, we sat for 10 minutes before anyone approached us. Again, I said nothing, recognizing that the restaurant may have been a bit ambitious with the timing of their reservations. That much was clear by looking around the room at other couples who seemed to be sharing our experience. We placed our orders, and then proceeded to wait more than hour before our food was brought. Again, I said nothing, for the reasons set forth above. However, upon my first bite of the $80 wagyu, I was taken aback by how cold it was. (I say this as someone who only eats his steak rare). My wife and daughters' medium steaks was similarly cold to the touch. All were cold enough that I had food safety concerns. At this point my grace had been eroded, and I let the waitress know that we would not be eating the food and just wanted our check for my drinks and the food that we had eaten. I was told by the waitress that the owner said, despite all of the above, I would have to pay for the meal in its entirety, including the 20% large party surcharge they were including for the Valentine's Day dinner crowd. I have questions about the pusillanimous character of a business owner who would let the waitress be the one to deliver a message like this, and asked if I could at least speak to the owner if that was going to be the position he was taking. When I spoke with the owner there was zero empathy, remorse, or apology - the only statement he made was that "You ordered the food, you are going to have to pay for it." To be clear - this isn't a case where I raised a complaint only after eating the meal. I rarely leave reviews, and even more rarely leave negative reviews for small, local business. However, I was shocked by the lack of accountability shown by the owner. Rather than make a public showing of my discord, I agreed to pay the bill so that I could try to salvage a fun family night out. I hope he is in dire need of the $374.49 that he felt that he and his restaurant earned by seating us late, letting an understaffed waitstaff serve us, and serving us "fine dining" so cold that I did not feel comfortable eating. Needless to say I will not be going back to this establishment, or anything associated with the Knightdale "Hospitality" Group. read more