Tex & Shirleys

★★★★☆ 4.2 (60)

"I remember the Tex and Shirley's when it was at Friendly's Shopping Center...the food was good and now...it is amazing! When we walked in the hostess was polite and gave us a 15-20 minute wait, first available. They take your phone number and you get an update text when your table is ready. I don't think we waited 5 minutes. We sat at the bar. I enjoyed that. You can get a great view of the restaurant. The place has a good vibe. I like the interior decor and I also like they have outdoor tables. Our waitress who was working behind the bar was busy. She was working! Watching her maneuver around the place was something to watch. She apologized for some of the wait in between her service, but you couldn't be annoyed because she was getting the job done! The freshly squeezed orange juice is delicious. The coffee is fresh. Every time I go out for breakfast I have the notion to try something new, but I always get the go to breakfast platter. The platter comes with a ton of food and it was soooooooo good. Eggs, 3 meats, grits or potatoes and toast or pancakes. The sausage had a great texture and fresh taste. The eggs were cooked just like I like them. The ham wasn't too salty...perfect! The bacon was delish. Ok...drum roll...my favorite thing I've had in a while...the cheesy grits! Perfection! Yum! My only complaint is that it didn't come in super large bowl lol It was apparent that my daughter loved her French toast because before I could finish putting butter on my toast, I looked over at her plate...gone. I had a puzzled look on my face because I thought it dropped or someone took her food. I asked her where is your food? Gone. I don't even think I got a good look at it. Whatever you put in those she loved it. The plate was clean. Not a crumb was left on her plate. This place is definitely being added to my heavy rotation. Yep, you should definitely go."

Main St Oasis

★★★★☆ 3.5 (19) • $$

"Got the buffalo burger with sweet potato & side salad. Love the decor.Got the buffalo burger with sweet potato & side salad. Love the decor."

Baron & The Beef

★★★★☆ 3.6 (27)

"Not a lot of atmosphere, nothing special about the decor. No wait on a Friday evening. We both had the soup and salad bar. One soup choice barely any clams in chowder and their famous meatballs (not hot, barely warm) in a super sweet sauce. The salad bar looked messy and could have used a good wipe down--lots of users. About half wearing the gloves provided. No fresh fruit--all canned or dried. Lettuce was iceberg only and wide assortment of toppings: vegetables, olives, cheese, bacon, pasta salads, seeds, nuts, croutons, spinach, pickles, peppers, and salad dressings. Port cheese spread with crackers and toasted stale tasting bread. Our waiter was attentive. Price was right for salad bar only. Large safe parking lot."

Al's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.9 (47) • $

"This is a small town restaurant with a big heart for its patrons ! The breakfast menu offered plenty of options! I kept it simple with scrambled eggs and grits . My father opted for one of his favorites- the open chicken biscuit. The service here is TOP TIER! We were greeted upon arrival and the staff came by every 15 minutes or so for coffee and water refills. The OWNER walks the floor regularly to make sure customers are satisfied. The prices are budget friendly and economical. The ambiance offers the style of 50's diner style interior (think Happy Days ) that makes you feel right at home ."

Sadler Milestone Diner

★★★★☆ 3.7 (51) • $$

"Came here with my family on a drive back from Florida heading up to DC. I highly recommend that you come here to eat. We came here for dinner and we were not disappointed. Is it attached to a gas station? Yes it isDoes it look a tad sketchy? Yes it doesIs the area safe? I felt comfortable But that doesn't matter, what really matters is that they have amazing food and service. You're going to be so happy eating here. I'm not giving it 5 stars because I think they could elevate the vibe inside a little bit. But maybe it's different during the day time."

Ashley's Diner

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (11)

"It's 2023 and rating is still five stars. Still a Friday regular.Service and food are terrific."

Sunny's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.6 (150)

"How did I not know that this absolute gem was right down the street from my house all these years?! This place is a blast from the past! Love the red diner chairs! Down home cooking that comes to the table fast. I especially like their hot chocolate and their toast. I will definitely be back."

Gus’s Diner

★★★★☆ 3.9 (14)

"Had another awesome breakfast at Gus' diner this morning Ham and cheese omelette with a side of corned beef hash and my mate had chunky monkey pancakes and said they were really good!"

Classic Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (15)

"Great Hamburgers, Philadelphia Cheese Steak, Grilled Cheese Canned Beverages, and other choices too.Motorcyclist friendly restaurant Very cleanGood size parking lot.Handicapped parking and clean restrooms.If you're riding in the Wind, then stop in."

Silver Spoon

★★★★☆ 4.1 (134)

"I only regret I don't come back here more often. The menu is vast, but I almost always just get a really good omelet. The staff is delightful and quick. If I lived closer nearby, I'd probably be here every day!"

The Lemon Tree

★★★★★ 4.6 (70) • $$

"I decided to try The Lemon Tree's new location in the expanded Page 158 bookstore. The location has a good size parking lot and very open inside with multiple tables and books to look at while you eat and chat.Ordering is done at the counter and they do have a grab and go section on the side. I thought the Harvest Salad sounded appealing not realizing it would not be made fresh and I had to take it from the grab and go refrigerator. I'm not sure when it was made and I likely should have ordered something else when I was told to get it out of the grab and go.Service has improved since my previous visit although nothing had to be brought out to me, the ordering and paying was friendly.The salad came in two sizes and I went with the larger one. Having similar salads elsewhere I was expecting more toppings than there was and would have liked more salad dressing and I don't use much. I wouldn't get a salad from Lemon Tree but I would return for other menu items as long as they aren't pre-made."

Elmo's Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (779)

"Nice little dinner we stopped in with a party of 6 at the end of breakfast and the beginning of lunch. We had to wait 20 minutes as they only have so many tables for 6. Excellent friendly staff very attentive to our table. The food was very good everyone cleaned their plates. Looking for a good dinner I will be back next time I'm in Durham"

Peak City Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (34)

"I've dined in here with my mom twice now and have had good experiences. We have tried the pot roast with carrots, celery & potatoes, chicken fried steak with gravy, oven-roasted turkey breast with stuffing and grandma lillie mae's 4 veggie plate. The blue plate specials come with two sides and a piece of texas toast or a roll. A few of my favorite sides are the mashed potatoes with gravy, apple sauce and black-eyed peas. I was disappointed that they have been out of the mama's homemade meatloaf but I'm hoping to try it in a future visit. I am not big on breakfast but they have a lot of options for that. If you are in Apex it is worth checking out."

Five Star

★★★★☆ 3.7 (287) • $$

"I regularly come here now and this is definitely my casual asian restaurant of choice. You can actually come here casual or dressed up, and it's always lively inside. It's very packed on weekends, so make reservations or be prepared to wait. They also have a DJ who plays really great mixes! Last night's mixes were great. They have this cute painted private room for large parties if you want to celebrate something. Also don't pay for parking because they validate it inside. My favorite dish here is actually the chicken fried rice. It's one of my favorite fried rice dishes if not my number one and I get it every time. I also ask for a side of yum yum sauce and pour it over. Second place goes to the heat seeker shrimp. I love that they have a featured menu list that is constantly changing with food and drinks. I will say their drinks are amazing. I've tried so many different cocktails in cute cups and garnishes from this place alone and I'm always excited to see what's featured. Last night's featured drink was a matcha lychee margarita and we loved it. From the featured food menu, we got red curry chicken and chili garlic noodles. The red curry chicken was soooooo good I really hope they permanently add the dish to the menu. Everyone loved it.Their portions are huge and their prices are amazing. You will be stuffed and have great drinks and not even spend that much."

Family Diner

★★★★★ 4.5 (27)

"This place is the real deal! Authentic southern breakfast with delicious options. The biscuits are the best. Real southern cat head biscuits. Every item we tried was outstanding. They really have something for everyone. Ask for the buttered biscuits. The service was great too, and we really enjoyed our meal. Worth a drive from anywhere."

New York Diner

★★★★☆ 3.6 (124)

"Early morning breakfast available at reasonable price. Coffee was good! Home fries, eggs, crispy bacon And French toast were all delicious. Service was quick and courteous. Restaurant is super cute with all the NY decorations. Surprisingly clean for all the knickknacks they have to keep up with dusting."

Hope Valley Diner

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (159)

"Several more meals at this establishment and I can continue to vouch for its quality. The ambience is very much diner with a side of regulars, who can walk in to reserved tables on a given night. The staff treat everyone well, that is, just like regulars! The style of cobbler isn't my taste (crust too thick, not enough fruit) but there are usually six or seven desserts listed on the board to choose from. As for mains, I keep returning to the chicken and dumplings or three veg dinner. Yum!"

Joyce & Family Restaurant and Catering

★★★★☆ 3.8 (131) • $$

"Joyce's is currently open for takeout only. When you enter you head to the buffet and fix your plate(s). There are so many delicious options to eat plus tea or lemonade to drink. Make sure you ask about dessert, we tried the key lime pie and lemon pound cake. My favorites were the chicken pastry, cabbage, lemonade and desserts. I can't believe that it has taken me this long to try this spot, it is good country cooking."

The Diner

★★★★☆ 4 (47)

"Classic small town charm with some fantastic cooks. First visit for breakfast. Home fried potatoes. Best I've had in 10 years and hundreds of breakfasts. Order them. Side pane cake came out hot and fluffy. The batter was so enticing I shared it with my friend. Had too. Only polite thing to do. Renegade Benedict. Was asked how I wanted my egg, the waiter countered my poached with over easy. I accepted. Gravy was fantastic. The sausage gravy was on top of another whole sausage patty. Dare I say sausage on sausage was too much. Biscuit- fluffy and firm. Will be back for a lunchtime or two. Many of the items are home made."

The Open Kettle

★★★★☆ 3.8 (11)

"It isn't often I visit a restaurant where I hear the wait staff call everyone "hun". It's part of the charm I suppose, and definitely a southern thing.The Open Kettle is classic diner, from the menu to the john deere wall decor and the regular customers who can "hun" the staff right back. There's a camaraderie amongst the employees and regular customers. The menu is standard for a diner: eggs, biscuits, omelette's, pasta, sandwiches, soups, and salads. There's a lot of food for the money and the prices are reasonable. I stopped by on the tail end of the breakfast rush but had no problem getting my breakfast order. The eggs were cooked exactly as I wanted, the grits were okay, but a tad runny, the toast was barely toasted, but they gave me a lot of jelly to compensate. The coffee wasn't very good, but coffee is kind of hit or miss at places like this anyway. It still didn't detract from the friendly, speedy service.Most all of the tables seat 3 or 4 people and no one made me feel guilty about taking one of the tables as a solo diner. On the other hand, the tables are crammed in here though, so it was inevitable that I had to dodge chairs or waitresses. There's about seven or eight counter seats available on either side of the cash register, but one side looked as though that's where the the dishes are set down before they get taken back to the kitchen during busy times.It's a challenge finding your way into the parking lot. It's at the intersection of two very busy roads and if you miss the entrance, it'll be a while before you can circle back. I still like Open Kettle, though. It's hard not to like a diner as long as you go knowing what to expect. Classic food from a standard menu, friendly service, reasonable prices, and no frills."

Crawford & Son

★★★★★ 4.5 (310) • $$$

"We had a great experience at Crawford & Son. The food, drink, and service were all excellent. This is one of the best restaurants we've been to in the Triangle. The cuisine is New American.Reservations are recommended. There were barely any left when we looked for a Saturday reservation about two weeks out. Crawford & Son is open for dinner only. Every seat in the dining room and at the bar were taken at one point during our visit. I saw walk-ins get turned away. You can book reservations through Crawford & Son's website via Tock: http://crawfordandsonrestaurant.com/ Sorry, no OpenTable points here.This restaurant has been around since November 2016. It's located in downtown Raleigh's Historic Oakwood neighborhood, in the same strip as Oakwood Pizza Box. There's no dedicated parking. Free street parking is available in the residential area around the block (e.g., Pace St, N Bloodworth St). Read the signs for parking restrictions.This isn't a big restaurant, but it's not tiny either. The dining room and bar share the same space. There are some tables in the front and then a long banquette that runs the length of the bar and more. The layout is similar to Jolie French bistro, Crawford & Son's sister restaurant next door (opened August 2019). Unlike Jolie, Crawford & Son doesn't have nearly as much outdoor patio seating (only a couple two-tops) nor rooftop seating (none). Chef-owner Scott Crawford opened a third restaurant, Crawford Cookshop in Clayton, in December 2021.The ambiance here is elevated, but not pretentious. The restaurant definitely has a hip vibe, but it's not overdone either. It's comfortable.The menu was fairly simple and straightforward. To give you an idea of the number of selections, our party of four tried one of every cocktail (4) and one of every entree (4). Below is a list of what we ordered. It'll also give you an idea of what kind of food and drink to expect, along with pricing.Cocktails* Komodo ($16) - gin, blood orange, shiso, Montenegro* Dungeon Dragon ($16) - tequila, grapefruit, lemon verbena, campari* Spiritual Gangster ($16) - Mezcal, mulled wine, falernum, cynar* BB King ($16) - bourbon, brown butter, PX sherry, bittersAppetizers* Little Gem Caesar ($17) - truffle pecorino, cured duck egg, fried garlic* Grilled Clam Toast ($16) - focaccia, nduja, chimichurri, pickled onionRaw* Yellowfin Tuna Crudo ($18) - garum vinaigrette, winter radish, ginger iceEntrees* Lion's Mane Mushroom Schnitzel ($28) - caper cream, cauliflower, lemon confit* Pan Roasted Sea Trout ($36) - blood orange beurre blanc, trout roe, root vegetables* Duck Breast ($45) - Sarladaises potato, glazed pearl onion, black currant sauce* Beef Short Rib ($37) - crispy shallot salad, hakurei turnip, sweet, sour, and savory glazeSave Room / Desserts* Vanilla Tapioca Pudding ($12) - creme fraiche, honeycrisp apple granita* Parsnip Spice Cake ($13) - ginger ice cream, maple carrot, walnutsAfter Dinner Drinks* Big Mac dessert drink ($16) - Macvin, hazelnut, egg cream* Special "Banana Flip" (not on menu, $17) - banana liqueur, egg creamEverything was outstanding. The presentation was absolutely beautiful. Visually stunning. The plating was some of the best I've seen in the Triangle. Probably top five in that regard (just take a look at my pictures). Thought and care was evident in each dish and cocktail. They looked like works of art. Everything was creative, well executed, and tasted as good as it looked.My wife, who's especially picky with cocktails, said the Komodo was one of the best cocktails she's had anywhere. The flavors were balanced and smooth. The color was unexpectedly clear despite being made with blood orange. That's because they filtered the cocktail using curdled milk. The Dungeon Dragon was memorable because instead of just a salt rim, citric acid was added too, to give two flavors: salty and sour.The Grilled Clam Toast popped with colors, textures, and flavors. It was savory and unique. The Yellowfin Tuna Crudo was fresh and citrusy. Both the Sea Trout and Duck Breast were perfectly cooked and delicious. The trout was the best I've had in recent memory. I love mushrooms and was impressed with the hearty and satisfying Mushroom Schnitzel. Little things like the way they cut the cauliflower and lemon - the latter into thin edible slices - really showed the kitchen staff's attention to detail. The Vanilla Tapioca Pudding was phenomenal. The consistencies were terrific with creamy and appetizingly chewy tapioca topped with delicately flaky granita.Service was fantastic. Our server was Sydney. She was kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. Everyone else we interacted with was great too, from the hostesses/managers to our food runner. One of the hostesses/managers noticed me trying to Shazam a song. She brought over an iPad and let me take a picture of the song on the restaurant's playlist. Very thoughtful of her. That kind of service is above and beyond."

Franklinville Diner

★★★★★ 4.8 (36)

"Frankinville diner is the embodiment of small town hospitality. We have been several times and have loved every lunch. They have a rotating specials menu and from that we've tried the chicken and dumplings and the barbecue. The shredded pork barbecue was some of the best I've ever had. So so tasty! I've personally tried the classic cheeseburger with a side of potato salad and the burger was perfection! No frills, just a classic done right! I've also had the chicken salad sandwich and loved it! Apparently the hot dogs are great too! My sister said it was "amazing!"Now for the service. It's perfect. There is no possible way for them improve upon it. You're greeted, treated like a regular, and checked on consistently. I'm so thankful we discovered this gem and can't wait to go back!A few notes: You sit at an available table. It gets busy at lunch!! There is some bar seating for individuals. You pay at the cash register when you're all done with your meal. They have some delicious cookies, pies and cakes for dessert or to take with you for later. The chocolate chip cookies, that I tried, were homemade and so yummy! There is a history of Franklinville that spans the entire wall of the restaurant. So sweet and I can't wait to go back!"

Kennon House & Sports Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (46) • $$

"First time at Kennon Sports Bar but it surely won't be our last. As we are relatively new to the area we were happy to check this out on a Monday night. While we were happy they were open, we didn't know there was a more limited menu available, as the main restaurant was closed. I was a little disappointed that Fried Chicken wasn't one the menu, but that disappointment quickly eroded when our awesome Waitress Brooke suggested I try the shrimp platter. My date had the smash burger with cheese - we both really enjoyed our dinners ! The fried shrimp platter had 11 giant shrimp- perfectly cooked and very flavorful, the Cole slaw was delish- as were the tots. The smash burger was also so good.~ he's a burger guy and gave it a thumbs up. The ambiance was a high point- a really beautiful setting with great music and a real pulse - even on a Monday night. We totally enjoyed our evening from the service to the food, we will absolutely be back ~ we are looking forward to trying the main restaurant. The history and atmosphere are both amazing....."

The Shiny Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (341) • $$

"We enjoy coming here and would be regulars if we didn't live all the way in south Durham! We do visit enough that we're learning the waitresses names though.If you come on the weekend, be prepared to wait if you don't arrive early. The food and service is definitely worth the wait, so don't let that scare you off. Good comfort food is the name of the game here.Their homemade chips are so good I've seen some people get them with breakfast instead of hash browns! If you have room left after any meal don't pass on their desserts. I had the German chocolate cake recently and it was so good!!I hear they have a place opening in Apex sometime in the next month or so. Keep your eyes peeled!"

Kernersville's Route 66 Diner

★★★★☆ 3.9 (151)

"Absolutely had no expectations coming in and wow! What a gem!It was NYE Sunday morning so not too busy when we got there: we both got Mom's Breakfast which was two eggs, choice of potato and bread. I got over medium: perfection! Home fries: idk what they did to these but they were so fluffy inside and almost like there was a very thin chip on the outside. Incredible. And the biscuit! Tender, not flaky, but perfect for me! Buttery delicious.Coffee was excellent: service was just attentive enough that it wasn't obnoxious or wanting. There are a ton of meat options but we are vegetarians so passed. We also got a waffle: it wasn't great or anything special, but the eggs and home fries and biscuit were so good I can easily skip thinking about this (and it wasn't memorable.)Only issue, and next time I'm just going to wear a sweater: it was a little chilly inside. Good vibes through! Will definitely be back."

Creedmoor Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.1 (119) • $

"You can always count on the food being fresh and on point! A regular spot for coffee and whatever floats your boat. {{*.*}}"

Triangle Waffle

★★★★☆ 3.9 (64)

"Local establishment. Owner closed his prime rib place, The Brass Lantern. This place only open until 2 pm, daily, and closed on Sundays.Busy Saturday morning, a meal before running my errands. They no longer serve, egg whites, poached or hard boiled eggs. Mostly known for country ham, pancakes and waffles. I opted for eggs easy, or what server called "light", pancakes and smoked sausage.I sat at "2-top" (yes, I waited tables in my younger days) it was loaded with everything. Napkins, jelly, salt, pepper, sugar, bowl of creamers, ketchup and syrup. Good thing was just me when my food arrived. Lemon, with your water or tea, is a packet of lemon juice. They offer Coke products and tea.Eggs were perfect, pancakes thin, but flavorful, a big dollop of whipped butter. Syrup on table, not labeled but tasted decadent. They prefer exact change when paying cash. I'd visit again to try waffles. Country breakfasts."

Mustang Charlie's Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (47) • $$

"A diner, inside of a Ford dealership, yep! And, it's actually really good. It's in the back of the showroom which is huge! I went there yesterday as part of a car club meetup (Heart of Carolina Mustangs). The group meets there occasionally for breakfast but this was my first time here. The place was busy already at 9:00am and the group I was with added to that. However, the food orders came out quick. I went with the mushroom, spinach and feta omelette with a side of bacon and home fries. It was really good and everything was cooked to order. The prices here are reasonable ($10-$15) and there are free coffee refills. Oh, no purchase of a new car necessary to visit the diner. It's open to the public."

Blue Ribbon Diner

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (65)

"Hadn't been here in a long time! This is an oldie but goodie, a Burlington staple! You definitely get that diner appeal. The fried pickles are very good. Crispy. Briny. Tasty. Wasn't too crowded today. Sometimes this place can be packed. The parking lot is usually pretty full though. I ordered my favorite meal. Honestly I am not sure if I've eaten anything else. The Dirty Dig Basket. What is this you ask? Beef hot dog with chili, cheese, slaw and a slice of bacon. Yes. Bacon. And it's served with fries. I get chili and cheese on those too! Pro tip: those fries are hot like lava. Let them cool a bit. While they are cooling drizzle some ranch on them. Yyyeeeaaahhh! Trust me! My colleague had the bacon cheese burger. The burger diameter almost equal to the bun. She quipped "this is a good burger""

Showside Grill & Bakery

★★★★☆ 4.2 (25) • $$

"The low down: There are two parts to this place, the cafe and then attached to the back of the cafe is a door that takes you through another door to the bar. The food was terrific and the service was a little slow but it was the guys first night so we cut him some slack. Clean and some interesting decorating in the bar area (see photos). Also, states online that there is a cover charge of $5 when a live band is there. we weren't charged one, but we're prepared to pay if needed. Fun fact: For a small price you can take a ceiling tile, paint it and bring it back. When you bring it back they will refund your money (they take the money incase you never bring the tile back)I'm so excited to write this review because what seemed like it would be horrible ended up being so much fun! Looking for a new place to hear live music that's off the beaten path I turned to my YELP community and found this place. I wasn't really sure they were still open because when you call the number it rings and rings and then there is a recording that says "voicemail isnt set up". Decided to drive out there to Spring Hope anyway (about 20 min away from where I live in Rolesville). We saWe pulled up around 7:30pm and the place looked closed. Virtually no cars, lights dim but there was a blinking sign that said OPEN. We walk in and NOTHING, no live music, no bar, just a few tables and only about 3 of the tables even had people seated. We stood there for about 2 minutes waiting for someone to address us(there was no one to be found). Finally a nice lady came out from the back. We asked her about the bar and live music that was advertised and she pointed to a door at the back of the restaurant and said...it's through there, you'll hear the music after you open the door. So excited that there was, in fact, live music we eagerly head to the door and open it. We hear nothing! We walk through the hallway and see a bar. There was one lady sitting at the bar. The rest of the bar was empty. We said to her.. we heard there was live music here and she said .. oh there is, they are taking a break. So we sat at the bar, Looking around we noticed some unique decorating. There were Barbie dolls hanging from the ceiling and supposedly each one represents a person. A bartender asked us if we wanted a food menu. I read from YELP that their food was great so we decided to place an order. We ordered a tuna sandwich w rosemary fries. YELP community is right, the food was delicious. My picture doesn't do it justice. The band came in from their intermission along w about 4 other patrons. The band was really good, playing country cover songs. We left early (about 9:30pm) and at that time there were only about 12 people there. The place really was awesome and more people should check it out. The band was great, the service was good(it was the bartenders first night) and the people that were there were super friendly. It's a much different vibe than what you get when you go out in Raleigh."

Grandma's Diner

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (100) • $