All of the many NC Triangle restaurants await. Travel to the center of the state for a fixing of history and come back for seconds of the ambrosial restaurant dishes tracing their roots from Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh. The three vertices are distinguished by variant shades of blue and by acquired foodie scenes. College rivalries aside, the below eateries are all winners.
Acme
The boozy brunch destination exudes a Sex and the City entourage feel with its outdoor pavilion and the chic crowd it attracts. The donut triad of chocolate, raspberry and maple is a revered Sunday brunch order. The menu rotates frequently, catering Southern cuisine.
acmecarrboro.com
Angus Barn
The historic fabled red barn has been serving generations of Southern families since 1960. Toast to the rustic Americana ambiance, whether that be at a wedding, a family reunion, or a well-deserved steak dinner. The exclusive aged beef reaffirms Raleigh’s capital status.
angusbarn.com
Brewery Bhavana
When brewery meets dim sum meets flower shop meets bookstore. The aesthetic of the four-in-one concept landed the establishment on the radar of Forbes and Bon Appetit. You won’t have to travel to Brooklyn for an authentic hipster experience.
brewerybhavana.com

Elements
Wine, dine and unwind in Elements’ contemporary setting. The restaurant delivers an Asian fusion menu and clean, modern decor. Off the main drag of downtown Chapel Hill, it is definitely a gem.
elementsofchapelhill.com
Happy + Hale
With two locations in Raleigh and one in Durham, you might draw up a petition afterwards for a Charlotte location. A collegiate favorite, the sleek Carolina chain pumps healthy fuel of poke/grain bowls, smoothies, salads and breakfast all day. A yoga studio is tucked inside the Durham address.
happyandhale.com/locations
411 West Italian Café
Ciao, bella. The Franklin Street brick-and-mortar fills the Italian food niche. How does one say no to gnocchi?
411west.com
Monuts
A name with a personality has to be able to follow it up. Monuts accomplishes that feat, standing as a bakery that isn’t limited to pastries. Quality, made from scratch breakfast and lunch solidify the stream of customers.
monutsdonuts.com

Poole’s
Poole’s Pie Shop opened in 1945 and has undergone multiple renovations. The integrity of its diner roots have been restored under Chef Amy Christensen’s ownership, including a double horseshoe bar and red leather banquettes. Comfort food is immortal.
ac-restaurants.com/pooles