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Best Sports Bar in Durham County
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe
Don’t let Tobacco Road Sports Cafe’s name fool you: By no means is this joint your quaint little coffee spot, and the owners themselves say it’s not exactly a sports bar, either. But if you’re looking to accompany your next MLB game with a delicious meal and fresh, locally brewed beer, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe is the way to go. With a commitment to quality food as well as support of local brewers, farmers, and fishermen, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe remains grounded in the local community. And with private spaces for reservation and catering options available, location is almost never a problem for those seeking to elevate their sports-watching experience — did we mention they’re doing takeout and delivery? —CEJ
Finalists: Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub, The Boot Room, Devine’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Best Small Plates/Tapas in the Triangle
Mateo Bar de Tapas
Finalists: Humble Pie, Barcelona Wine Bar, Taberna Tapas
Best Veggie Burger in Durham County
Bull City Burger and Brewery
A good veggie burger is hard to come by, but if you’re looking for a great, healthful alternative to spice up your diet then Bull City Burger & Brewery has you covered. The brewpub, a partner to various local farming and food organizations, gives customers the option to build their own burgers with various toppings, add-ons, and sauces. There are two pre-designed veggie burger options and you’re free to modify and add toppings to your heart’s content. Sign up for the email list before your birth month and you’ll get a free birthday burger as well. —CEJ
Finalists: Only Burger, QueenBurger, Pure Soul
Best Cheap Eats in Orange / Chatham County
Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering
Finalists: Carrburritos, Cosmic Cantina, Armadillo Grill
Best Fries in the Triangle
Al’s Burger Shack
Finalists: Bull City Burger and Brewery, Heavenly Buffaloes, The Federal
Best Locally Made Mead in the Triangle
Honeygirl Meadery
Finalists: Honeysuckle Meadery, Botanist & Barrel, Starlight Mead
Best Chinese Restaurant in Wake County
Five Star
Downtown Raleigh’s Five Star is something of an institution. Open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight, it offers a hip, modern dining atmosphere with an extensive selection of Chinese, Chinese American, Thai, and even Taiwanese meals. Similarly, Five Star’s after-hours menu brings the late night hits, including Szechuan ribs and a wide array of dumplings for hungry night owls. And, of course, there’s a nice array of cocktails, sake, beer, and wine to pair perfectly with your dinner. —CEJ
Finalists: Taipei 101, Imperial Garden, Beansprout, Ni Asian Kitchen
Best Coffee Shop in Wake County
Jubala Coffee
Forget the big-box chains: you’ll find more nuanced drinks for your refined coffee-going taste buds with Jubala’s espresso tonic, blackberry coffee mule, or jasmine orange blossom latte (yum). The menu offers little-plate specialties for the sweet tooth. Strawberry shortcake waffle, anyone? (There’s also avocado toast if you want to be all healthy and what-not.) And the shop’s artisan sandwiches will fill you up come lunchtime, but not so much that you crave a nap. Sleek but not pretentious, hip but not smug, minimalistic but not obtuse, dual-location Jubala is still growing, with a third store in the works. Plus, what’s not to love about a coffee shop that doles out free espresso shots every Friday? —GW
Finalists: Sola Cafe, Fount Coffee + Kitchen, NoRa Cafe
Best Frozen Treats in the Triangle
The Parlour
Finalists: Goodberry’s Frozen Custard, Locopops, Two Roosters
Best Pie in Durham County
Foster’s Market
Finalists: Elmo’s Diner, The Refectory Cafe, Bean Traders
Best Caribbean or Cuban in the Triangle
Boricua Soul
Finalists: COPA, Carmen’s Cuban Cafe & Lounge, Spanglish
Best Chocolate in the Triangle
Videri Chocolate Factory
Finalists: Escazu, Mathew’s Chocolates, Fera’wyn’s Chocolate Cafe
Best Barbecue in Durham County
The Original Q Shack
In a state where BBQ is as divisive as college basketball, Q Shack is unique in its lack of regional allegiance. The restaurant prioritizes variety over loyalty to technique, boasting a menu that includes the best of every locale: Texas-style brisket, St. Louis-style ribs, and N.C.-style chopped pork available with both vinegar- and tomato-based sauces. The local, pasture-raised meat is smoked to perfection, then served either as a sandwich or piled high on a plate alongside a hefty portion of hushpuppies. Use the three-meat combo plate as an opportunity to sample styles from different regions—when you’re finished, you’ll realize the answer to “What’s the best brand of BBQ?” isn’t this place, or that place; the answer is simply, “Yes.” —LG
Finalists: The Pit Durham, Picnic, Backyard BBQ Pit
Best Steak in Orange / Chatham County
Bin 54
Finalists: Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, FarmHouse Restaurant, Venable Bistro
Best Sushi in Wake County
Sushi Thai (Cary)
Finalists: Waraji, Sushi Iwa, City Market Sushi, Kai Sushi and Saki Bar
Best Seafood Restaurant in the Triangle
Saltbox Seafood Joint
Finalists: 42nd Street Oyster Bar, Locals Oyster Bar, Squid’s
Best Steak in Wake County
Angus Barn
Finalists: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, The Peddler, Rey’s Restaurant, Vinnie’s Steak House & Tavern
Best New Restaurant in Durham County
QueenBurger
Finalists: The Honeysuckle at Lakewood, Lula and Sadie’s, Pure Soul
Best Locally Made Wine in the Triangle
Botanist & Barrel
Finalists: Chatham Hill Winery, Cloer Family Vineyard, FireClay Cellars
Best Breakfast in Orange / Chatham County
Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
It’s rare to find a breakfast spot that delivers on both quality and convenience. Picking up a quick morning bite usually involves going to a fast-food chain, and getting scratch-made food before noon often means committing to a lengthy sit-down affair. Enter: Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen, eliminating the need to compromise on breakfast since 1978. Sunrise occupies a tiny building on East Franklin, offering exclusively drive-through service and a menu as ordinary and unassuming as its location. But its biscuit sandwiches shine in their simplicity—flaky dough, exquisitely fried chicken, maybe an egg and cheese, if you feel like it, but nothing more—and after you try one, you might start to wonder if Sunrise has remained a drive-through not just for customers’ convenience, but also to preserve the secrets of its inner sanctum. —LG
Finalists: Breadmen’s, Neal’s Deli, Village Diner
Best Indian Restaurant in the Triangle
Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe
Finalists: Viceroy, Sitar Indian Cuisine, Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar
Best Donut in the Triangle
Monuts
There’s a reason why, on weekend mornings, you’ll want to order your donuts from Monuts early. They’re in high demand nearly every day because Monuts donuts are not just donuts; they are an experience of creative flavors and combinations coming together. Offering both yeast-risen and cake donuts, the Durham breakfast spot has so much to choose from. Even with a more limited menu throughout the pandemic, Monuts provided a variety of tasty donut options, from the classic apple cider, to the bright strawberry lavender, to the decadent vanilla and pecan brownie crumble. They’re fluffy, they’re light– everything a donut should be, and a perfect way to start your day. —RS
Finalists: Duck Donuts, Krispy Kreme, Baker’s Dozen Donuts
Best Bagel in the Triangle
Everything Bagels (Durham Food Hall)
Ever since rainbow bagels broke the internet in 2016, bagelsmiths across the country have been racing to create their own viral sensations, revamping their menus with funfetti cream cheese, Dorito dry rubs, and enough food dye to kill your great-grandmother. So when I read that Everything Bagels was “avant-garde,” I assumed it was code for kitschy. Boy, was I wrong. The shop deviates from the norm in a way that’s refreshingly flavor-forward, offering creations like the PBLT (pork belly, greens, tomato, chili oil, and kimchi cream cheese on a cacio e pepe bagel) that are funky yet thoughtful, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and available with a vegan option. If you’re looking to take a colorful Instagram photo, try the purple sweet potato bagel with strawberry matcha cream cheese—the taste will be more satisfying than all the likes you get. —LG
Finalists: Benchwarmers Bagels, Brandwein’s Bagels, Big Dom’s Bagel Shop
Best Mexican Restaurant in Orange / Chatham County
Carrburitos
Finalists: Fiesta Grill, Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, El Restaurante Ixtapa
Best Japanese Restaurant in Durham County
M Sushi
Finalists: Dashi, Kanki, Yamazushi
Best Bread in Orange / Chatham County
Guglhupf Bake Shop
Finalists: Weaver Street Market, Great Harvest, Wegman’s
Best Salad in the Triangle
Happy + Hale
Finalists: Chopt, V Pizza, Fount Coffee + Kitchen
Best Sushi in Durham County
M Sushi
Finalists: Shiki Sushi, Sushi Love, Sake Bomb
Best Sports Bar in Orange / Chatham County
Top of the Hill – TOPO
Finalists: Carolina Brewery, The Spotted Dog, Hickory Tavern
Best Irish Pub in the Triangle
Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub
Finalists: Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant, Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, James Joyce Irish Pub
Best Chinese Restaurant in Orange / Chatham County
Jade Palace
Finalists: Lantern, Gourmet Kingdom, Red Lotus
Best Chef in Wake County
Ashley Christensen
Finalists: Cheetie Kumar, Scott Crawford, Christy Griffith
Best Latin American Restaurant in Wake County
Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken
Finalists: Guasaca, Mami’s Latin Style Rotisserie Chicken, Centro
Best Coffee Shop in Durham County
Cocoa Cinnamon
Finalists: Joe Van Gogh, Bean Traders, The Oak House
Best Deli in the Triangle
Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering
Finalists: Eastcut Sandwich Bar, Neal’s Deli, Deli Edison
Best Latin American Restaurant in Durham County
Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken
Finalists: Luna Rotisserie & Empanadas, COPA, Boricua Soul
Best Southern Food Restaurant in the Triangle
Mama Dip’s
Finalists: Lucky 32, Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant, Pure Soul
Best Chinese Restaurant in Durham County
Happy China
Finalists: Shanghai, Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, Orient Garden
Best Mexican Restaurant in Wake County
Gonza Tacos Y Tequila
Finalists: Los Tres Magueyes, Centro, Gringo A Go Go
Best Vegan-friendly Restaurant in Wake County
Irregardless Café
Finalists: The Fiction Kitchen, Fount Coffee + Kitchen, Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe
Best Hot Dog in the Triangle
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs and More
Don’t come to Snoopy’s expecting to find veggie dogs or gluten-free buns. The grill’s menu hasn’t changed since the day it opened in 1978, save for the addition of chicken salad and vegetable beef soup; if you order one of Snoopy’s Famous Hot Dogs, it will be topped with mustard, onion, and chili (“unless you tell us differently”), and it will taste exactly the same as it did 30-odd years ago. Snoopy’s is the epitome of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and its adherence to Eastern Carolina tradition is mirrored by the undying loyalty of its customer base. —LG
Finalists: The Dog House, The Cardinal, Cloos’ Coney Island
Best Cheap Eats in Durham County
Elmo’s Diner
Finalists: Cook Out, Cosmic Cantina, Guasaca
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant in the Triangle
Elmo’s Diner
With its comfy booths, cheerful atmosphere, and palatable menu options, there’s no doubt that Elmo’s is an excellent spot to take the family. Even for adult-only parties, though, the diner’s kid-friendliness shines in its ability to bring out one’s inner child. You’ll find yourself ordering breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast, coloring with crayons and stacking packets of jam into little towers while you wait for your food. Grown-up dining conventions don’t exist here, and it’s awesome. —LG
Finalists: Pompieri Pizza, Honeysuckle at Lakewood, Kwench Juice Cafe Raleigh
Best Sunday Brunch in Durham County
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten
A German-styled bakery, restaurant, and biergarten all in one, Guglhupf has much to offer. Though the pandemic forced Guglhupf’s owners to move dine-in seating outside, it in no way ruined the ambiance. The patio area is lush with cute decorations and plenty of seating under the cover of umbrellas. The menu offers both lighter veggie meals, like the avocado poblano panini, or a heartier meat-lover’s plate, like the pan-fried confit pork belly panini. No Sunday brunch would be complete without drinks, whether a delicious summer bliss latte with refreshing lavender, or a morning mimosa. If all that doesn’t fill you up, stop into the bakery before you leave: a fruit tart, maybe? An almond schnecke? Some black pepper parmesan bread? Whatever you choose, you’ll leave satisfied. —RS
Finalists: Monuts, Vin Rouge, Jack Tar & the Colonel’s Daughter, The Refectory Cafe
Best Bakery in Wake County
La Farm Bakery
Finalists: Boulted Bread, Union Special, Utica Bakery
Best Distillery in the Triangle
Durham Distillery
Finalists: Mystic Farm & Distilling Company, TOPO Organic Spirits, Lonerider Spirits
Best Sandwich in Durham County
Parker and Otis
Finalists: Toast, Eastcut Sandwich Bar, Old North Meats and Provisions, Pure Soul
Best Desserts in Wake County
Hayes Barton Café and Dessertery
Finalists: Lucettegrace, Bittersweet, Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe
Best Burger in Orange / Chatham County
Al’s Burger Shack
Finalists: Wooden Nickel Pub, The Spotted Dog, Gov’s Burger and Tap, Buns
Best Chef in Durham County
Zwelibanzi Moyo-Williams (Zweli’s)
Finalists: Matt Kelly, Ricky Moore, Michael Lee, Nikolas Spaulding
Best Biscuits in Durham County
Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken Durham Downtown/ Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken Durham Southpoint
Finalists: Monuts, Debbie Lou’s
Best Locally Made Craft Beer in the Triangle
Trophy Wife, Trophy Brewing
Finalists: Biere de Garde, Ponysaurus; Humidity, Fullsteam; Cloud Surfer, Trophy Brewing;Hop on Top IPA, Lynnwood Brewing Concern
Best French Restaurant in the Triangle
Vin Rouge
Finalists: Rue Cler, Coquette Brasserie, Jolie
Best Burrito in Wake County
Gonza Tacos Y Tequila
Finalists: Dank Burritos, Gringo A Go Go, Baja Burrito
Best Sandwich in Orange / Chatham County
Merritt’s Grill
Finalists: Neal’s Deli; Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering; Deli Edison, Steve’s Garden Market & Butchery
Best Sports Bar in Wake County
Carolina Ale House
Finalists: Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe & Brewery, Sharky’s Place, Brickhouse Sports Pub
Best Draft Beer Selection in Durham County
Beer Study
Finalists: Fullsteam Brewery, The Glass Jug Beer Lab, Hi-Wire Brewing, Pour Taproom
Best Cheap Eats in Wake County
Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken
Finalists: Snoopy’s Hot Dogs and More, Char-Grill, Mami’s Latin Style Rotisserie Chicken
Best Sunday Brunch in Wake County
Flying Biscuit Cafe
Finalists: First Watch, Brigs at the Forest Restaurant, Fount Coffee + Kitchen
Best Cupcake in the Triangle
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Finalists: Small Cakes Durham, Gigi’s Cupcakes, The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery
Best Barbecue in Wake County
The Pit
Finalists: Sam Jones BBQ, Big Mike’s BBQ – Brew N’ Que, City Barbeque and Catering – Cary
Best Brewery in Durham County
Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
Finalists: Fullsteam Brewery, Durty Bull Brewing Company, Barrel Culture Brewing & Blending
Best Desserts in Orange / Chatham County
Maple View Farm Ice Cream
Maple View Farm Ice Cream is (almost) just as much about the view as it is about the ice cream itself. If you get there at dusk, you can sit on the hill right beside the farm and watch as North Carolina’s dramatic and deep sunsets drop over the sky. That’s not to say that the ice cream isn’t notable. From the classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, to the unique Turtle, Banana Pudding, and Devil’s Delight flavors, Maple View ice cream is creamy and refreshing. And even from outside, you can smell the heavenly waffle cones baking, ready to be served. —RS
Finalists: Guglhupf Bake Shop; Nantucket Cafe; Weaver Street Market; Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering; Matthew’s Chocolates
Best Restaurant in the Triangle
Angus Barn
Finalists: Salvio’s Pizzeria, MoJoe’s Burger Joint, Pizzeria Veritas
Best Greek/Mediterranean Restaurant in the Triangle
Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering
Mediterranean Deli is the Room of Requirement of the Franklin Street food scene. If you’re one of those people who hasn’t read Harry Potter, the Room of Requirement is a place that transforms itself into whatever you need it to be, a concept that Med Deli embodies in its unparalleled pervasion of nearly every corner of the food industry. Hoping to enjoy a leisurely sit-down meal? Order a fatayer or a falafel platter and plant yourself at a table. Looking to grab a healthful lunch to go? There are about 20 salads to choose from in the glass deli case. Need someone to cater your daughter’s bat mitzvah? Med Deli’s got you covered. Need ingredients to cook dinner? No problem—there’s a grocery store inside the restaurant. —LG
Finalists: Neomonde, Sassool, Taverna Agora
Best Pie in Wake County
Slice Pie Company
Finalists: Bittersweet, Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe, Burney’s Sweets & More of Raleigh
Best Desserts in Durham County
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten
Finalists: Mad Hatter’s Cafe and Bakeshop, Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings and Sweets, Dulce Cafe
Best Breakfast in Wake County
Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant
Finalists: Flying Biscuit Cafe, Brigs at the Forest Restaurant, Fount Coffee + Kitchen
Best Veggie Burger in Wake County
The Fiction Kitchen
Finalists: Burger Fi, Mike’s Vegan Cookout, Wilson’s Eatery
Best Brewery in Orange / Chatham County
Steel String Brewery
Finalists: Haw River Farmhouse Ales, Carolina Brewing, Craftboro Brewing Depot
Best Burger in Wake County
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Finalists: Char-Grill, MoJoe’s Burger Joint, Abbey Road
Best Tea House in the Triangle
The Honeysuckle Tea House
If you grew up reading Magic Tree House, like I did, you’ve likely fantasized about finding a structure nestled in the forest that will transport you to a spot where everything is “absolutely still.” I’m delighted to inform you that this place exists in the real world, and it’s just a short drive from downtown Chapel Hill. An open-air farm stand tucked among the trees, Honeysuckle Tea House provides a peaceful oasis where guests can unwind with a locally grown cuppa while overlooking acres of berry fields, herb gardens, and tea beds. The venue also includes hammocks, a playground, and a stage where area artists perform live music. While I’m pretty sure Honeysuckle doesn’t have Magic Tree House’s time travel technology, the place is so tranquil that you probably won’t notice how many hours you’ve been sitting there until the sky gets dark. —LG
Finalists: Jeddah’s Tea, Pimiento Tea Room, Cha House
Best Mexican Restaurant in Durham County
Taqueria La Vaquita
Just as Nick Carraway felt the allure of the green light across from Jay Gatsby’s mansion in The Great Gatsby, I have always felt drawn to the 3-D spotted cow atop Taqueria La Vaquita. I drove by for years, wondering about it, and it wasn’t until this year that I visited—and found that all my expectations were met (and exceeded) in one bite of their pastor taco. Their food is traditional street tacos and no-fuss Mexican plates, and that’s what makes it so well-loved. There’s no fusion tacos or fashionable decor, just well-seasoned meats and red picnic tables being watched over by la vaquita. Best eaten with your Jarritos of choice. —SP
Finalists: Dos Perros, NuvoTaco, Cosmic Cantina
Best Vegan-friendly Restaurant in Orange / Chatham County
Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering
Finalists: The Spotted Dog, Sage Vegetarian Cafe, Vegan Flava
Best Late Night Meal in Wake County
Cook Out
Finalists: Raleigh Times, Waffle House, Char-Grill
Best Japanese Restaurant in Orange / Chatham County
Akai Hana
Finalists: Spicy 9, Iza Whiskey and Eats, Oiishi, Tokyo Express
Best Veggie Burger in Orange / Chatham County
The Spotted Dog
Finalists: Al’s Burger Shack, Sage Vegetarian Cafe, Buns, New Hope Market
Best Wings in Durham County
Heavenly Buffaloes
Once you discover Heavenly Buffaloes, self-dubbed “the wing joint you’ve been looking for,” your hunt for wing joints isn’t going to end, but it will take on a new meaning. You’ll no longer be searching for an establishment that sells killer wings; rather, you’ll be poking around the scraps in your gingham paper-lined tray, desperately seeking a wing joint—like, the bone kind of joint—that still has some meat clinging onto it. When you realize you’ve sucked the bones clean and want to order more, I encourage you to try the vegan wings, which are just as succulent as the chicken. —LG
Finalists: M Kokko, Chicken Bee, Grub
Best Pie in Orange / Chatham County
Mama Dip’s
Finalists: Weaver Street Market, Cup-A-Joe Hillsborough, Pop’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, Bestfood Cafeteria (Siler City)
Best Chef in Orange / Chatham County
Vimala Rajendran
Finalists: Andrea Reusing, Christian Patterson, Gabe Barker
Best Wings in Orange / Chatham County
Heavenly Buffaloes
Finalists: Wooden Nickel Pub, Wings Over Chapel Hill, The Spotted Dog
Best Food Truck in the Triangle
Chirba Chirba
Finalists: Bulkogi, Arepa Culture, Succotash Food Truck
Best Juice Bar in the Triangle
Raleigh Raw
Finalists: Clean Juice, JuiceKeys, Kwench Juice Cafe
Best Late Night Meal in Orange / Chatham County
Cosmic Cantina
Finalists: Time Out, Linda’s Bar and Grill, The Northside District
Best Wings in Wake County
Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill
Finalists: V Pizza, Apex Wings, Sharky’s Place
Best Late Night Meal in Durham County
Cook Out
A few months into the pandemic, I started to see the neon Cook Out sign as a beacon of hope. As once-24-hour grocery stores closed at 8 p.m., independent joints shut down before midnight, and even gas stations reduced their hours, Cook Out remained open into the wee hours of the morning. For me, a waitress who didn’t get off work until late at night and had no energy to cook for myself, Cook Out’s accessibility was a godsend. And how lucky was it that my only option was also an incredibly delicious one? —LG
Finalists: Cosmic Cantina, Heavenly Buffaloes, Parts & Labor
Best Brewery in Wake County
Trophy Brewing Company
Finalists: Bond Brothers Beer Company, Lynnwood Brewing Concern, Raleigh Brewing Company
Best Breakfast in Durham County
Elmo’s Diner
Finalists: Monuts, Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten, True Flavors Diner
Best Biscuits in Orange / Chatham County
Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
Finalists: Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken Carrboro, Mama Dip’s, Neal’s Deli
Best Bakery in Orange / Chatham County
Guglhupf Bake Shop
Finalists: Weaver Street Market, Bread & Butter Bakery and Cafe, Phoenix Bakery
Best Burrito in Durham County
Cosmic Cantina
Cosmic Cantina lives up to its name in a number of ways. Its burritos are of cosmic proportions—the “mini” will keep you full for hours, and the “giant” is longer than your forearm—and biting into one is an otherworldly experience, briefly transporting you from Earth to a celestial state of serenity. Cosmic is universally adored, boasting a customer base that knows no bounds; on a given evening, you might find yourself standing in line with a college student, a construction worker, and a chemical engineer. And like the cosmos, Cosmic shines brightest at night: as other restaurants lock their doors, crowds flock to Cosmic, satisfying their midnight munchies with Mexican fare that’s nothing short of heavenly. —LG
Finalists: Taqueria La Vaquita, NuvoTaco, Ex Voto
Best Italian Restaurant in the Triangle
Mothers and Sons Trattoria
Finalists: Gocciolina, Bella Monica, Pulcinella’s
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in the Triangle
Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering
Finalists: Neomonde, Sassool, Sitti
Best Outdoor Dining in the Triangle
Namu
Finalists: Taverna Agora, Wye Hill Kitchen + Brewing, Pure Soul
Best Sunday Brunch in Orange / Chatham County
Acme
Finalists: Crook’s Corner, Carolina Inn, Venable Bistro, Village Diner
Best Wine List in the Triangle
Angus Barn
Finalists: Barcelona Wine Bar, Herons, The Oak House, Vita Vite, Bulldega Urban Market
Best Steak in Durham County
Nanasteak
Finalists: Vin Rouge, The Durham Hotel, Metro8
Best Biscuits in Wake County
Flying Biscuit Cafe
Finalists: Bojangles, Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken Brier Creek, Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken Morrisville
Best Latin American Restaurant in Orange / Chatham County
Luna Rotisserie and Taproom
Finalists: Fiesta Grill, Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, Que Chula Craft Tacos & Tequila
Best Barbecue in Orange / Chatham County
Allen & Son BBQ
Finalists: The Pig, Hillsborough BBQ Company, City BBQ, Big Belly Que
Best New Restaurant in Orange / Chatham County
Cham Thai Cuisine
Finalists: Napoli, Iza Whiskey and Eats, Nomad
Best Burger in Durham County
Bull City Burger and Brewery
Finalists: Only Burger, Burger Bach, QueenBurger
Best Pizza in Orange / Chatham County
Italian Pizzeria III
The Triangle’s pizza scene is increasingly dominated by fancier joints, so it’s heartwarming that our readers continue to see the value in a casual, family-run spot that peddles as much geniality as it does authentic Italian fare. A Franklin Street staple since 1980, Italian Pizzeria III—IP3, to locals—touts warmth over sophistication, is owned by two brothers who will welcome you with a spirited Ciao!, and won’t scoff when you ask if they sell pies by the slice. If you’re a student feeling swallowed up by the vastness of UNC’s campus, or just someone missing a homey environment, skip the coffee shop and head to IP3. —LG
Finalists: Napoli Pizzeria & Gelateria, Pizzeria Mercato, Coronato Pizza
Best Locally Made Liquor in the Triangle
Conniption American Dry Gin, Durham Distillery
Finalists: Conniption Navy Strength Gin, Durham Distillery; TOPO Organic Vodka; Oak City Amaretto
Best Draft Beer Selection in Wake County
Raleigh Beer Garden
Finalists: Flying Saucer, House of Hops, Black Dog Bottle Shop
Best Coffee Shop in Orange / Chatham County
Caffe Driade
My first visit to Caffe Driade lasted five hours. This wasn’t entirely voluntary—the guy I was dating dropped me there while he went to run an errand, and then he forgot about me, or his phone died, or something—but that’s not to say it was an unpleasant experience. I actually can’t think of a better place to be stranded. After the barista gave me a French press, a scone, and a cigar (on the house), I wandered around the wooded area behind the shop, then returned to the patio to chat with customers and sit under trees strung with little lights. Though Caffe Driade is located off East Franklin, its secluded venue makes you feel like you’re miles away in some kind of magical forest. My boyfriend may have forgotten where I was, but after a while, I did, too. —LG
Finalists: Cup-A-Joe Hillsborough, Joe Van Gogh Chapel Hill, Open Eye Cafe
Best Sandwich in Wake County
Village Deli
Finalists: V Pizza, Mookie’s New York Deli, Southern Craft Butchers, Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe
Best Bakery in Durham County
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten
Finalists: Ninth Street Bakery, Loaf, Mad Hatter Cafe + Bakeshop
Best Japanese Restaurant in Wake County
Waraji
Finalists: Kanki, O-ku Sushi, City Market Sushi
Best Locally Made Cider in the Triangle
Bull City Ciderworks
Don’t tell my co-workers, but I don’t really like beer that much. This makes breweries difficult. Thankfully, I have friends who will indulge in my drink of choice, and go with me to Bull City Ciderworks’s Durham shop to try an array of flavors like sweet tea or habanero and strawberry. And if I’m at a bar or browsing the cider section at Harris Teeter, their classic “Off-Main” cider is often available, and always tasty. —SP
Finalists: Botanist & Barrel, Chatham Cider Works, Dingo Dog Brewing Co.
Best Sushi in Orange / Chatham County
Akai Hana
Though I adore Akai Hana and eat there all the time, I wasn’t sure what to spotlight in this blurb, so I read about 200 online reviews in efforts to pinpoint what makes the Carrboro restaurant so special. My Yelp investigation didn’t provide me with an answer, but it did validate my struggle in articulating the magic of Akai Hana; for years, customers have been sharing a sentiment that essentially amounts to, “I don’t know why, but this is the best sushi I’ve ever had.” The fact that Akai Hana doesn’t have a gimmick or specific claim to fame makes its win all the more impressive. —LG
Finalists: Spicy 9, Oishi, Mr. Tokyo Japanese Restaurant, Kurama
Best Burrito in Orange / Chatham County
Carrburitos
Carrburritos has held a solid grip on this category for 10 consecutive years, undoubtedly due to the aptly named mejor (“best”) burrito, the magnum opus of the California-style Mexican joint. Encased in a warm, pliable tortilla, the mejor is assertive in both size and flavor, featuring fresh, house-made fillings that are skillfully distributed in a way that retains their integrity while allowing you to get some of each in every bite. Pro tip: get a side of flour tortilla chips (they throw you a couple in the bottom of the burrito bag, but you’ll want more) and ask for ramekins of the frutas and fresca salsas (they’re free). —LG
Finalists: Cosmic Cantina, Fiesta Grill, O’Ya Cantina
Best Draft Beer Selection in Orange / Chatham County
Beer Study
Finalists: Wooden Nickel Pub, House of Hops Pittsboro, Steel String Brewery
Best Pizza in Durham County
Pizzeria Toro
Pizzeria Toro, or as most people around town just call it, ‘Toro,’ invites special experiences. Warm, twinkly lighting sets the stage for the neighborhood restaurant, which has an attentive staff and open kitchen, making it the kind of romantic spot you want to take shelter in during the winter months, or dip in and linger at during the summer. Thin, crispy crust is the foundation for a dozen-plus pizza varieties with white and red sauce bases and rich, complex flavors. Toro was closed for much of the pandemic and recently reopened, to much Durham relief and delight. —SE
Finalists: Pompieri Pizza, Pie Pushers, Hutchins Garage
Best Pizza in Wake County
Salvio’s Pizzeria, Cary
Finalists: V Pizza, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, Pizzeria Veritas
Best Bread in Durham County
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten
Finalists: Ninth Street Bakery, Loaf Durham, Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC
Best Vegan-friendly Restaurant in Durham County
Happy + Hale
Finalists: Goorsha, The Refectory Cafe, Pure Soul, Earth To Us
Best Bloody Mary in The Triangle
Jack Tar & the Colonel’s Daughter
Finalists: Acme, Mason Jar Tavern, Parts & Labor, Flying Biscuit Cafe, Clouds Brewing
Best New Restaurant in Wake County
Sam Jones BBQ
Finalists: Pool’side Pies, Pimiento Tea Room, Fount Coffee + Kitchen, Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe
Best Bread in Wake County
La Farm Bakery
Finalists: Boulted Bread, Yellow Dog Bakery, Union Special
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