The INDY’s Best of the Triangle: Wake County Winners

Another year, another round of winners in the INDY’s much-imitated, never-replicated Best of the Triangle contest, where you tell us who’s the best of the best in our beloved region.

While Best of the Triangle has been running for two decades now, INDY readers will notice that we’re doing things a little differently. Instead of presenting all winners in all categories, ranging from restaurants, bars, and yoga studios to hair salons, museums, and preschools, all at once, we’re running individual contests and presenting winners in different categories one county at a time—Wake, Durham, and Orange—starting with Wake.

This year’s list of Wake winners, as voted by our readers, is a wonderful reflection of the community in Wake County and all that it has to offer. You could make a perfect local day—or several—out of dining at the restaurants, touring the parks and museums, and shopping at all the stores for which our readers cast their ballots. There’s so much else to do, too: catch a show at one of Wake’s premier concert venues, drop in at a bookshop, or support a local nonprofit. 

Thank you for nominating and voting for all of your favorites! Congratulations to all of the finalists in Wake, who will receive our coveted star decal to display in their windows. Winners will also receive a poster to display in their shop. 

Look forward to our Durham and Orange County winners in future papers, and we’ll look forward to celebrating all of our winners in our special-edition paper in December.

Contributors: Sarah Edwards, Jane Porter, Justin Laidlaw, Chase Pellegrini de Paur, and Sam Overton

BEST ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS IN WAKE COUNTY

Bittersweet

Runners-up: Watts and Ward, Hummingbird

Best Bagel in Wake County

Benchwarmers

Despite the fact that virtually no other stalls at Transfer Street Food Co. are open before 10 a.m. on weekdays, people arrive in droves for their Benchwarmers fix. The nationally acclaimed bagel spot was the brainchild of former employees of Jubala Coffee and Boulted Bread—a match made in breakfast heaven. Enjoy an elevated classic like the farm cheese and pepper jelly bagel sandwich, or branch out with the Carolina Reaper cream cheese on a za’atar bagel. —SO

Runners-up: New York Bagel & Deli, Brueggers Bagels

Best Bakery in Wake County

La Farm

Runners-up: Little Blue Bakehouse, The Cupcake Shoppe

Best Barbecue in Wake County

Longleaf Swine

Runners-up: Sam Jones Barbecue, Prime BBQ

Best Beer Retail Store in Wake County

State of Beer

Runners-up: Black Dog Bottle Shop, The Beerded Lady Bottleshop

Best Biscuits in Wake County

The Flying Biscuit

Runners-up: Rise, Biscuit Haven

Best Brewery in Wake County

Trophy Brewing

Runners-up: Lynwood Brewing Concern, Raleigh Brewing Company

Best Brunch Restaurant in Wake County

Irregardless Cafe

Runners-up: Briggs, Fiction Kitchen

Best Burger in Wake County

MoJoe’s

Runners-up: Standard Food & Beverage, Wilson’s Eatery

Best Catering in Wake County

Caffe Luna

Runners-up: Rocky Top, Armadillo Grill

Best Cheap Eats in Wake County

Alpaca Peruvian Chicken

In Wake County, Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken’s Brier Creek location may be rivaled only by Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken’s Capital Boulevard location (or maybe its Garner, Apex, or Morrisville locations—they’re all great). With juicy chicken, scrumptious sides, and a rotating daily special, it’s hard to ask for better meals from a local spot. Alpaca’s food is complemented by its friendly, approachable, and often bilingual customer service, with workers who are always happy to help troubleshoot exactly how many pounds of chicken one should order to feed a group of any size. With about a dozen locations in and around the Triangle, and several more in the pipeline, it’s a staple that we should be proud to call our own. And only by eating there can you weigh in on the most contentious debate of our time: Green sauce or yellow sauce? —CPDP

Runners-up: MoJoe’s, Captain Stanley’s Seafood

Best Cheese Shop in Wake County

Raleigh Cheesy

Runners-up: Wegmans, Wine Authorities

Best Chinese Restaurant in Wake County

Five Star

A largely hidden gem nestled next to the train tracks near Glenwood South, Five Star serves up top-shelf Chinese food in a speakeasy-like environment. With the exception of the large mural of a woman holding a star with a pair of chopsticks at the restaurant’s entrance, Five Star’s vibe is extremely low-key. Its otherwise modest appearance hides an extensive drinks menu, fan-favorite entrées like Five Star General’s Chicken, and a rotating cast of DJs. Surprisingly, even the train tracks are charming—sit outside on a warm summer evening and crack a smile as the occasional train roars by. The food and drinks will make up for any missed conversation. —SO

Runners-up: Beansprout, Imperial Garden

Best Coffee Shop in Wake County

Sola

Runners-up: The Optimist, Aversboro Coffee

Best Desserts in Wake County

Bittersweet

Runners-up: Little Blue Bakehouse, The Cupcake Shoppe

Best Draft Selection in Wake County

Raleigh Beer Garden

Runners-up: Beerded Lady Bottle Shop in Garner, Black Dog Bottle Shop

Best Ethnic Grocery Store in Wake County

H Mart

While most grocery chains settle for relegating “ethnic” foods to the “international” aisle, the entirety of H Mart is dedicated to the flavors and cuisines of the Asian diaspora. The store has a built-in food court for those who need a boost before powering through their shopping list. Can’t read the label on the package of delicious udon noodles because it’s not in your native language? That sounds like a you problem. The store’s original Korean name, Han Ah Reum, translates to “one arm” but you’ll need all the hands you can get carrying out that cart full of pickled ginger and dragonfruit.
—JL

Runners-up: El Toro Supermarket, Bombay Central

Best Food Truck in Wake County

Gym Tacos

Gym Tacos’ permanent storefront captured the hearts and minds of Mexican-food lovers when it opened in 2022, but locals know the restaurant’s humble beginnings as a bright orange food truck. Formerly located in Six Forks, the taco-mobile has since moved to South Saunders Street. Although the sit-down restaurant has the same delicious offerings, there’s something special about enjoying a taco on the side of the road at nine p.m. on a Wednesday. They’ll even cater your wedding if you so choose—you may ques-o the bride. —SO

Runners-up: Curry in a Hurry, Not Just a Fry Guy

Best Indian Restaurant in Wake County

Cheeni

Runners-up: Bombay Curry in Raleigh, Himalayan Range

Best Italian Restaurant in Wake County

Bella Monica

Runners-up: Casa Carbone, Assagio’s

Best Japanese Restaurant in Wake County

Waraji

Runners-up: Kanki, Ajisai

Best Late Night Meal – Past 10 p.m. in Wake County

My Way Tavern

Runners-up: Waffle House, Hero’s Pub & Sandwich Shop

Best Mexican Restaurant in Wake County

El Rodeo

Runners-up: Taqueria El Toro, La Santa

Best Neighborhood Bar in Wake County

The Davie

Runners-up: Black Dog Bottle Shop, Beerded Lady Bottle Shop in Garner

Best New Restaurant in Wake County

Madre

Runners-up: Ajja, Taco Bamba

Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Wake County

Cup A Joe

Don’t forget your beans! Cup A Joe is one of Wake County’s oldest coffee shops, but the local watering hole has become so much more than a café—it’s a gathering place, a study nook, a post-workout oasis, and a fantastic place to gossip. Its menu is extensive, and each weekday features a different special—try a Trainwreck (don’t ask) on “Wired Wednesday.” Highly caffeinated concoctions aside, Cup A Joe is Raleigh’s version of Cheers or Central Perk: regulars come and go with smiles and humongous cups of drip coffee, and there’s a story at every mismatched table. —SO

Runners-up: Umbrella Dry Bar, Killjoy

Best Pizza in Wake County

Oakwood Pizza Box

Runners-up: DiFara, Rudinos

Best Seafood in Wake County

N.C. Seafood Restaurant at the Farmers Market

Runners-up: Cape Fear Seafood, The Fish House Apex

Best Small Plates/Tapas in Wake County

Barcelona Wine Bar

Runners-up: Stanbury, Ajja

Best Southern Food in Wake County

Big Ed’s Restaurants

Runners-up: Beasley’s Chicken, Longleaf Swine

Best Sushi in Wake County

City Market Sushi

Runners-up: Ajisai, Yuri Japanese Restaurant

Best Wine List in Wake County

Angus Barn

Runners-up: Barcelona Wine Bar Raleigh, Jolie

Best Wine Retail Store in Wake County

Raleigh Wine Shop

Runners-up: Wine Authorities, Great Grapes

Best Wings in Wake County

Buffalo Brothers

Runners-up: MoJoe’s, Moonrunners

Best Thai Restaurant in Wake County

Sushi Thai

Runners-up: Lemongrass, Thai Lotus

Best Vegetarian Eatery in Wake County

Sassool

Runners-up: Fiction Kitchen, Irregardless Cafe

Best Alcohol-Free Venue in Wake County

Pullen park

Runners-up: Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH), Umbrella Dry Bar

Best Arboretum or Garden in Wake County

JC Raulston

Runners-up: Pullen Park, Rose Garden

Best Dance Venue in Wake County

Legends

Runners-up: Theater in the Park, Loafers Beach Club

Best Hotel in Wake County

Umstead

Runners-up: Heights House, Guest House

Best Hotel Lounge in Wake County

Longleaf Hotel

Runners-up: Heights House, Holiday Inn

Best Place to People Watch in Wake County

Downtown Raleigh

Runners-up: NC Museum of Art, Pullen Park

Best Preschool/Early Education Program in Wake County

Project Enlightenment

Runners-up: Benson Memorial Preschool, Chesterbrook Academy

Best Karaoke Place/Event in Wake County

Tinroof

Runners-up: Berkeley Cafe, Flex

Best Sports Bar in Wake County

Player’s Retreat

Runners-up: Carolina Ale House, Hero’s Pub & Sandwich Shop

Best Summer Camp in Wake County

Marbles Kids Museum

I’m not embarrassed to admit that part of my calculus in wanting to remain close to downtown Raleigh was to live in walking proximity to Marbles Kids Museum. And this summer, I know I won’t be regretting that decision when I drop the kids off at Marbles summer camp. My kids, like all the kids you’ll find at Marbles, absolutely love the Kids Museum, and it’s truly a gift to local parents that the museum offers a summer camp experience that’s fun and educational, convenient, and affordable. While I’m working, I know they’ll be having a blast making art at ImagiFab or tending the museum garden at Sun Sprouts. That’s peace of mind for me and a memorable summer break for them— just one reason why we’re happy to support Marbles Kids Museum all year. —JP

Runners-up: Raleigh Little Theatre, Pullen Park

Best Trivia Bar/Event in Wake County

The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop

Runners-up: Hammered Trivia at Raleigh Brewing Company with Jeren, Brewster’s Pub

Best Chef in Wake County

Ashley Christensen

Runners-up: Cheetie Kumar, Scott Crawford

Best Draft-Slinger in Wake County

Cailin at Clouds Taproom

Runners-up: Eddie at Beerded Lady in Garner, Justin at Carpenter Wine Cellar

Best DJ in Wake County

DJ K Stones

Runners-up: 20th Century Boy, DJ Grant

Best-Kept Secret in Wake County

22 Strings Band

Runners-up: Black Dog Bottle Shop, Beerded Lady Bottle Shop in Garner

Best Kids NonProfit in Wake County

Note in the Pocket

More than 7,000 children will experience homelessness in Wake County this year. Note in the Pocket, a nonprofit that has provided clothes for more than 54,000 individuals since 2013, works to make the lives of those children, and other children living in poverty, a little bit easier. Through school or social service agency referrals, Note in the Pocket provides stylish basics—think tops and pants, coats and shoes—for children who have been identified as clothing insecure. Volunteers hand-select a wardrobe for two weeks’ worth of wear, in the sizes and items that each child needs specifically, and then make arrangements to deliver the clothes to families. Support Note in the Pocket by donating clothes or money or participating in one of the nonprofit’s events such as the annual Socks & Undie 5k Rundie. It’s one of the best groups out there caring for local children. —JP

Runners-up: Marbles Kids Museum, Five Hearts Therapeutic Horsemanship

Best Local Activist Group in Wake County

Livable Raleigh

Runners-up: Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH), NC Triangle DSA

Best Mixologist in Wake County

Mara Sudol

Runners-up: Ian Murray, Connor Cooke

Best NonProfit in Wake County

Second Chance Pet Adoptions

Runners-up: Five Hearts Therapeutic Horsemanship, Activate Good

Best Politician in Wake County

Deborah Ross

Runners-up: Mary Black, Christina Jones

Best Reason to Leave Wake County

Mark Robinson

Runners-up: Housing prices, Overdevelopment

Best Reason to Love Wake County

Trees and Green Space

Runners-up: Access to amenities, The people

Best Use of Public Money in Wake County

Affordable Housing

Runners-up: Parks, Libraries

Biggest Waste of Public Money in Wake County

Bike Lanes

Runners-up: RPD, Dix Park

Best Barber Shop in Wake County

Mister Pompadour

Runner-up: A Better Man’s Barbershop

Best Childcare in Wake County

Chesterbrook Academy

Runners-up: Children’s Lighthouse, Good Kids

Best Chiropractic Practice in Wake County

Bloom Family Wellness

Runners-up: Oak City Chiropractic, Crabtree Chiropractic

Best Dental Practice in Wake County

Lane & Associates Dentistry

Runners-up: Triangle Dentistry: Smith, Tart & Associates, Bass and Watson Family Dental

Best Dermatological Practice in Wake County

Blue Ridge Dermatology

Runners-up: Dr. Mathias, Andrus Associates Dermatology

Best Hair Salon in Wake County

Southern Roots Beauty Bar

Runners-up: Moss Raleigh Salon, Tone Hair Salon

Best Holistic Medicine in Wake County

The Fountain Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Runners-up: Triangle Acupuncture Clinic, Regenesis MD

Best Gym in Wake County

Oak and Iron Fitness

Runners-up: Studio Volare, Renu Health & Fitness

Best Massage Therapist in Wake County

Kneaded Massage

Runners-up: Align Massage and Wellness, Nadia Ibarrola Massage

Best Pediatric Practice in Wake County

Durant Road Pediatrics

Runners-up: Oberlin Road Pediatrics, Carolina Kids Pediatrics

Best Spa in Wake County

The Spa at Umstead

Runners-up: Lorena Luca, Woodhouse

Best Veterinary Practice in Wake County

Care First Animal Hospital

Runners-up: Leesville Animal Hospital, Gentle Care

Best Women’s Health Practice in Wake County

Arbor OBGYN

Runners-up: MidCarolina OBGYN, Carolina Elite Women’s Care

Best Yoga Studio in Wake County

Dose Yoga

Runners-up: Indigo Hot Yoga, Barre-Up Raleigh

Best Attorney in Wake County

Cara Gibbons Jackson Law

Runners-up: Ward Family Law, Jackie Bedard

Best Auto Dealer in Wake County

Leith Honda

Runners-up: Sir Walter, Reggie Jackson Airport Honda

Best Auto Mechanic in Wake County

Autobahn Automotive

Runners-up: Boyce McKaskill, P&A Smith

Best Bridal Store/Boutique in Wake County

Gilded Bridal

Runners-up: New York Bride and Groom, David’s Bridal

Best CBD/Head Shop in Wake County

NC Hemp Shoppe

Runners-up: Nature’s Releaf® Hemp Store, Capitol Smoke

Best Clothing Consignment in Wake County

Dorcas

Runners-up: Revolver, Kids2Kids Garner

Best Dance Studio in Wake County

CC&CO Dance Complex

Runners-up: North Carolina Dance Institute, Cary Ballet Company

Best Dog Boarding in Wake County

Mosa Pet Spa & Resort

Runners-up: PetSound Daycare and Boarding, Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield

Best Dog Grooming in Wake County

Mosa Pet Spa & Resort

Runners-up: Pack and Pride, Petsound Daycare and Boarding

Best Dog Training in Wake County

Sally Said So

Runners-up: Topline K9 Solutions, Mosa Pet Spa Report & Boutique

Best Dog Walking in Wake County

Peak City Puppy

Runners-up: Amanda’s Best Friend, Pack & Pride

Best Electrician in Wake County

CMC Electric

Runners-up: Surge Electric, Streamline Services

Best HVAC Company in Wake County

Air Experts

Runners-up: Design Mechanical, Excel Tech

Best Insurance Company in Wake County (tie)

Carolina Insurance Advisors & Amanda Hagood State Farm

Runner-up: Snotherly Insurance

Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store in Wake County

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

Runners-up: Joint Venture Jewelry, Mark Andrews Jewelers

Best Landscaper in Wake County

Fairway Green

Runners-up: Jones Landscaping, Arrowhead

Best Local Bookstore in Wake County

Quail Ridge Books

This Raleigh bibliophile’s paradise, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is uncommonly spacious for a bookstore, and you could easily lose a few hours wandering around its shelves. There are plenty of reasons beyond book-buying, too, to keep Quail Ridge Books on rotation: the store plays frequent host to several book clubs and authors passing through the Triangle on book tours. —SE

Runners-up: Readers Corner, So & So Books

Best New Business in Wake County

BlackBird Books and coffee

You can never have enough independent bookstores, right? Blackbird Books and Coffee is a haven for locals looking to live out their dreams of sitting in the sunshine, sipping on a latte, and enjoying a gripping piece of prose. You’ll often see co-owners Hannah and Bre floating around the store, always game for a bit of conversation about your latest read. The coffee is to die for, too—no watery drip here, just full-bodied lattes courtesy of Black & White Roasters (or a cup of tea, if a high-octane reading session isn’t your thing). Novel-themed goodies and mystery books wrapped in butcher paper line the walls, perfect for the fellow reader in your life. Blackbird is downtown Raleigh’s newest refuge for bookworms—step inside, take a seat, and settle in with a good book. —SO

Runners-up: Sneaky Penguin, Woke Up Like This

Best Painters in Wake County

Montoya Painting

Runners-up: Baker and Sons, Hardee Painting Co.

Best Place to Buy Locally Made Art in Wake County

Deco Raleigh

There isn’t a better place to shop for first-time North Carolinians than DECO. The expansive downtown Raleigh storefront is packed with unique goodies from local artists and independent creators for hockey lovers, budding mixologists, young artisans, and everyone in between. Pick out one of visual artist Caitlin Cary’s pieces: her “needleprint” works of art, available in varying sizes, portray vital components of Raleigh’s culture (think Krispy Kreme and Mitch’s Tavern). Or shop the DECO x Canes collection just in time for the NHL playoffs. —SO

Runners-up: Painted Tree, Cary Farmers Market

Best Real Estate Company in Wake County

Raleigh Realty

Runners-up: Carlton Realty Co., Inhabit Real Estate

Best Realtor (Individual’s Name) in Wake County

William Fitzgerald

Runners-up: Kate Carlton, Leslie Ward

Best Vintage Store in Wake County

Father and Son Antiques

A colorful knit yoga blanket. A pair of red cowgirl boots. A purple vintage cocktail dress and some Italian leather slingback heels. These are some of my favorite treasures that I’ve scavenged at Father and Son over the years. The downtown Raleigh staple may be best known for its antiques, but don’t sleep on the store’s vast collection of clothes, books, records, jewelry, and other assorted bric-a-brac. Father and Son’s collections are unlike any other you’ll find in Raleigh vintage or secondhand stores. Be sure to give yourself ample time to browse as there’s something there—or more often, many things there—for everyone. —JP

Runners-up: Raleigh Furniture Gallery, Boot and Trunk

Best Art Gallery in Wake County

North Carolina Museum of Art

Runners-up: Artspace, Gregg Museum of Art & Design

Best Art Museum in Wake County

North Carolina Museum of Art

It can be easy to take museums for granted but the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), one of the preeminent museums in the American South—and the first in the country to use public funds to create a museum, in a rare positive move by the General Assembly!—deserves top-of-mind space. Beyond its touring exhibitions and recently reimagined People’s Collection, the sprawling lawns around the museum are ideal for picnics and long weekend hangs. Check NCMA’s calendar for frequent outdoor programming, too, including dance and musical performances. —SE

Runners-up: CAM Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design

Best Comedy Club/Event in Wake County

Goodnights Comedy Club

Runners-up: Raleigh Improv, ComedyWorx

Best Drag Show/Event in Wake County

Legends

Runners-up: Ruby Deluxe, Crepe Myrtle Drag Brunch

Best Electronic Concert Venue in Wake County

Red Hat Ampitheater

Maybe it’s the intimate space, maybe it’s the location on the edge of downtown in full view of the shimmer wall. Maybe it’s the fact that it regularly draws a diverse range of bands: your jam bands, your ’90s giants, your solo acts. There’s something special about Red Hat Amphitheater and the talent it brings to the City of Oaks. I’ve spent more than a few summer evenings drinking tall boys on the lawn (or in the pit!) and taking in the sounds of everyone from Lorde to Lizzo, The Machine to the Dirty Heads. Something about the venue just screams summer, and we won’t have it for much longer—at least not in its existing location (though at just one block south, Red Hat Amphitheater’s new site, opening in 2026, won’t be too far away from where it is now). We’re hopeful its magic moves with it. —JP

Runners-up: Koka Booth Ampitheater, Pour House

Best Film Theatre Venue/Event in Wake County

Alamo Drafthouse

Runners-up: Rialto, Marbles IMAX

Best Local/Regional Podcast in Wake County

Basically Famous Podcast

Runners-up: Beltline to Broadway, Hairapy with Wendy Vaughan

Best Museum in Wake County

Museum of Natural Sciences

Runners-up: NC History Museum, City of Raleigh Museum

Best Radio Station in Wake County

WUNC

Runners-up: 97.5, WCPE

Best Theatre Company in Wake County

Raleigh Little Theatre

Runners-up: North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre, Cary Players

Best Unplugged Concert Venue in Wake County

Koka Booth Ampitheater

You haven’t known bliss until you attend a summertime concert at Koka Booth Amphitheater. Its prime location next to Symphony Lake offers countless opportunities to wander across 14 acres of pine needles and big, beautiful trees. Beyond seasonal staples like the NC Chinese Lantern Festival and the Summer Jazz Series, consider yourself lucky if your favorite artist makes a trip to Koka Booth in the warmer months. Sprawling yet intimate, the venue is perfect for even a midday picnic during non-event days if you’re looking for an escape near downtown Cary. —SO

Runners-up: Red Hat Amphitheater, Lincoln Theatre