Our top “rookie” Raleigh restaurant listings for 2020 continue with five more establishments. Each of these opened in the face of adversity the past year. Starting up a new business in the highly competitive restaurant scene in the Raleigh area is tough in any year. Some in the food industry have not been able to survive after many successful years do to the recent restrictions. Thus, we urge you to check out these fantastic food and service establishments that opened in 2020. These are our remaining Best New Restaurants in Raleigh from 2020.
In the previous post, we cover four of the Best New Restaurants in Raleigh that technically, well, they aren’t in Raleigh. But, they are located in the immediate surrounding area of Raleigh, including your new hometown of Knightdale. In this second post, however, we stay in North Carolina’s capital city, which only is a few minutes still from your new home at Knightdale Station. That being said, each of these new establishments brings something unique “to the table,” and are worth a stop to see what made them so successful while many were not this past year.
From Burgers to Plant-Based: the Best New Restaurants in Raleigh Cover all the Bases
You will see as you read through this post that each of our final five Best New Restaurants in Raleigh has something a bit different to offer from the next. In these first two, we cover, the opposites couldn’t be further apart, as one is a take on the classic “burger and hotdog joint.” On the contrary, the second restaurant is one that is focused on being “plant-based.”
Hightop Burgers, 2330 Bale Street, Raleigh
Even though the year 2020 was like none before it for the restaurant business, sometimes a classic just works. The first of our Best New Restaurants in Raleigh came with a game plan that if done right is a true American original, the “burger joint.” Bringing with it thoughts of days gone by, waitresses on roller skates, drive-in service, and the like, Hightop Burgers is a true throwback. Good old-fashioned “smash” burgers, fries, shakes, sodas just like you remember, and if you don’t remember, you’ll be delighted to try.
Good Day Good Night, 603 West Morgan Street, Raleigh
Ok, so this may be the opposite of classic. But, it is exactly what people are clamoring for and loving in the current day. So, half dozen of one and six of another, or to each its own, as they say. Now, Good Day, Good Night makes our Best New Restaurants in Raleigh list based on its “plant-forward” menu. Likewise, its for the addition of high-quality proteins. Always supporting local businesses, check out their Dirt List. This is a rotating offering of some of the freshest locally grown produce. A great location at the Origin Hotel in Raleigh’s downtown area. A great bar featuring signature cocktails. Its just seems this place will see continued success. Especially once they’re able to some bigger crowds as well.
Two More Familiar Specialties Done Different and Done Right at the Best New Restaurants in. Raleigh
We have had burgers, BBQ, breweries, and even breakfast in our first post and beyond. Now, neither of these Best New Restaurants in Raleigh are particularly known for their one particular item that starts with a “B” however, we can keep that theme going if we utilize the next entrant’s name and a favorite order on the menu at entry number two. This being said, next up is another place known for their brews, and what goes better with a few brews than pizza?
Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, 1930 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh
Yeah, we could’ve taken the easy way out on the whole “letter B”thing and used “Brewyard,” but either way, it works. Another thing that certainly “works” for the next among our Best New Restaurants in Raleigh is the ability to make a delicious pizza pie. This revamped 100-plus-year-old former Gulf Oil station/garage in Raleigh’s “Five Points” neighborhood became an immediate hit in 2020. A distance-friendly hangout and bar area underneath the “bowstring-trusse” type ceiling that was most popular in the 1920’s creates an atmosphere as fun and amazing as the great pizza and tasty drinks themselves at Bowstring.
Otra Vez, 3201 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh
Okay, so the final of our Best New Restaurants in Raleigh is Otra Vez. At visitraleigh.com, this establishment was described as a Midwestern-inspired kitchen. It was also said to be influenced by Mexican, American, and Puerto Rican cuisine. So, the “B” we went for was a burrito at this Mexican inspired establishment. However, anyone who has ever given it a taste may call for that “B” to represent “burger. ” Especially if the “B” is Otra Vez’s famous burger topped with roasted Hatch chili. Well, all “B’s” aside, be sure to experience the many tasty drink options at Otra Vez, too.
With a Successful 2020 in the Rear-View, the Sky is the Limit for the Best New Restaurants in Raleigh
We started this two-post series, we went into detail about the difficulties that many businesses went through in the calendar year of 2020. This was no truer in any type of business than the food and restaurant industry. The fact that the nine Best New Raleigh Restaurants we introduce in these two posts not only succeeded but started up and opened for the first time speaks volumes to the type of establishment all of these are. Not only does this speak to the taste, quality, and service that makes a restaurant succeed, but under the circumstances, it says a lot about the owner’s desire to succeed as well.
For any information on the Knightdale Station new home community, visit knightdalestation.com
