4 out of 5 stars

Peppers looks like it is a slick franchise operation which has opened in the completely new shopping centers at the intersection by Davis and Morrisville Carpenter Rd. However it seems to be locally owned, offering bread from La Farm and homemade soups and roasted meats. And the quality was evident when I visited for a quick lunch.

I tried the roast beef and brie sandwich with caramelized onions on a french hard roll. I chose fresh fruit for my side (potato salad, pasta salad or coleslaw are the other options). The meal was decidedly fresh and satisfying. Roast beef was perfectly done, rare and tender. The roll was perfect – crispy and chewy outside with a tender interior. I also enjoyed a Boylan Black Cherry soda with my meal. In fact the only complaint that I can muster is that the prices aren’t necessarily recession-friendly. However the quality is worth the extra buck or two! Lunch for two came out to $17, and we enjoyed our meal sitting on the sunny patio.

View Larger Map

5 out of 5 stars

I had a chip on my shoulder about Crabtree Tavern because I have been so often disappointed by “upscale” taverns, including the Oxford. But it turned out to be a perfect lunch outing for the family, seated on the patio with our new baby. It has a suprisingly green view, considering that this restaurant is situated between two hotels and the parking garage of Crabtree Mall. It has the benefit of being slightly up the hill and nestled amongst trees.

I ordered the Guinness Chili , which was fantastic.. you could taste the Guinness for sure in the ground beef as well as other spices and the black beans. Also a house side salad on the side for an extra $2, with fresh cherry tomatoes, baby greens, red onion and fresh parmesan.

Hubs had the Californian turkey burger, which was moist and flavorful. I didn’t even realize it was a turkey burger until he told me later. The burger came on grilled fresh-baked wheat bread with avocado, feta, salsa and cilantro aoli.

Ellen had one of the grilled chicken breast sandwiches, which she raved about due to the seasoning on the chicken breast and the smoky flavor imparted by the wood grill. She got some sweet potato fries on the side, which are always fun.

The service was a little slow, but we couldn’t complain for two reasons – 1) we were the only ones on the patio and 2) the menu asks that you be patient as all items are made to order. At least we were warned in advance. Baby Devin enjoyed his time out on the patio with us and we can’t wait to go back and sample more of the food at the Crabtree Tavern.

View Larger Map

4 out of 5 stars

O’Malley’s Tavern is hidden in a quaint shopping center off of Glenwood Avenue, across from the Rooms to Go and just up the road from Crabtree Mall. Fellow reviewers’ descriptions of a dive bar are correct, but this is a dive bar with personality. Well-worn wooden booths welcome you on one side, and the other sports pool tables and comfortable-looking couches. Patrons seem to be made up of a come-as-you are local crowd, which is a breath of fresh air compared to many places farther down Glenwood. Speaking of fresh air, now that all bars are non-smoking it shan’t deter you from visiting this hidden gem. They even have a nice patio out front.

I actually only stopped in here for breakfast, but really did enjoy the simple meal and friendly service. The breakfast menu here is actually pretty broad, taking up two sides of a menu page. I had the country fried steak and two eggs with toast, plus choice of hash browns or oatmeal or grits for $5.75. My steak was relatively small, but quite satisfying for the price paid. Hubs had Byron’s Breakfast, consisting of two eggs, two sausage links plus wheat toast for $5. His sausage links were deliciously herby and tasted homemade. Prices are reasonable with lots of options to choose from, including corned beef hash, sweet potato sticks, yogurt, omelettes, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, french toast and more.

Drink (including pitchers) and food specials look generous, so try them out any time of the day.

View Larger Map

Update, 7C’s has now closed

4 out of 5 stars

In the place of Bear Rock Cafe there is a new cafe tucked behind the Arby’s called 7C’s. Despite the really undescriptive name, 7C’s has a great selection of sandwiches and salads in the comfy atmosphere you’d expect from a place that used to be a Bear Rock. I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with my choice of a potato salad side and Glen had a cobb salad. His salad was very fresh with tender chicken, egg and bacon and he enjoyed it. My sandwich was tasty and the potato salad was like a loaded potato salad, with some hard boiled egg, cheese and bacon in it. We liked our food and also the free watermelon they surprised us with at the end of the meal.

Stop by here if you’re in the area car hunting or shopping, I think you’ll like the food and the personal touch. They have burgers and hot and cold sandwiches, plus salads and soups. They make their own bread daily.
7C’s Cafe

View Larger Map

3 out of 5 stars

The Rockford is located up a flight of wooden stairs across Glenwood from the Hibernian. It could be difficult to find if you didn’t know what you were looking for. It has no sign, only the number of the address, 320, above the food. A crowd of 5 of us stopped in and luckily were able to get a table within 20 minutes or so. The place tends to get crowded, as the bar is small and there is not much room to occupy as you wait for a table. The fact that it’s so cramped may account for the reason why I noticed the sub-par inspection score on the wall (90.5) and the fact that one of the cooks was wearing a backwards trucker cap. While I know most cooks where I dine don’t dress up for the occasion, thinking about other 90 scores I’ve read about put me on edge before we even sat down.

This weekend had been a rainy one, but what was interesting about the Rockford is it also happened to be raining near our table! A ceiling leak not too far from the table was taken care of by putting a bin on the floor to catch the drips. By the looks of the ceiling, it was not a new leak, there was quite a black spot above us! Still, ambiance was cozy with lovely watercolor paintings on the walls and a nice street views.

Of the selection of sandwiches I ordered the cannellini bean sandwich, made with a bean paste with a garlicy flavor, along with havarti cheese, tomato and spinach. I quite enjoyed my sandwich but not my choice of seasonal side, a clumpy and bland couscous. Hubby got a mushroom sandwich, which was ok, and others ordered an angus sandwich with brie (tasted like a cheesesteak, they said) and a mozzarella sandwich with pesto (tasty, using fresh mozzarella but also a bit bland). The boys liked the mashed potato sides. Glen’s side dish of edamame salad was tasty, with mustard seeds, red onion and a light sauce. Our appetizers were just ok – a red pepper hummus everyone enjoyed and goat cheese, both served with pita triangles. I was hoping the goat cheese would be slightly more adorned or blended with herbs or even fried. It was just a hunk of goat cheese with a little red and black pepper sprinkled on.

I felt like something was missing here, other than basic building maintenance. Yes food prices were entirely reasonable, but food was a bit bland and disappointing. I’d probably go back – other options at this end of Glenwood are limited. Plus the night ended on a high note with some tasty fresh ground coffee in a diner-style mug that fit nicely in my hand.

View Larger Map

2 out of 5 stars

Being from Philly, I have been suckered into trying some pretty crappy cheesesteaks. This was one of them. Soft squishy bread (it should be a crispy Italian roll, preferably hearth-baked, i.e. Amoroso’s) and overly peppered beef led me to leave the second half of the sandwich. Meat quality was average. The fries were relatively good, coated with thick flecks of rough-ground salt. But not enough for me to come back. Penn station has similar steaks and better fries. I’ve had better here.

P.S. You know its not even close to authentic when it comes with lettuce and tomato by default. For decent steaks around here, see Pizzamerica or Jersey Mike’s.

Jumpin Jonny’s Steaks & Subs
7870-125 Alexander Promenade
Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 598-0909

4 out of 5 stars

Jason’s has a selection of 8-10 soups each day, plus head-sized baked potatoes, a salad bar and then a large amount of sandwiches to choose from, including a healthy menu that doesn’t sound like rabbit food. I’ve had an amazing portabello mushroom sandwich with a side of fruit and salad, and also a meatball “po’boy” with chips on two different visits.

While it can get crowded and hectic at the tiny tables, it’s worth it for the choices to satisfy everyone.

Jason’s Deli
8421 Brier Creek Pkwy #101
Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 572-9996

3 out of 5 stars

Closest thing to a Jewish deli I’ve seen since I’ve been here in Raleigh. Good sandwiches, also serve breakfasts and delectable selection of desserts. They even have chopped liver, knishes, “properly steamed pastrami” according to chowhounders, as well as rugelach, smoked fish and matzoh ball soup. What’s missing? A cranky attitude, which surprisingly I sometimes miss. In boca you could always witness the retirees and waitstaff yelling at each other over something. Anyhow, I’d like to stop back here with my long island-born hubby.

From NY With Love
10511 Shadowlawn Drive
Raleigh, NC 27614
(919) 847-4484