Michael Dean’s

NOTE: Michael Dean’s has since closed, but another restaurant has been opened by the same folks called Dean’s Seafood Bar & Grill.

5 out of 5 stars

Monday night special, delicious food!

We were in town for the weekend so decided to try out the Monday night special. It was $39.99 for 2 salads, 2 entrees, a bottle of wine and a dessert or app to share.  I chose the house salad which came with sugared pecans, very fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and a choice of homemade dressing.  I picked the citrus soy dressing, which at first was just okay but it grew on me as I ate the salad, by the end I loved it.  I ordered pork medallions on a bed of delicious cheesy grits (I've never enjoyed grits until this meal) in a carmellized onion banana sauce and asparagus. The grits with thick and clumpy without being greasy or too cheesy.  I'm not even sure of the type of cheese that flavored them, it was very delicate.  My husband had hoisin marinated ribs with steamed asparagus and mashed potatoes.  We both had enough left over for lunch the next day.  We both loved our meals, the wine was good and the dessert we chose was a tasty slice of chocolate truffle torte with raspberry sauce. The dessert actually came with two slices, but we only needed one.

Our server was slow and disappeared for 20 minutes, but the other servers were all attentive and the bar staff were very friendly too.  I'd have to assume this server was the exception.  The lighting in the place was pretty dark, which set a mood but one of the servers slammed his hand into a door because he couldn't see very well.  Decor and seating were nice, and the place was packed.  Highly recommended!  Drinks were great as well, we ordered some while waiting for a table.  My screwdriver was perfect, with freshly squeezed OJ.

Check out the website for nightly specials.  They also have wood oven pizza and a raw bar inside.

Michael Dean's Wood Oven & Bar

6004 Falls of Neuse Rd

Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 790-9992