My favorite takeout spots

Remember not so long ago when we could eat out at restaurants? It’s now become a foreign concept in light of the current situation with COVID-19. I miss it so much, and I’m sure many other foodies do as well. Right now, the restaurants you love need all the support we are able to give them. There are some amazing options for takeout available, and I wanted to talk about my favorite places and the dishes I’ve enjoyed so that hopefully you will give them a try too.

To start out your day, stop by Layered Croissanterie for coffee and an inventive selection of mouth-watering croissants. Located down N. West Street, not far from Glenwood South, they have very creative flavors. My favorite is their Everything Danish which has whipped bacon creamed cheese and everything seasoning. If you’d rather have something sweet in the morning, they also have croissants with chocolate, s’mores, and various fruit flavors.

For coffee and a pastry or full on breakfast, there’s also Morning Times on Hargett Street. My favorite is their Chai latte, which I get hot or cold depending on the weather and my mood. I went the other day and it brightened my morning to see one of their friendly staff members feed two huskies each a piece of bacon as a treat.

If you’ve been craving tacos, Lola’s Beach Bar at Five Points is my go-to. During normal times, eating at their outdoor patio is like having a beach day getaway. But for now, they are offering their amazing Mexican food to go. My favorite dishes are their Hang Loose steak tacos and the Gnarly Nachos, which they pile ridiculously high with every nacho topping you could possibly want, including their homemade Lola’s sauce. If you live in the Five Points area, they’ll even deliver your food on this golf cart they’ve decked out with a surfboard. 

If you’re looking for delicious, authentic Chinese food then you can’t go wrong with Chuan. Located on New Bern Avenue close to downtown, this a spot you have to check out if you’re a big fan of Chinese food. The Schezuan Farmer’s Chili Chicken is my favorite dish so far. If you like seafood, they also offer a boneless whole fish and sizzling squid if you want to try something you wouldn’t normally find at your average Chinese takeout spot. 

For lunch, if you’re looking for a great sandwich, Sidestreet Cafe in Historic Oakwood is doing takeout as well. I had a corned beef reuben the other day with a sweet tea. While you’re over there, it’s very peaceful and relaxing to get outside and take a walk around the Oakwood neighborhood. There are so many beautiful homes and gardens to see.

If you’re missing a night out of upscale dining, Crawford and Son can offer that experience at home with their phenomenal takeout. I have to say, if you get takeout without getting their rolls then you didn’t do it right. These hot rolls, with a sprinkle of sea salt on top practically melt in your mouth and complete your dinner by having them to dunk in your extra sauce from dishes such as their Braised Beef Cheeks. The Whole Grain Risotto with fresh vegetables and truffle pecorino is amazing as well. This has hands down always been my favorite restaurant, and I’m so impressed with what they’ve done with their takeout. I can’t wait to be back eating in their restaurant, but for now this will do. And there’s no judgement at all if you eat all six rolls in one sitting…as I did this myself the other night. I guess that’s one joy of eating at home, because only my cat was around to witness it!

Craving Italian food for dinner? Try Vic’s Italian in City Market. Their pasta with vodka sauce is rich and delicious. I recommend using their garlic knots to dip in your extra pasta sauce. They are currently also offering take home pizza kits so you can make your own pizza at home, which would make for a fun quarantined activity for now. They also have a Lake Boone location if you are closer to that one.

For dessert, I’ve been obsessed with Two Rooster’s Ice Cream. This is perfect for right now, because they offer pints to take home. They have signature flavors that are always available such as coffee bourbon, roasted strawberry and honey, blackberry hibiscus and many more. They also have featured flavors that are around for a limited time. My favorite featured flavor right now is Peanut Butter Fluff and Trail Mix, which I am currently on my second pint of.

I’ve got one more dessert I had to mention. Barcelona Wine Bar located in the Warehouse District downtown has an olive oil cake that’s to die for. Wondering what olive oil cake is? They take a fresh pound cake, drizzle olive oil on it which soaks into the cake, and top it with a sprinkle of sea salt. Barcelona currently has single slices available to go or you can even purchase a whole cake. It doubles as a delicious dessert, or as breakfast with your coffee. Barcelona also has a full take home menu of tapas, so it’s great for both dinner and dessert to go.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my rundown of my favorite takeout spots in Raleigh right now. I’d love to hear what takeout other people have enjoyed. Let’s keep supporting our favorite restaurants, one roll (or six) or pint of ice cream (or two) at a time! And since we just had Mother’s Day, I’ve included a picture of my mom and I eating a Crawford and Son for my birthday in February to reminisce on the days of actually eating in restaurants.

Jacqueline Lee, Realtor

Please reach out anytime with questions about real estate or Raleigh in general!

jacqueline@societyrealtygroup.com

336-354-3090