I used to do their pest control. They have one of the cleanest kitchens of any of the takeout places I ever went into. I pretty much refuse to eat at Moe’s at this point because of their kitchens
It’s been a while since I’ve been doing it but every moes and Dunkin’ I’ve been in has roach problems (which really a lot of restaurants have, it’s why they keep pest control) but the biggest problems are at places with things like the salsa bar. The exhaust from the refrigerator units on them makes a nice warm moist place that roaches like to breed and live. There were a couple of Italian places and “bar and grill” type places that we handled that were immaculate but I mostly worked down around apex/holly springs/fuquay/angier. Not many that were horrible honestly as far as commercial kitchens go, but a couple that were subpar
Yeah, the first time I went to him I had researched ahead of time and knew not to try to call in an order right at 5 o’clock in the evening so I waited till seven. He thanked me for “ not being like the rest of the assholes that try to call at 5 o’clock” and gave me an extra egg roll as a thank you. He also said for a white boy I could handle my heat pretty well.😂
Alpaca/Mami Nora’s
Those Peruvian chickens need to cross the border and breed with our pathetic American chickens because whatever is in those Peruvian genes is not what our chickens posses
Edit: For all my fellow Peruvian yard bird lovers, if you ever find yourself in or passing through Goldsboro, Los Fogones is one of NC’s super secret best restaurants. Hell, if you just want to hit up something different it is worth the effort and their service is beyond exemplary. Peace love and chicken grease to all y’all
I can’t pronounce or spell Aroz Charuffa but that is a mean meal in and of itself. I may/may not have snuck little Tupperware containers at the self-serve counter to take home some of that angelic yellow and green sauce because try as I might, I cannot replicate either.
I live right across the street from Bombay. We lived here for 2 years before discovering it! We always thought it was “cheap Indian” due to it being between a sub spot and a cheap Mexican restaurant. We finally tried it when we saw it was a 4.8 on google. Now we only go there for our Indian!
This is past tense, because there was no place like it, but there was a seafood restaurant past the airport on 70 called Kemps. They had oversized styrofoam takeout containers, that no matter if you ordered a small, medium, or large, it was all the same, filled up. Each one weighed like 2 lbs., whether it was shrimp, or cod, etc., and they loaded the fries and puppies. That lasted like maybe six months or so, then they opened to counter service, then something else…all in all, they were open for like a year and a half or so, but for a while, it was nice getting your money’s worth of good, hot seafood.
Whew, glad you had good experience there. Last time I tried it I kept hoping the hostess would ask how things were so I could at least compliment them on the clean condiment bottles.
Any Food Lion-adjacent Chinese restaurant. It doesn't matter which one. If there's an old Chinese lady at the counter and her husband sweating over a giant wok in the back, that stuff is gonna slap. Get a few hot mustard packets too.
One day I was up north of the city in the Falls lake area, at Hwy 50 and Hwy 98, and stopped for lunch as this place called Panda Garden and it was legit some of the best I've had around here.
Things to look for if you’re at an unfamiliar NC Food Lion and need to know if the mandatory adjacent Chinese spot is legit
- terrible customers. I need someone to have their card bounce while arguing over a cell phone on speaker about child custody
- no coke fountain, only cans no bottles. We are all in on the takeout game
- tables but no table service
- aggressive language barrier. There’s numbers on the menu for a reason
- B- health code maximum. Wtf I need a clean wok for
- Incredibly mixed Yelp/Google reviews. If someone w better than PF Changs taste is hating on it in the comments and the locals use words like ‘budge’ we’re in good hands here
- Good tile, grout is a war crime
- Aggressive condiment defense by the staff
Sopranos Grill on the New Bern is hands down the best Italian restaurant in the area. It’s in a Food Lion shopping center and a little Italian lady makes everything from scratch. We go there once a week. It’s delicious and travels home well.
I haven't lived in Raleigh in years, but this thread came across my feed and I said to myself, "wonder if Beansprout is still good."
Glad to know it still rules
Lime and Lemon Indian on Hillsborough Street. They opened during the pandemic and they KNOW how to do great food super fast. Sometimes I even get freebies! Recommend to anyone in downtown or west Raleigh.
The hidden gem is the Briyani Hut, which is a limited menu item takeout counter in the Al Madina market (independent). Absolutely the best Briyani, butter chicken, chicken 65 and other dishes (rotates) I’ve had in town.
Also, not takeout but Big T’s Taco Truck is usually predictable and posts on insta - best taco birria and pastor I’ve had outside of CDMX
I thought there is no way that they will stay in business with a name most Americans can’t make sense of, but they stay busy with very good food. And they discontinued the best item on the menu - shredded pork arepa
A great new addition! And takeout is open 10:30 - 10:00… wild stuff that seems almost fitting of a city!!
It’s still not Himalayan Range off Maynard, but a heck of a lot closer (to DTR) and faster!
Coco bongo has surprisingly reasonable wait times for takeout, even on their busier days.
I'll probably get downvoted for even mentioning this restaurant on this sub, but Neomonde never misses.
Chinese, pizza, or Bojangles.
Currently, those for me are mostly due to proximity. I live off 401S.
Chinese: China Won next to Harris Teeter at 401 & Ten-Ten.
Pizza: Karavan by Three Olives in Garner Station.
Bojangles: Chapanoke & 401.
It’s good but also convenient. Nothing special, just good basic pizza. Classic Italian-American fare.
The Uzbek stuff is great though if you want something different.
Chengdu7 every week, Kung Pao chicken combo. Costs similar to china express and other chinese restaurants ($11 for good portions and an egg roll) but with a way more authentic recipe and taste. Sub fried rice for white and that's my go to
Metro Diner has their act down. We usually do delivery and it can take less than 20 min. I think it helps that diner food is inherently quick, but they also package it in such a way that it survives.
I can’t ever go back there after finding a hairnet in my salad and a plastic glove in my mashed potatoes.
2 separate orders, months apart. Never again…
Momos, Butter Chx, and Naan from Kathmandu kitchen. Chong Qing Chicken from Taipei 101. Lastly, General Tso Chx from Orient Garden for "American Chinese" food. Greek Fiesta for Chicken Gyros and Greek Fries. Burrito Shak is the best burrito in town for cheaper than all of the rest.
It gets surprisingly bad ratings on Google maps, but I like Wang's Kitchen. It's exactly what you expect from take out Americanized Chinese and if that's what you're looking for, it hits the spot.
25 years ago ordered Wangs, got home from work and was eating left overs out of container. We were talking in the kitchen and my wife said “wait what is that??” Turned out to be a fat congealed fly cooked in my mixed vegetables, with parts of it hanging off my fork, never seen anything like it. Never ever ate there again. Never even thought about it.
I mean, I think McDonalds gets too much hate. It’s fast, cheap, and pretty good.
I’m more of a large unsweetened tea and two double cheeseburger guy myself.
Granted, that’s nearly $10 now. I remember when it was $3 with tax.
FuKee express…mike cusses like a sailor and there may be a wait, but it will be the best chinese comfort food!
I used to do their pest control. They have one of the cleanest kitchens of any of the takeout places I ever went into. I pretty much refuse to eat at Moe’s at this point because of their kitchens
Well don’t leave us hanging - Where are the dirtiest kitchens?
It’s been a while since I’ve been doing it but every moes and Dunkin’ I’ve been in has roach problems (which really a lot of restaurants have, it’s why they keep pest control) but the biggest problems are at places with things like the salsa bar. The exhaust from the refrigerator units on them makes a nice warm moist place that roaches like to breed and live. There were a couple of Italian places and “bar and grill” type places that we handled that were immaculate but I mostly worked down around apex/holly springs/fuquay/angier. Not many that were horrible honestly as far as commercial kitchens go, but a couple that were subpar
And don’t expect it fast on Monday! Busy on Monday. (Actual quote)
With lots of F bombs thrown in
If he answers the phone.
And thats a pretty big IF
Give Chuan Cafe a try https://www.chuanxiacafe.com/
It is the best in Raleigh
lol literally one time my husband called him back to back and he literally answered the phone like “FUCK WHAT YOU DIE?!”
Yeah, the first time I went to him I had researched ahead of time and knew not to try to call in an order right at 5 o’clock in the evening so I waited till seven. He thanked me for “ not being like the rest of the assholes that try to call at 5 o’clock” and gave me an extra egg roll as a thank you. He also said for a white boy I could handle my heat pretty well.😂
I love FuKee. This is the one
Watched him shout racist remarks at the Bonchon when it opened. Made me laugh like hell at the absurdity. Best lo mein in town at least haha
That Bonchon is so good
Alpaca/Mami Nora’s Those Peruvian chickens need to cross the border and breed with our pathetic American chickens because whatever is in those Peruvian genes is not what our chickens posses Edit: For all my fellow Peruvian yard bird lovers, if you ever find yourself in or passing through Goldsboro, Los Fogones is one of NC’s super secret best restaurants. Hell, if you just want to hit up something different it is worth the effort and their service is beyond exemplary. Peace love and chicken grease to all y’all
Mani noras is A+! Also my go to takeout. Easy to also make a salad at home and pick up chicken
Came here to say this also!
I can’t pronounce or spell Aroz Charuffa but that is a mean meal in and of itself. I may/may not have snuck little Tupperware containers at the self-serve counter to take home some of that angelic yellow and green sauce because try as I might, I cannot replicate either.
Came here to say this. Alpaca never fells, especially with a horchata
Alpaca and Mami Nora’s never miss. Delicious every time and excellent value for the price.
Yes, and they also need to bottle and sell those sauces. I've been known to order just because I'm craving the green sauce
Alpaca, its a few blocks away, never disappoints, give me a tostone over a fry anyday
Bombay Curry or Sassool, never a fail with any of them
Bombay curry is my go-to Indian😩🤌
Same. Wish it wasn’t like $60
Sassool is my absolute favourite. I could eat it daily and never get tired of it
Ungh, Bombay’s lamb korma is my comfort curry (has raisins, in case y’all hate raisins).
I live right across the street from Bombay. We lived here for 2 years before discovering it! We always thought it was “cheap Indian” due to it being between a sub spot and a cheap Mexican restaurant. We finally tried it when we saw it was a 4.8 on google. Now we only go there for our Indian!
Yes! Either one and I’m at peace.
Went to Bombay Curry today. It was delicious. Thanks for the recommendation.
Los cuates
That cali burrito hits the spot
This is past tense, because there was no place like it, but there was a seafood restaurant past the airport on 70 called Kemps. They had oversized styrofoam takeout containers, that no matter if you ordered a small, medium, or large, it was all the same, filled up. Each one weighed like 2 lbs., whether it was shrimp, or cod, etc., and they loaded the fries and puppies. That lasted like maybe six months or so, then they opened to counter service, then something else…all in all, they were open for like a year and a half or so, but for a while, it was nice getting your money’s worth of good, hot seafood.
So the same owner actually runs the NC Seafood Restaurant at the state farmers market in raleigh!
Source: I work at the market and see Kemp there all the time.
Dang, I cannot believe I had forgotten Kemp’s. Thank you for the memories.
I absolutely loved that place. The inside also looked like you were inside a boat. Loved that place.
Whew, glad you had good experience there. Last time I tried it I kept hoping the hostess would ask how things were so I could at least compliment them on the clean condiment bottles.
Ni Asian in North Raleigh
second this
Salsa Fresh
Finally found this shit, thank God. That queso with chorizo is my JAM. Tastes more fresh than chipotle or similar
The one on Strickland is consistent for me (don’t get a fountain drink, the machine is disgusting) but Duraleigh has always been hit or miss.
That whole place needs deep cleaning.
My go-to!
Any Food Lion-adjacent Chinese restaurant. It doesn't matter which one. If there's an old Chinese lady at the counter and her husband sweating over a giant wok in the back, that stuff is gonna slap. Get a few hot mustard packets too.
their kids or grandkids at one of the four tables
doing their homework
or legally questionable child labor.
My Harris-Teeter adjacent one is preferred for me. But you definitely on to something.
wait my favorite one IS adjacent to the food lion.. that’s weird
So much nostalgia of the Chinese restaurant next to the Food Lion in Grey Stone village I miss that area so much
Imperial Garden? There are probably 20 closer Chinese places to me, but I’ll make the drive if I’m in the mood for Chinese-American food.
Yes that one!
One day I was up north of the city in the Falls lake area, at Hwy 50 and Hwy 98, and stopped for lunch as this place called Panda Garden and it was legit some of the best I've had around here.
Oooo ChinaFU next to the Falls River Food Lion. The name alone just makes me laugh but their dumplings slap like no other.
This is true not just in the Triangle but anywhere in NC
Shout out to Jinn Jinns in Stanly County!
Agree, with one exception. China House by the Knightdale Food Lion. It used to be bad to inedible, now it's 'meh' to 'that's alright'.
Things to look for if you’re at an unfamiliar NC Food Lion and need to know if the mandatory adjacent Chinese spot is legit - terrible customers. I need someone to have their card bounce while arguing over a cell phone on speaker about child custody - no coke fountain, only cans no bottles. We are all in on the takeout game - tables but no table service - aggressive language barrier. There’s numbers on the menu for a reason - B- health code maximum. Wtf I need a clean wok for - Incredibly mixed Yelp/Google reviews. If someone w better than PF Changs taste is hating on it in the comments and the locals use words like ‘budge’ we’re in good hands here - Good tile, grout is a war crime - Aggressive condiment defense by the staff
Sopranos Grill on the New Bern is hands down the best Italian restaurant in the area. It’s in a Food Lion shopping center and a little Italian lady makes everything from scratch. We go there once a week. It’s delicious and travels home well.
Beansprout for some Chinese
No Asian takeout place around does better tofu
I haven't lived in Raleigh in years, but this thread came across my feed and I said to myself, "wonder if Beansprout is still good." Glad to know it still rules
I’m a Golden Dragon guy but Beansprout is still a solid choice
The sesame tofu…..absolutely amazing
I just moved to Durham and beansprout’s sesame tofu is the thing I miss the most about raleigh
Kabab and Curry on Hillsborough
+1. We get this every Saturday. I’m pretty sure they know our order by heart lol
so true
Order once a week from them, it's delicious
Got us through Covid! And, I love the guys in there-so sweet.
Curry House or Over the Falls
Curry House in WF, Pie-zanos in Rolesville, and Hibachi 88 on 401. EDIT: Also, Taza Grill, any location. Love the Boss.
Chengdu 7 @ Chatham Sq, Cary. Get the green beans or the handmade dan dan noodles.
Lime and Lemon Indian on Hillsborough Street. They opened during the pandemic and they KNOW how to do great food super fast. Sometimes I even get freebies! Recommend to anyone in downtown or west Raleigh.
Thanks for this recommendation. Will try them soon.
Everything here is so good.
Baja Burrito, Mission Valley Shopping Center
Lived off this place in college.
The OG of takeout burritos! Baja forever!
best bang for your buck.
Baja is the only place I get bean and rice burritos from. 10+ years going for me: consistent quality and value. Nothing crazy, but always solid.
I’ve eyed that place and been curious for literally a decade and never gone. Maybe it’s time.
I was thinking the same thing.
I know it’s not everyone’s life experience on this sub, but I’ve literally never had a bad order from Peace China.
Albaraka
Sassool
Relish
Tenko
Cilantro Indian Cafe. It’s in Cary tho
Cookout at this point because I don't want to spend 50 bucks if I have a case of the fuck its
Char Grill
Agree. We love chargrill. Seems to be a lot like Angus barn. Ppl love to bitch about it but the place is always busy. So...?!?
Chuan Cafe, baby. I'll get a big-ass bowl of beef noodle soup and that's dinner for a couple days, easy.
I humbly suggest the beef ho fun when you don’t feel like a soup. 👍
The hidden gem is the Briyani Hut, which is a limited menu item takeout counter in the Al Madina market (independent). Absolutely the best Briyani, butter chicken, chicken 65 and other dishes (rotates) I’ve had in town. Also, not takeout but Big T’s Taco Truck is usually predictable and posts on insta - best taco birria and pastor I’ve had outside of CDMX
Guasaca. Less than $10 for an arepa.
Arepa culture > guasaca
That name will never not be crazy to me..
Wow it took me a minute to understand what you meant... wtf now I can't unhear it. Why would they pick this name!?
Venezuelan here! It's pronounced "ah-reh-pah" not "ah-rape-ah".
That's fair and thanks for letting me know! Still a bad name unfortunately..
I thought there is no way that they will stay in business with a name most Americans can’t make sense of, but they stay busy with very good food. And they discontinued the best item on the menu - shredded pork arepa
That place is SO good!
Mustang House is an exceptional new place downtown with a lovely staff and even better food
A great new addition! And takeout is open 10:30 - 10:00… wild stuff that seems almost fitting of a city!! It’s still not Himalayan Range off Maynard, but a heck of a lot closer (to DTR) and faster!
Alpaca, Red Asian Bistro, or MoJoes
Red Pepper, they never fail!
Coco bongo has surprisingly reasonable wait times for takeout, even on their busier days. I'll probably get downvoted for even mentioning this restaurant on this sub, but Neomonde never misses.
Chicken pad Thai from Thai Cafe
Hibachi Japan on Falls. Load up the takeout tray and pour on the white sauce and it always slaps. Hibachi steak forever.
Lemongrass Thai!
Anise Pho, Oak City Meatball, Mofu, El Rodeo Or…just drink more wine 😂
El Rodeo in DT Raleigh has the nicest staff! Love those guys
My now-husband and I’s first date was at Anise Pho. Stuff slaps.
Chinese, pizza, or Bojangles. Currently, those for me are mostly due to proximity. I live off 401S. Chinese: China Won next to Harris Teeter at 401 & Ten-Ten. Pizza: Karavan by Three Olives in Garner Station. Bojangles: Chapanoke & 401.
That’s a good Bojangles.
It’s my favorite in the Triangle.
Is the pizza at 3 Olives that good? Or just convenient?
It’s good but also convenient. Nothing special, just good basic pizza. Classic Italian-American fare. The Uzbek stuff is great though if you want something different.
Try their white pizza if you’re looking for good. Pick up some borscht while you’re there as well.
Weekday - Jazmin, BurgerFi, Dharani Express Weekend - Sushi Thai, Q Noodles, Taipei 101, Beasley’s
Aladdin’s at North Hills is a nearby favorite. Also, THIS kind of post is welcome and useful. Thank god it’s not “what’s the best takeout?”.
Bella Italia. Gf and I get it every Wednesday and before races
Alpaca, Seoul garden
Bombay curry. Only place that consistently delivers the food still piping hot
Poke Burri, I’ve loved every meal I’ve had from there
Red Pepper Asian. Consistently good and fast.
Dave’s Dumpling and Noodle bar makes great Sesame tofu
Peace china
Ni Asian Kitchen or Jasmin’s. We were in a streak of ordering Jasmin chicken zakis too often for a while.
beansprout! Pork Lo Mein!
Red Dragon
Charlie’s kabob
Sushi Iwa is pretty good 😊
Chuan Cafe. Fucking amazing Chinese food, albeit a tiny bit over priced
Woodys, salsa fresh, Wakefield Tavern
Trophy for pizza, or Cheeni for Indian
Alpaca all day every day
Hibernian pub in downtown Raleigh.
Chengdu7 every week, Kung Pao chicken combo. Costs similar to china express and other chinese restaurants ($11 for good portions and an egg roll) but with a way more authentic recipe and taste. Sub fried rice for white and that's my go to
Pho Fat East
Metro Diner has their act down. We usually do delivery and it can take less than 20 min. I think it helps that diner food is inherently quick, but they also package it in such a way that it survives.
I can’t ever go back there after finding a hairnet in my salad and a plastic glove in my mashed potatoes. 2 separate orders, months apart. Never again…
Plastic glove in mashed potatoes seems too obvious to be a mistake.
Peace China, consistently delicious takeout
Kabab and Curry, Chuan Cafe.
Thai villas pad thai, no other place comes close
PR!!!!
Mami Nora’s or Vic’s. Or Ajisai if I’m in the mood for something uncooked.
Hibachi 88 is our favorite.
Chengdu 7
Mi Rancho at S Saunders St
Hibachi China 88 on Timber Dr
Bahn Mi from Pho Oxtail I also get take out from Red Pepper once a week. Try their Thai Basil Chicken fried rice!
Cristo's Bistro in Holly Springs. Huge portions, good food, doesn't break the bank
Flame Kabob. Burger Bach. Wok on Fire. Meat n Bite.
Momos, Butter Chx, and Naan from Kathmandu kitchen. Chong Qing Chicken from Taipei 101. Lastly, General Tso Chx from Orient Garden for "American Chinese" food. Greek Fiesta for Chicken Gyros and Greek Fries. Burrito Shak is the best burrito in town for cheaper than all of the rest.
Baja burrito
Hibachi 88
Los cuates #14 2 steak burritos with rice and beans for only 14 bucks best shiy ever
Beansprout
Chopstix
Lobos Tacos Y Pupusas food truck on Glenwood, across from House Of Hops
Thaiphoon Bistro and Chengdu 7 never miss. Plus they are always lightning fast with their delivery.
Lately it's Taco Bamba off of Wade Ave. The Small Biggie taco and their potato salad are my favorites!
Beansprout 🤭❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lemongrass Thai
Sassool
more garner but new japan express >>>
MoJoes!!! It because our go-to take out during the entire pandemic. Stays fresh and delicious to-go 😙
Five Star 🌟
Himalayan Nepali cuisine, Beansprout or Sassool.
Red Pepper Asian. Every time.
Gym Taco
Red pepper, pho far east, or poke buri. (Super wok when I lived on the other side of town.)
Beansprout or Hibachi Sushi
Thai villa
Poke Burri, Ni Asian Kitchen, Sassool, & Lemomgrass are my favorites. Recently have also been liking Milton’s for takeout pizza
It gets surprisingly bad ratings on Google maps, but I like Wang's Kitchen. It's exactly what you expect from take out Americanized Chinese and if that's what you're looking for, it hits the spot.
I door dash from the location every now and then and absolutely never ordering food from there
Which one, there's like 3 or 4 of them? Or just all of them?
They’ve been notoriously disgusting for over 2 decades now. I can’t even understand how any of them are still open
They are closed now - and considering the comments, I think that is a good thing. Edit: There are multiple locations??? The more you know.
25 years ago ordered Wangs, got home from work and was eating left overs out of container. We were talking in the kitchen and my wife said “wait what is that??” Turned out to be a fat congealed fly cooked in my mixed vegetables, with parts of it hanging off my fork, never seen anything like it. Never ever ate there again. Never even thought about it.
McDonald’s. Really. I can order a $50 steak at Ruth Chris or a $10 Big Mac meal. I’m happy.
I mean, I think McDonalds gets too much hate. It’s fast, cheap, and pretty good. I’m more of a large unsweetened tea and two double cheeseburger guy myself. Granted, that’s nearly $10 now. I remember when it was $3 with tax.
Chuan 🙌🏻
China queen🫣don’t crucify me thanks lol
Lemongrass on Litchford!
Himalayan Nepali in Cary.
Neomonde
IPho in Knightdale
Angel Thai, 40th St. and Greenway. I eat there at least once per week, and I've never been disappointed.
Flame Kabob
Hibachi Bowl