Your Guide to L.E.T.S. (Leisure, Entertainment, Travel, and Savings)
The black and blue salad with raspberry vinaigrette was a recent favorite, but the French onion soup, fish & chips, and sandwich options make it tough to decide each visit. We still need to try the chocolate mousse with Bailey’s Irish Cream and the apple crisp — and we absolutely will report back.
Crosstown’s broad menu and relaxed atmosphere make it a classic neighborhood gathering spot.
Chatham Street Wine Market offers a great rotating selection of bottles and wines by the glass in a cozy downtown Cary setting.
With curated global selections and regular tastings, it’s a go-to for discovering something new — whether you’re looking for a casual glass or a bottle for a dinner party.
Bombshell Beer Company in nearby Holly Springs is another favorite.
There’s always a strong seasonal lineup alongside dependable favorites. We were genuinely sad when Strawberries & Cream was discontinued. Thankfully, Hipster Handshake Wheat (with rotating flavors) and Lady in Red remain regular orders for us.
As a woman-owned brewery with strong local distribution, Bombshell has carved out a respected place in the Triangle craft beer scene.
One of our favorite breweries in the area is Vicious Fishes Brewery.
We especially love their annual Sharktoberfest celebration — complete with food trucks and a polka band — which captures that festive Oktoberfest spirit with a local twist. And “Here Be Dragons”? It’s the only juicy IPA we drink. We love it so much, we both own the T-shirt.
Their taproom has become part of Cary’s growing craft beer culture, offering creative brews and community-driven events year-round.
The food at Daniel’s is consistently delicious and plentiful. The penne alla vodka is a standout, and we especially appreciate that they offer chicken francaise — something that’s surprisingly hard to find locally.
A long-standing Cary favorite, Daniel’s delivers classic Italian-American comfort dishes in a warm, traditional setting. It’s the kind of reliable restaurant that becomes part of your regular rotation.
We always say the mocha and seasonal lattes are our favorites — but what keeps us loyal to Esteamed Coffee goes beyond the drinks.
Esteamed Coffee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to lower the unemployment rate and increase the quality of life for adults with intellectual, developmental, communication, and/or visual disabilities by creating meaningful jobs and social opportunities. That mission is lived out daily in their welcoming Cary shop.
Great coffee. Exceptional service. And a business model that makes every purchase feel like an investment in the community.
Few places capture Cary’s blend of history and culture quite like The Cary Theater.
Beautifully restored and intentionally intimate, we always arrive when doors open to snag the best seats. The programming truly has something for everyone — independent films, documentaries, classics, and special events. We especially love the holiday movie series and the Cat/Dog Film Festivals, including CatVideoFest, which benefits a local cat rescue.
Originally built in 1946 and restored by the Town of Cary, the theater now serves as a cultural hub in downtown. It’s not just about watching a film — it’s about participating in a shared experience.
We highly recommend VEG for emergency veterinary medicine. Every doctor, tech, and staff member we encountered was knowledgeable, proactive, and compassionate. We were kept up-to-date every step of the way during our fur baby’s treatment, which gave us tremendous peace of mind. We’re especially grateful to Drs. Yacobucci, Marvin, Nilles, Wetzel, and Landry, along with techs Mario, Shiloh, Zach, and Caitlyn.
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) operates 24/7 emergency-only hospitals and is known for its open-concept treatment approach, allowing pet parents to stay involved in their pet’s care whenever possible. In high-stress situations, that transparency makes all the difference.
There’s something special about Saturday mornings at the Cary Farmers Market.
We love the variety of vendors and items sold there — fresh bread, cheese, honey, meat, pasta, seafood, and vibrant seasonal vegetables. Regular stops for us include Blye’s Bees, Boxcarr Handmade Cheese, Breadwaala, Cary Caramel Company, Carthage Fresh, Dew Drop Chocolates, Jasper & Gold, and Sheila’s Aussie Bakery.
Established in 1978, the market operates as a nonprofit supporting local farmers and artisans within roughly 100 miles of Cary. Beyond the food, it’s the atmosphere that keeps us coming back: live music during peak season, friendly conversations with vendors, and the feeling that you’re participating in something rooted in community. It’s not just shopping — it’s connection.
If you’ve ever seen a line spilling out the door in downtown Cary on a weekend morning, chances are it’s for Big Dom’s — and after finally eating there, we completely understand why.
The shop is tiny — truly grab-and-go — but the Italian and BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese) bagel sandwiches were both delicious and generously portioned. We’ll absolutely be back… though next time we’ll order ahead.
Located on East Chatham Street in the heart of downtown Cary, Big Dom’s has built a reputation for its hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels and creative breakfast offerings. Selling out before midday isn’t uncommon, which only adds to its cult-favorite status. It’s the kind of place that feels like it belongs exactly where it is: small footprint, big flavor, and loyal locals.
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