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.
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.
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.
We were really looking forward to trying Cape Fear Seafood Company in Cary after having their calamari appetizer at a local festival, which was absolutely outstanding. If they could produce something that delicious outside the restaurant, we assumed the in-house version would be even better. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
While the service was good and the prices were reasonable for what they offer, the food overall was just average. The biggest disappointment was the calamari — the same dish that impressed us so much at the festival. This time, it lacked the texture and flavor that made the original so memorable, and it left us feeling let down.
In the end, we chalked this up as a learning experience. We likely won’t be adding Cape Fear Seafood Company to the list of places we frequent. That said, we wouldn’t discourage others from giving it a try — tastes vary, and they may have a better experience. For us, though, we’ll simply choose something less expensive and more aligned with the quality we received.
A decent option for some, but not the right fit for us.
Matsumoto Craft Ramen is a fun and flavorful spot that stands out not just for its food, but for its atmosphere. One of the first things you notice when you walk in is the selection of anime characters and décor, which gives the place a playful, energetic vibe that really sets it apart.
The service was excellent during our visit — friendly, quick, and attentive without feeling rushed. We also loved the variety of unique drinks on the menu, which added a refreshing twist to the overall experience.
For food, we tried the Spicy Creamy Chicken Ramen and the Tonkotsu Miso Ramen, and both were very tasty. The Spicy Creamy Chicken had a rich, comforting broth with just the right kick, while the Tonkotsu Miso was savory, balanced, and deeply satisfying. You can tell they put care into crafting their bowls.
One thing to note: during our visit in October, they were not selling alcohol, so plan accordingly if you’re hoping for a drink with your meal.
Overall, Matsumoto Craft Ramen delivers great food, great service, and a fun anime-inspired atmosphere that makes it a memorable stop for ramen lovers.
Lawrence Barbecue is an impressive new addition to Cary’s food scene, and it’s already setting the bar high. I went in with high expectations, and the moment I tasted the brisket, I knew they were more than met. The brisket is absolutely fantastic — incredibly tender, perfectly smoky, and packed with deep, rich flavor. It’s the kind of brisket that doesn’t need sauce, though their house sauces make it even better.
The service was also top-notch. The staff were friendly, helpful, and clearly passionate about what they serve, which adds to the whole experience. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, you feel taken care of.
If you’re a barbecue lover — or just someone who appreciates great food — Lawrence Barbecue is definitely worth checking out. Great brisket, great service, and a great new spot for Cary.
If you’re anywhere near Raleigh, the State Farmers Market Restaurant is an absolute must-visit — especially if you’re a fan of classic Southern comfort food done right. On my latest visit, the standout was without question the fried pork chops. Perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, they tasted like something straight out of a home-cooked Sunday meal.
The portions are generous, the flavors are authentic, and the atmosphere feels like stepping into a Southern kitchen where everything is made with care. Pair the pork chops with any of their scratch-made sides, and you’ve got a plate that’s worth coming back for.
If you’re looking for hearty, comforting, beautifully cooked Southern food, the State Farmers Market Restaurant never disappoints — and those fried pork chops alone make the trip worth it.
If you’re in Vegas and craving next-level comfort food, Nacho Daddy absolutely delivers. I stopped in recently and was blown away by how good everything was — starting with the Strawberry Margarita. It was perfectly balanced, not too sweet, super refreshing, and honestly one of the best margaritas I’ve had on the Strip.
I also tried the Fiesta Nachos and the Chicken Tinga Nachos, and both were phenomenal. The chips stay crisp under all the toppings, and every layer has flavor — not just the top. The Chicken Tinga had just the right amount of spice, and the Fiesta Nachos were loaded with fresh ingredients that made every bite different and delicious.
One thing worth mentioning: the portions are huge. You definitely get your money’s worth here. These plates are perfect for sharing, or for going all-in if you’re hungry after a long day on the Strip.
If you’re looking for great drinks, incredible nachos, and portions that don’t hold back, Nacho Daddy is absolutely worth the stop.
My first thought about Voodoo Doughnut is oh my Lord that’s a big doughnut. These thing are huge and they are awesome
These were so good with so much filling. I really wish there was one near home.
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