Your Guide to L.E.T.S. (Leisure, Entertainment, Travel, and Savings)
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.
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.
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