Raleigh, North Carolina, has long been known as a hub for culinary innovation, boasting an impressive roster of esteemed chefs and James Beard Award winners. Ashley Christensen, the passionate mind behind many culinary successes, was rightfully crowned national Chef of the Year by Eater. Scott Crawford, a five-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist, continued to elevate Raleigh’s dining scene with the opening of his intimate French bistro, Jolie, in 2019. The anticipation is building as Crawford has another restaurant on the horizon for 2024. Maggie Kane’s A Place At The Table, a pay-what-you-can café with a noble mission, gained national recognition with a feature on The TODAY Show for its commitment to providing healthy food for all.
Food halls
But what’s truly booming in Raleigh’s culinary landscape? Food halls. This trend, which has been sweeping across urban areas in the United States, has firmly planted its roots in Raleigh with the arrival of Morgan Street Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall.
Morgan Street Food Hall
Morgan Street Food Hall, located in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District, made its grand entrance in the summer of 2018 and immediately captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. This repurposed warehouse, spanning an impressive 22,000 square feet, offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience, featuring a diverse array of culinary delights from local chefs, restaurateurs, and purveyors. As the first food hall of its kind in Raleigh, Morgan Street Food Hall hosts 20 distinct culinary concepts, each occupying fully-outfitted spaces to serve up cooked-to-order meals, snacks, and specialty foods. From crepes to Thai rolled ice cream, bubble tea to lobster rolls, and even tacos, this food hall has it all. In addition, specialized retail carts offer packaged food and culinary-related items, ensuring that you can take a piece of the experience home with you.
Morgan Street Food Hall is not just about satisfying your appetite; it’s also a place to quench your thirst. The food hall boasts a massive indoor/outdoor bar, perfect for enjoying a drink while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. For those seeking a more intimate setting, there’s even a “secret” gin-focused bar, Aunty Betty’s, discreetly tucked away behind closed doors. The outdoor space at Morgan Street Food Hall is equally enticing, with plenty of tables, chairs, bar rails, and a charming set of string lights. It has become a popular hangout spot well into the evenings, drawing families, couples on date nights, and groups of friends looking to indulge in delicious fare.
The lineup of food vendors at Morgan Street Food Hall is nothing short of impressive, featuring favorites like Iyla’s Southern Kitchen, renowned for its fried chicken and barbecue, Cow Bar, a burger haven offering gourmet creations, and Buena Papa Fry Bar, where French fries are served “con todo” (with EVERYTHING) with an array of tasty toppings. This culinary success story is also a testament to Niall Hanley, the owner of Hibernian Hospitality Group and the visionary behind the food hall. Hanley’s influence extends to other noteworthy Raleigh establishments, including Raleigh Beer Garden and Watts & Ward, making him a key figure in the city’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
To wrap up
In conclusion, Raleigh, North Carolina, is experiencing a culinary renaissance with its burgeoning food hall scene. Morgan Street Food Hall, in particular, stands as a shining example of this trend, offering a diverse and exciting dining experience that reflects the city’s ever-evolving culinary landscape. With visionary leaders like Niall Hanley at the helm, Raleigh’s dining scene is set to continue its impressive growth and innovation, solidifying its status as a food lover’s paradise in the heart of North Carolina.