the stanbury

the stanbury is my favorite restaurant in town, and unfortunately, it's also everyone elses. if you can manage a reservation, you're solid for a special evening of craft cocktails, a half-way hipster vibe that doesn't feel poured on, and what the new york times dubbed 'the most exciting food being served in raleigh right now'.

brian meares found a favorite dish that does double duty: scooped right out of the bone, the stanbury's rich and fatty marrow is enjoyed in the restaurant, and later the bones become a craze-inducing extravagance for our dogs that keeps them occupied for dogs.  my go-to is the flavorful tagliatelle pasta, changed seasonally to accommodate fresh ingredients.   the cheeseboard never disappoints- delicious thick slices of grilled sourdough accompanied with the stinkiest of artisan locally-sourced cheeses, and the swordfish crudo is fresh-to-death, spiced up with fresh jalapeno.

the open kitchen keeps the space lively, and the bar is always bustling with neighbors who are content to grab a stool for dinner.

we recently enjoyed an evening at the stanbury celebrating with leah, my former store manager, over the completion of her mba and a position with a new company.

photos by gary meyer