Best New Restaurant
Hank’s Downtown Dive
Di Fara Pizza Tavern
Scratch Kitchen & Taproom
Best Food Truck
Buoy Bowls
Cousin’s Maine Lobster
Chirba Chirba Dumpling Truck
Best Appetizers
Rudy’s Pub & Grill
Hank’s Downtown Dive
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
Best Cocktails
Sidebar
Scratch Kitchen & Taproom
Catalan Tapas Bar
Best Bakery
La Farm Bakery
Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Utica Bakery
Best Dessert
Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream
Asali Desserts & Café
Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Best BBQ
Big Mike’s BBQ Restaurant & Craft Beer Shop
City Barbeque
Danny’s Bar-B-Que
Best Breakfast
First Watch
Brigs
La Farm Bakery
Best Burger and Fries
Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Best Date-Night Restaurant
MC Restaurant
Rey’s
Chef’s Palette
Best Coffee House
Esteamed Coffee
Fount Coffee + Kitchen
BREW Coffee Bar
Best Seafood
Full Moon Oyster Bar
Bonefish Grille
Skipper’s Seafood & Smokehouse
Best Steakhouse
Rey’s
Angus Barn
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Best Pizzeria
Di Fara Pizza Tavern
Mellow Mushroom
V Pizza
Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
Di Fara Pizza Tavern
V Pizza
Best Asian Restaurant
MC Restaurant
Goji Bistro
Sushi Thai
Best Mediterranean Restaurant
Sassool
Neomonde
Bosphorus
Best Italian Restaurant
Daniel’s Restaurant & Catering
Lugano Ristorante
Enrigo Italian Bistro
Best Indian Restaurant
Kababish Café
Cilantro Indian Cuisine
Nzara Indian Bistro
Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurant
Gonza Tacos & Tequila
Mi Cancun
Los Tres Magueyes
Best Restaurant for Specialty Diets
Sassool
Diced Gourmet Salads & Wraps and Cilantro Indian Cuisine
Clean Juice
Best Healthy Dining Options
Clean Juice
Sassool
Diced Gourmet Salads & Wraps
Best Neighborhood Bar
Bottle Theory
Amberly Local
Crosstown Pub & Grill
Best Outdoor Dining
Di Fara Pizza Tavern
Tazza Kitchen
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
Best Craft Brewery
Bond Brothers Beer Company
Fortnight Brewing Company
Cotton House Craft Brewers
Hank’s Downtown Dive
Best New Restaurant
If you’re trolling the streets of Cary and looking for your typical description of a “dive,” you’re sure to miss Hank’s — a vibrant and stylish local hangout that can only be described as a dive by Cary standards, featuring an inviting bar area, large windows, comfortable seating and an expansive outdoor patio. Gracing the wall above the bar is a framed portrait of the restaurant’s namesake, the owners’ 8-year-old cockapoo, Henry (Hank) — made by local artist Taylor Homes.
“We’ve been open for about 10 months,” said co-owner Matthew Bettinger, who runs Hank’s along with his business partner, Jeff Kinard. “My wife Catherine is intricately involved from a design standpoint, as well. We try to focus on bringing a really good time and being well rounded with service, food and ambiance.”
If the names Bettinger and Kinard seem familiar, there’s a good reason — both teamed up in 2018 to open SideBar, Cary’s neighborhood cocktail bar. After seeing SideBar’s success, they seized the opportunity to open a full-service restaurant in town, with the help of chef Evan Cordes, a Cary native.
“We saw a market that we thought was underserved. We saw a market that we thought was really appreciative of fun things,” said Bettinger. “Honestly, Cary kind of sold us.”
Hank’s claims to fame include buckets of gluten-free fried chicken, NC oysters and a top-notch beverage program that one would expect from Bettinger, who has over a decade of experience with spirits and bars.
“I think it’s really important for a restaurant to have cocktails that work well with food,” said Bettinger. “The part that I get the most excited about is being able to pair really great wine with what’s going on at the table. I think the right bottle of wine elevates the experience.”
The beauty of the menu is that it can suit any situation, be it a quick lunch with coworkers or celebrating an occasion in the evening with friends. At Hank’s, every day is Taco Tuesday, as there’s always a selection of tacos served à la carte — filled with mouth-watering brisket or fresh NC fish.
“We’re very fortunate to have the team that we do; they’re pretty dynamic and flexible,” said Cordes, head chef. “For whatever reason, we’ve found multiple ways to present a good product here.”
Beyond that? It’s just really good food.
Esteamed Coffee
Best Coffee House
The idea for Esteamed Coffee, a nonprofit coffee shop that employs individuals with various disabilities, all started over a lunch date between friends.
“Angie and I have been friends for 26 years, and we had both been to a similar coffee shop in Wilmington,” said co-founder Tamara Lapsley. “I’m a speech-language pathologist, so when I visited it really struck me how that type of model could work for so many different types of disabilities. Angie and I were having lunch one day and we both got really excited about the idea and started to work on it together.”
Lapsley’s co-founder, Angie Hudson, knows what it’s like to live life with an invisible disability, having lost her vision almost 30 years ago. Disabilities affect three general areas of life, according to Hudson — obtaining employment, adapting to a job and social engagement. At Esteamed Coffee, Hudson hopes to address each of these by providing job coaching and a warm, supportive environment.
“We opened in December of 2020 with a lot of help and support from our board and the community, and we are very excited to have been open for a little over a year now,” said Hudson.
Laspley and Hudson also use their space to showcase local artists with visual, communication and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities, rotating art for sale in the shop each season.
Kirby Barbour, board treasurer, was so moved by Esteamed’s mission that he took the idea and rode with it — literally. Barbour biked 400 miles from Winston-Salem to Wilmington, raising money for Esteamed and similar nonprofits along the way.
“I ran into Tamara and Angie at a charity 5K, and I was really inspired by the cause,” said Barbour. “My son is on the autism spectrum, and so making sure that there are opportunities for him in the future is always at the top of my mind.”
Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar
Best Burger and Fries
Meet the Owner! My name is Corbett, and I am the owner of Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar. We started out with just me, my wife Mary, our four kids and four other employees. Now, 8.5 years later, we have over 20 employees! We sell Hereford beef burgers, hotdogs, fries, milkshakes and over 250 different craft and vintage glass bottled sodas. We just started our franchise program last year and hope to start opening new franchises or corporate stores this year.
What sets Corbett’s apart? We have great food and unique bottled sodas from all over the country, but what really sets us apart is our outstanding crew! They really enjoy what they do, from cooking and serving, to greeting our wonderful customers. Their caring attitudes about who they serve and what they serve really makes the difference. They know each order and burger that goes out is special.
What inspires you? God’s creation inspires me, and the crowning glory of this creation is people. I’m inspired by all the different people we meet and get to serve on a day-to-day basis. Newcomers to the area that say, “Wow that was a great burger! I’ll be back!”; customers that say we remind them of their favorite burger place back home; old timers that tell us stories and reminisce about certain vintage bottled sodas they drank in their youth; or regular customers who tell us about their joys and ask us to pray for them during their trials.
What does winning this year’s Maggy Award mean to you? Winning this year means a lot. Folks have been cooped up the past two years, and for them to start getting out and thinking of us as their go-to burger place means a lot. It also validates how we have consistently tried to serve the community and customers over the past 8.5 years through good food and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Big Mike’s BBQ
Best Barbecue
If you’ve lived in the Triangle for a while, you’ve probably heard of Bike Mike’s BBQ — owner Mike Markham’s mobile red barn food truck has been roaming these parts since 2011, providing the Triangle with killer NC barbeque. After a while, Big Mike’s got too big for its britches and needed to expand to not one, but two brick-and-mortar locations — first in Cary, then in Apex. Both locations include a bottle shop, so customers can peruse a selection of local beers to complement their smoky meat of choice.
But wait! Any good Southerner knows that no BBQ joint is complete without some stellar sides, and Big Mike’s certainly isn’t sleeping on the job. The smoked Gouda mac ’n’ cheese, collard greens, blue cheese coleslaw and tasty cornbread have the entire community in a choke-hold from which there is no escape! Big Mike’s also offers an impressive selection of tasty appetizers that will have you drooling.
“If you come in for the first time and are trying to figure out what to get, order the Redneck Nachos. They have the perfect combination of sweet, savory, crunch and spiciness. It has a little bit of everything, and I consider it our perfect dish,” said Markham.
Whatever Mike’s secret ingredient is, it’s definitely working! In addition to his two locations, the red barn still makes the rounds and offers catering services seven days a week. Be sure to follow Big Mike’s BBQ food truck on Twitter (@bigmikesbbqnc) for updates on locations and hours.
“What we do each day is really hard, so receiving this award from the readers of Cary Magazine is so validating. We really appreciate the encouragement and continued support from all our friends in the community.”
Di Fara Pizza Tavern
Best Pizzeria & Outdoor Dining
If you’re looking for a little (or a big) slice of heaven, look no further than Di Fara Pizza Tavern, this year’s Maggy winner for Best Pizzeria! Owned by husband and wife duo Gregory and Valerie Norton, Di Fara serves large 18-inch pizzas, family-sized calzones and pizza by the slice with imported fresh (never frozen) ingredients.
Meet the owners: Both Gregory and Valerie originally hail from Brooklyn, New York, the pizza capital of the world. Prior to moving to Cary seven years ago, Greg worked as a union floor coverer and Valerie was an elementary school teacher. The couple moved to Cary after hearing that it would be a great place to raise a family. They now have three daughters, aged 14, 7, and 2.
Inspirations: “Giving people the gift of good food! Happiness is great food and great company! We also partner with a different nonprofit each month to bring awareness to the community on different topics. We’ve partnered with various animal shelters, veteran charities and The Blood Connection. On a personal note, Valerie almost died due to a postpartum hemorrhage after having our last child — blood transfusions saved her life!”
Favorite thing on the menu at Di Fara?
Greg: The regular pie, no toppings. It’s a great way to taste the flavor of all the fresh ingredients!
Valerie: White pie or square with homemade meatballs.
- Di Fara opened its doors on Feb 9, 2021 — National Pizza Day!
- Di Fara uses a New York WaterMaker to replicate New York water.
- Di Fara in New York is owned by Greg’s family. The famous Dom DeMarco is Greg’s uncle and godfather.
The Butcher’s Market
Best Specialty Food Store
Derek Wilkins, Randy Boss, and Craig Wilkins, The Butchers Market
If you’re on the hunt for premium meats and seafood, an array of award-winning seasonings, or frozen meals made from scratch, The Butcher’s Market has got you covered!
After partnering with Randy Bosse three years ago, father/son team Derek and Craig Wilkins have enjoyed widespread success — with locations in Cary, Raleigh, Holly Springs, Bedford and (most recently) Wilmington.
Customer Favorites: “Marinated tips and our marinated chicken are consistently the number one sellers in all of our stores,” said Craig Wilkins. “Our House Seasoning won an international competition in Louisiana a year and a half ago. Another favorite is our Camp Mix, which can be used almost as a replacement for salt and pepper.”
Other favorites include exceptional salmon and oven-ready meals, namely the lasagna and the shepherd’s pie — all made from scratch.
“I lay claim to having the best salmon in town,” said Derek Wilkins. “Fish can be touchy for some people, but that salmon is just amazing.”
“We wouldn’t be here without our customers and their appreciation for what we do. It’s just awesome.”
Rudy’s Pub & Grill
Best Appetizer
Rudy’s Pub & Grill, Best Appetizer. Contributed
If you’re interested in a family-friendly pub on this side of the pond with award-winning appetizers, then check out Rudy’s Pub & Grill in Apex! Owners Rob and Amy Bankoski took over the pub in 2014, with a goal to make the restaurant even better — starting in the kitchen! Using locally grown produce and fresh ingredients, everything is made from scratch — including the appetizers.
“We brought in a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, NY. She’s been a chef for over 30 years and happens to be Rob’s sister, Cindy,” said Amy. “From the day she walked into the kitchen, the food has never been the same. Everything we make is made from scratch now, except for the fries and the kid’s mac and cheese (because kids only like Kraft, as it turns out). She even makes the vinegars that she uses to make our vinaigrettes!”
Popular starters include pub nachos smothered with queso, chipotle cheddar bacon dip served with veggies and corn chips, and buffalo chicken flatbread (to name a few).
“My favorite appetizer would be our pub nachos,” said Amy. “We cook the chips in house. We make our own black beans, and our queso is on point. I challenge you to find a more freshly made guacamole or pico that has as much flavor as ours does.”
Rudy’s serves more than great food — they also serve the community, having raised more than $100,000 to support local charities with Rudy’s Charity Golf Classic Series since 2015.
“I’m extremely proud of what we have accomplished at Rudy’s,” said Amy. “Winning the Maggy Award is the icing on the cake. We’re very humbled by the fact we are independently owned with only one location and got enough votes to win!”
Full Moon Oyster Bar and Seafood Kitchen
Best Seafood Restaurant
Morrisville’s Full Moon Oyster Bar is the largest of six locations throughout the state, serving fresh, delicious seafood since 2014.
“I am a commercially licensed fisherman, and we like to source fresh, local seafood,” said Randy Russell, the CEO of Full Moon Oyster Bar and Seafood Kitchen.
Despite his success at all six locations, Russell is exactly what you’d expect a NC fisherman to be — humble, funny and straightforward.
“Don’t call me the owner; I’m basically the head busboy. My wife, Carol, she’s the brains of the operation,” Russell said with a laugh. “We took a traditional NC oyster bar and up-scaled the heck out of it. It’s pretty cool.”
If you like oysters, you’re in luck! The restaurant typically has up to 10 varieties of oysters from up and down the East Coast that you can order char-grilled, steamed or raw. If oysters aren’t your thing, try a Po’ Boy, bacon-wrapped scallops, crab cakes, you name it — no skimpy menu here!
Daily food and drink specials are also available.
MC Modern Asian Cuisine
Best Asian Restaurant
MC Modern Asian Cuisine has been impressing locals and foodies since the restaurant first arrived on the scene in 2020 — picking up a Maggy Award for Best New Restaurant in 2021 and claiming the 2022 Maggy Win for Best Asian Restaurant.
Michael Chuong, MC Modern Asian Cuisine
When it comes to outdoor ambiance, this place really can’t be beat. Located at the historic Jones house, a 2,200-square-foot Queen Anne-style cottage built in 1896, the restaurant boasts a wrap-around porch and lawn seating for al fresco dining — perfect for warmer weather and a view of downtown Cary!
The restaurant’s food speaks for itself — chef and restaurateur Michael Chuong’s Asian-inspired menu, featuring fresh, local ingredients, has customers leaving rave reviews all over social media.
“The food was exquisite, the atmosphere was magical, and the service was excellent! Can’t wait to come back,” said Michelle Moor Krabill, one of many happy customers.
In addition to small plates and dinner/sushi menus, Chuong offers daily specials featuring new dishes every week.
- 2022 Maggy Awards: Shopping
- 2022 Maggy Awards: Services
- 2022 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle
- 2022 Maggy Awards: Restaurants
- Presenting the 2022 Maggy Awards: Best of Cary Magazine
- Local Soil Mates
- Things to Do: April 2022
- Restaurant Profile: Big Mike’s BBQ
- Worth the Drive: Zeera Indian Restaurant
- Houseplants: Your New Best Fronds
- Small Business Spotlight: The Wine Merchant
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Friends of Hemlock Bluffs
- Liquid Assets: Why is Sally So Dangerous?
- Liquid Assets: Cary Gold from Bond Brothers Beer Company
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- Garden Adventurer: The Little Tomatoes
