Totally agree although it has gone downhill the past 10 years - very curious to hear what you think is the best unreasonably-priced thai food in the area (because I’ve only ever really liked Thaiphoon)
That was the last Thai downtown.
Hopefully soon someone will take up one of these many openings and start a new one. If the food is good, there is definitely demand for it.
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Good phrasing, because I don’t have one. You’d think we could at least find one in Cary or North Raleigh, given how good the rest of the Asian food is out in the strip malls.
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While we’re on the topic of looking for recommendations - has anyone found anything that comes close to replacing Oakwood Cafe (Cuban/Argentinean) anywhere near downtown? That one hurt and I haven’t heard of any good substitutes anywhere close
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Still miss SawasDeeeee… 
…(hate that was taken out by some sketchy trafficking / extortion BS)
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I miss SoCa and BuKu. Since we’re on the topic. 
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Let’s throw Garland in there for good measure then…
Mmmm…Bo Saaam…
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Asian Garden in Cary, hands-down.
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New cocktail bar coming to the Village District, from the people behind SideBar in DT Cary and C Grace, in the former Which Wich spot this summer.
“Mr. Henry will boast a similar vibe to Bettinger’s SideBar, with a touch of “country core” as inspired by Ralph Lauren’s NYC The Polo Bar. A straightforward shotgun bar, the elevated interior will feature ample finished hardwood, brass details, mirrors, banquette seating and overall rich aesthetics—setting the stage for Bettinger’s signature high-caliber classic-cocktail focus.”
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Sounds like they are positioning themselves as a pregame or postgame spot for Charlie Goodnight’s.
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‘Turning VD into an 18 hour destination, differentiated from hot market competitors with a style inspired by Polo Bar…’
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Goodnights itself has a nice new bar - and a legit GOOD kitchen, their food is excellent for what you’d expect at a comedy club - compared to the ̶M̶o̶r̶r̶i̶s̶v̶i̶l̶l̶e̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶y̶ Raleigh Improv which has microwaved dumpster food for only the cost of a new-used Chevy Malibu.
I could see meeting at Goodnights for a show, getting a drink or two and a snack, then hopping over to this spot afterwards for a night cap.
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The Polo Bar is a wonderful spot. The trick is actually making it actually feel like it, because it’s very easy to cheap out here and there, miss the mark, and land on mid-tier suburban country club bar.
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Yep, agree…Sidebar toes the line well. Should be a nice addition…
I was more poking fun at the ‘typical’ Raleigh Mag vernacular…ah the sarcasm of ‘18 hour VD’. 
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Was this covered yet? Super Rad Retro Lounge (barcade) is going in the former Mojito Lounge space at 106 Glenwood. Not sure when it’s scheduled to open.
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OOOOO! What’s extra intriguing about this is that it appears this guy owns and maintains his own collection of pinball and arcade machines. Most barcades just lease them, especially pinball tables, and therefor just get whatever the warehouse has available for lease - so they might be cool/fun tables, or they might be generic, commonly found BS. Here’s hoping this guy’s collection includes some harder to find tables that other barcades around don’t have.
EDIT: upon checking out his instagram… WOW! His collection is truly remarkable, and is STACKED with legitimately vintage pinball tables and arcade cabinets, all restored by hand. This has potential to be a way more unique arcade experience than, say, Boxcar. His focus on vintage pinball reminds me of the Pinball Museum in Asheville, which is so fun.
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Kane Realty’s end of year report is out. While much of it is about North Hills and NHID their downtown projects are mentioned and talked as well. Smoky Hollow and West End. Check it out and of course it talks a good bit about their retail leasing successes. Also there is a 20 story apartment tower that will start this year in North Hills called the Strand.
https://www.flipsnack.com/kanerealtycorp/north-hills-202-4-year-end-202-5-outlook/full-view.html?fbclid=PAY2xjawIGRllleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABplMRCbD-J-RE_e95lTt6uW_AUFhPqvrV1aI-0QbBzF7HloI_VgnlL4Q8MA_aem_EBa0TvmUPN8HxYH7dyzXsw
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How’s that phase 3 40 story building going?
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Not going you know that. They withdrew the rezoning I thought. They are developing their last vacant lot in the Park District part of North Hills or North Hills east. 20 story Strand apartment tower.
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I know. I’m just annoyed that they bailed on it.
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