My second time in here was as good as my first. Once again we came for Sunday lunch/brunch. They open at 11 and we arrived at 1140 and it was a 30 wait for a table for 2. No problem. The weather was nice so we ordered drinks and waited outside for a table to open up. Once again, they make a great Old Fashioned here. More boozy than sweet, delicious. KT got a star fruit martini built with a house made purée that was also delicious. For food we ordered the roasted pepper Caesar salad, the pork ribs, and the crispy chicken sandwich. Through some magic every centimeter of romaine lettuce was lightly coated with dressing, as if they painted the dressing on each individual leaf of lettuce so the result was every bite, every nibble, had consistent flavor and was not dry soggy or over/under dressed. The ribs were once again amazing, just as good as the first time we had them. Finally the crispy chicken sandwich was decadent. I generally prefer boneless chicken thighs on fried chicken sandwich because they don’t dry out as easily and are easier to season through than breast meat but that wasn’t a problem. This thick chicken breast was well brined, juicy and seasoned to the center. Color and temperature were perfect. Skin was crispy and I don’t know what all was on this one, queso, house pickled jalapeños, probably a couple other things and served with a giant plate of house cut fries, double fried style well salted and sprinkled with parm… Mmmmmmm Raleigh Magazine just had their best restaurants issue, I’ve been to most of the restaurants on that list and SmokeStacks Cafe is on par with any of the restaurants on that list. Frankly it’s head and shoulders better than several of them. My original review is below: I tend to be generous with my reviews. I’m not likely to go to a restaurant that does not have 4 stars or higher so if a restaurant is good enough that I’m likely to go back to it, I’m going to give it a 4 or 5 star review if I review it. Once in awhile I go to a restaurant that is clearly better than my usual 5 star restaurant and I wish I could give an extra star. SmokeStacks Cafe is one of those places. This place is not much to look at from the outside or the inside if I’m being honest. It’s clean and kinda homey in an old building. Our server was nice but either too busy or just not super attentive but they got us everything we needed, eventually. That said, the food I had here my first time in was amazing. I loved every bite. More than that, I looked around the room at what other people were eating and I was jealous of everyone in the room. I want to eat the menu. I had the smoked old fashioned. It was generously boozy and tasty. Exactly how I’d make mine at home. The tomato and cucumber salad was delicious and a perfect summer salad as NC tomatoes are starting ripen. The baby cauliflower plate was boldly seasoned with a strong garlic flavor that somehow managed not to overwhelm the dish. Finally, the pork spareribs were sublime. With a texture/chew that is closer to Chinese spareribs than Southern style spareribs and salty/juicy/sweet. Currently my favorite ribs I’ve had in NC. I can’t wait to get back and try more stuff here.

A wonderful discovery just a few blocks from downtown in the lovely Oakwood area. The service was stellar and the food was delicious with perfect presentation. Good selection of micro brews and wine. The menu changes often and carries both comfort and gourmet dishes priced fairly. Seating inside is limited but more seating is available outside. I will definitely be back here soon.

Sorry for the poor food pic, was too hungry to remember! Had the potatoes bravas (?) which was delicious. Limited menu based on availability of the day, local well made establishment but with that takes some wait. Fantastic place to sit, talk, and eat with friends for a casual brunch. The coffee is delicious but alternate milks sometimes run out! (So just a heads up).

Always walked by this place but never went in. We decided to give it a shot. Went here on a Wednesday night. They have a daily rotating menu, with all types of food. I got the duck confit and she got a crispy spicy chicken sandwich. Both were very delicious. They also have a cool cocktail menu and a large selection of beers. The service is also very good and super nice folks. I gave it a 4 because the food wasn’t the best, but I still enjoyed. Good spot, I’d go back.

Been here twice now and it’s a great local spot with total comfort food. The menu changes daily (no idea how they do that). Destiny is an awesome waitress if you get her. Can’t wait to try the place for brunch. Go here!

Everything we've had on their menu has been great. On a previous visit, I enjoyed one of the best shrimp and grits ever. Nice wine and beer selection and the frosé is perfect for a hot summer night. On this visit, we arrived late and they were out of the sea bass for a particular dish, so the chef made up a delicious new one for us with duck instead. One of our favorite locally owned restaurants near downtown.

What a great gem off the beaten path! The food is priced so fairly for what you get, but quality that rivals most places in Raleigh. We went all out and split several dishes between us all - was a great way to try multiple items. Ours faves - anything with smoked duck... seriously. The ribs and wings were both also delicious! We will be back!

The best decision you can make for yourself is to spend your Sunday brunch at Smokestacks Cafe in Raleigh NC. It was all day brunch when we went in Jan 2023. I enjoyed $3 mimosas with the option of $18 for a bottle. My partner and I shared their deviled eggs (had cajun seasoning and topped with a pork rind — so good). My partner enjoyed their Bacon, egg, cheeseburger and has deemed it the best burger he’s ever had. I took a few bites of it and you could barely tell you were eating a burger, it was so melt in your mouth. I ordered AND thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast hash — crispy sweet potato bites, layered with pulled pork and andouille sausage (i think, don’t quote me on that), and topped with eggs (it comes poached but I asked for fried eggs). 10/10

Treated to brunch after church and tried a place we've driven by but never had the chance to try. Staff was so friendly and hard working, and the food was amazing. A true gem...can't wait to come back with friends! Deviled eggs were yum! And I'm so glad I tried the lavender gin and tonic!!

Super cute, tucked away in a lovely neighborhood. Friendly service, and they even had some drink specials on a Saturday night! We had the house made pork rinds (excellent! So crunchy and light), the Boneyard (which came with a beer!) and the warm broccoli salad. Everything was tasty, we will definitely be returning.

A hole-in-the-wall that serves a revolving menu with amazing food options. We tried the brunch burger and the honey mustard chicken sandwich, both of which were great! Needless to say, I was impressed by the food quality and portions! Will definitely be coming back to explore their unique menu.

My husband and I are total foodies who just moved to Raleigh NC from Las Vegas NV, so we know good food. The SmokeStacks Cafe is a fun and funky little place with delicious food. We had the goat cheese espandad, ranch cheese puffs, and the bone sucking ribs (our description on the bone sucking part). We were in the area checking out the Halloween decorations in the Historic Oakwood Neighborhood and found this precious little find by accident. So glad we did! We are looking forward to going back to work our way down the menu. The SmokeStacks Cafe was such a delightful surprise in so many ways. Worth the trip to this little gem!

Quaint find in Raleigh with a nice outdoor seating area. Service was very knowledgeable and friendly. Tried several appetizers which had mixed reviews. For entrees, the chili and the ribs were huge hits. The ribs are St. Louis style, not baby backs so be prepared they are on the chewy side but delicious. I am looking forward to trying the wings next visit.

Wonderful find while visiting Raleigh for a day! There was a bit of a wait on a Sunday around lunchtime but it was well worth the wait. We enjoyed our mimosas while we waited for our table. It was a cold but sunny January day so we opted for outdoor sitting. Service was nice and the food was simply amazing!! I got the smoked salmon frittata and my hubby got the smokestacks hash. We enjoyed every bit of it and felt that the serving size was generous. Too bad we don’t live in the area to be able to try the other dishes because they all looked really good.

Dropped by this cute little place after a Plant Walk in Oakwood Cemetery. The food was just right, warm, tasty, and filling in a bright cold afternoon. We'll be back!

I normally share a picture of the menu.. however their menu changes daily. The good news is the menu on their easy to read website is always there for you. They have both inside and outside seating (see pics). They don't take reservations but we were seated immediately (about 1/3 full on a Thursday at 6:30pm). The service was super attentive, we never felt rushed and everything we needed was provided. The building was constructed in 1908 (i think) and has been many things through the years.. it has been SmokeStacks for 4 years and they are doing great. It is located in one of the nicest old town neighborhoods in Raleigh and from the outside it holds true to the patina of its heritage. We had ribs, grouper sliders, duck crostini, and a smash burger. Full bar with lots of fun cocktails, wine and beer available. 13/10 for sure and will be back.

Definitely one of the best restaurants in Raleigh. I was blown away by this place the first time I ate here and have never been disappointed with all my dining experiences since. The menu offerings are pure genius. Hands down the best shrimp and grits, escargot, and wings in town. Their food is elevated without any pretentious. Most importantly-it's delicious food! Great, friendly service and a comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel welcomed. The pictures I posted are from my latest excursion to this gem of a joint-S'mores Ice Cream Sandwich, French Country Duck Stew, and Pan Seared Ahi Tuna.