It might be cheesy, but we think Raleigh has some great macaroni and cheese. Here’s some of the mac dishes we love in the City of Oaks, both traditional and a bit out of the ordinary.
Food trucks and fast casual
Hot Chix, location varies | This fried chicken food truck is all over local events. Add bacon, chicken with buffalo, a variety of sauces, or add mac and cheese to your tater tots and add sauce.
Iyla’s Southern Chicken, Morgan St. Food Hall, 411 W. Morgan St. | Try a stacked-high chicken sandwich with a side of gooey mac. Keep an eye out for mac and cheese specials at this spot — they had chorizo, brisket, or shrimp in celebration of National Mac and Cheese Day.
The Mac House, 14460 New Falls of Neuse Rd., Ste. 167 | This specialty mac and cheese restaurant has vegan options, Mediterranean twists, and jerk chicken.
Barbecue spots
Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque, 327 S. Wilmington St. | While you’re checking out this historic barbecue eatery, try their macaroni made with smoked cheddar to add a little kick.
Longleaf Swine, 300 E. Edenton St. | Go whole hog here and try some mac with an southern twist — pimento cheese. Get this as a side to go with a brisket melt or a vegetarian collard green melt.
Sam Jones BBQ, 502 W. Lenoir St. | Get a side of classic, thick mac with a crust of melted cheese on top with your traditional NC-style barbecue.
Sit down restaurants and finer dining
Humble Pie, 317 S. Harrington St. | This restaurant uses only local ingredients and serves dishes made to share. Humble Pie’s mac and cheese with parmesan is a sharp twist on a familiar classic.
ORO, 18 E. Martin St. | ORO has a grown-up take on mac and cheese with the delicate flavor of truffles. Pair this dish with the Smoked Chicken Croquettes made with black truffle oil if you just can’t get enough.
Parkside, 301 W. Martin St. | This macaroni is a classic dish done just right. Our recommendation? Order with a prime rib burger or steak frites.
If you prefer your mac homemade, we’ve got you covered — try making Ashley Christensen’s pimento mac and cheese custard from scratch at the link below.
