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Foodie alert: 3 new restaurants officially open at RDU

Did someone say melt-in-your-mouth short ribs and local craft bevs? Raise a glass and celebrate with us three new locally-rooted dining concepts that have officially landed at Raleigh-Durham International Airport — and see what else is coming soon.

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rotating gif of photos showing crawford's genuine, black and white coffee roasters, and carolina craft at raleigh durham international airport

Whether flying in or flying out, these craft food + drink options make eating and drinking locally possible even when traveling.

Photos by Daniel Carr

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We’ve been chatting it up about the restaurants, bars + eateries coming soon to Raleigh-Durham International Airport — and now we’re back to raise a glass and celebrate the official opening of some of the most-anticipated food and drink concepts.

Raleigh, meet Crawford’s Genuine, Carolina Craft, and Black & White Coffee Roasters.

Crawford’s Genuine

Terminal 2, Gate C1

The master brings his talent to RDU. Each dish at Crawford’s Genuine is curated by five-time James Beard-nominated chef Scott Crawford and brings with it a vibrant offering of American cuisine featuring bold North Carolina flavors + fresh ingredients that reflect our region.

  • What we’re eating: Braised Beef Short Ribs (psst: it’s melt in your mouth good)
  • What we’re drinking: The Nina Simone — and any of the local beers for the perfect short ribs pairing.
a black plate with short ribs, potatoes, and carrots

In addition to mouthwatering short ribs, the Crawford’s Genuine menu includes a classic hamburger, fried chicken sandwich, grilled pork chop, Brunsick stew + more.

Photo by Daniel Carr

Carolina Craft

Terminal 2, Gate C12

Experience Carolina Craft’s open-air bar — and a wide selection of unique local breweries, distilleries + craft bev purveyors. In addition to celebrating North Carolina spirits, you can up your dining game with oak charcuterie boards, crafted to perfection and available as build-your-own or curated combinations.

  • What we’re eating: The Carolina Class Act charcuterie board (because it’s true to its name).
  • What we’re drinking: More like, what are we not drinking? But the Dark & Stormy and Bond Brothers - No Turbulence - Hazy Session IPA (an RDU exclusive) currently tops our list.

Black & White Coffee Roasters

Terminal 2, Gate C1/Marketplace

Need a coffee and a quick bite before jetting off? Born in the Research Triangle, Black & White Coffee Roasters is now serving its trophy-winning espressos, cappuccinos, and americanos at RDU. Bonus: The local eats are pretty darn good, too.

  • What we’re eating: The farm-to-table breakfast items, including house-made biscuits + avocado toast — plus Union Special’s pastries.
  • What we’re drinking: ICYMI, we visited Black & White Coffee Roasters when they opened this summer. See our drink recommendations.

Pro tip: Be on the lookout for several more restaurants opening soon at RDU.

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