ICYMI: September 2021 - eating local, gluten-free restaurants + a ghost kitchen

Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 2.04.34 PM

Downtown Raleigh | Photo by Eric Alter via @ericalterphotography

Table of Contents

Before we begin October, we wanted to look back at all of the best content from the past month. Pro tip: Bookmark this list for solid icebreaker topics in case you’re assigned a passing-out-candy shift at a Halloween party with a stranger.

🏆 Top stories:

Raleigh’s fall bucket list

It’s finally fall — and to help you take full advantage of the festive season, we compiled our Raleigh fall bucket list, complete with 20+ events and activities we are just falling for, including the NC State Fair and visiting Page Farm. 🍂

We asked readers what they are looking forward to most this fall — 70% of readers voted “not sweating profusely.”

How many chain restaurants are in Raleigh?

We took a look at the Restaurant Chaniness Map (made by a lab in Georgia Tech’s Center for Spatial Analysis and Visualization) to see how many restaurants in Raleigh were considered chains.

We asked readers if they want to see more independent restaurants in Raleigh — 98.1% said “yes, I love supporting local.”

Answered: Gluten-free restaurants in Raleigh, NC

When it comes to food, Raleigh is the name of the game — and folks with diet restrictions aren’t left on the bench. We asked our audience in a previous newsletter + on Instagram to share their local gluten-free recommendations.

Best Overall Restaurants came in the top spot with 456 clicks. We can’t blame y’all for loving to eat local.

Day and Night opening came second with 356 clicks. The exotic cereal bar will open Tues., Oct. 5.

🏆 Top Instagram comments:

On ‘RDU ghost kitchen’

“I will try on Thursday” — @raleigh_engineer

On ‘POV: It’s morning in Raleigh’

“@benchwarmersbagels at the Transfer Food Hall!” — @annarose_95

More from RALtoday
Your personal library is about to get an upgrade. Read up on the independent bookstores of Raleigh.
Keep an eye on this article for all updates about the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2026 postseason and the Stanley Cup playoffs.
This new-construction home is filled with modern details and is steps away from 5,000 acres of protected forest.
Sponsored
A 4,000-unit residential living community called Asteria is Disney’s first Storyliving by Disney location on the East Coast.
In honor of National Poetry Month and Raleigh’s first poet laureate position, we’re inviting you to channel your inner Shakespeare, Dickinson, or Keats.
Dive deep into the record bins at these Raleigh music hubs.
Don’t already have a coffee in hand? You will after reading this.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Who doesn’t love shopping local? Pack the perfect picnic using only local items.