Restaurants along I-40 from 15-501 to Wade Avenue

Write jpeppler@duke.edu with additions, corrections, etc.

Exit # Intersects Restaurants

270 15-501 Business In New Hope Commons:
Barnes & Noble coffeehouse
Chesapeake Bagels
"New Hope Commons also boasts a Philly Steak Factory, which is worth going to if you are physically incapable of traveling any farther in order to procure nourishment.
Across from Home Depot:
Outback
Bob Evans "does a very decent breakfast."
About 1/2 a mile up 501 towards Durham is Darryl's, "about which the less said the better" and, in Oak Creek Plaza, Over the Border (mediocre Mexican), and a Subway (which is what it is).
In the opposite direction, towards Chapel Hill and just south of the exits, is La Hacienda, a Mexican restaurant that some like, though I don't think much of it. In its favor, the service is friendly, although that is balanced by the fact that they have karaoke some evenings.
Japanese place almost complete (tepeneyaki type)

273 54 Pizza Amante. (Been there once, had a great pizza.)
Hardees.
A chinese restaurant I can't remember the name of, mostly take-out, but good food.

274 751 If you take the highway 751/Jordan Lake exit and drive north on 751 (towards Durham) you will find the Woodcroft Shopping center in less than a mile. In Woodcroft shopping center there is a Burger King, a pub, and also:
Bandidos - great fresh Mexican with yummy margaritas and really good hot chips and fresh salsa. Gets very busy at prime times. Some outdoor seating in the warmer months. Another opinion: "Fairly mediocre overall, but I like their mole (the dark spicy sauce flavored with Mexican chocolate - served on enchiladas or chicken)"
Yamazushi one person said: "my friends seemed to like (I don't eat seafood)." Another said: "offers non-seafood (and non-raw) items as well. I wasn't that thrilled with their sushi when I went there." Someone else likes it a lot.
Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant: "It is very good - especially for a moderately priced place in a strip mall."
The 7th St. Pub
Cafe Momo (French) "bistro; I rate as excellent; lunch weekdays, dinner Tues-Sat"
89th (or other number) Street Grill "great shrimp poboy"
an Italian place (good lentil soup)
a Chinese takeout
Domino's

If you take 751 north for a couple of miles you will get to China Palace at the corner of 751 and Garrett Rd. Good all around chinese--FABULOUS sesame chicken, quite spicy unless you ask them for "not spicy"

276 Fayetteville Rd Fayetteville Road crosses NC 54 just north of I-40. Turn left on 54, and you'll immediately see two shopping centers: Homestead on your left, and Kroger on your right. (Kroger shopping center has a name, but nobody pays attention to it.) If you were to turn right instead of left, Waffle House (not the one from hell) is immediately on your right.
In Kroger Shopping Center:
Souper Salad (in the mall) cheap and very fresh but also noisy and crowded
The best Quiznos around. Fabio is the owner and he makes the best sandwhich--much better than any other Quiznos. And last year he got a 100 food grade twice in a row.
Orient Garden (opposite Kroger from Quiznos). Very good Chinese food, good variety; I've never been disappointed. Closed Monday nights. Atmosphere and table service. This is my favorite of all the area restaurants.
McDonalds
Rudino's Pizza and Grinders
Ruby Tuesday
If you are interested in take-away chinese food, try the East Coast Express chinese, literally inside the Kroger at Fayetteville. If you can read chinese you should ask to see the chinese menu. The salty shrimp is excellent. They are very friendly here (and will translate the chinese menu if you ask), although sometimes a bit rushed.
In Homestead Market, across the street from Kroger Shopping Center:
Wendy's
Pasta Bella
Subs n Such (locally owned, recommended)
Shiki Sushi (Japanese) "Shiki Sushi at Fayetteville ( on the side nearest to 40) does a nice selection of Hibachi lunches (~ $6-9 ) as well as good sushi."

278 55/54 China One--decent buffet. Excellent dim sum on weekends.
Doce - Italian place across from China one. "It's terrific. A bit more inventive than the same old, same old menu of most local lunch places: great sandwiches -- esp panini. Special salad bar, soups, and a few delicious entrees. (it's in a grey complex, the only retail establishment in that complex)."
El Dorado--fairly authentic Mexican food. Chicken Nachos are to die for
Bombay Grille--only so-so to me, but Indian lovers think it to be awesome
Ginger Inn--Much bigger buffet than China One, but not as good
Penny's Attack o'Delicious--deli-style sandwiches, but sit-down atmosphere. Slightly over-priced
Lewis Barbecue. (seems to be) Family owned, and they cook their pig on wood. Good people, good food.
Schlotzky's
Golden Corral
Taco Bell
Pizza Hut
Bojangle's
Arby's
Hardee's (turn right onto 54 and it's on the right after the railroad tracks)
Oh! Brian's
Brigg's at the Park

Fuji - excellent sushi. Right in that shopping center near the corner of 55/54 where Kinko's is.
"My favorite Chinese buffet remains Shor Szechuan which is located at 54/55 in the strange shopping center full of auto repair places. They're between a pool hall and limousine service. The buffet is very small compared to Ten Ten, but is hot (at lunch and dinner) and is quite spicy which I like."
Jamaica Jamaica in the shopping center across the street has good jamaican style food, with veggie options.
The Park Diner underwent new ownership about three years ago, and then went really downhill. I'd give it an "Enh" at best now with regretful memories of what it once was.
Sal's pizza near the intersection of 55/54 had good pizza, especially if you like the "white pizzas". I used to go there at least once a week when I was in the area. Their daily specials were pretty good and reasonably priced, something you don't always find in the Park. :) (Someone else opined: "better entrees than pizza."
Chick-Fil-A
Subway
The Waffle House from hell. (If you're eating late at night, drive east or west to avoid this place.)
At Greenwood Commons, down 55 at corner of Sedwick:
Sarah's Empanadas - food gets good reviews; "South American place serves meat and veggie pastries as their main entrees. Good food, their chicken soup is to die for. A bit pricey." One said "I couldn't stand the terrible service."
Tandoor - "Indian place. Good lunch buffet with meat and vegetarian options. Haven't had supper there.
Fortune Garden - Thai food. "Good selection of food. Their Kung Pao Chicken is quite good. Nice selection of oriental beers."
"Carneceria (taco stand inside butcher shop; great tortas; near Bombay Grille on 54), Briggs (Food Lion shopping center on 55), Park Bagel (next to Jamaica Jamaica), Park Bench (wraps; a personal lunch favorite)

279 Durham Freeway

280 Davis Drive

281 South Miami Blvd Trackside--Quick lunch fare. Real friendly hostess. Lots of comfort food.
Ping Pong Cafe--Not buffet, not great. But they give you a whole lot for not much
Tico's Pizza--Pizza and "salad" buffet. Not much to brag about; pizza looks fresh from Chef Boyardee. Another opinion: "A note about Tico's Pizza - now it's like two restaurants in one, with Pitas and Gyros on the right side and Pizza/Salad buffet on the left. Also, the "Chef Boyardee" comment may have been true in the past, but lately they have good variety, including a separate bar for Vegetarian pizzas. Try the spinach pizza if you like Mediterranean spinach pies."
Pita Express--Really good Middle Eastern fare. Fattoush is wonderful, though the proprietor does not speak English really well, so be patient.
Rudino's
Wendy's
"There are a few more places off South Miami, they could also be listed as being off 147 by taking the Alexander exit. All of these places are in the same shopping center at the corner of Miami and Alexander:"
Danny's Bar-B-Q - good food, lunch will cost about $10 which some consider pricey
Panda Bear - ok chinese, a lot of food for not a lot of money. 5.25 gets you most entrees and a drink; they have also added some new japanese selections, they are more expensive and I haven't tried them.
Selective Palate Buffet - I don't like it at all, but others at work rave about it. Southern cooking.
Milano's Pizza - $6 for pizza/salad buffet and a drink. Fair.
Cheers Deli - Average food and price.
Piper's - Good sandwiches, soups and salads
Jersey Mikes
Jumpin Java Cafe - haven't tried it. Sandwiches etc. I believe.
Daylight Donuts

282 Page Road The Sheraton Imperial has a very nice buffet for lunches with an awesome dessert table. It's a little pricey, but there is a wide variety of selections, well-made, and usually including some kind of seafood as well.

283 540 From the 540 exit, take 540 North to exit 4A, (70 East to Raleigh) and the Angus Barn is on the right after you go straight through the light at the exit. Approximately 5 minutes from the I-40 exit.

284 Airport Blvd India Palace II (a very good Indian buffet/restaurant behind the Amoco, on the other side of the outlet mall).
Food Court at the outlet mall
Grandstand--Sports Bar at the Outlet Mall
Sorrento's--High-end Italian at the outlet mall. Totally out of place there.
There's a Cuban place, Conga, just outside the Mall. It's very good, although service is a bit slow.
Quizno's
Waffle House
Texas Steakhouse--Horrible horrible place
Further down the boulevard is Baby Moon Cafe which I've heard mixed reviews of
Capital City Chop House-- on the other side of 40 -- Great service, excellent food. However, you *must* make reservations.

285 Aviation Pkwy The Village Deli is only open for lunch as far as I know but is pretty tasty, fast service, and has lunch box specials you can order very quickly! Seating is limited, but they have outside seating too for when it's nice out.

287 Harrison Avenue Shanghai Garden--Slightly above average, but they do not want you to linger
Manhattan Deli--Excellent Deli fare, best Philly steak sandwiches I've had since I lived in NJ
Newton's--Southwestern food. Good lunch specials. If you get nachos, don't even think about anything else; they're good and huge.
New York Pizza--Decent hot subs and pizza
Wendy's
MacDonald's
Chick-fil-a
Embassy Suites Hotel with a true hotel restaurant and cocktail lounge, basically behind the shopping center on Westin Parkway.

If you can stand going into Cary take a right onto Cary Parkway from the Harrison Ave. exit and drive about 6 miles or so (almost to High House Road) and turn right into the shopping center with Bruegger's, Caribou Coffee, ABC store and Noah's Ark Vet (sorry, can't remember the shopping center name!). There is a bar/bar food serving place called the Back Nine that serves up some mean burgers and is a great place for lunch (and it is smoker friendly, which some people like and some don't). In the same shopping center is La Farm Bakery which serves soups and sandwiches and looks heavenly, though the only thing I have gotten from there is a cookie. Next to La Farm is Jasper's, which is a casual beef, chicken, pasta, salad type place.

Chef John's Cafe - 969 N Harrison Ave (919) 462-0500
Located in Cary in the Northwoods Market, at the southwest corner of N. Harrison Ave. & Maynard Rd, about 1 mile from the I-40/Harrison exit.
G&M is right next door. Also that chinese takeout place is pretty good and there is a Michelangelos Pizza right there as well. You also pass an Arby's to get there.
As well, to get to the Back Nine Pub, you have to pass a Bear Rock Cafe, a Panerra Bread, Stonewood grill, and Chico's, an AmeriMex place.

THANKS! This data was supplied by members of triangle.dining who included: Fred Perry
Heather Russell
Bonnie Horne
Raquel Levow-Guerra
Kelly Garner
Jason Smith
Peter Aitken
Jonathan Hunsberger
John Broome
James Adams
Matt Royal
Randy Whitehead
David Schoonmaker
Lance A. Brown
Terry Grunwald
Debra Richardson

*Exit #*	*Intersects*	*Restaurants*
270	15-501 Business	In New Hope Commons: Barnes & Noble coffeehouse Chesapeake Bagels "New Hope Commons also boasts a Philly Steak Factory, which is worth going to if you are physically incapable of traveling any farther in order to procure nourishment. Across from Home Depot: Outback Bob Evans "does a very decent breakfast." About 1/2 a mile up 501 towards Durham is Darryl's, "about which the less said the better" and, in Oak Creek Plaza, Over the Border (mediocre Mexican), and a Subway (which is what it is). In the opposite direction, towards Chapel Hill and just south of the exits, is La Hacienda, a Mexican restaurant that some like, though I don't think much of it. In its favor, the service is friendly, although that is balanced by the fact that they have karaoke some evenings. Japanese place almost complete (tepeneyaki type)
273	54	Pizza Amante. (Been there once, had a great pizza.) Hardees. A chinese restaurant I can't remember the name of, mostly take-out, but good food.
274	751	If you take the highway 751/Jordan Lake exit and drive north on 751 (towards Durham) you will find the Woodcroft Shopping center in less than a mile. In Woodcroft shopping center there is a Burger King, a pub, and also: Bandidos - great fresh Mexican with yummy margaritas and really good hot chips and fresh salsa. Gets very busy at prime times. Some outdoor seating in the warmer months. Another opinion: "Fairly mediocre overall, but I like their mole (the dark spicy sauce flavored with Mexican chocolate - served on enchiladas or chicken)" Yamazushi one person said: "my friends seemed to like (I don't eat seafood)." Another said: "offers non-seafood (and non-raw) items as well. I wasn't that thrilled with their sushi when I went there." Someone else likes it a lot. Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant: "It is very good - especially for a moderately priced place in a strip mall." The 7th St. Pub Cafe Momo (French) "bistro; I rate as excellent; lunch weekdays, dinner Tues-Sat" 89th (or other number) Street Grill "great shrimp poboy" an Italian place (good lentil soup) a Chinese takeout Domino's If you take 751 north for a couple of miles you will get to China Palace at the corner of 751 and Garrett Rd. Good all around chinese--FABULOUS sesame chicken, quite spicy unless you ask them for "not spicy"
276	Fayetteville Rd	Fayetteville Road crosses NC 54 just north of I-40. Turn left on 54, and you'll immediately see two shopping centers: Homestead on your left, and Kroger on your right. (Kroger shopping center has a name, but nobody pays attention to it.) If you were to turn right instead of left, Waffle House (not the one from hell) is immediately on your right. In Kroger Shopping Center: Souper Salad (in the mall) cheap and very fresh but also noisy and crowded The best Quiznos around. Fabio is the owner and he makes the best sandwhich--much better than any other Quiznos. And last year he got a 100 food grade twice in a row. Orient Garden (opposite Kroger from Quiznos). Very good Chinese food, good variety; I've never been disappointed. Closed Monday nights. Atmosphere and table service. This is my favorite of all the area restaurants. McDonalds Rudino's Pizza and Grinders Ruby Tuesday If you are interested in take-away chinese food, try the East Coast Express chinese, literally inside the Kroger at Fayetteville. If you can read chinese you should ask to see the chinese menu. The salty shrimp is excellent. They are very friendly here (and will translate the chinese menu if you ask), although sometimes a bit rushed. In Homestead Market, across the street from Kroger Shopping Center: Wendy's Pasta Bella Subs n Such (locally owned, recommended) Shiki Sushi (Japanese) "Shiki Sushi at Fayetteville ( on the side nearest to 40) does a nice selection of Hibachi lunches (~ $6-9 ) as well as good sushi."
278	55/54	China One--decent buffet. Excellent dim sum on weekends. Doce - Italian place across from China one. "It's terrific. A bit more inventive than the same old, same old menu of most local lunch places: great sandwiches -- esp panini. Special salad bar, soups, and a few delicious entrees. (it's in a grey complex, the only retail establishment in that complex)." El Dorado--fairly authentic Mexican food. Chicken Nachos are to die for Bombay Grille--only so-so to me, but Indian lovers think it to be awesome Ginger Inn--Much bigger buffet than China One, but not as good Penny's Attack o'Delicious--deli-style sandwiches, but sit-down atmosphere. Slightly over-priced Lewis Barbecue. (seems to be) Family owned, and they cook their pig on wood. Good people, good food. Schlotzky's Golden Corral Taco Bell Pizza Hut Bojangle's Arby's Hardee's (turn right onto 54 and it's on the right after the railroad tracks) Oh! Brian's Brigg's at the Park Fuji - excellent sushi. Right in that shopping center near the corner of 55/54 where Kinko's is. "My favorite Chinese buffet remains Shor Szechuan which is located at 54/55 in the strange shopping center full of auto repair places. They're between a pool hall and limousine service. The buffet is very small compared to Ten Ten, but is hot (at lunch and dinner) and is quite spicy which I like." Jamaica Jamaica in the shopping center across the street has good jamaican style food, with veggie options. The Park Diner underwent new ownership about three years ago, and then went really downhill. I'd give it an "Enh" at best now with regretful memories of what it once was. Sal's pizza near the intersection of 55/54 had good pizza, especially if you like the "white pizzas". I used to go there at least once a week when I was in the area. Their daily specials were pretty good and reasonably priced, something you don't always find in the Park. :) (Someone else opined: "better entrees than pizza." Chick-Fil-A Subway The Waffle House from hell. (If you're eating late at night, drive east or west to avoid this place.) At Greenwood Commons, down 55 at corner of Sedwick: Sarah's Empanadas - food gets good reviews; "South American place serves meat and veggie pastries as their main entrees. Good food, their chicken soup is to die for. A bit pricey." One said "I couldn't stand the terrible service." Tandoor - "Indian place. Good lunch buffet with meat and vegetarian options. Haven't had supper there. Fortune Garden - Thai food. "Good selection of food. Their Kung Pao Chicken is quite good. Nice selection of oriental beers." "Carneceria (taco stand inside butcher shop; great tortas; near Bombay Grille on 54), Briggs (Food Lion shopping center on 55), Park Bagel (next to Jamaica Jamaica), Park Bench (wraps; a personal lunch favorite)
279	Durham Freeway
280	Davis Drive
281	South Miami Blvd	Trackside--Quick lunch fare. Real friendly hostess. Lots of comfort food. Ping Pong Cafe--Not buffet, not great. But they give you a whole lot for not much Tico's Pizza--Pizza and "salad" buffet. Not much to brag about; pizza looks fresh from Chef Boyardee. Another opinion: "A note about Tico's Pizza - now it's like two restaurants in one, with Pitas and Gyros on the right side and Pizza/Salad buffet on the left. Also, the "Chef Boyardee" comment may have been true in the past, but lately they have good variety, including a separate bar for Vegetarian pizzas. Try the spinach pizza if you like Mediterranean spinach pies." Pita Express--Really good Middle Eastern fare. Fattoush is wonderful, though the proprietor does not speak English really well, so be patient. Rudino's Wendy's "There are a few more places off South Miami, they could also be listed as being off 147 by taking the Alexander exit. All of these places are in the same shopping center at the corner of Miami and Alexander:" Danny's Bar-B-Q - good food, lunch will cost about $10 which some consider pricey Panda Bear - ok chinese, a lot of food for not a lot of money. 5.25 gets you most entrees and a drink; they have also added some new japanese selections, they are more expensive and I haven't tried them. Selective Palate Buffet - I don't like it at all, but others at work rave about it. Southern cooking. Milano's Pizza - $6 for pizza/salad buffet and a drink. Fair. Cheers Deli - Average food and price. Piper's - Good sandwiches, soups and salads Jersey Mikes Jumpin Java Cafe - haven't tried it. Sandwiches etc. I believe. Daylight Donuts
282	Page Road	The Sheraton Imperial has a very nice buffet for lunches with an awesome dessert table. It's a little pricey, but there is a wide variety of selections, well-made, and usually including some kind of seafood as well.
283	540	From the 540 exit, take 540 North to exit 4A, (70 East to Raleigh) and the Angus Barn is on the right after you go straight through the light at the exit. Approximately 5 minutes from the I-40 exit.
284	Airport Blvd	India Palace II (a very good Indian buffet/restaurant behind the Amoco, on the other side of the outlet mall). Food Court at the outlet mall Grandstand--Sports Bar at the Outlet Mall Sorrento's--High-end Italian at the outlet mall. Totally out of place there. There's a Cuban place, Conga, just outside the Mall. It's very good, although service is a bit slow. Quizno's Waffle House Texas Steakhouse--Horrible horrible place Further down the boulevard is Baby Moon Cafe which I've heard mixed reviews of Capital City Chop House-- on the other side of 40 -- Great service, excellent food. However, you must make reservations.
285	Aviation Pkwy	The Village Deli is only open for lunch as far as I know but is pretty tasty, fast service, and has lunch box specials you can order very quickly! Seating is limited, but they have outside seating too for when it's nice out.
287	Harrison Avenue	Shanghai Garden--Slightly above average, but they do not want you to linger Manhattan Deli--Excellent Deli fare, best Philly steak sandwiches I've had since I lived in NJ Newton's--Southwestern food. Good lunch specials. If you get nachos, don't even think about anything else; they're good and huge. New York Pizza--Decent hot subs and pizza Wendy's MacDonald's Chick-fil-a Embassy Suites Hotel with a true hotel restaurant and cocktail lounge, basically behind the shopping center on Westin Parkway. If you can stand going into Cary take a right onto Cary Parkway from the Harrison Ave. exit and drive about 6 miles or so (almost to High House Road) and turn right into the shopping center with Bruegger's, Caribou Coffee, ABC store and Noah's Ark Vet (sorry, can't remember the shopping center name!). There is a bar/bar food serving place called the Back Nine that serves up some mean burgers and is a great place for lunch (and it is smoker friendly, which some people like and some don't). In the same shopping center is La Farm Bakery which serves soups and sandwiches and looks heavenly, though the only thing I have gotten from there is a cookie. Next to La Farm is Jasper's, which is a casual beef, chicken, pasta, salad type place. Chef John's Cafe - 969 N Harrison Ave (919) 462-0500 Located in Cary in the Northwoods Market, at the southwest corner of N. Harrison Ave. & Maynard Rd, about 1 mile from the I-40/Harrison exit. G&M is right next door. Also that chinese takeout place is pretty good and there is a Michelangelos Pizza right there as well. You also pass an Arby's to get there. As well, to get to the Back Nine Pub, you have to pass a Bear Rock Cafe, a Panerra Bread, Stonewood grill, and Chico's, an AmeriMex place.
THANKS!		This data was supplied by members of triangle.dining who included: Fred Perry Heather Russell Bonnie Horne Raquel Levow-Guerra Kelly Garner Jason Smith Peter Aitken Jonathan Hunsberger John Broome James Adams Matt Royal Randy Whitehead David Schoonmaker Lance A. Brown Terry Grunwald Debra Richardson