Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/109301
Best Dining With the Kids Along Red Robin 502 Cross Creek Mall, Fayetteville 910.864.4550 www.redrobin.com There may be no kid-friendlier menu than the all-time American classic of hamburgers. Throw in a few arcade games while you wait for a table and grab a free balloon as you leave and your kids will be in hog heaven. Red Robin also has a friendly and polite waitstaff and a fun engaging atmosphere. A meal there will undoubtedly end in a happy satisfied kid, and by extension a happy parent. When looking for the perfect place for a family dinner, Red Robin is without a doubt the place to go. Everyone will leave happy, especially your children. Best Fine Dining Morgan���s Chop House 201 South McPherson Church Rd., Fayetteville 910.867.8447 www.morganschphouse.com Whether it���s for an extra special occasion or just because it���s nice, Morgan���s Chop House is the place to go for the best fine dining. From the cocktails, to the atmosphere, to the food, this restaurant oozes of sophistication. Their cocktails are all unique and beautiful creations designed specifically to please in their sleek, urban atmosphere. Their menu features truly delicious and amazing gourmet cuisine that is often surprising and different, but never disappointing. Together all of these factors blend to make a beautiful experience. It is different from any other restaurant in the city and perfect for fine dining. Best New Restaurant, Best Pizza (Eat-In) Mellow Mushroom 301 N. McPherson Church Rd., Fayetteville 910.779-2442 www.mellowmushroom.com From Phoenix, Ariz., to Fayetteville, N.C., and all points in-between, dozens of Mellow Mushroom restaurants are popping up as it continues its growth and journey to becoming an American-pizza institutional icon. New on the scene here in Fayetteville and located in the middle of ���restaurant row��� the Mellow Mushroom has become a highly successful franchised pizza restaurant. However, unlike most franchised operations, cookie cutter buildings or consistent design motifs are not their preference. Each restaurant is designed according to the wishes of the owner. Every location is unique and different and each location, including Fayetteville, provides great pizza, cold beer and fast service in a location that is fun and eccentric. Mellow Mushroom is committed to quality and freshness. They do allow carry out, but with such a great atmosphere there���s no better place to enjoy one of their fantastic pies. Most Romantic Restaurant Pierro���s Italian Bistro 217 Hay St., Fayetteville 910.678.8885 www.pierrositalianbistro.com This family-owned Italian Bistro is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Fayetteville, but also has locations in North Fayetteville on Ramsey Street and a recently opened pizzeria on Person Street. Regardless of which restaurant you choose, it will be like a little slice of Italy. The downtown location seems the most popular. The exposed brick walls and vintage wood provide an ambiance that perfectly complement their expertly prepared foods. Michael and Danny and the talented, friendly staff pay attention to every little detail, which guarantees a satisfying experience for customers. They have an impressive wine selection for patrons to enjoy and the Sky Lounge gives the feeling of a little bit of Vegas right here in Fayetteville. Whether customers are looking for a romantic dinner, a slice of pizza or just a fun place to have a drink, Pierro���s is the perfect place to be. WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Best Overall Restaurant, Best Wine List/Best Italian Restaurant Luigi���s 528 N. McPherson Church Rd., Fayetteville 910.864.1810 www.luigisnc.com Luigi���s is no stranger to the Best of Fayetteville reader���s poll. The family-owned restaurant has placed on the list every year since the inception of the contest. Located on McPherson Church Road, the restaurant is known for its stellar food and its outstanding waitstaff. Throw in a wine list that is without equal in the city, and it���s pretty easy to see why it is named the Best Overall Restaurant. Luigi���s is the total package: intimate dining, excellent, fresh Italian food and the best wine in the area. The latter two are why they got the nod for Best Wine List and Best Italian Restaurant. If you haven���t visited Luigi���s put it on your to-do list. Once you visit, you���ll keep going back! Best Martini Circa 1800 108 Person St., Fayetteville 910.568.4725 www.facebook.com/circa1800 Providing a healthy mix of history and food, this restaurant is truly a gem in downtown Fayetteville. The atmosphere eclectic, but comfortable. A great place for an after-hours cocktail and an even better place for a martini. Owner Kirk de Viere has captured the spirit and quaintness of historic downtown. Circa 1800 is the perfect place for a first date or night out with friends when you are trying to impress. Quiet sophistication, pleasant atmosphere and a well-stocked bar complement the elegantly crafted cuisine. This allows for guests to enjoy a drink with friends without the social pressures of overwhelming elegance. In addition to great martinis Circa specializes in margaritas. Especially on Mondays! Great food, atmosphere, sidewalk dining, a superb wine list all in the heart of historic downtown Fayetteville. It doesn���t get better. Best Breakfast IHOP Several locations 910.764.1721 or 910.323.8880 www.ihop.com Whether recovering from a great night out or a day or preparing for a long day of hard at work, breakfast sets the tone for the day. Thankfully, IHOP provides the perfect place to get a breakfast of champions. They have something for everyone, even the most picky breakfast eater. They can even give you dinner for breakfast, if that���s what you need. The great waitstaff will also help your day start in a great way by providing great service. Best Sunday Brunch Hilltop House 1240 Fort Bragg Rd., Fayetteville 910.484.6699 www.hilltophousenc.com Hilltop House Restaurant is located in an elegant 1900s house in Historic Haymount. This fine-dining restaurant is replete with history, natural beauty and elegance. Tastefully decorated rooms provide guests with a classic and timeless dining experience. Owners Ed and Sandra Shearin and Beth Smith make sure the atmosphere, cuisine and wine selection are in keeping with the classic elegance of the building. Hilltop House is a popular destination for celebrating special occasions and hosting social or business events. Hilltop catering is legendary. But it is the weekly Sunday Brunch that steals the show. Each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Hilltop House prepares a magnificent buffet-style brunch with such variety, elegance and flare that it sets the standard. During brunch, the staff puts its best foot forward to showcase their recipes, artistry and food-preparation skills and talents. Visit the Hilltop House anytime, but, on Sunday, you better come hungry. SEPTEMBER 12-18, 2012 BEST OF FAYETTEVILLE 19