SmokeStacks Cafe

This place is a hidden gem. The staff are extremely friendly. The portions are huge and the food is just great. If you get a chance try this place.
Mar 18th, 2024

SO GOOD! Subbed a chicken thigh for burger on burger special Thursday, was immaculate. Fries are phenomenal. Service and atmosphere are great.
Mar 8th, 2024

Best food I've had in Raleigh I always feel like my bill should be more when I go because they are putting out culinary masterpieces for pennies on the dollar and it's such a low key spot I go multiple times a week some weeks because they change the menu daily who else is doing this in the triangle if I could give it more then 5 stars I would
Mar 7th, 2024

Mar 4th, 2024

Holy smokes! This place is delicious. Tucked away in a neighborhood with no fanfare, you might walk right by smokestacks. Unless, however, you are prone to venture into unknown cafs. So glad we did! We arrived pretty early on a Saturday evening around 530 before things started to get busy. Immediately someone whom I believe is the owner set about turning on the game at our request and joking around. Other diners joined in, and it felt like we were amongst friends. We eased into our meal with a couple of great cocktails, and of course, a basket of pork skins. Skins were delicious crispy and not overly greasy. Cooked perfectly. For apps we enjoyed collard wraps. Collardswas on the menu that day. Interestingly, the menu changes every single day. I was eyeing all the entrees around me before we settled on the shrimp and grits and short rib dishes. The short rib literally fell off the bone, no knife needed. The shrimp ( + a few scallops!)and grits did not disappoint either with the cheesiest and creamiest grits Ive ever had. Entrees were well portioned and very satisfying. Flavor combinations were on point! My only regret is that I did not order the chocolate cake immediately. By the time we finished our main entres, the restaurant had started to feel, and the cake was gone. Tip: if you see a great cake on the counter, go ahead and order! We satisfied our sweet tooth with delicious homemade cookies. We lingered a couple of hours, enjoying all of our dishes, cocktails, and a couple glasses of wine. As we neared dinner time, the place was definitely filling. I did notice that several families arrived with small kids, so be prepared for that if you are looking for a quiet, intimate place. This is a neighborhood caf, and the clientele reflect that. I cannot wait to return to smokestacks!
Feb 24th, 2024