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    Manhattan Cafe

    4.3 (178 reviews)
    InexpensiveDelis, Salad, Sandwiches
    Closed Closed

    Manhattan Cafe Photos

    MANHATTAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Manhattan Cafe

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    Turkey Cubanans & Fries
    Brian V.

    Great lunch spot in Raleigh! My coworker, Ezra, picked it out and we both enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Great variety on the menu between paninis, salads, soup, etc. Quite often you can learn a lot about business when things don't go as planned. A customer spilled their drink my coworker and I both jumped up to help clean up and notify the team working behind the counter. When I told him he smiled and said "no problem". I'll take care of it" and grabbed the mop immediately. I'm a big fan of Manhattan cafe.

    Potato salad
    Amber C.

    I tried this place for lunch. I ordered online to go. Service was really fast. By the time I walked over from by the courthouse my food was ready and waiting. The place was busy because it was lunchtime so I didn't interact with the staff. I has the chicken calabrese and it was good. The chicken didn't taste like it was seasoned but the sauce they gave on the side helped a lot. I also tried the potato salad and that was great! I can't wait to go back and try more things!

    Where's the chicken?

    Not one to regularly leave reviews but I think I was bamboozled. Or I just assumed I was getting something else? I ordered the chicken parm panini and what I got was a mound of soggy, spicy breadcrumbs topped with cheese on a heated pita...and no chicken anywhere to be found. Went back and double checked the menu thinking maybe it was a vegan sandwich. Is it a vegan sandwich and I totally missed it? Literally wet, soggy, breadcrumb mush. I feel like I got punked and there's a hidden camera watching me eat this, except I can't eat it.

    Buffalo chicken sandwich and fries
    Tasha S.

    Well I had high hopes for this place. It is always packed and smells good walking past. I went in today the customer service was great. I ordered the Buffalo chicken wrap with fries and a drink. Being honest the chicken is dry and nothing about the wrap says buffalo. It does not have any spice to it and really honestly kind of bland. The salad bar looked really good. Maybe I'll try that the next time.

    Buffalo chicken wrap
    Hannah M.

    I have been a huge fan of Manhattan Cafe since I first tried it from an Offline Perk in 2019. Their food is amazing and so affordable. I am a huge fan of the buffalo chicken wrap- don't forget the side of crack sauce, it is one of my favorite condiments ever. I love a good salad bar since they are so rare these days and this one is amazing and has so many options. I love that they make it for you and toss it up before putting it in the container. I recently took some coworkers who had never been before, and they all loved it. In 2019 they used to have Saturday hours so I wish they would add those back in. Or extend into Durham because I would be there every week. I did take off one star since when I went this week none of the employees had masks on, and there is still a mask mandate in Wake County at this time.

    Menu and address
    Tia W.

    Place was recommended by my sister. She was a frequent customer prior to the pandemic. The pick two was a popular item and that's what my son choose. He ordered the Buffalo chicken wrap with a side salad. He got to customize the salad with 3 toppings. He said it was the best wrap he ever had. I order the salad and customized it with chicken and other toppings. The Buffalo ranch was a great dressing. I also ordered the Cajun chicken panini. I with it was more toppings due to the dryness but the sauce they provided really help and was delicious. We both recommend the salad!!! Ingredients were so fresh and picking your toppers made it even better. We love great salads. The place was smaller on the inside and it was busy so we decided to take the food to go. However, the staff was very nice and brought the food right to us. They also have tv in there if you dine in.

    Ranch Dipping Sauce  Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas with Fries  B.L.T. With Fries
    Luke Z.

    Great downtown location and New York / "Hole in the wall" vibes. I've conducted casual interviews here and frequently eat here on my lunch breaks. The ranch sauce is amazing and the Buffalo Chicken Casadia & Wrap are my go to!!

    Chicken Philly
    Creighton F.

    Quick fast and very delicious chicken Philly sandwich. Staff is very nice and respectful. Luckily I visited this place on Philly Friday where you get free fries

    Outside Manhattan Cafe, Raleigh NC
    Bruce K.

    Getting set up for lunch with their amazing looking salad bar, but I was here for breakfast. And I ended up falling a little bit off my keto diet with a great "western omelet" bagel. Fully loaded with egg and cheese and bacon and onions and peppers on an Everything bagel, it was delicious. Good coffee, too. I need to get back her for the salad bar. [Review 11665 overall, 1447 of 2019.]

    Salad bar area
    Cynthia A.

    I ordered ahead during lunchtime rush hour midweek and my order was ready on time. Nice service and the salad was fresh and delicious. The place is on the smaller side with some tables outside. Very cool art inside.

    Steak & Eggs Wrap w/Home Fries

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    Thanks for your review! Hope to see you again soon. Cheers!

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    Thanks for the review!

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    7 years ago

    This might be my new favorite lunch spot in downtown Raleigh. Friendly and fast service. Great food that beats the average sandwich shop.

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    Thanks for the review and the support!

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

    By far my favorite spot to pick up lunch in downtown Raleigh. No matter how packed the place is I'm always greeted with a smile.

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    Thanks for your review! You rock!

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    Thank you for your support! You rock!

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    Thanks for the review and coming in Samantha. Have a great week!

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    8 years ago

    Food is pretty well priced and so delicious! Cute place too. Really liked their sandwich and salad combo! Only $6

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    Page 3 of 5

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    Mama Crow's Burger & Salad Shop

    3.9(96 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Such a great burger!!! It's been my go-to place in Raleigh whenever I want to grab a good burger…read more Quick service, and it's in the middle of a food hall (Transfer Co. Food Hall) so there's lots of space to sit. I'm never disappointed with the Reaper burger (if you like spice this is a great choice), and I love bringing friends here whenever I get the chance. Even spent a Valentine's Day dinner here, it was great.

    Haiku: Mama Crow's Burger & Salad Shop…read more Got vegan burger Disappointed soggy fries Cool Transfer Food Hall. --- Located in the Transfer Food Hall, Mama Crow's features a menu of fresh, locally sourced salads, fresh, top-quality burgers, house-made cheeses, and hand-cut fries. I ordered the Superfree Burger, their vegan burger patty made of sweet potatoes, roasted mushrooms, walnuts and seeds; topped with avocado, tomato, mixed greens, onions, and a garlic-tahini dressing. Usually, I'm always excited to try a restaurant's vegan burger, but sad to say, their vegan burger was a bit underwhelming. I felt the patty was on the dry and crumbly side. I also ordered a Kid's Hot Dog meal for my child. The hot dog looked delish, but sadly, the hand-cut fries were soggy, greasy, and dark. I don't know what happened, but it wasn't appetizing. I should have asked the kitchen to make another batch for us. Mama Crow's had so much promise. I'd still come back to give it another try, but I'll order a burger next time.

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    Birdie's Barroom and Kitchen - Proper Burger*

sharp white cheddar, white American, lettuce, tomato, onion, b&b pickles, Birdie's sauce. Served with Birdie's fries.

    Birdie's Barroom and Kitchen

    4.3(191 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Beautiful spot in the heart of Raleigh. Indoor and outdoor seating. Nice menu and the food was…read moregreat.

    This is a sun-drenched hideaway where the city seems to exhale. This downtown bar and restaurant…read morefeels less like a room and more like a warm afternoon--light spills through oversized windows, stretching across honeyed wood floors and catching on glints of brass and gold like little sparks of celebration. The patio blurs the boundary between inside and out, inviting breezes, laughter, and the occasional curious passerby to join the scene. Inside, it's a playful clash of textures and tones--lush greenery tumbling from shelves, vibrant colors dancing against natural wood, and polished metals winking from every corner. It's the kind of place where a cocktail feels brighter, conversations linger longer, and even the sunlight seems to stay for just one more round. From the moment you step in, the welcome feels less like service and more like being let in on a good secret. The staff greet you with easy smiles and a kind of genuine curiosity--like they're actually glad you chose this spot, today. There's no script, no stiffness--just a natural warmth that settles in as quickly as the sunlight. Behind the bar, the bartenders move with quiet confidence and a touch of showmanship. They know their craft, but they don't flaunt it--they share it. Ask for a classic, and it arrives perfectly balanced; ask for something new, and they'll read your mood like a seasoned mind-reader. The deviled eggs arrive perfectly plump, sunshine-yellow centers whipped into a silky, indulgent cloud and topped generously with the red peppers that bring just the right whisper of fresh garden drama, they're rich without being heavy, playful without trying too hard--the kind of bite that makes you pause mid-conversation, raise an eyebrow, and make you want to slowly work through the next one. They only come in odd numbers, sharing isn't caring on these. The BBQ hot honey pork ribs show up like they own the place--sticky, glistening, and just a little bit dangerous. The meat barely clings to the bone, surrendering at the slightest nudge, impossibly tender yet somehow still juicy, with those caramelized, crispy edges that feel like the best kind of rebellion. Sweet heat from the honey lingers just long enough to keep you coming back, fingers unapologetically messy and completely worth it. And then there's the mac & cheese--rich, velvety, and indulgent in a way that feels almost mischievous. Each spoonful stretches and melts like it's putting on a show, wrapping you in buttery comfort while quietly stealing the spotlight. Together, it's a plate that doesn't ask for your attention--it demands it, and you'll be more than happy to oblige. Cheers!

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    Little Rey

    Little Rey

    3.9(70 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    Little Rey service was great. The staff here were pleasant, professional and welcoming…read more The restaurant was clean and well lit. I ordered the La Superica without avocado. The salad included chicken, cucumber, pickled red onion, corn, crispy tortillas & oregano dressing. The salad was fresh and crisp. I really enjoyed this. I'd get double meat going forward. I also order myself carnitas (delicious) and one chicken quesadilla for my Mom. My mom is such a picky eater but she really enjoyed the quesadilla and was talking about how meaty it was for days. I'm happy with my purchase and I look forward to returning. I do recommend dining at Little Rey if you're in the area.

    "They have all the smoke"…read more My first time in the Ironworks area, and me like! Free parking and crossing guards directing traffic - wonderful! Ironworks is a mixed use environment with vendors hawking wears under canopies, alongside brick and mortar stores, shops, and restaurants. Little Rey's (IMO) is Alpaca Restaurant meets Mexican in the best way possible. The line for the food was a solid 30-45 minute wait. So don't be like me, have a seat, pull out your phone, use the code on the table, view menu, and order and pay. However, they have employees who greet customers and begin your drink menu while you wait in line. We ordered the half chicken, Gringa tacos, guacamole, and queso. Little Rey has a pretty extensive salsa bar, with approximately 7-8 varieties. The salsa bar spans the gambit from mild, mid-hot, smoky, and creamy options. The star of the show is the smoked chicken! So good with the corn tortilla, green salsa, grilled onions and grilled jalapeño! Moving forward I'll add an order of the chicken taco to get the perfect bit without the mess! The Gringa/Picadillo taco was good. And while I am a Gringa, and I love a Taco Bell sour cream situation, that almost mayonnaise flavor didn't sit well with my soul. However, the meat itself was super flavorful. I'd ditch the flour tortilla for corn , and opt for another salsa, add pico, and I think we are there. We weren't a fan of the rice, if I'm being honest - but will try again. While I didn't try any alcoholic beverages on this round, I'm stoked to try on my next visit. Plenty of seating, but can get awkward if there are long lines. The party is outside, so that maybe your best bet. Looking forward to grabbing a group of friends for round dos! Northern Mexican: 4.4444

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    Dining area.

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    Tazza Kitchen Village District - Patio

    Tazza Kitchen Village District

    4.3(658 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Spicy sausage pizza…read more *Spicy sausage pizzzzaaaahhhh!* Had a very pleasant evening here with friends and fam. Wasn't well planned so we just winged it with a party of 11. Some pasta dishes, some pizzas, all happy. Out the door was right at $414.00 which is super reasonable for such a crowd. 10/10 will be back

    I had visited Tazza a couple of times before, but this was my first time at the Cameron Village…read morelocation. First of all, I implore anyone wanting to go, make reservations during peak hours! We entered through a big heavy wooden door into the quasi-dark atmosphere and were promptly seated, despite most of the tables being occupied. We were given a two top and started with chips and guacamole. I was impressed with the chips, they were a little extra thick, had tiny bubbles in them. Certainly a far departure from the typical thin, overly salty chip found at most restaurants and grocery stores. Excellent guac with a little pico and lime wedge on the side. I ordered the Baja bowl with shredded adobo chicken. The bowl had green rice, black beans, a whole lot of kale, tomatillo sauce, pickled red onions, crema, and cilantro. It needed a little more, so I added in some of the guac, a few chips I crumbled in my hands for some crunch, and some fresh lime juice. Noah did a good job keeping our water glasses full and he was quite friendly. However, the restroom situation is a bit difficult. There are two small unisex bathrooms, both of which have to be locked. There can't be more than one person in there at the same time, so plan accordingly. Granted, since there isn't much space in the restaurant, it's not as if they have a ton of options.

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    Manhattan Cafe - delis - Updated May 2026

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