The Oak

I’ve been wanting to try this restaurant for a long time and was blown away. The food was excellent! The menu has a wide variety of choices and the wait staff was awesome. Will definitely go back.

The food was pretty good but the service was awkward.
First off, we were wedged between a family and a pole. It was uncomfortable.
We had a few friends decide to join and asked our waitress to add another table. She said yes, we moved our own table.
As the manager delivers our food, she declares we are violating a «fire code» and makes us move our tables. … Needless to say we did not encourage our friends to join.
Overall the food was above average, but for the same price you could go to a more professional and upbeat downtown location.

It was my first time at The Oak and I was pleasantly surprised because the restaurant before wasn’t very successful. I went on a Monday which had $ 4 Maker’s Mark wth choice of mixer which I thought was a good deal considering majority of their drinks were in the $ 9-​$ 12 range including wine by the glass.
For our entrees I ordered the salmon with sundried tomato grits and my husband ordered the braised pork with mac and cheese and fried brussels sprouts. We both enjoyed our dishes with just a few minor suggestions. My piece of salmon was quite small for an $ 18 price tag in my opinion. 18 Seaboard has a fantastic salmon dish for $ 18 and the piece of salmon is much bigger. Also my grits got cold pretty quickly, but they were still very good. The only thing my husband wished about his dish was that instead of everything being in a bowl with all the components of the dish on top of each other, he wished they had been separated on a plate.
Alex was our waitress and she was very friendly! We will definitely be back, especially since it’s so close to our house.

I just had dinner at The Oak and I loved it. The number 1 reason I loved it was my bartender tonight. Alex was awesome. She was super knowledgeable and personable. The owners ought to give her a raise. Seriously she’s one of the most knowledgeable and fun bartenders I’ve ever come across. If you live in or visit Raleigh do yourself a favor and try out this bar. You won’t regret it. And ask for Alexandra!

My wife and I tried The Oak for the first time last night and will definitely go back. If you are a bourbon drinker it is definitely a place you should try. I went with a bourbon flight, with many to choose from, my wife chose one of a good selection of bourbon cocktails. In addition to the bourbon we tried two appetizers, the chicken nachos and beef sliders, both were very good. Waitress was very friendly and attentive. The only negative was they were out of a few items but there was still plenty to choose from.

Love this place! The service is fantastic and the food and drinks are delicious. My only complaint is that since the menu is small, I wish they would switch it up more often. It’s delicious but would like to try some new stuff by their fantastic chefs!

I have been to this establishment before, once at Brunch, and another time for dinner. Both times, the service was good and the food was always exceptional. However, I was blown away by my last visit (Saturday evening, March 19^th), with our large group of 25. We had roughly 3 servers, and each one was very accommodating and not once did we have to wait for a drink or our food for very long. The manager, Haley, made sure that the staff was attentive to our needs, and the meal selection was superb. Our bartender, Patrick, was very friendly and was a great sport in making our drinks… he knows how to make them strong and well worth your money!
If you get a chance to go for dinner, I highly recommend the Ahi Tuna with the vegetables. One would not expect this to be your «go to meal» at a bourbon bar/​restaurant, but holy moly is this entrée amazing. I have been to some of the best Asian fusion restaurants in the area, and they do not disappoint with their selection of tuna and Asian flavors.
While this space is small, it is one of the few places that sits on the Beltline border, in a unique, trendy shopping center, offering a lot more than meets the eye. They also get bonus points for having a nice outdoor covered patio with heaters!

Let’s just say the staff was not on their A game the night I visited. Not only was the service unbearably slow but also, the appetizers and entrees were brought at the same time. As a result, it was hard to even fit all the plates on the table. My ten dollar pork belly and pimento cheese fries were cold (probably because they had been sitting around awhile) and I had to send them back so I was almost through with my entrée before I even got my appetizer!
The food was fairly good but not mind blowing. The pork belly fries were interesting but unbalanced; they were drowning in the overly sweet barbecue sauce and there was very little pimento cheese. The cheese that was on there was in random clumps and wasn’t melted into the fries so it was hard to actually eat the cheese and the fries together. The ‘blackened salmon’ was very fresh tasting but there’s a reason I put the quotes there-​there didn’t appear to be any blackening season on it! I didn’t partake in any of the cocktails but I perused the list and many of the drinks were unique and sounded good, the people in our party who did order the drinks enjoyed them and the Lower Manhattan drink in particular got good reviews.
This place is worth checking out but I’d recommend sitting at the bar instead of the dining area. One of the people in our group said she’s always gotten good service at the bar but that good service apparently does not extend to the dining area!

Discovered this place when looking for someplace other than WhichWhich for a quick bite before the theatre. BTW Sweeny Todd at Raleigh Little Theatre was fabulous !!!
Fresh tasty food. I had blackened salmon and hubby had bruschetta and an old fashion. Had to sit at bar as all tables were taken on a Saturday night at 6:30pm. Bar tenders took wonderful care of us. And we made it in plenty of time for the show. We’ll be back.

I went this weekend with some friends, and I wasn’t impressed. We shared some appetizers — the tots, bruschetta and lettuce wraps, which I’d rate a 2, 7 and 4 respectfully. Our entrees were small and really not seasoned well.
Sadly, the service was slow. Not sure if they were understaffed. The bar has few options except bourbon. If you really want to drink bourbon, I’d go. Otherwise, you can skip it.

Okay so perhaps the fact I was going with someone who works for the owner and knows the people at this place seeped into my judgement but it is what it is.
Everyone was extremely friendly and attentive.
My drink was crazy strong and my food was on point. I really wanted to try their breakfast burrito as one of my amigos said it was delish but I’m glad I went with the biscuits and sausage gravy. Thee best I’ve had in a looooong time! The Gouda grits were on point too.
There were a good number of options to choose from so I’m going back with the hubs in a couple weeks when I go back to Raleigh. Yes… That’s how good it is. I’m not looking for a new place, I’m going straight there for brunch on Sunday.

With a nod to the City of Oaks’ namesake, you have to have higher expectations coming into this intimate bourbon bar. While sitting at the rustic wooden bar — laden with your choice of bourbons, whiskies, and other indulgent, dark liquors of course — flanked by floor to ceiling windows giving you a view of lush oaks outside the restaurant, you can’t help but feeling that The Oak delivers something that is uniquely «Raleigh.» The ambiance is as sophisticated as the artisan drink menu, without teetering into pretentiousness (thanks, in part, to the Southerni-​fied menu of cheese fritters and loaded french fries that bring you back down to earth from your oh so charming cocktail snobbery). The Oak is fun and romantic at the same time, making it a great Friday night go-​to hot spot or a tentative first date locale when you want to impress but not overwhelm.

Went for Sunday brunch to use our Groupon. Thankfully it was a gorgeous day so we were able to sit outside. The food was really good. I had the Hangover Sandwich and Mrs. B had the breakfast burrito. We both got coffee which was good, but nothing amazing.
Service was friendly, but a little slow. I think it was just our server, though. She seemed to be having an off day or something.
Will try and go back for dinner sometime. Looks like it would be good for a date night restaurant.

We wanted to try The Oak and found their half-​price appetizers irresistible (M-​F 4pm-5:30pm). The space is modern industrial, no frills and the dinner menu is creative, seasonal and Southern.
We opted for the bourbon lettuce wraps, mahi mahi tacos, oak pork belly and a side of their signature roasted Brussel sprouts. We also ordered the green eggs and ham (pesto deviled eggs with prosciutto) but the kitchen informed us that they seemed off and they weren’t going to serve them. We appreciated that.
The bourbon lettuce wraps consisted of spicy, chopped chicken with cashews and four leaves of Romaine lettuce, which was just enough. We didn’t get the pineapple relish, and forgot to ask. This dish was tasty and perfect with cold beer.
The mahi mahi tacos were also spicy, served blackened with a pickled cabbage and full of flavor. The pork belly was not as crispy as we typically like it (just personal preference). It was served on a bed of kale slaw. Finally, those Brussel sprouts, they are almost a cult favorite in these parts. I was trying to determine the spices used, and kept thinking nutmeg was one, but the server said it is Cajun. Regardless they are delicious and addictive.
I did sample the watermelon bruschetta (the woman sitting next to me at the bar insisted, she loved it so much) and it was divine. The combination of the honey infused chopped, watermelon, over a feta-​goat cheese mouse with balsamic drizzle is out of the world.
The Oak has a small selection of beer on tap, including one of our Raleigh favorites Nickelpoint. Overall, the service was good, the food was well executed and creative, the space was cool on a hot day and you can’t beat their happy hour appetizer deal.

Craft bourbon and solid Southern food is a winning combination at The Oak. Located in a popular upscale shopping center off of Lake Boone, parking can be challenging, but it’s a nice venue once you make your way in. The décor is modern and minimalist, but well designed and comfortable.
Weekly and daily specials are worth noting, so check ahead on their website for useful information — it could save you quite a bit and allow you to taste more of their dishes, especially during half price happy hour on weekdays (4:00 — 5:30PM M-​F).
Outdoor seating can be just right on a breezy day, or take advantage of the air conditioning and comfortable atmosphere inside. The staff is friendly and welcoming, as well as enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the food and specialty bourbon.
The «adopt a barrel» program for aging your own batch of spirits in a charred oak barrel at the bar has proven popular, with all barrels currently filled. Want to get on the wait list for house aged artisanal bourbon? Try their website or drop in for a visit.
The food we enjoyed at brunch was simple, well sourced and properly executed. Pancakes were light, fluffy and delicious. The kale salad was fresh and well seasoned. A wrap was light and tasty with complementary textures. I look forward to investigating their other menus, which look very promising.
All desserts are house made, a very good sign of quality. I was much too full to delve into this menu beyond a longing glance, but it’s definitely on my to-​do list for the future.

Looking for a place to grab some drinks on a Thursday I remember reading a review on The Oak’s drink specials. ½ off wine in my book is just below getting out of a speeding ticket and just above finding those perfect pair of wedge sandals that go with everything (men just don’t understand, that is why we have to have so many!). Discounted wine coupled with their happy hour specials on appetizers made it a must. After waiting in the parking lot that is I-​40 I made it just in time to order some food before the 6:30 deadline. Glen, the bartender, who is a true professional at his craft, took care of us. If any establishment is in need of upping their A game they need to check out how the staff at The Oak rolls. Food was delicious, served with speed and grace and my friend and I wanted for nothing the whole evening. They have some nice outdoor seating and now sport a game of cornhole so you and your friends can enjoy some cocktails and a pleasant game after work. Great specials, solid food, and service that is top notch… what more could a girl ask for.
Half priced bites at the bar M-​F 4 – 6:30pm & Friday & Saturday Night 10 – 11:30 pm.
Drink Specials:
Monday — $ 4 Maker’s Mark, $ 14 — Burger and Maker’s
Tuesdays — Knob Creek, Bulleit, Bulleit Rye, Elijah Craig 12 yr, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Makers, with choice of mixer $ 6
Wednesday — $ 4 Drafts and $ 3 off all Bourbon Flights
Thursday — ½ price wine (glass/​bottle)
Friday — $ 6 Bulleit or Bulleit Rye with choice of mixer

Their bourbon menu doesn’t have ALL of their bourbons. They apparently have a few extra ‘special’ ones they also feature — so be sure to ask your server about those.
I went for lunch and had the grilled cheese with ham and their deep fried brussel sprouts. They were a bit on the greasy side, but didn’t stop me from emptying my plate.
We ate outside, and it was great to enjoy an early Spring day in Raleigh. even if it’s not technically Spring yet. I look forward to going back for dinner and trying a bourbon or two that I’ve not experience yet.

Update update! I have now been back to The Oak twice for dinner and man you are missing out if you don’t check out their dinner grub. First off they have ½ price apps at the bar M-​F 4:30 — 6:30pm and their apps are some of my favorite dishes on the menu. Plus they have bourbon Tues. with a wide range of choices for just $ 6 and ½ price wine bottles or glasses on Thurs.
The nachos are a must, the beef tar tar with the quail egg is really tasty but the presentation is wonderful. I also really enjoyed the mussels, and my second favorite has to be the mahi mahi tacos delicious. As far as large plates I’ve tried the pork tenderloin, scallops, and cow+pig+bun (one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time.) This huge burger and killer fries are served on top of a big wood butcher board, the burger is so tasty it’s topped with heritage farms pulled pork, smoked gouda, pickled red cabbage, crispy onion straws and house bbq sauce. You will not regret ordering this and it’s plenty to share.
The Oak is putting out some really good food, after being open for a little while now they have really mastered their menu. This is turning into one of my favorite spots for dinner and brunch. They also do a great job of keeping the menu fresh and local. The atmosphere is awesome and once it get’s warmer out you can enjoy the outside patio and live music.

The Mystery of the Wild Atlantic Salmon, by Nancy Drew
I love a good mystery, but not when it comes to food. I don’t want my salmon farmed and dangerous. At The Oak last night, I found a bit of a salmon mystery.
My friend and I both ordered kale salads; hers with flank steak, mine with salmon. The flank steak was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. I would probably order this on another visit. The dressing was not put on the side for either salad as we both requested but I will say that the dressing was light, delicious and full of flavor.
The salmon was pan seared then baked which made it a bit crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside. «Wild Atlantic» salmon, I was initially told. Really? Enter Nancy Drew. I’m pretty sure it’s still illegal to commercially fish wild salmon in the Atlantic. Then, a claim that the menu has a typo, it’s not really «wild Atlantic.» Hmmm, now I’m thinking, which part of «wild Atlantic» contains the typo? Is it not really wild, or is it not really Atlantic? Is it neither? I was highly skeptical of the «trust me» coming from the honest-​faced bartender, but, after a 3 mile run and a shot of bourbon, this Nancy Drew threw caution to the wind and ordered the kale salad with that questionable salmon. Don’t judge.
The bartender continued: it’s definitely wild salmon but it’s from Norway, Scotland, or Alaska. One of those locations. Really. So, the origin of the salmon is a bit unclear. I’m going with what’s written in black and white, «Atlantic,» and further conclude that the typo may be in the «wild» part. And, to The Oak, I would suggest fixing that typo on the menu sometime soon.
My other friend was not impressed with her spicy bourbon chicken bites. A bit on the dry side and not as spicy as she expected.
Overall, the Kale salad was excellent despite the salmon mystery, the flank steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and service was mostly right on. Probably a high 3 stars rounded up to 4.

Boy, did Sis & I pick the right time to check this place out or what?! Thursday is half price wine day (glass or bottle). AND if you go weekdays between 4:30 and 6:30, there are half price apps at the bar! Don’t know where the rest of you are sitting, but our butts happily plunked down at that perfectly comfy bar, where an awesome bartender (Glenn) took great care of us.
We tried three of the half-​price «morsels» (way more than morsels… see pics).starting with. the daily one that was Beef Short Ribs on Polenta with a Bourbon Sauce. This was meaty and very good.
Also got the Fall Caprese, which was Thin Roasted Butternut Squash Rounds, topped with thin Apple Slices, poached Shrimp Pieces, shaved Parmesan and a Balsamic Reduction, with Sage Oil. This was unusual and very fall-​like indeed. Refreshing!
My favorite of the three was (surprisingly) the Southern-​Style Black-​Eyed Pea Cakes with Braised Collards, Red Pepper Coulis and a Spicy Malt Vinegar Aioli. I’m not even much of a fan of Black-​Eyed Peas… usually they are dry and tasteless, but wow these cakes were moist and full of flavor… slightly spicy. If you combined everything in one bite it packed one heckuva flavor punch… will be craving this!
Next we shared a dinner plate: Heritage farms pork tenderloin*
sous vide style pork tenderloin topped with a bourbon blueberry jalapeño pecan relish. served with sweet & sour swiss chard and cauliflower mash. This was quite good in a very light way. Tenderloin cooked to absolute delicate perfection. Cauliflower mash was on the chunky side, but I like cauliflower, so that was fine with me. They sure know how to do greens here, the swiss chard was slightly spicy and so tasty (like the collards were as well). Only slight criticism was there was no jalapeño flavor at all in the blueberry relish. Would have loved for that to be spicy!
Overall this proved to be the perfect Thursday night get-​together place for Sis and I. (Hope it wasn’t too cruel to text Husband a pic of the Bourbon Menu) Hopefully I made it up to him by letting him know that Pappy could be on its way here!