Irregardless Cafe: Bad grammar, great food and entertainment

The Irregardless has been around since my mom went to college in Raleigh. It is a landmark of the city, an institution, and it didn't get that distinction through luck or accident.

To start with: the food. The menu changes daily, so even if this is one of your favorite lunchtime spots, you're not going to get bored. What doesn't change is: the variety of healthy (including vegan and vegetarian) options, the creativity, and the quality. The last time I went, I enjoyed a pomegranate polenta, of which all attempts to replicate at home have fallen miserably short. So, don't even worry about what you're going to order when you get their. Whatever you get, you're going to love it.

The drinks: The wine selection is exquisite, and the cocktails are wonderfully balanced. (Try the Oreo Martini in lieu of dessert.) The only recommendation I would make is to stay away from the bottled beer as, just like anywhere else in Raleigh, you're going to be overpaying for your alcohol.

The entertainment: This is what makes The Irregardless such a treat. Get late-dinner reservations on a Saturday night and, after 9:00, live music opens up the dance floor. Yes, you heard it here: Somewhere to dance in Raleigh where you neither have to learn to shag nor deal with sweaty co-eds rubbing up against you.

Check out the menu options, music schedule, etc. here at their site. And be sure to book those reservations in advance.

Best Deals

$26 bottle of Lucky Star Californian Pinot Noir

Complementary bottle of house wine on your birthday or anniversary (w/ e-mailed certificate)

Ability to make reservations online

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe: More than worth the effort to find parking on Glenwood Ave

Look at those big screens and recliners and tell me that is not the place you want to go to watch the play-offs.

That slice of Heaven is Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. That's right; not "bar", "cafe". The owners make a point of distinction there. Sports bars have lots of beer and big screen tvs and bad food. Tobacco Road has beer and big screen tvs and amazing food. (And, unlike most joints that close the kitchen around 10:00 or 11:00, they serve the full menu until 2:00 a.m.)

The first time you go, try ordering the House Made Corn Dogs. No, that's not a joke. The corn dogs are huge, and incredible. They are corn dogs created for a gourmand. And you might as well ask for a doggie bag up front; you can't finish them.

Most entrees run around $10-$12, so it's a lot of luxury for not a lot of cash. Right down Glenwood South, just slightly past Sushi Blues.

Best Deals

$2.95 Happy Hour Menu running Mondays through Fridays (with $2.50 minimum drink order)