"Only a five-minute walk from the center of Raleigh's downtown district, Transfer Co. is following in the footsteps of the national food hall trend, but this one feels especially anchored to the city, since it's in between the retail district and some residential streets. Housed in the original Carolina Coach Garage, its brick facade has those old-fashioned windows that fold out to let breezes into the expansive space. Try Burial Beer, a North Carolina brewery known for their IPAs and Saisons. If it's breakfast (or brunch), there is hardly any better in the city than Benchwarmers Bagels. There's a cheesy egg-filled Fried Bologna Bagel, plain bagels by the dozen (including a Za-atar + Sea Salt flavor), and inventive spreads including pecan butterscotch and spiced honey. The other best option is Locals Seafood, which works with purveyors on the North Carolina coast to provide fresh offerings, from shucked oysters to snapper, depending on the season." - Stephanie Burt
