Dub H.
Yelp
The Angus Barn is the gold standard of steakhouses in the Triangle. I compare every other steakhouse to here. First of all, the entire complex is straight up unique and amazing. They have huge ponds with an event area overlooking it, a pavilion, their own water tower, tons and tons of parking including valet, and of course the main venue and barn itself. Inside there are multiple areas you can dine in. The main room, the meat locker, upstairs, the Wild Turkey Saloon, and probably more that I haven't realized.
When you get there and park there is a huge outside bar area and they serve complimentary snacks such as pickled peppers and olives and celery. At Christmas time they offer free gingerbread cookies. You can comfortably wait on your table in this area with your favorite drink. I highly recommend reservations, it's almost impossible to get in as a walk in. Some reservations require a deposit and you have to book them a year in advance such as eating in the kitchen! Yes, there is a dining table in the kitchen.
One of my favorite areas is the "Meat Locker". It was the former meat locker that's been turned into a cigar smoking area. You can dine here and smoke. They do not take reservations for this area and they open it to walk ins at 5pm. Get there early and get in line. There are only 2 3-top tables that you can get 4-5 around if they put them together and then maybe 5 2-top tables, two of them high and 3 low. There is an outside area with a bunch more seats but I find it way too cold to eat there in the winter. And if it rains you will be subject to the elements. The meat locker itself is open but there's a heater so it's a lot warmer in there, I've been in it down to about 45 and that's about as low as I'd go out there. To get to the meat locker you have to go through the kitchen which is pretty cool. They have a humidor near the meat locker and another in the main entrance area.
They also have a wine cellar with thousands of bottles of wine and some of Raleigh's millionaire and billionaires have their own shelves with their own personal collections but they won't tell you who or where but you can figure it out pretty easily. The wine cellar also has two giant private banquet halls. They do private events down there as well themed events for the public such as Titanic and Downton Abbey themed dinners...for 2025 they are priced at $195/person and usually sell out almost immediately after being announced.
Upstairs they have the bourbon library near the Wild Turkey Lounge. You can see antique bourbons that are lost to history except here. Some priced at $450+ per shot...yes you read that price correctly. We are talking bottles that are nearly 100 years old and not made anymore. They also do their own private barrel picks that are more modestly priced. I almost always get a smoked old fashioned with is about $28 and it's an experience to get it.
The gun library is amazing. It's a collection that you won't find even amongst avid gun collectors. Dozens of ancient, classic and heirloom pistols and rifles. There is a guide book in the library. Another great place to wait on your table.
The only thing I can say about the service is that it's top notch. It's as good or better than high end places like Ruth Chris's. Servers are well trained and they love their jobs. When it's time for dessert they bring around a tray that has one of every dessert so you can see what you're getting.
So many others have written about the food and it is fantastic. They give you fresh baked breads and snacks while you wait. The salads feature homemade dressings, local veggies when possible, and lots of flavor. The steaks are insanely good. They cook them perfectly, even if you get one rare they will sear the top and lock in a ton of flavor and give it great taste. My favorite steak is the tomahawk, it's around $100 and enough for at least 3 people. Even the salads are huge so if everyone got a salad you could easily split that steak with 4 people and walk away stuffed.
They go over the top during Christmas with their decorations inside and outside, it's an experience that I highly recommend.