Crawford's Genuine

Restaurant · Wake County ·

Crawford's Genuine

Restaurant · Wake County ·

Modern American cuisine, short ribs, smash burgers, great service

Information

Terminal 2, 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560 Get directions

$20–30

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

13 Hottest Restaurants in the Triangle, October 2024

"There’s been a trend in institutional dining (think hospitals and colleges) towards offering more locally sourced options, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has spent the last few years turning over some of its more generic dining venues to familiar Triangle dining names. The latest is Crawford’s Genuine, from Scott Crawford (Jolie, Crawford & Son, and more), located in Terminal 2. The menu is chock full of some of the modern American cuisine Crawford has become known for, like his take on Brunswick stew, shoyu barbecue pork ribs, roasted half chicken, and more. Travelers might want to arrive at RDU earlier and not just for the TSA lines now, although taking the “genuine” smash burger (two beef patties, pimento cheese, and bacon onion jam) on the plane risks causing extreme jealousy among one’s fellow passengers." - Matt Lardie

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-new-restaurants-raleigh-durham-chapel-hill

Kristen Penoyer

Crawford's Genuine

Italy U.

Google

I had never heard of Crawford before. I really enjoyed the short rib dinner plate. I was searching for a Gluten Free option when the waitress suggested this option. It did not disappoint. The meat was tender and perfectly seasoned with mashed potatoes and carrots. All the service staff very attentive and helpful which is always appreciated after a stressful day of getting to the airport. A shout out to TG my server for the recommendation. Located across from gate C1

Chauncey B.

Google

Never heard of Crawford’s before until now but they have a really cool spot here at RDU/Airport and the food is delicious!! I had the cheese grit bowl and it was amazing. All the combinations in the bowl and flavors were spot on! I will definitely be coming back if I fly out of RDU in the future. My waitress Brendalyn is great! She was very sweet and very helpful with a smile on her face. She made sure that I was taken care of and gave service with a smile. Ask for Brendalyn!!

Christopher B.

Google

Absolutely LOVED IT! I had the Short Rib & Eggs breakfast bowl & it was so good. That toast with the blackberry jelly was perfect! My servers name was Amanda & she was the sweetest! 10/10 recommend. ✨

Courtney H.

Google

service was outstanding! Teeyana is an attentive bartender & makes a killer bloody mary. Jordan, the manager, came out to apologize because they were out of pickled okra. (It was not necessary bc I wasn’t even upset); However, this gesture was so professional and beyond appreciated. She made it right by bringing me two orders of the homemade PICKLES!! We were just here for drinks & snacks- but the steak fries are incredible. Will definitely return.

Amy T.

Google

I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed my dining experience at an airport restaurant as much as I did. The hamachi tartare was excellent, the shrimp lettuce wraps were tasty. The chocolate peanut butter dessert was the perfect ending. My server Mirna was lovely and attentive as well.

SydnMilli

Google

We grabbed food here while waiting for our flight and everything was really good. Definitely at step above other airport food. Additionally, our server Samuel was fantastic. Stop by this place if you’re in RDU terminal 2!

Alicia J.

Google

Had crispy shrimp lettuce wraps and smoked chicken wings and OMG, both were absolutely delicious and tasty. The atmosphere was welcoming and upscale. I will definitely always eat here on my way through

Eric S.

Google

Crawford’s Genuine at RDU is a solid stop. The food was genuinely great, fresh and well executed, and the service really stood out. Friendly, attentive, and fast without feeling rushed. The atmosphere was good and comfortable for an airport restaurant, but it would be even better with TVs, especially for travelers killing time or trying to catch a game. Overall, a great experience and one of the better dining options at the airport.

Michael S.

Yelp

Having time to kill before our noon flight my wife and I stopped here to have some coffee and kill time. The coffee was good and it was hot. They provided a caddy with sweetener and cream as well. The breakfast menu is short, but I decided to go ahead and have something to eat. I ordered the Market Bowl. It's a bowl with toast, scrambled eggs, and fried potatoes all topped with fresh arugula. It was pretty good Our waitress was prompt and friendly, the restaurant was clean and bright and service was good.

Faye S.

Yelp

Crawford's Genuine's located inside Terminal 2 in RDU. We're ahead of schedule so my husband and I decided to stop by. My husband had the Market Bowl and said that it's good. I wasn't hungry so I just had a cup of coffee. There's a good number of customers inside. We got seated pretty quick and his bowl arrived in no time. It's also quite nice inside with soft music playing on the background. I recommend them if you happen to be in Terminal 2.

Gabriella L.

Yelp

Solid airport food! Chicken sandwich was really yummy though fries seemed a bit bland. Would come back and try other menu items. Nice ambiance with a convenient location in RDU, and ample seating for guests. Servers are busy but attentive, and thoughtful with their recommendations.

Dannon T.

Yelp

Very good burger! Was hot and fresh. Service was excellent as we. Was very busy but a good atmosphere nonetheless.

Bruno G.

Yelp

Overpriced for over salted food. The menu is limited too. The beer was flat and I didn't dare drinking from the cup they poured my water in. Not very clean. The vibe gave me an impression of quality but it was very disappointing. Service was not very good. Making a mental note to avoid.

Madelyn A.

Yelp

This beautiful restaurant is located in Terminal 2 at the RDU airport. My flight wasn't until 12pm, so I stopped in for a nice brunch before catch my flight. They have great lighting, the food was amazing. I ordered the short ribs and eggs along with a coke and it was so good. I'm so glad my waiter suggested this option, it did not disappoint.

Stephanie J.

Yelp

Scott Crawford has a spot located in RDU's Terminal 2 in the space previously occupied by 42nd St Oyster Bar. I started off with a beer and we split the hummus and a bowl of brunswick stew for food. Both of the food items were good but the hummus was lacking enough vegetables (I also wished that it was served with some pita) and the cheddar biscuits that were served with the stew were rock hard. Outside of the food the service was really good. If you are in the airport, it's an okay spot to check out.

Leszek W.

Yelp

I really enjoyed this new airport establishment! Food was very good, service (courtesy of Mimi - ask for her...) was excellent!. Altogether a good experience!

Ella C.

Yelp

Stopped by before my flight back home and the place is very nice, but that was about it. I sat at the bar and my bartender (she had braids) was very rude, huffing and puffing as I asked for certain whiskey prices considering there was no menu. I ordered the French toast and it was okay at best. Won't be back neck time I fly through here, ready for the other restaurants in the airport to open cause this wasn't worth it overall.

JB B.

Yelp

Stephanie, our server, was exceptional...the food was not Airport food. So much better. Large portions. Sour dough bread was very good. Eggs were perfectly cooked over medium. Fruit dish has a great variety including kiwi and blackberries. Just totally unexpected for an Airport restaurant. Awesome job!

Jeff B.

Yelp

Meh, got the Caesar salad and grouper fried addition. Salad was good but small in size for the price. The flounder was def frozen and reheated. Not sure how the owner of this place won a James Beard award, I'd skip.

ML M.

Yelp

Second time visiting, but first time for breakfast. The Market bowl was fast and fresh, the space is kept super clean, and the service was amazing. I will definitely be back!

Eric L.

Yelp

Beautiful space inside the terminal. Staff friendly but disorganized, but they opened very recently. Nice selection of drinks. I really liked the Bond Brothers pilsner. Tuna tartar was very tasty, big chunks of tuna. Short ribs were great, nice restaurant in town great! A new standard for airport restaurants!

Madison C.

Yelp

solid airport food and friendly service! my brunswick stew was decent and Mirna was a personable and attentive server. the biggest offense for me was that the biscuit that came with my soup was insanely tough it was like it had been sitting for three days then reheated. also the lettuce in my wedge salad was not great, it was a little wilted and brown. overall not the worst place so if you have money to spend stop by but if not id say to go somewhere more consistent and cheaper.

Sara J.

Yelp

Perfect place to grab a meal-- clean, efficient with tasty food. I recommend their smash burger with carmelized onion and pimento cheese. Delicious, not your typical airport restaurant.

Adriana B.

Yelp

Ambience was good, bright modern music playing with a long bar (16seats at bar) and lots of tables. I had the classic smash burger it was really big mine was overcooked so it was ok. it did have a ranch sauce on, red onion lettuce tomatoes came with seasoned fries which were really good

T T.

Yelp

Had the braised short rib and eggs for breakfast. Eggs were very undercooked but the 3 pieces of short rib I got were melt in your mouth delicious. Plenty of flavor. Beautiful presentation.

Jen R.

Yelp

I am so pleasantly surprised that this airport restaurant was so good! I got the wedge salad with grilled chicken and everything was delicious. My husband got the half roast chicken and also reported back that it was really good. The fries were great. My cosmopolitan was perfectly done. The waitress was lovely. The wait time was short. It was a fantastic way to kill an hour while awaiting our flight at the Raleigh Durham airport.

Ft3 R.

Yelp

Stopped in for a quick meal. My server was Nata. She was wonderful, professional and very helpful with any questions I had. The short beef ribs were excellent! The hostess Kyla and another server, Mirna were helpful and friendly. The vibe here is awesome. The ladies had such a positive energy and made my experience perfect! Surprising that an airport resultant could be this excellent! I can not recommend strongly enough! I might fly back just to have dinner here again!

Jude F.

Yelp

I was excited to see Crawford at the airport. I love their Raleigh and Clayton location, and their new restaurant is amazing. This did not match what I have come to expect t. I got a smash burger, and it looked and tasted precooked and zapped in a microwave. The fries were partially cooked and over seasoned. I hope these guys get it together, but was really disappointed. The service was great and atmosphere better than most airport fast casual dining spots.

Maureen F.

Yelp

Nice space. Plenty of phone chargers at the bar. Food was not very good. Got the chicken sandwich. Fries did not taste good - over-seasoned and some were undercooked. I would not eat here again.

Brian M.

Yelp

In a sea of forgettable airport restaurants.... This place didn't stand out. I sat at the bar and was well looked after by Victor & team. I did order the mushroom raviolis and it arrived as diced up mushrooms, and pasta.. it was still pretty good, but I was looking forward to raviolis. The burgoo stew was very tasty. I have a very nice old-fashioned!

Wallsie 2.

Yelp

The host was friendly and polite, as was the service throughout the meal. I ordered the shrimp lettuce wraps. They were very good but seeing as they're lettuce wraps, more lettuce than one leaf of iceberg to make up the "wrap" seemed cheap and ill advised. Perhaps a butter lettuce would work better, or at least a respectable amount of iceberg to hold the shrimp would be better.

Scott T.

Yelp

Didn't get the opportunity to eat there. I stood at the hostess desk for ten minutes being told by the two wait staff working there "I will be right with you."

Liam K.

Yelp

Crawford's Genuine is amazing! Delicious food, spotlessly clean, and incredible service. Every staff member looked you in the eye and treated you with respect. Drop this restaurant in the middle of the city and it's still a great restaurant. And it's in the airport!

Robby B.

Yelp

Had the opportunity to try before a flight recently. Was very impressed. Restaurants in airports have obvious restrictions so you cannot expect the same as a free standing restaurant. But Crawford overcomes it all. Excellent ribs and wings. Excellent service and presentation. Food presented in a timely fashion so no prob making flight. East 5 stars.

Perry T.

Yelp

Bartender was on her phone after bringing water and a menu. Had to enlist the help of another patron get her attention. My food arrived with no silverware or napkin. I had the lettuce wraps and they were good. I guess I shouldn't expect a lot at the airport but I should from the Crawford restaurant folks. Oh, she was shouting across the bar to the matride to change a song because she didn't like it and another worker came up to her to have her call someone because they had his f#%&ing phone. His words, not mine. I was so looking forward to the restaurant opening here and I love supporting local business. Just sad.

Mark S.

Yelp

Grabbed a ham sandwich before a flight. All bread, barely any meat, super dry. In addition, did not offer airport employee discount, and when I asked just shrugged and said oh well, I'm sorry instead of fixing it. Then didn't have correct change when I paid in cash so he rounded in his favor. Poor form all around....will not be back.

Elizabeth C.

Yelp

Food was OK nothing exceptional. Seating and service slow and I (single woman) was ignored by pompous "head waiter"in quarter full restaurant Saturday evening. Do they know this is an airport? Once my order was finally taken, it did arrive quickly.

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

13 Hottest Restaurants in the Triangle, October 2024

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-new-restaurants-raleigh-durham-chapel-hill

Kristen Penoyer

Crawford's Genuine

Italy U.

Google

Chauncey B.

Google

Christopher B.

Google

Courtney H.

Google

Amy T.

Google

SydnMilli

Google

Alicia J.

Google

Eric S.

Google

Michael S.

Yelp

Faye S.

Yelp

Gabriella L.

Yelp

Dannon T.

Yelp

Very good burger! Was hot and fresh. Service was excellent as we. Was very busy but a good atmosphere nonetheless.

Bruno G.

Yelp

Madelyn A.

Yelp

Stephanie J.

Yelp

Leszek W.

Yelp

I really enjoyed this new airport establishment! Food was very good, service (courtesy of Mimi - ask for her...) was excellent!. Altogether a good experience!

Ella C.

Yelp

JB B.

Yelp

Jeff B.

Yelp

ML M.

Yelp

Second time visiting, but first time for breakfast. The Market bowl was fast and fresh, the space is kept super clean, and the service was amazing. I will definitely be back!

Eric L.

Yelp

Madison C.

Yelp

Sara J.

Yelp

Perfect place to grab a meal-- clean, efficient with tasty food. I recommend their smash burger with carmelized onion and pimento cheese. Delicious, not your typical airport restaurant.

Adriana B.

Yelp

T T.

Yelp

Had the braised short rib and eggs for breakfast. Eggs were very undercooked but the 3 pieces of short rib I got were melt in your mouth delicious. Plenty of flavor. Beautiful presentation.

Jen R.

Yelp

Ft3 R.

Yelp

Jude F.

Yelp

Maureen F.

Yelp

Nice space. Plenty of phone chargers at the bar. Food was not very good. Got the chicken sandwich. Fries did not taste good - over-seasoned and some were undercooked. I would not eat here again.

Brian M.

Yelp

Wallsie 2.

Yelp

Scott T.

Yelp

Didn't get the opportunity to eat there. I stood at the hostess desk for ten minutes being told by the two wait staff working there "I will be right with you."

Liam K.

Yelp

Robby B.

Yelp

Perry T.

Yelp

Mark S.

Yelp

Elizabeth C.

Yelp

Crawford's Genuine

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13 Hottest Restaurants in the Triangle, October 2024

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13 Hottest Restaurants in the Triangle, October 2024