Transfer Co. Food Hall

"This cavernous space will muffle the sounds of any rowdy youngsters if you want to sit inside and not worry about them disturbing others. Every table on the expansive outdoor patio has an umbrella for shade if little ones need more of a wide-open space for antics. A full bar will satisfy any drink craving for adults, and there’s ample choice for anyone who needs a bite. Kids can grab a slice of pizza from Benchwarmers Bagels (5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday- Saturday) or can skip straight to the good stuff with an ice cream cookie sandwich from Captain Cookie & the Milkman." - Elliott Harrell

"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

"Your friend thinks eating in a campus dining hall might be fun. Instead of getting stuck listening to a 19-year-old talk about how the TA they’re in love with is out to get them, go to Transfer Co. Food Hall instead. The dozens of plants and fresh flower arrangements keep this place from feeling like a cafeteria and it’s a great way to try a bunch of local spots all at once. There’s Benchwarmers for wood-fired bagel sandwiches, Chhote’s for Indian street food, Bul Box for Korean-inspired rice bowls, and many others. You can also grab a drink at the bar and take it anywhere in the food hall, or to one of the tables outside." - Christine Byrne

"Various teaser events like a New Year’s Eve celebration and limited openings have driven curious customers to the not-yet-officially open Transfer Co. Food Hall, located in the historic Carolina Coach Garage and Shop. Vendors like Burial Beer Co., Che Empanadas, and Locals Oyster Bar have rolled out offerings for soft opening hours, according to Facebook updates. Other vendors to look forward to upon the food hall’s opening include Captain Cookie & the Milkman, Dank Burrito, and Benchwarmers Bagels." - Katie Toussaint