The co-founder of Wye Hill Hospitality shares where she goes for quick meals, special dinners and more in the Raleigh area.
by Ayn-Monique Klahre | photography by Forrest Mason
For our 2025 Guide to Where to Eat and Drink in Raleigh, we surveyed 11 people in the hospitality industry to learn where they go for a casual meal, celebration dinner, coffee fix and more. One of them was Sara Abernethy, the co-founder of Wye Hill Hospitality. There, she operates the award-winning Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, Glasshouse Kitchen and Xolo at Twisted Ladder with her husband, Chris Borreson. In 2017, Sara returned to her hometown of Raleigh, NC where she leveraged her vision, tenacity and grit to elevate one of the city’s landmark restaurant spaces into Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, a gastropub and craft brewery now affectionately known as “Raleigh’s Front Porch.” Ever intrigued by opportunities to create destination dining experiences, Sara expanded the restaurant group into the Research Triangle region, opening Glasshouse Kitchen in 2022 and Twisted Ladder in 2023.
Read on for her picks for where to eat and drink 2025!
Where do you go for a special-occasion dinner?
There really is no better service than Death & Taxes. Both my husband and I have a background in theater, so when we go, we notice that the whole experience there is just so beautiful — it’s like a ballet, the way they move through the dining room. I love how the team there has made a fine-dining experience feel warm and unstuffy.
What’s your go-to neighborhood spot?
Either Oakwood Pizza Box or Stanbury. Sitting down at Pizza Box — they just nailed it. The menu is limited but the pizza is incredible and they have a great wine selection. Plus, you can take your kids and it’s easy and welcoming. Stanbury — that’s like my go-to all the time.
What’s a great casual spot?
I really love having lunch at the (ish) delicatessen. (No, I can’t get off this block!) My first hospitality job was in high school at the Hayes Barton Cafe, so I have nostalgic memories of learning the ropes at a cafe-meets-pharmacy. At (ish), not only is the menu awesome, but they’ve captured that nostalgic, authentic vibe.
Where do you get lunch?
The (ish) deli again! I love to get the BLT, and it changes with the seasons — sometimes it’s got blue cheese, or just a giant, thick heirloom tomato that they serve with a giant bowl since it’ll be dripping all over.
Where do you get a meal to go?
I love DICED, they have a great online ordering tool and make a great salad and bowl.
Where do you go for a drink?
The Parlor at Heights House has fantastic offerings, including an unbelievable charcuterie board, and an incredible atmosphere. They stayed true to so much of the original architectural detail, but preserved and updated it in a way that is so special. I grew up here and never even knew that property existed. They’re making Raleigh cool!
What’s your go-to coffee spot?
I have a long-standing Saturday tradition where I meet my dad at Cup a Joe. I get a double short skinny latte. If I’m feeling like I need a treat, I’ll get one of their massive Rice Krispy treats.
What’s your favorite new-ish place?
Ajja, no question. They are really doing their part to set the tone for Raleigh as a cosmopolitan dining destination. I love the menu; I never feel overstuffed. And Cheetie [Kumar] and Sarah [Kenney, the former chef de cuisine] do such a good job of adding these really fun, unexpected notes to the dishes. Plus it’s quirky and cool and colorful — I feel like a cool person when I’m there, soaking up their cool energy.
What are you excited to try?
As soon as possible, I’ll be going to the RH Restaurant. I’m excited about the whole experience. We moved into a new house this year, so I’ve been spending a lot of time daydreaming and thinking about design.
What’s a spot outside of Raleigh that’s worth the drive?
I love the Killer Queen Wine Bar in Durham, it’s got this kind of sultry vibe, like you’re doing to a burlesque show. Their wine selection is fun – it’s expansive but the service is so approachable. And if you’re already there, you might as well stop by Alley Twenty Six for the best gin and tonic in the area. Then go to Pizzeria Toro, that’s my other go-to spot in Durham.
A portion of this article originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of WALTER magazine. The full version was published on waltermagazine.com on December 30, 2024.
