A WALTER guide to drinking, dining and grabbing a snack in Smoky Hollow, a new-ish development just outside of Glenwood South.
by Catherine Currin | photograph by Bryan Regan
Just steps from both bustling Glenwood South and the heart of downtown, the newish development Smoky Hollow has slowly been filling out with restaurants and bars — enough to be a foodie destination on its own (and with more on the horizon). From BBQ to tapas, craft cocktails to a classic diner milkshake, there are a breadth of options that reflect a community feel within the walkable, welcoming space. “I fell in love with Smoky Hollow almost immediately,” says Tyler Helikson, co-owner of Madre and Moon Room. “The pedestrian-only thoroughfare felt very European to me — I could envision people spilling out of one restaurant into the next, like you see in some of my favorite cities.” Read on for five spots in Smoky Hollow to add to your list.
The Crunkleton
A beloved North Carolina establishment known for serving up craft cocktails in Chapel Hill and Charlotte arrived at Smoky Hollow earlier this year. Within The Crunkleton’s dimly lit, sleek space, take your pick from the wall of spirits with more than 100 options — or enjoy the bartender’s take on a classic cocktail like a Paper Plane or Sazerac. This Crunkleton outlet also boasts a decadent menu, including charred oysters, various steaks and a Wagyu beef burger cooked over an open flame, plus sides like a gooey mac and cheese, shishito peppers and Brussels sprouts. thecrunkleton.com
Madre
One of Smoky Hollow’s earliest tenants, Madre has a sprawling restaurant, bar and patio where they serve up small plates, cocktails and snap-worthy spaces. Industry veterans including Helikson (of Happy + Hale fame) and Bryan Costello, who’s known for designing Heights House Hotel, opened Madre in 2023. The Euro-inspired space serves tapas-style items with Spanish influences and nods to the South, like a pan con tomate done with local produce and a spicy and crispy Calabrian fried chicken. While Madre’s open and airy space is one of the largest in Smoky Hollow, it also has pockets to enjoy a lively nightcap or an intimate dinner with friends. madreraleigh.com
Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse brings Texas barbecue traditions to North Carolina. Smoky Hollow is Midwood’s first location in the Triangle but it’s seventh across the Carolinas. Pitmaster Matthew Berry, an NC State alum, serves barbecue staples — like smoked brisket, wings and cornbread — while also playing with Tex-Mex flair. Crowd favorites include jalapeño cheddar sausage, smoked meat tacos and a creamy queso perfect for sharing. midwoodsmokehouse.com
Moon Room
Another brainchild of Helikson, Costello and other industry pros, Moon Room started out as a draft cocktail concept that has expanded to include beer, wine and a full cocktail bar. The moody jazz bar designed by Costello offers live performances, an open jazz night, DJ sessions and vinyl nights. “We wanted to open a room we all loved hanging out in. For us that meant great music, great cocktails, great lighting, great people,” says Costello. For more talking than listening, there’s the lively patio; and if you’re worried you’ll get lost in the music, be sure to snap a photo in the space’s photo booth, the Memory Machine. | moonroomraleigh.com
Tucker Street Diner
For Raleighites craving traditional diner fare, Tucker Street Diner is a go-to. From the folks of Apex’s Peak City Diner, the restaurant has a retro soda-shop feel with a black-and-white checkered floor and shiny chairs with vinyl upholstery. On the menu, find hand-spun milkshakes, made-to-order “diner chips” and all-day breakfast — plus cappuccinos, lattes and a custom coffee roast from Peak City
Coffee. instagram.com/tuckerstreetdiner
Smoky Hollow Snacks
In addition to the full-service outlets, you can grab a little something from these spots.
Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar
You don’t need to take a class to justify a healthful smoothie at this wellness spot. Their blends are packed full of healthy ingredients like ginger, turmeric and magnesium, with a range of flavor options from banana and peanut butter to mint or mango. doseyogastudios.com
Hause of Dogs
Yes, this is a bakery (and spa!) for dogs. If your pup is celebrating, swing by for a cake — or for everyday, consider a cookie or a scoop of pup ice cream made from drool-worthy ingredients like dried salmon, anchovies, dehydrated carne asada and beef cheek. hauseofdogsraleigh.com
Morelia Gourmet Paletas
Part popsicle outlet, part ice cream bar, Morelia offers homemade Mexican paleta flavors like raspberry chocolate, strawberry milk shake and mango sorbet. paletasmorelia.com
MILKLAB
This sweet spot has something for everyone including milk teas, fruit teas and unique rolled ice cream combos — plus fun floats (ice cream on top of chilled teas) in flavors like Matcha, Oolong and Mocha.
milklabcafe.com
This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of WALTER magazine.
