The Locals Seafood owner and co-founder shares his favorite Triangle places for lunch, happy hour, coffee and more.
by Catherine Currin

For our 2024 Guide to Where to Eat and Drink in the Triangle, we asked ten food and hospitality industry folks to share their tried and true spots for everything from a casual lunch to happy hour to a place that’s worth hopping in the car and heading out of town including one of Raleigh’s favorite fishmonger’s Lin Peterson. Peterson moved to Raleigh in the late 1990s to attend NC State, where he aptly majored in Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences. In 2010, while working at Great Outdoor Provision Co., Peterson and partner Ryan Speckman dreamed up Locals Seafood, a brand that connects coastal fishermen to North Carolina restaurants. Here are his favorite spots around town.

What’s your favorite place for happy hour?

There’s great outdoor space at Standard Beer + Food

Where or what is your guilty pleasure?

The ribeye at Stanbury

What’s a place that’s worth the drive?

Locals Seafood in Durham

Where do you go for lunch?

(ish) delicatessen. I love the Smoked F(ish) Melt

If it was your last meal in the Triangle….

The Bernie burger with onion rings at the Players Retreat

What’s your favorite new spot?

Ajja

Where’s your favorite coffee shop?

Boulted Bread, I love their new space and expanded coffee program

What’s your favorite bite to go?

Oakwood Pizza Box

Where do you take out-of-town guests?

Poole’s Diner is classic Raleigh

Char-Grill or Snoopy’s?

Char-Grill

This article was originally published on December 28, 2023 on waltermagazine.com