Mitch’s Tavern Review – Raleigh, NC
Whenever I move to a new area or visit for an extended period, one of the first things I’m sure to do is search nearby shops and restaurants for my own nook or cranny to fill. I spend much of my time reading, writing or just relaxing while I work and prefer to do it in a quiet environment that can provide a good meal or drink when needed and don’t mind me hanging around. When I moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, I found my niche pretty quickly at Mitch’s Tavern. Mitch’s Tavern (often referred to simply as “Mitch’s” by the locals) is a quiet little pub that offers students, teachers and workers a place to eat on Hillsborough Street for both lunch and dinner. When I walked into Mitch’s for the first time, a warmth came over me and a feeling of home settled within me; I knew this would be my area.
When you open the old wooden door leading into Mitch’s, you are immediately greeted by a well-traveled and weathered wooden staircase. The staircase is steep and takes you to a dark but cozy little pub overlooking Hillsborough Street and the North Carolina State University campus. There’s a wooden bar that’s clean but shows a lot of little details (I have a strong feeling of history in this place, and I like to believe that each of those details has its own story), and wooden booths and chairs arranged at coffee tables. dark wood. Wooden floorboards complete the restaurant’s “old town tavern” feel, and the walls are lined with character. There are old beach bikes hanging from the ceiling, toy airplanes flying over the bar, photos, autographs and cool little memorabilia (famous newspapers and search posters) on all the walls. Every time you turn, there’s something more “cool” to look at that makes you realize you’re not at another bar and grill. I doubt I’ll be able to return to one of the plethora of nifty bars and grills that spring up across the country after visiting Mitch’s. Call me spoiled, but I just wouldn’t feel the same.
While you may first be drawn to Mitch’s because of the decorations, character, or the dining experience, chances are you’ll come back for the food. This isn’t just bar food for you to munch on while you brew the beers, this is food you can tell the chefs take pride in. From the honeydew melon to the Cuban sandwich, Mitch’s offers a variety of real flavors at affordable prices. Some of my personal favorites include:
The Vegetarian Chili – This is a chili stuffed with beans and spices, and seasoned with mixed and chopped vegetables. It comes with tortilla chips and toppings (salsa, sour cream, and cheese are placed on top of the chili), and if you’re looking for an extra “bite,” there are jalapenos mixed in.
The London Broil – This sandwich was the first thing that made me drag all my friends to Mitch’s and is always my go-to if someone doesn’t know what to order. Thin slices of royal steak are placed between two pieces of toasted bread and spread with spiced mayonnaise. The sandwich is served with French fries and pickles, the perfect lunch meal.
Mitch’s is also a historic part of the downtown Raleigh area. It’s been there for decades and has seen many college professors, graduates, guests of honor, and celebrities pass through its doors (with signatures and comments from some of them!). It has become an iconic part of the area near the university, and in addition to being open for lunch every day, it has been involved in many student activities (some sponsored by the university and some not) such as reunions, college specials, exam week and the famous Halloween night “Hillsborough Hike” (a pub crawl that focuses on costumes and local pubs). If you’re looking for a place to eat, hang out, catch the news, or even work in Raleigh, be sure to check out Mitch’s. I’ve been all over town since then and have found quite a few notable restaurants, but I always come back to Mitch’s in the end. You just can’t beat London Broil.