Fork and Barrel

Another poor visit to Fork & Barrel last night, but this time with the added «bonus» of poor service. Gave it 3 shots, but I think this place is off my list of places to eat. Which is sad because it’s really close and Tap City used to be such a good option. Had a burger last night that was bland and the fries tasted like they’d been sitting out for 30 minutes. Couple that with an almost empty restaurant but still slow, poor service and we won’t be returning.

Good beer selection and a nice bar. Food is actually very good as well. I’m only giving them 2 stars because this was the second time I’ve been there when they’ve seated children in the bar. A bar is NOT a place for children. They have no business in there. I’m sure I’ll get blasted by the «I can take my kids anywhere I want» crowd but no. A bar is a place for adults.

Fresh ingredients, creative offerings. Not the typical pub food! (also open on Sunday, whoops, bad Unilocal data!) Stopped in here by serendipity on a Saturday afternoon — very impressed… Keep it up!

Fork and Barrel offers excellent food, at good prices, complemented by a very good beer list, good service, very nice house wines, and a full bar. Try the Country Salad; it’s excellent. Fork and Barrel is a good choice for lunch, dinner, or brunch.
The bar is a good place to sit to watch a game or catch up with friends. The dining room is spacious and reasonably quiet. The menu is kid-​friendly, and the kitchen can accommodate picky eaters.

The boy and I stopped in yesterday for an afternoon bite to eat on the patio. I was in the mood for something a little different so I decided to try the Black Bean Burger. He had some kind of burger (can’t recall which one) but both of our selections were really good! I’ve also had the fried oysters which were to die for! If you’re in this area, you should pop in and check it out! They also have live music from time to time.

Ok. Got the fried oysters and bowl of potatoes. Both were fairly good. Service decent. It just lacked something… atmosphere maybe.

Had the breakfast burrito for Sunday Brunch, the BEST breakfast burrito I’ve ever had. IT was huge! and they even added habanero’s for me as I like it spicy.
They have a wonderful selection of beers on tap, amazing bloody mary’s and a super nice staff.
Definitely check this place out.

Food is pretty good, service is great. Decent bar selection. I would come here again.

Had to pop in to update this and add new pics.
It feels like they’re constantly tweaking to continue to improve here. Our experience on Friday night was just what the doctor ordered! Our Server was not only good, but kept cracking us up, which was very welcomed by us.
Friday nights they have wine and beer specials, but honestly, I’m happy with Kendall Jackson chardonnay off the regular menu for $ 6.50. Love it that we were brought homemade chips to go with our drinks. They had just a bit of black pepper, garlic and other spices to make them go down way too easily!
I opted for the BBQ Burger thanks to this description from their menu:
8 Ounce Ground Sirloin, Lettuce, Tomato, White Cheddar, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Onion Rings, Chipolte BBQ Sauce.
Husband went with the Ridiculous Steak Sandwich (yes, that is what they call it), and they describe it accurately:
6 Ounce Grilled Ribeye, Fresh Greens, Tomato, Onion Rings, Gorgonzola Sauce, on Grilled Country White Bread.
You MUST look at the pics I posted of these. The onion rings are gigantic! There is no way you could bite that burger with even just one on it, let alone two. The burger itself was good quality… all of it, very good quality and LOTS of it. Needless to say, I have more than half leftover. Husband ate his open-​faced and really liked it.
TIP: Save City has FREE coupons right now for it, that save you fifty percent off an entrée. They were kind enough to even remove it from the more expensive item from ours. CLASS act, Fork & Barrel!

Went to Fork and Barrel about a month ago, not too long after they opened, and were very pleased with the service and fare served up. Nicely done salad, with both presentation and preparation well thought out and executed. Sometimes you just want a steak and a potato, and they do an excellent job, along with other dishes we tried. I know the previous operation at this venue was more of a beer pub and pub style food, so I’d suggest that you not compare the two, as this is new owner and management, and there isn’t any connection. I’m a stickler on service and training of staff, and these guys did their homework and did a great job. I’d be curious to see others experience shared here. Keep it up guys!

Great place. Usually get the Tuna Tacos – which are amazing. Went for Sunday lunch and they have a great brunch selection – if you like brunch on the «heavy/​sweet-​side» –red velvet pancakes… steak…meatloaf…omelets. But if you want a sandwich, a bit limited if you’re not in to red meat. My friend loves the tuna sandwich… the chicken wrap was just ok. Great BIG space – cozy booths… never been very busy for dinner nor Sunday brunch. Service was good.

We went here a few weeks ago after stumbling upon it while looking for something else. We gave it a shot, and while we were waiting, I Unilocaled it. I read some of the negative reviews but kept an open mind since we hadn’t started our experience here.
The service the first time was really poor, but the food was really good, so that made it worth consideration for future visits. The first visit, we noticed that they had a special for New Years Eve, so I’ll start with that meal first since that was just last night.
We did the couples package for $ 59. How we read the flyer was different than what the deal really was… it was a bottle of wine, ONE appetizer to share, two entrees, and ONE dessert to share. Now having warned about that, the portions were really plentiful and it was well worth the price. It was just surprising that we both interpreted it as each guest would have a choice. We did wind up getting two apps because we didn’t want the wine. I’m sure other guests had thought the same thing.
I had the Roasted Goat Cheese with Spinach, Roasted Beets, Potato, Walnuts, Golden Raisins, Roasted Vinaigrette and my date had the Bacon Wrapped Scallop with Creamy Polenta and Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette. The first was a salad, served over mixed baby greens, though the description had no mention of a salad — it was assumed. The flavor was fresh with a bit of sweet and tang. I loved this salad. The Scallop app was actually two scallops — large scallops with bacon. While they were pretty good, the polenta and the smoked tomato «bruschetta» along the side was the real star of the dish. If I were out on a non-​New Year’s Eve dinner, I would have ordered just those two apps and been totally satisfied with my experience.
For entrees, we both had the Pan Seared Petite Filet, Pink Peppercorn, Port Wine Sauce, Chive Mashed Potato, Green Beans. We thought that since it was a «petite filet» that we would be getting maybe 4 or 5 ounce portions. These were more likely 8 ounce portions instead, cooked to perfection. The pink peppercorn sauce was peppery with a slight overtone of sweet — perfect for the meat. The mashed potato bed was good, and the green beans were naturally crisp and green — nothing overdone about them — just crisp and green.
We split the Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée between us, and the portion was clearly meant for two. Three plump firm raspberries with a sprig of mint adorned the crusty browned sugary top. We were rushing to a movie and ate this a bit too quickly to fully enjoy, but it was a wonderful ending to a great meal.
The service on this second trip was top notch, and the manager came by our table to check to see if everything was good and greeted us again on the way out. We’ll be back.
Ok, now going back to the first trip during lunch — the food rocked. For an app, we split an order of smoked habanero and buffalo wings — served with fresh delicious blue cheese and ranch dressings. I have dreams about this.
We also ordered the House burger ($ 8) described as «8 Ounce Ground Sirloin, Fontina And Gorgonzola Cheese, Fresh Arugula, Smoked Bacon-​Balsamic-​Onion Jam, Brioche Roll.» DELICIOUS!!!
We also had the Curry Chicken Wrap ($ 9) described as «Curry Chicken Salad, Red Grapes, Sweet Peppers, Celery, Onion, Herbs, Cucumbers, Fresh Greens, Tomato, Sirache Sauce, Whole Wheat Wrap.» While this was definitely worth ordering again, the side of house cut potato chips with the blue cheese dipping sauce was out of this world.
We are both pleased we didn’t listen to the negative Unilocalers and gave this place a shot. We’ll be back…

This place has an amazeballs beer selection: I tried probably one too many while seated at the gorgeous horseshoe-​shaped bar (don’t worry, I wasn’t driving). The bartenders are educated and resourceful, offering great suggestions for beers you might like to try. At my post-​Thanksgiving, pre-​Christmas visit, the Big Boss Harvest Time (an autumn seasonal) was on a special so good, they were practically giving it away.
I love the ambiance here. It’s much bigger than I expected; spacious with high ceilings. The décor is elegant without being pretentious. The joint is classy, yet laid back. I can dig it!
The food is also delicious. I’m a regular at City Beverage in Durham, which Chef Chris Harris departed in order to open his dream resto here on Falls of the Neuse, so the menu makes me think of a new and improved version of an old friend. The Veggie BLTC here is comparable to that of City Beverage, but the bread is thicker and butterier.
Seriously considering hitting them up for their New Year’s Eve four-​course dinner for two ($ 59), because check out this menu:
First Course
Lobster Bisque
Appetizer: Choice
Roasted Goat Cheese with Spinach, Roasted Beets, Potato, Walnuts, Golden Raisins, Roasted Vinaigrette
Cider Braised Pork Belly with Collard Greens, Black Eyed Peas and Cuban Spices
Bacon Wrapped Scallop with Creamy Polenta and Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette
Entrée: Choice
Pan Seared Petite Filet, Pink Peppercorn, Port Wine Sauce, Chive Mashed Potato, Green Beans
Roasted Squash and Wild Mushroom Chili with Goat Cheese Crème Fraiche
Artic Char «Chowder» with N.C. Little Neck Clams, Corn, Smoked Bacon, Yukon Gold Potato, Pearl Onions and Herbs
Sweet Course: Choice
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Fresh Berries
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
Chef Harris always made the City Bev desserts in-​house (gawd, how I miss that Krispy Kreme bread pudding and those homemade ice cream sandwiches!), and there’s no exception to that here. I love how involved he is as both chef and owner, because that means that this place will be run well and always feature absolutely delicious food. I can’t wait to visit again!

Given I can’t speak of the drinks here, I can speak of the meal we had. I wasn’t in the mood for anything large so the menu suited me just fine.
I decided to try the The Turkey Burger which is an 8 Ounce Ground Turkey Patty, Herbs, Grilled Granny Smith Apples, Brie Cheese, Dijon Mustard, Whole Wheat Roll. I ordered it with the garlic fries and the gorgonzola dip. Perfect and tasty in every way and satisfied my appetite.
Hubby opted for the Big Bowl of Chicken Pasta with Penne Pasta, Roasted Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic, Roasted Peppers, Shallots, Arugula, Smoked Provolone Cheese, Smoked Chiles, Seared Chicken, Herbs, Cream. He enjoyed it and said it was tasty.
This place was rather empty for a Sunday night which was sad to see.
I would definitely return again for a meal or light snack.
They even have an interesting breakfast menu with «GASP» red velvet pancakes that I know my daughter would go crazy over.
BTW they are doing a NEW YEARS eve special for two people $ 59.95 includes a 3 course meal and bottle fo wine. You can’t beat that and if we were here we would take advantage of this great deal.
I would definitely go back.

I have eaten at Fork and Barrel twice now. It is convenient to my work and is a nice choice for our after work event rotation.
The food is good, beer selection decent and the place is CLEAN! The tables, floors, bathrooms everything has been very clean both times I have been.
The menu choices are MUCH better than the former inhabitant Tap City. I feel like the menu has something for everyone. That being said… the first time I went I actually had them create a dish for me and they were very accommodating! I turned the crab cake app into a crab cake sandwich and it was really tasty. My second visit I had their house burger which is above standard but NOT anything like Tribeca! Their chips and fries are both tasty, I don’t know which I would choose! They could definitely use more garlic as they are called garlic fries.
The appetizer section could use some work, the crab cake was great but I’ve also tried the calamari and cheese dip. Both of these were pretty bad to me. The calamari is extremely under cooked and then tossed in a sauce that was not very good. The cheese dip was greasy and the flavor was a little strange.
Fork and Barrel will stay in our rotation but I will always choose Tribeca Tavern over this place and it is just down the street!
It looks like they have updated their menu and changed some names/​streamlined it.

FORK AND BARELL IS CLOSED!
Sad but true.
(as of April 30, 2013)
I’ve been here 4 – 5 times now for dinner and had a very nice meal every time. The menu is much more interesting than Tap City, better all around, and the beer list is just as good or better.

The menu is surprising and the staff is fabulous. I can’t say enough about the service I receive every time I visit F&B. They genuinely want you to enjoy your experience.
BONUS POINTS: I love the fact that they allow my 75 pound dog to join me on the back patio
I tried the bruschetta last night and enjoyed it immensely! I’d also recommend the tuna tacos (Yum!)

My wife and I were expecting to go to Tap City today, but were surprised to see it was the Fork and Barrel and decided to give it a try; what a mistake.
Food: We both had the house burger and it was more tasty than average, cooked perfectly.
Beer: The beer selection wasn’t bad, Tap City was much better with its selection of local brews.
Service: My wife found a hair near the bottom of her fries, which didn’t match hers. We brought it to the waitress’ attention who confirmed it but the manager «couldn’t find it» and «all my [kitchen] guys are covered.» We were treated like he didn’t believe us and we were trying to scam them; I certainly can afford to pay for my meal without planting hair for a discount.
The manager gave us some discount cards for our next visit, nice enough, but we won’t need them.
The way we were treated by the manager certainly rules out any possibility of us going back. I would suggest to the manager that if he wishes to stay in business, he might want to learn a thing or two about customer service or he’ll find the F&B suffers the same fate as Tap City.

My friends and I were expecting to go to Tap City, but were rather surprised to find that it was now the Fork and Barrel. After chatting amongst ourselves and having a look at the menu, we decided to stay and try it out. Their beer list could use some work, I’d like to see more local brews on tap. I actually ended up sending my pork wontons back because they were really just not good. The sauce was okay, but there was something off about the pork. A little unsettling! The service was really great though — they took the pork wontons off the check and brought me the tomato bisque instead, which was pretty good, but not amazing. When I asked my friends about their dishes, they replied «Meh». We miss Tap City!
I wasn’t too impressed, but I will likely give the place another shot after they have been open for a while.

The Fork and Barrel resides in the old location of Tap City (you can’t mistake it because as of right now the sign for Tap City is still outside on the building).
My friend had been raving about TC for months and tonight was the night I decided to finally go. I had heard wonders about their pulled pork, cheese, nachos. Heart attack on a plate? I’m there!
As we walked in we noticed a new name on their Welcome board that read Fork and Barrel. «What’s this?» we asked. It was then and there we found out that TC was no more and Fork and Barrel had moved into town.
Owned and operated by City Bev’s former chef Chris Harris and Danny Qaddomi you can expect to see a complete revamp in the menu from the previous City occupants.
According to my friend, the menu has COMPLETELY been re-​done and in the process the famed pulled pork nachos have gotten the boot.
While bummed we dove into the menu with the help of our trusty waiter, Scott. Scott was super snazzy and very helpful in painting a picture and expected taste palate for each beer and menu item we questioned.
We started with a «Bowl of Potatoes» — This is, quite literally, a bowl.of.potatoes. You have the option of either garlic fries or homemade chips. We took the chips and came to the conclusion that there was perhaps crack sprinkled in the seasoning mixture because these things were G.O.O.D. Consuming the entire bowl between two people is a feat though. I was sufficiently stuffed after this.
But out came our carefully picked sandwiches. I had the B.L.T.C where the B stands for basil not bacon (C stands for cheese… mozzarella cheese)! This sandwich was heavenly. No really. I think this is what angels eat. Mmmm. The perfect summer sandwich.
My friend devoured the turkey burger on wheat with apples and melted brie. It looked tasty and from what I understand was a very well done turkey burger (well done as in good job not as in tough meat) and not too dry. I did get to try the garlic fries with their meal. They were good but the chips were def better! I reckon the garlic fries would go nicely with seafood though.
Scott tried to tempt us with dessert but after all the food (and beer) we’d consumed dessert was not an option.
While we did eat rather early (6ish) it was a little disheartening to see we were the only people eating inside (there were some patrons on the outside patio).
I truly hope this place has better luck in this location than it’s predecessors!