Local Favorites: Menagerie Team's Food Picks in Raleigh & Wendell
Our Team's Guide to Neighborhood Gems
At Menagerie Style House, we're more than just a salon—we're part of the vibrant communities of Raleigh and Wendell. Our team members don't just work in these neighborhoods; they explore, experience, and enjoy everything these amazing areas have to offer. We believe in supporting local businesses just like ours, and we're excited to share some of our team's absolute favorite spots to grab a bite before or after your salon visit.
Raleigh's Hidden Gems
The area surrounding our Crabtree Boulevard location in Raleigh has evolved into a foodie paradise with options for every taste. When our stylists and salon team need to refuel between guest services, here's where you'll find them:
The Bomb Bar: Healthy Indulgence
"My favorite local spot in Raleigh is The Bomb Bar, they have really good smoothies and avocado toast," shares Korina, one of our talented stylists. This health-conscious spot seems to be a team favorite, with Mandy adding, "The OG avocado toast and a mango tango smoothie always hits. They also sell Liquid Death sparkling waters and teas and I love that!"
The Bomb Bar offers the perfect balance of healthy and satisfying—ideal for maintaining energy through a busy day of creating beautiful hair. Their signature avocado toast comes highly recommended by multiple team members, making it a must-try when you're in the area.
Street Tacos Cantina: Taco Tuesday Heaven
If you're looking for another fantastic taco option, Harrison recommends "this great taco place in north Raleigh called Street Tacos Cantina that has $2 taco Tuesday and even the other stuff on the menu is gas." With affordable pricing and quality that impresses even outside their special deals, this spot offers the perfect casual dining experience.
Their $2 Taco Tuesday special makes it an ideal budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on flavor—perfect for satisfying post-salon cravings without breaking the bank.
Miso Ramen: Soul-Warming Comfort
For something more substantial, our concierge Ashley can't get enough of the pork belly fries from Miso Ramen!!!!! With her enthusiasm (and those exclamation points), you know this dish must be special. Miso Ramen blends authentic Japanese techniques with local North Carolina ingredients to create unique flavor profiles you won't find anywhere else.
The pork belly fries Ashley raves about feature crispy fries topped with tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, special sauce, and fresh garnishes—a perfect indulgent treat after a salon service.
Eastcut Sandwich Bar: Hearty Satisfaction
Salon owner Kiki has her own Raleigh favorite: "Eastcut sandwiches—anything with that chicken cutlet! East Cut has totally delicious gigantic sandwiches and I love the vibe of Iron Works."
Located in Iron Works, worth the short drive from our Raleigh salon, Eastcut Sandwich Bar is known for their oversized portions and quality ingredients. The chicken cutlet Kiki mentions comes in several variations, all featuring perfectly crispy, juicy chicken on freshly baked bread with creative toppings. The industrial-chic atmosphere of their Iron Works location adds to the experience.
Taco Bamba: Bold Flavors
Our Brand Director Jessica has strong opinions about her local favorite: "I'm obsessed with Taco Bamba. Their Dahmer taquito is my faaaave!" This creative taqueria puts unique spins on traditional Mexican street food, creating memorable flavor combinations that keep our team coming back.
Taco Bamba's menu features both traditional tacos and innovative chef's creations, offering something for both purists and adventurous eaters.
Union Special: Pastry Paradise
For those with a sweet tooth, Rosa recommends "Union Special, their coffee cake and incrediblepastries." This artisanal bakery creates handmade pastries using traditional techniques and local ingredients. Rosa also loves their "avocado toast, and hot latte lavender coffee with honey and oatmeal milk!"
Union Special is perfect for a pre-salon breakfast or post-service treat, with a rotating selection of seasonal pastries that showcase North Carolina's agricultural bounty.
Wendell's Charming Favorites
Our Wendell location at Big Falls Drive places us in the heart of this growing community with its own unique food scene. When our Wendell team members take a break, here's where they head:
Sonder Coffee: Morning Perfection
Kiki splits her time between our locations and has favorites in both areas. In Wendell, she recommends "Sonder's Iced coffee and bacon, egg and cheese on an English muffin. It's a great chill spot and has an awesome patio. Their specialty drinks are also really fun!!"
Sonder Coffee has become a community hub in Wendell, offering carefully crafted coffee drinks and simple but perfect food options. The patio Kiki mentions is ideal for enjoying North Carolina's beautiful spring weather, minus the pollen.
Falls Local: Burger Bliss
"I love Falls Local in Wendell because they have really yummy burgers," says Emma, sharing her go-to local spot. This neighborhood eatery focuses on comfort food made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Their burgers feature beef from North Carolina farms, served on locally baked buns with creative toppings. It's the perfect spot for a hearty meal after your salon service.
Don Beto's Tacos and Tequila: Flavorful Fiesta
Alyssa recommends venturing to "Don Beto's Tacos and Tequila in Wendell. I get the chicken chimichangas and I love it because the atmosphere and vibes are so nice especially on a nice warm day."
This authentic Mexican restaurant brings traditional flavors and modern presentation to Wendell. Their chimichanga—a deep-fried burrito filled with seasoned chicken, cheese, and fresh vegetables—comes highly recommended as the perfect comfort food after a day of transformation in the salon.
Experience Our Neighborhoods Like a Local
Both our salon locations put you in the heart of vibrant communities filled with amazing local businesses. We believe in supporting our fellow entrepreneurs and showcasing the unique character of both Raleigh and Wendell.
Make a Day of Your Salon Visit
Why not turn your next hair service into a complete local experience? Consider this perfect day itinerary:
In Raleigh:
- Morning coffee and pastry at Union Special
- Midday reservation at Menagerie Style House for your hair transformation
- Late lunch at Eastcut Sandwich Bar or The Bomb Bar
- Evening drinks and tacos at Taco Bamba
In Wendell:
- Breakfast sandwich and specialty coffee at Sonder
- Hair service at our Wendell Menagerie location
- Late lunch burger at Falls Local
- Afternoon stroll through Wendell's charming downtown
Our Convenient Locations
We've chosen our salon locations to be accessible while placing you near some of the best local spots each area has to offer.
Raleigh Location:
Address: 2409 Crabtree Blvd #120, Raleigh, NC 27604
Text: 832.669.5792
Call: 919.803.7144
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
Wendell Location:
Address: 2210 Big Falls Dr #102, Wendell, NC 27591
Text: 984.271.1420
Call: 919.374.7128
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
Become Part of Our Community
At Menagerie Style House, we believe that beauty services are about more than just hair—they're about creating community connections and supporting one another. When you visit our salon, you're not just getting a haircut or color service; you're becoming part of our extended family and the vibrant neighborhoods we call home.
Our Raleigh and Wendell team members are passionate about creating beautiful hair, but they're equally passionate about the communities where they work and play. Next time you're in for a service, ask your stylist about their favorite local spots—they might have a new recommendation that didn't make this list!
Book your next reservation at either of our locations and experience not just exceptional hair services but the unique character of these wonderful North Carolina communities!