Dogwood Bar And Grill — Restaurant in Durham

I am so excited whenever a new spot opens in North Durham, because it is a veritable wasteland when it comes to restaurant options (fast food? sure. good food? not so much...) However, I am even more excited when a restaurant opens up that's as good as Dogwood! It's owned by the same people at Metro 8 on 9th street, which is a local favorite, so you already know it's going to be legit. We went there the first day they opened (definitely a soft opening, walls bare and still training staff, not that that took away from the experience at all). We were seated promptly and the service was excellent; they were able to answer all of our menu questions and provide recommendations based on what we were looking for. The menu is quite extensive and the food is super high quality, it definitely exceeds most "bar and grill" type spots. I definitely rate this as a great value for the price. Like Metro 8, the menu has an Argentine flair with empanadas and chorizo. We tried the beef empanadas with criollo sauce, which was a vinegar-y tomato & onion blend that was a delicious counterpoint to the hearty, savory beef filling. I then had the penne alla vodka (very tasty!) and my husband had the south of the border burger, which was perfectly cooked to order. We really wanted to try dessert, but were already stuffed with a full meal's worth of leftovers already. They also have a full bar which we did not partake of (yet). I will definitely be returning to try their other options! I really hope this spot doesn't get overlooked, as it's tucked in the corner of the shopping center that used to hold a Kroger (future Harris Teeter) and if you're heading SB down N Roxboro, the corner really hides their sign- they need to put one up closer to the road...

Finally... made it to Dogwood. It is nestled in the corner of Riverview shopping mall. Don't blink or you'll miss it!

I walked in and Samantha, behind the bar, made us feel right at home. I knew she was going to be amazing after watching her with other customers.. She cares, helps them even with personal stuff, and looks out for them. You can tell there are regulars, they love the people and the restaurant. I love that vibe!

I knew it wanted to try several things so I only orders appetizers. We got Chorizo (not tradional, more like a sausage) which came with fries, Provoletta and Log Jammers. She was right... the Log Jammers are addictive, but being a cheese person, my fav was the Provellta - so fabulously cheesy. The sausage was very good as well. My only swith up on things qould be the sauces... which you can do. The 3 mustard sauce comes with .the Log Jammers - pare that with the sausage. The herb vinegar that come with the Log Jammers, pares best with the Provella. And last, but not least... pare the Boom Boom sauce with the Log Jammers. Fabulous!

We also got Ribs and mac and cheese. The full rack was huge and had ao much meat. The rub on it was delicious and I'd recommend the spicy bbq sauce which pares well with the rub. The slaw is NOT to mayonnaisey but is sweet. The Mac and Cheese seems to be on the homemade side - creamy but not like it's all processed cheese - more real cheese. Then it's baked with a nice layer on top.

We had a great experience and even though I don't usually go to a restaurant more than once, I will be back. The food was great and the people and friendly atmosphere made it...

So, I've have waited over 20 years for a place to eat in Northern Durham that wasn't fat, greasy fast food. Prices $$-$$$. The decor is modern but comfortable... almost feels like a beach restaurant with high back, wooden bench seats and a few tables. Didnt drink, but I eye-balled Iocally brewed beer and some top shelf favorites. I tried them today for lunch and later for dinner. For lunch, I ordered a cold Turkey sandwich. It came out hot, but that was okay...it was soooooo good!! It was served on toasted ciabatta bread with lettuce, tomato, onion and tasty turkey. I ordered takeout. The waiter brought out a glass of ice water as I waited and checked back to update me on my meal. He was very friendly and was very helpful. The wait was not bad at all. For dinner, I had a tender half rack of ribs, mac and cheese and string beans. My ribs were tender and the spicy moonshine sauce is delicious! The mac and cheese was okay...it is the kind with cheese sauce but its topped with cheese to give it an at-home taste. The string beans were a little undercooked...but that might be someone else's preference. My husband had carrot puree soup and salad as a vegetarian option. There are no vegetarian specific dishes or burgers but there are individual meatless options. I will return based on friendliness and effort...effort by new waitresses and waiters to learn and serve and the effort of trainers and supervisors to accommodate patrons and teach young employess with a smile. Suggestions: hush puppies or bread while you wait and better crackers than saltines for...