Overlook — Restaurant in Raleigh

The Overlook is a small restaurant located on the second floor of the Residence Inn. Parking can be on the street or within the parking deck for ease of walk. We decided to park within the parking deck - there was a concert so the cost $10 for the night. To us it was worth it as parking was slim close to the hotel. Once we entered the hotel, we were greeted by front desk and provided directions to the restaurant. Once we got to the second floor, I will admit we got a little lost here. As people were standing where the opening was to the restaurant it wasn’t clear that we should enter on that side. The other side had a “wall” up so it looked things were blocked for a private event. I happen to Marie and she explained that the other opening was the main entry and the “wall” was there to help with the flow - but it was okay to enter.

I can see this being a great location for a quick meal or a relaxing evening after a long day of meetings - especially if you are in the area or at the hotel for stay. The restaurant gives you the feel like you are in one of those hotel bar/restaurants in a movie. Very intimate - when there aren’t a lot of people present - which is how it was for our visit. We were one of about three parties that were present.

Let me first start off with, Marie, Marie, Marie. She was the star of the evening for our visit. I couldn’t have asked for a better server! She was attentive from the start - ensuring the seating was to our liking for our group and overall welcoming! That is always a great start to any meal. She was very understanding of our dietary needs and/or restrictions. She noted them quickly and suggested items based on the feedback. Something she wasn’t sure about - she made sure to look it up before just guessing - very much appreciated! The entire time she made sure to check on our needs and just make sure our experience was enjoyable.

The menu is very limited, which isn’t bad. You know they are only working to prepare a few things and making sure those few things are perfected - so no issues from someone like me. They had something that could satisfy all - burger, steak, wings, flatbread, etc.

We decided to get the following :

Custom drinks created by Marie with a base of Ginger Beer Apps: Fried Artichoke Hearts, Garlic Hot Wings, and Steak and Goat Cheese quesadillaMain Entrees: Steak with seasonal veggies and potatoes, Half Chicken with mashed potatoes and asparagus The drinks were delicious and very enjoyable. Our apps came out in perfect time. They were fresh and hot. We LOVED the steak and goat cheese quesadilla the most. The flavor profile was very unique and had perfect balance. The wings were good, had a little kick to them but nothing overly hot. The garlic was very noticeable but still added to the overall taste. The fried artichoke hearts weren’t our favorite. After having such flavor dishes before with the apps, this one fell short. It needed something “else” to elevate it but we couldn’t put our fingers on it. Now, for the main courses - the steak was the winner for us. Juicy and prepared perfectly! The chicken was okay, not really something I think I would order again. Again with all the other things having so much flavor, it just fell short. The mashed potatoes for it were a little to dry for my liking and the asparagus was just okay. Nothing really to say about it.

All in all, we did have a great time and will look forward to going back to try other items on the menu - hopefully we will have...

This is not just another hotel restaurant. Don't let the location of it fool you, because this was an unexpected gem. We came in tired from working all day and hungry. Honestly, I thought we settled by hitting the hotel restaurant. Raleigh is filled with good food, but I wanted easy and quick. We got so much more. We went downstairs and were greeted by the hostess. We had our pick of seats and took one by the window. Our server Will came to our table quick with water and handed us a menu and took our drink order. We had already picked out our entrées when he dashed back with a "Chefs Specials" menu, but I am so glad I took the time to look because there was a shrimp and grits and that's what I ended up getting. I'll get my boyfriend's dinner out of the way, so I can get to the real details. He got the lamb lollies with rice and they were happy to sub the brussels for the sweet potato mash. All excellent. He was happy. But this dish of shrimp n grits was the best I've ever had. And I travel and sample it a lot. Chef J KNEW he had cooked something 🔥 because I saw him peek around the corner for my reaction before he came up 😆 It was an entirely new take on it. The grits were formed and fried. The texture was AMAZING. Perfect. And then you take a bite and there's a bacon flavor enfused through these perfectly cooked cheesy grits. The sauce was like a gravy. The shrimp was perfect, but I can't get over those fried grits. I filled up quick and refused to leave any leftovers behind. I boxed it up, hoping it reheats. Will, came back multiple times to check on us and refill drinks. Very attentive. He even let us know that his shift was ending and checked on us one last time before handing us off to Jamie? (I think). Everyone and everything was an unexpected treat. I NEED those Shrimp and Grits on the regular menu so I know I can have it anytime I want. I sadly didn't take pictures because I was just not expecting this, but here's the menu so you know what to request or look for! Oh, and the price was CHEAP for the quality and skill. Thank you...

Made a reservation for a nice Saturday night out with my wife!! Get to Hotel to find out that there is an event across the street so $10 to park in deck no big deal. Get to restaurant looks very nice have a patio spot overlooking the PerformingArts Center good start! We order drinks and an app all good so far server is nice attentive seems like it is going to be a nice night.

Wife orders entree then I order entree and server says oh No we are out of that! Ok happens. I ask for a minute to make an alternative decision but before leaving she says I forgot to tell you we are changing the menu on Monday so we are out of alot. She recommends the steak they have that!! I look over the menu and decide to go with her recommendation for a $35 Ribeye yea!! New server shows up?? I order said Ribeye and he says let me make sure we have that and he doubt that they do. I inform him she recommended it and he says we will figure it out . Comes back moments later and says they are out of the steak as well. At this point we are done they only have 5 entrees and they are out of them all. My issue is that we made an online reservation and they very easily could have called us and said we have no entrees just to give you a heads up before you make a trip to our restaurant with No Food!! The took care of the app which was nice but we were left with an evening in Downtown Raleigh with no reservation for dinner!!

That is no way to run a business!! Will never eat nor recommend this...