Whenever I move to a new area or visit for a long time, one of the first things I’m sure is to search the nearby shops and eateries for my little corner or crack. I spend a lot of time reading, writing, or just relaxing while I work, and I prefer to do it in a relaxed atmosphere that can offer good food or drink when necessary, and I don’t mind hanging around. When I moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, I found my niche pretty quickly at Mitch's Tavern. Mitch's Tavern (often called “Mitch” by the locals) is a quiet little pub where students, professors and workers can eat on Hillsboro Street for lunch and dinner. When I first entered Mitch, a warm walk swept over me, and a feeling of home appeared in me; I knew that this would be my area.
When you step back from the old wooden door leading to Mitch, you will immediately be met by a worn, well-moved wooden staircase. The stairs are steep and lead you to a dingy but cozy little bar overlooking Hillsboro Street and the campus of North Carolina. There is a wooden bar that is clean, but it shows a lot of little knicks (I got a strong sense of history in this place, and I like to believe that each of these nicknames had its own story), and wooden stalls and chairs installed on dark wooden tables. Wooden boards complement the restaurant’s “old city tavern” feel, and its walls are lined with character. Old beach bikes hang from the ceiling, planes flying above the bar, photos, autographs and cool little memoirs (famous newspapers and posters) hang above the bar. Every way you turn, there is something else “cool” to see what makes you realize that you are not just in another bar and grill. I doubt that I can return to one of the many trick bars and grills sprouting across the country after visiting Mitch. Call me spoiled, but he just won't feel the same.
While you may be transferred to Mitch because of the scenery, character or dining experience, you are likely to return to your meal. This is not just a bar food for you, so you buzz while you drop the concoction, this is the food you can tell pride. From honey filled with melon to a Cuban sandwich, Mitch offers a large selection of real flavor at affordable prices. Some of my personal favorites include:
Vegan chillies are chilli filled with beans and spices, seasoned with mixed and chopped vegetables. It comes with tortilla chips and stuffing (salsa, sour cream and cheese are placed on top of the chili), and if you're looking for a little extra “bite”, then jalapensha mixes.
London Broil - This sandwich was what caused me to drag all my friends to Mitch and always my recommendation if someone doesn’t know what to do. Thin slices of this steak are located between two pieces of toasted bread and covered with spicy mayonnaise. Sandwich served with potato chips and pickled vegetables.
Mitch is also a historic part of the city center of Raleigh. It has existed for many decades, and many college professors, graduates, honored guests, and celebrities walk through their doors (with some of them captioning the comments!). It became a cult part of almost the university district, and besides being open for lunch every day, it was completed in many student activities (some sponsored by the university and some not), such as meetings, special exam days and the famous Halloween night Hillsborough Hike (crawling in a bar that surrounds costumes and local pubs). If you are looking for a place to eat, chat, watch the news or even do work in Raleigh, be sure to take a look at Mitch. Since then I have been in the whole city, and I have found quite a few wonderful restaurants, but I always return to Mitch at the end. You just can't beat this London Broglie.
