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Angus Barn
Category: Restaurants Steakhouses Steakhouses [Edit]
9401 Glenwood AveRaleigh, NC 27617
(919) 781-2444
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 3 pm - 11 pm
Sun 3 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Upscale, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
132 reviews for Angus Barn
Review Highlights
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"Where the Angus Barn wins with me is it's wine list." In 18 reviews -
"...room for dessert, the Chocolate Chess Pie is outstanding." In 3 reviews -
"I had a bacon-wrapped filet with a Gorgonzola and balsamic..." In 3 reviews
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132 reviews in English
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Review from Justin W.
Raleigh, NC
I've had the pleasure of eating at Angus Barn several times and each visit has been nothing short of spectacular.
I love the rustic look of in exterior and interior of the place. They offer valet parking as well as a very large private lot to park in. Since the restaurant is so busy, you might have to walk a little to get to the front door, which doesn't bother me because I'm always keeping my mind occupied by one thing: their steaks.
I had their steaks during most of my visits (Rib-eye and Filet Mignon) and I keep coming back to them. Each time they have been cooked perfectly medium-rare (by my suggestion, of course...they will cook them however you'd like). I absolutely love their garlic mashed potatoes as well.
They have a wide selection of wine, as well as decently priced beer/martinis. I've come here to have a few drinks/appetizers in the Wild Turkey Lounge (the bar upstairs), and their drinks are priced very normal (not overly pricey, I actually was expecting them to charge more but I had an extra drink because the price was right).
The service is outstanding. The servers/hosts take care of you here, from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. They come around to check on you without being pestering (this, as you know, is a thin line most servers walk).
Another great thing about this restaurant is little added bonuses that they offer. To name a few:
+Apples in baskets (take an apple as you leave the restaurant -- it's a tradition there)
+h'orderves available if you are going for drinks at the wild turkey lounge (crackers/cheese/celery/carrots/etc). Good filler food to compliment your beer/martini/wine.
+Gift shop. They offer several homemade products and have their own walk-in humidor and extensive collection of fine cigars.
+Large gun collection at the base of the first floor in front of the stairs leading to the wild turkey lounge. This place is perfect for any gun lover/collector. The guns are all behind a glass display and numbered. An accompanying book sits on a table in front of a leather couch so you can flip through and learn about the guns and their production years.
Overall, a great place to have an upscale dinner. Perfect for special occasions or having a drink upstairs on a Friday night. -
Review from Antonia M.
Durham, NC
4/25/2012 4 photos
Finally. I can say I've eaten at the Angus Barn.
Really, for someone who loves food, and moved here more than a decade ago with a family who loves food, and has a husband who, depending on the day, might literally kill for a great steak...it is almost impossible to believe I haven't yet been to the Angus Barn.
A group of out-of-town colleagues and partners were in town for an event, and chose Angus Barn for dinner. I nearly did a happy dance when I heard the news. Just to preface things, there were about 20 of us.
When we arrived, we were promptly seated upstairs, along the window side. First impression - the wood cabin-like structure and decor made it feel warm, homey and inviting. Not quite what I expected, knowing it's a pricey place, but welcome. The rest of the dinner had the same feel. Nothing was pretentious (and I'd sort of expected a bit of that). Our wait staff was excellent. With a big group, there was a lot of chatter and people moving along at different paces in the meal process - but our waiters managed to be attentive without ever rushing anyone.
For the food and drink, the AB pulled out all the stops. We were impressed to find the crackers, 2 kinds of cheese (no one could figure out exactly what they were - so thanks Yelpers for helping solve the mystery), and olive/pickle platter on the table when we arrived. I love those kind of details, and so did the rest of the party. We had wine on the table before we sat down, and our waiters seemed to magically appear with refills just before we ran out each time. And although no one actually ordered a starter - since the main courses come with a soup or salad - the whole table received an appetizer sampler (crab claw, 2 shrimp and 2 ribs). I was impressed before the main course arrived, although also a bit full!
I have to admit that for my main course, I plunged in full-glutton-style and got the pimento cheese stuffed filet - with potato gratin (a special). And I sit here honestly not feeling guilty about that decision. It was ridiculously good. When it came, I noticed that they had even wrapped the filet in bacon. Hey, why not?!
I also sampled some of my neighbor's fried catfish and black-eyed peas (another special). And wowee, I like seafood, but only when it's done well. And this was done well. Really, really well.
As for dessert...I had to pass. I was too damn full. But I loved that they brought the whole dessert tray out, with a huge assortment of options. I'm not usually a big dessert person, but I really hated to have to miss out on trying any.
I do have to say that I am glad someone else was paying tonight. But I would be back again, even if I had to pay. I really enjoyed the honest, unpretentious food, service, and atmosphere - while being served a meal of incredible quality. -
Review from Alex N.
4/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I finally got a chance to visit this Raleigh mainstay, in a wine cellar room no less. Stepping into the waiting area, this place feels like a tourist trap and the dressed down decor really gives off a casual vibe. Don't be tricked though, dress doesn't seem too casual, in fact many wear sport coats. I'm not a fan of the table linens, but if they've been doing that forever, then who am I to disagree.
If you do happen to get the chance to eat in a wine cellar room, a waiter will escort you through the kitchen, past the chef's table, and down into the cellar. Wine cellar room comes with a nice long table, personal bar, and service to the max. Don't be afraid to ask for anything, seriously. Ask for a cellar tour and the bread from upstairs.
I had some of the famous cheddar cheese, ribs, filet, and the grand marnier parfait. Ribs were melt in your mouth good and next to the cheese, were really the highlights. The filet was pretty decent. I won't say it's the best I've ever had, but it wasn't completely devoid of flavor. I would have preferred a little more char. The grand marnier parfait was a little bit of a mess and with no finesse, but you could taste a generous serving of alcohol in it.
4 stars for a unique experience, decent steak and a cool wine cellar. I'd bring the out of towners here, but would probably stay away for a special occasion, unless it was for an all out celebration. They'll even dispose of a day old raw fish if you happen to bring one with you ;) -
Review from Miguel S.
Manhattan, NY
5/26/2012
An institution. Dined here on numerous occasions dating back to the mid/late 90's through recently & have always enjoyed the excellent food & service. You never know where you might sit (even if you're hosting a private party) because the place is expansive with all sorts of nooks, crannies, lounges, etc. Right to dessert (save room, trust me): The key lime pie, cheesecakes, cobblers and brulees are all wonderful, but the chocolate chess pie is simply out of this world.
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Review from Lauren H.
3/30/2012
This has been my chosen spot for my birthday dinner as long as I can remember. I am a fan of everything about this restaurant and have never had a bad experience here. I have also been here for other celebration-type occasions (anniversaries, etc).
The place is a lot more casual than it used to be, it's just basically a large barn style building with a similar theme inside. Some people get dressed up to eat here, but you'll see just as many people eating in jeans.
When you sit down to your table, you are greeted by a basket of homemade crackers and two types of cheese - cheddar and blue. The cheese and crackers are one of my favorite parts of dinner here! They sell the cheese and crackers in their store area up front if you want to take a crock of it home too. You also get some really good, buttery bread and a tray of olives before your entree even comes out. I always order the smaller filet, which is wrapped in bacon and served with your choice of side (generally I go for the mashed potatoes - always tasty) and a grilled tomato. It also comes with a salad that is brought out after the cheese and crackers. It is a lot of food and I have never left hungry! I have never ordered anything besides steak here, so I can't comment on any of their other entrees because it is too hard for me to come here and steer away from the steak.
Being that this is where I go for my birthday, they will always bring you a small pound cake after your meal for your birthday, which is topped with homemade whipped cream and a strawberry. I have yet to eat any of this cake at the restaurant (I'm always too full!), but it is always a delicious treat the next day!
The service here is some of the best in the area and we've always had waiters that are quick to give you recommendations or point you towards a good bottle of wine. Yes, the prices here are high, but I believe it is worth it for the amount of food you get and how good it is for the price!
On your way out of the restaurant, make sure to grab an apple from the huge barrel right by the door! -
Review from Brian L.
Lynn, MA
5/9/2012
This was recommended by a business colleague as I was in from the Boston area. Very nice atmosphere but the food was rather bland. Was expecting top notch food! Got the Chateaubriand and the vegetables were good but the Tenderloin was bland as was the dressing on the Caesar salad. My guest also was not blown away with the sirloin. Sorry
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Review from Shannon A.
Wake Forest, NC
2/19/2012
Angus Barn has been a staple since I was a kid for celebratory events. It's great for couples and large family/friend evenings and is always a good time. We go 2-3 times per year and always have a super dooper experience.
Hubs and I went last week to celebrate Valentine's day. Warning, get your reservations early because we had to settle for 4pm. This wasn't awful since we sipped on our drinks and enjoyed the cheese and crackers for a bit prior to eating but I would have liked to have had a later sitting time but that's our fault.
Angus Barn literally is a large wooden barn-like building that is all wood and old timey farm equipment decor all around. It's fancy schmancy but totally gives you the feel that you are sitting in a cow barn that has been dolled up just for you.
If you arrive early enough, you can go upstairs to the Wild Turkey lounge and have a few cocktails and munch on some crudites while you wait for your table or for your dining time.
The wine list is the most diverse and largest I have ever seen. I am always amazed at what there is to try. The staff are always knowledgable and can help with any pairings. Due to the large amounts of crudites we munched on, we hardly ever get an app. It's just not needed. We always order steaks since this is their specialty and that comes with a salad, and a side item like a baked potato or other choices. We NEVER finish our food and always leave super full. The great thing is that for the amound you spend, you leave with at least another meal to eat at home, sometimes two.
When leaving, don't forget to visit the gift shop where you can take home their famous cheese and crackers and a free apple on the way out. Angus Barn is a must for the true Ral/Dur experience!!! -
Review from John S.
Brentwood, CA
3/20/2012
This place is a national landmark!
I was in Raleigh for business and my co-worker Charlie took me here. Wow this place is so cool! From the parking lot to the entrance to the table....very very cool place. So old school it was hip and current! The bar upstairs is awesome and the decorations are really nice! We went on a Tuesday night and the place was busy but they sat us right away. The server was very prompt and I was amazed how much knowledge he had of the menu and the amazing wine list they have. Straight up the server was very well trained and knew his sh**. Rare these days for sure!
When we sat down they brought two types of spreadable cheeses and house-made crackers as well as a plate of peppers, pickles and wonderful snacks. I had a NY steak cooked Med-Rare and it was perfect...best steak I have had in a long time. It came with choice of salad (I ordered the chopped salad) and a side (twiced baked potato). Salad was amazing and way too big, Steak awesome but the potato was just ok. Then the server brought this tray of great looking desserts (14-15 different kinds) and told us about all of them like he made them himself. Great knowledge! We were so full that I had to take part of my steak which I ate later in my hotel room by the airport. Not too pricey of a place for what you get, I recommend to anyone that hasn't gone or is up for a great meal. I will be back! -
Review from Christine G.
Raleigh, NC
2/9/2012
I've been here several times now and have had consistent service and food quality. We didn't order appetizers last night, but the crackers/cheese and olives/pickles plate were plenty to nosh on while waiting for our meal.
I usually order a 7 oz. filet (which is wrapped in bacon), with a baked potato, and it's always been tasty. The boyfriend has gotten tuna the last couple of times we've been there (and last night was no exception), and was pleased.
Our waiter was conscientious about our various food allergies as well--even asked the chef some specific questions about certain desserts on my behalf. He also was quite personable and knowledgeable about after-dinner brandy.
Last night was the first time we got the opportunity to experience the magician. He was amusing, and a nice diversion while we were waiting for our main course.
We live right up the road from the Angus Barn, but don't get to it as often as we'd like. It's sort of stuck in that "special occasion" wasteland, but it's not due to the food.
Decor: It's a big glorified barn. Lots of hay and farm implements. :P The place is huge, and I'm sure I've only seen a small part of it.
Overall: Good dining experience. Potentially a bit overpriced. It can get loud in there when it's crowded. Not the place to go for an intimate dinner. But the food is decent, and we'll continue to patronize the Angus Barn.Listed in: Food Around the Triangle
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Review from Sarah S.
Raleigh, NC
1/25/2012
I've been a couple times and was inspired to write this after a birthday dinner last night. All my previous experiences had been much better. I knew the place was big, but didn't realize how big until we were seated in the upstairs dinning room. We got the unfortunate seat next to the kitchen door. The place was packed and the action way too constant to feel relaxing, or well served. At one point I changed seats at the table to be away from the constant traffic flow. I felt anxious when I left.
I think we got the second string waitstaff upstairs. I like good service, but was disappointed last night. We couldn't understand our waitress. Her English was poor, and I wanted to ask for recommendations, but didn't feel like I could have. We also didn't see much of her. Oh, and Angus barn, come on - T-shirts on the staff?
For a Tuesday night, it was packed tight. I didn't want to pay $100 dollars to feel ushered in and out like cattle (even though it IS a barn).
My recommendations: When making reservations, ask for the dining room downstairs. If you want good service, phone ahead for a good waiter. Ask for the updated Gun book at the front hostess station. They have a great room full of numbered guns. My boyfriend really wanted to browse the collection, but they are currently updating the book identifying their guns. A neat feature to the restaurant.
(An aside: There is a separate bar upstairs called the Wild Turkey Lounge. I've always enjoyed the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs, if you like a more casual setting. Soup and crackers and a beer) -
Review from Rob W.
4/11/2012
A long time Raleigh institution. They may have been resting on their laurels for a while now. I still like it for birthdays and things like that. If you have a larger group they can put you in a private room, which is nice. Service and food is good, the experience of the place really makes it.
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Review from K A.
Chapel Hill, NC
4/18/2012
What a great place. I have lived here for over 10 years and had never been. We loved it. I had no idea it was so great for kids too. Staff is awesome and goes fully out of their way to make sure everyone is happy. We went with friends and even with our pretty big group, we all had perfectly prepared food, served at the same time.
Will plan to go back for another fun night out. Love it! -
Review from Shane B.
Raleigh, NC
3/24/2012
From the conversations I've had, I feel like this is a controversial place. I'm sure my review will not sit well with some. Please note, I've only been here once, but I feel like once is enough. There's not much I can say other than the service here is top notch but the flavor of the food is, well, weak. I ordered a steak, of course, and garlic mashed potatoes on the side. The steak was good, but nothing spectacular. However, the mashed potatoes simply had no flavor. And these are simple mashed potatoes. I never send food back so I asked the waiter if I could have an order of asparagus. Another side dish that had zero flavor. Now, this is something I can prepare easily in my kitchen. Steam the asparagus until it starts to get a little tender. Toss it in a pan with a little butter and dill. Viola! Quick and extremely tasty, and I'm far, far from a chef.
I've heard rumors about a special room downstairs where you can taste all different kind of wines and be treated like royalty. I am unable to speak to that but then again therein lies a problem. What sense does it make to have all this special treatment available if you cant get the "meat and potatoes" right?
I probably won't go back here again unless I get invited with a group. I've had steak dinners at other places that exceeded this experience. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan and would love to have a positive experience at this restaurant. Just a bit surprised how they failed to execute on basic dishes. -
Review from Matt K.
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
It took us three years to finally get around to visiting AB, but we finally did this past Christmastime. There are a ton of reviews, so I'm going bullet style.
1. Cracker Barrel meets steakhouse. The decor is kind of frontier-style American, I guess you could say (I mean, there's a gun display for goodness sakes) and there is a little general store where you can buy the cheese spreads, some candles, and other gifts. Interesting for this alone.
2. Crazy awesome Christmas decorations. Get your reservations EARLY. There were several tables lined up for 20+ diners. This is clearly a destination for many locals, especially around the holidays, but the decorations are a must see. There was also a table-side magician (!) wandering about. Not sure if that was a Christmas special or what.
3. AB is pricey, but you get a lot for your money. It isn't the most interesting high dollar steak I've ever had, but you have to consider that the salad and side is included in the price. If you go to a traditional high-dollar steakhouse, you're going to pay $10+ for a salad and potato on top of a $35-40 steak. So if you drop that $10 from the price of your AB steak, you're getting a good deal. Also, you get the crackers with the cheese spreads and the relish tray. You will not leave hungry. We took home a doggy bag.
4. Saying that, this isn't fancy cuisine. The steak was good, but not great. It was cooked fairly correctly, but not perfectly to my liking. If you're trying to impress a date that you've got some fancy sophisticated palette, Angus Barn probably isn't the right dining option (remember: table-side magician). But if you want to make the impression that you're down to earth and know local institutions, then go for it.
5. I've heard things about their gigantic wine cellar, but we missed that somehow. I only saw the options they had in the regular menu. I guess next time I should ask for a wine list. However, even what was listed in the menu was good. We ate early (a 5 pm reservation was all that was left when we called a few days out in December) so we just had a glass each.
6. Get the stuffed potato.
This is going to be a must-visit the next time we have family in town. -
Review from Jason W.
Raleigh, NC
Updated - 1/8/2012
After our visit to Angus Barn a couple weeks ago, we thought we would at least provide them with a little feedback. The co-owner of the restaurant called us within a day and offered to make things right, even though all we wanted to was tell them how poor our meal was. They sent us a letter which again asked us to come back and give them a chance to provide "Angus Barn's legendary customer service."
We decided to take them up on it and made reservations; while we're used to great customer service and food at AB, even we were stunned. The service and food were truly amazing, even for AB, if I could give them 6 stars I would because they truly gave us a perfect dinner experience. Thanks Angus Barn for your kind offer and giving us another great meal!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/5/2011
I've been to the Angus barn many times and it's always excellent, this past Saturday was an… Read more »
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Review from JK L.
San Gabriel Valley, CA
3/28/2012
Excellent place for steaks. This is a really wonderful place for dinner. They even have a little country store inside. Came here based on a client's recommendation and I was not sorry. This place is really something! Two stories. We dined upstairs. What I like is the homemade crackers, which made fresh daily. A must try is the spreadable cheese with the homemade crackers, variety of olives, celery sticks and pickles to start before you even sit down. We also tried the fresh oysters...outstanding and fresh!
Started with a Caesar Salad and then my entree selection...a 10 ounce prime rib cooked perfectly medium rare. My prime rib was served with assorted vegetables and mushrooms. My client shared a Chateaubriand with his wife. I understand the Chateaubriand is one of their speciality.
The service was very friendly. Our server came by several times to refill our water glasses with out being asked.
My other client tried the ribs...I don't any one can finish it. The size of the rib platter was amazing.
Too full to try the dessert, but the selections look excellent.
Must come back
Make reservations, this place packs them in. -
Review from Megan R.
Fuquay-Varina, NC
3/11/2012
I just went to a wedding at the Angus Barn Pavillion. The food was outstanding, but the service was the real star of the show. I haven't been treated that well in a long time, maybe ever.
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Review from Shannon P.
Raleigh, NC
11/7/2011
The wine cellar experience is nice....
I've dined here twice and both times had the opportunity to dine in the private wine cellar. It's a little odd to get there - you have to be escorted through the kitchen, down a set of stairs, past the cigar room, through the actual wine cellar, and then alas, you enter into the dining area within the wine cellar. The dimly lit room surrounded by large format wine bottles is really cool. This room is great for a private party - I think it holds maybe 25 or so people at one very long table.
There's a bar in the room as well, which is nice for getting that cocktail and mingling with your guests (assuming you're there for a party). They also have 2 cheese spreads with an assortment of crackers/bread and olives to munch on while you mingle.
Once you've taken your seat, the real 'royal treatment' begins. There is usually 2 servers for this room and one will take each side of the long table carefully taking each person's order. The first time I was there, it was a pre fixe menu (as requested by the host of the dinner), the second time we ordered off the menu. As a pescatarian, I obviously opt out of the steak option and seek out the seafood. I ordered the roasted red pepper soup to start followed by the Alaskan King Crab Claws with a baked sweet potato and finally the blackberry cobbler. When they serve any part of your meal, there's one person on each side of the table (with white gloves on by the way) to place the dish in front of you in unison to the person across from you - nice touch.
Everything was great, but I did have a couple of issues with my second visit:
- The dinner was literally a 4 hour event! It took an hour between each course.
- We ordered 4 bottles of wine for the table (party of 16) and the watier said he'd get the appetizers out and then pour the wine, which seemed okay as most people still had full glasses from the bar still, however as mentioned above it took almost an hour for this wine to be poured. Not only did he wait to serve the appetizers, but then he had to serve the bread, then fill up everyone's water glass....had we known that we would have requested wine first. I don't mind waiting for food but don't make me wait for wine!
- They have you order your dessert at the same time you order your entree. I know this is a timing/preparation issue, but sometimes I don't know what I'm going to want for dessert until after I've had dinner....minor detail, but found it a little challenging as the only way to see your options was a large platter he brought out at the head of the table. You couldn't see them well and he went through the options fast. If they'd just list them on the menu, it would've made it easier as I'd have a reference besides my memory.
Expect to pay $25-55/entree depending on what you get. The food is tasty, the servers friendly, but a little overrated in my opinion. Keeping in mind that I don't eat steak, there are tons of restaurants that are better and cheaper in the triangle.
Oh - and while I've only walked through the main dining room, I have to comment on the decor...it could REALLY use a makeover. I get that it's the Angus 'BARN', but I don't think the decor should be so literal. A fresh, slightly more modern look would be so beneficial!! -
Review from Matthew C.
Nashville, TN
3/28/2012
Ok steak. Cool atmosphere with good service. Pricey for sure and crowded on a Wednesday. Not sure I'd go back but worth it once. Lots of large parties there for different functions.
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Review from Chris J.
Philadelphia, PA
12/2/2011
Had a corporate dinner in the Wine Cellar. It was amazing. The food was perfect 4 course meal. Roasted Red Pepper Soup to start and I honestly don't know how they got it to be so flavorful. It was great.
Then an intermezzo- pear, gorganzola, pecan salad. Nothing out of the ordinary, but good.
Then- Steak and Salmon. I don't even remember what kind of sauce it was, but it was terrific.
Dessert- Chocolate Soufle. They warn you that it will burn your tounge if you eat it right away, but most people continued to burn themselves after the first bite, because it's that good!
Decor and service were outstanding. Everything was well planned and well executed. -
Review from Sarah M.
Raleigh, NC
10/24/2011
Eh. That's my review of this place in one word: eh. I've been here I think 5 times throughout my tenure here in Raleigh and while I haven't had a bad experience to speak of I just don't get why people get SO excited about it. Maybe 6, 7 years ago when we had a lot less going on food-wise I could see it but that people still act as though this is the only, or was the first place that thought to combine beef and fire in the tri-state area befuddles me. And is it just me, or is anyone else put off by gingham in a place when the entree costs so much? Perhaps kitsch is less irritating when you are an out-of-towner.
That being said, the wine list is no joke, the service is always up to snuff and the food is consistently good. Is it wildly inventive? No. Is there always some wanker at the bar smoking a cigar, which drives me insane as it ruins my meal and tends to give me a pretty vicious headache? Yes. It never fails. Why cigars are allowed when cigarettes are not is absolutely puzzling to me, and it is absolutely up to the management in the particular restaurants so I HOPE THEY'RE READING.
If I wanted to go out for a business dinner or to meet family I would go here. If I wanted to go out for a date, I would want to be taken somewhere else, like Heron's, every time, but it always ultimately comes down to personal preference. -
Review from Nikki R.
Studio City, CA
1/2/2012
Go here because it's an institution. Don't expect much in terms of quality of the food.
Portions are huge. if you don't want to take your leftovers home, they feed yours to the tigers at the zoo!
It was really busy when I was there, so make reservations to be safe.
Tip: Dessert was the best part of the meal! -
Review from Jane Y.
8/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Dear 200th review,
I hope I'm doing you justice by dedicating Angus Barn to you.
Love,
Jane
Are you surprised that I'm giving THE angus barn 3.5 stars? Don't worry, so am I. Maybe I had unrealistic expectations for this place - people's verbal raves, e-reviews, and the fact that there's an effing landmark sign for it on the highway (or big road, whatever).
We came here for celebrating a new job, a b-day month and a monthiversary (don't you judge me.). Milestones galore!!! We got there pretty early (5:00PM) and was seated immediately. The dimness of the place needed some adjusting to, but it wasn't bad. We were seated in some corner, even though the place was empty. I understand we are just a party of two, but why must you be ashamed of us?
The table was already set up with their crackers basket and two ramekins filled with cheeses. One cheddar and one goat cheese. After 2 lactaid pills, I indulged. It was quite delicious. The cheddar was great, because I love sharp cheese.
Our waiter came by with two menus and a wine BINDER. I was overwhelmed. Our waiter was nice - I told him I liked sweet wine and he offered a sample of their sweet red to try.
We ended up ordering the Biltmore Riesling, which was very good.
For appetizer, we had the large shrimp cocktail. The shrimp was pretty ginormous. It was fresh and crunchy, we were satisfied.
Our waiter then came by with hot bread smothered in butter. As a lover of white toast with butter, I was in heaven.
We both ordered the 14oz chateaubriand. The cut in itself was not as impressive as I expected it to be. It was tender, and well prepared. However, it just tasted like pot roast beef - very expensive and high quality pot roast. The red wine aujus was pretty delicious. The veggies were fresh, and better tasting than your avg seasonal veggies. They must either use organic veggies or some kind of magical veggies.
The salads were huge, ..again nothing special...
Our waiter made us feel a little..hm..not as important compared to the service he was providing to the table next to us. Maybe because we look like two college kids who can't afford jack. He seemed a little uppity to us, which I didn't like.
The apple pie/cobbler and it was good. The key lime pie had the right amount of of tartness and creaminess to it. We enjoyed the dessert, even though we were bursting out of our dress/shirt.
For the amount you are dishing out, I didn't find this place very impressive. Hence, the 3 stars. -
Review from Mikee R.
Murphy, NC
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Food was very hot and delicious.
The dessert was great.
Our server was very attentive and lively. -
Review from victoria f.
Atlanta, GA
11/5/2011
The most unpretentious steak house ever! I love the Angus Barn! I always try to eat there when visiting my parents up here in the RDU area. The decor is hilarious and relaxed, the service is great, and the food is unbelievable.
Make sure to try the Ostrich Satay (the executive chef won Iron Chef with this recipe)! Their spinach salad with warm poppy seed dressing is honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten. I know it sounds silly that a salad is my favorite thing at a steak house, but seriously, it's warm, it has bacon in it, and it just makes me feel like I'm being hugged.
The only down side to the Angus Barn is that by the time you get your food, you're pretty full from all the cheese, bread, appetizers, and salads that have just landed onto your table and into your belly. I always end up with a 7 oz Filet Mignon since it's the smallest meat serving on the menu. Is it silly that I'd prefer a 3 oz steak? The balsamic reduction and blue cheese always adds that extra touch of awesome.
If you're looking for delicious food and have a think wallet, I strongly suggest the Angus Barn. -
Review from Louise P.
11/14/2011
We went to the Angus Barn for dinner for our friends' birthdays. We had a large table of maybe 13 people. We were taken upstairs to our table that was nice and out of the way in the big, loud room. I liked all their decorations for the holidays.
The server was very rude to our friend when he asked for some water when we sat down. She scolded him for getting up.
The timing of food service was way off. Three people got appetizers and we all had soups/salads coming with our entrees. They brought out the appetizers after 20 minutes. 20 minutes later they brought soups and salads. They should have just brought all of these starters out together. By the time our entrees came out, it had been an hour.
The wine list is amazing and we all really liked our steaks but the service left a lot to be desired. Also, they are cash only and pretty expensive. -
Review from Dennis U.
11/7/2011
The best thing about the Angus Barn is that its not a chain. The steaks aren't bad either. The wine list is over the top.
Not like a chain dinners come with the sides. The steaks are good but not ht best one has ever had but still nothing to complain about. Service is pleasant, but not in the category of the best of the best... It all totals up to a bit better than 3 stars for me. I'll be back but not too soon. -
Review from Brittany B.
Raleigh, NC
10/9/2011
We went to the Angus Barn not long ago to celebrate an anniversary (not ours though, but hey, it was good food).
Although the wine menu is massive, we didn't go that route. The menu itself primarily focuses on steaks although has some seafood options and a spare chicken dish. However, I think most people go here for the steak. They start the table out with two cheese dips - a cheddar and some kind of blue cheese. We aren't fans of the blue cheese, but the cheddar was good. The meal comes with salad or soup - we each got salad - as an appetizer. The salads are fairly generic, we had a house salad and a spinach salad, neither of which were terribly special. They also served some good bread with butter, too.
For the main course we both ended up getting Prime Rib with Mashed Potatoes (seriously, how can you turn down mashed potatoes for some other side?). The quality of the meat was great, and it was cooked perfectly to our order, but we felt it lacked flavor. The au jus wasn't very flavorful; the steaks aren't seasoned at all. We recognize the quality and cooking of the meat is supposed to be the star, but we feel that for the prices they charge they should do a little something more to add some flavor. The mashed potatoes were tasty, though.
For dessert we had the Chess Pie and the Gran Marnier Parfait. The chess pie is award winning and very good, which we got A La Mode. The parfait had raspberry sherbet, fresh fruit, and a shot of Gran Marnier. It was good, but not thrilling.
Overall, all of the food was pretty good, the biggest problem we have is that none of it seemed quite worth the price. We've had steak we've appreciated more elsewhere for cheaper, and none of the sides or desserts alone would be worth the trip. The food is probably more on the four star level, but the prices aren't worth it to us, so we gave it three. Those looking for a plain steak with good sides and a massive wine list would be pleased, though. -
Review from Jeremy P.
Morrisville, NC
Love this place. Been there countless times and never had bad food or bad service. The steaks aren't adorned with lots of stuff....you come here to taste the meat. Also they have some sort of poundcake they give you when you come for birthdays or anniversaries which is awesome. Whenever you dine you are served a pickle/relish/olive tray with cheeses and their homemade crackers and it's really good stuff to pick on while you wait to order.
Their wine list is VERY extensive and if you don't know what you want you can ask the server to send over the sommelier who will be happy to suggest something even if you don't know wine at all. I really don't and thankfully they didn't make me feel stupid.
They also have a large bar upstairs called the Wild Turkey Lounge which is a great place to have drinks and you can also order food from a smaller bar menu up there. You can sit at the bar, tables, or off in a corner in their chairs and couches. It's really comfy up there and a cool place to tip a few with friends or family, especially if you're having to wait for a table. Last time we went up to the lounge I ordered the cheese burger and it was the best I'd ever had. I'm not joking when I tell you the thing was as thick as a paperback book and done to perfection. I had to take nearly half of it home. The beers on tap aren't that impressive so be mindful of that if you intend to have beer. They have some stuff in bottles too but this place is decidedly wine-centric so be mindful of that.
This is a very popular and busy spot during prime dinner times so be sure to make reservations unless you have no problems waiting up to an hour or two for a table. This place has a great reputation for a reason. -
Review from Pel C.
Cary, NC
10/10/2011
This once-great Triangle gem is tired and needs a nap. For the price and commodity menu, I expect stellar service. Alas, our experience went something like this:
- The reservations agent, while polite, was new and unacquainted with the restaurant.
- My seat by the window offered a direct view of a very bright spotlight.
- Our waiter was not engaging, mumbled, rushed every course, and provided ill-informed feedback when asked questions about the menu.
- The oysters and the wedge salad were fantastic -- the highlights of the meal for me
- There was literally no seasoning on my steak and all of the potatoes were room temperature.
- And then there's the roaming magician who interrupted table conversation to perform a 5-minute slight-of-hand trick...
All in all, I'd call this our last visit for a while. -
Review from Joe F.
Austin, TX
8/12/2011 3 photos
World class wines!!! Thats what I heard about this place before even arriving to it.
Walking up to it,you become overwhelmed with it's size..( that's what she said)...you quickly realize that you are here to eat..eat big,,eat STEAK!!
When you walk up to it,you are taken back to the old wild west...old farming equipment lines the exterior and you are greeted by mom-n-pop tobacco injun's...just another relic of time and what this country has gone through with it's actions.
The restaurant fills your senses with cool gadgets and displays of of revolvers, home made desserts and a walk in humidor.
The steaks are cooked to perfection and each meal is served in generous portions so save some room for the after dinner sweets.
The wine list is divine. Something for everyone's budget and the wines by the glass list is tops.
I had the 7-oz fillet topped with sauce oscar...hollandaise with crabmeat and asparagus.....hello mouthwatering goodness!!
Next time the wife and I make it into Raleigh,we will surely give the barn another visit. -
Review from Daniel R.
Holly Springs, NC
2/26/2012
First thing, they don't open for dinner until 5PM, Yelp says 3PM, but that is just the lounge.
The review: We went at three, and realized we were early, the lady T the front was very nice and made us a reservation for 5PM. We came back at 4:45 and were seated immediately. We had crackers on the table and within 1 minute had two different types of cheese to with them. I love cheese and crackers, and these were very good.
As we nibbled on those, we ordered drinks and the ribs appetizer. She brought the drinks and we ordered the meal. She brought the salads, nothing spectacular, but a good salad. The ribs were very good, and she also brought us a small plate of olives, pickles, peppers, and celery.
When she brought the main course, she also brought a basket of Texas toast. Wow, the Texas toast was great, and the T-Bone was outstanding.
Price was a little steep, since three people only had two meals, but we will be going back in the future. -
Review from Andrew F.
Durham, NC
6/27/2011
I was very excited when I first heard about the Angus Barn...the restaurant seems to have a near-legendary status in the area and it even has its own official blue tourism signs on the highway guiding you to meaty goodness.
I was curious how the barn theme would play out...seems to make sense if you're serving a lot of beef. We did not get the full tour of the space but rather entered into the front lobby and were taken straight away from the hostess booth to our tables. We seemed to miss a lot of building on our way to our room which was empty. The decor was definitely didn't do it for me. I guess I was expecting Cracker Barrel, but the impression I got was paradoxically a mix of dirty/dark and stuffy/old/antique mall. To me the place lacked the 'down-home' appeal I expected and somehow felt like a barnyard mixed with my grandma's formal dining room.
As for the food, I was roundly disappointed considering the price and the prestige of the place. The crackers, cheese and vegetables that were provided when we sat down were pretty good. The wine list IS massive...oenophiles will have a field day. Lots of good-sounding food on the menu but I ordered the Chateaubriand for 1 person. When I expressed my interest in the baked onion side (my steak traditionally came w/ sauteed veggies), our waitress kindly offered to replace the sauteed onions on the plate with a baked onion instead. The veggies, sadly, reminded me of the frozen veggie medleys of my childhood (peas, carrots, broccoli). We did, however, REALLY like the bread that they served just before the entrees made it to the table. Something magical about those buttery toasted slabs...
Probably the most important part of the meal and maybe for the review is the steak, right? The meat was certainly of a higher grade than most/any steak I've ever had, but there was no seasoning. I suppose the beef should stand on its own, but for me it cannot compete with a Ruth's Chris steak. A general note for most everything we ate was that it lacked flavor; certainly the flavor did not warrant the substantial cost of the meal. Maybe I'll come back over the holidays (I hear they make it look great for Christmas), but that'll probably be it. -
Review from Aaron B.
Raleigh, NC
2/3/2012
The customer service is top notch. The steaks are the best you'll find in the Raleigh Area. The interior decor is kind of kitchy.
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Review from Justin T.
San Francisco, CA
6/24/2011
The place has great steaks and below average everything else. The sides are just awful, and ala cart. It's decent for what it is as an ala carte steak house. The wine list is superb and interesting to look over while having a drink in the one of a kind, locally at least, Wild Turkey Bar. The chess pie is a 5/5 though. I know people that ship them to relatives across the country. In fact it may be the best chocolate dessert in the country.
They are definitely 4 star worthy if they fix the sides. -
Review from Mark D.
6/9/2011
This place pretty much deserves 5 stars, but I have to say I've had (slightly) better steaks at places like Bern's in Tampa FL or Metropolitan Grill in Seattle. However, this is close and an OUTSTANDING experience.
The ambiance and decor is incredible and a ton of fun for any occasion. the service is superb, and the food top notch indeed. My wife and I chose to go on the wine cellar tour, and were so happy we did. It rivals the best I've seen and the history and underground specialty dining rooms, like something gout of a medieval castle, are not to be missed.
This is certainly a must-see place in the Triangle and enjoy some fantastic, tender steak! -
Review from Denise B.
I love the food at Angus barn but others believe that the cost is too high based on what you get. We go there for special occasions only due to the cost.
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Review from Mark C.
Raleigh, NC
8/31/2011
I am not sure it gets any better than The Angus Barn. I went for my Birthday this weekend with my family. It is simply incredible!
First, the impeccable service is amazing. The training and knowledge that the entire staff demonstrates is unrivaled. The service in itself is worth the visit.
My table had a vast array of orders including steak, salmon, ribs and burgers. Everyone was completely impressed with their entres which comes with a choice of salad and a choice of potatoe. I highly reccomend the bacon wrapped filet and the beef tip ribs. It is extremely tough to finish your food, but leave room for desert.
If you are looking for an impressive dinner in Raleigh I think The Barn is tough to beat! -
Review from Barry S.
Narberth, PA
8/19/2011
Some of the best service I have ever had in a restaurant. Justin was amazing.
I was down in the NC area for work and checked out some local steak houses and found some pretty good reviews for the Angus Barn.
The decor is interesting to say the least. Not interesting in a bad way just different and very appealing.
As i said before the service was amazing, made the experience great.
Had the 22oz prime rib, between that the sweet potato, the salad, the chips, and the bread I was more than stuffed. If you are in the area worth checking this place out. -
Review from S Jessica D.
Greensboro, NC
2/12/2011
For my 21st birthday, I was taken to Angus Barn for the first time. I was so impressed from top to bottom! We entered and told them our reservation name which they responded with, "Happy 21st birthday, Jessica!" Talk about having great organization.
The only down side could be the fact we waited 25-30 minutes, even with a reservation. I actually don't consider it a negative thing at all, though, considering all the scenery that's to be seen on one's first visit. We were there in December when the lobby/waiting area was decked out with Christmas decorations, a beautiful fire, and complimented by hors d'oeuvres and hot cider. They even had a nice little gift shop to walk around while waiting.
As if all of this wasn't enough to hold us over, when we were finally lead to our table (complete with a birthday balloon floating above,) we were immediately given the choice between two appetizers on the house. Keep in mind we hadn't mentioned any sort of complaint in the least. We chose the pork ribs and they did not disappoint. Between the finger foods in the lobby, hot cider, a free pork rib appetizer, complimentary bread + butter, and complimentary crackers served with two different cheeses, we knew we were in for a treat (and would be taking some good leftovers home afterwards.)
I ordered the small steak for my entree, served with fabulous all-the-way potatoes and two very tasty steak sauces. Hands down, best steak I've ever put in my mouth. And I've tried my share of steak.
We had great service and did not feel rushed, which is always a rare and well-praised occasion. Let me not forget to mention the exceptional wine list that can't be missed.
A dinner isn't complete without dessert! We wound up packing up our entree's early so we could save room for dessert and really enjoy the entire experience. I was served the traditional pound cake dessert that I hear is complimentary for all birthdays and anniversaries. Loved it, but also tried a piece of cheesecake. Just ask to see the dessert tray and hear all about each one. It's a treat in itself! I couldn't resist.
What a birthday to remember! Thank you, Angus Barn! Don't forget to snag a ginger bread cookie and apple when you leave. I'll be returning.
