By Madeline Cook
Irregardless
It’s hard to find a better fusion of spectacular cuisine, soothing live music, nostalgic flare and local art than “Irregardless” in downtown Raleigh. Since 1975, this one-of-kind eatery on West Morgan Street has been serving up award-winning pastas, salads and hearty sides, with no shortage of tasty beverages and great atmosphere.
We’d heard that Irregardless was a must-visit, and this was quickly confirmed within the first few minutes of arrival. Inside the restaurant, diners are serenaded with live music from local musicians. On the evening we visited, we happened to catch Shelia Casalett, a talented guitarist and vocalist who performs acoustic versions of delightfully familiar songs. Live music spanning blues, rock and country can be enjoyed every evening except for Mondays, when the restaurant is closed.
Hanging plants bring liveliness to the space as sun rays pass through the glass block windows on the far side of the room. The eclectic colors offer a nod to its nearly 50 year history of serving guests, while rotating pieces by local creators make the walls young again.
We could go on about the refreshingly clean atmosphere, but let’s talk about how delicious this menu is. After all, good vibes are only half of the recipe for a great dining experience, right? Irregardless is widely loved by diners for its range of veggie-forward dishes. From Spring Pea Risotto, infused with truffle and topped with crispy thin onions, to the Chickpea Panisse, a delicious vegan and gluten-free option, Irregardless remains a top candidate for those on a no-meat or gluten free diet, as its rare to see so many carefully crafted options on a menu that meet this criteria. Important to note is that Irregardless is not exclusively vegetarian. We enjoyed a fantastic burger there as well, so rest assured there will be something for everyone. Whatever you choose to order, consider saving a little room for a mouth-watering chocolate mousse or berry crisp.
To compliment your meal, the restaurant offers a large drink menu, with cocktails and mocktails containing freshly-squeezed juices and natural ingredients. When was the last time you saw rhubarb, blood peach and tarragon on the drink menu? Homemade simple syrups infused with herbs and organic flavors really elevate each beverage.
Irregardless is closed on Monday, and open for lunch Tuesday - Thursday from 11-2:30, re-opening again for dinner at 4:30. Fridays are dinner-only, and on weekends, come for brunch between 10-2:30. For more information on hours and which local artists and musicians you can look forward to on your next visit, check out the Irregardless website. See you at 901 West Morgan Street in Raleigh!
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