Posted by The Honeycutt Team on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 1:07pm.
If you’re looking for a dining experience that blends warmth, creativity, and flavor, look no further than Scratch in Apex, NC. From the moment I walked through the doors of the historical Tobacco Mule Exchange building, I knew I was in for something special. The new parking in the back makes access to this restaurant extremely easy from the back or front off Salem St.
The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual and elevated, rustic yet modern, with an inviting charm that makes you want to linger. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier; attentive without ever feeling overbearing, they made the entire evening flow effortlessly.
But let’s talk about the food—because that’s where Scratch truly shines. Every dish lived up to its name: crafted from scratch with care, fresh ingredients, and a dash of culinary imagination. The flavors were bold yet balanced, each plate beautifully presented and bursting with personality. From the appetizers to the main course (and let’s not forget dessert), every bite was memorable. You could taste the attention to detail and passion that went into the menu. Our server Olivia made the phenomenal recommendations of getting the firecracker shrimp, crispy shrimp and pickled okra in a Scratch made firecracker sauce, fried chicken sandwich with Carolina slaw and Scratches infamous fried green tomato stacks! Coconut coated fried green tomatoes, with layers of red pepper jma, creamed fetta, and coconut scallion cream...they truly are a must try! If you are looking for something on the lighter side we urge you to try any of their bowls, i have walked into scratch almost weekly to get their Bimbap bowl, seared rice bowl with shaved and marinated ribeye steak, fresh spinach, carrots, green onions, pickled red onions, cucumbers and stacked with a over easy egg and spiced bib sauce. YUMMMO!
The drink list was equally impressive, with craft cocktails and a selection of local brews that paired perfectly with the meal and changed their cocktail menu completely every month. Whether you’re a foodie, a cocktail enthusiast, or just someone who loves good hospitality, Scratch has something for you. Cocktails I will be coming back for the "Honey don't be sour" that consist of blueberry moonshine, fresh lemon and lime, honey and topped with rock candy. My husband loved their strawberry kiwi margarita that had was kiwi infused reposado tequila, aperol, strawberries and lime topped with a dehydrated lime garnish.
What really sets this place apart, though, is the way it makes you feel. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience. The kind of place where families with kids of all ages feel welcome or date night conversations linger long after the plates are cleared, and where you can’t help but start planning your next visit before you’ve even left the table. In a town full of great dining options, Scratch Kitchen & Taproom stands out as one of the best in Apex. If you haven’t been yet, put it at the top of your list!