Rocky Top Hospitality Restaurants in Raleigh NC has been devoted to improving Raleigh, North Carolina’s local dining scene since 1998, when their first restaurant opened. Michael Dean’s Wood Oven and Seafood Grill was the culmination of years of planning by co-owners and college friends Kevin (Michael) Summers and Dean Ogan. After working in restaurant management in Raleigh area chains, the two put their heads, dreams and—with a little help from some investors—wallets together, and lit the fire in Michael Dean’s wood oven. Six other restaurants have now sprung from that flame.

When Michael Dean’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Raleigh, NC (6004 Falls of Neuse Rd./www.michaeldeans.com) opened its doors, diners were greeted with something rare in the Raleigh area: a locally owned and operated restaurant where the owners were either shaking hands with patrons at the door or preparing customers’ meals personally. The menu changed monthly, ingredients were brought in fresh daily and every last meal was made from scratch. Michael Dean’s has since added a full-scale oyster and raw bar and has become the Raleigh authority on fresh seafood, flying in hard-to-find fresh fish and shellfish choices weekly. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days, and brunch on Sunday.

Bogart’s American Grill (510 Glenwood Ave./www.bogartsamericangrill.com) followed in 2001 and was one of the destinations that helped the Glenwood South district turn the corner into becoming the local dining and late-night mecca. Specializing in rotisserie-grilled meats and classic American fare, plus an award-wining lineup of specialty and infused martinis, Bogart’s features a comfortable yet upscale retro-chic ambience that lures diners to step back in time and relax. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days, and brunch on Sunday.

The Mash House Restaurant and Brewery (4120 Sycamore Dairy Rd., Fayetteville/www.themashhouse.com) is the company’s only location outside the Raleigh area. Serving true meat-and-potatoes fare, The Mash House is one of the few non-chain options in Fayetteville and offers the final word on steaks and chops. The Mash House also brews its own award-winning beer on premises and has up to nine varieties on tap at any given time. The Mash House beer is also served in all other Rocky Top Hospitality restaurants. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days, and brunch on Sunday.

Hi5 Sports Bar and Restaurant (510 Glenwood Ave./www.hi5raleigh.com) is located directly beneath Bogart’s in the Glenwood South district and is one of the area’s premier destinations for both watching sports and a good meal for a good value. In fact, all 51 items on Hi5’s food menu are five dollars each, from appetizers to Angus beef burgers to pizzas, salads, sandwiches and wings. Hi5 also boasts Raleigh’s largest beer selection, with nearly 300 choices from around the world, bottled and on tap. Two large, private rooms give fan clubs a chance to eat, drink and cheer together. Open dinner 7 days and lunch on weekends.

The Red Room Tapas Lounge (510 Glenwood Ave./www.redroomraleigh.com) is one of Raleigh’s only tapas bars, offering authentic, Spanish-style tapas (appetizer-sized portions) that allow diners to order multiple items and share with groups of friends or co-workers in an intimate setting. A nightly DJ maintains a relaxing “chill” over the proceedings—and the Red Room’s signature sangria does its part to keep everyone relaxed and comfortable. Open for dinner 7 days.

Twisted Fork (Triangle Town Center/www.thetwistedfork.com) encourages diners to “play with their food,” and the colorful, playful interior is reminiscent of a grown-up amusement part, living up to its reputation as a popular family destination. Serving fresh-cut meats, from steaks to poultry to pork, lamb and seafood, Twisted Fork also offers specialty salads, fresh-made paninis and more. Located just inside Twisted Fork, Dessert First All-Occasion Bakery provides Twisted Fork’s fresh-baked cakes, pies, tarts, cookies and signature brownies—more than 40 daily. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days.

1705Prime Chophouse & Events (1705 Millbrook Rd./www.1705prime.com) is destined to be Raleigh’s most sought-after steakhouse and catering facility, serving steak, pork chops and more! Featuring a 300 bottle wine list and USDA Prime beef dry-aged in-house and cooked over 1000 degrees of North Carolina hickory, 1705Prime will offer an experience unmatched by any other restaurant in the area. Six private dining rooms will accommodate groups of up to 200. 1705Prime will also be home to North Raleigh’s first upscale lounge, mixing classic cocktails and giant martinis.