Sushi Blues Cafe, Raleigh

Sushi Blues Cafe has cemented its place as a hip hangout in the Triangle since it opened in 1999 - downtown Raleigh's first. Unsurprisingly, the sushi selection stands out on a menu brimming with it's house original specialties, starting with specialty rolls named after famous musicians and pop-culture icons. The Wolfpack roll is especially popular for its union of crab, avocado, spicy mayo, and tempura flakes that add a bit of crunch and soundtrack to each bite, but others truly awaken taste buds with fiery ingredients, such as the Bob Marley roll's roasted jalapeno, seared tuna, and pineapple. An extensive selection of drinks rounds out the menu, including martinis, specialty cocktails (the area's best mojitos), and imported beers, all of which can be enjoyed while kicking back in the restaurant spacious outdoor patio sitting in the heart of Glenwood South.