In my humble opinion, Acme is Chapel Hill/Carrboro's finest restaurant. Dinner's always delicious there. I've had such great dishes as vegetable curry and catfish. The menu changes often, so it's always a great place for dinner. Dinner's great, but brunch is Acme's specialty. Even their simplest dish, just eggs, bacon, and a biscuit, is great. Their biscuits are huge, and their strawberry butter is really good. I recently had a Mexican stew dish for brunch, with chicken and avocados. Keeping consistent with Acme's overall greatness, that dish was light and delicious. Acme's always worth it, whether for dinner or, especially, brunch.
(5)
Courtney S.
I went for Sunday brunch with my husband and 2 year old daughter. The service was fast, food was delicious, and they obviously use fresh ingredients. The waitress was super friendy to my daughter, which I really appreciated. All too often people get frustrated when they see children and anticipate the worst. Her great attitude and genuinely friendly presence was really nice and made the experience that much better. I would highly recommend this place and plan on going back!
(5)
Angela S.
Let me be honest. I just go on Sunday afternoons for the bloody marys. they have one where they put in a little boost of jameson... mmmmmmm. But mind you, while I was getting drunk on these Sundays, past noon (NC law is you can't serve alcohol before noon on Sunday), I did try a lot of the items on their menu, and they were all fine. I mean, considering how much I'm paying for an eggs benedict or a quiche, I expect more of a bang. But it's really just fine food. It's good, it's filling, but I wouldn't really go there again and again if it weren't for the bloody marys.
(3)
Marty B.
This was my third trip to acme. First two times, the food was perfect. This time I ordered the scallops with bean and potato salad and was very disappointed. It should be called bean and potato salad with scallops. Three scallops over lots of beans with not much taste. This could have passed for a small plate. Also, the waiter was just going through the motions...the food was served really quickly and I would have loved another glass of wine but didn't hear from the waiter until long after we had finished our meal. The best thing was the ice cold beer before dinner with a nice bartender.
(3)
Leomaris M.
I work 70 hours a week and get only Sundays off to experience different flavors around town so always tried to get to "the best places ". Last night me and 2 coworkers from the area went to Acme for dinner. We ordered a bottle a Malbec La Posta $36, not bad at all and 2 starters: Fried Tomatoes and Pea Soup. The Soup was OK, not bad but nothing to die for. Then I ordered another appetizer: A Lamb and black beans EMPANADA. BIG MISTAKE! First of all, there is nothing about an empanada in that dish other then the way it's shape and worse of all, it was really spicy. Nothing wrong with spicy other then the fact that I CAN"T EAT IT because of liver problems. Did it say it in the menu? NO! I promptly returned it after the first bite and really lost my appetite for anything else. We finished dinner and asked for the check and OF COURSE $110 were being charged including the dish I could not eat. Soooooo lame when restaurants do that, its mess up x 2. Did they really thought I was not gonna catch that? Being an Restaurant Area manager for 8 years, with 41 restaurants around the world, this was a foul move. The server and the bread are worth the 2 stars I am giving this place.
(2)
Muebla S.
Three of us went to Acme on a Saturday night. We were impressed that even though the place was busy, the service was excellent. We started with Virginia oysters on the half shell. They were served with fresh chopped parsley on top-a new taste combination for us-on a bed of something that looked like rock salt, but I don't think it was. We decided to try the specials, One of us had shad roe, which she said was delicious. I had steak frites with bernaise sauce. The steak---it was ok, but couldn't match what I had had at Palisades in Eggleston. And as for the frites, I absolutely want mine to be fried to a crisp, but these, which were close to shoestring in size, were overcooked to the point that they were dark, bitter and hard. I wasn't sure if they were meant to be that way, but I didn't find them appealing. The other had shrimp etouffee, which was served on-I can't remember, but I think it might have been grits and veggies? She said it could have used more veggies. On a friend's recommendation, we shared the dark chocolate terrine with coffee-caramel sauce for dessert. It was to die for.
(4)
Shane M.
Great meals here, been there 5 or so times. Good cocktails and interesting southern food. Great place to get a bunch of stuff and share.
(5)
Gabe W.
New American Cuisine in the south ROCKS! Had a great time, fabulous service and awesome food. Portions were huge and wine complimented the menu very well (what I ordered at least). I would not hesitate to eat here again upon my return to the Research Triangle, I just hope I don't disappear in it's deliciousness, never to be seen again.
(5)
Jessica B.
Went there for dinner and the food was delicious. However, I can't say the great food balanced out the lousy service and the "policy" of including a 20% service charge for parties of 5. This policy is not mentioned on the menu, and I couldn't find it on Acme's website either. And while an 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more has become common, I'd never heard of 20% for a party of 5. No wonder our waiter was so unfriendly and inattentive - he already had a huge tip coming his way no matter what! Not sure I will be back.
(2)
Laura M.
My husband took me to Acme's for my birthday as we had a groupon and while the food was lovely as ever, the service left something to be desired. It wasn't busy, we're old folks and hit the restaurants at 5:30 when they open. What got me what they charged a %20 gratuity on a 2 person check. Seriously? I mean, we tip the amount of the check pre-groupon but even if we didn't, there's no way it's cool to add a %20 gratuity to a check. Unfortunately it was some time before my husband told me about it since he knew I'd go balastic and chew on on somebody and he didn't want to A) be embarrased and B) ruin my birthday. So no more going to Acme's, I refuse to be robbed. Fortunately I live in Durham and work in Chapel Hill so I am surrounded by stellar eateries!
(3)
Nicole W.
The food and atmosphere is fantastic. I have taken several family members when they've come to visit. No matter what their tastes are, there's always something on the menu to make them happy.
(5)
Rebecca T.
Make a reservation - otherwise you'll have to wait. And everyone with a reservation lines up at the back door.I used a Living Social deal for brunch here on Sunday and the food is great! I especially liked the dinner potatoes that came with my biscuit, sausage gravy, and eggs. Their iced sweet tea is the spiced kind, but good. We also had the donuts - chocolate, raspberry and maple glazed, which were good, but not outstanding.
(4)
Roxanne R.
This restaurant is a perfect blend of quality and unpretentiousness. From cocktails to dessert, the food here is near transcendent. It has been several weeks since we were there, and I still salivate thinking about my fresh, bubbly elderflower beverage, the melty pork belly on a biscuit with ginger-cranberry jam, the steak frites with bernaise, and the coconut pound cake with tangerine sauce. AND it was much more affordable than other Triangle restaurants of this caliber. We will definitely be back for future cozy, romantic dinners, despite the 40 minute drive. The only negative thing I have to say is that our table was near the door, and it was a bit drafty.
(5)
Jared W.
I wanted to go with three stars, but my girlfriend successfully argued me up to 4. Actually, I'd happily give 3 1/2 if you could. We love the Sunday brunch and the Tues dinner specials are a steal. Food is very above average, and a good value, but falls shy of frankly special.
(4)
Meg T.
OK, so this is 4 stars for Tuesday nights at ACME (when everything is $12.50) and brunch, and because we live less than a five minute walk away. The food is creative, locally sourced, and well prepared. Service is very, very friendly if a little slow (well, sometimes a lot slow). If you find yourself there on a Sunday and they have homemade donuts for God's sake order them. I am not a brunch person (just give me lunch) but I enjoy the occasional brunch at ACME. The patio is really nice. Inside the tables are quite close together, and it can get pretty loud. Sitting at the bar is always a good choice. Take advantage of the $12.50 Tuesdays but make a reservation, it will be packed. I would give 3 stars for dinner there on a normal night, because in my opinion the regular prices are a little high for what you get.
(4)
Sarah B.
Hubby, me and our soon-to-be-married friends hit up Acme for their Recession Special ($12.95 entrees) last Tuesday. I was totally underwhelmed. We had reservations for 6:15 and were seated right away. Their special must be super popular because it was packed. The men ordered beer and the ladies stuck with water. We each ordered a different entree: the scallops, the country fried chicken, the salmon, and the short ribs. Food came relatively quickly, but I had to send my scallops back immediately - they were raw. Portion sizes were pretty small - $12.95 is a fair price for this food, not a deal. My scallops came back still looking a bit white. I ate them, but they were pretty bland. I have a sneaky suspicion that they use wet scallops (soaked in a preservative that affects browning and taste). Disappointing. I tried the chicken and the salmon. I found everything to be under-seasoned and the ingredients were second-rate. Now, I've never been on a "regular" night, so I'm not sure if Acme scrimps on ingredient costs on Tuesdays to accommodate their special prices. However, I just didn't find the "special" a good deal. I will say that their desserts are good. We all shared the key lime pie and a chocolate pecan pie. I'd go back to Acme and only order dessert. Bottom line - the food just isn't all that good.
(2)
Catie P.
Let me preface this by saying I used to love Acme...we would go for a special occasion dinner or a nice weekend brunch, and the food has always been wonderful. That being said, I don't think I'll be returning. I was there for brunch this morning and the service was appalling. It took ten minutes for our server to come to our table to take our drink order, and for Sunday brunch, I have seen it much busier. Once he returned with our drinks and took our food order, we didn't see him again for over thirty minutes. Let me rephrase, we saw him serving every other table in the section but ours...no coffee or water refill, no "sorry, the kitchen is a little behind", nothing. We finally left at the 45 minute mark with our food and waiter nowhere in sight, and I have never walked out of a restaurant. When our waiter asked if there was a problem as we were leaving, he didn't even bother to apologize. I have worked in food service, and I am very forgiving when it comes to tickets times and kitchen mistakes...I always over-tip because I know it isn't the server's fault. In this case, however, it was 100% the server's fault...Acme's food is great, but the service leaves a lot to be desired, especially considering the menu prices.
(1)
Marlo G.
I was not disappointed by a single item on the menu (besides the cocktails which were too sweet...but the waiter kindly took those off our bill and we enjoyed a reasonably priced bottle of wine instead. This might not sound underwhelming, but it's not. Many times I find that the dish sounds great on the menu, but doesn't deliver in reality. We ordered the tomato plate special which was summer time devine, the calamari/slaw salad which I will continue to dream about, and the pork two ways (which was yummy, but I wouldn't order it next time). The bread and butter was also spectacular. And the back patio is lovely with a fountain and tropical plants. Best meal I've had around here in a while.
(5)
Garrett W.
I've been to Acme three times now. The first time I went, I was on a dinner date, and I will make no bones about it; it was a great experience. The food is almost entirely local and largely organic, and the preparation is interesting and thoughtful. And the service on this occasion was perfectly passable. The second time I went was for a friend's birthday. We went for brunch, which is a weekly service for which Acme is supposed to be renowned. The food was good, to be sure. I didn't feel that it was as impressive as the food on the dinner menu, but it all tasted great. The service, however, was atrocious. We all got the distinct feeling immediately upon meeting our server that we were burdensome, and that she didn't want to be there. A different group went to brunch again a few weeks later, and the service was even worse. The staff from the hostess stand all the way through the meal service was outright hostile, and clearly would have rather closed up shop than had our business. I work in the food and beverage industry as well, so I can appreciate the desire to get done with a shift, but a 2pm closing time isn't a demanding deadline, and there were at least 5 tables still seated as we were rushed out of the house. To close, the food here is certainly of high quality, and if you get the right server, on the right day, I suppose that Acme has the potential to be a great restaurant, but feeling unwelcome in your seat adds a foul taste to even the most expertly prepared entree.
(2)
Matt A.
I have dined here four times. The first three times were pleasant but it was the fourth visit that warrants 2 stars. I went with a group of people for the $12.95 entree special on Tuesdays, which isn't that great of a deal in the first place. We had a reservation set for 8:30 PM, but we weren't seated until 9. Although Acme isn't known for its seafood, I decided to order the crab cakes, which came out burnt and tasteless. It was a rather forgettable meal, however, in the middle of the night, I woke up with a mild case of food poisoning. Perhaps since the crab cakes were so burnt, I couldn't taste how rotten they actually were. Another member of our party got sick as well. Additionally, beers are well over-priced for the area. Don't believe any hype.
(2)
Jaclyn T.
Food was good and we are glad we happened to go on a day the prices were $12.95 per plate. It would have been overpriced at it's original price. I must say, I have never had veal cheeks ever in my life. Even though it was good, I but probably wouldn't get it again.
(3)
Shannon P.
burgers may be the most expensive in town but they're worth every penny. waiter was incredibly attentive and went above and beyond. local brews on tap. ambiance was flat on a weeknight around 8pm. no one there, super quiet. frigid cold in dining area.
(4)
Liwei Y.
Love the food here! love the ambience! Come here Tuesday nights...$13 for all entrees!! Drinks here taste a bit strong for me...
(4)
Melissa P.
This is a great little place for fantastic food that's just a little different. Most main dishes are between $16-$22 and on Tuesday nights-- all main dishes are $12.95, which is AWESOME. Unfortunately, we weren't able to use our LivingSocial deal because we happened to go on the 12.5 night-- but we plan to go back for their famous brunch before it expires. For dinner-- the food was fantastic. I had the Blackened Salmon and my boyfriend had the Fried Chicken-- which, they even managed to make it look fancy. Both were full of flavor and delicious. We had the Fried Green Tomatoes as an app-- while a little small-- it was still delicious. Lastly, you MUST get the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie-- it's the best I've ever had and I'm still dreaming of how good it was. Service was fantastic and the wine list is also great.
(4)
tommie r.
Acme is almost too eclectic. It's like the staff of an Apple Store chillaxed a little and opened up a up restaurant. The cocktails list is short but imaginative and while you can't really just, like, get a steak, the dishes they put together are tasty, creative and surprisingly cheap (in comparison to restaurants down Franklin...) Def get a table in the patio area in the back - perfect lighting and atmosphere.
(4)
Steve H.
Stopped by for dinner before a Thursday night show at Cats Cradle, got there at 7:30pm, got a table for two immediately. The tables and chairs are pretty crowded together here, if you need space this may not be the place for you, it was fine for us though. Got water pretty promptly, but it took some time for the waiter to arrive. We split a hamburger and pan fried catfish,. The $10 hamburger was totally unremarkable, not nearly as good as Chargrill, no better than an Applebee's burger, I know we probably shouldn't be ordering a hamburger at Acme but it is prominently featured on the menu and it sounded good, but it wasn't. The fries that came with it were ok, kindof soggy/oily and over salted though. The catfish was delicious, niicely cooked, on a bed of rice and blackeyed peas. We both devoured it and wanted more. However once again the dish was over salted. Too much salt seemed to be the special of the evening, made worse by the fact that we didn't got our water refilled until we were almost finished eating. No waiter in sight during our whole meal. So if you go, don't bother with the burger, stay on the main entrees and look for items with interesting sides. I will probably try Acme again, just to give them another chance. I like the fact that we were able to get a seat on a walk-in (Tyler's Taproom had a 20 minute waite)
(3)
Layton J.
Acme has a promotion of all entrees are $12.95 on Tuesday nights. That's what got us coming in but not what will have us coming back. The food is awesome and quite frankly I would pay more. The atmosphere reminds of the restaurants in large cities like San Francisco or New York but it's right here in our back yard of Carrboro. The service is excellent and I would bring special attention to the hostess Denise who is able to control the flow of reservations and walk ins with such grace, she is the best. Great spot and great time!
This is most definitely my favorite restaurant that I've eaten at since I've lived here, and I'm never disappointed. Whenever we go to brunch, I always get the Fried Chicken Cutlets with Rice and Butterbeans in that succulent gravy. If I weren't sane, I would probably get 2 orders of it. I always have a craving for it, and it's so good. I could honestly just eat the rice and beans in the gravy and be satisfied, but the chicken only makes it more excellent. The Dinners are also amazing no matter what you order. This place caters to any crowd and is affordable for anyone if you're willing to eat great food for an ok price, but then again who isn't? I have never been disappointed when I've gone to ACME, and hopefully you never have been either.
(5)
Matt M.
one word. reDUNKulous. omg. from Viper bloody mary's to strawberry butter. what are these kids doing back there. sunday brunch. packed. sit at the bar and hang out with locals. table for 6? no problem. these folks are on fire. pick what ever you want. my fav. is the plain breakfast. eggs any style. i get them sunny side up so i can pop the blister of succulent egg yolk with good for you cholesterol, a plentiful side of the big kind of bacon, yummy biscuit that in a good way crumbles in your hand, and either the side of spicy grits or yummy breakfast taters with this delectable sauciness to them. oh and the bloody mary's and blueberry mimosa's. my kids chime in too with stuffed faces. it's our sunday tradition. they'll scarf the yummy colossal french toast with real whip cream. go there now.
(5)
Solange C.
Acme has become a victim of its own success, too big for its britches in the local vernacular. The food is fine, if a bit heavy handed with the spices--trying a little too hard to be clever with the "southerness" schtick I guess. However, the prices, the snobby attitude of the staff and having to sit almost on top of your neighbor (even the previously very lovely outdoor space is now cheek by jowl with chairs and tables) makes this a has-been good local spot that has lost its authenticity and it's heart. It sad to see. Luckily Crooks just down the road continues on in it's friendly, lovely, warm and truly delicious way. Guess that's the difference between the real thing and a wannabe. This wannabe has sold out. And I am truly sad to say that I can't stomach returning---I have so many fond memories of how fun, welcoming and surprisingly tasty they were when they opened. Now it feels like they think they are doing me a favor by deigning to serve me--as if I should just be lucky they would accept my money. I guess the lure of profit and the shine of popularity is hard to resist--even in counter culture little Carrboro.
(2)
Dan W.
Has hit a groove. Really really good fried chicken, blackened salmon, apple soup, fried okra and artichokes. Good wine selection too. Ponzi Pinot Noir was perfect. Outdoor seating is best in town (Crooks is a close second). Bar too is excellent.
(4)
Cathy P.
Staff very good;food good.Service excellent.
(4)
Sara A.
I went to Acme for the first time last night to finally try them out on their "Recession Buster Tuesdays," and have some mixed feelings. The atmosphere is nice -- had it been a little warmer, I imagine it would have been very pleasant to sit outside on their pretty and atmospheric patio. Inside is pretty pleasant too - cozy, with nice lighting. It was a little loud, but Tuesday evenings are packed (reservations recommended) thanks to the special. The tables may have been a little close together as well, but we were lucky enough to be in a corner booth that didn't feel crowded by others. The waitress could not have been friendlier, and was very knowledgeable about the food and wine. The wine list was pretty good but not super extensive, and they had a bunch of signature cocktails that looked delicious. The food menu is actually somewhat small, so look on the website before the first time you go to make sure everyone can find something they like. As far as the food... here's where I think things are a bit hit and miss. There is a heavy emphasis on local and organic food here, which I appreciate, but not when it's at the expense of taste. I ordered the scallops, which I had read were very good, and came with shitake mushrooms over a cauliflower and gruyere puree with truffle oil. Well, the scallops were nicely seared, but the puree was surprisingly bland (I really think it was ONLY gruyere and cauliflower), the mushrooms were kind of rubbery, and it all came in a weird brothy soup mixture that was not described on the menu and I didn't expect. I am still not sure what it was. It made the puree kind of soggy, the mushrooms rubbery. My dining companion ordered the blackened salmon, which was described as spicy... but wasn't spicy at all. I tried it and actually thought it too, was a little bland, though nicely cooked and not dry at all. We also had the fried green tomatoes, which were pretty good (especially the corn and balsamic reduction), and shared for dessert strawberry-rhubarb pie, which was delectable. Now I have had many a scallop in my day and sadly, this is not going to be my go-to scallop dish for when I'm craving them. The dish would improve immensely if they just took out the "soup." And added some spices to the puree. For the actual quality of the food, I thought it was overpriced. With a bottle of wine, and splitting an appetizer and dessert, we spent about $45 per person, but this was on their Tuesday Special day, where all entrees are $12.95. I thought this was a pretty good deal, considering most entrees are $17 - $21, so I recommend going on a Tuesday -- make reservations -- to check them out. I probably will go back, but try something different. I also look forward to trying the brunch. I get the impression that this is the kind of restaurant where food is hit and miss, and some things might be a whole lot better on a different day -- perhaps even the dish I ordered. But for a restaurant in this price range, I expect the food quality to be consistently good, and in my limited experience with Acme, that wasn't the case.
(3)
Michael C.
Consistently innovative and delicious food combined with attentive and expert service. Its not a five star restaurant, but the prices are reasonable, so its a good value that balances quality with prices one can afford more than once a year.
(4)
JJ B.
After dining here a few times and having consistently phenomenal food I was compelled to enlighten others. Excellent customer service. For example, took a date a there and although we were outrageously late for our reservation they kept a table open for me. Good beer selection, outstanding wine selection. Food is f'ing delicious often incorporating super fresh local ingredients. I highly recommend the lobster ravioli for anybody who possesses working taste buds. Nice sophisticated decor and intimate setting perfect for dates or anybody who wants a damn good meal. If the quality of their dinner dishes are any indication of their breakfast dishes I absolutely cant wait to try their brunch.
(4)
Chloe B.
I dunno, 4 or 5 stars? Okay, I'm being nice and giving 5. Why? After years away, I returned to Acme for brunch and their food is still delicious! On that visit, I took my verrry picky boyfriend from California. Just a day earlier, he proclaimed he'd never eat grits. Well he took a surprising risk, ordering a dish with steak and grits. I waited for him to complain, but to my surprise, he loved it. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever seen him enjoy a meal so much. Now that is a sign of tasty cuisine! As for me, I remember that years ago I decided Acme had the best coffee cake I'd ever had, and i don't usually like coffee cake. Clearly Acme has consistently exceeded expectations with their food. My only complaint were I to strain for one -- well I got a bloody mary that was so so. It tasted just okay. On the bright side, one drink down, I was definitely tipsy! Price-wise, I think they are okay. Not cheap, not expensive, but definitely worth the money. For brunch I definitely recommend Acme. I cannot speak for other meals.
(5)
Michael M.
Excellent food.. great menu
(4)
Melodie S.
Hells to the yeah, Acme F&B. If for no other reason than their use and promotion of locally grown produce and use of naturally raised chicken. I hope to see much more of this practiced as the Triangle grows, but not surprising to see a place like this thriving in funky little Carrboro. An intimate and informal spot, great for catching a casual dinner and not so noisy that you have to elevate your voice to be heard by your dinner companion. The price is reasonable for what you get and the creativity of the menu. I hear the brunch is excellent and it is on the list of future brunch adventures if I can ever get my lazy butt out to Carrboro on a Sunday AM.
(4)
Kristen J.
Horrible customer service - food is fine based on prior experiences, but when I tried to make a reservation to use a LivingSocial voucher that was expiring in 2 days they would not accommodate, wouldn't let me use it on a Tuesday because of Tuesday $12.95 specials. No mention of this anywhere on LivingSocial or Acme website, nothing in the fine print. When I tried to offer alternatives, to pay normal menu prices if they would just let me eat there on Tuesday instead of Wednesday because I was going out town, I was quickly shut down and told they couldn't do anything. I will not go here again after dealing with unaccommodating and rude staff.
(2)
Janice U.
We went there for Sunday brunch. Three of us ordered the fried green tomato sandwich with bacon with a taste of pimento cheese. This southern sandwich could have been delicious (which we expected!) but it was served on a big fat white bun-way too much bread for the little amount of sandwich fixins inside. Over half the plate was piled with non descript fries--too many for even the guy in our group. The other person in our group had an egg dish served with chili grits which were delicious.
(2)
carson s.
It is a pleasure to submit a write up for Acme restaurant. We have eaten here at least 40 times and I am rarely disappointed. I especially appreciate the extensive wine list; if you want to spend some extra money ask Kevin or the bartender if they have any special wines "in the back". You will not be disappointed despite the price. Another Acme extra to note is the kitchen's extensive use of local produce, meat and cheese. I know Chez Panisse broke this ground many years ago and many RTP restaurants have "wordy" entree descriptions in their menu. But Kevin and company go out of their way to shop at the Carrboro farmer's market and local farmers as often as possible. The extra effort to obtain quality ingredients for the dishes provided always brings a smile to my face after the meal. I have to stop gushing now or you will suspect I am an employee - try Acme, you will like it.
(5)
Steven R.
Some of the best food in the Triangle! The folks at Acme change up the menu on a regular basis to match the seasons, fresh produce, etc. Pork, fried chicken, you name it - amazing! It's always an enjoyable experience. The service is great, but just a notch below restaurants typically serving food of this caliber. I prefer the "no fuss" atmosphere - don't change it a bit. It's all about the food at Acme and well worth it. Thanks!
(4)
Chad P.
Always outstanding food and service. Seems like every time we to, there is a really unique special that's just extraordinary. It's a great atmosphere, the waitstaff are both knowledgeable and polite, and of course, the food is awesome. We always try to bring friends here when they visit and they never disappoint!
(5)
Dawn F.
My Dad and I made a reservation here for after the UNC vs Kentucky game. The game went well over the usual game time so I called to let the restaurant know, and they were totally fine that we would be a little late. However, when we did arrive, there were STILL patrons at our table. The manager apologized profusely and even bought us each a drink at the bar -- much appreciated! Shortly after, he was able to find us a different table since a foursome did not show up. Our service was phenomenal. I wish I could remember our waitress's name, but it was several weeks ago so I've forgotten. She was spot on. I ordered the crab cakes and my Dad had the salmon. Both were cooked perfectly. We even ordered chocolate pecan pie for dessert. Superb!
(4)
Rob W.
Let me first start off by saying that I was there for the wine dinner with my friend Bruce Patch was there and at first, we were not going to be able to have the wine dinner. But the incredible manager/hostess hooked us up with a table at the end by the window and we were incredibly happy!! The food was delicious and service was incredible. We will go back again! Thanks~
(5)
Scott S.
Went there for brunch on Sunday between 11AM and 12:30 PM. The reason we went there was that the other places we visited in the area had a wait. This place was only 50 percent filled. We sat outside and the ambiance was nice. However the food took 45 minutes to be served. The table next to us had their meal served in 10 minutes. We do not know why this was the case. Even though the portions were tasty, they were small. We ordered the $12 crab omelette and $10 waffle dish. They were extremely skimpy on the crab, maybe 1 ounce of crab inside the omelette but it had a lot of rich hollandaise sauce. I ate the whole omelette dish and 1/2 the waffle dish and I was still hungry and I am average height and below average weight for my age. The waiter service was not that good. It was easier for me to get my own ketchup, napkins and straws. In conclusion, this place is very pricey with sloooow service. Maybe most people know this because places that serve brunch usually have a wait. This place was 1/2 empty - a good indicator that there is something wrong with a restaurant.
(1)
Eddie H.
Excellent food, way better than I expected. The blackened salmon on top of cheese grits was a flavor combination that I never would have thought of, and completely blew me away. My only complaint is that the chocolate brownie with ice cream dessert was less than mediocre. The brownie was burnt and overall the dessert was not very good. Our waitress was super nice and even comp'd our father's meal for father's day. Great job!
(4)
Ennie D.
YUM. My bf and I were out in Raleigh/Durham checking out Duke and UNC, and being from San Francisco, we were looking for a tasty place to have dinner. We found one! I had the scallops, and I can't quite remember what he had, except that it was extremely oversalted. Normally I have food-envy over what he ordered, but I schooled him this time. The gruyere/califlower puree was top-notch, and my scallops were nicely done. Apple pie for dessert was freaking awesome We'll definitely go back here if we end up moving!
(4)
Liz T.
Talk about feeling unwelcome! I came here with 3 friends for Sunday brunch 10am. We waited for them to unlock the door to come in as they opened at 10:00, and they had a few families who had done the same at the back patio door, but they completely ignored us as they only seated the families at the back door and then the ones who had just walked in. I politely spoke up mentioning we have 10:00 reservations, so they seated us, as if young patrons were a burden. We ordered our meals from a flighty server. We were hungry and ate our meals as soon as we got them, although the hash browns are too spicy- like they dumped Cayenne pepper on it. We were quickly given the bill, with a few mistakes (charged too many OJs instead of Coffees, but with only a few bucks difference, it didn't bother us) and we tipped very well. We stayed at our table enjoying catching up and drinking our coffee when THE MANAGER ASKED IF WE WERE PLANNING TO ORDER MORE OR LEAVE SOON!!!!!!!! My jaw dropped! We are well-behaved, well-dressed 20-somethings women who were enjoying the table we reserved and finishing our drinks. Even if you are busy on Sunday, are money is good too. I've never experienced such a rude establishment, so we just left, never to return. The funny thing was, some little kids were running around, and none of the staff seemed to mind or mentioned anything to those families. How bizarre.
(1)
Denise B.
Great space and local fresh food. Came on a tour stayed to eat. Wonderful blending of american food with a new twist. The Chef was generous with his time. Very comfortable space lovely garden with fountain made by an employee. Great Cocktails. Go Eat there!
(4)
Stephen B.
We had the donuts, crab omelette, and Acme breakfast. Everything was great, as were the staff and space. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Michael G.
Acme sucks. There, I said it. I've been here twice in the past few months to try and really give it a shot. This review is based on a Sunday brunch outing... I can be a bit of a pain. I enjoy skim OR 2% milk with my coffee, not half and half. Some places can't accommodate this request. Acme, unfortunately, is one of them. Come on Acme...you're trying to be a decent mid to upscale restaurant in Carrboro. Know your clientele. To make it worse, they don't offer many options for brunch and the ones they do almost all have meat. Again, this is Carrboro. Figure it out and get some turkey bacon or veggie sausage or SOME option for the non-pork eaters. Also, Acme's prices are too high for what you get. Sorry, just can't get into this place.
(2)
Lauren P.
NOM! I went here for brunch and it was soooo mouthwateringly delicious! First off, get the donuts. Just do it. Worry about the carbs later. Lemon, chocolate, and maple topped on some of the most perfect donut cake batter I've ever had. They even get better when they're cold! (I mean, if you can take that long to eat them) I had the mushroom, bacon, tomato omelet with a side of grits. The grits were fantastic, I didn't need to add butter or salt (however I did add a little hot sauce cause that's how I roll)! The omelet, well, was an omelet. A little greasy, but it's brunch and I did need something to soak up all that alcohol I had the night before. My friend had the special fish & chips, which were breaded and cooked to perfection. Crispy and crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Outside of England, I'm not sure I've had such good fried fish. The wait staff was alright, and probably my only reason for not giving them 5 stars. He wasn't really attentive, seeing as I think my friend and I were the only two people in his section for awhile. Both groups of people that sat down after us received their food before we even got our appetizers (donuts). He never came back to refill my coffee and really didn't take any initiative to ask us how everything was. I'm sure he had a wild Saturday night too, but still, I want mah food. Don't let the waitstaff deter you from trying the food. At least once. Show up at least once. Then decide for yourself.
(4)
Kari N.
My husband and I went for brunch on a Sunday after church. The small, quaint dining room was packed, but we were seated right away. Drinks: I ordered a bloody mary and hubby ordered a mimosa. My bloody mary was great. Although, I wish the garnish was better, it was lemon, lime, and pickled okra. I love celery, olives, etc. in a bloody mary. This one tasted great, but fell a little short on the garnish. Meal: I ordered the pan-seared scallop benedict with asparagus on an english muffin and of course, hollandaise sauce. It came with mixed greens and I chose the diner potatoes over the grits. My meal was absolutely delish!! I savored every bite. Hubby ordered the bacon cheeseburger. He enjoyed it, but it was not stellar, just average. Dessert: We decided to order the malted ricotta doughnuts with maple, chocolate, and lemon glaze. What a terrific way to end our meal. I noticed some people ordering these first, as an app, but I am soo glad we waited till the end of the meal. They were delectable, but so rich and sweet. I may have lost my appetite if I ate these prior to the meal. Overall, it was a great experience. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Lorea S.
So the boyfriend and I decided to go out for a nice dinner and wanted to venture out to Carrboro. After reviewing many many menus and Yelp pages, we settled on Acme and we were NOT disappointed. The menu was phenomenal and we both had a difficult time choosing. To start, I went with the curried apple soup, which was delicious. It was sweet and spicy and I loved it. The bf got a fried green tomato stack, with some delicious type of cheese layered in between. Even though it was January, the tomatoes were still very good. My favorite thing about this dish, though, was the generous helping of sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and whole cloves of roasted garlic on the side. Even the vinegar drizzled on the plate was good. I wasn't sure what type of wine to go with the scallops I decided on and our waiter recommended a very good white and I loved it. My scallops had a wonderful soft texture and were on a bed of mashed cauliflower and gruyère (I want to go back and just buy a gallon of that stuff) They were surrounded by spinach, mushrooms, and onions in shiitake broth. The portion was huge and I didn't finish it. The bf ordered the hanger steak. Our waiter warned him that it is a tougher cut of meat that needed to be sliced a certain way. He ordered it anyway, and while it had a good flavor, the texture wasn't my favorite. (full disclosure: I'm a medium-rare filet-or-bust kind of girl). Now for the main course. (dessert, duh) Our waiter told us that the night before, the restaurant had made rocky road bread pudding for someone's birthday and that they still had a little left over. After clapping my hands and squealing like a little girl, I asked him to please heat some up for me. The boyf ordered chocolate bourbon pecan pie. (he makes regular pecan pie homemade so I was shocked) Both desserts were to die for. The texture of the bread pudding was just how I like it and the pecan pie was chocolate overload (my favorite thing). I ordered a latte to go with and they made it exactly how I asked for. The service and the atmosphere were both great. Our waiter was attentive but didn't rush us. The pacing of the courses allowed us a little (much needed) time to digest and plates were cleared away quickly when we were finished. The only bad things about Acme were that I was too full to finish my dessert(s!!) and that my boyfriend told me that I couldn't unbutton my pants until I got to the car. Boo.
(5)
Harry P.
We went for dinner. The service was very good, but the food seemed to be consistently missing something. The empanada appetizer looked good, but the dough was chewy and tough to cut through with a fork. If I'm going to eat some fried dough, let's do it right! The filling was on point. I had the bbq w/ macaroni & cheese and my wife had the braised short ribs. The barbecue wasn't slow cooked all that well, it was a little tough. Probably needed some more smoking to really get it super tender. At least it wasn't boiled in vinegar. The macaroni and cheese were really good though. My wife's short ribs were tender and the texture was great. The sauce just lacked some oomph. It was under salted and could use some more volume with the flavors. We managed to escape the kids for a night and expected a little more than we got. Maybe we just had our hopes set too high. The rest of the menu looked good and the other reviewers seem to rave about brunch, so maybe we'll re-evaluate with a mid-day visit. We did go there on a Tuesday where all entrees were $12.99. That was a nice surprise.
(3)
Mandey B.
Holy buhjeezus, Acme brunch is the best. I go almost every single Sunday and I still have trouble deciding between the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich (WITH BACON) and the Crab Omelet. At least, I HAD trouble deciding until yesterday, when a friend and I went and found that one of the specials was The Elvis- banana, honey, and peanut butter sandwiched between two pieces of french toast. I thought I was going to freak out. It was so incredible. Most of the staff, like 99 per cent of it, is consistently stellar. I don't only go to brunch; Acme is a great place for dinner, also. I go alone and with groups and I have a great time every time. Be on the lookout for their soft shell crab dinner special when it's in season. The spaghetti squash appetizer is awesome. The tomato plate is beautiful and delicious. You should make reservations for dinner if you're going between 7:30 and 9ish. The patio is beautiful. Also, the bathrooms are beautiful. You can usually judge a restaurant's overall cleanliness this way. If they let the bathroom be gross, then what AREN'T you seeing?
(5)
B. L. W.
There are no vegetarian entrees at this restaurant. They have salads, shiitake mushroom soup, and a small plate with fried green tomatoes.
(1)
Josh Y.
Acme is fantastic. There really is no other way in my mind to put it. The food is amazing, fresh, flavorful, etc. etc. I've been here three times now, and every time both myself and those I've been with loved the food. Last time I had fried catfish, and I swear I've never had a piece of fish that moist in my life. They also get it right without being overly complicated. No 20 ingredient salads or exotic cooking methods, just great simple food. The service has also been great, knowledgeable and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere is nice, I suppose you could say the tables are close quartered at times, but we've never had a problem. This really is a minor detail in a wonderful eating experience, and overall I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Naomi K.
Tough to get a reservation for Sunday brunch but they were excellent in getting us seated quickly even with a busy crowd. It's a bit of a mess going in through the front door and walking nearly to the back where the hostess station blocks all the flow from the kitchen to the bar or back tables. I felt bad for the servers who had to wade through the customers who were just standing around waiting to get seated. They've got a little gravel parking lot out back and a lovely outdoor seating area- I would have preferred over the hectic and noisy inside, but they might only open those tables at a specific time. I have to say, the service was excellent, our server was friendly and easy going. You could tell he enjoyed his job and the customers enjoyed him. It was the guy with the beard, I'm not sure if his name was Tom or not. I got the french toast custard special. Very delicious but a little more like dessert. The Texas border breakfast was quite tasty too. Delicious steak with spicy grits and gently poached eggs. Fresh squeezed oj and a fresh cup of joe... need to take a walk after breakfast to settle it all in. It's a bit far from Durham but a nice way to spend an easy Sunday.
(4)
David W.
I came out here on a week night for dinner mostly because I've heard a lot about this place and they have a really interesting menu. Unfortunately it didn't quite live up to the hype. The menu was really interesting and sounded very creative. I got the fried green tomatoes for an appetizer and the tomatoes were not soft enough. For an entree I got the pan fried catfish which was okay but when combined with their black eyed peas was a little on the salty side. A good thing about this spot is that the portions are actually a decent size and you will actually be pretty full from their $15-$20 entrees. This place may be worth going to again just because they have so many different dishes that sound good, but again it sounds like it may be hit or miss.
(3)
Carol S.
We went to Brunch last Sunday. Were seated at 12:30, did not receive our orders until 1:15. This was for a waffle, an omelet and 3 eggs benedict. The waffle was served cold, the eggs benedict eggs were hard boiled. I took this group that was visiting from out of town because I had heard so many good things about the restaurant. I was embarrassed to say the least
(2)
Sean W.
Acme is the real deal. Although it shares a name often found in cartoons, Carrboro's Acme restaurant really delivered an exceptional meal that will get us back to this neighboring city more often (the Carrboro Beverage Co. will help too). The overall look/feel is friendly and relaxed and the food is fresh, loaded with flavor, and amazing. The menu is divided into small plates, bowls, plates and sandwiches. I had the Tuna special, that was a massive tuna steak covered in sesame seeds, over mushrooms, greens, and rice, with truffle oil - TOP NOTCH. My wife got the Salmon which incorporated southwestern flavors with a jalpeno pesto. The fish parings were all paired with creative seasonal veggies. We enjoyed a "quartina" of Portland Pinot Noir, and it paired nicely. Good for friends; good for romance. Comfortable food that exceeded our expectations.
(4)
Jayde B.
Loved this place when we lived around here. New age southern food is the theme and Acme is the places in town that does it best! Things which are always phenomenal: 1. Service - we have a favorite waiter... 2. Atmosphere - sometimes on the louder side, but a classy place 3. FOOD - specials, appetizers, entree's, are all fabulous 4. Wine parings - just ask your server if you are unsure, they always have the answer Not my favorite place for desserts - found them to be good, but nothing out of this world. We usually went down the road to sugarland. Next time we are in town, we're definitely going back! Dress is casual (but not sweatshirts) to business casual, but do not worry about it too much if all you have is a semi-nice pair of sneakers to go with that outfit. Definitely not a college kid hang out, more of a place your parents would take students when they are in town. UNC students, ask your parents to take you here!
(5)
Jane W.
The brunch may be worth driving to Carrboro from Cary on a more regular basis. I would like to give a shout out to the best hollandaise ever, perfectly poached eggs, and this crazy maple-strawberry butter that made me want to do naughty things with it...... On the down side our waitress was a snot.... no other way to put it. She could not have tried to be more un-enthused to be managing our table of 12-13 for a yelp brunch group. I was also confused as to the fact that it was the Annual Acme Tomato Festival and there was not a single tomato offering for the day aside from the standard menu...... And finally, we sat in the back corner section and were almost sweat out of the place. Seriously, we took turns walking to the bathroom just to cool off, it was not the best atmosphere for those of us who are usually coffee drinkers. All in all, I would go back to Acme, and if it was closer to home it would be a regular brunch spot for me and the hubby. I think the issues we had could easily be fixed with a good waiter and a fan!
(4)
Will C.
Ate there for 4th time last night as we keep wanting to give it another chance. Hanger steak was chewy at best and pork shoulder was covered in too much sauce to be edible. We went because if the wine list but they were out of the 1st two wines we ordered and 3rd had not been stored properly and was way too warm for a red. Unfortunately this will be my last time eating here as I don't like paying for food twice - once on the way down, the other on the way up. Oh well.
(1)
Monica M.
Acme's dinner has never disappointed us! This place was actually the very first place that Kyle and I went to to celebrate him getting the job here before we moved here from Texas, so it does have a little bit of a special meaning to us. I digress - from the moment we walked in, we were very pleased with the atmosphere, the service, the cocktails and Oh Em Gee, the food! Aside from the food, the two things I love the most about this place are the Art and the Service. If you get the chance to go in the near future, there is an artist on display who did a series of monsters! The one with King Kong's hand holding a woman is my personal fave - I seriously would have purchased it, but someone already nabbed it. A place that would display something like this, and a mummy, vampires, etc... is always good in my book! The service is always impeccable as well. We've always had the service come at exactly the right times to refill a drink, serve an appetizer, or recommend a dish to us. The staff is always friendly, humorous, and ready to share their thoughts on the food or wine pairings. If you haven't checked them out yet, Recession Tuesdays are quite the steal. All entrees and bowls are $12.95, which means you can score something like their Yellow Fin Tuna (normally at $21) for... $12.95. I think we've tried out half the menu by now on Tuesdays. If you are bringing in a party larger than 2, make sure you make reservations before 5:30pm that day! I've got to try out that brunch some time soon.. that eggs benedict sounds delish!
(5)
Bill A.
4.5 OK so this place the real deal, local feel, and $emi-steal. (wish Charlotte would take notice) 4 people, bottle o wine, bunch o beers, 2 smalls plates, 4 entrees, and dessert $170. Tom had a Great attitude, knowledge and service style ( again Charlotte take notice) I don't need to go on, except to say It is Good, actually Really Good, can't wait to get back for more......
(4)
Bobbin W.
Although we didn't have a reservation, my BFFE and I scored a sweet window seat at the front of Acme on Sunday. Perhaps our penance for not making reservations was receiving neglectful service--our being almost entirely ignored has knocked my review from A++ to four stars. My Hoppin' John entree was admittedly divine. Two fried eggs sat on a bed of seductively mushy rice mixed with black eyed peas and the occasional shred of cheddar cheese, bacon chunks providing a pop now and then. A bacon-chipotle hollandaise sauce slid off the eggs, disappearing as quickly as the attention of our waiter. I also found the artwork intriguing--all by the same artist. I almost inquired about the price on one piece with a huge King Kong fist gripping a frightened damsel. However, I decided against hanging such a portrait in my home as I would rather the King Kong fist be crunching a hollering male. While my breakfast embodied the acme of brunch food, the service stooped to a nadir.
(4)
Psalm S.
We met up with fellow Yelpers Paige T. and Rob C. for some Sunday brunch. It was such a yucky day and I could not wait to fill my belly with some carbalicious goodies. We did not have reservations and put our name down for 4. My one complaint would be there isn't much of a place to stand and wait while your name is being called. I would've taken the hostess up on her offer to call me when the table was ready had it not been so gross outside. We ended up being a party of five and the hostess seemed quite put out by this. Our wait went from basically over to another 20-30 minutes. But much to our pleasant surprise, a table opened up sooner than expected. Our server was really friendly and accommodating, and the brunch menu looked fantastic! Everyone had a hard time choosing. Finally, I just decided on the Acme breakfast. It was the perfect choice - eggs, bacon, mixed greens, diner potatoes, and my favorite, a huge, delicious biscuit. I also had a cappucino which warmed me up nice. Everyone really enjoyed their meals and the atmosphere was nice and cozy. Acme will definitely be on our list when we're in Carrboro again, especially since they have a nice outdoor area which I hope to enjoy on a better day.
(4)
Ian D.
Sunday Brunch at Acme was spot on. They feature a diverse and engaging menu. The service was prompt and friendly. We will definitly make Acme part of our Sunday brunch rotation.
(4)
Joe D.
Excellent food. Acme is a cut above most other restaurants in the Chapel Hill area. We had the fried green tomatoes, and the Pork Two Ways entree. The latter was tender and delicious, falling off the bone. Dessert was the key lime pie. It was topped with real, fresh cream. My girlfriend described it as the best key lime pie she's ever had. Service was good too.
(5)
Genevieve S.
I've been here for both brunch and dinner and have been really impressed with the food both times. I also like that pairing 2 small plates at dinner is about the same size as a large entree, great for someone like me who likes to sample lots of different things.
(5)
Daryl C.
So this review is based upon two recent visits to Acme, both on $12.95 Tuesday. A week ago, my wife and I went there with another couple. The food was delicious. I had the blackened salmon over grits and black beans with salsa verde, which is a menu staple that they always pull off nicely. My wife had the spinach ravioli, which she thoroughly enjoyed (though she only got 4 of them!) For dessert, our table ordered two of the dessert options and a pair of cappuccinos. Though our server brought out the desserts in a timely fashion, he didn't bring out the cappuccinos until well after the other desserts had been finished. Finally, right after we had signed our checks (and while we were drinking our lately-brought coffee), he came up to us and asked if we could leave so that they could use our table. Now, I've been a server; and on busy nights like this one, I can understand the desire to make this request. But it wasn't just that--it was the manner in which he said it. Very little tact, barely disguising the fact that he wanted us out the door. It's basic server etiquette that you don't force a customer out the door like this; sure, as a server you might get frustrated at a table that lingers past the point of decency, but you shouldn't act upon this frustration, and we had *just* signed our checks. We noticed that there were other tables next to us that had been finished and lingering longer than us; but perhaps he figured that because we were younger-looking student-types, that we would not be offended as much? This was a shockingly offensive end to the evening. My wife and I have been to Acme before this encounter just described, and we do enjoy the food and atmosphere. So we came back tonight with two other couples. We arrived and learned that our reservation for 6 had been written down as a reservation for 2; luckily, we were still able to be seated. After about ten minutes, our server came to take our drink and food orders. We got the heirloom tomato appetizer (red, yellow, and green tomatoes laid over fresh mozzarella with nice touches of homemade basil pesto, plus some pickled peaches on the side) to share, it was very well done. I tried the blackened tuna special (tuna over a panzanella), and it was cooked to perfection. Everyone else had the cajun ribeye. My wife's steak was chock full of fat, though it still tasted good. Overall, the food was great. When I went to ask to put the appetizer on my check, the server looked at me and said "Excuse me?" in an oddly accusatory manner. Kind of weird. So here's my summary judgment. Acme knows how to make pretty good food, though sometimes you might get less than expected for the money (see the ravioli; also, the scallops) or a bad cut of meat (the fatty steak). I suppose you could say that it's $12.95 Tuesday, we should be happy with what we're getting. But the exciting thing about this deal is that it's supposed to be an entree of $20 quality, for much cheaper. And I'm not sure that this is always the case. But the bigger issue is the service. My wife and I like Acme, and we *want* to like Acme. We like their food, and their beer and wine selection is great. Yet bad service can really leave a mark. It makes the difference between being really excited to go back to a place, and being only moderately excited. Will we go back? Sure. When it's not $12.95 Tuesday? Maybe not. If I'm going to pay $20 for an entree, I will go to a place that has consistently better service, to add the final touch to the meal that makes it a complete aesthetic experience. I wish there was a 3.5-star option. The food deserves four stars, but the service drops it down; the expectations have been lowered.
(3)
Rebecca M.
As someone who usually goes to Acme for brunch or dinner at least once a month, I am a huge fan of this restaurant because they always deliver quality and interesting food in a friendly way. They also always have a really good wine list and great cocktails. I especially like to take out of town guest to Acme because of their emphasis on southern-cuisine-done-in-a-novel-way. I've had great experiences with Acme whether its been a party of two or whether I've been part of a big group. I've also found them very accommodating of children. My little niece had a wonderful meal and time at the restaurant! And their Tuesday evening specials of $12.95 for any entree is an incredible food value. Acme is the type of place that makes Carrboro/Chapel Hill a great place to live. And I'm happy they're here, consistently delivering really delicious dining experiences.
(5)
Al G.
i chose acme for the great reviews i was given by actual human contact, and not the internet. everyone said it was the best in town. as i usually make brunch at home, i took their word. i would hope this is not actually the best, for that would be sad for the triangle as a whole. my group came to acme for a boozy brunch, and while my mimosa special was delicious, apparently every bloody mary missed the mark. 4 were tried. by their comments, the spicy one was no more spicy than the original, and all lacked flavor. for a place with a list of specialty bloody marys, this was surprising. our donut appetizer came out with the meal...that turned out to be a godsend because they were overly sugared and acted much more as a dessert. i opted for potatoes over grits, since i don't care much for grits. the potatoes were cooked with some kind of chili spices or peppers of some sort. had i known this, i might have opted to give the grits a chance. only one person enjoyed the potatoes, and he wasn't one who ordered them. i asked for my scrambled eggs to not come to my table runny. i wanted them fully set. the server put the plate in front of me, asked if they were cooked to my liking. immediately, i ran my finger across the top and pulled up a slimy-gooey eggish substance. i know better than to send back eggs, so i said i would make do, put it inside my biscuit and consumed it, eyes closed. sadly, the biscuit came with an odd looking substance that turned out to be a possibly delicious strawberry butter...but i would never know because i had to use my biscuit to disguise my undercooked eggs. others enjoyed their food, but i'm not sure any of us would ever be back. i am a picky person and not everyone else is, but according to yelp, 2 stars is "meh-i've had better" and 3 is "a-ok", and while i hate to give a 2 star review to a 'treasured' establishment, i'm just following yelp's guidelines and the general consensus of our group was "meh".
(2)
Eve P.
A group of 10 of us went to Acme to celebrate my birthday. I think I had the best dinner I've had in the Triangle!! There were several items on the menu that sounded great - interesting combinations. I didn't have the thought, "I could make that at home" once while looking at the menu. HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Shortribs with squash casserole and fried leeks...delicious combination with a perfect balance of flavors. Not the hugest portion ever, but I was definitely satisfied, with a little room left for dessert. Other favorites at the table: The barbecue pork dish, the berry cobbler (though one person was hoping for more of a sweet crumbly topping), the key lime pie, and the cappuccino The only slight negative was the soupy-ness of the scallop dish, which made it a little confusing for my friend to eat...it wasn't exactly soup, but there wasn't anything to dip in it. Maybe one little thing for Acme to work on!! Our waiter was very friendly and helpful. Service overall was wonderful, and the atmosphere was cute and unique, but still with a comfortable, cozy quality. We ate at a back table with a booth against the wall, which made it easy for our big group to talk to one another. I'm moving soon, but will make this a stop when I'm back to visit!!
(5)
Reno B.
Best burger I've had in the triangle area for sure! Also went there for appetizers one evening and thoroughly enjoyed the calamari salad and the curried apple soup! I Highly recommend this place! I walked by it a bunch of times not knowing there was a great restaurant inside. Glad someone recommended it to me.
(4)
Tom P.
I'm confused about how to rate Acme. I've had a few great meals there, and at one time, I thought the regular Acme burger was the best in town. But I've also had some bad meals and think they're one of the least consistent restaurants in town. The last time I went, my burger came out cold and lifeless. I know all burgers are lifeless technically, but mine was gray, rubbery, and just seemed depressed. Nobody wants to eat a depressed burger, but I did just to put it out of its misery. Maybe I just caught them on a bad day? I want to give them another chance, but prices are high enough that I would feel like a sucker for paying a lot for another bad meal, especially with all of the other great options in the area. So I'm giving them three stars, which is kind of a cop-out. The pluses are that the ambiance is nice, the decor is stylish, and they have a great bar and back patio. The big minus is the inconsistency. Sooner or later, I'll go back, and when I do, I'll update my review.
(3)
Caroline S.
I've always had great meals from Acme! Even though they have a pretty general name, their food is anything but. For brunch, I love their mimosas and eggs benedict. This bustling restaurant also have a lovely patio outside that's perfect for alfresco dining.
(5)
Samantha E.
I had been meaning to come here for ages but only ended up going for desserts and drinks with some people in my department before graduation. We all ordered different desserts and shared and every single one was devine. I had a glance at the real menu as well and it all sounded delicious. The atmosphere is nice and the decorations are interesting. If I do come back I will be sitting in the cute little patio out back.
We usually go to Acme for Sunday brunch. The food is great but the waitstaff leaves something to be desired. We have never had great service. Do not go to Acme if you have a group. It took our waitress more than 30 minutes to split up 5 checks. She acted like it was the worst thing in the world. It soured my opinion of Acme and I will not be inviting my friends to go back with me.
(2)
Jessica P.
Wow. I am writing this review after my first visit, but I am sure there will be many more... We just moved to Durham, and decided to go out to dinner in Carrboro one night. Scanning Yelp, I picked Acme. The atmosphere seemed relaxed, laid back. There were all kinds of people there, young and old, not one particular "scene" or "crowd." It was semi-crowded when we got there, and our table was a tiny bit too close to the other tables (This kinda pissed me off later - when the whole place was practically empty - they sat a couple RIGHT next to our table. Really?). Our waitress was AMAZING. Most places I go to, waiters just read the specials and say what's in the dish - she described all the specials as if she MADE them HERSELF. I wasn't very impressed with my drink. I got the "Carrboro Mojo" which consisted of vanilla Stoli and ginger ale. I think the ginger ale they use is probably organic (like Fentiman's or something), because it was wayyy too spicy for me. The drink kinda burned my mouth, and not from the alcohol. Anyways, on to the food... After hearing the specials, we all agreed we had to try the tomato plate - local tomatoes (red, green, yellow) with mozzerella and pesto, deviled eggs, and pickled peaches. It was amazing! The pickled peaches were a little weird though - they were super sweet. There are plenty of tempting entrees, but I decided to go for the burger deluxe. This burger has pimiento cheese on it. Well, I had no idea what pimiento cheese was - but the top result from performing a Google search was a Paula Deen recipe (it's a Southern recipe - cheese mixed with mayo and pimentos). The burger was AMAZING... cooked perfectly, the bacon was crisp and tasty, deliciously fresh pickle slices and red onion. I'm not a fan of the shoestring fries... if this burger was paired with thicker sliced fries or thick sweet potato fries, I would easily put this in the top 3 burgers of all time. Definitely coming back here (and updating this review). Looking forward to trying more entrees and the local beers on tap!
(4)
William J.
To all you brunch-lovers: Acme is indeed good for dinner as well. Why the lackluster dinner reviews? Granted I've only been here a couple of times, but I was very pleased with the experience. The lady friend that I go with is a die-hard believer in the place and a gourmand by any standards, so we make sure to sample as much of the menu as possible, which is easy since everything changes so consistently. Most of it is off-limits to me since I'm a confirmed carnivore (the plentiful veggie options common to Carrboro repulse me), but we do well anyway. Of particular note is the bread pudding... If it says "pudding" in this place, try it. The atmosphere is hard to pin down, appearing alternately classy and grungy depending on where you look. They make it work for them, though... it's a little bit like Nirvana meets Will & Grace.
(4)
Lenka B.
Acme is probably my favorite restaurant in Carrboro as of today. I went there for the second time the other night and I was extremely pleased with the food and the service. The duck over cornbread dish was inventive and heavenly delicious. Yum.
(5)
Richard H.
Great changing menu. Always satisfied when we go. One of my wife's favorite places.
(4)
Tricia Y.
I would give this restaurant more than a 5 if I could, it's that good. Yes, it's pricey - but so worth it. My husband and I have been there three times - twice just us, and once with his mother. We have never been even slightly disappointed. I had a seared scallops appetizer the last time we were there that melted in my mouth. We've had crab, steak, fish, rissoto... all amazing. However, I can't comment on the deserts, since we're always too full to order anything. The wine list is extensive; the decor is warm, classy and relaxing; and the wait staff is less stuffy than in most upper-class restaurants, but just as professional. Wow, I want to eat here again soon...
(5)
Stacey V.
I have been to Acme twice in the past two weeks for Sunday brunch, both birthday celebrations. I've been living in Chapel Hill for the past 5 years, and working in the service industry here for about 2.5 years now. I can honestly say this is one of the WORST dining and customer service experiences I have ever had to date. I will not be going back to Acme ever again. The first time we went our party had 6 people, and the second time we had 12 people. With the first group, we had our waitress curtly inform us that about 3 or 4 things on the menu (which only had about 15 items total) were "out", including grits and biscuits. Not a big deal, but then she made it sound like she was doing us a favor by letting us get a substitute for the sides they were out of, saying that she'd "let us" get fries or something else as a side but that they "usually never do that." Although we didn't ask her to split the checks (as we'd already understood the policy of one check for large parties), she told us she could, but again making it sound like she was doing us some huge favor, but not to expect anyone else to do it in the future. She continued to have a bad attitude and poor customer service throughout the duration of the meal, making us feel unwelcome and as if we were some burden to the restaurant. Her attitude in general was enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth, but we gave it another shot this past weekend because our friend really wanted to go their on her birthday. The second visit was AWFUL- even worse than the first. We called ahead more than a week in advance and had made reservations for 2pm. As we were on our way to the restaurant, we got a call from someone saying that they actually closed the kitchen at 2pm, and they needed us to hurry up and get to the restaurant so they could close, making it seem like this mistake was somehow our fault. Once we got there and walked in to our table, I could hear our waitress (who was different from the first one) physically counting us off as we walked in. Some of our party had driven in separate cars, and she immediately grilled us about where they were and how many of us there would be as soon as we sat down. We told her the rest were parking and walking in any second. Then, she again brought up the fact that the kitchen was closing and she needed us to hurry up and order- I have NEVER been rushed like this in a restaurant, and as a server would NEVER make one of my customers feel this way, reservation or not. Our entire group was immediately made to feel uncomfortable and unwanted within two minutes of entering the restaurant- that's gotta be a record. And, surprise surprise- they were out of at least 2 entrees AGAIN. When we tried to ask for a side of fries instead of grits with one entree, we were told that "maybe" we could get it, even after we told her we'd pay for a side order if they couldn't be substituted. While another friend ordered, our waitress mocked her and laughed at what she was saying. After we'd shot off our orders to our drill sargeant/waitress, she told us "Good Job" for getting our orders in so fast- "Good job"??? How rude and condescending! One person went to the bar to get a ginger ale, and after being ignored by the bartender for several minutes while he took the trash out instead of serving his customer, was asked by another rude server, "Did you need something?" She ordered the ginger ale and was finally told they were "out"-- what bar that stocks bourbon (which is ALL of them) "runs out" of ginger ale? Our guess is that the bartender was too lazy to go to the back and get more. When the food was being brought out, one of us asked for a side of cheese for the grits, and we were hastily told by the guy serving the food that it'd probably be an extra $0.95. So at that point we knew not to ask for anything else, lest we be nickle-and-dimed even more. The food came out immediately, which I guess was a good thing although it added to the overall experience of feeling like we were being rushed as if we were in a drive-thru lane at McDonald's. Only then did our waitress try to start being nicer to us, but it was a pretty transparent attempt to rectify the situation, as it was probably obvious that our party was so uncomfortable and offended. Luckily, the food was good, but not so good that I'd go back or tolerate being treated the way we were. Once our plates had been cleared, our waitress awkwardly leaned over a wall next to the table and just pointed at each of us to ask if we needed anything else. Even after we'd all said No and had been sitting there for a solid 15 minutes, we had to ask her to bring the check... very strange after being rushed the whole time, only to have some sudden fake attempt at letting us take our time. I've also been to very few restaurants who add gratuity of more than 18%- the auto-grat at Acme was 20%!!! Not a cent of which that entire restaurant deserved, save maybe the kitchen staff.
(1)
Alex C.
I wish I could give this lousy excuse for a restaurant zero stars instead of a complimentary one star. Unwelcome is an understatement by previous reviewers. On Mother's day and the day of my sister's graduation from UNC Chapel Hill, we planned to go out for a nice dinner to celebrate. We called Acme six hours ahead and asked for a reservation for five. The hostess remarked that they don't take reservations and we would just have to come in to try our luck. Ok. So we show up at 7pm and put our name on the list. There were multiple large tables empty inside and no one else waiting ahead of us. They said the best they could do was seat us on the patio. OK. So we all went to the bar, ordered from their decent draft beer and wine selection, paid cash, and waited for the table. That's when things went sour. After 15 minutes, the manager came over and told us our table was ready and if we didn't get up ASAP and follow him immediately, we would lose our table. Rather rude we thought. On the way to the table, he remarked that we better have paid our bar tab because our table server would be too busy to serve us! I don't take to kindly to restaurant staff that treat my retired military officer dad, mom, sister, and my wife like scum. I also don't appreciate being treated that way by a business that we chose to visit to spend $$$$ on dinner. Further, as he led us down the back hall to the patio, a server with two food plates appeared out of the kitchen. The manager yelled at us, "Get out of the way, can't you see we have to serve food!" Shocked we wedge our bodies against the wall, so that the staff, who could have waited all of 5 seconds, could walk by. So we get outside to the table...shocked... He had a table for two that he was going to seat us at! For the next five minutes, while we stood there waiting, this incompetent manager pulled up random stools and garden planters for us to sit on! Looking around the patio, there were at least 6 empty tables and 20 empty chairs. He said we (all five of us) had to sit at this makeshift table for two. Very insulting. Next door, a table of eight was happily eating dinner. After a few minutes of sitting, I went inside to ask if the staff could pull up a second table so that at least our plates might fit. The rude hostess didn't waste any time treating me rudely. Said it was "tough shit and you'll have to talk to the manager". ... Nasty nasty people. Even more shocked, I went to find the manager. I asked him if there was any way to pull up the nearby table so that we could reasonable sit and eat. He said no, that they don't move tables! Yet right there on the patio was the eight top with three combined tables! I said, "well how can you better the seating situation, is there a table inside?" (there were at least half a dozen). He told me, "You can sit where I f*%$ing put you or leave. If you have a problem with that, go f*$# yourself!" Seriously, I couldn't make this up. Flabbergasted, I went out to the table, where my family, not wanting to cause a scene, was trying to make the best of the situation. Meanwhile, the waiter was cleaning up a spilled water glass, a glass that had fallen off the cramped table. The manager came out and started yelling at us, saying "I don't understand what the problem is, you sat here and you can eat or leave!" I don't think a review of the mediocre food is worth my while. The cockroaches scurrying across the patio provided the entertainment for the evening. I do have to note that the waiter was respectful and did a decent job and that the patio space, minus the roaches, was nicely decorated. We really should have left though. This town has many other, much much better restaurants. Please don't go here with anyone you care about or if it bothers you to give business to nasty a$#holes. Pathetic...
(1)
Owen S.
As regards other stunningly positive reviews here... Really?! I do give them a lot of credit for having an ever-changing, locally-focused menu. But the result delivered to the table is... eh... The food truly is nicely prepared, and seems to be largely locally sourced, which is great. But, it's not 5-star, it's barely 4-star, truly, and combined with the too-dark dining room, usually flat-affect service, high prices, and surprisingly dirty-looking kitchen, it falls to a 3 for me.
(3)
Paige T.
I've been to Acme a few times now and I've always had a pretty great experience. I love the dark, cozy and classy ambience, complete with local art on the walls that rotates on a fairly regular basis. The waitstaff are always friendly and helpful and the food experience has been delightful. Our most recent visit had us craving burgers, though, nothing fancy at all. The burger was a 1/3 a lb. of local, grass-fed meat cooked to medium topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and pickle-yum. The fries were unfortunately not so great. I am a big fry fan and I usually polish them off no problem, but these were just sort of skinny and greasy. I do get that this is a place that definitely does not specialize in fried-fare, so whatever. The dessert, on the other hand, was DELICIOUS! We decided to split the persimmon pudding ( which was not exactly pudding, but more like a light persimmon-y cake sort of thing, with a whipped cream and lemon topping. I kinda wish that I had had it all to myself.--double yum!
(4)
K N.
Good drinks and pretty decent food, though it's a bit dark. We actually had good table service, though we were a party of five and ordering up the drinks. I'd recommend it for dinner.
(4)
Randi K.
They have a very creative menu and the flavors come together nicely BUT: The portions are ridiculously small for the PRICE! I ordered a sea scallop dinner which had 2 scallops! This was not a small plate thus each scallop came to $11.00!! The meal was more like a soup and I had already ordered soup for my entree. My husband ordered the duck breast which had 4 very small pieces of duck-also for $22.00. The duck was heavily salted. They are not very flexible- many of the entrees come with fries or a starch. We are on a lo carb diet and they will not sub another vegetable. So my husband got his duck atop mixed greens and he had already had a salad as his app. The place is very noisy and the waiters can be rather aloof and fail to check back to see that everything is ok with the meal. We had an early reservation and tried to delay due to a conflict at work. We were told that there were no openings until 9 pm, however when we finished at 7:30 pm there were 5 empty tables and they were taking walk-ins. We have often returned with a Living Social coupon. The first time the waiter tacked on an automatic 18% tip and said that was the policy of the restaurant, yet the second time the waiter did not tack on the automatic tip.
(2)
Leah G.
Great service in comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Our waitress was very helpful and knowledgable. When asked between two dishes, she gave an honest opinion and didn't try to up-sell us to the higher priced item (always impressive). I chose this restaurant for my first visit to Carrboro (pre-concert) because of their local and organic farm-to-fork emphasis. We started with appetizers of fried okra and artichoke and the empanada - both were good. I had the crab cakes for an entree and was a bit disappointed. They are full blown crab with no breading which is great but they are smallish in diameter and tall - and so a bit mushy. My friend had the burger, which was the server's recommendation and he said that it was very good. My friend asked to substitute risotto (on the menu) for the fries that come with the burger and they wouldn't substitute. Overall my first visit to Acme Food & Beverage was a good experience and I'd definitely go back.
(3)
GeneR S.
I've only been here for brunch (I've been warned by many that dinner is overpriced and just not good), and I have nothing but nice things to say. The bloody mary menu is comprehensive (they even have a highland mary with scotch instead of vodka for those of us who like real liquor) and they have a house mimosa (the last I had was pomegranate & champagne) that help keep the OCSC-induced hangovers at bay. I like the decor, diverse patrons, and spicy home fries. I've ogled the coffee cake many a time, but have yet to indulge.
(4)
Nicole M.
Adventurous menu. Nice wine list. Lovely atmosphere. Impeccable service. What more could you want?
(5)
Brian O.
I had an early dinner here last weekend on their fantastic back patio. Nice menu, I had trouble choosing. I went with the salmon which was nice (how could you mess up salmon, right!?). The veg that came with was very nice, lots of flavors going on there. I also had a great cocktail, something with gin and rosemary in it. Very refreshing. The dessert didn't work for me, though. It was a banana pudding with a meringue top. On paper this sounded fantastic but let me tear it apart. First, the banana's were old and had turned black-ish with a funny texture. Second, the pudding itself was cooked (to set and color the meringue top). The net result is the pudding was extremely dry. Fail. Other than that I was happy with the meal and will go back. They currently have a great fixed-price menu that's $20 during the week, I want to give that a try.
(4)
Sarah S.
Totally loved this place. In NC for work, and went here on the recc of a friend - couldn't have been happier. Comfortable but nice place, good local beers on tap, and the food was perfect. As an appetizer I had the fried green tomatos, layered with the perfect amount of cheese, on a plate of sweet corn, tomatoes, and garlic - an excellent start to the meal. For the main course, I had pulled pork on top of mac and cheese - the dish could have been hotter, but it could not have been more delicious. The bf had the pecan crusted fried chicken over mashed potatoes - we both exclaimed outloud when we tried it for the first time. Deeeeelicious. I had an apple cobbller for dessert, al a mode, and although I couldnt eat much because I had gone overboard for dinner, it was still a tasty end to the meal. For three entrees, 1 appetizer, and 4 drinks, the cost was 90 bucks. Not bad, and totally worth it. May even have to return before we leave. One star off because I'm not sure there was much else on the menu that I wanted to try, but I'm a picky eater and I don't like seafood so that limits it...
(4)
Abe C.
Acme just does everything--space and decor, menu, food quality and presentation, drinks and wine, service--right. And they do it with style. Plus, they work hard to support local farms and food. What more do you want?
(5)
Rosie H.
The food is heaven. You can't eat there for under $20, so it's definitely in the "special occasion" category for me. They won't split checks for five people or more. I thought that was a little unfriendly, but whatever. We made it work. The tables in the outdoor seating were tranquil and lovely.
(4)
Tony V.
A slow wait! Terrifying. I was so scared! But when the food came, I knew everything was going to be okay. The Eggs Benedict were out of control. They were ridiculous! I never thought of placing a fried green tomato on my Eggs Benedict. What an absurd concept! It was lovely and thoughtful. Since my meal, I've texted 5 or 6 people about this concept. Acme left me stunned! This place is packed with revolutionary ideas.
(5)
Adam S.
Went here for Sunday brunch before heading off to school. It wasn't terribly busy, probably because it was late summer and UNC wasn't in session yet. We started off with the Malted Ricotta Doughnuts, which there are three of: chocolate glazed, maple glazed, and raspberry glazed. They were pretty good and definitely got better as you got used to them. The powdered sugar sort of makes a mess, though. The best was the maple with the raspberry just behind. The chocolate was good but one of them had to come in third place. I wanted the french toast for brunch, but the waitress said it wouldn't be available until 11 (we were there at around 10:20), so I opted for the Texas Border Breakfast instead, which was steak, 2 poached eggs, and hollandaise all over green chile grits. I forgot how much I hated grits until I had this. The steak was very good, hollandaise tasty as well, and the grits wasn't bad in small bites. I didn't love the poached eggs myself, but that's more of a personal preference. Service was super kind and charming. Exactly what I hoped for. I'd love to try Acme for dinner, next time and would have no issue coming back.
(4)
Jeff S.
I was entertaining friends from out of town who had never been to Chapel Hill or Carrboro before. We started with blueberry wheat beers with a nice view from on Top, and then walked our way down to Acme. We arrived at 9PM on a Tuesday and the place was packed! Being a bar seat ninja, I managed to get us 4 seats together, and we continued the night from there. We started with a couple of apps, the tomato and cheese plate was simple, but delicious and fresh. For some reason I was in the mood for a burger, so I got their burger. It was one of the best I've ever had, or remember having. For bourbon fans, note that they had a bottle of Weller's. I've only ever seen it at Foundation.
(4)
Diane G.
My favorite meal in the triangle so far! The bf and I went here on a Tuesday night (entrees are $13.95 every Tuesday night!), and were not disappointed! I had the flash fried catfish, and he had the pecan-crusted fried chicken. He said the fried chicken was quote, unquote "some of the best fried chicken I've ever had." It was surprisingly light, with a crispy exterior. I was food-gasming over my catfish, as well a the side of heirloom tomatos we shared. We will be back next Tuesday if that gives you a sense of our experience here! P.S. We made reservations, and it seems recommended that you make reservations especially for a Tuesday night!
(5)
Casi C.
This was my first trip to Acme and I have to say it's some damn good food! We had a party of 6 and didn't make a reservation but they were still able to squeeze us in for Sunday Brunch after about 30 minutes which was reasonable. I had the Acme breakfast which comes with 2 eggs, bacon, a biscuit, grits, and a side salad. Everything was delicious but I especially loved the bacon & biscuit. It's tough to find a biscuit that tastes home-made but they did it. If I lived in North Carolina I would be a regular here. It's easy to see why they won so many awards.
(4)
Jody B.
Wow, food and service outstanding! Pork chop, fried chicken, tomato appetizer, and special cornbread appetizer were all delicious! Justin B. was a super server. Love what Kevin Callaghan has done with the place and the menu! We'll be back!
(5)
Michelle P.
I've never gone wrong when ordering at Acme. It's a definite highlight of the Chapel Hill Carrboro area. The food is original, thought out, and includes local ingredients. I would highly recommend coming here for their Tuesday night special where every entree on the menu goes for 13.95. This is an excellent deal as some entrees are over 20$ normally. Of course, this is also the most crowded night so either make a reservation or come hoping for the best. They have a community table out back if you don't mind sharing. I most recently ordered the steak frites and it was to die for. Perfectly cooked steak with seasoned, hand cut fries. It was a big plate, but I was hungry and able to finish it. From past dinners, I'd also recommend the salmon, as well as the chicken. Delicious! I was not a fan of the bbq pulled pork however. Too much sauce for my liking. May be a personal preference. The wait staff has always been friendly and accommodating. They've made excellent suggestions for wine pairings All in all, a delightful restaurant. Just make sure to make a reservation!
(5)
Erin N.
Went here for when my parents were in town. Amazing food! The soft shell crab special was outstanding and lightly battered. I had the salmon that I ate tremendously fast because it was so good. We ended up eating outside which was a great place. Very relaxing and quiet outside. They have a nice serene place outside with water fountains and plants to create a relaxing feel. Desert was great bourbon pecan pie was amazing!!! Peach cobbler was ok. I would and will be coming back to this great restaurant that also has good specials during the week. $12 entree special.
(5)
Stella M.
So disappointed. I ordered a Greek omelette and the watered down butter sauce in the middle of it was not good. The lamb in it is also a sausage and not the lamb meat you would expect in a gyro. My friend ordered the traditional eggs Benedict with bacon and that was terrible. We had to send the Benedict back because it was under cooked and one of the benedicts was completely missing its yolk. The bacon was good but they are really stingy with it. My husband ordered the salmon Benedict special and that wasn't very impressive either. He got grits as a side and it was watery mush. The biscuit was about the only thing that was worth eating. The food was way over priced for the quality. Also, you can't order any of the brunch beverages until after 12.
(2)
Tya F.
Acme, Acme, Acme! Oh how I love thee, let me going the ways lol! Y'all, this food was so good! We went Sunday for brunch, and couldn't have been more pleased. No wait except the line to actually start individuals as there was only one hosted working. No biggie b/c we were trying to decide whether to sit inside or outside. We went with inside although outside is more eclectic. They serve counter culture coffee-always good. I had the pecan crusted friend chicken with buttered beans, rice, a few slices of DELICIOUS heirloom tomatoes, and a couple light sauces=heaven! Hubby had Texas Steak dish with grits, and poached perfectly eggs=yummy too, but mine was better :-) Try it you'll enjoy it!
(5)
Karisa D.
Acme is a classy and cozy dining establishment in the heart of Carbarro. Their focus is Southern comfort food, with a twist. The last time we visited my sister we were unable to get a table or reservation, but this time, we took our chance we got incredibly lucky! When you walk inside, the ambiance, is cool, dark, but relaxed. The decorations are a mix of vintage almost speakeasy feel mixed with modern touches. Even the name Acme Food and Beverage Co to me draws up feelings of the roaring twenties, filled with flapper dresses and suits. We were seated immediately and given our menus. Our server came soon after to tell us about their specials. We decided on the tuna ceviche which was a special, as our starter, as well as drinks. My dad ordered a local North Carolina beer, I ordered a Carolina mule (their take on a moscow mule) and my sister ordered another cocktail that I can't remember the name. This is what we ordered for our entrees: I ordered the Forever Roasted Pig which is pulled pork BBQ and leek macaroni and cheese, my dad ordered the Trout, and my sister ordered the salmon special. Our drinks and tuna ceviche came soon after the order was put in. The ceviche was fantastic. Fresh ingredients, good marinade, and a good amount of heat without being over powering. Our drinks was delicious (and strong) too. Our food arrived soon after- I was very impressed with the not too long wait time for our food. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dish- we didn't talk much while we ate, we were focused on our meal. The portions are decent sized, though I couldn't finish my BBQ. I liked their take on BBQ. The sauce was not overflowing in vinegar and they put a good ratio of sauce to pork. Their macaroni and cheese was delicious and the leeks added a light flavor without taking away from the dish. Service was good throughout the night. Our water glasses were filled without us asking and the pace was good. Prices are what you expect- not cheap but not too expensive depending what you order. Loved the food and experience.
(4)
Jonathan F.
Wow. How on earth is this place get so highly rated? I'm A-fucking-stonished!!! And ... you'd think, you'd get the best service at the bar. Here you'll beg for a menu (the night before I left without seeing one - just call me stupid for another go at it). Do they fly the Stars & Bars in here? You'd think! Unless you're "familiar" with staff, you're just a dot. Just because I don't talk like I'm ... something ... my sister! Nepotism? Employees do get the best service, to be sure; only to be followed by those whom developed a plate for grease (oils with seasoning). Try to come in new off the street to be no one. You're just a window. Carrboro has so many places that can plate on par...or to entertain newness because they'd like to see you again. I'd beg to know why this place makes the cut (did i say i needed to use an astringent after the meal?). Yelp me please! I'm dumbfounded. Saving grace, the bar keep said "you came...". The salutation, " see ya". I have no desire to allow this "neighbor" to feed me again. The quality of the culinary skills here can easily be performed at home (even when you're polluted drunk). Fry baby, fry! 1 star. I didn't vomit (from the food). You'll find good food or better, and nice people that want to feed you within a 3 minute walk from here. Cheers to the good eats in the rest of Carrboro!
(1)
Dan T.
Fantastically delicious creative menu! Always busy, but they do a great job with service. The food is top notch Best salmon I've ever had!
(5)
Tiffany C.
I've yet to have a bad experience here, this place is truly wonderful. Came here three times under very different circumstances with VERY different people and everyone I came with felt like it was the perfect meal, start-to-finish, everytime. 5 stars on consistency, Acme! First time, first date and jitters abounded but it was such a lovely atmosphere - more casual than Kipos but definitely more fancy than most other Franklin St/Main St options. I loved the designs inside, the massive southern star, and the intimate setting. Second time was with a wonderful friend from out of town and we ordered so much food that the table was groaning under the weight and we had to move slowly to attack the food since the plates were so precariously positioned. We made a valiant effort, but failed to make any kind of significant dent in our orders. Third and not last but most recent time, came for Sunday brunch and was blown away yet again. Spoiler alert - IndyWeek voted Acme Best Sunday Brunch of Ch/Durham and it's more than well-deserved. We ate outside on the shady patio and dug into our plates of eggs benedict and grits and potato with gusto! My favorite dishes here are the pork butt/pulled pork which comes with soft buttered beans and a side of perfection. The cornbread here is just WOW, it's buttery and warm and sweet and delivered on a rustic old cast iron skillet, which is always fun. Truly though, everything that passed my lips from Acme was memorable and I'm itching to find yet another newbie to drag to one of the best restaurants in Carrboro/Chapel Hill/Durham.
(5)
Kaitlyn M.
WOW. I completely agree with the name of this place. This restaurant just shot up to my list of best in Chapel Hill. The food here was nothing short of a work of art. The outdoor dining is more relaxing than anyone's backyard I've ever enjoyed, plus full-service and a water feature. The service was stellar. The waitress was attentive and cheerful with excellent recommendations, and the whole staff was very attentive to empty glasses and new utensils. Back to the food though, the balance and complexity of flavors in every dish we ordered was incredible. My shrimp-filled chile relleno was covered in a complex mole sauce that was unlike anything I've had anywhere. The pecan-crusted fried chicken had a complex tomato butter gravy, and in every bite I discovered new subtleties. (In fried chicken!) They even managed to class-up southern sausage and bacon on a glorious charcuterie plate. I was hesitant to order it, because I was raised on this style of breakfast sausage, but I was very impressed, and very happy I had spent my money on the charcuterie rather than the similarly priced fried green tomatoes. This restaurant is absolutely a destination, and will most certainly be our Chapel Hill special occasion go-to from here out. I can't recommend this place highly enough!
(5)
Catriona J.
Best brunch in the area. Bacon & biscuits!!!! This place alone makes me stay in the South.
(5)
Harrison H.
I met a friend here for dinner for the first time and was overall satisfied with the experience. I arrived first, and checked in with the host because I had made a reservation. When I checked in with her she told me that my table was not quite ready and to wait 15-20 minutes. I was a little annoyed by this because what was the point of my reservation if my table wasn't ready? Luckily my friend was a few minutes late so I sat at the bar and had a drink while waiting. Once we were finally sat at our table, the server was prompt to come check in with us. He was very friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere is casual but a little more fancy than your average restaurant. The food was amazing - we ordered the fried green tomatoes as the app and its was delicious! (The bread that comes out is also really good!) My friend and I both got the Steak Frites and they were great! The steak was cooked perfectly and the frites were fried to the perfect crispiness. Everything is reasonably priced and staff is very friendly. I will definitely be coming back the next time I am in Carrboro!
(4)
Ashley C.
LOVE this place! Everything is so fresh and creative! Minus one star because they didn't have a vegetarian entree offered last time I was there, which was surprising, but I ended up getting 2 small plates (heirloom tomato plate and hand pie), which were both amazing!
(4)
Tamara A.
We loved our meal here and loved the ambiance. Parking was no problem. The special heirloom tomato small plate was one of the best things I have ever eaten. Also loved the goat cheese hand tart. So good. And of course the brownie sundae with their homemade marshmallow ice cream was fabulous. (and very rich!)
(5)
Gordon J.
I've been here three times and ordered different items each time and they have all been amazing! I can't say that about any other restaurant in the triangle. Try to get a seat outside in the back. It's a beautiful rain-foresty little spot.
(5)
Juliet F.
Tuesday night is the best night to go because you get a special deal on the entrees! I love this place my mom and I go there all the time, their food is so good. I especially like their steak and salmon and burger. Everything is amazing though.
(5)
Holly L.
This place was amazing! The restaurant was really busy, but we were taken right back and the service was great and fast. The skillet cornbread was very good- warm, heavenly, and a little sweet :) . And go on Tuesday-- it's a mice deal for the entrees. You can't go wrong with the salmon. I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Richard C.
Had excellent pan-seared tuna. Infortunately, it took 65 minutes to get our entrees on a busy Saturday night. Very friendly, efficient staff, but it's also a tight space with little privacy.
(2)
Lana P.
Upscale, local Southern food. A beautiful patio. The best spot in Carrboro.
(5)
Nina Q.
I've been wondering when I would be able to give 5 star rating wholeheartedly, and the day is finally here! This is my second visit to Acme's for their Tuesday $12.95 entree special. Last time I came in time for their Fall 2014 menu and was able to try the pork shoulder with mac-n-cheese. It was amazing and I was a bit skeptical I could be wowed again. This time, I ordered the cast-iron skillet crab cakes with jambalaya. It far exceeded my expectations. I had no idea jambalaya could be so flavorful--it was sweet yet not overwhelmingly so due to the tomato beurre blanc drizzled over the cakes. My friends ordered the smoked duck confit risotto which they said was super, super creamy and quite filling. The portion was perfect as I was feeling satisfied, but still had room for dessert. I ordered the strawberry fool in between two ricotta cakes. This was the first time I have ever heard of a "strawberry fool" but the waitress described it best as a strawberry whoopie pie. The homemade strawberry whipped cream was a perfect consistency and mixed well with the flavors of the cakes. My friends ordered the sorghum molasses & ricotta cheesecake and the rocky road brownie sundae. The cheesecake was rich, but a tad dry. I barely got a taste of the sundae, as my friend scarfed it down in about 3 bites. I was surprised that a basic brownie and some ice cream could taste that delicious, but the taste reminded me of Cocoa Pebbles (which I love very much). I definitely can't wait to go back and their Tuesday night $12.95 all bowls/big plates deal can't be beat! Make sure to make a reservation on OpenTable well in advance though!
(5)
Ian D.
This is my favorite restaurant in the area. The food is always delicious and I am always impressed with their specials. They have the best fried green tomatoes around. My wife likes vegetarian dishes and ordered the veg lasagna. I like meat in everything, but I have to say the veg lasagna was so good, she had to guard her plate from me! The sevice is always well timed and friendly. They have a brunch menu that I have not tried as of yet, but it's at the top of my list to experience. If you have not been to check this place out, you are doing your mouth a vast disservice.
(5)
N K.
This place is too hot or miss. While that can happen with some places, this one is kind of expensive for the ' missed ' experiences. The first time I was here, I had quail. It was delicious. The next time though, I had fish. And it smelled really bad, which fresh fish should not (it wasn't my first time having fish- I've had river/sea fish before). The drinks at this place are ALWAYS good though.
(3)
Barbara V.
Had the NC Mule beverage and found it ok, not spectacular. Had the salad with black-eyed peas and it was good, but slightly underdressed (and normally I like lightly dressed but it was too light.) Had the small plate hand pie with potato and fennel and liked it very much. My table mates had the steak special (reported it was good), the lamb curry ) reported it excellent, catfish ( reported it was excellent) and the special appetizer of specialty cornbread (reported it excellent). Service was very good and atmosphere inviting. I'd like to try brunch next time. I'll be back!
I've eaten here twice in 5 days. Today ate the salmon hollandaise brunch special. Delicious. Bloody Mary delicious. But the showstopper was the three donut "appetizer". Hash browns weren't good and mimosa was tiny but otherwise both experiences were absolutely memorable. Corn bread to die for. With carmelized onions.
(5)
Veronica G.
I enjoyed brunch at Acme today. We had donut appetizer (a trio of malted ricotta donuts with a chocolate one, maple one, and raspberry one) which was enough for 3 adults and 1 kid. I had the special, a farmers market omelette; the remainder of our party all had the Acme breakfasts. The best part was definitely the strawberry butter for the biscuits! I enjoy that they emphasize seasonal, local food! My mom loves their grits, which I thought were good but not extraordinary. The major downside was our waitress. She took forever for everything, and had weird, unsolicited excuses for everything too. They were less busy than usual today, too, so who knows what was going on.
(3)
Luanna Y.
Got lucky when I stopped by here on a Friday night. Happened to step through the door right at 5:30pm, when they opened. No reservations, but still able to get a seat. Wish I could take credit for planning it that way, but it was just by sheer luck. From what I can gather by the rate at which the rest of the restaurant filled up, reservations are a good idea here. Now on to the food: 1. Skillet cornbread: not too dry, unique honey pepper butter slathered on top to give it some kick. 2. Fried green tomatoes: didn't get to actually try this, but the couple next to me ordered it. Looked delicious. They made lots of mmmm-mmmm sounds while scarfing this down. Assume it was tasty. Made a mental note to order it next time. 3. Blackened salmon bowl with cheesy grits: first time trying cheesy grits, and I liked it quite a bit. Served as a smooth, creamy contrast to the flakey salmon on top. 4. Fried chicken: stole a bite from my companion and it was really good. Nice, crispy skin just the way I like it. Meat was tender and juicy. Also ordered a cocktail... the name escapes me, but it had ginger beer in it. It was delicious, but a bit overpriced, since it came in a small glass that was mostly filled with ice. A bit disappointed in that. Service was attentive but not overbearing. Water glass always full. Final verdict: Will be back! Gotta try the weekend breakfast as well as the $12.95 entree special.
(4)
Crystal R.
I have been wanting to go to Acme for sunday brunch for awhile now and finally had the chance to go last Sunday! Now, normally I try not to let the hype of a place get me excited but my sister raved about their brunch and so my expectations were a bit high but I'm pleased to say they met them! I've heard that this place can be packed and we did not have a reservation so we tried to call ahead and were told there was one table available but that they were booked solid and could not take a reservation until 1pm. My companion and I had plans at 2 and thought we'd try to make it over and get the last table available and we did! Yay! Once you walk into Acme from Main St, you are greeted by curtains that block your view of the restaurant with a sign that tells you to proceed to the hostess stand...which is at the back of the restaurant. This was really strange to me, but then I noticed people coming in from the back door so that made more sense, especially since there is more room for a stand there. I'm rating Acme four stars instead of five because the service was not really what I was expecting. It wasn't bad by any means, I just wish our server was more attentive and not out of sight the entire time we were eating our meal but I get it, servers are really busy and overwhelmed. Luckily, we did not have a problem with our food and were good with our beverage, although it would've been nice to catch us at noon with a drink menu as we kinda told the server we'd wait till noon to order then. By the time our server did come by, we were already done with our meal and not interested in trying out their bloody mary anymore (next time!) The food for Acme brunch is not your typical pancakes and eggs or brunch type of food, which brings something unique to the Carrboro/Chapel Hill area. They do have more traditional dishes and I did order the deluxe eggs benedict while my friend ordered the Mexican breakfast. The different components of the eggs benedict paired with the mixed greens seemed a bit odd to read on the menu but it was so delicious! The eggs benedict I ordered came with fried green tomatoes and bacon and those flavors paired really nicely with the hollandaise sauce and the acidity of the mixed green salad, which was a big surprise to me; I really just thought the mixed greens were just going to stay on my plate the whole time. My favorite part of my dish would have to be the house cured bacon... it was perfect in a lot of ways but I especially loved that it was actually thick and packed flavor. My side was an order of cheesy grits which were just okay, I've definitely had better grits before, it just seemed sort of standard. My companion had the mexican breakfast and really enjoyed it, we were both part of the clean plate club! I got a chance to taste a bit of his and it was really good! Nice and flaky empanada and the fillings were delicious but I was a bit surprised I couldn't distinctly pick out the cactus as all the fillings were just sort of muddled together (in a good way). Overall, I really enjoyed my sunday brunch at Acme, I will be returning again soon and maybe try them for dinner!
(4)
Natacha S.
ACME is a beautiful venue, with both a classy indoor dining room and a tropical-zen back patio. My family and I dined outside to celebrate my sisters graduation and had great experience. Just 1 hour before eating, we were able to get a reservation for 6 on a Saturday night, which was pretty incredible to me. We had a great table tucked to the side on the back patio. Our server was friendly, attentive and always refilled our water glasses. The food was delicious, and well presented. I highly recommend the bacon-cheddar corn bread and the fries green tomato mozzarella appetizers. The steak frites dinner was $21, pricey but I got 8 giant slices of meat for that price - that I couldn't even finish! I definitely recommend ACME to everyone! The cocktails also look great - I'm pregnant, but will soon have one of those delicious treats!!
(5)
Allison H.
Absolutely loved brunch here. My friend and I started off with the donuts - definitely get those if you can make room. We each had a couple bites of each one and then had to stop. I had the fried green tomato sandwich and asked them to put a fried egg on it. It was an adventure eating it, but was seriously one of my top 5 sandwiches ever. The seeded bun is substantial enough to hold up to all the ingredients and cheese (and that delish basil aoli!), but the flavors of the sandwich still came through. Bonus of it being messy: the pimiento cheese fell out every so often onto the fries. INSTANT CHEESE FRIES! My friend really loved the biscuits & gravy too. Service was very friendly and at 10:30 on Sunday it wasn't too loud or crowded. If I lived in the area I'd be here every weekend. My local friend said she'll definitely be back soon. One thing to note: We made an open table reservation and the hostess didn't mark that we showed up so I got a nastygram from them. I'm sure it'll be resolved - hey, I want my points - but if you use open table maybe make sure they check you off as arrived.
(5)
Lauren R.
I would seriously (and actually have) drive out to Carrboro on a Sunday morning just for brunch at Acme. It's definitely one of my favorite brunch spots in the Triangle. Why? Let me explain. The menu is really creative and diverse! It's a nice mix of egg dishes (standard two-egg breakfast, quiche, omelettes, several creative versions of eggs benedict--including a few with seafood), sweet dishes (waffle with blueberries, specialty french toast, etc.), and lunch fair (po' boy, burger, fried chicken). Plus, they have some creative breakfast entrees--like steak and eggs or their "Mexican breakfast", which is two eggs served over an empanada of the day (last time I went it was pinto bean and cactus) with black beans, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Delicious and definitely something I couldn't whip up for breakfast at home. In addition to food, they have a nice brunch alcohol selection--several types of bloody mary variations. And you can upgrade your bloody mary for $1 extra to pint-sized! And, their doughnuts are amazing. For $6 you can get a plate of three specialty doughnuts to start off the meal--they're the same doughnut base, but come with different glazes--raspberry, maple, and chocolate. And they are melt-in-your-mouth good. Really--these hot doughnuts just may beat out Krispy Kreme's. Finally, the service is good--even for large groups. My last visit was with a group of eight people, and we were expertly seated at a high-top table in the corner. The waitress was efficient at taking our orders and splitting our checks.
(5)
Brian F.
This place came highly recommended (by someone who's favorite band is Soundgarden). So take that as you will. TABLES: Tables are very close together. Great for listening in on stranger's conversations! The table to my left felt Colin Kaepernick was a 'thug' and the table to my right was offended that they said that. RICH PORTIONS: Beware! This is rich people food. You have to spend $50/person to leave full. NO SATURDAY BRUNCH: They only do brunch on Sundays. As a Jew I'm happy Acme observes the Sabbath but my real religion is crab cake omelets, so I'm offended. RESERVATIONS: Don't just show up at this place like it's a roadside Chili's. Treat it like a Chili's in a shopping mall parking lot and call ahead! THE FOOD: Looked AMAZING. Tasted OK. Eating here is a lot like going on a date with a beautiful girl only to find out she doesn't read. FINAL SCORE: Elmer Fudd
(3)
Ozge U.
I went to Acme for brunch on a Sunday. The food is good, but I was surprised about the menu. It's not flexible at all: If you want to take out something from an omelette dish, you can't because it's prepared before the brunch and they won't cook it for you without the item that you don't eat. In addition, if you can't eat egg yolks, you better don't go to Acme, because they don't have any dish available with egg whites-only. They won't make anything with egg whites-only for you either. If you check their bunch menu, you will see that 80%+ of the dishes have eggs. Sooo you are very limited in what you can chose to eat, if you don't eat eggs. I got the Mexican Breakfast dish. It was good. However, since I don't eat eggs, I had to pay full price for a dish that I excluded 1/3 of. They didn't substitute eggs with anything else either. I recommend that they make their offerings more flexible and increase the diversity of their dishes in the menu.
(2)
Kirk B.
Great food and atmosphere. Friendly and knowledgable wait staff. Great bourbon selection. I had the salmon and it was awesome. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Christine A.
I enjoyed the brunch here very much. It would be five stars but it was a little salty for my taste (I had an omelette). So really this review I more a 3.5 vs 4 but I gave 4 because the service was pretty great!
(4)
Barbara B.
Wow! Came here with my boyfriend for brunch before a wine tasting and I was blown away by the food. I got the Greek Diner Omelette, which had lamb, feta cheese, caramelized onions, and spinach in it, and it was probably one of the best, if not the best omelette I've ever had in my life. Most items come with a side of potatoes (cumin based) or grits and overall the portions were pretty generous. All the ingredients are locally sourced and the restaurant is larger than it looks from the outside. Word of advice, even if open table tells you there's no more reservations during a certain period, just walk in - we were seated immediately even though the reservations were booked full through brunch. Our server was great - attentive and always popping up at the right moments without being obtrusive. I would definitely come here again - especially for the omelette! Food: 5/5 Other: 5/5 (Service: 5/5, Value: 5/5, Decor: 4/5)
(5)
Sam R.
Awesome food, reasonable prices, and great ambience (particularly the back patio). What else could one want?
(5)
Bailey A.
Worst service I've ever had in my life. I eat out frequently and used to be a waitress myself. Service is half the experience. I have never had service as bad as I had tonight. We went here this evening for my brother's birthday. It happened to coincide with their $13.95 entree special. We thought score! And the hostess came over w Mardi Gras beads and was very pleasant. But I'm guessing they slate anyone coming in on a Tuesday night as a deadbeat unless you are a regular. Service was horrible. I could hear our waiter talking about us to other customers. You can trust I will never be back and I will not be recommending it to friends coming from Raleigh to catch a show at cats cradle.
(1)
ruchir v.
Always a consistent fave. Wish they had just one more vegetarian option. The fried eggplant thing was good, but as it was preceded by their stellar fried green tomatoes, it was too much fried food for me. Kinda my fault, though it would have helped if they had another vegetarian main entree. Cocktails and bourbon pecan pie were excellent, as per usual.
(4)
Eric O.
This place is delicious! I had the special (trout over chilaquiles). We went on a Monday night, and at that time, the atmosphere was very relaxed and elegant. If you are a fan of complex and original dishes that treat your tastebuds right, this is a good call.
(5)
Frank A.
Went in on a Wednesday night at 8:15pm and the place was hopping! Thank goodness we had reservations - this is a popular place. We were promptly seated and our server was very attentive. Started out with the corn bread app - fantastic! Make sure you order it! For dinner I had the pulled pork bowl and my gf had the shrimp meal. Both were great. Acme was wonderful - I am glad to spread the word about it and hope you try it out!
(4)
Alexa O.
The calamari salad is an absolute must! I get it every time I come. Do not recommend the salmon. It is not good and was served undercooked. Steak and BBQ plate are awesome though.
(4)
Kimberly T.
Member of Party of 8. Have to add to Erika's review. Not only was the manager rude, he was actively hostile. So many other ways he could have handled. He just walked up and started accusing, never explaining who he was (much less giving his name). He has the gall to add a $4 charge EACH when he knew we had declined the plates and put the cake away to enjoy elsewhere. When I took the check to him to have it corrected, he snarkily demanded "Did you hear your friend tell me to charge you? I guess when you didn't get plates I should have known to remove the charge?" I replied that that was exactly right. He took it off, handed me a new check, and turned away without a word. If this is his idea of good management in a service industry, he needs to find a new line of work. I love the food, but will not reward Acme with any more of my money.
As I was meeting my friend in Chapel Hill, I thought what better excuse to finally try Acme! Small, cozy, but CROWDED. I didn't know about their Tuesday special until I arrived. All entrees are $12.95 I believe. What a deal! Well, since it's such a great special, a lot of people dine here on Tuesdays. The tables were so close together, it was probably only 8 inches apart. The guest next to us tried to walk out between our tables, but his derriere extended to above our table... Also, the noise level is quite high. (We were also sat in front of the kitchen door, so we saw and heard the servers goofing around next to us.) Our server was good, I think. Quite mediocre to my surprise--I guess my expectations were high. For starters, I ordered their citrus and avocado salad which consists of 4 thin slices of avocado, a few slices of orange and grapefruit, and about a tablespoon of pomegranate seeds--for $9(?). It was light and fresh but definitely not worth that price. I had the salmon and grits for my entree. Both my and my friend's fish was cooked perfectly. My salmon was just the right medium rare and seasoned well. The grits were bland and almost cold, but the jalapeno sauce and black beans were a bit on the salty side, so all was balanced in the end. Good portion size & overall a decent meal. We shared a molasses ricotta cheesecake. It was a mystery at first, haha; we were slightly confused about the flavors. The cheesecake itself is not very sweet, but the sweet preserved strawberry sauce made up for that. We came to the conclusion that the top of the cheesecake was the molasses that tasted like a burnt 'something' to us. Our favorite part of the dessert was the strawberry sauce. I was fairly disappointed for my first experience here, but I would love to come back on another, hopefully less crowded, evening and definitely brunch!
(3)
Simone T.
I would give it 3.5 stars for the food, but the service that I've had here bumped it up to a 4. I've been here for brunch and dinner, and I would say that both are pretty good. I had the crab omelette for brunch. I enjoyed it, even though for some reason the filling (crab, shallots, spinach, cream cheese) was really oily. If you don't want to see an oily omelette, then you should get something else. For dinner, I tried the blackened salmon and the catfish. I would definitely recommend the salmon - it goes well with the black bean and tomato relish. Not sure about the catfish though - I wasn't a fan of the presentation and the taste was okay. Acme doesn't do substitutes so anything you ask for will be tacked on as an addition. I asked for an English muffin to go with my omelette instead of grits of potatoes. The waiter didn't tell me about the substitutes rule and he originally charged it as extra, but later took it off because he took responsibility for not letting me know - this kind little gesture was what bumped it up to a 4 for me.
(4)
Shauna G.
This is our new favorite place in the triangle. Every item we ordered was absolutely delicious. The portion sizes were fair (not small but not big) and our server was also very nice. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Chloe D.
This place didn't receive two stars because the food isn't awesome. It is. However, I barely go here and spend my money because there are NO vegan options. My boyfriend loves Acme but we don't seem to ever go because he doesn't want me to feel like my only option is a salad... which is the case when we eat here. This town is full of vegans, vegetarians, and health freaks, it would do Acme some good to have a vegan menu.
(2)
Joop V.
3.5 stars. Pretty looking, upscale southern food. This restaurant is a bit off of the highway but the service and the list of wines are pretty good. They seem to get filled up quite fast, too (we went for dinner Saturday night right after they opened, and by the time we left, the restaurant was pretty much at full house capacity). We had fried green tomatoes, skillet corn bread, flash fried NC catfish, forever roasted pork and a la mode chocolate pecan pie with whipped cream. The food was good. The fried green tomatoes were good, but there were just 3 pieces with mozzarella cheese in between the tomato pieces (a bit overpriced in my mind). The skillet corn bread was also delicious, but the portion was a bit big (especially if you plan on finishing your main course as well--it's better suited for a table of 4 people, not less), catfish was a bit dry and the pork was great (I kept comparing it with the hole in a wall pulled/bbq pork that I could get elsewhere, and I somewhat preferred that more in a hole in a wall setting than a nicely plated place for this kind of food though). The pecan pie was awesome though. It wasn't overly sweet and pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream was a great option, so you get a cool/warm contrast between your bites! Overall, this is a nice place with great service...probably around 3.5 stars. The price is a bit on a higher end though.
(4)
Katie B.
To date, this is my favorite restaurant in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area, especially for brunch. We had a great dinner celebrating my husband's birthday, with an amazing donut bread pudding to finish off the meal. At a recent brunch with visiting friends, we gorged ourselves with fresh donuts (seriously, YUM!), spicy Bloody Marys, and some killer fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. The blue crab omelet was inventive and delicious. Our service both times was great - friendly, efficient, and consistent. I'm eager to go back and try the rest of the menu!
(5)
Ry Z.
Rating is for the oysters: told we were eating VA fresh oysters as special app. The oysters were so obviously frozen and thawed over salt. Nothing fresh about them. Blah
(1)
Natalie S.
I give it 4.5 stars. Cute restaurant that is super busy on Tuesday because of their specials. I had the pecan fried chicken and it was yummy. The cornbread is to die for and a must order. The collard greens were a tad too salty for my liking. The pecan pie was so flavorful. If you have out of towners who want good wine and good Southern food, Acme is the place to go.
(5)
Tori H.
So we entered Acme and were immediately impressed with the decor and impression that the hostess gave us. It was Tuesday and VERY busy ($12.95 entrees). We didn't have a reservation and she said there would be an hour wait. We were seated in prob 15 min. Pros- amazing food, very nice waitress, GREAT place to take a date! Charming hostess. Cons- - bartender didn't seem to be happy at all, kind of spoiled getting a drink before dinner. -It took us awhile to get refills on drinks, but I know they were busy... -pie crust was so tough to chew on the dessert...strange. Tasty though! We will def be back sometime soon.
(4)
Grace C.
Very creative menu that fits into the up-scale southern food trend that's been happening for the last 5 years or so. Great place for a date! Small plates are in fact small, and require ordering a side for a decent-sized dinner. The food and cocktails are certainly tasty, but for what they are I think the prices are a bit steep (for Carrboro, anyway) The space is nice, including a bar and an outdoor patio in the back. My only complaint is in regard to a request I had on one occasion with a birthday cake; we asked, the hostess said that was fine but that there would be a fee. In my experience a plating fee means that they take the cake back and actually plate it for you, but in this case we literally were charged $4 a place just for the waiter to bring us a stack of bread and butter plates and a steak knife to cut it ourselves. We actually asked the hostess about it when we saw the charge and were pawned off to a bar manager who said "take it up with your server." Soooo, that was kind of a bummer, in regard to their customer service, and why I say 3 stars instead of 4. If you don't have any special requests, go enjoy the food and the ambiance!
(3)
Olivia R.
Acme is one of the best spots in Carborro. The menu is innovative and there are always new specials to try. The atmosphere is great, although a bit crowded. Heads up - there are few if any vegetarian options.
(5)
Bobby D.
Acme's patio is one of Carrboro's best places to eat--it feels secluded and has a relaxing vibe. Menu is diverse, with American and Southern comfort food (pecan crusted fried chicken) existing alongside Asian (yellowfin tuna) and Latin flavors(shrimp chile relleno with mole). Fried green tomatoes are amazing, don't overlook the butter beans, their fish specials are often awesome, and the dessert menu is strong. Also a terrific brunch spot.
(4)
A E.
Fantastic restaurant. Specials are always fresh, seasonal. Classic southern dishes with modern twists. Brunch here is also really good: doughnuts are a must
(5)
Kathleen J.
Our service was slow, but the quality of the food really made up for it! The menu is interesting and varied and the server was knowledgeable. Wine list is impressive. We had two small plates, two alcoholic beverages, two deserts and three entrees for $100, which seemed quite reasonable to me. Next time, we'll try the Tuesday entree special!
(5)
Felecia L.
I had been wanting to try Acme for a long time (like 4 years) but there are very few options for a meatless dinner unless you order some small plates but just because one doesn't eat meat doesn't mean they want to subsist on salads either. (BTW i am not even a vegetarian but was for 20 years until I got sick and had to add back in substantial protein in order to heal. Now i only eat free range organic chicken.) I don't know why I felt like I had to explain myself there. The menu is very fish heavy with only one poultry option. I would love it if they could create a veggie burger TDF. Due to the limited menu I can really only give Acme a 3.5. What I did order was good and I loved the ambiance. The red and black decorations and dimmed lighting are perfect for dining. It makes the fact that it is small and you will have someone within arms length okay and even part of the buzz. The noise didn't bother me at all. It lends a bit of excitement in the air. I tried the fried green tomatoes and those were excellent. The presentation is gorgeous and the spices and toppings made this dish a masterpiece. I would go just to try these. I ended up ordering the fried chicken plate and took some of the breading off as it was a bit too rich for me. The mashed potatoes and butter beans were yummy with the mushroom gravy. Could have used a little more gravy on the side though. Because I wanted to be thorough in writing a Yelp review I did order the Rocky Road Brownie. It should come with ice cream IMO. I ended up paying another $1.50 for the puniest scoop of ice cream I had ever seen. The dessert was rich and decadent though. The wine list is very well rounded and I had a crisp glass of Pinot with dinner. They also have Cava which was a great addition to the menu. The coffee was strong and delicious. The bar area ran the length of the restaurant and looked like a classy place to wait for a table or to just stop by for a drink. The waiter was wonderful. Gracious yet not overbearing. Friendly without being insincere. I think if they tweaked their menu I would be back but I tried everything already I wanted to try so that visit will probably be it.
(3)
Michelle K.
Overall, I really enjoyed everything I ordered, and would definitely be back to try the rest of the menu. Fried Green Tomato small plate ($9) - beautiful presentation of a stack of 3 slices of green tomatoes with mozzarella in between, balsamic/olive oil/corn reduction, and baby tomato/garlic confit. Take the bread they give you, and soak up all the balsamic yummy goodness. Pecan Crusted Fried Chicken ($17/18?) - Fried chicken on top of a mash with southern butter beans mixed into the mash. Really delicious, but not for the light hearted! Super buttery and filling. Blackened Wild Salmon ($20) - Cheesy grits that actually came out a bit cold (but didn't mind that too much) with Salmon cooked perfectly, just beyond medium rare. Collard Greens Side ($5) - really enjoyed the "zing" in these collard greens. Did not have room for dessert, but everything sounded delicious and were priced around $5-6
(4)
Laura W.
Service was poor while food was cold and mediocre.
(1)
Luisa B.
I really like this place. The food is amazing and the service was great. My favorite thing about it is their cute outdoor seating area.
(4)
Matthew C.
Came here on a whim on a Sunday morning after a wedding. We were initially drawn to the bloody mary menu (scotch and rosemary? extra spicy?), but tragically we were a bit early for ordering booze (damn NC laws). Fortunately, however, the quality of the food was a great substitute for a solid AM buzz. I had the basic ACME breakfast- a cup of chili-roasted potatoes, a couple of local eggs over easy, a few slices of thick crispy bacon, and the biggest damn biscuit I've ever seen with some delicious strawberry butter spread. For a basic breakfast, it was incredibly delicious. The SO had the crab florentine omelette- crab, cream cheese, shallots, and spinach wrapped in a cloud of eggs. A dish I could envision ordering for myself sometime in the future. Coffee was hot, and the service attentive and timely. I would recommend this place to anyone in the area, but if you're dining on a Sunday, don't show up until after noon!
(4)
Andrew D.
I gotta up my review for these guys. I've been coming here for probably 7 years now - it's not the best food I've ever had, but it's really consistent, it's not exorbitantly expensive, and the bar is always happening. Also, the Saturday night bartender has been upgraded from dickish to pleasantly gruff.
(4)
J G.
I am a huge fan based on our visit. The service was incredible and our waiter was friendly and made excellent recommendations. I'm new to the south and was very happy with everything I had there, especially the catfish and tomato app. I would suggest the hostess be more welcoming when folks enter the establishment
(5)
Alison M.
I ate dinner there and had the grilled yellow fin tuna and a watermelon blackberry sangria. The tuna was delicious, pared with a tomato cucumber salad and feta, onions, and pesto. Everything went so well together. The watermelon sangria was amazing, I will definitely be back to this restaurant again. Nice outdoor patio in the back with great service!
(5)
John L.
Wonderful brunch! :) I should point out that Acme does love its hollandaise sauce. The eggs benedict obviously have it, but so do the omelets, in particular the omelet I had on a fine Sunday midday, the crab omelet. The combination of blue crab, spinach, and hollandaise sauce was perfect, creating a yummy mix of breakfasty goodness. I have not tried dinner or the drinks yet, but I would assume that the food/drinks are just as good then.
(5)
Alice H.
The only problem is that every menu item is fabulous . I have the flash fried catfish but the fried chicken is equally wonderful. A great place,good craft beer, and a comfortable vibe. Our favorite place!
(5)
Taryn L.
Here's the thing. I just wasn't feeling it. And even though I'm only giving two stars, I fully intend to try Acme for dinner. And dessert. (As a, um, caveat, my husband says it's really worth 4 stars.) Okay, not a biggie, really, I know, but I called on a Sunday about 20 minutes after they opened to question whether or not there was a wait -- we had no reservations but were on our way out of town, and really didn't want to sit around. The guy on the other end didn't ask for my name but just said that there was NO wait. Great! We showed up literally two minutes later to find that there was actually wait, unless we wanted to sit in the 98 degree, humid outdoors or squeeze ourselves onto the bar stools. Bar stools it was. Right, like I said, not really a biggie, but not what I had in mind either. It's all about expectations. I also wasn't totally psyched before I even arrived, which probably isn't fair, but this is because their menu seemed littered with, well, fat. Everything was coated in gravy or hollandaise or mayo or cheese, which really limited my options if I were even remotely interested in something that wasn't going to curdle in my stomach. (Look, I know it's strange, but my hangovers require vegetables, not cream and grease.) But, knowing that I'm usually jealous of my husband's dish, someone who seems to never consider calories, I decided to talk myself into the crab florentine omelette. This turned out to be a mistake, as the hollandaise sauce was only augmented by the cream cheese, making the dish so rich that I managed to eat no more than 3, maybe 2, bites. I ate all of the salad served on the side, and about 3 bites of the grits, which were fine. We'd started with the malted ricotta donuts, which were incredibly dense, a little dry, and the insides weren't entirely cooked through. Just a little bit fluffier and I would have been a fan. The sauces were a nice complement: the maple sweet and a little grainy, the raspberry right up my alley, the chocolate a bit too heavy for breakfast. The bartender was sweet. Our food took a pretty long while to make it to us. I'll be back for dinner for sure, and mayyyybe for brunch when I'm looking to indulge.
(2)
Tara D.
My husband and I try to hit this place every time we visit the Hill for a football or basketball game. The brunch is awesome - great menu, lots of options/ farm to table focused with local seasonal foods. Make a reservation!! This place is no joke for brunch, extremely busy.
(5)
Javier V.
Heavenly food! Although I've only been her twice it's clear that you can't go wrong: everything looks and tastes as it was made by angels. Service is good.
(5)
Michael W.
The coffee cake here was AMAZING! It felt so light and the fruit they had put on top complemented the dish so well! Even the whipped cream was light, sweet, and refreshing! I've never had such a fantastic piece of coffee cake! It came out nice and warm too! *Drool* I had the Scallops Benedict, and it was very tasty but I felt the scallops were on the small side. It looked as if they took one big scallop and cut it in half. I would order something else next time around. Still would come back again and again for that damned coffee cake that will now cause me to drool randomly and haunt my dreams.
(4)
Mary L.
Located right in the heart of Carrboro, Acme serves amazing New Southern food with fresh, local ingredients at a reasonable price. Came here for dinner on a week night with a group of 4 people, and planned on taking home some leftovers since I wasn't too hungry. Well, there wasn't a slightest chance for a leftover box by the time I took the first bite of my dish. The food was delightful and our waiter was helpful! If you have no idea what to order, here's some recommendations: - Blackened Wild Salmon with Green Tomato Salsa/Cheese Grits - Late Summer NC Pompano Stew (my husband refused to share more of his dish with me because it was too delicious!) Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Justin N.
ACME is definitely one of the best dining experiences I've had in Carrboro. The food, wine selections, presentation, and atmosphere are wonderful. It is a small restaurant and they have way too many tables in the dining area so you feel as if the people beside you are practically sitting in your lap. The service is great but slightly untimely. Either way, you MUST try ACME. I love it! Check them out on a Tuesday if you can handle the crowd. The secret is out that entrees are half price on Tuesday. This makes it a great day to try them out. UPDATE: I'm sorry to report that I went to ACME last night and had a pretty poor experience. The service was shoddy, the food was cold, and we were cramped up against another family as usual. I had to come back to this entry and change my four star rating down to a two. Total fail ACME! Maybe next time.
(3)
Stacy T.
After hearing a co-worker rave about this place, I ventured over to the hot-spot to investigate. The hostess stand was hidden away towards to the back of the restaurant. Unfortunately, we couldn't snag a much coveted back-garden seat, so we settled for a cozy spot in a separate room. I didn't care much for the dim lighting. It felt very gloomy compared to the sunshine that streamed from the windows. In any case, I ordered the special of the day - Classic Eggs Benedict with Soft Shell Crab. Really, this was the best eggs benedict that I have had in my life. The poached eggs oozed golden goodness with a poke of the fork and soaked the english muffins with flavor. The hollandaise sauce was creamy, but not overly heavy. That made the meal much more enjoyable. A hidden surprise was the caramelized apples (I believe they are apples). It added a very sweet and nice twist to this classic. This is what made the dish the best I have had in a while. The soft shell crab was put on the side and was lightly fried with a tempura-like batter. The crab was fresh and and pretty size-able. However, it did add $5 to the originally-priced eggs benedict ($10.95). Overall, I would get the special again, but it would definitely have to be a treat and not a weekly indulgence.
(4)
Mark S.
Wow, some of the best food I've had. Great service, nice ambiance, intriguing selection of Southernish quinine. Fried green tomatoes had so many flavors going on it was awesome. Best ribs Ive ever had. Superb blackened salmon with cheese grits. Fresh baked bread. Big wine selection. Great coctails, fair pricing for the high quality of food. Great all around. My main tip of the hat is to the chefs who put such great flavors together in every dish. Thanks Acme!
(5)
Whitney W.
Since moving to Carrboro severel years ago, my family hasn't found a restaurant we love more than Acme. Even our regular out of town guests always request we go to Acme! Their brunch is my favorite in Chapel Hill/Carrboro. The donut trio is the perfect way to kick it off and you don't get better eggs anywhere else. They also have half priced Mondays which are awesome. Service is always top notch, but the foods even better. Great atmosphere to boot.
(5)
Annamaria K.
If you want real southern food this is the place to eat. Fried oyster salad, fried green tomato, BBQ pork....not to mentioned the chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Great place working with local farms and getting organic food on the menu.
(5)
Ron W.
Oh my, hollandaise sauce... How much do I love thee, let me count the ways! I haven't been out to Carrboro lately but finally had the perfect excuse with our lovely Christina G's birthday. Inside it hasn't changed much at all and our rowdy little table got stuck in the back (smart idea, Acme!) They started us off with some yummy apple turnovers which the group quickly devoured. I went with my tried and true eggs benedict with scallops and threw in an Acme coffee cake for good measure. The coffee cake was fantastic and untraditional in a good way. A light, fluffy slice of cake with peach compote on top and side of whipped strawberry cream! And my eggs benedict was as wonderful as I remember but do it yourself. The wonderfully rich sauce came on the side along with some greens and well-roasted red skin potatoes. That first taste of hollandaise sauce hit me right in the tastebuds: butter, lemon, creamy, fattening and oh yeah, really good! Everything worked out great at Acme although the service could have been a bit more friendly. Their food was as good as I remembered and maybe even better. While Acme can be a bit expensive for dinner, brunch is a great deal. So while I loves me some Elmo's on the weekend, if you want something more upscale, Acme Restaurant does brunch perfectly...
(4)
Ray L.
Incredibly disappointing - that's the only way to put it. Slow service, completely over-seasoned food, dry meats and tiny portions. What happen to the ACME of old? We are happy to support local farms - but this is just ridiculously over priced. 3 people ordering 3 entrees + appetizer, and we left the restaurant wondering which restaurant to go to for a second meal since we were still hungry.... over $90 (no alcohol!) I would expect at least some culinary satisfaction. My taste buds were reeling from the over-seasoned food, and our stomachs were wondering why it was still empty. The pasta dish and scallop entree were soupy - a sloppy soupy mess. . A slop bucket from the cafeteria line would probably looked just as appetizing. Fried chicken was at least presentable, but this is the south So long ACME - no need to ever go back. Too bad, since we really used to enjoy the restaurant, but there are plenty of other places for us to spend our hard earned money.
(1)
Romin B.
Went for recession Tuesdays ($12.95 for all entrees) and I gotta hand it to the chef. That guy really knows what he's doing back there. When I think about nice restaurants I've given 4 stars, Acme is a cut above, so even though it might be a 4.5 overall, by golly Acme, your food is pretty much as good as it gets to me. Got 4 entrees between the two of us to take advantage of the deal, and everything was delicious. Of those, I'd definitely recommend both the pork mac & cheese and the crab cakes. So f'ing delicious.. I want to try the entire menu, but if I go back, I might have to order those again. We followed with 2 desserts, chocolate bourbon pecan pie and an almond bread pudding. Again, both great and both topped with their yummy homemade whipped cream. Bread pudding was a tad too sweet but otherwise, I was happy. On another visit, I've gotten the dark chocolate terrine, which is easily my favorite of the bunch. Service was okay, although I felt left alone almost a little too much. Then again, they were pretty busy and I didn't have to go too long without a refill. Still, I didn't feel the special 1 on 1 attention you might get at a more expensive restaurant. Speaking of which, prices are definitely reasonable with the most expensive dish being $19.95 and desserts either $5 or $6. Atmosphere isn't super romantic, but then again, it's not really any worse than Magnolia, where your desserts are $9 and $20 will only buy you a chicken entree. In summary, go to Acme for super delicious food that will feel like a suitable date night without killing your bank account (especially on Tuesdays). I'll be back for sure. Update: I had to take off a star after my last visit. Issues with unfriendliness of staff puts this place definitely short of "as good as it gets". I still enjoy the food, but when it hampers the experience, sometimes I think I'd have been better off elsewhere.
(4)
Scott K.
It would indeed be a wise decision to come to ACME Food & Beverage. I have been here a few times and have not been disappointed. Sunday brunch is always busy and very good. I would recommend to get reservations before attempting to go to ACME. ACME does occasionally have special themed dinners and they have all been very good. Food B Decor B Staff C Location B Health Inspection Grade 96.0
(4)
Tess M.
Been here for both sunday brunch and weekday dinner- Sunday brunch- the fried oyster salad was delicious, and the scallop Benedict and grits were good too. Not a bad place for brunch in Carrboro. Though the dishes didn't stand out that much, I'd still come back given the limited sunday brunch choices in the area. Great wait staff! Tuesday nights- all entrees for $12.95!! Couldn't have dropped in on a better night. The ambience is simultaneously relaxed and hip. We sat at the bar since the restaurant was fully booked (on a Tuesday, I guess no surprise there). We ordered the soft shell crab to start; I think the romesco sauce overpowered the crab-taste; but still liked the dish overall. We had the crab cakes and braised lamb. I was happy with the lamb dish but the crab cakes felt too much like they came from a can. Will def return to ACME and try other dishes, though! Oh and they give generous pours of wine, love it!
(4)
Christina G.
Oh, Acme! I have such fond memories of you; but in recent visits you've seemed to lose some of your luster. Not necessarily in the food (although, the brunches are perhaps slipping; or else, not as good as I remember from years before), but certainly in the service -- I waited tables for years, so I'm one of the last people to pass judgement on waitstaff, but man, I've had some downright rude service there! I'll try not to let that color my review too much. The last visit though, my Bloodys were thin, my omelet was greasy, and the prized donuts -- which I've loved in past visits for their iced decadence -- were dry, crumbly, and scone-like. Sigh. I think you shine brightest at dinner... that's where I'll continue to court you.
(3)
Jacob C.
Went for brunch one day and it was quite packed out. Always a good sign for any restaurant that has only been open an hour. Was seated promptly and my drink order was taken as I was seated. I looked over the menu and the first red flag was that not one item really stood out as THE order. I went with one of the multiple eggs Benedict options they have, always a safe choice. The one I ordered came with fried green tomatoes, which sounded interesting and proper south. One of the other Benedict options came with truffled hollandaise sauce, I asked if I could have that put on my order and I would gladly pay extra for it. The waitress got a bit short with me and said "Well, i'll see but they are kind of snotty in the kitchen". Oh for real? Putting a bit of truffle oil in hollandaise sauce is that hard? This did aggravate me because it's not like I asked for much at all. My order came out and looked good. The eggs were poached nicely, the hollandaise sauce was nice but I noticed something missing. I could not put my finger on it, then I remembered....HAM! I thought they had totally forgot to put it on my order. When I looked, it was there but it was thinner than lunch meat. There went my excitement for North Carolina country ham. The fried green tomatoes were not good either, they werent fried crispy with a crunch. They were fried greasy and the breading was falling off as I ate it. When I got the bill I was blown away that Acme has the balls to put "Damn Good Food" atop the receipt. Maybe it was the Yelp hype and hype from friends that had me so underwhelmed. Not being able to accommodate customers and having sub par brunch is not damn good. More like a dud Acme Aresnal.
(2)
J H.
I have eaten at Acme many times, and my experiences have been about 50/50. I can think of several examples of the bad ones; burned crab cake, over done eggs, ho-hum curry. Organic, locally sourced and expensive does not always equal tasty. I also have more memories of snooty service than hospitable service. It's harder to remember the good meals. In short, there are better options if you are trying to decide where in Chapel Hill/Carrboro to go for a nice dinner or brunch. That being said I'm sure I will be back, as Acme's reputation makes it a popular spot for birthdays, graduations, etc.
(3)
Carrie B.
Acme consistently offers flavorful, original plates that will please your entire party. They offer new spins on typical southern dishes, such as fried chicken or beignets. I think it's one of the better restaurants in Carrboro, offering slightly higher cuisine than Panzanella or Tyler's. The best time to go is Sunday Brunch, but be sure to get there early, as there is often a line out the door and down the street.
(4)
Kevin B.
Great local restaurant in Carrboro near Tyler's. Had the steak frites which had a incredible roasted tomato butter sauce. If you go for dinner make sure that you ask for a seat on the patio which is incredible. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and they have local craft beer on tap and a large wine list as well.
(4)
Dirk C.
I really don't want to write this review, and here's why. Because people are going to read it and then they're gonna want to eat at Acme and it's going to be even harder for me to get a table when I go. So, if you promise you won't eat there when I'm planning to, I'll write the darned review. Acme is one of my favorite restaurants in Carrboro/Chapel Hill. I think Elaines on Franklin and Lantern are a notch above and I like Crook's Corner an awful lot, but Acme is right up there. I'm giving it five stars, and you can see that I reserve that ranking for special places. Acme serves New South food with a large, stocked bar and a wonderful, warm dining room in downtown Carrboro. Last night for dinner, I had grilled pork chops, sweet potatoes and collard greens. Now, this is something that my mother or my grandmother would have cooked for dinner, but when Kevin Callaghan cooks it, it is somehow a totally different experience. I inhaled it. Heck, I didn't even know I liked collards until I moved to Chapel Hill and had them prepared by the best! My wife had pork shoulder and loved every bite. We never have anything that is less than splendid and we eat there often. Kevin is also an amazing writer, as it turns out. You can check out Acme's website, but I would suggest that you subscribe to Kevin's e-mail updates if you like good writing. He can tell stories about food that bring back fabulous memories of growing up in the South. They have a great patio out back with propane heaters in the fall. So, eat at Acme Food & Beverage Company if you must, but check with me first. OK?Don't make me regret this. . .
(5)
Geoff A.
Don't believe the ratings here. Tonight was my third and last visit. Don't know why I came back...guess I wanted to believe I just got unlucky the previous two visits. The food here is average at best but the wait staff is very, very unfriendly. All three times the staff were the same. They acted as if they were bothered by having to wait on us. Tonight we went in at 7:00. Many open tables and they tried to put us in a two top in the corner. When I asked if we could sit at a four top they told us no. Last time I'm spending my hard earned money here.
(1)
Sean H.
One of the best meals I've had since moving to the area. Simply top notch, from start to finish. Fresh local heirloom tomatoes with mozzarella and pesto: Good lord. So good. Fresh Hog Island Oysters: Spot on. Then pork shoulder and soft shell crab entrees, everything just top notch, and given the quality, quite reasonably priced. Carrboro may be a little further away for my Raleigh self, but I can guarantee I will gladly make the drive and find a reason to come back for dinner at Acme. I can't believe it took me 2 years living here to give it a try. Fantastic.
(5)
Christine X.
My husband and I have eaten there twice, and the food never disappoints! We both love the cornbread there. The price could be slightly pricey but not over the top. They use locally grown food so their menu is seasonal and changes every season.
(5)
Jacob R.
This is my go-to brunch spot. Anytime someone come to town for a visit, I always let them experience Acme. Although small & sometimes dark, Acme has a wonderful selection of southern dishes with a modern flare. I always recommend the Eggs Benedict Deluxe (ham AND fried green tomatoes). If they have the doughnuts, GET THEM! Looking for some alcohol to go with brunch? Get one of the Bloody Mary's. Same price as the mimosa & you get a lot more (mimosas are painfully small). They should definitely update their garnishes for the Bloody Mary's, lime/lemon wedge & pickled okra don't cut it. In the spring & summer you should take advantage of their beautiful patio.
(4)
Elyse S.
If I could eat brunch here every day, I would.
(5)
Eric M.
We went to Acme pretty regularly for years, then took a year or so off, and went back with friends for dinner on Saturday night. Very disappointing -- even frustrating. Here's what happened. First, I asked the server for tiny samples of two of the 6 beers they had on tap so that I could decide which of them I wanted to order. I often request this at restaurants of this caliber that serve beers I'm unfamiliar with. The server's reply: "I can't do that. You can only taste one. Not two." She explained that this is the restaurant's policy and exceptions can't be made. Another guest in my party and I solved the problem by having each of us request a taste of *one* of the two beers, tasting them, and then switching glasses and tasting the other. The server said this would be permissible. I am a pescetarian (fish and veggies but no meat), and ordered a salad to start and the fried catfish as my main dish. The menu said the dish was accompanied by black-eyed peas and collard greens. I thought to ask whether the collards were cooked with ham (since here in the South they often are), and the server said that she would inquire. Out came my salad, which I ate. The server then told me that yes, the collards were cooked with meat. I asked her if I could substitute a vegetable side from any of the other dishes on the menu. She said I could not; this was against the restaurant's rules. She said the most she could do was substitute a salad -- but I had already ordered and eaten a salad! At that point I got up and spoke to the manager, explaining both the beer and the vegetable-substitution situations and expressing surprise the a restaurant of this caliber (and expense!) would be so rigid, particularly for someone who does not eat meat. The manager told me (and this is a verbatim quotation) that they won't substitute vegetable sides "in order basically to streamline the operation of the kitchen." He offered the salad option, but I told him I'd ordered and eaten a salad already. He didn't offer to comp me the salad I'd ordered (or anything else). He also explained to me that the server had been slightly mistaken about the beer-tasting policy: Acme's rule isn't that a person can taste only one on-tap beer; it's that a person can taste only one on-tap beer AT A TIME. So I could have requested SEQUENTIAL tastes of two beers; I simply couldn't ask for two tastes at once. Need I mention that the manager didn't offer to comp me the beer I'd ended up ordering? After all of this, the server came up to the table a bit sheepishly and told me that it turns out that the black-eyed peas are ALSO cooked with meat. So now BOTH of my sides were inedible for me. She couldn't offer me any other vegetable, of course -- that's against Acme's "kitchen-streamlining" rules -- but she said they would be willing to give me French Fries (with my fried fish) in lieu of the collards AND the peas. I was in a weak bargaining position, so I accepted the fries. The food we actually ate was fine. Nothing great, but nothing terrible. We ordered dessert. Need I mention that the restaurant didn't offer to comp me the dessert? I think the owners of Acme need to give some very serious thought to their bar and kitchen policies. Folks are paying some fairly serious money to dine there, but the restaurant's rules leave it no room to accommodate guests whose desires conflict with their "streamlining" efforts, or to make them feel welcome. We won't be back.
(1)
Kathryn E.
All I can say is...12.95 Tuesday. Do it. Went there for the first time ever tonight- amazing food! Good sized portions-terrific variety, especially of seafood which was a nice change from the routine. My salmon dish with cheese grits was to die for- fabulous flavor. Two other friends got skirt steak with some killer mashed potatoes. Can't wait to go back and try some other dishes or apps. Super cute interior- I'm a fan already.
(4)
Lauren R.
Ambiance: Below-average. Outdated columns, flooring, paint color and tables. No character which is shocking in this otherwise adorable town. Service: Below-average. Friendly enough but only saw the waiter when he took our order, when he dropped the food and when he gave us our bill. Also, we requested a patio table when we made the reservation. When we got to the restaurant, the host was arguing with a customer who wanted to sit at a 4-top in an otherwise empty-at-the-time restaurant. I understand if the restaurant was about to fill up but is it worth it to lose a customer? Disappointing enough, after witnessing that debacle our request was not granted for the outside table and we were stuck inside at a 2-top in a tiny space between two big parties. We also noticed non-friendly attitudes and a lot of mistakes from the other servers in our area. Food: Average. I got the special - salmon in a puff pastry with two poached eggs and hollandaise. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the hollandaise was standard. The salmon was very fishy. In my experience, the only time salmon is super fishy tasting is when it was previously frozen. To me, because of the fishy salmon, the dish was not worth the calories of the puff pastry and the hollandaise. I would only order the eggs again. My boyfriend's fried green tomato sandwich was decent. Although, I feel like the amount of bread covered up the flavors. The fries were just ok; they came out at room temperature and quickly went cold. Value: Average. I expect to pay $10-15 per brunch entree so serving size wise, my $15 salmon puff pastry special and my boyfriend's $13 fried green tomato sandwich with fries is a great deal. Flavor wise, not so much (see food section above). I am pretty good in the kitchen so I hate paying for average tasting food, hence the overall 2 star rating. It makes me question the 222 people who rated this place 4 stars. Yelp has never failed me in the past. Did these 222 people just all happen to have failing taste buds? I understand maybe 3 stars as far as the food goes but 4 overall when the food is average, and the other elements of this place are "eh?" I might have to re-think my use of Yelp in the future. Other: My main gripe with this area (Durham/Chapel Hill/Carrboro) is the lack of brunch drink specials. Crappy champagne topped with a bit of orange juice from a carton should not cost $7 or $8 per glass. Perhaps it has something to do with the stringent liquor laws around here though.
(2)
Lauren H.
I love Acme. I would give it 5 stars except recently I think perhaps the chef has changed and the food is changing slightly (based on changes in preparation of the same dishes we used to get). We love to go for brunch and they used to have amazing homemade doughnuts, but now they're more like bread soaked in oil. Also I used to love the chiles relleno with shrimp, but now the cheese is gloppy and there's less mole. However, there are other dishes we still love there and usually have good luck with the specials and cocktails.
Food great. Ridiculously pompous management is so overly concerned about maximizing the seating on their patio that they won't push two already small tables together to accommodate six for fear they can utilize every seat later. Funny to sit crowded around a four top while the other table sits empty for the rest of the night. Never seen a restaurant put the prospect of new customers over the comfort of existing ones.
(2)
Mike T.
Edible but wont return. Cant make any modifications to menu items for dietary restrictions. The food is okay, but not really satisfying. Atmosphere smells like pickled okra...
(2)
Ray V.
25-year resident of RAL/Dur/Ch: Acme has interesting tasty rich dishes--I would call it gourmet comfort food NOT low calorie and DEFINTELY NOT cheap. I read dozens of the reviews and MOST of them agree with me. Michelle, a hard working lady, is a really NICE server. She could teach a course in professional waitstaff knowledge and skills. Very attentive and knowledgable, well-deserving of my 22% seal of approval. Reservations recommended and go early if you want easy free parking nearby on a weekend. It's a busy area during the university school year. Popular with ALL AGES,,something for everybody.
(4)
Alison L.
Not bad, not bad. They didn't have my reservation from OpenTable, but not a problem because it was empty. The first thing I notice about Acme is its retro decor, which I love. The next thing I notice is the price tag next to each of the main dishes. I understand that they buy a lot of the produce from local growers, but over $10 for a bowl of mac & cheese with some pork? I don't know... I ordered their calamari salad, which was a small dish/appetizer ($9) and it was good! Though not a lot. My guest ordered the pecan friend chicken main dish and she said it was very filling and delicious. I'm completely willing to pay above and beyond for spectacular food, and the food here is good. Just not as great as its price would lead you to believe. Everything else about it (ambience, wine, location) make it a gem in Carrboro, but I don't think this will be a place that I'll be hitting up on the reg. Maybe their brunch menu is a bit different, but so far, I've been here twice for dinner and have yet to be wow'd like some of the other reviewers.
(3)
BD K.
Long wait for overpriced mediocre food. I paid 31 bucks for a steak over rice. Rice was great. Steak was the most gristly flank of nasty I've ever had. That said, if you like yuppie atmosphere and pretentious wine menu, this is your place. Needless to say, I'll pay 15 bucks for filet mignon and cook it myself in less time than it took to spend 31 bucks on a gristle-ridden monstrosity.
(2)
Natalie U.
Ahh, the long awaited trip to Acme - So many expectations, especially after reading all the glimmery shimmery five star reviews on Yelp. I booked a reservation using opentable at the advice of other yelpers, and went in around 11 am for Sunday Brunch. It wasn't super busy when I arrived, and my reservation was promptly put together. The atmosphere was relaxed and 'clean' feeling, and I like the simple lighting of the place. My meal began with the donut trio (it's not on the menu, but you can just ask for it if your waiter doesn't suggest them to you), which consisted of three sugar coated and glazed donuts. My personal favorite was the raspberry, with the chocolate, and then the brown sugar(?) following afterwards. The glazes weren't too thick, and the donuts were wonderfully soft and delicious. My only gripe would be that the sugar coating might be a little overwhelming, especially with the sweetness from the glaze, but if you have a sweet tooth this is definitely the dish for you. For the main course, I got the special of the day which was the salmon eggs benedict, and my boyfriend got the classic eggs benedict with bacon. The salmon was incorporated into this little pastry that replaced the traditional english muffin in an eggs benedict, and it was served with a few pickled cucumbers and a salad. My egg was poached perfectly as was runny in the most beautiful way possible. The hollandaise was good, and the salmon cake was complimented well with all the thyme and rosemary in the dish, but overall it was just a good not great breakfast. Strangely enough, I found that it was those pickled cucumbers which really helped pull the dish together by cutting through the richness of the sauce, and it wasn't until after making that discovery that I enjoyed my meal much more. My boyfriend seemed to enjoy his food, although it was still just a good not great kinda thing. The prices were decent, pretty normal for what I would expect to pay for brunch. Maybe I just had too many expectations going in, but I will for sure be going back during their Tuesday night $12.95 entrees for another shot.
(4)
Amy S.
We were in town for a series of shows at Cat's Cradle and loved our dinner at Acme. The server was professional - friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful in responding to questions. We enjoyed a couple specialty cocktails and our salads and entrees were a delight. Would recommend highly and definitely hope to make it back next time I'm in the area.
(4)
Andrea C.
this place is ok. it's a little noisy and pricy but overall, they serve good food, especially chicken, but it's better to go with someone who already knows the place a little because some dishes are quite peculiar. I remember having scallops, they were great, though. it's a really good place to have lunch and the staff is very nice and welcoming.
(3)
Rob M.
Our second time here ... I am at the table as I type this, when we were seated at 820pm on a Wednesday with only 4 other people in the dining room we asked for a window table and were told they hold those for large tables only. I pointed to the empty dining room and she said sorry but you can talk to the manager.... And sat us in the back. Pretty bad customer service by the hostess ... Food here is excellent just may be forced in the corner of an empty room to eat it.
(4)
William M.
We've been a couple of times and want to like it but have been mildly disappointed each time. The food is pretty good but doesn't wow me. My best summary of the food is that while they don't do anything wrong, they don't excel either. Part of the problem may be that we've had the same pushy waiter twice - tries to be friendly but ends up hovering and rushing. We would try their brunch but probably not dinner again.
(3)
Eric K.
We were in Raleigh/Chapel Hill for the weekend for a wedding. We wanted to check out someplace new and fun for breakfast/brunch on Sunday morning and had stumbled upon Acme Food & Beverage Co. online during our restaurant search. It sounded good, looked unique, and was in the small downtown area of Chapel Hill/Carrboro that we wanted to check out. Being unfamiliar with the downtown area's rules for parking, etc., we ended up parking in the crowded Harris Teeter parking lot, along with many others. (Sorry, Teeter shoppers!) We then walked a couple of blocks to the restaurant. The restaurant was pretty crowded for a late Sunday morning, but we were promptly seated. The decor was nice, modern, and everything looked very clean. I ordered the Eggs Benedict with Fried Green Tomatoes (in place of a meat) because it's not often Fried Green Tomatoes are on a menu! The eggs and hollandaise sauce were perfectly cooked, but the fried green tomatoes were so small that the egg on top dwarfed the tomato underneath. I was expecting a tomato at least as big as the English muffin upon which it sat. For these small tomatoes, I think they really should have put two on each muffin half. The accompany potatoes were moist and flavorful. The spices used really complemented them. All in all, Acme was a nice place, and if we lived nearby, we'd probably come back often. One downside for families: there is no kids' menu, so be prepared to spend $8-$10 to get the kiddies something from the regular breakfast menu.
(4)
Peter S.
Moving down to North Carolina, I was told that Carrboro/Chapel Hill has some of the best food in the country. One stop at Acme convinced me of that. Everything on the menu is fabulous - the slow roasted pork over mac and cheese is something I could eat every day of the week and never grow sick of. It's simply amazing. It's pricy relative to other restaurants in the area, but it's not insanely expensive and you get your money's worth. If you're in the area and have a little extra money for dinner that night, you should go to Acme.
(5)
Dan O.
Went to dinner with my wife- they had a chad roe special, on grits which was good, grits cooked perfectly. They also had corn bread in a skillet which ended up coming before our meal- very good. Server was cordial if a not a bit distracted, our entrees were disappointing- the pappardelle with wild game was a little sweet for a pasta. The fried chicken was underwhelming-( chicken on top of butter beans) I was unable to really enjoy it. I ordered a side of collared greens that never arrived to the table. Server recommended dessert which ended up being one of the highlights of the evening. Overall, the ambiance was busy- around 7:00 but by the time we got up to leave it was dead quiet. While the dinner was a bit disappointing, the experience was not a complete loss- will probably give another shot.
(3)
Alex S.
One of the few places i hadn't been in Carrboro. Went for brunch as i had heard the bloody mary's are awesome. Being a bloody mary snob, they were good... but nothing to write home about. I had the brunch hoppin john which was phenominal! My brunch date's plate looked amazing too. Would have give 5 stars, but the service was exceptionally slow. Would definately go back if i didn't have any plans after eating and had the time to wait.
(4)
J V.
Great, gourmet southern food for dinner or brunch! My favorite is the pecan crusted chicken, and the bread pudding is also delicious. Fine service. Dig their seasonal, local plates.
(4)
Lindsay G.
A few weeks ago LivingSocial or Groupon or one of those sites ran a deal for Acme, a restaurant in Carrboro. Acme is a consistently solid establishment: I have never had a mind-blowing meal here but I have also never been disappointed. On this particular summer Friday Acme once again did not fail: my boyfriend and I had a solid meal with solid service and we left satisfied. We started with a great, summery appetizer of heirloom tomatoes and house made mozzarella. This was a perfect dish y'all, I could have eaten it for the main course. The tomatoes were perfect and juicy and the mozzarella was mild and creamy. The dish was garnished with deviled eggs and a tasty basil pesto which we sopped up with the bread. Summer is awesome. For the main course the boyfriend got a steak with garlic mashed potatoes, all well done. I had crab cakes with a succotash of kale, butternut squash, corn and tomatoes. Really tasty all around. Since all the food is seasonal and locally sourced the menu changes fairly frequently, but like I said, everything is solid. We-or rather I since the boyfriend isn't a dessert person, sigh-ended with a brownie sundae. The brownie was a little bit dry, but slightly dry brownie sundae is better than no brownie sundae. Impossible to mess up, really. Acme is a great place to go for a reliable good, fairly upscale meal. A Carrboro institution one might say. Y'all should check it out if you haven't!
(4)
Matt K.
We had a LivingSocial coupon that prompted our visit, but we had looked at this place for a while. There were so many interesting menu options it was hard to choose. I went with the heirloom tomato salad (fantastic, good portion too) and had salmon with the grits (also very good). Their cocktails are great and the wine selections are too, with variable portion options -- half bottle pricing puts you at no disadvantage from a full bottle, so try mixing and matching. There is a cocktail with gin and rosemary syrup that's to die for. I had one in Las Vegas and this one jumped right off the menu. It was just as good. Service was friendly and the decor is intimate but not pretentious- seems like a nice date place. There is a parking lot in the back.
(4)
Annika H.
I work at a local hotel and frequently suggest Acme for Sunday brunch. I feel good about putting my name to this place. I've been twice for brunch, never for dinner, and I've always had a nice time, but it has always been busy so service was a bit slow, but I guess it can't be helped. The first time I went, I wanted to get the rest of my food boxed up--the waiter dropped my food, which was disappointing, but took it off the bill to make up for it. I brought my mom and she enjoyed it too--nice decor, friendly staff, but definitely a crowded place, so be prepared for that for brunch! I loved the scallops eggs Benedict but if I can criticize one thing, there was a bit too much Hollandaise for my taste and I didn't particularly care for the sauce; as others have mentioned, a bit buttery for my taste. I'll be back to try more! The menu is dyamnic and exciting and definitely worth a try...or a few tries!
(4)
Denise D.
Beautiful restaurant, lovely presentation, and $10 entree night is terrific. I ordered the crab cakes because I live in Illinois and don't get near the ocean that often, but sadly, I thought they were just okay. Maybe even imitation! The restaurant seem understaffed and a little disorganized, but I would go back to try a different menu item.
(3)
R L.
Ok this review is way overdue, but better late than never ye? Service here has always been awesome, friendly, warm, staff is pretty knowledgeable about the food served...and most importantly we always felt very "at-home" here at ACME. The hostess is great, as always - don't remember her name. Food is pretty consistent across the past many visits, dinners, brunches and simply put: we were never disappointed. Having tried many restaurants in town, and in the Chapel Hill-Durham area, ACME definitely has some of the better offerings in town! A must visit if you're in the area!
(4)
Ellen C.
Good brunch spot with plenty of options for everyone. The good: coffee, turnovers, coffeecake, and Hoppin' John with eggs, rice, cheese, and black-eyed peas. The okay: omelettes (greasy), doughnuts (dense and overly sweet), fish po' boy (too much bread, small fish pieces). The bad: the greasiness of the dishes. Side salads are always disappointingly limp and floppy from being doused with too much oil, which really turns me off. I like the space and the variety of choices here, and I will probably be back to sample other brunch dishes on the menu. 3.5 stars.
(3)
Katrina M.
First and foremost, I'll start by complimenting the staff on their service. They were quick, kind, and candid about their preferences for our dinner options. And, most importantly, they were accommodating. After a long day of traveling and knowing that I had nothing but crap eating ahead of me, I wanted desert that wasn't completely terrible. So, while it wasn't a menu option, they went ahead and brought me a scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate, which, I have to say, was my favorite part of the meal. I imagine they make the chocolate they use in-house, because it had a unique flavor to it that I liked very much. With that said, unfortunately, I can only rate the rest of the food sub-par, especially considering the price. Quite frankly, unless you're some ridiculously swanky and upscale NY restaurant, a plate of spaghetti and meat balls should never be more than about $11.95. Yes, I'm being that specific. It's pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce (which is exactly what it tasted like). And I've had far better spaghetti that costed tons less than what this place charged. Everything just tasted too soft - I'm assuming it was over cooked. The meatball just fell completely apart when I cut into it. Again, the flavor of the sauce wasn't bad, but I didn't think any of it was good enough to pay what I did for it (or what the company did - thanks corporate funded meals!). Of course, I had a bit of my co-workers plates, as well. The risotto dish was really really rich. Perhaps it's a preference thing, but it tasted more like a thick and creamy soup than anything else to me. The salmon and grits was probably the best of the three dishes, solely due to how well the salmon was made. Perhaps grits should just be left to the deep south. You may notice I seem to be going back and forth on flavor. Sometimes it's too rich, sometimes it makes the meal. The provided bread seemed to be no exception to this seesaw. I honestly have never tasted a more flavor-less bread. And if you can believe it, the butter was worse. I didn't even know there was such a thing as flavorless butter. It was like eating air, and considering the carbs and otherwise empty calories, I might as well have been. It would have tasted the same and been healthier. Why bother? Just skip it! All and all, I would say it's a place that you might consider visiting if you'd like to hang out on a nice patio, with romantic/social lighting, and great service. It could even be a good desert spot. But if you like bang for your buck, try somewhere that lives up to fine dining in taste as well as atmosphere.
(2)
Mark H.
One of the best restaurants in Carrboro--hands down. Food and service are usually very good. They have good specials too that are not on the menu. Have only ever been for dinner. Ambience is good/very good. Parking can be a challenge depending on the day/time.
(4)
Sam G.
I honestly don't see what the fuss is about. Wife and I have been here twice and the food has been forgettable both times. I will say this; the staff is top notch. They know their stuff and they very pleasant. Maybe I'm just ordering the wrong thing. I don't know, my kindergarten logic tells me that if you can't make a decent cheeseburger, you probably can't make a decent anything else...I'll have to make a return trip soon enough and give it another shot
(2)
Colleen P.
Recently moved into the area and I had seen the favorable yelp reviews for Acme so we decided to try it for brunch, which is one of our favorite meals. We were not disappointed! I would give it over 4 stars, like 4 1/2 if I could. I ordered the biscuits and gravy breakfast which came with 2 eggs (I got mine over medium) and a side of either potatoes or grits (I got the grits). The biscuits were moist and flaky, the gravy was delicious and not over-powering, the eggs were cooked perfectly and the grits were delicious. My boyfriend got the fried green tomato sandwich and said it was amazing. The portion sizes were pretty huge, I was full for the better part of the day! I also LOVE LOVE LOVE how many of their meats and eggs come from local farms and it says where right on the menu. Not only does it support the local economy, but it means they are using good products! We sat outside which was beautiful and clean. My only "disappointment" is how long is took to get our food. We didn't mind because we were enjoying sitting outside, but after a half an hour, the waitress should have said something. At the end of the meal she did apologize for the delay and said it was the last wave of the rush. I thought the price was good for the quality and amount, but I see some people think it's pricey. I did just move from NYC, so perhaps I shouldn't comment on price. :) We can't wait to go back! They also have oysters on the half shell (must call beforehand to make sure they have them that night) and we can't wait to try them!!
(4)
Amy H.
Although I still love Acme, If I am going to be honest, I'm going to need to knock it down a star. I took my folks to brunch on the last day (even hour) of their visit. I split the scallops eggs benedict with my mom and my dad had the waffle with peach sauce. The service was friendly as always and we actually go seated right away (thanks to our reservation). Unfortunately, the food was a disappointment. Though cooked well, the scallops were tiny. The asparagus was the last they had and was cooked just fine. The hollandaise was very buttery. BUT the "poached" eggs were completely overcooked. The runny egg is the big seller for me with eggs benedict, so I was very disappointed. My dad's waffle had a texture that we could only describe as something like an overly sweet hearty bread (but not in the good way). It was probably naive to think a place could be infallible, but consistency is pretty important. For me, it's probably better worth it to find a brunch place closer to Durham.
(4)
Jerry G.
Had dinner with friends on a Thursday night. Acme was buzzing, even at 6:30, and packed when we left. The place was alive with energy. I had the oyster appetizer which came with 3 sauces. They were plump and tasty - if you're an oyster lover - try them. The tuna entree was perfectly cooked and portion size just right. My wife and I shared the chocolate terrine dessert - excellent! Our party decide to have wine by the glass and found the selection of both white and red to offer a good selection and price range. Service was very good - not rushed, server knowledgeable and helpful. Neither our friends or us had been to Acme in a while - we'll be returning soon.
(5)
Sally P.
Came for brunch here thanks to the fantastic reviews on Yelp. The place was pretty packed, and though there were open tables inside, we (Mr. Partner and I) opted to wait an extra five minutes to sit outside. What a lovely little space: towering green plants, rumbling water feature, and FIRE. I found it charming, even though Mr. Partner and I had to rotate our giant, wobbling table and scoot in close to hear each other over the combination of gurgling fountain and Tom Petty classic hits. Mr. Partner complimented the (male) waiter's hair, which led everyone to feel quite awkward, and may explain why the waiter made himself somewhat scarce. The donuts have fantastic reviews here, but we were not into them. Hungry Partner usually devours ALL things, but even he left them unfinished. It's okay to pass them up, Yelpers! Despite the so-so donuts of omg-amazing fame, the rest of the food was absolutely fantastic. I order the Classic Hollandaise with Fried Green Tomato (there will never be a Hollandaise dish as mind-blowing as my homezone's Snooze, but I keep foolishly trying to match it!) with grits, and Mr. Partner got the Fried Green Tomato sandwich with fries. Two words: Basil Aioli. Some more words: steal Mr. Partner's Basil Aioli and put it on *everything* on your plate. Overall, our tummy's were satisfied, though our wallets were a little confused. $20 each? I suppose those were some not-worth-the-cost donuts paired with some should-have-gone-without coffee. Next time, we can certainly enjoy five star delicious at a better price.
(4)
Greg S.
This was our first time at Acme, and it's a shame that we waited so long to try it. My thoughts: Food: Tasty. I mean, super freakin' tasty. I had the pecan-crusted fried chicken. The lady had the flounder stew. Both were fantastic. Unfortunately, the pecan pie didn't live up to its hype. That was the only low point of the meal to me -- oh, and the fact that they topped the afore-mentioned pie with whipped cream instead of a good old fashioned scoop of ice cream. As if. Service: Meh. Our waiter was reasonably polite, but I get what other people are saying. They're stuffy. We asked if we could sub out sides. Were told no. I always take a bit of umbrage at this when I'm paying good money for a meal. No one was overly friendly, but they did their job and got their tip. Honestly, if the service had been as good as the food I'd have given this five stars. All in all, well worth a try. Book your reservation well in advance if you want a Tuesday, because that's the night they have some good specials. As far as Carrboro fare goes, it's some of the best.
(4)
Connie L.
went for dinner with girlfriends. one of the best restaurants i have been to in the durham/chapel hill area! it was kind of pricey but worth it! had the scallops and ate every single bite! the service was also really good! would go back if craving a delicious meal!
(5)
Suzanne D.
Inventive. For instance- Barbeque salad- lettuce, pork barbeque, and boiled peanuts. Yummy!
(4)
Mike O.
Okay, you probably know about the sweet Tuesday night deals, but if you don't, know it now: there are deals on Tuesday nights! Entrees (which are normally prices around $18-$20, are all priced at $12.50 (or something around that ballpark). Yes! I ordered the fried chicken, and it was wonderful. The portions are perfect, not too big, not too small. The beer list is nice, including several local beers. The ambiance is a smidge classier than most casual restaurants surrounding the place, probably because people are paying a bit more. But don't let that get you down. I wore shorts with paint stains and a baseball cap because I'm a slob. But that's irrelevant. You should go here Tuesday and catch that deal!
(4)
R L.
Of all the restaurants in Carrboro, this one takes my vote as having the best food. A testament to their food is that I have eaten Thanksgiving dinner there twice and found it better than almost any homemade Thanksgiving dinner. They often have semi-local oysters on the half shell and I would highly recommend them for an appetizer. They do great things with fish and I particularly like the blackened salmon which has elements of southern and mexican food to it. Anything on the menu involving scallops is also always done well. As if their dinner menu wasn't great enough, I might say that Acme has the best brunch perhaps of anywhere I have been. All of their benedict dishes are great and they often have homemade donuts that are amazing if you are out to indulge. This would normally be the end to a five star review, although Acme loses a full star with me because of its inconsistent service. It is almost always difficult to get drink refills when you are here and more often than not, it takes forever for a waiter to first come to your table. This may be just my feeling about things, but the waiters often have an attitude that they are doing you a service serving you. The chef should really try to get waiters and waitresses that match his skills. Overall, this is an amazing restaurant if you are willing to spend a little extra and put up with sub-par service.
(4)
Camille W.
Sad to say, the brunch here has gone down hill since I posted my review a couple of years ago. I've returned many times for dinner and had a good experience each time, but I recently took my parents to brunch there when they came to visit, and it was a disappointment. The doughnuts were 90% sugar, and the glazes were not only good, but barely enough to cover the doughnuts, and not seasonal at all, unlike last time I had brunch here. I got the eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes, and I demand to know how they managed to make fried green tomatoes bland. And for the love of god, is it that difficult to serve someone hot tea? The pot they gave me barely had enough water to get my mug 3/4 of the way full. I like my tea milky, but I don't need that much! Really sad to see my favorite brunch place in town slip. Don't think I'll be back for brunch again.
(3)
Grace H.
I give ACME 3 stars solely because I was disappointed by my first experience here. I came here for brunch with the intention of having to wait because I knew that this was a highly sought out spot for brunching. As we only needed a table of two we were actually able to get a spot pretty quickly. After examining the menu, I saw that French toast was the special for the day. It sounded absolutely heavenly with cream cheese and syrup and other wonderful things included. However, when it came out, it came out in a dish the size of what you would make a large creme brulee in. The portion was pretty disappointing. Not only that, the French toast was extremely mushy and I felt like I was eating baby food. I usually prefer for my French toast to be soft in the areas where the syrup was soaken up but also do like the crunch that come with it. Everything in this entire dish was soft. That threw me off and it was also too sweet for my liking. Not to mention, the french toast was extremely expensive for the portion that they provided. I like to eat my money's worth but this time I couldn't even finish the dish. I do have to say if it weren't for my good company, I would have left in a completely sour mood. Other than that, service was great and friendly. The atmosphere and interior is also pleasant during the day time. Parking will be hard to find in proximity to the restaurant but if you park in the public lots near Southern Rail you won't have much of a walk. I know that ACME is known for great food so I'd love to come back for another try sometime in the future and give it another star.
(3)
Jonathan T.
Really nice place to go, particularly if you can grab a seat at the bar. They make good drinks (I've had better in town, but these are still really good) and the food is really tasty and changes a lot. I highly recommend checking out Recession Tuesdays if you're on a budget. It's a great way to get a good price on a high class plate of food. They also have a terrific brunch, including some really delicious doughnut flavors.
(5)
Drew S.
I wandered in here to get some brunch while exploring the back roads of NC. What a treat. Between the service, the food quality, and the drink selections, I'd say the brunch here is top notch. I ordered a brunch beer from NC, and was pleased with its hoppy-ness. The savory brunch special was a tostada with egg and a chorizo sauce accompanied by some mixed greens. There were like 4 eggs (which was a little much for me), but the sauce was amazing. What I could have ordered multiples of, though, was the doughnuts. While not traditional doughnuts with holes, the trio of awesomeness on a plate was music in my mouth. I ate the raspberry, then the chocolate, then the maple. While maple is usually my favorite, there was something about the chocolate here. I think it was the quality of the ingredients. While all three were amazing, that chocolate was fantastic. If you ever find yourself in Carrboro, NC, hit up ACME for brunch.
(4)
YL S.
Food is five star but service is not. Never wanna split the check and never asked if we would like to either. I will go back for the food though.
(3)
Shelley V.
Whoo hoo! We were recommended to come here by a gal at Wootini and we were thrilled by our meal. I had the roasted pig and M had the salmon. My god, both of our entrees were top notch deliciousness!! I kept muttering "yum" and "good" like a distant relative of Frankenstein under my breath! The place was packed but we luckily made a reservation on Open Table so we waited all of 3 minutes before being seated. The staff was terrific, friendly and goodies themselves. I loved being served by people who love food and appreciate a well-crafted meal. I would love to go back to Chapel Hill and would definitely go back here.
(5)
Ken E.
I really wanted to like Acme, but my meal was less than satisfactory. I chose 3 small plates and each underwhelmed me. Really underwhelmed me. Disappointing too, because the location is terrific and the patrons were lively and fun. What more can I say? the food just tasted flat and uninspiring, like something I could get at a local chain. I cannot recommend Acme.
(2)
Meghan C.
Went to Acme because my mother was visiting from out of town. Usually the food is amazing and the service is great, but NOT this time. My meal, scallops, was delish as expected. However, the dinner special, ribeye, was horribly tough a not cooked as requested. The appetizer was simply put boring, steak tacos. We got two desserts, pound cake and cheesecake. We took one bite of cheesecake and didn't eat anymore, disgusting. Pound cake was good. To top off the night, the server I have had before and he was just as bad the last two times. Just very inattentive and walks through the motions of service. Overall, I was disappointed with the food compared to my previous visits and the service needs some fine tuning.
(3)
Fifi Y.
It's too bad for the poor service because I thought the brunch food at Acme was delicious.. But when the most memorable thing about a meal was poor service on every level, it's not acceptable to overlook it. We arrived for brunch at 10:30 on a Sunday without reservations. My bad, I tried to make reservations early that morning but they weren't accepting any more. We were told the wait would be approximately 30 minutes. There's no good spot to wait inside (unless you don't mind constantly feeling like you're in someone's way!) so we took a walk outside and decided to grab a coffee at Weaver Street Market - it was really, really cold outside. Acme called my cell to let me know the table was ready and I told them I was on my way - but in the 5 minutes it took me to get back there they'd given our table away. As we continued to wait, the host told me that we would have to finish our coffees or throw them away before we'd be seated. Really?! I can somewhat understand a policy like that, especially if signposted, for a place that specializes in good coffee (which Acme doesn't). But I really hated the snobby attitude that came along with it. Especially after our table was given away, and after we'd bought coffee only to keep warm because Acme had a long wait time for a table and nowhere to wait indoors. We were seated, we ordered, and when the waitress came to refill my friend's coffee (which he'd purchased from Acme, thankyouverymuch), she spilled it all over my coat! At first I didn't realize what had happened because she didn't even apologize! She scurried away to get a rag (!) to dab it from my $400 coat, and offered a half-assed apology. No one offered to comp even the coffee, which I think would have been the least they could do to counter the $20 dry cleaning cost of the coat. When the waitress brought out the food, she brought my two friends' entrees and didn't bring mine. I tried to convince my friends to start without me, but they wouldn't hear of it. A few minutes turned into five awkward minutes of waiting for my food (five minutes is a LONG time when you're all eyeing food that's getting cold...). Finally I tracked down the waitress to see what the deal was, and she said she'd go check on it. It took another few minutes before I got my food. Really unacceptable. Overall - lower your expectations for service if you try Acme, and you'll probably love it! I have no complaints about the food.. it's just that I can't remember what I ate because all I can recall is how terrible the service was.
(2)
Amie K.
A little over a year since my first delicious dinner and still my favorite place in the triangle! I'm leaving Durham after 3 yummy years and when asked where I wanted to go for a farewell dinner with friends - where else? Acme always serves wonderful food by a knowledgeable staff. Justin B has been my waiter many times and I can't applaud him enough for his recommendations. Love this place!
(5)
Christopher A.
I love Acme! I am a regular for brunch on the week-ends, and have had plenty of dinners here as well. The food is always fantastically prepared. The ingredients are fresh and local. The menu is interesting and super tasty. The restaurant is clean and cozy. The outside patio is fantastic. Don't change a thing Acme!
(4)
Perry H.
My far my favorite brunch spot in the triangle. I have yet to have dinner here but everyone I know raves about that as well. It's so hard to go with anything other than my favorite - fried green tomato benedict with route 3 potatoes. The poached eggs are always perfectly cooked and the hollandaise is superb. The potatoes are always a highlight - potatoes with onions and peppers almost in a stew-like consistency. Even though I'm pleasantly full when done I always want more of everything. I always try to get there early as things can get a bit crowded at the peak brunch hours. There is also spots at the bar if no tables are available. If you're visiting definitely make it a point to come for brunch, if you live here and haven't visited yet - shame on you.
(5)
Amy C.
Very disappointing. I went here for brunch. The breakfast potatoes were cold and seasoned with what tasted like taco seasoning. The grits were undercooked. Bacon was I don't even know what was wrong with the bacon. It was old and cold. And the service was just as bad. The coffee was good.
(1)
J K.
My sister and I went tonight to enjoy their discounted entrees night and to celebrate my birthday. We enjoyed everything about our experience!! Bob, our server, was exceptional. The food, as usual, was scrumptious. We shared the crispy calamari salad which I highly recommend doing the same thing if you go!! She got the crab cakes and I the pan seared scallops for our entrees. She and I both work at a local seafood restaurant so I can say with some knowledge that both entrees were prepared perfectly! We shared the chocolate terrine dessert and it was heavenly! Another home run for Acme!! Thank you Bob for a wonderful evening! :)
(5)
Allison M.
I had Easter brunch here a few weekends ago and had a very pleasant experience - which seems to be at odds with the some Yelpers here who say that Acme doesn't particularly like college kids. Maybe it was because I was with my parents, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary to me in terms of service. I had the pimiento cheese sandwich served with an obscene amount of fries (not a bad thing). The sandwich was tasty, although slightly overpowered by the flavor of the pickle inside it. The (chunky!?) basil aioli they served with it was a nice added flavor. I had a bite of my mom's eggs Benedict dish, which I found to be surprisingly good as well. We all split a single piece of coffee cake, and good thing we did! It was enormous, and more like dessert than anything else. Super-sweet, moist, and a great end to the meal. I give it four stars because I think it was missing that extra "oomph" for me that would catapult it to a five. But I'd really like to try it for dinner sometime soon!
(4)
Claire L.
Acme, I like you. I really do. But you don't make it easy sometimes. The dining room is cramped, which makes for excellent people watching but can be an issue if you want to have actual conversations. Service is more "Carrboro hipster" than "Southern charm." Food, always delicious. Donuts, anything with fried green tomatoes, can't go wrong. For brunch, however, their drinks are tiny. If I'm paying $8 for a mimosa, I'd like more than a shot glass worth of liquid.
(4)
Jason S.
Acme. The name had been bandied about in many conversations about local food culture when I first moved to Raleigh, off in that magical land of fair trade this and hipster that known as Carrboro. It helps that the name itself as a noun means the summit or highest point. The punny praise almost writes itself: "Acme is the acme of..." Unfortunately, Acme does not seem to be the acme of anything. For all the good I'd heard, the restaurant itself didn't live up to any of it. Our group grew from an expected party of six to possibly a party of eight when two friends of friends showed, leading to a potential conundrum given the six person table we had reserved. There happened to be a two person table in the midst of finishing up next to us in the half-full dining room, so we didn't expect too much trouble pulling that table toward ours and making it eight. In the meantime, Bloody Marys started arriving, mine a Bay Bloody with Old Bay and, for some reason, okra, presumably in lieu of a celery stalk. The Chesapeake Bay I grew up next to didn't feature much okra, so maybe they were talking about another bay I haven't visited. The drink itself was only fair, on the thin side, and lacked any sort of salt or Old Bay rim to it. I arrived with great expectations for the iced donuts but came away thinking they could have been better; the donuts themselves were on the dry side, though the icing was appropriately decadent. The coffee cake stood out as the meal's winner and was a definite step up after the donut disappointment. It was soon thereafter that we learned the restaurant manager working that day was a bit of a prick. When I lived in Columbus, OH, I found this too-cool-to-be-pleasant vibe permeating the hipper, talked up establishments in that city. Customer service means different things to different people, and it's not like I'm looking for the lick-your-nutsack-and-call-you-daddy level adherence to pleasantness you'd find in a service culture like Japan, but we got glowered at and reprimanded for pulling the two person table toward our six-top to make eight. Let's be specific. We were first asked without context if our two additional guests were paying customers or just there to hang out. They were the former, and the asking of this was bad enough once we knew what the guy meant; had they been the latter, they would probably have been kicked out. It turned out the table had been reserved, so I can understand some irritation, but a mere look into the half-empty dining room was proof enough that another table was available. There was nothing lighthearted about this exchange, and for all the understanding Christina might have had for this given her experience working a restaurant, the rest of us were left wanting for even a modicum of pleasantness. Our waiter was at least a good one, so it wasn't a situation where the whole meal was diminished by universally poor service. One other recommendation for Acme: ditch the scallops. Or scallop, as my eggs Benedict dressed with this protein seemed to only be served with one of these tender morsels cut in half and laid in front of the Benedict rather than under the egg. Perhaps someone saw the standard presentation, laughed a little, and decided the dish was better served having the scallop obvious to the diner instead of lost under the poached egg. But in this presentation, the scallop halves just look like sad, flat little milky eyes that are gone in an ambivalent bite. The up-charge for the single scallop is less than worth it for what you get. I'm giving Acme the benefit of the doubt in returning at some later point because I'm sure they can do better. Probably not for brunch, though. This experience was just more evidence that hype about a place doesn't matter.
(2)
Janet H.
The outdoor seating is really fabulous. The food is consistently yummy. I can't seem to stop ordering the fried chicken because the butter beans on the side may as well be crack. I want to eat them all the time. And who really says that about butter beans? The fried chicken and mashed potatoes that come with it are spectacular as well. The drink menu is very nice. The wine menu is acceptible. The service the past 3-4 times I have been has been quite good. I think I remember some poor service 3 or 4 years ago that put me off this place for awhile, but I am glad I have returned since then because I have not been disappointed.
(4)
Sam T.
4.5 stars. Great restaurant with delicious food and attentive (and quirky) service. Menu is pretty small and kind of upscale southern, with quite a bit of seafood featured. Shrimp succotash, steak frites, and scallops were all awesome. Expensive but not inappropriate. Good restaurant for a date or special occasion.
(5)
Nathan S.
I've been to Acme 3 times now, and it consistently delivers. The food is unique, always delicious, and reasonably priced (especially Tuesdays). The place can get busy in hurry at dinner time, so either make reservations or head over a little early (like 5:30 on a weekday). Everything I've had has been great, but would recommend the goat cheese and shrimp pasta and the stuffed pepper appetizers.
(4)
Ivan J.
Rolled in there around 6:00 on Saturday and was happy to see most of the tables open. Imagine my surprise when the hostess, after asking if we had reservations, made a 'boy this will be hard' face before letting us know we could have a table reserved for 7:30 if we thought we could be done by then. I thought it was an odd condition to place on our being granted a seat, but my friend had eaten there before and was eager to share his very good experience. So we said, "OK." The waitress was helpful as we ordered. The food was divine. And sure enough, the place was packed by 7:00. (and we were done by 7:15, so no awkward conflict with the reservation holders). I had the lamb and risotto. I can't wait to go back and have it again. SO good.
(5)
Rob G.
Friendly service, willing to customize the menu a bit (try crab on the benedict!), and fantastic food at a reasonable price.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Michael P.
In my humble opinion, Acme is Chapel Hill/Carrboro's finest restaurant. Dinner's always delicious there. I've had such great dishes as vegetable curry and catfish. The menu changes often, so it's always a great place for dinner. Dinner's great, but brunch is Acme's specialty. Even their simplest dish, just eggs, bacon, and a biscuit, is great. Their biscuits are huge, and their strawberry butter is really good. I recently had a Mexican stew dish for brunch, with chicken and avocados. Keeping consistent with Acme's overall greatness, that dish was light and delicious. Acme's always worth it, whether for dinner or, especially, brunch.
(5)Courtney S.
I went for Sunday brunch with my husband and 2 year old daughter. The service was fast, food was delicious, and they obviously use fresh ingredients. The waitress was super friendy to my daughter, which I really appreciated. All too often people get frustrated when they see children and anticipate the worst. Her great attitude and genuinely friendly presence was really nice and made the experience that much better. I would highly recommend this place and plan on going back!
(5)Angela S.
Let me be honest. I just go on Sunday afternoons for the bloody marys. they have one where they put in a little boost of jameson... mmmmmmm. But mind you, while I was getting drunk on these Sundays, past noon (NC law is you can't serve alcohol before noon on Sunday), I did try a lot of the items on their menu, and they were all fine. I mean, considering how much I'm paying for an eggs benedict or a quiche, I expect more of a bang. But it's really just fine food. It's good, it's filling, but I wouldn't really go there again and again if it weren't for the bloody marys.
(3)Marty B.
This was my third trip to acme. First two times, the food was perfect. This time I ordered the scallops with bean and potato salad and was very disappointed. It should be called bean and potato salad with scallops. Three scallops over lots of beans with not much taste. This could have passed for a small plate. Also, the waiter was just going through the motions...the food was served really quickly and I would have loved another glass of wine but didn't hear from the waiter until long after we had finished our meal. The best thing was the ice cold beer before dinner with a nice bartender.
(3)Leomaris M.
I work 70 hours a week and get only Sundays off to experience different flavors around town so always tried to get to "the best places ". Last night me and 2 coworkers from the area went to Acme for dinner. We ordered a bottle a Malbec La Posta $36, not bad at all and 2 starters: Fried Tomatoes and Pea Soup. The Soup was OK, not bad but nothing to die for. Then I ordered another appetizer: A Lamb and black beans EMPANADA. BIG MISTAKE! First of all, there is nothing about an empanada in that dish other then the way it's shape and worse of all, it was really spicy. Nothing wrong with spicy other then the fact that I CAN"T EAT IT because of liver problems. Did it say it in the menu? NO! I promptly returned it after the first bite and really lost my appetite for anything else. We finished dinner and asked for the check and OF COURSE $110 were being charged including the dish I could not eat. Soooooo lame when restaurants do that, its mess up x 2. Did they really thought I was not gonna catch that? Being an Restaurant Area manager for 8 years, with 41 restaurants around the world, this was a foul move. The server and the bread are worth the 2 stars I am giving this place.
(2)Muebla S.
Three of us went to Acme on a Saturday night. We were impressed that even though the place was busy, the service was excellent. We started with Virginia oysters on the half shell. They were served with fresh chopped parsley on top-a new taste combination for us-on a bed of something that looked like rock salt, but I don't think it was. We decided to try the specials, One of us had shad roe, which she said was delicious. I had steak frites with bernaise sauce. The steak---it was ok, but couldn't match what I had had at Palisades in Eggleston. And as for the frites, I absolutely want mine to be fried to a crisp, but these, which were close to shoestring in size, were overcooked to the point that they were dark, bitter and hard. I wasn't sure if they were meant to be that way, but I didn't find them appealing. The other had shrimp etouffee, which was served on-I can't remember, but I think it might have been grits and veggies? She said it could have used more veggies. On a friend's recommendation, we shared the dark chocolate terrine with coffee-caramel sauce for dessert. It was to die for.
(4)Shane M.
Great meals here, been there 5 or so times. Good cocktails and interesting southern food. Great place to get a bunch of stuff and share.
(5)Gabe W.
New American Cuisine in the south ROCKS! Had a great time, fabulous service and awesome food. Portions were huge and wine complimented the menu very well (what I ordered at least). I would not hesitate to eat here again upon my return to the Research Triangle, I just hope I don't disappear in it's deliciousness, never to be seen again.
(5)Jessica B.
Went there for dinner and the food was delicious. However, I can't say the great food balanced out the lousy service and the "policy" of including a 20% service charge for parties of 5. This policy is not mentioned on the menu, and I couldn't find it on Acme's website either. And while an 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more has become common, I'd never heard of 20% for a party of 5. No wonder our waiter was so unfriendly and inattentive - he already had a huge tip coming his way no matter what! Not sure I will be back.
(2)Laura M.
My husband took me to Acme's for my birthday as we had a groupon and while the food was lovely as ever, the service left something to be desired. It wasn't busy, we're old folks and hit the restaurants at 5:30 when they open. What got me what they charged a %20 gratuity on a 2 person check. Seriously? I mean, we tip the amount of the check pre-groupon but even if we didn't, there's no way it's cool to add a %20 gratuity to a check. Unfortunately it was some time before my husband told me about it since he knew I'd go balastic and chew on on somebody and he didn't want to A) be embarrased and B) ruin my birthday. So no more going to Acme's, I refuse to be robbed. Fortunately I live in Durham and work in Chapel Hill so I am surrounded by stellar eateries!
(3)Nicole W.
The food and atmosphere is fantastic. I have taken several family members when they've come to visit. No matter what their tastes are, there's always something on the menu to make them happy.
(5)Rebecca T.
Make a reservation - otherwise you'll have to wait. And everyone with a reservation lines up at the back door.I used a Living Social deal for brunch here on Sunday and the food is great! I especially liked the dinner potatoes that came with my biscuit, sausage gravy, and eggs. Their iced sweet tea is the spiced kind, but good. We also had the donuts - chocolate, raspberry and maple glazed, which were good, but not outstanding.
(4)Roxanne R.
This restaurant is a perfect blend of quality and unpretentiousness. From cocktails to dessert, the food here is near transcendent. It has been several weeks since we were there, and I still salivate thinking about my fresh, bubbly elderflower beverage, the melty pork belly on a biscuit with ginger-cranberry jam, the steak frites with bernaise, and the coconut pound cake with tangerine sauce. AND it was much more affordable than other Triangle restaurants of this caliber. We will definitely be back for future cozy, romantic dinners, despite the 40 minute drive. The only negative thing I have to say is that our table was near the door, and it was a bit drafty.
(5)Jared W.
I wanted to go with three stars, but my girlfriend successfully argued me up to 4. Actually, I'd happily give 3 1/2 if you could. We love the Sunday brunch and the Tues dinner specials are a steal. Food is very above average, and a good value, but falls shy of frankly special.
(4)Meg T.
OK, so this is 4 stars for Tuesday nights at ACME (when everything is $12.50) and brunch, and because we live less than a five minute walk away. The food is creative, locally sourced, and well prepared. Service is very, very friendly if a little slow (well, sometimes a lot slow). If you find yourself there on a Sunday and they have homemade donuts for God's sake order them. I am not a brunch person (just give me lunch) but I enjoy the occasional brunch at ACME. The patio is really nice. Inside the tables are quite close together, and it can get pretty loud. Sitting at the bar is always a good choice. Take advantage of the $12.50 Tuesdays but make a reservation, it will be packed. I would give 3 stars for dinner there on a normal night, because in my opinion the regular prices are a little high for what you get.
(4)Sarah B.
Hubby, me and our soon-to-be-married friends hit up Acme for their Recession Special ($12.95 entrees) last Tuesday. I was totally underwhelmed. We had reservations for 6:15 and were seated right away. Their special must be super popular because it was packed. The men ordered beer and the ladies stuck with water. We each ordered a different entree: the scallops, the country fried chicken, the salmon, and the short ribs. Food came relatively quickly, but I had to send my scallops back immediately - they were raw. Portion sizes were pretty small - $12.95 is a fair price for this food, not a deal. My scallops came back still looking a bit white. I ate them, but they were pretty bland. I have a sneaky suspicion that they use wet scallops (soaked in a preservative that affects browning and taste). Disappointing. I tried the chicken and the salmon. I found everything to be under-seasoned and the ingredients were second-rate. Now, I've never been on a "regular" night, so I'm not sure if Acme scrimps on ingredient costs on Tuesdays to accommodate their special prices. However, I just didn't find the "special" a good deal. I will say that their desserts are good. We all shared the key lime pie and a chocolate pecan pie. I'd go back to Acme and only order dessert. Bottom line - the food just isn't all that good.
(2)Catie P.
Let me preface this by saying I used to love Acme...we would go for a special occasion dinner or a nice weekend brunch, and the food has always been wonderful. That being said, I don't think I'll be returning. I was there for brunch this morning and the service was appalling. It took ten minutes for our server to come to our table to take our drink order, and for Sunday brunch, I have seen it much busier. Once he returned with our drinks and took our food order, we didn't see him again for over thirty minutes. Let me rephrase, we saw him serving every other table in the section but ours...no coffee or water refill, no "sorry, the kitchen is a little behind", nothing. We finally left at the 45 minute mark with our food and waiter nowhere in sight, and I have never walked out of a restaurant. When our waiter asked if there was a problem as we were leaving, he didn't even bother to apologize. I have worked in food service, and I am very forgiving when it comes to tickets times and kitchen mistakes...I always over-tip because I know it isn't the server's fault. In this case, however, it was 100% the server's fault...Acme's food is great, but the service leaves a lot to be desired, especially considering the menu prices.
(1)Marlo G.
I was not disappointed by a single item on the menu (besides the cocktails which were too sweet...but the waiter kindly took those off our bill and we enjoyed a reasonably priced bottle of wine instead. This might not sound underwhelming, but it's not. Many times I find that the dish sounds great on the menu, but doesn't deliver in reality. We ordered the tomato plate special which was summer time devine, the calamari/slaw salad which I will continue to dream about, and the pork two ways (which was yummy, but I wouldn't order it next time). The bread and butter was also spectacular. And the back patio is lovely with a fountain and tropical plants. Best meal I've had around here in a while.
(5)Garrett W.
I've been to Acme three times now. The first time I went, I was on a dinner date, and I will make no bones about it; it was a great experience. The food is almost entirely local and largely organic, and the preparation is interesting and thoughtful. And the service on this occasion was perfectly passable. The second time I went was for a friend's birthday. We went for brunch, which is a weekly service for which Acme is supposed to be renowned. The food was good, to be sure. I didn't feel that it was as impressive as the food on the dinner menu, but it all tasted great. The service, however, was atrocious. We all got the distinct feeling immediately upon meeting our server that we were burdensome, and that she didn't want to be there. A different group went to brunch again a few weeks later, and the service was even worse. The staff from the hostess stand all the way through the meal service was outright hostile, and clearly would have rather closed up shop than had our business. I work in the food and beverage industry as well, so I can appreciate the desire to get done with a shift, but a 2pm closing time isn't a demanding deadline, and there were at least 5 tables still seated as we were rushed out of the house. To close, the food here is certainly of high quality, and if you get the right server, on the right day, I suppose that Acme has the potential to be a great restaurant, but feeling unwelcome in your seat adds a foul taste to even the most expertly prepared entree.
(2)Matt A.
I have dined here four times. The first three times were pleasant but it was the fourth visit that warrants 2 stars. I went with a group of people for the $12.95 entree special on Tuesdays, which isn't that great of a deal in the first place. We had a reservation set for 8:30 PM, but we weren't seated until 9. Although Acme isn't known for its seafood, I decided to order the crab cakes, which came out burnt and tasteless. It was a rather forgettable meal, however, in the middle of the night, I woke up with a mild case of food poisoning. Perhaps since the crab cakes were so burnt, I couldn't taste how rotten they actually were. Another member of our party got sick as well. Additionally, beers are well over-priced for the area. Don't believe any hype.
(2)Jaclyn T.
Food was good and we are glad we happened to go on a day the prices were $12.95 per plate. It would have been overpriced at it's original price. I must say, I have never had veal cheeks ever in my life. Even though it was good, I but probably wouldn't get it again.
(3)Shannon P.
burgers may be the most expensive in town but they're worth every penny. waiter was incredibly attentive and went above and beyond. local brews on tap. ambiance was flat on a weeknight around 8pm. no one there, super quiet. frigid cold in dining area.
(4)Liwei Y.
Love the food here! love the ambience! Come here Tuesday nights...$13 for all entrees!! Drinks here taste a bit strong for me...
(4)Melissa P.
This is a great little place for fantastic food that's just a little different. Most main dishes are between $16-$22 and on Tuesday nights-- all main dishes are $12.95, which is AWESOME. Unfortunately, we weren't able to use our LivingSocial deal because we happened to go on the 12.5 night-- but we plan to go back for their famous brunch before it expires. For dinner-- the food was fantastic. I had the Blackened Salmon and my boyfriend had the Fried Chicken-- which, they even managed to make it look fancy. Both were full of flavor and delicious. We had the Fried Green Tomatoes as an app-- while a little small-- it was still delicious. Lastly, you MUST get the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie-- it's the best I've ever had and I'm still dreaming of how good it was. Service was fantastic and the wine list is also great.
(4)tommie r.
Acme is almost too eclectic. It's like the staff of an Apple Store chillaxed a little and opened up a up restaurant. The cocktails list is short but imaginative and while you can't really just, like, get a steak, the dishes they put together are tasty, creative and surprisingly cheap (in comparison to restaurants down Franklin...) Def get a table in the patio area in the back - perfect lighting and atmosphere.
(4)Steve H.
Stopped by for dinner before a Thursday night show at Cats Cradle, got there at 7:30pm, got a table for two immediately. The tables and chairs are pretty crowded together here, if you need space this may not be the place for you, it was fine for us though. Got water pretty promptly, but it took some time for the waiter to arrive. We split a hamburger and pan fried catfish,. The $10 hamburger was totally unremarkable, not nearly as good as Chargrill, no better than an Applebee's burger, I know we probably shouldn't be ordering a hamburger at Acme but it is prominently featured on the menu and it sounded good, but it wasn't. The fries that came with it were ok, kindof soggy/oily and over salted though. The catfish was delicious, niicely cooked, on a bed of rice and blackeyed peas. We both devoured it and wanted more. However once again the dish was over salted. Too much salt seemed to be the special of the evening, made worse by the fact that we didn't got our water refilled until we were almost finished eating. No waiter in sight during our whole meal. So if you go, don't bother with the burger, stay on the main entrees and look for items with interesting sides. I will probably try Acme again, just to give them another chance. I like the fact that we were able to get a seat on a walk-in (Tyler's Taproom had a 20 minute waite)
(3)Layton J.
Acme has a promotion of all entrees are $12.95 on Tuesday nights. That's what got us coming in but not what will have us coming back. The food is awesome and quite frankly I would pay more. The atmosphere reminds of the restaurants in large cities like San Francisco or New York but it's right here in our back yard of Carrboro. The service is excellent and I would bring special attention to the hostess Denise who is able to control the flow of reservations and walk ins with such grace, she is the best. Great spot and great time!
(5)Lindsey M.
Went for 12.95 Tuesday with my fiancé. The food was unique and quite delicious, and the dessert was spot on. I would recommend this place for a nice date night or special occasion.
(5)Matt D.
This is most definitely my favorite restaurant that I've eaten at since I've lived here, and I'm never disappointed. Whenever we go to brunch, I always get the Fried Chicken Cutlets with Rice and Butterbeans in that succulent gravy. If I weren't sane, I would probably get 2 orders of it. I always have a craving for it, and it's so good. I could honestly just eat the rice and beans in the gravy and be satisfied, but the chicken only makes it more excellent. The Dinners are also amazing no matter what you order. This place caters to any crowd and is affordable for anyone if you're willing to eat great food for an ok price, but then again who isn't? I have never been disappointed when I've gone to ACME, and hopefully you never have been either.
(5)Matt M.
one word. reDUNKulous. omg. from Viper bloody mary's to strawberry butter. what are these kids doing back there. sunday brunch. packed. sit at the bar and hang out with locals. table for 6? no problem. these folks are on fire. pick what ever you want. my fav. is the plain breakfast. eggs any style. i get them sunny side up so i can pop the blister of succulent egg yolk with good for you cholesterol, a plentiful side of the big kind of bacon, yummy biscuit that in a good way crumbles in your hand, and either the side of spicy grits or yummy breakfast taters with this delectable sauciness to them. oh and the bloody mary's and blueberry mimosa's. my kids chime in too with stuffed faces. it's our sunday tradition. they'll scarf the yummy colossal french toast with real whip cream. go there now.
(5)Solange C.
Acme has become a victim of its own success, too big for its britches in the local vernacular. The food is fine, if a bit heavy handed with the spices--trying a little too hard to be clever with the "southerness" schtick I guess. However, the prices, the snobby attitude of the staff and having to sit almost on top of your neighbor (even the previously very lovely outdoor space is now cheek by jowl with chairs and tables) makes this a has-been good local spot that has lost its authenticity and it's heart. It sad to see. Luckily Crooks just down the road continues on in it's friendly, lovely, warm and truly delicious way. Guess that's the difference between the real thing and a wannabe. This wannabe has sold out. And I am truly sad to say that I can't stomach returning---I have so many fond memories of how fun, welcoming and surprisingly tasty they were when they opened. Now it feels like they think they are doing me a favor by deigning to serve me--as if I should just be lucky they would accept my money. I guess the lure of profit and the shine of popularity is hard to resist--even in counter culture little Carrboro.
(2)Dan W.
Has hit a groove. Really really good fried chicken, blackened salmon, apple soup, fried okra and artichokes. Good wine selection too. Ponzi Pinot Noir was perfect. Outdoor seating is best in town (Crooks is a close second). Bar too is excellent.
(4)Cathy P.
Staff very good;food good.Service excellent.
(4)Sara A.
I went to Acme for the first time last night to finally try them out on their "Recession Buster Tuesdays," and have some mixed feelings. The atmosphere is nice -- had it been a little warmer, I imagine it would have been very pleasant to sit outside on their pretty and atmospheric patio. Inside is pretty pleasant too - cozy, with nice lighting. It was a little loud, but Tuesday evenings are packed (reservations recommended) thanks to the special. The tables may have been a little close together as well, but we were lucky enough to be in a corner booth that didn't feel crowded by others. The waitress could not have been friendlier, and was very knowledgeable about the food and wine. The wine list was pretty good but not super extensive, and they had a bunch of signature cocktails that looked delicious. The food menu is actually somewhat small, so look on the website before the first time you go to make sure everyone can find something they like. As far as the food... here's where I think things are a bit hit and miss. There is a heavy emphasis on local and organic food here, which I appreciate, but not when it's at the expense of taste. I ordered the scallops, which I had read were very good, and came with shitake mushrooms over a cauliflower and gruyere puree with truffle oil. Well, the scallops were nicely seared, but the puree was surprisingly bland (I really think it was ONLY gruyere and cauliflower), the mushrooms were kind of rubbery, and it all came in a weird brothy soup mixture that was not described on the menu and I didn't expect. I am still not sure what it was. It made the puree kind of soggy, the mushrooms rubbery. My dining companion ordered the blackened salmon, which was described as spicy... but wasn't spicy at all. I tried it and actually thought it too, was a little bland, though nicely cooked and not dry at all. We also had the fried green tomatoes, which were pretty good (especially the corn and balsamic reduction), and shared for dessert strawberry-rhubarb pie, which was delectable. Now I have had many a scallop in my day and sadly, this is not going to be my go-to scallop dish for when I'm craving them. The dish would improve immensely if they just took out the "soup." And added some spices to the puree. For the actual quality of the food, I thought it was overpriced. With a bottle of wine, and splitting an appetizer and dessert, we spent about $45 per person, but this was on their Tuesday Special day, where all entrees are $12.95. I thought this was a pretty good deal, considering most entrees are $17 - $21, so I recommend going on a Tuesday -- make reservations -- to check them out. I probably will go back, but try something different. I also look forward to trying the brunch. I get the impression that this is the kind of restaurant where food is hit and miss, and some things might be a whole lot better on a different day -- perhaps even the dish I ordered. But for a restaurant in this price range, I expect the food quality to be consistently good, and in my limited experience with Acme, that wasn't the case.
(3)Michael C.
Consistently innovative and delicious food combined with attentive and expert service. Its not a five star restaurant, but the prices are reasonable, so its a good value that balances quality with prices one can afford more than once a year.
(4)JJ B.
After dining here a few times and having consistently phenomenal food I was compelled to enlighten others. Excellent customer service. For example, took a date a there and although we were outrageously late for our reservation they kept a table open for me. Good beer selection, outstanding wine selection. Food is f'ing delicious often incorporating super fresh local ingredients. I highly recommend the lobster ravioli for anybody who possesses working taste buds. Nice sophisticated decor and intimate setting perfect for dates or anybody who wants a damn good meal. If the quality of their dinner dishes are any indication of their breakfast dishes I absolutely cant wait to try their brunch.
(4)Chloe B.
I dunno, 4 or 5 stars? Okay, I'm being nice and giving 5. Why? After years away, I returned to Acme for brunch and their food is still delicious! On that visit, I took my verrry picky boyfriend from California. Just a day earlier, he proclaimed he'd never eat grits. Well he took a surprising risk, ordering a dish with steak and grits. I waited for him to complain, but to my surprise, he loved it. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever seen him enjoy a meal so much. Now that is a sign of tasty cuisine! As for me, I remember that years ago I decided Acme had the best coffee cake I'd ever had, and i don't usually like coffee cake. Clearly Acme has consistently exceeded expectations with their food. My only complaint were I to strain for one -- well I got a bloody mary that was so so. It tasted just okay. On the bright side, one drink down, I was definitely tipsy! Price-wise, I think they are okay. Not cheap, not expensive, but definitely worth the money. For brunch I definitely recommend Acme. I cannot speak for other meals.
(5)Michael M.
Excellent food.. great menu
(4)Melodie S.
Hells to the yeah, Acme F&B. If for no other reason than their use and promotion of locally grown produce and use of naturally raised chicken. I hope to see much more of this practiced as the Triangle grows, but not surprising to see a place like this thriving in funky little Carrboro. An intimate and informal spot, great for catching a casual dinner and not so noisy that you have to elevate your voice to be heard by your dinner companion. The price is reasonable for what you get and the creativity of the menu. I hear the brunch is excellent and it is on the list of future brunch adventures if I can ever get my lazy butt out to Carrboro on a Sunday AM.
(4)Kristen J.
Horrible customer service - food is fine based on prior experiences, but when I tried to make a reservation to use a LivingSocial voucher that was expiring in 2 days they would not accommodate, wouldn't let me use it on a Tuesday because of Tuesday $12.95 specials. No mention of this anywhere on LivingSocial or Acme website, nothing in the fine print. When I tried to offer alternatives, to pay normal menu prices if they would just let me eat there on Tuesday instead of Wednesday because I was going out town, I was quickly shut down and told they couldn't do anything. I will not go here again after dealing with unaccommodating and rude staff.
(2)Janice U.
We went there for Sunday brunch. Three of us ordered the fried green tomato sandwich with bacon with a taste of pimento cheese. This southern sandwich could have been delicious (which we expected!) but it was served on a big fat white bun-way too much bread for the little amount of sandwich fixins inside. Over half the plate was piled with non descript fries--too many for even the guy in our group. The other person in our group had an egg dish served with chili grits which were delicious.
(2)carson s.
It is a pleasure to submit a write up for Acme restaurant. We have eaten here at least 40 times and I am rarely disappointed. I especially appreciate the extensive wine list; if you want to spend some extra money ask Kevin or the bartender if they have any special wines "in the back". You will not be disappointed despite the price. Another Acme extra to note is the kitchen's extensive use of local produce, meat and cheese. I know Chez Panisse broke this ground many years ago and many RTP restaurants have "wordy" entree descriptions in their menu. But Kevin and company go out of their way to shop at the Carrboro farmer's market and local farmers as often as possible. The extra effort to obtain quality ingredients for the dishes provided always brings a smile to my face after the meal. I have to stop gushing now or you will suspect I am an employee - try Acme, you will like it.
(5)Steven R.
Some of the best food in the Triangle! The folks at Acme change up the menu on a regular basis to match the seasons, fresh produce, etc. Pork, fried chicken, you name it - amazing! It's always an enjoyable experience. The service is great, but just a notch below restaurants typically serving food of this caliber. I prefer the "no fuss" atmosphere - don't change it a bit. It's all about the food at Acme and well worth it. Thanks!
(4)Chad P.
Always outstanding food and service. Seems like every time we to, there is a really unique special that's just extraordinary. It's a great atmosphere, the waitstaff are both knowledgeable and polite, and of course, the food is awesome. We always try to bring friends here when they visit and they never disappoint!
(5)Dawn F.
My Dad and I made a reservation here for after the UNC vs Kentucky game. The game went well over the usual game time so I called to let the restaurant know, and they were totally fine that we would be a little late. However, when we did arrive, there were STILL patrons at our table. The manager apologized profusely and even bought us each a drink at the bar -- much appreciated! Shortly after, he was able to find us a different table since a foursome did not show up. Our service was phenomenal. I wish I could remember our waitress's name, but it was several weeks ago so I've forgotten. She was spot on. I ordered the crab cakes and my Dad had the salmon. Both were cooked perfectly. We even ordered chocolate pecan pie for dessert. Superb!
(4)Rob W.
Let me first start off by saying that I was there for the wine dinner with my friend Bruce Patch was there and at first, we were not going to be able to have the wine dinner. But the incredible manager/hostess hooked us up with a table at the end by the window and we were incredibly happy!! The food was delicious and service was incredible. We will go back again! Thanks~
(5)Scott S.
Went there for brunch on Sunday between 11AM and 12:30 PM. The reason we went there was that the other places we visited in the area had a wait. This place was only 50 percent filled. We sat outside and the ambiance was nice. However the food took 45 minutes to be served. The table next to us had their meal served in 10 minutes. We do not know why this was the case. Even though the portions were tasty, they were small. We ordered the $12 crab omelette and $10 waffle dish. They were extremely skimpy on the crab, maybe 1 ounce of crab inside the omelette but it had a lot of rich hollandaise sauce. I ate the whole omelette dish and 1/2 the waffle dish and I was still hungry and I am average height and below average weight for my age. The waiter service was not that good. It was easier for me to get my own ketchup, napkins and straws. In conclusion, this place is very pricey with sloooow service. Maybe most people know this because places that serve brunch usually have a wait. This place was 1/2 empty - a good indicator that there is something wrong with a restaurant.
(1)Eddie H.
Excellent food, way better than I expected. The blackened salmon on top of cheese grits was a flavor combination that I never would have thought of, and completely blew me away. My only complaint is that the chocolate brownie with ice cream dessert was less than mediocre. The brownie was burnt and overall the dessert was not very good. Our waitress was super nice and even comp'd our father's meal for father's day. Great job!
(4)Ennie D.
YUM. My bf and I were out in Raleigh/Durham checking out Duke and UNC, and being from San Francisco, we were looking for a tasty place to have dinner. We found one! I had the scallops, and I can't quite remember what he had, except that it was extremely oversalted. Normally I have food-envy over what he ordered, but I schooled him this time. The gruyere/califlower puree was top-notch, and my scallops were nicely done. Apple pie for dessert was freaking awesome We'll definitely go back here if we end up moving!
(4)Liz T.
Talk about feeling unwelcome! I came here with 3 friends for Sunday brunch 10am. We waited for them to unlock the door to come in as they opened at 10:00, and they had a few families who had done the same at the back patio door, but they completely ignored us as they only seated the families at the back door and then the ones who had just walked in. I politely spoke up mentioning we have 10:00 reservations, so they seated us, as if young patrons were a burden. We ordered our meals from a flighty server. We were hungry and ate our meals as soon as we got them, although the hash browns are too spicy- like they dumped Cayenne pepper on it. We were quickly given the bill, with a few mistakes (charged too many OJs instead of Coffees, but with only a few bucks difference, it didn't bother us) and we tipped very well. We stayed at our table enjoying catching up and drinking our coffee when THE MANAGER ASKED IF WE WERE PLANNING TO ORDER MORE OR LEAVE SOON!!!!!!!! My jaw dropped! We are well-behaved, well-dressed 20-somethings women who were enjoying the table we reserved and finishing our drinks. Even if you are busy on Sunday, are money is good too. I've never experienced such a rude establishment, so we just left, never to return. The funny thing was, some little kids were running around, and none of the staff seemed to mind or mentioned anything to those families. How bizarre.
(1)Denise B.
Great space and local fresh food. Came on a tour stayed to eat. Wonderful blending of american food with a new twist. The Chef was generous with his time. Very comfortable space lovely garden with fountain made by an employee. Great Cocktails. Go Eat there!
(4)Stephen B.
We had the donuts, crab omelette, and Acme breakfast. Everything was great, as were the staff and space. Can't wait to return.
(5)Michael G.
Acme sucks. There, I said it. I've been here twice in the past few months to try and really give it a shot. This review is based on a Sunday brunch outing... I can be a bit of a pain. I enjoy skim OR 2% milk with my coffee, not half and half. Some places can't accommodate this request. Acme, unfortunately, is one of them. Come on Acme...you're trying to be a decent mid to upscale restaurant in Carrboro. Know your clientele. To make it worse, they don't offer many options for brunch and the ones they do almost all have meat. Again, this is Carrboro. Figure it out and get some turkey bacon or veggie sausage or SOME option for the non-pork eaters. Also, Acme's prices are too high for what you get. Sorry, just can't get into this place.
(2)Lauren P.
NOM! I went here for brunch and it was soooo mouthwateringly delicious! First off, get the donuts. Just do it. Worry about the carbs later. Lemon, chocolate, and maple topped on some of the most perfect donut cake batter I've ever had. They even get better when they're cold! (I mean, if you can take that long to eat them) I had the mushroom, bacon, tomato omelet with a side of grits. The grits were fantastic, I didn't need to add butter or salt (however I did add a little hot sauce cause that's how I roll)! The omelet, well, was an omelet. A little greasy, but it's brunch and I did need something to soak up all that alcohol I had the night before. My friend had the special fish & chips, which were breaded and cooked to perfection. Crispy and crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Outside of England, I'm not sure I've had such good fried fish. The wait staff was alright, and probably my only reason for not giving them 5 stars. He wasn't really attentive, seeing as I think my friend and I were the only two people in his section for awhile. Both groups of people that sat down after us received their food before we even got our appetizers (donuts). He never came back to refill my coffee and really didn't take any initiative to ask us how everything was. I'm sure he had a wild Saturday night too, but still, I want mah food. Don't let the waitstaff deter you from trying the food. At least once. Show up at least once. Then decide for yourself.
(4)Kari N.
My husband and I went for brunch on a Sunday after church. The small, quaint dining room was packed, but we were seated right away. Drinks: I ordered a bloody mary and hubby ordered a mimosa. My bloody mary was great. Although, I wish the garnish was better, it was lemon, lime, and pickled okra. I love celery, olives, etc. in a bloody mary. This one tasted great, but fell a little short on the garnish. Meal: I ordered the pan-seared scallop benedict with asparagus on an english muffin and of course, hollandaise sauce. It came with mixed greens and I chose the diner potatoes over the grits. My meal was absolutely delish!! I savored every bite. Hubby ordered the bacon cheeseburger. He enjoyed it, but it was not stellar, just average. Dessert: We decided to order the malted ricotta doughnuts with maple, chocolate, and lemon glaze. What a terrific way to end our meal. I noticed some people ordering these first, as an app, but I am soo glad we waited till the end of the meal. They were delectable, but so rich and sweet. I may have lost my appetite if I ate these prior to the meal. Overall, it was a great experience. We will definitely be back!
(4)Lorea S.
So the boyfriend and I decided to go out for a nice dinner and wanted to venture out to Carrboro. After reviewing many many menus and Yelp pages, we settled on Acme and we were NOT disappointed. The menu was phenomenal and we both had a difficult time choosing. To start, I went with the curried apple soup, which was delicious. It was sweet and spicy and I loved it. The bf got a fried green tomato stack, with some delicious type of cheese layered in between. Even though it was January, the tomatoes were still very good. My favorite thing about this dish, though, was the generous helping of sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and whole cloves of roasted garlic on the side. Even the vinegar drizzled on the plate was good. I wasn't sure what type of wine to go with the scallops I decided on and our waiter recommended a very good white and I loved it. My scallops had a wonderful soft texture and were on a bed of mashed cauliflower and gruyère (I want to go back and just buy a gallon of that stuff) They were surrounded by spinach, mushrooms, and onions in shiitake broth. The portion was huge and I didn't finish it. The bf ordered the hanger steak. Our waiter warned him that it is a tougher cut of meat that needed to be sliced a certain way. He ordered it anyway, and while it had a good flavor, the texture wasn't my favorite. (full disclosure: I'm a medium-rare filet-or-bust kind of girl). Now for the main course. (dessert, duh) Our waiter told us that the night before, the restaurant had made rocky road bread pudding for someone's birthday and that they still had a little left over. After clapping my hands and squealing like a little girl, I asked him to please heat some up for me. The boyf ordered chocolate bourbon pecan pie. (he makes regular pecan pie homemade so I was shocked) Both desserts were to die for. The texture of the bread pudding was just how I like it and the pecan pie was chocolate overload (my favorite thing). I ordered a latte to go with and they made it exactly how I asked for. The service and the atmosphere were both great. Our waiter was attentive but didn't rush us. The pacing of the courses allowed us a little (much needed) time to digest and plates were cleared away quickly when we were finished. The only bad things about Acme were that I was too full to finish my dessert(s!!) and that my boyfriend told me that I couldn't unbutton my pants until I got to the car. Boo.
(5)Harry P.
We went for dinner. The service was very good, but the food seemed to be consistently missing something. The empanada appetizer looked good, but the dough was chewy and tough to cut through with a fork. If I'm going to eat some fried dough, let's do it right! The filling was on point. I had the bbq w/ macaroni & cheese and my wife had the braised short ribs. The barbecue wasn't slow cooked all that well, it was a little tough. Probably needed some more smoking to really get it super tender. At least it wasn't boiled in vinegar. The macaroni and cheese were really good though. My wife's short ribs were tender and the texture was great. The sauce just lacked some oomph. It was under salted and could use some more volume with the flavors. We managed to escape the kids for a night and expected a little more than we got. Maybe we just had our hopes set too high. The rest of the menu looked good and the other reviewers seem to rave about brunch, so maybe we'll re-evaluate with a mid-day visit. We did go there on a Tuesday where all entrees were $12.99. That was a nice surprise.
(3)Mandey B.
Holy buhjeezus, Acme brunch is the best. I go almost every single Sunday and I still have trouble deciding between the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich (WITH BACON) and the Crab Omelet. At least, I HAD trouble deciding until yesterday, when a friend and I went and found that one of the specials was The Elvis- banana, honey, and peanut butter sandwiched between two pieces of french toast. I thought I was going to freak out. It was so incredible. Most of the staff, like 99 per cent of it, is consistently stellar. I don't only go to brunch; Acme is a great place for dinner, also. I go alone and with groups and I have a great time every time. Be on the lookout for their soft shell crab dinner special when it's in season. The spaghetti squash appetizer is awesome. The tomato plate is beautiful and delicious. You should make reservations for dinner if you're going between 7:30 and 9ish. The patio is beautiful. Also, the bathrooms are beautiful. You can usually judge a restaurant's overall cleanliness this way. If they let the bathroom be gross, then what AREN'T you seeing?
(5)B. L. W.
There are no vegetarian entrees at this restaurant. They have salads, shiitake mushroom soup, and a small plate with fried green tomatoes.
(1)Josh Y.
Acme is fantastic. There really is no other way in my mind to put it. The food is amazing, fresh, flavorful, etc. etc. I've been here three times now, and every time both myself and those I've been with loved the food. Last time I had fried catfish, and I swear I've never had a piece of fish that moist in my life. They also get it right without being overly complicated. No 20 ingredient salads or exotic cooking methods, just great simple food. The service has also been great, knowledgeable and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere is nice, I suppose you could say the tables are close quartered at times, but we've never had a problem. This really is a minor detail in a wonderful eating experience, and overall I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Naomi K.
Tough to get a reservation for Sunday brunch but they were excellent in getting us seated quickly even with a busy crowd. It's a bit of a mess going in through the front door and walking nearly to the back where the hostess station blocks all the flow from the kitchen to the bar or back tables. I felt bad for the servers who had to wade through the customers who were just standing around waiting to get seated. They've got a little gravel parking lot out back and a lovely outdoor seating area- I would have preferred over the hectic and noisy inside, but they might only open those tables at a specific time. I have to say, the service was excellent, our server was friendly and easy going. You could tell he enjoyed his job and the customers enjoyed him. It was the guy with the beard, I'm not sure if his name was Tom or not. I got the french toast custard special. Very delicious but a little more like dessert. The Texas border breakfast was quite tasty too. Delicious steak with spicy grits and gently poached eggs. Fresh squeezed oj and a fresh cup of joe... need to take a walk after breakfast to settle it all in. It's a bit far from Durham but a nice way to spend an easy Sunday.
(4)David W.
I came out here on a week night for dinner mostly because I've heard a lot about this place and they have a really interesting menu. Unfortunately it didn't quite live up to the hype. The menu was really interesting and sounded very creative. I got the fried green tomatoes for an appetizer and the tomatoes were not soft enough. For an entree I got the pan fried catfish which was okay but when combined with their black eyed peas was a little on the salty side. A good thing about this spot is that the portions are actually a decent size and you will actually be pretty full from their $15-$20 entrees. This place may be worth going to again just because they have so many different dishes that sound good, but again it sounds like it may be hit or miss.
(3)Carol S.
We went to Brunch last Sunday. Were seated at 12:30, did not receive our orders until 1:15. This was for a waffle, an omelet and 3 eggs benedict. The waffle was served cold, the eggs benedict eggs were hard boiled. I took this group that was visiting from out of town because I had heard so many good things about the restaurant. I was embarrassed to say the least
(2)Sean W.
Acme is the real deal. Although it shares a name often found in cartoons, Carrboro's Acme restaurant really delivered an exceptional meal that will get us back to this neighboring city more often (the Carrboro Beverage Co. will help too). The overall look/feel is friendly and relaxed and the food is fresh, loaded with flavor, and amazing. The menu is divided into small plates, bowls, plates and sandwiches. I had the Tuna special, that was a massive tuna steak covered in sesame seeds, over mushrooms, greens, and rice, with truffle oil - TOP NOTCH. My wife got the Salmon which incorporated southwestern flavors with a jalpeno pesto. The fish parings were all paired with creative seasonal veggies. We enjoyed a "quartina" of Portland Pinot Noir, and it paired nicely. Good for friends; good for romance. Comfortable food that exceeded our expectations.
(4)Jayde B.
Loved this place when we lived around here. New age southern food is the theme and Acme is the places in town that does it best! Things which are always phenomenal: 1. Service - we have a favorite waiter... 2. Atmosphere - sometimes on the louder side, but a classy place 3. FOOD - specials, appetizers, entree's, are all fabulous 4. Wine parings - just ask your server if you are unsure, they always have the answer Not my favorite place for desserts - found them to be good, but nothing out of this world. We usually went down the road to sugarland. Next time we are in town, we're definitely going back! Dress is casual (but not sweatshirts) to business casual, but do not worry about it too much if all you have is a semi-nice pair of sneakers to go with that outfit. Definitely not a college kid hang out, more of a place your parents would take students when they are in town. UNC students, ask your parents to take you here!
(5)Jane W.
The brunch may be worth driving to Carrboro from Cary on a more regular basis. I would like to give a shout out to the best hollandaise ever, perfectly poached eggs, and this crazy maple-strawberry butter that made me want to do naughty things with it...... On the down side our waitress was a snot.... no other way to put it. She could not have tried to be more un-enthused to be managing our table of 12-13 for a yelp brunch group. I was also confused as to the fact that it was the Annual Acme Tomato Festival and there was not a single tomato offering for the day aside from the standard menu...... And finally, we sat in the back corner section and were almost sweat out of the place. Seriously, we took turns walking to the bathroom just to cool off, it was not the best atmosphere for those of us who are usually coffee drinkers. All in all, I would go back to Acme, and if it was closer to home it would be a regular brunch spot for me and the hubby. I think the issues we had could easily be fixed with a good waiter and a fan!
(4)Will C.
Ate there for 4th time last night as we keep wanting to give it another chance. Hanger steak was chewy at best and pork shoulder was covered in too much sauce to be edible. We went because if the wine list but they were out of the 1st two wines we ordered and 3rd had not been stored properly and was way too warm for a red. Unfortunately this will be my last time eating here as I don't like paying for food twice - once on the way down, the other on the way up. Oh well.
(1)Monica M.
Acme's dinner has never disappointed us! This place was actually the very first place that Kyle and I went to to celebrate him getting the job here before we moved here from Texas, so it does have a little bit of a special meaning to us. I digress - from the moment we walked in, we were very pleased with the atmosphere, the service, the cocktails and Oh Em Gee, the food! Aside from the food, the two things I love the most about this place are the Art and the Service. If you get the chance to go in the near future, there is an artist on display who did a series of monsters! The one with King Kong's hand holding a woman is my personal fave - I seriously would have purchased it, but someone already nabbed it. A place that would display something like this, and a mummy, vampires, etc... is always good in my book! The service is always impeccable as well. We've always had the service come at exactly the right times to refill a drink, serve an appetizer, or recommend a dish to us. The staff is always friendly, humorous, and ready to share their thoughts on the food or wine pairings. If you haven't checked them out yet, Recession Tuesdays are quite the steal. All entrees and bowls are $12.95, which means you can score something like their Yellow Fin Tuna (normally at $21) for... $12.95. I think we've tried out half the menu by now on Tuesdays. If you are bringing in a party larger than 2, make sure you make reservations before 5:30pm that day! I've got to try out that brunch some time soon.. that eggs benedict sounds delish!
(5)Bill A.
4.5 OK so this place the real deal, local feel, and $emi-steal. (wish Charlotte would take notice) 4 people, bottle o wine, bunch o beers, 2 smalls plates, 4 entrees, and dessert $170. Tom had a Great attitude, knowledge and service style ( again Charlotte take notice) I don't need to go on, except to say It is Good, actually Really Good, can't wait to get back for more......
(4)Bobbin W.
Although we didn't have a reservation, my BFFE and I scored a sweet window seat at the front of Acme on Sunday. Perhaps our penance for not making reservations was receiving neglectful service--our being almost entirely ignored has knocked my review from A++ to four stars. My Hoppin' John entree was admittedly divine. Two fried eggs sat on a bed of seductively mushy rice mixed with black eyed peas and the occasional shred of cheddar cheese, bacon chunks providing a pop now and then. A bacon-chipotle hollandaise sauce slid off the eggs, disappearing as quickly as the attention of our waiter. I also found the artwork intriguing--all by the same artist. I almost inquired about the price on one piece with a huge King Kong fist gripping a frightened damsel. However, I decided against hanging such a portrait in my home as I would rather the King Kong fist be crunching a hollering male. While my breakfast embodied the acme of brunch food, the service stooped to a nadir.
(4)Psalm S.
We met up with fellow Yelpers Paige T. and Rob C. for some Sunday brunch. It was such a yucky day and I could not wait to fill my belly with some carbalicious goodies. We did not have reservations and put our name down for 4. My one complaint would be there isn't much of a place to stand and wait while your name is being called. I would've taken the hostess up on her offer to call me when the table was ready had it not been so gross outside. We ended up being a party of five and the hostess seemed quite put out by this. Our wait went from basically over to another 20-30 minutes. But much to our pleasant surprise, a table opened up sooner than expected. Our server was really friendly and accommodating, and the brunch menu looked fantastic! Everyone had a hard time choosing. Finally, I just decided on the Acme breakfast. It was the perfect choice - eggs, bacon, mixed greens, diner potatoes, and my favorite, a huge, delicious biscuit. I also had a cappucino which warmed me up nice. Everyone really enjoyed their meals and the atmosphere was nice and cozy. Acme will definitely be on our list when we're in Carrboro again, especially since they have a nice outdoor area which I hope to enjoy on a better day.
(4)Ian D.
Sunday Brunch at Acme was spot on. They feature a diverse and engaging menu. The service was prompt and friendly. We will definitly make Acme part of our Sunday brunch rotation.
(4)Joe D.
Excellent food. Acme is a cut above most other restaurants in the Chapel Hill area. We had the fried green tomatoes, and the Pork Two Ways entree. The latter was tender and delicious, falling off the bone. Dessert was the key lime pie. It was topped with real, fresh cream. My girlfriend described it as the best key lime pie she's ever had. Service was good too.
(5)Genevieve S.
I've been here for both brunch and dinner and have been really impressed with the food both times. I also like that pairing 2 small plates at dinner is about the same size as a large entree, great for someone like me who likes to sample lots of different things.
(5)Daryl C.
So this review is based upon two recent visits to Acme, both on $12.95 Tuesday. A week ago, my wife and I went there with another couple. The food was delicious. I had the blackened salmon over grits and black beans with salsa verde, which is a menu staple that they always pull off nicely. My wife had the spinach ravioli, which she thoroughly enjoyed (though she only got 4 of them!) For dessert, our table ordered two of the dessert options and a pair of cappuccinos. Though our server brought out the desserts in a timely fashion, he didn't bring out the cappuccinos until well after the other desserts had been finished. Finally, right after we had signed our checks (and while we were drinking our lately-brought coffee), he came up to us and asked if we could leave so that they could use our table. Now, I've been a server; and on busy nights like this one, I can understand the desire to make this request. But it wasn't just that--it was the manner in which he said it. Very little tact, barely disguising the fact that he wanted us out the door. It's basic server etiquette that you don't force a customer out the door like this; sure, as a server you might get frustrated at a table that lingers past the point of decency, but you shouldn't act upon this frustration, and we had *just* signed our checks. We noticed that there were other tables next to us that had been finished and lingering longer than us; but perhaps he figured that because we were younger-looking student-types, that we would not be offended as much? This was a shockingly offensive end to the evening. My wife and I have been to Acme before this encounter just described, and we do enjoy the food and atmosphere. So we came back tonight with two other couples. We arrived and learned that our reservation for 6 had been written down as a reservation for 2; luckily, we were still able to be seated. After about ten minutes, our server came to take our drink and food orders. We got the heirloom tomato appetizer (red, yellow, and green tomatoes laid over fresh mozzarella with nice touches of homemade basil pesto, plus some pickled peaches on the side) to share, it was very well done. I tried the blackened tuna special (tuna over a panzanella), and it was cooked to perfection. Everyone else had the cajun ribeye. My wife's steak was chock full of fat, though it still tasted good. Overall, the food was great. When I went to ask to put the appetizer on my check, the server looked at me and said "Excuse me?" in an oddly accusatory manner. Kind of weird. So here's my summary judgment. Acme knows how to make pretty good food, though sometimes you might get less than expected for the money (see the ravioli; also, the scallops) or a bad cut of meat (the fatty steak). I suppose you could say that it's $12.95 Tuesday, we should be happy with what we're getting. But the exciting thing about this deal is that it's supposed to be an entree of $20 quality, for much cheaper. And I'm not sure that this is always the case. But the bigger issue is the service. My wife and I like Acme, and we *want* to like Acme. We like their food, and their beer and wine selection is great. Yet bad service can really leave a mark. It makes the difference between being really excited to go back to a place, and being only moderately excited. Will we go back? Sure. When it's not $12.95 Tuesday? Maybe not. If I'm going to pay $20 for an entree, I will go to a place that has consistently better service, to add the final touch to the meal that makes it a complete aesthetic experience. I wish there was a 3.5-star option. The food deserves four stars, but the service drops it down; the expectations have been lowered.
(3)Rebecca M.
As someone who usually goes to Acme for brunch or dinner at least once a month, I am a huge fan of this restaurant because they always deliver quality and interesting food in a friendly way. They also always have a really good wine list and great cocktails. I especially like to take out of town guest to Acme because of their emphasis on southern-cuisine-done-in-a-novel-way. I've had great experiences with Acme whether its been a party of two or whether I've been part of a big group. I've also found them very accommodating of children. My little niece had a wonderful meal and time at the restaurant! And their Tuesday evening specials of $12.95 for any entree is an incredible food value. Acme is the type of place that makes Carrboro/Chapel Hill a great place to live. And I'm happy they're here, consistently delivering really delicious dining experiences.
(5)Al G.
i chose acme for the great reviews i was given by actual human contact, and not the internet. everyone said it was the best in town. as i usually make brunch at home, i took their word. i would hope this is not actually the best, for that would be sad for the triangle as a whole. my group came to acme for a boozy brunch, and while my mimosa special was delicious, apparently every bloody mary missed the mark. 4 were tried. by their comments, the spicy one was no more spicy than the original, and all lacked flavor. for a place with a list of specialty bloody marys, this was surprising. our donut appetizer came out with the meal...that turned out to be a godsend because they were overly sugared and acted much more as a dessert. i opted for potatoes over grits, since i don't care much for grits. the potatoes were cooked with some kind of chili spices or peppers of some sort. had i known this, i might have opted to give the grits a chance. only one person enjoyed the potatoes, and he wasn't one who ordered them. i asked for my scrambled eggs to not come to my table runny. i wanted them fully set. the server put the plate in front of me, asked if they were cooked to my liking. immediately, i ran my finger across the top and pulled up a slimy-gooey eggish substance. i know better than to send back eggs, so i said i would make do, put it inside my biscuit and consumed it, eyes closed. sadly, the biscuit came with an odd looking substance that turned out to be a possibly delicious strawberry butter...but i would never know because i had to use my biscuit to disguise my undercooked eggs. others enjoyed their food, but i'm not sure any of us would ever be back. i am a picky person and not everyone else is, but according to yelp, 2 stars is "meh-i've had better" and 3 is "a-ok", and while i hate to give a 2 star review to a 'treasured' establishment, i'm just following yelp's guidelines and the general consensus of our group was "meh".
(2)Eve P.
A group of 10 of us went to Acme to celebrate my birthday. I think I had the best dinner I've had in the Triangle!! There were several items on the menu that sounded great - interesting combinations. I didn't have the thought, "I could make that at home" once while looking at the menu. HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Shortribs with squash casserole and fried leeks...delicious combination with a perfect balance of flavors. Not the hugest portion ever, but I was definitely satisfied, with a little room left for dessert. Other favorites at the table: The barbecue pork dish, the berry cobbler (though one person was hoping for more of a sweet crumbly topping), the key lime pie, and the cappuccino The only slight negative was the soupy-ness of the scallop dish, which made it a little confusing for my friend to eat...it wasn't exactly soup, but there wasn't anything to dip in it. Maybe one little thing for Acme to work on!! Our waiter was very friendly and helpful. Service overall was wonderful, and the atmosphere was cute and unique, but still with a comfortable, cozy quality. We ate at a back table with a booth against the wall, which made it easy for our big group to talk to one another. I'm moving soon, but will make this a stop when I'm back to visit!!
(5)Reno B.
Best burger I've had in the triangle area for sure! Also went there for appetizers one evening and thoroughly enjoyed the calamari salad and the curried apple soup! I Highly recommend this place! I walked by it a bunch of times not knowing there was a great restaurant inside. Glad someone recommended it to me.
(4)Tom P.
I'm confused about how to rate Acme. I've had a few great meals there, and at one time, I thought the regular Acme burger was the best in town. But I've also had some bad meals and think they're one of the least consistent restaurants in town. The last time I went, my burger came out cold and lifeless. I know all burgers are lifeless technically, but mine was gray, rubbery, and just seemed depressed. Nobody wants to eat a depressed burger, but I did just to put it out of its misery. Maybe I just caught them on a bad day? I want to give them another chance, but prices are high enough that I would feel like a sucker for paying a lot for another bad meal, especially with all of the other great options in the area. So I'm giving them three stars, which is kind of a cop-out. The pluses are that the ambiance is nice, the decor is stylish, and they have a great bar and back patio. The big minus is the inconsistency. Sooner or later, I'll go back, and when I do, I'll update my review.
(3)Caroline S.
I've always had great meals from Acme! Even though they have a pretty general name, their food is anything but. For brunch, I love their mimosas and eggs benedict. This bustling restaurant also have a lovely patio outside that's perfect for alfresco dining.
(5)Samantha E.
I had been meaning to come here for ages but only ended up going for desserts and drinks with some people in my department before graduation. We all ordered different desserts and shared and every single one was devine. I had a glance at the real menu as well and it all sounded delicious. The atmosphere is nice and the decorations are interesting. If I do come back I will be sitting in the cute little patio out back.
(5)Molly H.
We had dinner at Acme Food & Beverage Co. last weekend and it was superb. Everything was great: the food, the drinks, the service. I had the beer battered sea scallops to start and my husband had the pork belly on a cheddar biscuit. Both were amazing. The sea scallops' batter reminded me of a funnel cake (a plus in my book!) and the mango sauce on top was sweet. The mustard sauce on the pork biscuit was a great compliment as well. For dinner, I had a special that's not on the regular menu. It was a savory waffle with onions and spices baked in to the batter, topped with shrimp étouffée. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the ham in the creamy sauce added the right amount of flavor. Also, the serving size was gigantic; there's no way I could have finished it all. My husband had the pulled pork and mac and cheese dish which was a perfect combo of comfort foods. The pork's sauce was a tomato-based barbecue sauce and was sweet. I also tried the Carrboro Mojo cocktail, which, if you like spicy ginger ale, is also recommended. A definite must-try if you're in downtown Carrboro!
(5)Maria M.
We usually go to Acme for Sunday brunch. The food is great but the waitstaff leaves something to be desired. We have never had great service. Do not go to Acme if you have a group. It took our waitress more than 30 minutes to split up 5 checks. She acted like it was the worst thing in the world. It soured my opinion of Acme and I will not be inviting my friends to go back with me.
(2)Jessica P.
Wow. I am writing this review after my first visit, but I am sure there will be many more... We just moved to Durham, and decided to go out to dinner in Carrboro one night. Scanning Yelp, I picked Acme. The atmosphere seemed relaxed, laid back. There were all kinds of people there, young and old, not one particular "scene" or "crowd." It was semi-crowded when we got there, and our table was a tiny bit too close to the other tables (This kinda pissed me off later - when the whole place was practically empty - they sat a couple RIGHT next to our table. Really?). Our waitress was AMAZING. Most places I go to, waiters just read the specials and say what's in the dish - she described all the specials as if she MADE them HERSELF. I wasn't very impressed with my drink. I got the "Carrboro Mojo" which consisted of vanilla Stoli and ginger ale. I think the ginger ale they use is probably organic (like Fentiman's or something), because it was wayyy too spicy for me. The drink kinda burned my mouth, and not from the alcohol. Anyways, on to the food... After hearing the specials, we all agreed we had to try the tomato plate - local tomatoes (red, green, yellow) with mozzerella and pesto, deviled eggs, and pickled peaches. It was amazing! The pickled peaches were a little weird though - they were super sweet. There are plenty of tempting entrees, but I decided to go for the burger deluxe. This burger has pimiento cheese on it. Well, I had no idea what pimiento cheese was - but the top result from performing a Google search was a Paula Deen recipe (it's a Southern recipe - cheese mixed with mayo and pimentos). The burger was AMAZING... cooked perfectly, the bacon was crisp and tasty, deliciously fresh pickle slices and red onion. I'm not a fan of the shoestring fries... if this burger was paired with thicker sliced fries or thick sweet potato fries, I would easily put this in the top 3 burgers of all time. Definitely coming back here (and updating this review). Looking forward to trying more entrees and the local beers on tap!
(4)William J.
To all you brunch-lovers: Acme is indeed good for dinner as well. Why the lackluster dinner reviews? Granted I've only been here a couple of times, but I was very pleased with the experience. The lady friend that I go with is a die-hard believer in the place and a gourmand by any standards, so we make sure to sample as much of the menu as possible, which is easy since everything changes so consistently. Most of it is off-limits to me since I'm a confirmed carnivore (the plentiful veggie options common to Carrboro repulse me), but we do well anyway. Of particular note is the bread pudding... If it says "pudding" in this place, try it. The atmosphere is hard to pin down, appearing alternately classy and grungy depending on where you look. They make it work for them, though... it's a little bit like Nirvana meets Will & Grace.
(4)Lenka B.
Acme is probably my favorite restaurant in Carrboro as of today. I went there for the second time the other night and I was extremely pleased with the food and the service. The duck over cornbread dish was inventive and heavenly delicious. Yum.
(5)Richard H.
Great changing menu. Always satisfied when we go. One of my wife's favorite places.
(4)Tricia Y.
I would give this restaurant more than a 5 if I could, it's that good. Yes, it's pricey - but so worth it. My husband and I have been there three times - twice just us, and once with his mother. We have never been even slightly disappointed. I had a seared scallops appetizer the last time we were there that melted in my mouth. We've had crab, steak, fish, rissoto... all amazing. However, I can't comment on the deserts, since we're always too full to order anything. The wine list is extensive; the decor is warm, classy and relaxing; and the wait staff is less stuffy than in most upper-class restaurants, but just as professional. Wow, I want to eat here again soon...
(5)Stacey V.
I have been to Acme twice in the past two weeks for Sunday brunch, both birthday celebrations. I've been living in Chapel Hill for the past 5 years, and working in the service industry here for about 2.5 years now. I can honestly say this is one of the WORST dining and customer service experiences I have ever had to date. I will not be going back to Acme ever again. The first time we went our party had 6 people, and the second time we had 12 people. With the first group, we had our waitress curtly inform us that about 3 or 4 things on the menu (which only had about 15 items total) were "out", including grits and biscuits. Not a big deal, but then she made it sound like she was doing us a favor by letting us get a substitute for the sides they were out of, saying that she'd "let us" get fries or something else as a side but that they "usually never do that." Although we didn't ask her to split the checks (as we'd already understood the policy of one check for large parties), she told us she could, but again making it sound like she was doing us some huge favor, but not to expect anyone else to do it in the future. She continued to have a bad attitude and poor customer service throughout the duration of the meal, making us feel unwelcome and as if we were some burden to the restaurant. Her attitude in general was enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth, but we gave it another shot this past weekend because our friend really wanted to go their on her birthday. The second visit was AWFUL- even worse than the first. We called ahead more than a week in advance and had made reservations for 2pm. As we were on our way to the restaurant, we got a call from someone saying that they actually closed the kitchen at 2pm, and they needed us to hurry up and get to the restaurant so they could close, making it seem like this mistake was somehow our fault. Once we got there and walked in to our table, I could hear our waitress (who was different from the first one) physically counting us off as we walked in. Some of our party had driven in separate cars, and she immediately grilled us about where they were and how many of us there would be as soon as we sat down. We told her the rest were parking and walking in any second. Then, she again brought up the fact that the kitchen was closing and she needed us to hurry up and order- I have NEVER been rushed like this in a restaurant, and as a server would NEVER make one of my customers feel this way, reservation or not. Our entire group was immediately made to feel uncomfortable and unwanted within two minutes of entering the restaurant- that's gotta be a record. And, surprise surprise- they were out of at least 2 entrees AGAIN. When we tried to ask for a side of fries instead of grits with one entree, we were told that "maybe" we could get it, even after we told her we'd pay for a side order if they couldn't be substituted. While another friend ordered, our waitress mocked her and laughed at what she was saying. After we'd shot off our orders to our drill sargeant/waitress, she told us "Good Job" for getting our orders in so fast- "Good job"??? How rude and condescending! One person went to the bar to get a ginger ale, and after being ignored by the bartender for several minutes while he took the trash out instead of serving his customer, was asked by another rude server, "Did you need something?" She ordered the ginger ale and was finally told they were "out"-- what bar that stocks bourbon (which is ALL of them) "runs out" of ginger ale? Our guess is that the bartender was too lazy to go to the back and get more. When the food was being brought out, one of us asked for a side of cheese for the grits, and we were hastily told by the guy serving the food that it'd probably be an extra $0.95. So at that point we knew not to ask for anything else, lest we be nickle-and-dimed even more. The food came out immediately, which I guess was a good thing although it added to the overall experience of feeling like we were being rushed as if we were in a drive-thru lane at McDonald's. Only then did our waitress try to start being nicer to us, but it was a pretty transparent attempt to rectify the situation, as it was probably obvious that our party was so uncomfortable and offended. Luckily, the food was good, but not so good that I'd go back or tolerate being treated the way we were. Once our plates had been cleared, our waitress awkwardly leaned over a wall next to the table and just pointed at each of us to ask if we needed anything else. Even after we'd all said No and had been sitting there for a solid 15 minutes, we had to ask her to bring the check... very strange after being rushed the whole time, only to have some sudden fake attempt at letting us take our time. I've also been to very few restaurants who add gratuity of more than 18%- the auto-grat at Acme was 20%!!! Not a cent of which that entire restaurant deserved, save maybe the kitchen staff.
(1)Alex C.
I wish I could give this lousy excuse for a restaurant zero stars instead of a complimentary one star. Unwelcome is an understatement by previous reviewers. On Mother's day and the day of my sister's graduation from UNC Chapel Hill, we planned to go out for a nice dinner to celebrate. We called Acme six hours ahead and asked for a reservation for five. The hostess remarked that they don't take reservations and we would just have to come in to try our luck. Ok. So we show up at 7pm and put our name on the list. There were multiple large tables empty inside and no one else waiting ahead of us. They said the best they could do was seat us on the patio. OK. So we all went to the bar, ordered from their decent draft beer and wine selection, paid cash, and waited for the table. That's when things went sour. After 15 minutes, the manager came over and told us our table was ready and if we didn't get up ASAP and follow him immediately, we would lose our table. Rather rude we thought. On the way to the table, he remarked that we better have paid our bar tab because our table server would be too busy to serve us! I don't take to kindly to restaurant staff that treat my retired military officer dad, mom, sister, and my wife like scum. I also don't appreciate being treated that way by a business that we chose to visit to spend $$$$ on dinner. Further, as he led us down the back hall to the patio, a server with two food plates appeared out of the kitchen. The manager yelled at us, "Get out of the way, can't you see we have to serve food!" Shocked we wedge our bodies against the wall, so that the staff, who could have waited all of 5 seconds, could walk by. So we get outside to the table...shocked... He had a table for two that he was going to seat us at! For the next five minutes, while we stood there waiting, this incompetent manager pulled up random stools and garden planters for us to sit on! Looking around the patio, there were at least 6 empty tables and 20 empty chairs. He said we (all five of us) had to sit at this makeshift table for two. Very insulting. Next door, a table of eight was happily eating dinner. After a few minutes of sitting, I went inside to ask if the staff could pull up a second table so that at least our plates might fit. The rude hostess didn't waste any time treating me rudely. Said it was "tough shit and you'll have to talk to the manager". ... Nasty nasty people. Even more shocked, I went to find the manager. I asked him if there was any way to pull up the nearby table so that we could reasonable sit and eat. He said no, that they don't move tables! Yet right there on the patio was the eight top with three combined tables! I said, "well how can you better the seating situation, is there a table inside?" (there were at least half a dozen). He told me, "You can sit where I f*%$ing put you or leave. If you have a problem with that, go f*$# yourself!" Seriously, I couldn't make this up. Flabbergasted, I went out to the table, where my family, not wanting to cause a scene, was trying to make the best of the situation. Meanwhile, the waiter was cleaning up a spilled water glass, a glass that had fallen off the cramped table. The manager came out and started yelling at us, saying "I don't understand what the problem is, you sat here and you can eat or leave!" I don't think a review of the mediocre food is worth my while. The cockroaches scurrying across the patio provided the entertainment for the evening. I do have to note that the waiter was respectful and did a decent job and that the patio space, minus the roaches, was nicely decorated. We really should have left though. This town has many other, much much better restaurants. Please don't go here with anyone you care about or if it bothers you to give business to nasty a$#holes. Pathetic...
(1)Owen S.
As regards other stunningly positive reviews here... Really?! I do give them a lot of credit for having an ever-changing, locally-focused menu. But the result delivered to the table is... eh... The food truly is nicely prepared, and seems to be largely locally sourced, which is great. But, it's not 5-star, it's barely 4-star, truly, and combined with the too-dark dining room, usually flat-affect service, high prices, and surprisingly dirty-looking kitchen, it falls to a 3 for me.
(3)Paige T.
I've been to Acme a few times now and I've always had a pretty great experience. I love the dark, cozy and classy ambience, complete with local art on the walls that rotates on a fairly regular basis. The waitstaff are always friendly and helpful and the food experience has been delightful. Our most recent visit had us craving burgers, though, nothing fancy at all. The burger was a 1/3 a lb. of local, grass-fed meat cooked to medium topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and pickle-yum. The fries were unfortunately not so great. I am a big fry fan and I usually polish them off no problem, but these were just sort of skinny and greasy. I do get that this is a place that definitely does not specialize in fried-fare, so whatever. The dessert, on the other hand, was DELICIOUS! We decided to split the persimmon pudding ( which was not exactly pudding, but more like a light persimmon-y cake sort of thing, with a whipped cream and lemon topping. I kinda wish that I had had it all to myself.--double yum!
(4)K N.
Good drinks and pretty decent food, though it's a bit dark. We actually had good table service, though we were a party of five and ordering up the drinks. I'd recommend it for dinner.
(4)Randi K.
They have a very creative menu and the flavors come together nicely BUT: The portions are ridiculously small for the PRICE! I ordered a sea scallop dinner which had 2 scallops! This was not a small plate thus each scallop came to $11.00!! The meal was more like a soup and I had already ordered soup for my entree. My husband ordered the duck breast which had 4 very small pieces of duck-also for $22.00. The duck was heavily salted. They are not very flexible- many of the entrees come with fries or a starch. We are on a lo carb diet and they will not sub another vegetable. So my husband got his duck atop mixed greens and he had already had a salad as his app. The place is very noisy and the waiters can be rather aloof and fail to check back to see that everything is ok with the meal. We had an early reservation and tried to delay due to a conflict at work. We were told that there were no openings until 9 pm, however when we finished at 7:30 pm there were 5 empty tables and they were taking walk-ins. We have often returned with a Living Social coupon. The first time the waiter tacked on an automatic 18% tip and said that was the policy of the restaurant, yet the second time the waiter did not tack on the automatic tip.
(2)Leah G.
Great service in comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Our waitress was very helpful and knowledgable. When asked between two dishes, she gave an honest opinion and didn't try to up-sell us to the higher priced item (always impressive). I chose this restaurant for my first visit to Carrboro (pre-concert) because of their local and organic farm-to-fork emphasis. We started with appetizers of fried okra and artichoke and the empanada - both were good. I had the crab cakes for an entree and was a bit disappointed. They are full blown crab with no breading which is great but they are smallish in diameter and tall - and so a bit mushy. My friend had the burger, which was the server's recommendation and he said that it was very good. My friend asked to substitute risotto (on the menu) for the fries that come with the burger and they wouldn't substitute. Overall my first visit to Acme Food & Beverage was a good experience and I'd definitely go back.
(3)GeneR S.
I've only been here for brunch (I've been warned by many that dinner is overpriced and just not good), and I have nothing but nice things to say. The bloody mary menu is comprehensive (they even have a highland mary with scotch instead of vodka for those of us who like real liquor) and they have a house mimosa (the last I had was pomegranate & champagne) that help keep the OCSC-induced hangovers at bay. I like the decor, diverse patrons, and spicy home fries. I've ogled the coffee cake many a time, but have yet to indulge.
(4)Nicole M.
Adventurous menu. Nice wine list. Lovely atmosphere. Impeccable service. What more could you want?
(5)Brian O.
I had an early dinner here last weekend on their fantastic back patio. Nice menu, I had trouble choosing. I went with the salmon which was nice (how could you mess up salmon, right!?). The veg that came with was very nice, lots of flavors going on there. I also had a great cocktail, something with gin and rosemary in it. Very refreshing. The dessert didn't work for me, though. It was a banana pudding with a meringue top. On paper this sounded fantastic but let me tear it apart. First, the banana's were old and had turned black-ish with a funny texture. Second, the pudding itself was cooked (to set and color the meringue top). The net result is the pudding was extremely dry. Fail. Other than that I was happy with the meal and will go back. They currently have a great fixed-price menu that's $20 during the week, I want to give that a try.
(4)Sarah S.
Totally loved this place. In NC for work, and went here on the recc of a friend - couldn't have been happier. Comfortable but nice place, good local beers on tap, and the food was perfect. As an appetizer I had the fried green tomatos, layered with the perfect amount of cheese, on a plate of sweet corn, tomatoes, and garlic - an excellent start to the meal. For the main course, I had pulled pork on top of mac and cheese - the dish could have been hotter, but it could not have been more delicious. The bf had the pecan crusted fried chicken over mashed potatoes - we both exclaimed outloud when we tried it for the first time. Deeeeelicious. I had an apple cobbller for dessert, al a mode, and although I couldnt eat much because I had gone overboard for dinner, it was still a tasty end to the meal. For three entrees, 1 appetizer, and 4 drinks, the cost was 90 bucks. Not bad, and totally worth it. May even have to return before we leave. One star off because I'm not sure there was much else on the menu that I wanted to try, but I'm a picky eater and I don't like seafood so that limits it...
(4)Abe C.
Acme just does everything--space and decor, menu, food quality and presentation, drinks and wine, service--right. And they do it with style. Plus, they work hard to support local farms and food. What more do you want?
(5)Rosie H.
The food is heaven. You can't eat there for under $20, so it's definitely in the "special occasion" category for me. They won't split checks for five people or more. I thought that was a little unfriendly, but whatever. We made it work. The tables in the outdoor seating were tranquil and lovely.
(4)Tony V.
A slow wait! Terrifying. I was so scared! But when the food came, I knew everything was going to be okay. The Eggs Benedict were out of control. They were ridiculous! I never thought of placing a fried green tomato on my Eggs Benedict. What an absurd concept! It was lovely and thoughtful. Since my meal, I've texted 5 or 6 people about this concept. Acme left me stunned! This place is packed with revolutionary ideas.
(5)Adam S.
Went here for Sunday brunch before heading off to school. It wasn't terribly busy, probably because it was late summer and UNC wasn't in session yet. We started off with the Malted Ricotta Doughnuts, which there are three of: chocolate glazed, maple glazed, and raspberry glazed. They were pretty good and definitely got better as you got used to them. The powdered sugar sort of makes a mess, though. The best was the maple with the raspberry just behind. The chocolate was good but one of them had to come in third place. I wanted the french toast for brunch, but the waitress said it wouldn't be available until 11 (we were there at around 10:20), so I opted for the Texas Border Breakfast instead, which was steak, 2 poached eggs, and hollandaise all over green chile grits. I forgot how much I hated grits until I had this. The steak was very good, hollandaise tasty as well, and the grits wasn't bad in small bites. I didn't love the poached eggs myself, but that's more of a personal preference. Service was super kind and charming. Exactly what I hoped for. I'd love to try Acme for dinner, next time and would have no issue coming back.
(4)Jeff S.
I was entertaining friends from out of town who had never been to Chapel Hill or Carrboro before. We started with blueberry wheat beers with a nice view from on Top, and then walked our way down to Acme. We arrived at 9PM on a Tuesday and the place was packed! Being a bar seat ninja, I managed to get us 4 seats together, and we continued the night from there. We started with a couple of apps, the tomato and cheese plate was simple, but delicious and fresh. For some reason I was in the mood for a burger, so I got their burger. It was one of the best I've ever had, or remember having. For bourbon fans, note that they had a bottle of Weller's. I've only ever seen it at Foundation.
(4)Diane G.
My favorite meal in the triangle so far! The bf and I went here on a Tuesday night (entrees are $13.95 every Tuesday night!), and were not disappointed! I had the flash fried catfish, and he had the pecan-crusted fried chicken. He said the fried chicken was quote, unquote "some of the best fried chicken I've ever had." It was surprisingly light, with a crispy exterior. I was food-gasming over my catfish, as well a the side of heirloom tomatos we shared. We will be back next Tuesday if that gives you a sense of our experience here! P.S. We made reservations, and it seems recommended that you make reservations especially for a Tuesday night!
(5)Casi C.
This was my first trip to Acme and I have to say it's some damn good food! We had a party of 6 and didn't make a reservation but they were still able to squeeze us in for Sunday Brunch after about 30 minutes which was reasonable. I had the Acme breakfast which comes with 2 eggs, bacon, a biscuit, grits, and a side salad. Everything was delicious but I especially loved the bacon & biscuit. It's tough to find a biscuit that tastes home-made but they did it. If I lived in North Carolina I would be a regular here. It's easy to see why they won so many awards.
(4)Jody B.
Wow, food and service outstanding! Pork chop, fried chicken, tomato appetizer, and special cornbread appetizer were all delicious! Justin B. was a super server. Love what Kevin Callaghan has done with the place and the menu! We'll be back!
(5)Michelle P.
I've never gone wrong when ordering at Acme. It's a definite highlight of the Chapel Hill Carrboro area. The food is original, thought out, and includes local ingredients. I would highly recommend coming here for their Tuesday night special where every entree on the menu goes for 13.95. This is an excellent deal as some entrees are over 20$ normally. Of course, this is also the most crowded night so either make a reservation or come hoping for the best. They have a community table out back if you don't mind sharing. I most recently ordered the steak frites and it was to die for. Perfectly cooked steak with seasoned, hand cut fries. It was a big plate, but I was hungry and able to finish it. From past dinners, I'd also recommend the salmon, as well as the chicken. Delicious! I was not a fan of the bbq pulled pork however. Too much sauce for my liking. May be a personal preference. The wait staff has always been friendly and accommodating. They've made excellent suggestions for wine pairings All in all, a delightful restaurant. Just make sure to make a reservation!
(5)Erin N.
Went here for when my parents were in town. Amazing food! The soft shell crab special was outstanding and lightly battered. I had the salmon that I ate tremendously fast because it was so good. We ended up eating outside which was a great place. Very relaxing and quiet outside. They have a nice serene place outside with water fountains and plants to create a relaxing feel. Desert was great bourbon pecan pie was amazing!!! Peach cobbler was ok. I would and will be coming back to this great restaurant that also has good specials during the week. $12 entree special.
(5)Stella M.
So disappointed. I ordered a Greek omelette and the watered down butter sauce in the middle of it was not good. The lamb in it is also a sausage and not the lamb meat you would expect in a gyro. My friend ordered the traditional eggs Benedict with bacon and that was terrible. We had to send the Benedict back because it was under cooked and one of the benedicts was completely missing its yolk. The bacon was good but they are really stingy with it. My husband ordered the salmon Benedict special and that wasn't very impressive either. He got grits as a side and it was watery mush. The biscuit was about the only thing that was worth eating. The food was way over priced for the quality. Also, you can't order any of the brunch beverages until after 12.
(2)Tya F.
Acme, Acme, Acme! Oh how I love thee, let me going the ways lol! Y'all, this food was so good! We went Sunday for brunch, and couldn't have been more pleased. No wait except the line to actually start individuals as there was only one hosted working. No biggie b/c we were trying to decide whether to sit inside or outside. We went with inside although outside is more eclectic. They serve counter culture coffee-always good. I had the pecan crusted friend chicken with buttered beans, rice, a few slices of DELICIOUS heirloom tomatoes, and a couple light sauces=heaven! Hubby had Texas Steak dish with grits, and poached perfectly eggs=yummy too, but mine was better :-) Try it you'll enjoy it!
(5)Karisa D.
Acme is a classy and cozy dining establishment in the heart of Carbarro. Their focus is Southern comfort food, with a twist. The last time we visited my sister we were unable to get a table or reservation, but this time, we took our chance we got incredibly lucky! When you walk inside, the ambiance, is cool, dark, but relaxed. The decorations are a mix of vintage almost speakeasy feel mixed with modern touches. Even the name Acme Food and Beverage Co to me draws up feelings of the roaring twenties, filled with flapper dresses and suits. We were seated immediately and given our menus. Our server came soon after to tell us about their specials. We decided on the tuna ceviche which was a special, as our starter, as well as drinks. My dad ordered a local North Carolina beer, I ordered a Carolina mule (their take on a moscow mule) and my sister ordered another cocktail that I can't remember the name. This is what we ordered for our entrees: I ordered the Forever Roasted Pig which is pulled pork BBQ and leek macaroni and cheese, my dad ordered the Trout, and my sister ordered the salmon special. Our drinks and tuna ceviche came soon after the order was put in. The ceviche was fantastic. Fresh ingredients, good marinade, and a good amount of heat without being over powering. Our drinks was delicious (and strong) too. Our food arrived soon after- I was very impressed with the not too long wait time for our food. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dish- we didn't talk much while we ate, we were focused on our meal. The portions are decent sized, though I couldn't finish my BBQ. I liked their take on BBQ. The sauce was not overflowing in vinegar and they put a good ratio of sauce to pork. Their macaroni and cheese was delicious and the leeks added a light flavor without taking away from the dish. Service was good throughout the night. Our water glasses were filled without us asking and the pace was good. Prices are what you expect- not cheap but not too expensive depending what you order. Loved the food and experience.
(4)Jonathan F.
Wow. How on earth is this place get so highly rated? I'm A-fucking-stonished!!! And ... you'd think, you'd get the best service at the bar. Here you'll beg for a menu (the night before I left without seeing one - just call me stupid for another go at it). Do they fly the Stars & Bars in here? You'd think! Unless you're "familiar" with staff, you're just a dot. Just because I don't talk like I'm ... something ... my sister! Nepotism? Employees do get the best service, to be sure; only to be followed by those whom developed a plate for grease (oils with seasoning). Try to come in new off the street to be no one. You're just a window. Carrboro has so many places that can plate on par...or to entertain newness because they'd like to see you again. I'd beg to know why this place makes the cut (did i say i needed to use an astringent after the meal?). Yelp me please! I'm dumbfounded. Saving grace, the bar keep said "you came...". The salutation, " see ya". I have no desire to allow this "neighbor" to feed me again. The quality of the culinary skills here can easily be performed at home (even when you're polluted drunk). Fry baby, fry! 1 star. I didn't vomit (from the food). You'll find good food or better, and nice people that want to feed you within a 3 minute walk from here. Cheers to the good eats in the rest of Carrboro!
(1)Dan T.
Fantastically delicious creative menu! Always busy, but they do a great job with service. The food is top notch Best salmon I've ever had!
(5)Tiffany C.
I've yet to have a bad experience here, this place is truly wonderful. Came here three times under very different circumstances with VERY different people and everyone I came with felt like it was the perfect meal, start-to-finish, everytime. 5 stars on consistency, Acme! First time, first date and jitters abounded but it was such a lovely atmosphere - more casual than Kipos but definitely more fancy than most other Franklin St/Main St options. I loved the designs inside, the massive southern star, and the intimate setting. Second time was with a wonderful friend from out of town and we ordered so much food that the table was groaning under the weight and we had to move slowly to attack the food since the plates were so precariously positioned. We made a valiant effort, but failed to make any kind of significant dent in our orders. Third and not last but most recent time, came for Sunday brunch and was blown away yet again. Spoiler alert - IndyWeek voted Acme Best Sunday Brunch of Ch/Durham and it's more than well-deserved. We ate outside on the shady patio and dug into our plates of eggs benedict and grits and potato with gusto! My favorite dishes here are the pork butt/pulled pork which comes with soft buttered beans and a side of perfection. The cornbread here is just WOW, it's buttery and warm and sweet and delivered on a rustic old cast iron skillet, which is always fun. Truly though, everything that passed my lips from Acme was memorable and I'm itching to find yet another newbie to drag to one of the best restaurants in Carrboro/Chapel Hill/Durham.
(5)Kaitlyn M.
WOW. I completely agree with the name of this place. This restaurant just shot up to my list of best in Chapel Hill. The food here was nothing short of a work of art. The outdoor dining is more relaxing than anyone's backyard I've ever enjoyed, plus full-service and a water feature. The service was stellar. The waitress was attentive and cheerful with excellent recommendations, and the whole staff was very attentive to empty glasses and new utensils. Back to the food though, the balance and complexity of flavors in every dish we ordered was incredible. My shrimp-filled chile relleno was covered in a complex mole sauce that was unlike anything I've had anywhere. The pecan-crusted fried chicken had a complex tomato butter gravy, and in every bite I discovered new subtleties. (In fried chicken!) They even managed to class-up southern sausage and bacon on a glorious charcuterie plate. I was hesitant to order it, because I was raised on this style of breakfast sausage, but I was very impressed, and very happy I had spent my money on the charcuterie rather than the similarly priced fried green tomatoes. This restaurant is absolutely a destination, and will most certainly be our Chapel Hill special occasion go-to from here out. I can't recommend this place highly enough!
(5)Catriona J.
Best brunch in the area. Bacon & biscuits!!!! This place alone makes me stay in the South.
(5)Harrison H.
I met a friend here for dinner for the first time and was overall satisfied with the experience. I arrived first, and checked in with the host because I had made a reservation. When I checked in with her she told me that my table was not quite ready and to wait 15-20 minutes. I was a little annoyed by this because what was the point of my reservation if my table wasn't ready? Luckily my friend was a few minutes late so I sat at the bar and had a drink while waiting. Once we were finally sat at our table, the server was prompt to come check in with us. He was very friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere is casual but a little more fancy than your average restaurant. The food was amazing - we ordered the fried green tomatoes as the app and its was delicious! (The bread that comes out is also really good!) My friend and I both got the Steak Frites and they were great! The steak was cooked perfectly and the frites were fried to the perfect crispiness. Everything is reasonably priced and staff is very friendly. I will definitely be coming back the next time I am in Carrboro!
(4)Ashley C.
LOVE this place! Everything is so fresh and creative! Minus one star because they didn't have a vegetarian entree offered last time I was there, which was surprising, but I ended up getting 2 small plates (heirloom tomato plate and hand pie), which were both amazing!
(4)Tamara A.
We loved our meal here and loved the ambiance. Parking was no problem. The special heirloom tomato small plate was one of the best things I have ever eaten. Also loved the goat cheese hand tart. So good. And of course the brownie sundae with their homemade marshmallow ice cream was fabulous. (and very rich!)
(5)Gordon J.
I've been here three times and ordered different items each time and they have all been amazing! I can't say that about any other restaurant in the triangle. Try to get a seat outside in the back. It's a beautiful rain-foresty little spot.
(5)Juliet F.
Tuesday night is the best night to go because you get a special deal on the entrees! I love this place my mom and I go there all the time, their food is so good. I especially like their steak and salmon and burger. Everything is amazing though.
(5)Holly L.
This place was amazing! The restaurant was really busy, but we were taken right back and the service was great and fast. The skillet cornbread was very good- warm, heavenly, and a little sweet :) . And go on Tuesday-- it's a mice deal for the entrees. You can't go wrong with the salmon. I highly recommend this place.
(4)Richard C.
Had excellent pan-seared tuna. Infortunately, it took 65 minutes to get our entrees on a busy Saturday night. Very friendly, efficient staff, but it's also a tight space with little privacy.
(2)Lana P.
Upscale, local Southern food. A beautiful patio. The best spot in Carrboro.
(5)Nina Q.
I've been wondering when I would be able to give 5 star rating wholeheartedly, and the day is finally here! This is my second visit to Acme's for their Tuesday $12.95 entree special. Last time I came in time for their Fall 2014 menu and was able to try the pork shoulder with mac-n-cheese. It was amazing and I was a bit skeptical I could be wowed again. This time, I ordered the cast-iron skillet crab cakes with jambalaya. It far exceeded my expectations. I had no idea jambalaya could be so flavorful--it was sweet yet not overwhelmingly so due to the tomato beurre blanc drizzled over the cakes. My friends ordered the smoked duck confit risotto which they said was super, super creamy and quite filling. The portion was perfect as I was feeling satisfied, but still had room for dessert. I ordered the strawberry fool in between two ricotta cakes. This was the first time I have ever heard of a "strawberry fool" but the waitress described it best as a strawberry whoopie pie. The homemade strawberry whipped cream was a perfect consistency and mixed well with the flavors of the cakes. My friends ordered the sorghum molasses & ricotta cheesecake and the rocky road brownie sundae. The cheesecake was rich, but a tad dry. I barely got a taste of the sundae, as my friend scarfed it down in about 3 bites. I was surprised that a basic brownie and some ice cream could taste that delicious, but the taste reminded me of Cocoa Pebbles (which I love very much). I definitely can't wait to go back and their Tuesday night $12.95 all bowls/big plates deal can't be beat! Make sure to make a reservation on OpenTable well in advance though!
(5)Ian D.
This is my favorite restaurant in the area. The food is always delicious and I am always impressed with their specials. They have the best fried green tomatoes around. My wife likes vegetarian dishes and ordered the veg lasagna. I like meat in everything, but I have to say the veg lasagna was so good, she had to guard her plate from me! The sevice is always well timed and friendly. They have a brunch menu that I have not tried as of yet, but it's at the top of my list to experience. If you have not been to check this place out, you are doing your mouth a vast disservice.
(5)N K.
This place is too hot or miss. While that can happen with some places, this one is kind of expensive for the ' missed ' experiences. The first time I was here, I had quail. It was delicious. The next time though, I had fish. And it smelled really bad, which fresh fish should not (it wasn't my first time having fish- I've had river/sea fish before). The drinks at this place are ALWAYS good though.
(3)Barbara V.
Had the NC Mule beverage and found it ok, not spectacular. Had the salad with black-eyed peas and it was good, but slightly underdressed (and normally I like lightly dressed but it was too light.) Had the small plate hand pie with potato and fennel and liked it very much. My table mates had the steak special (reported it was good), the lamb curry ) reported it excellent, catfish ( reported it was excellent) and the special appetizer of specialty cornbread (reported it excellent). Service was very good and atmosphere inviting. I'd like to try brunch next time. I'll be back!
(4)Rita B.
This review is for brunch. We walked in without reservations and were able to immediately be seated which was great! The atmosphere of the outdoor patio was awesome. Reminded me a bit of a tropical rainforest with all the cool plants and fountain. Unfortunately, the food was not as good as the atmosphere. After asking to substitute another meat for lamb and finding out they don't do subs, I ordered the Greek omelet as it comes. There was hardly anything in it and the inside of the omelet was runny ! There was a few pieces of scattered feta, a few pieces of lamb, and some spinach which left much to be desired. My fiancé got the same and didn't love his either. On the bright side, the potatoes were yummy. I left acme kinda hungry. I then saw the waffle food truck across the street and was disappointed that I wasted breakfast on acme's omelet:(
(3)liza l.
I've eaten here twice in 5 days. Today ate the salmon hollandaise brunch special. Delicious. Bloody Mary delicious. But the showstopper was the three donut "appetizer". Hash browns weren't good and mimosa was tiny but otherwise both experiences were absolutely memorable. Corn bread to die for. With carmelized onions.
(5)Veronica G.
I enjoyed brunch at Acme today. We had donut appetizer (a trio of malted ricotta donuts with a chocolate one, maple one, and raspberry one) which was enough for 3 adults and 1 kid. I had the special, a farmers market omelette; the remainder of our party all had the Acme breakfasts. The best part was definitely the strawberry butter for the biscuits! I enjoy that they emphasize seasonal, local food! My mom loves their grits, which I thought were good but not extraordinary. The major downside was our waitress. She took forever for everything, and had weird, unsolicited excuses for everything too. They were less busy than usual today, too, so who knows what was going on.
(3)Luanna Y.
Got lucky when I stopped by here on a Friday night. Happened to step through the door right at 5:30pm, when they opened. No reservations, but still able to get a seat. Wish I could take credit for planning it that way, but it was just by sheer luck. From what I can gather by the rate at which the rest of the restaurant filled up, reservations are a good idea here. Now on to the food: 1. Skillet cornbread: not too dry, unique honey pepper butter slathered on top to give it some kick. 2. Fried green tomatoes: didn't get to actually try this, but the couple next to me ordered it. Looked delicious. They made lots of mmmm-mmmm sounds while scarfing this down. Assume it was tasty. Made a mental note to order it next time. 3. Blackened salmon bowl with cheesy grits: first time trying cheesy grits, and I liked it quite a bit. Served as a smooth, creamy contrast to the flakey salmon on top. 4. Fried chicken: stole a bite from my companion and it was really good. Nice, crispy skin just the way I like it. Meat was tender and juicy. Also ordered a cocktail... the name escapes me, but it had ginger beer in it. It was delicious, but a bit overpriced, since it came in a small glass that was mostly filled with ice. A bit disappointed in that. Service was attentive but not overbearing. Water glass always full. Final verdict: Will be back! Gotta try the weekend breakfast as well as the $12.95 entree special.
(4)Crystal R.
I have been wanting to go to Acme for sunday brunch for awhile now and finally had the chance to go last Sunday! Now, normally I try not to let the hype of a place get me excited but my sister raved about their brunch and so my expectations were a bit high but I'm pleased to say they met them! I've heard that this place can be packed and we did not have a reservation so we tried to call ahead and were told there was one table available but that they were booked solid and could not take a reservation until 1pm. My companion and I had plans at 2 and thought we'd try to make it over and get the last table available and we did! Yay! Once you walk into Acme from Main St, you are greeted by curtains that block your view of the restaurant with a sign that tells you to proceed to the hostess stand...which is at the back of the restaurant. This was really strange to me, but then I noticed people coming in from the back door so that made more sense, especially since there is more room for a stand there. I'm rating Acme four stars instead of five because the service was not really what I was expecting. It wasn't bad by any means, I just wish our server was more attentive and not out of sight the entire time we were eating our meal but I get it, servers are really busy and overwhelmed. Luckily, we did not have a problem with our food and were good with our beverage, although it would've been nice to catch us at noon with a drink menu as we kinda told the server we'd wait till noon to order then. By the time our server did come by, we were already done with our meal and not interested in trying out their bloody mary anymore (next time!) The food for Acme brunch is not your typical pancakes and eggs or brunch type of food, which brings something unique to the Carrboro/Chapel Hill area. They do have more traditional dishes and I did order the deluxe eggs benedict while my friend ordered the Mexican breakfast. The different components of the eggs benedict paired with the mixed greens seemed a bit odd to read on the menu but it was so delicious! The eggs benedict I ordered came with fried green tomatoes and bacon and those flavors paired really nicely with the hollandaise sauce and the acidity of the mixed green salad, which was a big surprise to me; I really just thought the mixed greens were just going to stay on my plate the whole time. My favorite part of my dish would have to be the house cured bacon... it was perfect in a lot of ways but I especially loved that it was actually thick and packed flavor. My side was an order of cheesy grits which were just okay, I've definitely had better grits before, it just seemed sort of standard. My companion had the mexican breakfast and really enjoyed it, we were both part of the clean plate club! I got a chance to taste a bit of his and it was really good! Nice and flaky empanada and the fillings were delicious but I was a bit surprised I couldn't distinctly pick out the cactus as all the fillings were just sort of muddled together (in a good way). Overall, I really enjoyed my sunday brunch at Acme, I will be returning again soon and maybe try them for dinner!
(4)Natacha S.
ACME is a beautiful venue, with both a classy indoor dining room and a tropical-zen back patio. My family and I dined outside to celebrate my sisters graduation and had great experience. Just 1 hour before eating, we were able to get a reservation for 6 on a Saturday night, which was pretty incredible to me. We had a great table tucked to the side on the back patio. Our server was friendly, attentive and always refilled our water glasses. The food was delicious, and well presented. I highly recommend the bacon-cheddar corn bread and the fries green tomato mozzarella appetizers. The steak frites dinner was $21, pricey but I got 8 giant slices of meat for that price - that I couldn't even finish! I definitely recommend ACME to everyone! The cocktails also look great - I'm pregnant, but will soon have one of those delicious treats!!
(5)Allison H.
Absolutely loved brunch here. My friend and I started off with the donuts - definitely get those if you can make room. We each had a couple bites of each one and then had to stop. I had the fried green tomato sandwich and asked them to put a fried egg on it. It was an adventure eating it, but was seriously one of my top 5 sandwiches ever. The seeded bun is substantial enough to hold up to all the ingredients and cheese (and that delish basil aoli!), but the flavors of the sandwich still came through. Bonus of it being messy: the pimiento cheese fell out every so often onto the fries. INSTANT CHEESE FRIES! My friend really loved the biscuits & gravy too. Service was very friendly and at 10:30 on Sunday it wasn't too loud or crowded. If I lived in the area I'd be here every weekend. My local friend said she'll definitely be back soon. One thing to note: We made an open table reservation and the hostess didn't mark that we showed up so I got a nastygram from them. I'm sure it'll be resolved - hey, I want my points - but if you use open table maybe make sure they check you off as arrived.
(5)Lauren R.
I would seriously (and actually have) drive out to Carrboro on a Sunday morning just for brunch at Acme. It's definitely one of my favorite brunch spots in the Triangle. Why? Let me explain. The menu is really creative and diverse! It's a nice mix of egg dishes (standard two-egg breakfast, quiche, omelettes, several creative versions of eggs benedict--including a few with seafood), sweet dishes (waffle with blueberries, specialty french toast, etc.), and lunch fair (po' boy, burger, fried chicken). Plus, they have some creative breakfast entrees--like steak and eggs or their "Mexican breakfast", which is two eggs served over an empanada of the day (last time I went it was pinto bean and cactus) with black beans, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Delicious and definitely something I couldn't whip up for breakfast at home. In addition to food, they have a nice brunch alcohol selection--several types of bloody mary variations. And you can upgrade your bloody mary for $1 extra to pint-sized! And, their doughnuts are amazing. For $6 you can get a plate of three specialty doughnuts to start off the meal--they're the same doughnut base, but come with different glazes--raspberry, maple, and chocolate. And they are melt-in-your-mouth good. Really--these hot doughnuts just may beat out Krispy Kreme's. Finally, the service is good--even for large groups. My last visit was with a group of eight people, and we were expertly seated at a high-top table in the corner. The waitress was efficient at taking our orders and splitting our checks.
(5)Brian F.
This place came highly recommended (by someone who's favorite band is Soundgarden). So take that as you will. TABLES: Tables are very close together. Great for listening in on stranger's conversations! The table to my left felt Colin Kaepernick was a 'thug' and the table to my right was offended that they said that. RICH PORTIONS: Beware! This is rich people food. You have to spend $50/person to leave full. NO SATURDAY BRUNCH: They only do brunch on Sundays. As a Jew I'm happy Acme observes the Sabbath but my real religion is crab cake omelets, so I'm offended. RESERVATIONS: Don't just show up at this place like it's a roadside Chili's. Treat it like a Chili's in a shopping mall parking lot and call ahead! THE FOOD: Looked AMAZING. Tasted OK. Eating here is a lot like going on a date with a beautiful girl only to find out she doesn't read. FINAL SCORE: Elmer Fudd
(3)Ozge U.
I went to Acme for brunch on a Sunday. The food is good, but I was surprised about the menu. It's not flexible at all: If you want to take out something from an omelette dish, you can't because it's prepared before the brunch and they won't cook it for you without the item that you don't eat. In addition, if you can't eat egg yolks, you better don't go to Acme, because they don't have any dish available with egg whites-only. They won't make anything with egg whites-only for you either. If you check their bunch menu, you will see that 80%+ of the dishes have eggs. Sooo you are very limited in what you can chose to eat, if you don't eat eggs. I got the Mexican Breakfast dish. It was good. However, since I don't eat eggs, I had to pay full price for a dish that I excluded 1/3 of. They didn't substitute eggs with anything else either. I recommend that they make their offerings more flexible and increase the diversity of their dishes in the menu.
(2)Kirk B.
Great food and atmosphere. Friendly and knowledgable wait staff. Great bourbon selection. I had the salmon and it was awesome. I would definitely go back.
(4)Christine A.
I enjoyed the brunch here very much. It would be five stars but it was a little salty for my taste (I had an omelette). So really this review I more a 3.5 vs 4 but I gave 4 because the service was pretty great!
(4)Barbara B.
Wow! Came here with my boyfriend for brunch before a wine tasting and I was blown away by the food. I got the Greek Diner Omelette, which had lamb, feta cheese, caramelized onions, and spinach in it, and it was probably one of the best, if not the best omelette I've ever had in my life. Most items come with a side of potatoes (cumin based) or grits and overall the portions were pretty generous. All the ingredients are locally sourced and the restaurant is larger than it looks from the outside. Word of advice, even if open table tells you there's no more reservations during a certain period, just walk in - we were seated immediately even though the reservations were booked full through brunch. Our server was great - attentive and always popping up at the right moments without being obtrusive. I would definitely come here again - especially for the omelette! Food: 5/5 Other: 5/5 (Service: 5/5, Value: 5/5, Decor: 4/5)
(5)Sam R.
Awesome food, reasonable prices, and great ambience (particularly the back patio). What else could one want?
(5)Bailey A.
Worst service I've ever had in my life. I eat out frequently and used to be a waitress myself. Service is half the experience. I have never had service as bad as I had tonight. We went here this evening for my brother's birthday. It happened to coincide with their $13.95 entree special. We thought score! And the hostess came over w Mardi Gras beads and was very pleasant. But I'm guessing they slate anyone coming in on a Tuesday night as a deadbeat unless you are a regular. Service was horrible. I could hear our waiter talking about us to other customers. You can trust I will never be back and I will not be recommending it to friends coming from Raleigh to catch a show at cats cradle.
(1)ruchir v.
Always a consistent fave. Wish they had just one more vegetarian option. The fried eggplant thing was good, but as it was preceded by their stellar fried green tomatoes, it was too much fried food for me. Kinda my fault, though it would have helped if they had another vegetarian main entree. Cocktails and bourbon pecan pie were excellent, as per usual.
(4)Eric O.
This place is delicious! I had the special (trout over chilaquiles). We went on a Monday night, and at that time, the atmosphere was very relaxed and elegant. If you are a fan of complex and original dishes that treat your tastebuds right, this is a good call.
(5)Frank A.
Went in on a Wednesday night at 8:15pm and the place was hopping! Thank goodness we had reservations - this is a popular place. We were promptly seated and our server was very attentive. Started out with the corn bread app - fantastic! Make sure you order it! For dinner I had the pulled pork bowl and my gf had the shrimp meal. Both were great. Acme was wonderful - I am glad to spread the word about it and hope you try it out!
(4)Alexa O.
The calamari salad is an absolute must! I get it every time I come. Do not recommend the salmon. It is not good and was served undercooked. Steak and BBQ plate are awesome though.
(4)Kimberly T.
Member of Party of 8. Have to add to Erika's review. Not only was the manager rude, he was actively hostile. So many other ways he could have handled. He just walked up and started accusing, never explaining who he was (much less giving his name). He has the gall to add a $4 charge EACH when he knew we had declined the plates and put the cake away to enjoy elsewhere. When I took the check to him to have it corrected, he snarkily demanded "Did you hear your friend tell me to charge you? I guess when you didn't get plates I should have known to remove the charge?" I replied that that was exactly right. He took it off, handed me a new check, and turned away without a word. If this is his idea of good management in a service industry, he needs to find a new line of work. I love the food, but will not reward Acme with any more of my money.
(1)Erika G.
MEAN RUDE STAFF- Zero stars. NEVER AGAIN- Sunday Brunch with my book club today, 8 ladies ranging in age from 35's to 60's. Not a rowdy bunch. We had reservations for 8 at 11:30 and would be celebrating two birthdays. First the hostess was rude about two of us getting there fifteen minutes early (our table was ready) but she clearly did not want us to sit down. But we said, yes, we really would like to go ahead and sit. As the ladies began to arrive, the hostess came over to make sure we didn't go outside of our allotted "space" with our gifts and purses because there was a two-top next to us (empty). One of the ladies brought at small homemade cake and put it on the table, which the waiter acknowledged. Then two girls were 15 minutes late, and the hostess informed us that another party had our table at 1:30. But so far everything was still ok. The food was fabulous, beautifully presented, just perfect. Compliments to the chef! We started opening gifts and unwrapped the SMALL cake. The waiter asked if we would like plates, we said that would be great, but he informed us that the restaurant would charge $4 each for the plates, so we declined, we could just have little pieces on a napkin. That's when the %$#@! hit the fan. While opening birthday gifts the MANAGER came over, and said, "Just to be clear here, we don't allow outside food, and we don't appreciate your "sneaking it in". (he actually truly said this to 8 adult women). Horrified one of the ladies said, " just charge us then," and he said "do you want the plates?" and all of us said "no we don't, and we certainly did not "sneak" in a cake." Shocked, we all lost our appetites and our good mood. We wrapped up our pieces of cake in plastic wrap (that we had brought) and tried to still enjoy our brunch. The check came, with the $4 each charge on it. One woman took the bill back to the manager and said, "we did not ask for the plates" and he argued, saying "one of the ladies said just charge us,"but finally took it off the bill. Mind you, we all ordered beverages and entrée's and even extra sides. It isn't like we were looking for a cheap brunch. Ruined the brunch for eight LOCAL WOMEN, who felt obligated to share the horribly rude experience. Even the couple beside us felt compelled to tell us how shocked they were at our treatment and that they would also be filling out a comment card, which will most surely be put in the trash. What a shame that an award winning establishment would blow it like this. Truly a shame.
(1)Elizabeth K.
As I was meeting my friend in Chapel Hill, I thought what better excuse to finally try Acme! Small, cozy, but CROWDED. I didn't know about their Tuesday special until I arrived. All entrees are $12.95 I believe. What a deal! Well, since it's such a great special, a lot of people dine here on Tuesdays. The tables were so close together, it was probably only 8 inches apart. The guest next to us tried to walk out between our tables, but his derriere extended to above our table... Also, the noise level is quite high. (We were also sat in front of the kitchen door, so we saw and heard the servers goofing around next to us.) Our server was good, I think. Quite mediocre to my surprise--I guess my expectations were high. For starters, I ordered their citrus and avocado salad which consists of 4 thin slices of avocado, a few slices of orange and grapefruit, and about a tablespoon of pomegranate seeds--for $9(?). It was light and fresh but definitely not worth that price. I had the salmon and grits for my entree. Both my and my friend's fish was cooked perfectly. My salmon was just the right medium rare and seasoned well. The grits were bland and almost cold, but the jalapeno sauce and black beans were a bit on the salty side, so all was balanced in the end. Good portion size & overall a decent meal. We shared a molasses ricotta cheesecake. It was a mystery at first, haha; we were slightly confused about the flavors. The cheesecake itself is not very sweet, but the sweet preserved strawberry sauce made up for that. We came to the conclusion that the top of the cheesecake was the molasses that tasted like a burnt 'something' to us. Our favorite part of the dessert was the strawberry sauce. I was fairly disappointed for my first experience here, but I would love to come back on another, hopefully less crowded, evening and definitely brunch!
(3)Simone T.
I would give it 3.5 stars for the food, but the service that I've had here bumped it up to a 4. I've been here for brunch and dinner, and I would say that both are pretty good. I had the crab omelette for brunch. I enjoyed it, even though for some reason the filling (crab, shallots, spinach, cream cheese) was really oily. If you don't want to see an oily omelette, then you should get something else. For dinner, I tried the blackened salmon and the catfish. I would definitely recommend the salmon - it goes well with the black bean and tomato relish. Not sure about the catfish though - I wasn't a fan of the presentation and the taste was okay. Acme doesn't do substitutes so anything you ask for will be tacked on as an addition. I asked for an English muffin to go with my omelette instead of grits of potatoes. The waiter didn't tell me about the substitutes rule and he originally charged it as extra, but later took it off because he took responsibility for not letting me know - this kind little gesture was what bumped it up to a 4 for me.
(4)Shauna G.
This is our new favorite place in the triangle. Every item we ordered was absolutely delicious. The portion sizes were fair (not small but not big) and our server was also very nice. We will definitely be back!
(5)Chloe D.
This place didn't receive two stars because the food isn't awesome. It is. However, I barely go here and spend my money because there are NO vegan options. My boyfriend loves Acme but we don't seem to ever go because he doesn't want me to feel like my only option is a salad... which is the case when we eat here. This town is full of vegans, vegetarians, and health freaks, it would do Acme some good to have a vegan menu.
(2)Joop V.
3.5 stars. Pretty looking, upscale southern food. This restaurant is a bit off of the highway but the service and the list of wines are pretty good. They seem to get filled up quite fast, too (we went for dinner Saturday night right after they opened, and by the time we left, the restaurant was pretty much at full house capacity). We had fried green tomatoes, skillet corn bread, flash fried NC catfish, forever roasted pork and a la mode chocolate pecan pie with whipped cream. The food was good. The fried green tomatoes were good, but there were just 3 pieces with mozzarella cheese in between the tomato pieces (a bit overpriced in my mind). The skillet corn bread was also delicious, but the portion was a bit big (especially if you plan on finishing your main course as well--it's better suited for a table of 4 people, not less), catfish was a bit dry and the pork was great (I kept comparing it with the hole in a wall pulled/bbq pork that I could get elsewhere, and I somewhat preferred that more in a hole in a wall setting than a nicely plated place for this kind of food though). The pecan pie was awesome though. It wasn't overly sweet and pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream was a great option, so you get a cool/warm contrast between your bites! Overall, this is a nice place with great service...probably around 3.5 stars. The price is a bit on a higher end though.
(4)Katie B.
To date, this is my favorite restaurant in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area, especially for brunch. We had a great dinner celebrating my husband's birthday, with an amazing donut bread pudding to finish off the meal. At a recent brunch with visiting friends, we gorged ourselves with fresh donuts (seriously, YUM!), spicy Bloody Marys, and some killer fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. The blue crab omelet was inventive and delicious. Our service both times was great - friendly, efficient, and consistent. I'm eager to go back and try the rest of the menu!
(5)Ry Z.
Rating is for the oysters: told we were eating VA fresh oysters as special app. The oysters were so obviously frozen and thawed over salt. Nothing fresh about them. Blah
(1)Natalie S.
I give it 4.5 stars. Cute restaurant that is super busy on Tuesday because of their specials. I had the pecan fried chicken and it was yummy. The cornbread is to die for and a must order. The collard greens were a tad too salty for my liking. The pecan pie was so flavorful. If you have out of towners who want good wine and good Southern food, Acme is the place to go.
(5)Tori H.
So we entered Acme and were immediately impressed with the decor and impression that the hostess gave us. It was Tuesday and VERY busy ($12.95 entrees). We didn't have a reservation and she said there would be an hour wait. We were seated in prob 15 min. Pros- amazing food, very nice waitress, GREAT place to take a date! Charming hostess. Cons- - bartender didn't seem to be happy at all, kind of spoiled getting a drink before dinner. -It took us awhile to get refills on drinks, but I know they were busy... -pie crust was so tough to chew on the dessert...strange. Tasty though! We will def be back sometime soon.
(4)Grace C.
Very creative menu that fits into the up-scale southern food trend that's been happening for the last 5 years or so. Great place for a date! Small plates are in fact small, and require ordering a side for a decent-sized dinner. The food and cocktails are certainly tasty, but for what they are I think the prices are a bit steep (for Carrboro, anyway) The space is nice, including a bar and an outdoor patio in the back. My only complaint is in regard to a request I had on one occasion with a birthday cake; we asked, the hostess said that was fine but that there would be a fee. In my experience a plating fee means that they take the cake back and actually plate it for you, but in this case we literally were charged $4 a place just for the waiter to bring us a stack of bread and butter plates and a steak knife to cut it ourselves. We actually asked the hostess about it when we saw the charge and were pawned off to a bar manager who said "take it up with your server." Soooo, that was kind of a bummer, in regard to their customer service, and why I say 3 stars instead of 4. If you don't have any special requests, go enjoy the food and the ambiance!
(3)Olivia R.
Acme is one of the best spots in Carborro. The menu is innovative and there are always new specials to try. The atmosphere is great, although a bit crowded. Heads up - there are few if any vegetarian options.
(5)Bobby D.
Acme's patio is one of Carrboro's best places to eat--it feels secluded and has a relaxing vibe. Menu is diverse, with American and Southern comfort food (pecan crusted fried chicken) existing alongside Asian (yellowfin tuna) and Latin flavors(shrimp chile relleno with mole). Fried green tomatoes are amazing, don't overlook the butter beans, their fish specials are often awesome, and the dessert menu is strong. Also a terrific brunch spot.
(4)A E.
Fantastic restaurant. Specials are always fresh, seasonal. Classic southern dishes with modern twists. Brunch here is also really good: doughnuts are a must
(5)Kathleen J.
Our service was slow, but the quality of the food really made up for it! The menu is interesting and varied and the server was knowledgeable. Wine list is impressive. We had two small plates, two alcoholic beverages, two deserts and three entrees for $100, which seemed quite reasonable to me. Next time, we'll try the Tuesday entree special!
(5)Felecia L.
I had been wanting to try Acme for a long time (like 4 years) but there are very few options for a meatless dinner unless you order some small plates but just because one doesn't eat meat doesn't mean they want to subsist on salads either. (BTW i am not even a vegetarian but was for 20 years until I got sick and had to add back in substantial protein in order to heal. Now i only eat free range organic chicken.) I don't know why I felt like I had to explain myself there. The menu is very fish heavy with only one poultry option. I would love it if they could create a veggie burger TDF. Due to the limited menu I can really only give Acme a 3.5. What I did order was good and I loved the ambiance. The red and black decorations and dimmed lighting are perfect for dining. It makes the fact that it is small and you will have someone within arms length okay and even part of the buzz. The noise didn't bother me at all. It lends a bit of excitement in the air. I tried the fried green tomatoes and those were excellent. The presentation is gorgeous and the spices and toppings made this dish a masterpiece. I would go just to try these. I ended up ordering the fried chicken plate and took some of the breading off as it was a bit too rich for me. The mashed potatoes and butter beans were yummy with the mushroom gravy. Could have used a little more gravy on the side though. Because I wanted to be thorough in writing a Yelp review I did order the Rocky Road Brownie. It should come with ice cream IMO. I ended up paying another $1.50 for the puniest scoop of ice cream I had ever seen. The dessert was rich and decadent though. The wine list is very well rounded and I had a crisp glass of Pinot with dinner. They also have Cava which was a great addition to the menu. The coffee was strong and delicious. The bar area ran the length of the restaurant and looked like a classy place to wait for a table or to just stop by for a drink. The waiter was wonderful. Gracious yet not overbearing. Friendly without being insincere. I think if they tweaked their menu I would be back but I tried everything already I wanted to try so that visit will probably be it.
(3)Michelle K.
Overall, I really enjoyed everything I ordered, and would definitely be back to try the rest of the menu. Fried Green Tomato small plate ($9) - beautiful presentation of a stack of 3 slices of green tomatoes with mozzarella in between, balsamic/olive oil/corn reduction, and baby tomato/garlic confit. Take the bread they give you, and soak up all the balsamic yummy goodness. Pecan Crusted Fried Chicken ($17/18?) - Fried chicken on top of a mash with southern butter beans mixed into the mash. Really delicious, but not for the light hearted! Super buttery and filling. Blackened Wild Salmon ($20) - Cheesy grits that actually came out a bit cold (but didn't mind that too much) with Salmon cooked perfectly, just beyond medium rare. Collard Greens Side ($5) - really enjoyed the "zing" in these collard greens. Did not have room for dessert, but everything sounded delicious and were priced around $5-6
(4)Laura W.
Service was poor while food was cold and mediocre.
(1)Luisa B.
I really like this place. The food is amazing and the service was great. My favorite thing about it is their cute outdoor seating area.
(4)Matthew C.
Came here on a whim on a Sunday morning after a wedding. We were initially drawn to the bloody mary menu (scotch and rosemary? extra spicy?), but tragically we were a bit early for ordering booze (damn NC laws). Fortunately, however, the quality of the food was a great substitute for a solid AM buzz. I had the basic ACME breakfast- a cup of chili-roasted potatoes, a couple of local eggs over easy, a few slices of thick crispy bacon, and the biggest damn biscuit I've ever seen with some delicious strawberry butter spread. For a basic breakfast, it was incredibly delicious. The SO had the crab florentine omelette- crab, cream cheese, shallots, and spinach wrapped in a cloud of eggs. A dish I could envision ordering for myself sometime in the future. Coffee was hot, and the service attentive and timely. I would recommend this place to anyone in the area, but if you're dining on a Sunday, don't show up until after noon!
(4)Andrew D.
I gotta up my review for these guys. I've been coming here for probably 7 years now - it's not the best food I've ever had, but it's really consistent, it's not exorbitantly expensive, and the bar is always happening. Also, the Saturday night bartender has been upgraded from dickish to pleasantly gruff.
(4)J G.
I am a huge fan based on our visit. The service was incredible and our waiter was friendly and made excellent recommendations. I'm new to the south and was very happy with everything I had there, especially the catfish and tomato app. I would suggest the hostess be more welcoming when folks enter the establishment
(5)Alison M.
I ate dinner there and had the grilled yellow fin tuna and a watermelon blackberry sangria. The tuna was delicious, pared with a tomato cucumber salad and feta, onions, and pesto. Everything went so well together. The watermelon sangria was amazing, I will definitely be back to this restaurant again. Nice outdoor patio in the back with great service!
(5)John L.
Wonderful brunch! :) I should point out that Acme does love its hollandaise sauce. The eggs benedict obviously have it, but so do the omelets, in particular the omelet I had on a fine Sunday midday, the crab omelet. The combination of blue crab, spinach, and hollandaise sauce was perfect, creating a yummy mix of breakfasty goodness. I have not tried dinner or the drinks yet, but I would assume that the food/drinks are just as good then.
(5)Alice H.
The only problem is that every menu item is fabulous . I have the flash fried catfish but the fried chicken is equally wonderful. A great place,good craft beer, and a comfortable vibe. Our favorite place!
(5)Taryn L.
Here's the thing. I just wasn't feeling it. And even though I'm only giving two stars, I fully intend to try Acme for dinner. And dessert. (As a, um, caveat, my husband says it's really worth 4 stars.) Okay, not a biggie, really, I know, but I called on a Sunday about 20 minutes after they opened to question whether or not there was a wait -- we had no reservations but were on our way out of town, and really didn't want to sit around. The guy on the other end didn't ask for my name but just said that there was NO wait. Great! We showed up literally two minutes later to find that there was actually wait, unless we wanted to sit in the 98 degree, humid outdoors or squeeze ourselves onto the bar stools. Bar stools it was. Right, like I said, not really a biggie, but not what I had in mind either. It's all about expectations. I also wasn't totally psyched before I even arrived, which probably isn't fair, but this is because their menu seemed littered with, well, fat. Everything was coated in gravy or hollandaise or mayo or cheese, which really limited my options if I were even remotely interested in something that wasn't going to curdle in my stomach. (Look, I know it's strange, but my hangovers require vegetables, not cream and grease.) But, knowing that I'm usually jealous of my husband's dish, someone who seems to never consider calories, I decided to talk myself into the crab florentine omelette. This turned out to be a mistake, as the hollandaise sauce was only augmented by the cream cheese, making the dish so rich that I managed to eat no more than 3, maybe 2, bites. I ate all of the salad served on the side, and about 3 bites of the grits, which were fine. We'd started with the malted ricotta donuts, which were incredibly dense, a little dry, and the insides weren't entirely cooked through. Just a little bit fluffier and I would have been a fan. The sauces were a nice complement: the maple sweet and a little grainy, the raspberry right up my alley, the chocolate a bit too heavy for breakfast. The bartender was sweet. Our food took a pretty long while to make it to us. I'll be back for dinner for sure, and mayyyybe for brunch when I'm looking to indulge.
(2)Tara D.
My husband and I try to hit this place every time we visit the Hill for a football or basketball game. The brunch is awesome - great menu, lots of options/ farm to table focused with local seasonal foods. Make a reservation!! This place is no joke for brunch, extremely busy.
(5)Javier V.
Heavenly food! Although I've only been her twice it's clear that you can't go wrong: everything looks and tastes as it was made by angels. Service is good.
(5)Michael W.
The coffee cake here was AMAZING! It felt so light and the fruit they had put on top complemented the dish so well! Even the whipped cream was light, sweet, and refreshing! I've never had such a fantastic piece of coffee cake! It came out nice and warm too! *Drool* I had the Scallops Benedict, and it was very tasty but I felt the scallops were on the small side. It looked as if they took one big scallop and cut it in half. I would order something else next time around. Still would come back again and again for that damned coffee cake that will now cause me to drool randomly and haunt my dreams.
(4)Mary L.
Located right in the heart of Carrboro, Acme serves amazing New Southern food with fresh, local ingredients at a reasonable price. Came here for dinner on a week night with a group of 4 people, and planned on taking home some leftovers since I wasn't too hungry. Well, there wasn't a slightest chance for a leftover box by the time I took the first bite of my dish. The food was delightful and our waiter was helpful! If you have no idea what to order, here's some recommendations: - Blackened Wild Salmon with Green Tomato Salsa/Cheese Grits - Late Summer NC Pompano Stew (my husband refused to share more of his dish with me because it was too delicious!) Can't wait to go back!
(5)Justin N.
ACME is definitely one of the best dining experiences I've had in Carrboro. The food, wine selections, presentation, and atmosphere are wonderful. It is a small restaurant and they have way too many tables in the dining area so you feel as if the people beside you are practically sitting in your lap. The service is great but slightly untimely. Either way, you MUST try ACME. I love it! Check them out on a Tuesday if you can handle the crowd. The secret is out that entrees are half price on Tuesday. This makes it a great day to try them out. UPDATE: I'm sorry to report that I went to ACME last night and had a pretty poor experience. The service was shoddy, the food was cold, and we were cramped up against another family as usual. I had to come back to this entry and change my four star rating down to a two. Total fail ACME! Maybe next time.
(3)Stacy T.
After hearing a co-worker rave about this place, I ventured over to the hot-spot to investigate. The hostess stand was hidden away towards to the back of the restaurant. Unfortunately, we couldn't snag a much coveted back-garden seat, so we settled for a cozy spot in a separate room. I didn't care much for the dim lighting. It felt very gloomy compared to the sunshine that streamed from the windows. In any case, I ordered the special of the day - Classic Eggs Benedict with Soft Shell Crab. Really, this was the best eggs benedict that I have had in my life. The poached eggs oozed golden goodness with a poke of the fork and soaked the english muffins with flavor. The hollandaise sauce was creamy, but not overly heavy. That made the meal much more enjoyable. A hidden surprise was the caramelized apples (I believe they are apples). It added a very sweet and nice twist to this classic. This is what made the dish the best I have had in a while. The soft shell crab was put on the side and was lightly fried with a tempura-like batter. The crab was fresh and and pretty size-able. However, it did add $5 to the originally-priced eggs benedict ($10.95). Overall, I would get the special again, but it would definitely have to be a treat and not a weekly indulgence.
(4)Mark S.
Wow, some of the best food I've had. Great service, nice ambiance, intriguing selection of Southernish quinine. Fried green tomatoes had so many flavors going on it was awesome. Best ribs Ive ever had. Superb blackened salmon with cheese grits. Fresh baked bread. Big wine selection. Great coctails, fair pricing for the high quality of food. Great all around. My main tip of the hat is to the chefs who put such great flavors together in every dish. Thanks Acme!
(5)Whitney W.
Since moving to Carrboro severel years ago, my family hasn't found a restaurant we love more than Acme. Even our regular out of town guests always request we go to Acme! Their brunch is my favorite in Chapel Hill/Carrboro. The donut trio is the perfect way to kick it off and you don't get better eggs anywhere else. They also have half priced Mondays which are awesome. Service is always top notch, but the foods even better. Great atmosphere to boot.
(5)Annamaria K.
If you want real southern food this is the place to eat. Fried oyster salad, fried green tomato, BBQ pork....not to mentioned the chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Great place working with local farms and getting organic food on the menu.
(5)Ron W.
Oh my, hollandaise sauce... How much do I love thee, let me count the ways! I haven't been out to Carrboro lately but finally had the perfect excuse with our lovely Christina G's birthday. Inside it hasn't changed much at all and our rowdy little table got stuck in the back (smart idea, Acme!) They started us off with some yummy apple turnovers which the group quickly devoured. I went with my tried and true eggs benedict with scallops and threw in an Acme coffee cake for good measure. The coffee cake was fantastic and untraditional in a good way. A light, fluffy slice of cake with peach compote on top and side of whipped strawberry cream! And my eggs benedict was as wonderful as I remember but do it yourself. The wonderfully rich sauce came on the side along with some greens and well-roasted red skin potatoes. That first taste of hollandaise sauce hit me right in the tastebuds: butter, lemon, creamy, fattening and oh yeah, really good! Everything worked out great at Acme although the service could have been a bit more friendly. Their food was as good as I remembered and maybe even better. While Acme can be a bit expensive for dinner, brunch is a great deal. So while I loves me some Elmo's on the weekend, if you want something more upscale, Acme Restaurant does brunch perfectly...
(4)Ray L.
Incredibly disappointing - that's the only way to put it. Slow service, completely over-seasoned food, dry meats and tiny portions. What happen to the ACME of old? We are happy to support local farms - but this is just ridiculously over priced. 3 people ordering 3 entrees + appetizer, and we left the restaurant wondering which restaurant to go to for a second meal since we were still hungry.... over $90 (no alcohol!) I would expect at least some culinary satisfaction. My taste buds were reeling from the over-seasoned food, and our stomachs were wondering why it was still empty. The pasta dish and scallop entree were soupy - a sloppy soupy mess. . A slop bucket from the cafeteria line would probably looked just as appetizing. Fried chicken was at least presentable, but this is the south So long ACME - no need to ever go back. Too bad, since we really used to enjoy the restaurant, but there are plenty of other places for us to spend our hard earned money.
(1)Romin B.
Went for recession Tuesdays ($12.95 for all entrees) and I gotta hand it to the chef. That guy really knows what he's doing back there. When I think about nice restaurants I've given 4 stars, Acme is a cut above, so even though it might be a 4.5 overall, by golly Acme, your food is pretty much as good as it gets to me. Got 4 entrees between the two of us to take advantage of the deal, and everything was delicious. Of those, I'd definitely recommend both the pork mac & cheese and the crab cakes. So f'ing delicious.. I want to try the entire menu, but if I go back, I might have to order those again. We followed with 2 desserts, chocolate bourbon pecan pie and an almond bread pudding. Again, both great and both topped with their yummy homemade whipped cream. Bread pudding was a tad too sweet but otherwise, I was happy. On another visit, I've gotten the dark chocolate terrine, which is easily my favorite of the bunch. Service was okay, although I felt left alone almost a little too much. Then again, they were pretty busy and I didn't have to go too long without a refill. Still, I didn't feel the special 1 on 1 attention you might get at a more expensive restaurant. Speaking of which, prices are definitely reasonable with the most expensive dish being $19.95 and desserts either $5 or $6. Atmosphere isn't super romantic, but then again, it's not really any worse than Magnolia, where your desserts are $9 and $20 will only buy you a chicken entree. In summary, go to Acme for super delicious food that will feel like a suitable date night without killing your bank account (especially on Tuesdays). I'll be back for sure. Update: I had to take off a star after my last visit. Issues with unfriendliness of staff puts this place definitely short of "as good as it gets". I still enjoy the food, but when it hampers the experience, sometimes I think I'd have been better off elsewhere.
(4)Scott K.
It would indeed be a wise decision to come to ACME Food & Beverage. I have been here a few times and have not been disappointed. Sunday brunch is always busy and very good. I would recommend to get reservations before attempting to go to ACME. ACME does occasionally have special themed dinners and they have all been very good. Food B Decor B Staff C Location B Health Inspection Grade 96.0
(4)Tess M.
Been here for both sunday brunch and weekday dinner- Sunday brunch- the fried oyster salad was delicious, and the scallop Benedict and grits were good too. Not a bad place for brunch in Carrboro. Though the dishes didn't stand out that much, I'd still come back given the limited sunday brunch choices in the area. Great wait staff! Tuesday nights- all entrees for $12.95!! Couldn't have dropped in on a better night. The ambience is simultaneously relaxed and hip. We sat at the bar since the restaurant was fully booked (on a Tuesday, I guess no surprise there). We ordered the soft shell crab to start; I think the romesco sauce overpowered the crab-taste; but still liked the dish overall. We had the crab cakes and braised lamb. I was happy with the lamb dish but the crab cakes felt too much like they came from a can. Will def return to ACME and try other dishes, though! Oh and they give generous pours of wine, love it!
(4)Christina G.
Oh, Acme! I have such fond memories of you; but in recent visits you've seemed to lose some of your luster. Not necessarily in the food (although, the brunches are perhaps slipping; or else, not as good as I remember from years before), but certainly in the service -- I waited tables for years, so I'm one of the last people to pass judgement on waitstaff, but man, I've had some downright rude service there! I'll try not to let that color my review too much. The last visit though, my Bloodys were thin, my omelet was greasy, and the prized donuts -- which I've loved in past visits for their iced decadence -- were dry, crumbly, and scone-like. Sigh. I think you shine brightest at dinner... that's where I'll continue to court you.
(3)Jacob C.
Went for brunch one day and it was quite packed out. Always a good sign for any restaurant that has only been open an hour. Was seated promptly and my drink order was taken as I was seated. I looked over the menu and the first red flag was that not one item really stood out as THE order. I went with one of the multiple eggs Benedict options they have, always a safe choice. The one I ordered came with fried green tomatoes, which sounded interesting and proper south. One of the other Benedict options came with truffled hollandaise sauce, I asked if I could have that put on my order and I would gladly pay extra for it. The waitress got a bit short with me and said "Well, i'll see but they are kind of snotty in the kitchen". Oh for real? Putting a bit of truffle oil in hollandaise sauce is that hard? This did aggravate me because it's not like I asked for much at all. My order came out and looked good. The eggs were poached nicely, the hollandaise sauce was nice but I noticed something missing. I could not put my finger on it, then I remembered....HAM! I thought they had totally forgot to put it on my order. When I looked, it was there but it was thinner than lunch meat. There went my excitement for North Carolina country ham. The fried green tomatoes were not good either, they werent fried crispy with a crunch. They were fried greasy and the breading was falling off as I ate it. When I got the bill I was blown away that Acme has the balls to put "Damn Good Food" atop the receipt. Maybe it was the Yelp hype and hype from friends that had me so underwhelmed. Not being able to accommodate customers and having sub par brunch is not damn good. More like a dud Acme Aresnal.
(2)J H.
I have eaten at Acme many times, and my experiences have been about 50/50. I can think of several examples of the bad ones; burned crab cake, over done eggs, ho-hum curry. Organic, locally sourced and expensive does not always equal tasty. I also have more memories of snooty service than hospitable service. It's harder to remember the good meals. In short, there are better options if you are trying to decide where in Chapel Hill/Carrboro to go for a nice dinner or brunch. That being said I'm sure I will be back, as Acme's reputation makes it a popular spot for birthdays, graduations, etc.
(3)Carrie B.
Acme consistently offers flavorful, original plates that will please your entire party. They offer new spins on typical southern dishes, such as fried chicken or beignets. I think it's one of the better restaurants in Carrboro, offering slightly higher cuisine than Panzanella or Tyler's. The best time to go is Sunday Brunch, but be sure to get there early, as there is often a line out the door and down the street.
(4)Kevin B.
Great local restaurant in Carrboro near Tyler's. Had the steak frites which had a incredible roasted tomato butter sauce. If you go for dinner make sure that you ask for a seat on the patio which is incredible. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and they have local craft beer on tap and a large wine list as well.
(4)Dirk C.
I really don't want to write this review, and here's why. Because people are going to read it and then they're gonna want to eat at Acme and it's going to be even harder for me to get a table when I go. So, if you promise you won't eat there when I'm planning to, I'll write the darned review. Acme is one of my favorite restaurants in Carrboro/Chapel Hill. I think Elaines on Franklin and Lantern are a notch above and I like Crook's Corner an awful lot, but Acme is right up there. I'm giving it five stars, and you can see that I reserve that ranking for special places. Acme serves New South food with a large, stocked bar and a wonderful, warm dining room in downtown Carrboro. Last night for dinner, I had grilled pork chops, sweet potatoes and collard greens. Now, this is something that my mother or my grandmother would have cooked for dinner, but when Kevin Callaghan cooks it, it is somehow a totally different experience. I inhaled it. Heck, I didn't even know I liked collards until I moved to Chapel Hill and had them prepared by the best! My wife had pork shoulder and loved every bite. We never have anything that is less than splendid and we eat there often. Kevin is also an amazing writer, as it turns out. You can check out Acme's website, but I would suggest that you subscribe to Kevin's e-mail updates if you like good writing. He can tell stories about food that bring back fabulous memories of growing up in the South. They have a great patio out back with propane heaters in the fall. So, eat at Acme Food & Beverage Company if you must, but check with me first. OK?Don't make me regret this. . .
(5)Geoff A.
Don't believe the ratings here. Tonight was my third and last visit. Don't know why I came back...guess I wanted to believe I just got unlucky the previous two visits. The food here is average at best but the wait staff is very, very unfriendly. All three times the staff were the same. They acted as if they were bothered by having to wait on us. Tonight we went in at 7:00. Many open tables and they tried to put us in a two top in the corner. When I asked if we could sit at a four top they told us no. Last time I'm spending my hard earned money here.
(1)Sean H.
One of the best meals I've had since moving to the area. Simply top notch, from start to finish. Fresh local heirloom tomatoes with mozzarella and pesto: Good lord. So good. Fresh Hog Island Oysters: Spot on. Then pork shoulder and soft shell crab entrees, everything just top notch, and given the quality, quite reasonably priced. Carrboro may be a little further away for my Raleigh self, but I can guarantee I will gladly make the drive and find a reason to come back for dinner at Acme. I can't believe it took me 2 years living here to give it a try. Fantastic.
(5)Christine X.
My husband and I have eaten there twice, and the food never disappoints! We both love the cornbread there. The price could be slightly pricey but not over the top. They use locally grown food so their menu is seasonal and changes every season.
(5)Jacob R.
This is my go-to brunch spot. Anytime someone come to town for a visit, I always let them experience Acme. Although small & sometimes dark, Acme has a wonderful selection of southern dishes with a modern flare. I always recommend the Eggs Benedict Deluxe (ham AND fried green tomatoes). If they have the doughnuts, GET THEM! Looking for some alcohol to go with brunch? Get one of the Bloody Mary's. Same price as the mimosa & you get a lot more (mimosas are painfully small). They should definitely update their garnishes for the Bloody Mary's, lime/lemon wedge & pickled okra don't cut it. In the spring & summer you should take advantage of their beautiful patio.
(4)Elyse S.
If I could eat brunch here every day, I would.
(5)Eric M.
We went to Acme pretty regularly for years, then took a year or so off, and went back with friends for dinner on Saturday night. Very disappointing -- even frustrating. Here's what happened. First, I asked the server for tiny samples of two of the 6 beers they had on tap so that I could decide which of them I wanted to order. I often request this at restaurants of this caliber that serve beers I'm unfamiliar with. The server's reply: "I can't do that. You can only taste one. Not two." She explained that this is the restaurant's policy and exceptions can't be made. Another guest in my party and I solved the problem by having each of us request a taste of *one* of the two beers, tasting them, and then switching glasses and tasting the other. The server said this would be permissible. I am a pescetarian (fish and veggies but no meat), and ordered a salad to start and the fried catfish as my main dish. The menu said the dish was accompanied by black-eyed peas and collard greens. I thought to ask whether the collards were cooked with ham (since here in the South they often are), and the server said that she would inquire. Out came my salad, which I ate. The server then told me that yes, the collards were cooked with meat. I asked her if I could substitute a vegetable side from any of the other dishes on the menu. She said I could not; this was against the restaurant's rules. She said the most she could do was substitute a salad -- but I had already ordered and eaten a salad! At that point I got up and spoke to the manager, explaining both the beer and the vegetable-substitution situations and expressing surprise the a restaurant of this caliber (and expense!) would be so rigid, particularly for someone who does not eat meat. The manager told me (and this is a verbatim quotation) that they won't substitute vegetable sides "in order basically to streamline the operation of the kitchen." He offered the salad option, but I told him I'd ordered and eaten a salad already. He didn't offer to comp me the salad I'd ordered (or anything else). He also explained to me that the server had been slightly mistaken about the beer-tasting policy: Acme's rule isn't that a person can taste only one on-tap beer; it's that a person can taste only one on-tap beer AT A TIME. So I could have requested SEQUENTIAL tastes of two beers; I simply couldn't ask for two tastes at once. Need I mention that the manager didn't offer to comp me the beer I'd ended up ordering? After all of this, the server came up to the table a bit sheepishly and told me that it turns out that the black-eyed peas are ALSO cooked with meat. So now BOTH of my sides were inedible for me. She couldn't offer me any other vegetable, of course -- that's against Acme's "kitchen-streamlining" rules -- but she said they would be willing to give me French Fries (with my fried fish) in lieu of the collards AND the peas. I was in a weak bargaining position, so I accepted the fries. The food we actually ate was fine. Nothing great, but nothing terrible. We ordered dessert. Need I mention that the restaurant didn't offer to comp me the dessert? I think the owners of Acme need to give some very serious thought to their bar and kitchen policies. Folks are paying some fairly serious money to dine there, but the restaurant's rules leave it no room to accommodate guests whose desires conflict with their "streamlining" efforts, or to make them feel welcome. We won't be back.
(1)Kathryn E.
All I can say is...12.95 Tuesday. Do it. Went there for the first time ever tonight- amazing food! Good sized portions-terrific variety, especially of seafood which was a nice change from the routine. My salmon dish with cheese grits was to die for- fabulous flavor. Two other friends got skirt steak with some killer mashed potatoes. Can't wait to go back and try some other dishes or apps. Super cute interior- I'm a fan already.
(4)Lauren R.
Ambiance: Below-average. Outdated columns, flooring, paint color and tables. No character which is shocking in this otherwise adorable town. Service: Below-average. Friendly enough but only saw the waiter when he took our order, when he dropped the food and when he gave us our bill. Also, we requested a patio table when we made the reservation. When we got to the restaurant, the host was arguing with a customer who wanted to sit at a 4-top in an otherwise empty-at-the-time restaurant. I understand if the restaurant was about to fill up but is it worth it to lose a customer? Disappointing enough, after witnessing that debacle our request was not granted for the outside table and we were stuck inside at a 2-top in a tiny space between two big parties. We also noticed non-friendly attitudes and a lot of mistakes from the other servers in our area. Food: Average. I got the special - salmon in a puff pastry with two poached eggs and hollandaise. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the hollandaise was standard. The salmon was very fishy. In my experience, the only time salmon is super fishy tasting is when it was previously frozen. To me, because of the fishy salmon, the dish was not worth the calories of the puff pastry and the hollandaise. I would only order the eggs again. My boyfriend's fried green tomato sandwich was decent. Although, I feel like the amount of bread covered up the flavors. The fries were just ok; they came out at room temperature and quickly went cold. Value: Average. I expect to pay $10-15 per brunch entree so serving size wise, my $15 salmon puff pastry special and my boyfriend's $13 fried green tomato sandwich with fries is a great deal. Flavor wise, not so much (see food section above). I am pretty good in the kitchen so I hate paying for average tasting food, hence the overall 2 star rating. It makes me question the 222 people who rated this place 4 stars. Yelp has never failed me in the past. Did these 222 people just all happen to have failing taste buds? I understand maybe 3 stars as far as the food goes but 4 overall when the food is average, and the other elements of this place are "eh?" I might have to re-think my use of Yelp in the future. Other: My main gripe with this area (Durham/Chapel Hill/Carrboro) is the lack of brunch drink specials. Crappy champagne topped with a bit of orange juice from a carton should not cost $7 or $8 per glass. Perhaps it has something to do with the stringent liquor laws around here though.
(2)Lauren H.
I love Acme. I would give it 5 stars except recently I think perhaps the chef has changed and the food is changing slightly (based on changes in preparation of the same dishes we used to get). We love to go for brunch and they used to have amazing homemade doughnuts, but now they're more like bread soaked in oil. Also I used to love the chiles relleno with shrimp, but now the cheese is gloppy and there's less mole. However, there are other dishes we still love there and usually have good luck with the specials and cocktails.
(3)Katie H.
Great brunch spot. Always seems busy!
(4)Adam B.
Man, what a tasty Sunday brunch. Very new-Southern soul food, with décor that looks kind of like House of Blues knockoff (folk art and lots of stars) and a comfortable room with a bar, window tables and regular wall booths. Also a pretty outdoor courtyard with a water feature. The food was 5-star, but the service was 3-star, so that averages out to a 4. I had the Greek Diner Omelet, which had lamb, spinach, feta and onions and was topped with a small swirl of mint cream sauce. The lamb was absolutely brilliantly flavorful and had just the right amount of the accompaniments. It was quite buttery and just really delicious. The side breakfast potatoes came with a sort of vegetable ragout which I think had onions and green and red bell peppers and lots of cumin. Delicious! Everyone else enjoyed what they had as well--one had the catfish po' boy, which looked well-cooked and flaky but catfish are bottom-feeders and I don't eat them so I didn't try that. Another had the fried oyster salad, which they loved. We also had the specialty donuts at the end--one maple, one raspberry and one chocolate. Got to try one of each and they were all delicious but the maple was especially swoon-worthy. Now, the service. It was friendly enough, but just not very polished. We had a reservation and it seemed a little confusing to the person at the host stand. Another person came up to help and wanted to know if we were walk-ins and they seemed to have trouble trying to assign us a table. Not sure what that was all about. Then the waiter had to ask us to repeat our orders and always seemed to be in a hurry to get away from the table, so it seemed like we were always calling requests to his back. They could probably stand to professionalize the wait staff a bit, but the food was good enough that I'm trying to figure out how soon I can get back for dinner.
(4)Jennifer H.
Food great. Ridiculously pompous management is so overly concerned about maximizing the seating on their patio that they won't push two already small tables together to accommodate six for fear they can utilize every seat later. Funny to sit crowded around a four top while the other table sits empty for the rest of the night. Never seen a restaurant put the prospect of new customers over the comfort of existing ones.
(2)Mike T.
Edible but wont return. Cant make any modifications to menu items for dietary restrictions. The food is okay, but not really satisfying. Atmosphere smells like pickled okra...
(2)Ray V.
25-year resident of RAL/Dur/Ch: Acme has interesting tasty rich dishes--I would call it gourmet comfort food NOT low calorie and DEFINTELY NOT cheap. I read dozens of the reviews and MOST of them agree with me. Michelle, a hard working lady, is a really NICE server. She could teach a course in professional waitstaff knowledge and skills. Very attentive and knowledgable, well-deserving of my 22% seal of approval. Reservations recommended and go early if you want easy free parking nearby on a weekend. It's a busy area during the university school year. Popular with ALL AGES,,something for everybody.
(4)Alison L.
Not bad, not bad. They didn't have my reservation from OpenTable, but not a problem because it was empty. The first thing I notice about Acme is its retro decor, which I love. The next thing I notice is the price tag next to each of the main dishes. I understand that they buy a lot of the produce from local growers, but over $10 for a bowl of mac & cheese with some pork? I don't know... I ordered their calamari salad, which was a small dish/appetizer ($9) and it was good! Though not a lot. My guest ordered the pecan friend chicken main dish and she said it was very filling and delicious. I'm completely willing to pay above and beyond for spectacular food, and the food here is good. Just not as great as its price would lead you to believe. Everything else about it (ambience, wine, location) make it a gem in Carrboro, but I don't think this will be a place that I'll be hitting up on the reg. Maybe their brunch menu is a bit different, but so far, I've been here twice for dinner and have yet to be wow'd like some of the other reviewers.
(3)BD K.
Long wait for overpriced mediocre food. I paid 31 bucks for a steak over rice. Rice was great. Steak was the most gristly flank of nasty I've ever had. That said, if you like yuppie atmosphere and pretentious wine menu, this is your place. Needless to say, I'll pay 15 bucks for filet mignon and cook it myself in less time than it took to spend 31 bucks on a gristle-ridden monstrosity.
(2)Natalie U.
Ahh, the long awaited trip to Acme - So many expectations, especially after reading all the glimmery shimmery five star reviews on Yelp. I booked a reservation using opentable at the advice of other yelpers, and went in around 11 am for Sunday Brunch. It wasn't super busy when I arrived, and my reservation was promptly put together. The atmosphere was relaxed and 'clean' feeling, and I like the simple lighting of the place. My meal began with the donut trio (it's not on the menu, but you can just ask for it if your waiter doesn't suggest them to you), which consisted of three sugar coated and glazed donuts. My personal favorite was the raspberry, with the chocolate, and then the brown sugar(?) following afterwards. The glazes weren't too thick, and the donuts were wonderfully soft and delicious. My only gripe would be that the sugar coating might be a little overwhelming, especially with the sweetness from the glaze, but if you have a sweet tooth this is definitely the dish for you. For the main course, I got the special of the day which was the salmon eggs benedict, and my boyfriend got the classic eggs benedict with bacon. The salmon was incorporated into this little pastry that replaced the traditional english muffin in an eggs benedict, and it was served with a few pickled cucumbers and a salad. My egg was poached perfectly as was runny in the most beautiful way possible. The hollandaise was good, and the salmon cake was complimented well with all the thyme and rosemary in the dish, but overall it was just a good not great breakfast. Strangely enough, I found that it was those pickled cucumbers which really helped pull the dish together by cutting through the richness of the sauce, and it wasn't until after making that discovery that I enjoyed my meal much more. My boyfriend seemed to enjoy his food, although it was still just a good not great kinda thing. The prices were decent, pretty normal for what I would expect to pay for brunch. Maybe I just had too many expectations going in, but I will for sure be going back during their Tuesday night $12.95 entrees for another shot.
(4)Amy S.
We were in town for a series of shows at Cat's Cradle and loved our dinner at Acme. The server was professional - friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful in responding to questions. We enjoyed a couple specialty cocktails and our salads and entrees were a delight. Would recommend highly and definitely hope to make it back next time I'm in the area.
(4)Andrea C.
this place is ok. it's a little noisy and pricy but overall, they serve good food, especially chicken, but it's better to go with someone who already knows the place a little because some dishes are quite peculiar. I remember having scallops, they were great, though. it's a really good place to have lunch and the staff is very nice and welcoming.
(3)Rob M.
Our second time here ... I am at the table as I type this, when we were seated at 820pm on a Wednesday with only 4 other people in the dining room we asked for a window table and were told they hold those for large tables only. I pointed to the empty dining room and she said sorry but you can talk to the manager.... And sat us in the back. Pretty bad customer service by the hostess ... Food here is excellent just may be forced in the corner of an empty room to eat it.
(4)William M.
We've been a couple of times and want to like it but have been mildly disappointed each time. The food is pretty good but doesn't wow me. My best summary of the food is that while they don't do anything wrong, they don't excel either. Part of the problem may be that we've had the same pushy waiter twice - tries to be friendly but ends up hovering and rushing. We would try their brunch but probably not dinner again.
(3)Eric K.
We were in Raleigh/Chapel Hill for the weekend for a wedding. We wanted to check out someplace new and fun for breakfast/brunch on Sunday morning and had stumbled upon Acme Food & Beverage Co. online during our restaurant search. It sounded good, looked unique, and was in the small downtown area of Chapel Hill/Carrboro that we wanted to check out. Being unfamiliar with the downtown area's rules for parking, etc., we ended up parking in the crowded Harris Teeter parking lot, along with many others. (Sorry, Teeter shoppers!) We then walked a couple of blocks to the restaurant. The restaurant was pretty crowded for a late Sunday morning, but we were promptly seated. The decor was nice, modern, and everything looked very clean. I ordered the Eggs Benedict with Fried Green Tomatoes (in place of a meat) because it's not often Fried Green Tomatoes are on a menu! The eggs and hollandaise sauce were perfectly cooked, but the fried green tomatoes were so small that the egg on top dwarfed the tomato underneath. I was expecting a tomato at least as big as the English muffin upon which it sat. For these small tomatoes, I think they really should have put two on each muffin half. The accompany potatoes were moist and flavorful. The spices used really complemented them. All in all, Acme was a nice place, and if we lived nearby, we'd probably come back often. One downside for families: there is no kids' menu, so be prepared to spend $8-$10 to get the kiddies something from the regular breakfast menu.
(4)Peter S.
Moving down to North Carolina, I was told that Carrboro/Chapel Hill has some of the best food in the country. One stop at Acme convinced me of that. Everything on the menu is fabulous - the slow roasted pork over mac and cheese is something I could eat every day of the week and never grow sick of. It's simply amazing. It's pricy relative to other restaurants in the area, but it's not insanely expensive and you get your money's worth. If you're in the area and have a little extra money for dinner that night, you should go to Acme.
(5)Dan O.
Went to dinner with my wife- they had a chad roe special, on grits which was good, grits cooked perfectly. They also had corn bread in a skillet which ended up coming before our meal- very good. Server was cordial if a not a bit distracted, our entrees were disappointing- the pappardelle with wild game was a little sweet for a pasta. The fried chicken was underwhelming-( chicken on top of butter beans) I was unable to really enjoy it. I ordered a side of collared greens that never arrived to the table. Server recommended dessert which ended up being one of the highlights of the evening. Overall, the ambiance was busy- around 7:00 but by the time we got up to leave it was dead quiet. While the dinner was a bit disappointing, the experience was not a complete loss- will probably give another shot.
(3)Alex S.
One of the few places i hadn't been in Carrboro. Went for brunch as i had heard the bloody mary's are awesome. Being a bloody mary snob, they were good... but nothing to write home about. I had the brunch hoppin john which was phenominal! My brunch date's plate looked amazing too. Would have give 5 stars, but the service was exceptionally slow. Would definately go back if i didn't have any plans after eating and had the time to wait.
(4)J V.
Great, gourmet southern food for dinner or brunch! My favorite is the pecan crusted chicken, and the bread pudding is also delicious. Fine service. Dig their seasonal, local plates.
(4)Lindsay G.
A few weeks ago LivingSocial or Groupon or one of those sites ran a deal for Acme, a restaurant in Carrboro. Acme is a consistently solid establishment: I have never had a mind-blowing meal here but I have also never been disappointed. On this particular summer Friday Acme once again did not fail: my boyfriend and I had a solid meal with solid service and we left satisfied. We started with a great, summery appetizer of heirloom tomatoes and house made mozzarella. This was a perfect dish y'all, I could have eaten it for the main course. The tomatoes were perfect and juicy and the mozzarella was mild and creamy. The dish was garnished with deviled eggs and a tasty basil pesto which we sopped up with the bread. Summer is awesome. For the main course the boyfriend got a steak with garlic mashed potatoes, all well done. I had crab cakes with a succotash of kale, butternut squash, corn and tomatoes. Really tasty all around. Since all the food is seasonal and locally sourced the menu changes fairly frequently, but like I said, everything is solid. We-or rather I since the boyfriend isn't a dessert person, sigh-ended with a brownie sundae. The brownie was a little bit dry, but slightly dry brownie sundae is better than no brownie sundae. Impossible to mess up, really. Acme is a great place to go for a reliable good, fairly upscale meal. A Carrboro institution one might say. Y'all should check it out if you haven't!
(4)Matt K.
We had a LivingSocial coupon that prompted our visit, but we had looked at this place for a while. There were so many interesting menu options it was hard to choose. I went with the heirloom tomato salad (fantastic, good portion too) and had salmon with the grits (also very good). Their cocktails are great and the wine selections are too, with variable portion options -- half bottle pricing puts you at no disadvantage from a full bottle, so try mixing and matching. There is a cocktail with gin and rosemary syrup that's to die for. I had one in Las Vegas and this one jumped right off the menu. It was just as good. Service was friendly and the decor is intimate but not pretentious- seems like a nice date place. There is a parking lot in the back.
(4)Annika H.
I work at a local hotel and frequently suggest Acme for Sunday brunch. I feel good about putting my name to this place. I've been twice for brunch, never for dinner, and I've always had a nice time, but it has always been busy so service was a bit slow, but I guess it can't be helped. The first time I went, I wanted to get the rest of my food boxed up--the waiter dropped my food, which was disappointing, but took it off the bill to make up for it. I brought my mom and she enjoyed it too--nice decor, friendly staff, but definitely a crowded place, so be prepared for that for brunch! I loved the scallops eggs Benedict but if I can criticize one thing, there was a bit too much Hollandaise for my taste and I didn't particularly care for the sauce; as others have mentioned, a bit buttery for my taste. I'll be back to try more! The menu is dyamnic and exciting and definitely worth a try...or a few tries!
(4)Denise D.
Beautiful restaurant, lovely presentation, and $10 entree night is terrific. I ordered the crab cakes because I live in Illinois and don't get near the ocean that often, but sadly, I thought they were just okay. Maybe even imitation! The restaurant seem understaffed and a little disorganized, but I would go back to try a different menu item.
(3)R L.
Ok this review is way overdue, but better late than never ye? Service here has always been awesome, friendly, warm, staff is pretty knowledgeable about the food served...and most importantly we always felt very "at-home" here at ACME. The hostess is great, as always - don't remember her name. Food is pretty consistent across the past many visits, dinners, brunches and simply put: we were never disappointed. Having tried many restaurants in town, and in the Chapel Hill-Durham area, ACME definitely has some of the better offerings in town! A must visit if you're in the area!
(4)Ellen C.
Good brunch spot with plenty of options for everyone. The good: coffee, turnovers, coffeecake, and Hoppin' John with eggs, rice, cheese, and black-eyed peas. The okay: omelettes (greasy), doughnuts (dense and overly sweet), fish po' boy (too much bread, small fish pieces). The bad: the greasiness of the dishes. Side salads are always disappointingly limp and floppy from being doused with too much oil, which really turns me off. I like the space and the variety of choices here, and I will probably be back to sample other brunch dishes on the menu. 3.5 stars.
(3)Katrina M.
First and foremost, I'll start by complimenting the staff on their service. They were quick, kind, and candid about their preferences for our dinner options. And, most importantly, they were accommodating. After a long day of traveling and knowing that I had nothing but crap eating ahead of me, I wanted desert that wasn't completely terrible. So, while it wasn't a menu option, they went ahead and brought me a scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate, which, I have to say, was my favorite part of the meal. I imagine they make the chocolate they use in-house, because it had a unique flavor to it that I liked very much. With that said, unfortunately, I can only rate the rest of the food sub-par, especially considering the price. Quite frankly, unless you're some ridiculously swanky and upscale NY restaurant, a plate of spaghetti and meat balls should never be more than about $11.95. Yes, I'm being that specific. It's pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce (which is exactly what it tasted like). And I've had far better spaghetti that costed tons less than what this place charged. Everything just tasted too soft - I'm assuming it was over cooked. The meatball just fell completely apart when I cut into it. Again, the flavor of the sauce wasn't bad, but I didn't think any of it was good enough to pay what I did for it (or what the company did - thanks corporate funded meals!). Of course, I had a bit of my co-workers plates, as well. The risotto dish was really really rich. Perhaps it's a preference thing, but it tasted more like a thick and creamy soup than anything else to me. The salmon and grits was probably the best of the three dishes, solely due to how well the salmon was made. Perhaps grits should just be left to the deep south. You may notice I seem to be going back and forth on flavor. Sometimes it's too rich, sometimes it makes the meal. The provided bread seemed to be no exception to this seesaw. I honestly have never tasted a more flavor-less bread. And if you can believe it, the butter was worse. I didn't even know there was such a thing as flavorless butter. It was like eating air, and considering the carbs and otherwise empty calories, I might as well have been. It would have tasted the same and been healthier. Why bother? Just skip it! All and all, I would say it's a place that you might consider visiting if you'd like to hang out on a nice patio, with romantic/social lighting, and great service. It could even be a good desert spot. But if you like bang for your buck, try somewhere that lives up to fine dining in taste as well as atmosphere.
(2)Mark H.
One of the best restaurants in Carrboro--hands down. Food and service are usually very good. They have good specials too that are not on the menu. Have only ever been for dinner. Ambience is good/very good. Parking can be a challenge depending on the day/time.
(4)Sam G.
I honestly don't see what the fuss is about. Wife and I have been here twice and the food has been forgettable both times. I will say this; the staff is top notch. They know their stuff and they very pleasant. Maybe I'm just ordering the wrong thing. I don't know, my kindergarten logic tells me that if you can't make a decent cheeseburger, you probably can't make a decent anything else...I'll have to make a return trip soon enough and give it another shot
(2)Colleen P.
Recently moved into the area and I had seen the favorable yelp reviews for Acme so we decided to try it for brunch, which is one of our favorite meals. We were not disappointed! I would give it over 4 stars, like 4 1/2 if I could. I ordered the biscuits and gravy breakfast which came with 2 eggs (I got mine over medium) and a side of either potatoes or grits (I got the grits). The biscuits were moist and flaky, the gravy was delicious and not over-powering, the eggs were cooked perfectly and the grits were delicious. My boyfriend got the fried green tomato sandwich and said it was amazing. The portion sizes were pretty huge, I was full for the better part of the day! I also LOVE LOVE LOVE how many of their meats and eggs come from local farms and it says where right on the menu. Not only does it support the local economy, but it means they are using good products! We sat outside which was beautiful and clean. My only "disappointment" is how long is took to get our food. We didn't mind because we were enjoying sitting outside, but after a half an hour, the waitress should have said something. At the end of the meal she did apologize for the delay and said it was the last wave of the rush. I thought the price was good for the quality and amount, but I see some people think it's pricey. I did just move from NYC, so perhaps I shouldn't comment on price. :) We can't wait to go back! They also have oysters on the half shell (must call beforehand to make sure they have them that night) and we can't wait to try them!!
(4)Amy H.
Although I still love Acme, If I am going to be honest, I'm going to need to knock it down a star. I took my folks to brunch on the last day (even hour) of their visit. I split the scallops eggs benedict with my mom and my dad had the waffle with peach sauce. The service was friendly as always and we actually go seated right away (thanks to our reservation). Unfortunately, the food was a disappointment. Though cooked well, the scallops were tiny. The asparagus was the last they had and was cooked just fine. The hollandaise was very buttery. BUT the "poached" eggs were completely overcooked. The runny egg is the big seller for me with eggs benedict, so I was very disappointed. My dad's waffle had a texture that we could only describe as something like an overly sweet hearty bread (but not in the good way). It was probably naive to think a place could be infallible, but consistency is pretty important. For me, it's probably better worth it to find a brunch place closer to Durham.
(4)Jerry G.
Had dinner with friends on a Thursday night. Acme was buzzing, even at 6:30, and packed when we left. The place was alive with energy. I had the oyster appetizer which came with 3 sauces. They were plump and tasty - if you're an oyster lover - try them. The tuna entree was perfectly cooked and portion size just right. My wife and I shared the chocolate terrine dessert - excellent! Our party decide to have wine by the glass and found the selection of both white and red to offer a good selection and price range. Service was very good - not rushed, server knowledgeable and helpful. Neither our friends or us had been to Acme in a while - we'll be returning soon.
(5)Sally P.
Came for brunch here thanks to the fantastic reviews on Yelp. The place was pretty packed, and though there were open tables inside, we (Mr. Partner and I) opted to wait an extra five minutes to sit outside. What a lovely little space: towering green plants, rumbling water feature, and FIRE. I found it charming, even though Mr. Partner and I had to rotate our giant, wobbling table and scoot in close to hear each other over the combination of gurgling fountain and Tom Petty classic hits. Mr. Partner complimented the (male) waiter's hair, which led everyone to feel quite awkward, and may explain why the waiter made himself somewhat scarce. The donuts have fantastic reviews here, but we were not into them. Hungry Partner usually devours ALL things, but even he left them unfinished. It's okay to pass them up, Yelpers! Despite the so-so donuts of omg-amazing fame, the rest of the food was absolutely fantastic. I order the Classic Hollandaise with Fried Green Tomato (there will never be a Hollandaise dish as mind-blowing as my homezone's Snooze, but I keep foolishly trying to match it!) with grits, and Mr. Partner got the Fried Green Tomato sandwich with fries. Two words: Basil Aioli. Some more words: steal Mr. Partner's Basil Aioli and put it on *everything* on your plate. Overall, our tummy's were satisfied, though our wallets were a little confused. $20 each? I suppose those were some not-worth-the-cost donuts paired with some should-have-gone-without coffee. Next time, we can certainly enjoy five star delicious at a better price.
(4)Greg S.
This was our first time at Acme, and it's a shame that we waited so long to try it. My thoughts: Food: Tasty. I mean, super freakin' tasty. I had the pecan-crusted fried chicken. The lady had the flounder stew. Both were fantastic. Unfortunately, the pecan pie didn't live up to its hype. That was the only low point of the meal to me -- oh, and the fact that they topped the afore-mentioned pie with whipped cream instead of a good old fashioned scoop of ice cream. As if. Service: Meh. Our waiter was reasonably polite, but I get what other people are saying. They're stuffy. We asked if we could sub out sides. Were told no. I always take a bit of umbrage at this when I'm paying good money for a meal. No one was overly friendly, but they did their job and got their tip. Honestly, if the service had been as good as the food I'd have given this five stars. All in all, well worth a try. Book your reservation well in advance if you want a Tuesday, because that's the night they have some good specials. As far as Carrboro fare goes, it's some of the best.
(4)Connie L.
went for dinner with girlfriends. one of the best restaurants i have been to in the durham/chapel hill area! it was kind of pricey but worth it! had the scallops and ate every single bite! the service was also really good! would go back if craving a delicious meal!
(5)Suzanne D.
Inventive. For instance- Barbeque salad- lettuce, pork barbeque, and boiled peanuts. Yummy!
(4)Mike O.
Okay, you probably know about the sweet Tuesday night deals, but if you don't, know it now: there are deals on Tuesday nights! Entrees (which are normally prices around $18-$20, are all priced at $12.50 (or something around that ballpark). Yes! I ordered the fried chicken, and it was wonderful. The portions are perfect, not too big, not too small. The beer list is nice, including several local beers. The ambiance is a smidge classier than most casual restaurants surrounding the place, probably because people are paying a bit more. But don't let that get you down. I wore shorts with paint stains and a baseball cap because I'm a slob. But that's irrelevant. You should go here Tuesday and catch that deal!
(4)R L.
Of all the restaurants in Carrboro, this one takes my vote as having the best food. A testament to their food is that I have eaten Thanksgiving dinner there twice and found it better than almost any homemade Thanksgiving dinner. They often have semi-local oysters on the half shell and I would highly recommend them for an appetizer. They do great things with fish and I particularly like the blackened salmon which has elements of southern and mexican food to it. Anything on the menu involving scallops is also always done well. As if their dinner menu wasn't great enough, I might say that Acme has the best brunch perhaps of anywhere I have been. All of their benedict dishes are great and they often have homemade donuts that are amazing if you are out to indulge. This would normally be the end to a five star review, although Acme loses a full star with me because of its inconsistent service. It is almost always difficult to get drink refills when you are here and more often than not, it takes forever for a waiter to first come to your table. This may be just my feeling about things, but the waiters often have an attitude that they are doing you a service serving you. The chef should really try to get waiters and waitresses that match his skills. Overall, this is an amazing restaurant if you are willing to spend a little extra and put up with sub-par service.
(4)Camille W.
Sad to say, the brunch here has gone down hill since I posted my review a couple of years ago. I've returned many times for dinner and had a good experience each time, but I recently took my parents to brunch there when they came to visit, and it was a disappointment. The doughnuts were 90% sugar, and the glazes were not only good, but barely enough to cover the doughnuts, and not seasonal at all, unlike last time I had brunch here. I got the eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes, and I demand to know how they managed to make fried green tomatoes bland. And for the love of god, is it that difficult to serve someone hot tea? The pot they gave me barely had enough water to get my mug 3/4 of the way full. I like my tea milky, but I don't need that much! Really sad to see my favorite brunch place in town slip. Don't think I'll be back for brunch again.
(3)Grace H.
I give ACME 3 stars solely because I was disappointed by my first experience here. I came here for brunch with the intention of having to wait because I knew that this was a highly sought out spot for brunching. As we only needed a table of two we were actually able to get a spot pretty quickly. After examining the menu, I saw that French toast was the special for the day. It sounded absolutely heavenly with cream cheese and syrup and other wonderful things included. However, when it came out, it came out in a dish the size of what you would make a large creme brulee in. The portion was pretty disappointing. Not only that, the French toast was extremely mushy and I felt like I was eating baby food. I usually prefer for my French toast to be soft in the areas where the syrup was soaken up but also do like the crunch that come with it. Everything in this entire dish was soft. That threw me off and it was also too sweet for my liking. Not to mention, the french toast was extremely expensive for the portion that they provided. I like to eat my money's worth but this time I couldn't even finish the dish. I do have to say if it weren't for my good company, I would have left in a completely sour mood. Other than that, service was great and friendly. The atmosphere and interior is also pleasant during the day time. Parking will be hard to find in proximity to the restaurant but if you park in the public lots near Southern Rail you won't have much of a walk. I know that ACME is known for great food so I'd love to come back for another try sometime in the future and give it another star.
(3)Jonathan T.
Really nice place to go, particularly if you can grab a seat at the bar. They make good drinks (I've had better in town, but these are still really good) and the food is really tasty and changes a lot. I highly recommend checking out Recession Tuesdays if you're on a budget. It's a great way to get a good price on a high class plate of food. They also have a terrific brunch, including some really delicious doughnut flavors.
(5)Drew S.
I wandered in here to get some brunch while exploring the back roads of NC. What a treat. Between the service, the food quality, and the drink selections, I'd say the brunch here is top notch. I ordered a brunch beer from NC, and was pleased with its hoppy-ness. The savory brunch special was a tostada with egg and a chorizo sauce accompanied by some mixed greens. There were like 4 eggs (which was a little much for me), but the sauce was amazing. What I could have ordered multiples of, though, was the doughnuts. While not traditional doughnuts with holes, the trio of awesomeness on a plate was music in my mouth. I ate the raspberry, then the chocolate, then the maple. While maple is usually my favorite, there was something about the chocolate here. I think it was the quality of the ingredients. While all three were amazing, that chocolate was fantastic. If you ever find yourself in Carrboro, NC, hit up ACME for brunch.
(4)YL S.
Food is five star but service is not. Never wanna split the check and never asked if we would like to either. I will go back for the food though.
(3)Shelley V.
Whoo hoo! We were recommended to come here by a gal at Wootini and we were thrilled by our meal. I had the roasted pig and M had the salmon. My god, both of our entrees were top notch deliciousness!! I kept muttering "yum" and "good" like a distant relative of Frankenstein under my breath! The place was packed but we luckily made a reservation on Open Table so we waited all of 3 minutes before being seated. The staff was terrific, friendly and goodies themselves. I loved being served by people who love food and appreciate a well-crafted meal. I would love to go back to Chapel Hill and would definitely go back here.
(5)Ken E.
I really wanted to like Acme, but my meal was less than satisfactory. I chose 3 small plates and each underwhelmed me. Really underwhelmed me. Disappointing too, because the location is terrific and the patrons were lively and fun. What more can I say? the food just tasted flat and uninspiring, like something I could get at a local chain. I cannot recommend Acme.
(2)Meghan C.
Went to Acme because my mother was visiting from out of town. Usually the food is amazing and the service is great, but NOT this time. My meal, scallops, was delish as expected. However, the dinner special, ribeye, was horribly tough a not cooked as requested. The appetizer was simply put boring, steak tacos. We got two desserts, pound cake and cheesecake. We took one bite of cheesecake and didn't eat anymore, disgusting. Pound cake was good. To top off the night, the server I have had before and he was just as bad the last two times. Just very inattentive and walks through the motions of service. Overall, I was disappointed with the food compared to my previous visits and the service needs some fine tuning.
(3)Fifi Y.
It's too bad for the poor service because I thought the brunch food at Acme was delicious.. But when the most memorable thing about a meal was poor service on every level, it's not acceptable to overlook it. We arrived for brunch at 10:30 on a Sunday without reservations. My bad, I tried to make reservations early that morning but they weren't accepting any more. We were told the wait would be approximately 30 minutes. There's no good spot to wait inside (unless you don't mind constantly feeling like you're in someone's way!) so we took a walk outside and decided to grab a coffee at Weaver Street Market - it was really, really cold outside. Acme called my cell to let me know the table was ready and I told them I was on my way - but in the 5 minutes it took me to get back there they'd given our table away. As we continued to wait, the host told me that we would have to finish our coffees or throw them away before we'd be seated. Really?! I can somewhat understand a policy like that, especially if signposted, for a place that specializes in good coffee (which Acme doesn't). But I really hated the snobby attitude that came along with it. Especially after our table was given away, and after we'd bought coffee only to keep warm because Acme had a long wait time for a table and nowhere to wait indoors. We were seated, we ordered, and when the waitress came to refill my friend's coffee (which he'd purchased from Acme, thankyouverymuch), she spilled it all over my coat! At first I didn't realize what had happened because she didn't even apologize! She scurried away to get a rag (!) to dab it from my $400 coat, and offered a half-assed apology. No one offered to comp even the coffee, which I think would have been the least they could do to counter the $20 dry cleaning cost of the coat. When the waitress brought out the food, she brought my two friends' entrees and didn't bring mine. I tried to convince my friends to start without me, but they wouldn't hear of it. A few minutes turned into five awkward minutes of waiting for my food (five minutes is a LONG time when you're all eyeing food that's getting cold...). Finally I tracked down the waitress to see what the deal was, and she said she'd go check on it. It took another few minutes before I got my food. Really unacceptable. Overall - lower your expectations for service if you try Acme, and you'll probably love it! I have no complaints about the food.. it's just that I can't remember what I ate because all I can recall is how terrible the service was.
(2)Amie K.
A little over a year since my first delicious dinner and still my favorite place in the triangle! I'm leaving Durham after 3 yummy years and when asked where I wanted to go for a farewell dinner with friends - where else? Acme always serves wonderful food by a knowledgeable staff. Justin B has been my waiter many times and I can't applaud him enough for his recommendations. Love this place!
(5)Christopher A.
I love Acme! I am a regular for brunch on the week-ends, and have had plenty of dinners here as well. The food is always fantastically prepared. The ingredients are fresh and local. The menu is interesting and super tasty. The restaurant is clean and cozy. The outside patio is fantastic. Don't change a thing Acme!
(4)Perry H.
My far my favorite brunch spot in the triangle. I have yet to have dinner here but everyone I know raves about that as well. It's so hard to go with anything other than my favorite - fried green tomato benedict with route 3 potatoes. The poached eggs are always perfectly cooked and the hollandaise is superb. The potatoes are always a highlight - potatoes with onions and peppers almost in a stew-like consistency. Even though I'm pleasantly full when done I always want more of everything. I always try to get there early as things can get a bit crowded at the peak brunch hours. There is also spots at the bar if no tables are available. If you're visiting definitely make it a point to come for brunch, if you live here and haven't visited yet - shame on you.
(5)Amy C.
Very disappointing. I went here for brunch. The breakfast potatoes were cold and seasoned with what tasted like taco seasoning. The grits were undercooked. Bacon was I don't even know what was wrong with the bacon. It was old and cold. And the service was just as bad. The coffee was good.
(1)J K.
My sister and I went tonight to enjoy their discounted entrees night and to celebrate my birthday. We enjoyed everything about our experience!! Bob, our server, was exceptional. The food, as usual, was scrumptious. We shared the crispy calamari salad which I highly recommend doing the same thing if you go!! She got the crab cakes and I the pan seared scallops for our entrees. She and I both work at a local seafood restaurant so I can say with some knowledge that both entrees were prepared perfectly! We shared the chocolate terrine dessert and it was heavenly! Another home run for Acme!! Thank you Bob for a wonderful evening! :)
(5)Allison M.
I had Easter brunch here a few weekends ago and had a very pleasant experience - which seems to be at odds with the some Yelpers here who say that Acme doesn't particularly like college kids. Maybe it was because I was with my parents, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary to me in terms of service. I had the pimiento cheese sandwich served with an obscene amount of fries (not a bad thing). The sandwich was tasty, although slightly overpowered by the flavor of the pickle inside it. The (chunky!?) basil aioli they served with it was a nice added flavor. I had a bite of my mom's eggs Benedict dish, which I found to be surprisingly good as well. We all split a single piece of coffee cake, and good thing we did! It was enormous, and more like dessert than anything else. Super-sweet, moist, and a great end to the meal. I give it four stars because I think it was missing that extra "oomph" for me that would catapult it to a five. But I'd really like to try it for dinner sometime soon!
(4)Claire L.
Acme, I like you. I really do. But you don't make it easy sometimes. The dining room is cramped, which makes for excellent people watching but can be an issue if you want to have actual conversations. Service is more "Carrboro hipster" than "Southern charm." Food, always delicious. Donuts, anything with fried green tomatoes, can't go wrong. For brunch, however, their drinks are tiny. If I'm paying $8 for a mimosa, I'd like more than a shot glass worth of liquid.
(4)Jason S.
Acme. The name had been bandied about in many conversations about local food culture when I first moved to Raleigh, off in that magical land of fair trade this and hipster that known as Carrboro. It helps that the name itself as a noun means the summit or highest point. The punny praise almost writes itself: "Acme is the acme of..." Unfortunately, Acme does not seem to be the acme of anything. For all the good I'd heard, the restaurant itself didn't live up to any of it. Our group grew from an expected party of six to possibly a party of eight when two friends of friends showed, leading to a potential conundrum given the six person table we had reserved. There happened to be a two person table in the midst of finishing up next to us in the half-full dining room, so we didn't expect too much trouble pulling that table toward ours and making it eight. In the meantime, Bloody Marys started arriving, mine a Bay Bloody with Old Bay and, for some reason, okra, presumably in lieu of a celery stalk. The Chesapeake Bay I grew up next to didn't feature much okra, so maybe they were talking about another bay I haven't visited. The drink itself was only fair, on the thin side, and lacked any sort of salt or Old Bay rim to it. I arrived with great expectations for the iced donuts but came away thinking they could have been better; the donuts themselves were on the dry side, though the icing was appropriately decadent. The coffee cake stood out as the meal's winner and was a definite step up after the donut disappointment. It was soon thereafter that we learned the restaurant manager working that day was a bit of a prick. When I lived in Columbus, OH, I found this too-cool-to-be-pleasant vibe permeating the hipper, talked up establishments in that city. Customer service means different things to different people, and it's not like I'm looking for the lick-your-nutsack-and-call-you-daddy level adherence to pleasantness you'd find in a service culture like Japan, but we got glowered at and reprimanded for pulling the two person table toward our six-top to make eight. Let's be specific. We were first asked without context if our two additional guests were paying customers or just there to hang out. They were the former, and the asking of this was bad enough once we knew what the guy meant; had they been the latter, they would probably have been kicked out. It turned out the table had been reserved, so I can understand some irritation, but a mere look into the half-empty dining room was proof enough that another table was available. There was nothing lighthearted about this exchange, and for all the understanding Christina might have had for this given her experience working a restaurant, the rest of us were left wanting for even a modicum of pleasantness. Our waiter was at least a good one, so it wasn't a situation where the whole meal was diminished by universally poor service. One other recommendation for Acme: ditch the scallops. Or scallop, as my eggs Benedict dressed with this protein seemed to only be served with one of these tender morsels cut in half and laid in front of the Benedict rather than under the egg. Perhaps someone saw the standard presentation, laughed a little, and decided the dish was better served having the scallop obvious to the diner instead of lost under the poached egg. But in this presentation, the scallop halves just look like sad, flat little milky eyes that are gone in an ambivalent bite. The up-charge for the single scallop is less than worth it for what you get. I'm giving Acme the benefit of the doubt in returning at some later point because I'm sure they can do better. Probably not for brunch, though. This experience was just more evidence that hype about a place doesn't matter.
(2)Janet H.
The outdoor seating is really fabulous. The food is consistently yummy. I can't seem to stop ordering the fried chicken because the butter beans on the side may as well be crack. I want to eat them all the time. And who really says that about butter beans? The fried chicken and mashed potatoes that come with it are spectacular as well. The drink menu is very nice. The wine menu is acceptible. The service the past 3-4 times I have been has been quite good. I think I remember some poor service 3 or 4 years ago that put me off this place for awhile, but I am glad I have returned since then because I have not been disappointed.
(4)Sam T.
4.5 stars. Great restaurant with delicious food and attentive (and quirky) service. Menu is pretty small and kind of upscale southern, with quite a bit of seafood featured. Shrimp succotash, steak frites, and scallops were all awesome. Expensive but not inappropriate. Good restaurant for a date or special occasion.
(5)Nathan S.
I've been to Acme 3 times now, and it consistently delivers. The food is unique, always delicious, and reasonably priced (especially Tuesdays). The place can get busy in hurry at dinner time, so either make reservations or head over a little early (like 5:30 on a weekday). Everything I've had has been great, but would recommend the goat cheese and shrimp pasta and the stuffed pepper appetizers.
(4)Ivan J.
Rolled in there around 6:00 on Saturday and was happy to see most of the tables open. Imagine my surprise when the hostess, after asking if we had reservations, made a 'boy this will be hard' face before letting us know we could have a table reserved for 7:30 if we thought we could be done by then. I thought it was an odd condition to place on our being granted a seat, but my friend had eaten there before and was eager to share his very good experience. So we said, "OK." The waitress was helpful as we ordered. The food was divine. And sure enough, the place was packed by 7:00. (and we were done by 7:15, so no awkward conflict with the reservation holders). I had the lamb and risotto. I can't wait to go back and have it again. SO good.
(5)Rob G.
Friendly service, willing to customize the menu a bit (try crab on the benedict!), and fantastic food at a reasonable price.
(5)