I was a little apprehensive to eat here at first when I asked some people in the area for a nice, fancy place to eat and was suggested a place with the word "Barn" in the title. I think I was envisioning a place in which someone would be in the next room shoveling around horse shit, so I guess I was pleasantly surprised. The place is uniquely decorated and feels like a cross between a California wine cellar and a southern plantation with a touch of something out of an Al Pacino movie. I don't know how that makes sense, but go with it. It's intersting and has a quality about it that will somehow remind you of someone you know. My only gripe- my husband and I made reseverations here for 7:30 and were completely blown off when we arrived a few minutes early, and then we were consequently blown off until 8:10. We were about to leave when I spotted a manager who could tell we were annoyed and upset and immediately seated us. They more than made up for their error. They INSISTED my husband and I each order an appetizer of our choice on the house. At the end of the meal, we were offered free dessert on the house. The waitress knew I was debating between 2 and surprised us when she brought the check with the one I didn't choose in a to-go box. We were also given FREE cheese and crackers and a variety of other items from their gift shop to take home with us. The appetizers, cheese and crackers, and steak were all delicious. The desserts were all to die for, and our waitress was sweet and had the cutest English accent. I would gladly come back here again.
(4)
Michael G.
The reason I was at Angus is because there was a reception being held there at one of the outdoor pavilions and let me tell you, AMAZING! Granted, this place is outrageously expensive, both the restaurant and anything beyond just the restaurant, but the pavillion area had a buffet and they just had food beyond my wildest dreams. The ribs were delicious as they fell off the bone and into my mouth; most importantly, you could cut them easily off the bone with a fork and knife, saving yourself a mess. The marinated/grilled scallops were to die for as were the deserts, specifically, the apple cobbler. Unfortunately, my time there was short or I would have eaten more. Maybe my biggest regret in life was not eating more...kidding, but seriously, the food is that good. The pavilion area was gorgeous, overlooking a lake and it was a beautiful January day in North Carolina with a beaming sun and temps in the 50s. It'd be certainly a marvelous place to hold a reception of any sorts, but it'd be even better if someone else was paying the bill. Still, the food, atmosphere and service were absolutely unbeatable and if you've got the dough or are looking for a place for a wedding reception or big party, I 100 percent suggest Angus Barn. Fantastic!
(5)
Jeffrey H.
What a find. The wild turkey bar is a great place to unwind after a long day of work on the road. The drinks were stiff and priced well. The food was excellent. Try the homemade potato chips. The he service was top notch. I will return here every time I am in Raleigh.
(4)
David D.
I was recommended this steak house by some locals and decided to give it a try. When you first walk in it's like an old western museum. I thought it was pretty cozy. I ordered the Chateaubriand and it was charred to death. Almost cut my insides on the way down. Very disappointing. My friends had other cuts of meat that was just fair. The service was good. Overall, it was a nice experience minus the food.
(2)
KJ W.
What a great place. I have lived here for over 10 years and had never been. We loved it. I had no idea it was so great for kids too. Staff is awesome and goes fully out of their way to make sure everyone is happy. We went with friends and even with our pretty big group, we all had perfectly prepared food, served at the same time. Will plan to go back for another fun night out. Love it!
(5)
Andrew S.
While it is true that this place can be beat on its steaks by other steak houses I've been at, I continue to go back as you can't beat the atmosphere of this place. Some examples: 1. A few years back the heating was out at the Wild Turkey Lounge (a must if you live in the area - I like it more than sitting in the main seating areas) and they broke our blankets for all and shawls for the women. I mean, really, who keeps those sorts of things at restaurants? 2. Last night went for a birthday celebration for my wife and they took the kids back into the kitchen to decorate her cake. The kids got to spoon on sprinkles and M&M's to personalize the free cake they gave her. 3. There is a magician there every Friday night who I've seen a few times (both with kids and adults as his audience). My oldest was looking forward to going to the barn just to see the magician. He didn't disappoint. He had both of my sons helping him with magic tricks table side and both were very excited. 4. Upstairs, there is a kids chest of take home toys that are great to keep the kids occupied until the meal starts coming out. 5. If you're looking for a place to see New Years, again the Wild Turkey Lounge is a great place. They cover the entire space with balloons, hand out party favors, do a round of bubbly near midnight, and in general make it a good place to be. Get there early though, as the lounge does fill up that night. So my summary... Great, family (kid) friendly place that impresses guests with atmosphere. Not the best place ever for steaks, but acceptable. If you're going with a group of adults, I suggest going upstairs to the Wild Turkey Lounge if not for a chaser for the whole meal.
(4)
Aaron B.
The customer service is top notch. The steaks are the best you'll find in the Raleigh Area. The interior decor is kind of kitchy.
(4)
Matthew C.
Ok steak. Cool atmosphere with good service. Pricey for sure and crowded on a Wednesday. Not sure I'd go back but worth it once. Lots of large parties there for different functions.
(2)
Sarah T.
My husband and I moved to the area a year ago and stumbled upon this place one evening. What a great surprise! We ate upstairs in the bar and it was packed the Saturday night we went. Our waitress was phenomenal! I didn't know if I wanted mashed potatoes or the fries with my prime rib, so before my meal came out the waitress brought me two pretty large samples of each to try so I could make my decision. Really incredible prime rib! I loved the roasted red pepper bisque and will definitely have to get it next time!
(5)
Ibad K.
The Angus Barn is equal parts American steakhouse and American museum. I loved the decor and the attention to detail. There's an entire wall of historic firearms (mostly revolvers but I remember some muskets, shotguns, and repeaters as well) that's just incredible! Also, the staff is one of the nicest and most attentive I've ever experienced. My friend commented on how everyone from the valet to the waiter were geniunely friendly and not fake. Our waiter also informed us that the restaurant can seat 700 people and has just added a pavillion by the lake for specials occassions! As for the food, it was great! The meals are preceded by cheese crackers with spread that are just sublime and the warm texas toast like bread is also to die for. I had the ribeye with fresh onion rings and my friend had the baby back ribs and our food was delish! Oh, and they've nationally awarded desserts that are made from scratch (for the most part)! Highly recommended!
(5)
Sarah E.
Best Steak I have EVER had, if you LOVE steak try them out! They have amazing cheese spread as well as bread.
(5)
Paul K.
Always good
(4)
Tom C.
The food was good but dinner took forever. Our Reservation were for 5:30 and we still didn't have our dinner by 7:00. We had to ask them to hurry it al long because we had 8:00 theatre tickets. Would recommend as long as you have the time.
(4)
Twitch R.
Visiting friends - they took us here for dinner. Fabulous! We got a tour of the place as well, which was amazing. The food was excellent and the atmosphere very lively. Definitely a must do!
(5)
F G.
If you're looking for a great steak and price isn't an issue, this is the place. My husband took me there for our 1 year anniversary. Loved the lounge seating. They even had live entertainment, some old guy on the piano. It was really intimate. They even have couch seating. Loved the cheese and crackers while I was waiting on my dinner. Even though steak is the main attraction, the carolina crab cakes were my fav. A must try, especially the dipping sauce. But remember make reservations before going.
(4)
Barry S.
Some of the best service I have ever had in a restaurant. Justin was amazing. I was down in the NC area for work and checked out some local steak houses and found some pretty good reviews for the Angus Barn. The decor is interesting to say the least. Not interesting in a bad way just different and very appealing. As i said before the service was amazing, made the experience great. Had the 22oz prime rib, between that the sweet potato, the salad, the chips, and the bread I was more than stuffed. If you are in the area worth checking this place out.
(5)
Mr M.
Favorite restaurant experience anywhere. Wild Turkey Lounge, Cheese & Crackers, Wine Tour, Meat Locker Patio, Best service anywhere, great people, great food. I probably like Ruth's Chris steak a little better, but I'm usually so happy to be here, I barely notice. Every time I visit Raleigh, I must hit 3 spots. Firehouse Subs, Flying Saucer, and Angus Barn. Mission Accomplished.
(5)
Keith C.
I grew up in this area, so I know that the Angus Barn is an institution. However, I'm afraid the message has gotten back to the Barn. They don't seem to try as hard as they used to. First, let me identify the things they continue to do better than anyone: Service - the waitstaff at AB is very knowledgeable about the menu and they take very good care of the guests. I've been told by individual servers that they go through a 6-week training process before they're allowed to serve. Appetizers - The cheese spread and crackers that come free with dinner (and in the Wild Turkey Lounge) are fantastic. They have two different homemade cheese spreads that have threatened to fill me up before dinner on multiple occasions. With these, you really don't need additional appetizers, but you will want to try the Ostrich Satay and Lump crabmeat coctail as both are superb. WIne - AB has one of the best wine cellars in North Carolina. Dessert - AB has tons of homemade pies and cakes that will simply make your mouth water. If it wasn't so far out of town, I would recommend going there just for dessert! Now for the not so stellar aspects Steaks - I know, right? You would think that a place called the Angus Barn would do steaks well. The truth is that 5 years ago this was my favorite steakhouse in the area. However, the last 3-4 times I've been for dinner, my steak has come out of the kitchen cold and lifeless; no sizzle. I don't know if this is a result of the house preparation method, or if there is an operational problem in the kitchen. Regardless, it has been really disappointing. Ribs - I recently had the AB Barbecued Pork Ribs. They were served luke-warm and tough with little flavor other than the sweet barbecue sauce basting. I can honestly make better ribs than those at home. Sides - SImilar to the steaks, AB seems to be coasting on their laurels in places where they once excelled. On my last trip I had the baked onion as my side. While i believe this dish is a great idea with promise, the current preparation is flavorless with the body of stewed cabbage. Yes, AB is an institution and we should all experience it. However, until they change their operations to improve quality I think I will stick with some of the younger "hungrier" triangle operations
(2)
Johnny L.
I went around xmas time, the place was totally xmas'ed out - I loved it! Some of the bar waitresses were wearing some skimpy santa suits, which, really put me in the mood for a bone-in, a T-bone steak, that is. Had the usual, M to drink, C for an appetizer and the T-bone for my main. All was very good and the service was efficient. Decor is pretty cool too, especially since it is a huge barn (hence the name, duh!) It can get pretty crowded, so, make a res. Tourist trap? nah. Expensive, yeah, maybe. All-around good grub.
(4)
Janel N.
I heard several good reviews on the Angus Barn. I took my best friend to dinner here on a trip to North Carolina - we got all dressed up and were excited but when we arrived we were way over dressed. I guess dress code for California differs a lot from North Carolina. The food was good - HOT so we know it came right from the kitchen. The prices were a pinch high, but we still had a fun night out. I would recommend, but jeans are A -Ok .
You'll have to pardon my adherence to traditional gender roles, as they are not something I commonly endorse. It's just that they are the easiest confines in which to accurately describe the Angus Barn. It's a man's restaurant. Not because of the food. The food is good, mind you. You'll pay a lot, but you'll get a tasty cut of beef and - since they know they're charging you top dollar - find that they cook them pretty much exactly how you ordered them. Yes, there are other menu items. But why go to a place called the Angus Barn if you're not going to have a steak? It's not a man's restaurant because of the barn house atmosphere either. Although that's also a lot of fun. And while at least one reviewer found the strange combination of the barn-style decor and the staff and patrons dressed like they're headed to (or working at) the prince's ball, I think it's kind of a neat juxtaposition that gives the place a nice feel. It's not even the Wild Turkey Lounge, even though that's a fine place to have an expensive post expensive dinner drink. I know, it's named after one of the manilest and hair-on-chest-puttingest bourbons out there...but still no. Nope, this place really tells you all you need to know about it when you see when they're closed. Just three days a year. Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Super Bowl Sunday. Man's restaurant.
(5)
sara g.
We went to the Beefeaters Haven last night for our holiday family outting. We walked into a zoo of families doing the same thing. My first impression of the place was that is was an oversized Cracker Barrel with cheese spread and crackers. Food: ok. Could get the same thing at Outback Service: not too bad. not 100% attentive. you don't get the impression that they want you to linger and to enjoy your idea. food is rushed to you with little care. it is a machine. Atmosphere: a trip!! from the hired elves (pre-teens not midgets unfortunately) that wave at you from the rafters to the oversized xmas dress to the big red balls hanging from the ceiling to the wall of guns to the display case of wild turkey figurines. OMG!! If we come back, and I think we will, I want to lounge in the Wild Turkey Bar for awhile. It seems like the more chill way to hang, eat and enjoy the sights. The gingerman man on the way out was a nice touch.
(3)
Robert B.
I was recently in North Carolina an we went to the barn to celebrate my n mother in law 86 th birthday-- the crackers and cheese were delious it was okay let's face it I am from L. .A I am use to Mortons an Ruth Chris
(3)
jonny q.
A unique experience for any visitor to the Raleigh, NC area. The Angus barn features a fantastic homely atmosphere. You should has a drink in the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs. While waiting for a table, I took advantage of the complementary shoe shine service... a nice touch. I went to a Steak House and had the Salmon and it was cooked just right and not dried out. Those at my table that had ordered steaks complimented what they had ordered. But mentioned that it was not on par with the great steakhouses that they has been too (e.g. Bones, Chops, Palm, Ruth's Chris, McKendrick's). And my group is a well traveled bunch with extensive restaurant experience.
(4)
Carmen J.
A few gaffes last night, but only for me and we were with a large party. The salad I ordered spinach...I was last at table to be served, but they served me Ceasar and took a long time to return with my actual order...everyone else had finished theirs by the time mine came, so I requested a box. Again my entree arrived last at the table, and although I ordered medium rare but closer to rare, my steak came very well done and again had to be replaced...when it came most were finished eating, so I again requested a box. Everyone else seemed to get what they ordered, so it was just my bad night. The wait staff seemed ok but slow. I prefer Jimmy V's food and service for that price range.
(1)
Emily P.
My family likes to go to the Angus barn for special occasions. We went there recently to celebrate my brother's birthday, and we've gone a few other times to celebrate large milestones. Despite the fact that the places claim to fame is their steak, I have to say I'm not all that impressed with it. Sure it's good, but not enough to constitute the price tag. Where the Angus Barn wins with me is it's wine list. They have b far one of the most impressive wine lists in the triangle area. If you're a wine buff (and have some money to spend) then it's definitely worth a trip to try a unique bottle of wine along with a great steak. The service here is fantastic. You're obviously in an excellent restaurant despite the fact you're sitting in a barn.
(4)
Randy H.
While in town on business, came here on a tip from the hotel and wasn't disappointed. One of the best steak houses I've experienced. Love the "hearty" atmosphere of this place. It was very busy, and the wait was long, but I enjoyed hanging-out in the lounge. Lots of interesting decor. And the steak was terrific! When I return to Raleigh, this is the #1 place for me.
We went there this past Sunday with my inlaws.I found the place overpriced and the meat flavorless. The bread that I see some people talk about in their reviews, we were never offered. The fillet and ribeye were good. I ordered beef kebobs, some pieces were hard to chew and in general had no flavor.
(2)
Justin H.
We ate here for dinner it was really good 1 tip we got that makes the steak way better is add one of there topping like Oscar style ect it makes it taste way better.
(4)
Mckenzie C.
Disappointing food, but a world class wine-list! It does remind you of a big barn-like museum which is interesting. Since coming to UNC in 1998 I have heard about Angus Barn -- it is indeed a Raleigh staple. Over the years I have tried so hard to love it --- I have been here with my family, friends, on dates, etc -- it really just never wowed me. I truly love a great steak, but I don't feel like I ever had one at Angus Barn. It kind of makes me sad. I have always really wanted to rave about this place -- it just never happens, because I leave disappointed relative to my actual meal. The meat here is always beyond bland to me -- sides are OK but nothing to write home about... I will say the parking lot is consistently full due to the fact that it is a Raleigh "staple." You see a lot of "Old Raleigh" in this place as well as people here on business. I think many people go just to say they went though -- it really is not that great. I have to stress that the place has a world class wine list. The wine list deserves a 10 except Yelp only goes up to 5. The food here deserves a 3 considering the prices, and the just OK atmosphere. With the exception of one server I had upstairs the overall service here is pretty good. Angus Barn is not really my cup of tea -- unless I have to eat here I avoid it. It gets a 4 for the wine list and the pretty good service. As a meat lover I will say -- if you really want a tasty steak you should remember -- save some dinero and go elsewhere!
(4)
Lynette T.
We took my M-I-L to the Angus Barn Sunday for her 88th birthday. After reading some of the reviews I got a little nervous about our selection. We couldn't have more pleased. From the front door until we left we had a marvelous experience. And this is one picky 88 year old. The service, the food was superb. The Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere only added to our experience. The place exudes a graciousness we don't see very much any more. So let's just say we loved it and now I have promised my mother I will take her for 85th birthday and feel confident we will have the same sort of experience.
(5)
Tara M.
Both of my experiences at the Angus Barn have been just fantastic. I (of course) had steak on both occasions, and it was delicious. Their sides are mouth watering, and their service is amazing. We have ordered a bottle of wine on both occasions, and, their sommelier was incredibly helpful navigating us through the massive wine list. My husband and I even got a free mini pound cake because we were celebrating our anniversary!
(4)
Rachel S.
If you are planning an evening wedding at the Pavilions at Angus Barn, be sure to ask them about the $20,000 minimum on food and drink - because they won't be up front about it! After 2 months of conversations about the details of the wedding venue (including my emphasis on the importance of price) and waiting a month for the contract, it arrived with the line about the minimum tucked between the usual contract language. When I inquired about it, I was told that the coordinator did not tell me because it didn't come up. Needless to say, I'll be holding my wedding elsewhere - and while the new venue I am considering has a minimum (of $10,000), at least they are transparent about their policies.
(1)
Bucky T.
What really needs to be said about The Angus Barn that hasn't already been said. It's one of my favorite places to eat. I have never been disappointed in the food nor the service. They have one of the best wine cellars in the country!. The executive chef appeared on the Iron Chef America TV show, and he WON! The Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs is more than comfortable. When I go, I order a half dozen oysters on the half-shell, a cup of the best French onion soup on the planet, the filet mignon (rare) with a cabernet from the Fess Parker vineyards. For desert, they will give you a free pound cake if you are there for a celebration. So we take a bite and box the rest up to take home. Just before we leave, we ask our server for a bone from the kitchen to take home to our dog. Did I say that my dog loves me? One of my favorite things about The Angus Barn is their Thanksgiving Day buffet. Make your reservations months in advance for it because it fills up every year. It is the best Thanksgiving dinner on earth! Man, I'm craving a filet !!!
(5)
Gary H.
Great food, service and atmosphere. Cheese and crackers are awesome in addition to the steaks.
(5)
Christina L.
A must go place in Raleigh. Just to say you have been there. If you are on a budget, go for a cocktail in the lounge. You will get to experience the ambiance anyway. We always take out of town guests there for a drink. We have had dinner there once. It was good, but pricey for what it was. I would have expected a little better. Not that it was bad, just not outstanding. The decor is interesting, like being in a barn/grandma's house. My friend made the comment that there are too many quilts hanging around, enticing you to curl up in a corner with a blanket after stuffing yourself.
(4)
Michael A.
A local landmark with the food and service to back it up. Very unique experience. Great people. Chocolate Chess Pie is off the charts.
(5)
Eve P.
We went to Wild Turkey - the lounge area in Angus Barn - for the first time today. I loved the atmosphere...dark with plenty of couches and squishy chairs to sink down into. Plus - FREE homemade crackers and cheese while you enjoy drinks. Perfect! And way less expensive than a full meal at Angus (which is also fabulous, but requires somewhat of a special occasion).
(4)
David B.
Easily one of the top five restaurants in the Carolina's, as a steak aficionado it also ranks #3 in the country on my list. Make sure you save room for dessert, the Chocolate Chess Pie is outstanding. Wine list is one of the largest in the country and the sommeliers seem to be very equipped to help you explore the expanses of the cellar if you enlist their service. Prices are reasonable when compared to other, inferior, national chains like The Palm, Morton's, and Ruth's Chris
(5)
Harry B.
I'm not a fan of the dining room. I've been there once, its a venerable institution in Raleigh, blah blah blah. Yeah, I've heard it...I tried it. It was okay, the food was really good, service was really good, and we paid highly for it. Fine. But the better dining is the Wild Turkey Lounge. Ever since we ended our evening, with cocktails up there, I just exclusively eat in the Lounge. The service is more personal, the prices are a bit less, you dont feel the pressure to order a full meal, sometimes I just like to go there for a glass of wine and their wonderful blackberry cobbler a la mode, or an appetizer plate with friends. I'm much happier there and more comfortable.
(4)
Mark C.
Open wine tastings on 3rd Sunday of the Month are a phenomenal chance to try out some new vino.
(4)
Thaddaeus C.
Awesome! Go upstairs to the bar for drinks while you wait, or to eat. Comfy atmosphere for drinks and dinner. Get the t-bone and stuffed potato and call it a night!! Legendary!
(5)
Ashley W.
Greet atmosphers, great food, great fun! Love to hang out in the lounge and have a drink or two! Great place to bring friends and family. I would recommend this to anyone wanting a nice evening out, work party, or celebration!
(4)
Patricia P.
The Angus Barn never dissapoints! one of the first times i visited we went to the Turkey Trott Lounge-to avoid the wait (it was 3 hours) and were about to leave (the cigar smoke was too much too bear ,it was not yet smoke free). And Van (manager) overheard me stating that i wanted to leave and would not let us-within 20 min she ordered us a round of drinks, their rib appetizer and found us a table inside the restaurant! Their rib appertizer is amazing! You are almost always tempted to order more and let that be your meal- they are juicy, fall of the bone and the bbq sauce is undescribable! Me and my husband always split the chateubriand with a side of bernaise-again amazing! (i hear angelws siinging when i take my first bite) I also have the side spinach salad-great! and he has the steak fries-never dissapoint. It is just a matter of time before we return. Though i do dislike their snooty old money nc patrons, but lately the crowd has been younger(i guess since they cannot smoke their god awful cigars anymore-may i say that is the best law!) And all of their waiters are on point and most of them could balance anywhere from 15-27 wine glasses in one hand-just ask they will demonstrate!
(5)
Armando S.
I guess I shouldn't complain when I'm invited, but I will only because I've been here before and had excellent experiences. Let's just say that it's a long way from dining at the ecclectic wine cellar to the upstairs dining room. We were a group of nearly 30 and while service and attention was great, the food was mediocre at best. This was a company event, adn the AB does many events, so it's not as if we were a first. I was dissapointed since I was touting to my invited guest the great experience that we would have. Note to my hosts. If you can't get the wine cellar, don't bother. Now let's see if I'll be invited back.
(2)
Carmen H.
I first ate here when I was just out of nursing school, some forty plus years ago. If my travels take me to the vicinity, as they have some five or so times since, I always manage to dine at the Angus Barn. It always seems to be crowded and, though I've been to better steak places in the world, a Raleigh visit would not be complete without dinner there. I like their extensive appetizer list - from soft shell crabs to ostrich to shrimp cocktail. Salad choices include spinach, Ceasar and garden and there are all sorts of potatoes - baked, french fries, There are all sorts of potatoes to ensure your carb intake and, of course, the steaks are superb. The barn trappings are somewhat of a novelty. Give me the food!!!! I don't require all the rest.
(4)
Susan M.
We went for Thanksgiving Dinner. From the moment we pulled up to the front door and the Valet opened the door it was just a wonderful festive atmosphere. We did not wait long to get to our table and along the way everyone was very friendly. Once seated, the waitress explained the buffet...yes a buffet for Thanksgiving and told us where the different stations were located. What a variety of foods, from salmon, shrimp to turkey, roast beef, ham, potatoes, mac&cheese, cranberries, mashed, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, collards...and more and the desserts were heavenly. We had already decided we are going back next year, everyone was delighted.
(5)
Liz B.
We got some great food, but the 5 stars are really for the amazingly good service we received. We went on our anniversary with our kids (one of the few places with excellent, high-end food that is also genuinely kid friendly). The food was very good; I got the ribeye and my husband got the prime rib, and both were cooked well and tasted great. The wine was lovely. The ambiance was a lot of fun -- all these old fireplaces and farm equipment gave the place an air of relaxed charm, as did the rocking chairs on the front porch, which a lot of people were actually using to relax; they weren't just for show. It is a very laid back place, which we liked. The overall service was outstanding; our server was pleasant, professional, and attentive. And when we ran into a complication, without telling the whole story, I will just say that the manager went FAR above and beyond to make our meal pleasant -- I mean, went from the "excellent professional quality service" into "WOW what a nice person to do so much to make sure we had a good time." I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Mike C.
Really fun place to go to. The decor is interesting and the food was excellent. Both the ribs and steak were fantastic. The desert was also great. Was one of the last tables of the night and received the tour of the wine cellar. One of the biggest in the country! Highly recommended.
(4)
Peter K.
OK, this place was very very good, but very very expensive. Coming from the LA area, when I think something is expensive, you know it's pricey. I had a new york steak, oscar style. It was superb. The sides were very good. Also tried the chef's signature ostrich satay - unbelievable. That plate was his creation on the Iron Chef, and I would recommend trying that appetizer. I was a little disappointed that their signature bread pudding is a winter only dessert. That actually turned me off a little. The decor is definitely a barn - but this place was packed. I would say that it's definitely a local favorite for "events" and celebrations. I'm not a Ruth's Chris fan, so if you want an excellent steak - go here instead. We brought our own wine, because I'm a bit of a snot, but they had an extensive wine cellar.
(4)
YNOT S.
I went to Angus Barn on Jan 25, 2009. It turns out to be a huge mistake. The food temperature was not hot enough. There was no fresh baked bread, only some salty crackers. When I asked for some bread, they toasted couple slides of white bread that they bought from a grocery store! This is supposed to be a high end steak house for crying out loud! The veggies were plain and tasteless. The crab cake had some crab shells in it and too much sauce on the plate. Again, only lukewarm. I asked my prime rib to be cooked medium rare, but it was totally bloody and very rare -- I asked the waiter to take back to the kitchen and to get me a different piece. If it's a cheap place, I won't be picky, but with the price I paid, I was expecting way much better.
(1)
Melba L.
Def not worth the money! Ordered the filet mignon and it was mediocre. Cooked properly but lacked taste. My French onion soup was Luke warm at best. My friend also had issues with her steak being cold.
(1)
Karen B.
We came here for the steak, and we weren't disappointed. The petit fillet was perfectly medium rare, as requested. The sides were a bit bland. But they gave us huge amounts of food we had not expected! Appetizers: pickles, olives, crackers and small ramekins of spreadable cheese. Big basket of fried bread. We're supposed to eat an entree after all this? I had ordered unsweetened iced tea (you must specify this). I guess the server forgot, and filled my glass with sweet tea. After the initial shock from the jolt of sugar, I made it through to the end of the meal. No dessert after that tea!
(4)
Bell C.
After reading about "The Angus Barn" in local publications, we decided to give it a try. I love a nice steak! The service was great, pleasant and everything timed just right. Unfortunately the food was just a step above Outback. The steaks were bland and not particularly tender. Overpriced and resting on their laurels. Try Bin 54 or Sullivans if you are looking for a steakhouse. As other reviewers have noted, "Angus Barn" is just not worth the price.
(2)
T D.
The food here is amazing. I ordered the filet mignon wrapped w/bacon. It was cooked to perfection. The complimentary cheddar cheese spread with the crackers are so addictive. Had to stop myself from getting full on it. And the warm poppyseed dressing for the salad was so good. Overall the food was good and the service was very attentive.
(4)
Zehr S.
it is a barn, first of all, a barn house overlooking the highway from above, nice paints and everything... went there finally one night, with a reservation, i had no issues finding my table, it was a very small table, the inside looks okay, with a lot of tables, so kind of crowded, our waitress she was an amazing black lady, humming along while working, man, she was sweating like crazy yet still humming...what a nice working attitude, so precious in today's crazy world she was very professional too, very outspoken too, when sb. mentioned trying one of the local wine, her face made it a clear no-no...the wine sampler actually worked very well, you could pick up 4 to 6 different types of wines finally the steak, it was actually very good, before i went there, sb. local told me it was not even better than Lone Star, so my expectation was kind of low before I went....after the meal, i know i would never ask that person to recommend any steak house to me inside you saw birthday parties, waitress climbing on top of a chair taking pics. for the clients...it is a very casual steak house, not pretentious at all, and best of all, i missed the "humming lady" when the bill came, it was a magic number 100, :-)
(4)
Justin P.
A North Carolina institution. If you appreciate great food and are not afraid to pay a large amount for it, this is definitely a place you should try.
(5)
linda t.
So good. This place has the best steak in the RTP area. The Chocolate Chess Pie has won multiple awards and you can also get the recipe on your way out :) It's delicious!! Make reservations, though. Also, you will spend a pretty penny, but you should at least try it once
(4)
Thomas B.
Average food, rude waitstaff. Visually interesting country barn motif. But the food at Angus Barn is overrated. There is nothing special about the flavor or quality of the cuts of meat, and the waitstaff is often disinterested or outright rude. No plans to return here. Sullivan's in Raleigh is several orders of magnitude better on all levels.
(2)
David D.
I remember going here as a kid a lot when I used to live in North Carolina as it was a family favorite. I went here recently on a trip back to NC and I must say that while I thought it was very good, it wasn't as good as I remember. I still would recommend this place to anyone that wants a nice formal steak dinner in the Raleigh area. Despite the price, the atmosphere is very unique and food is good.
(4)
Pam S.
Amazing. The staff is wonderful. The food is delicious. The wine is great. I highly recommend the entire experience!
(5)
Luke C.
Came here as a group (company dinner). Admitted the food was not bad, particularly given that there were like 20 of us. The quality of food was great, atmosphere was also matched the splendor of food. Very pricey though.
(4)
Mary T.
Why Raleighites continue to come here when there are much more interesting things, I have no idea. The meat, sure, it's done well (though they will cook it well done if you ask). But that's about it. Sides: boring. Staff: rushed and rude. It's fine, but it's not good, and it's certainly not worth the price tag.
(3)
michael f.
Absolutely terrible customer service, and the appetizers I had before we were kicked out were less than "meh". You're probably thinking "Before you were kicked out, you say? Well obviously you are a hooligan whose review I should not listen to!". Well, let me tell you a little story... So I met my family for a very special dinner on a saturday night. My sister and brother are both very young, my brother being 13 months. We had specifically made reservations to sit at a certain table that was special to my family, which when we arrived they wouldnt give us (even though it was set up and waiting for us), because they saw we had a baby and would only place us in the back side room. That was disappointing, but fine. I get it. After ordering appetizers, my baby brother woke up and started to make baby noises - not crying, but just making noises and thinkin' he was all talkin' and bein' a productive member of conversation (he wasn't, but whatever). There was no one else in the back side room, mind you. Our waiter comes over and tells us we need to quote "shut up our baby, it is being really loud". Obviously, this waiter was male and a jerk. My mother says "what did you say?" and the waiter actually REPEATS it. My dad, being the calm one, said he would try to see what he could do. After giving my brother his pacifier, he quieted down from his happy "talking" noises. When the waiter brought the appetizers, my baby brother dropped his pacifier and it fell on the guy's shoe. He exclaimed "gross!" and did one of those shiver-chills-of-disgust before stepping on my brother's pacifier and then hightailing it out of there. By now, the whole table was like "WTF?", and while my mom was fuming she hadnt said anything to anybody. My sister and I started eating the appetizers while my parents were giving each other Important Looks to see what they were going to do. Before they could do or say anything, the manager walked over and told us that WE needed to leave. He said our baby was disruptive, and that our waiter had "told him how disgusting we were" and that we needed to leave. My mom, of course, lit into him with the full story, of which the manager actually said "I dont know you but I know my waiter, he's been here a long time and I would believe him over a stranger any day. Please leave". So my mom starts getting extremely upset, now my brother starts to cry, my sister is confused and my dad is trying to comfort my mom. I took my sister outside, and after a few minutes my crying and furious mother comes out. Now, she never ever cries, so it was odd to see her in this way, and it really shook my sister as well. So yeah, Angus Barn will never be getting our business again.
(1)
Kevin S.
I find the Angus Barn to very overrated by everyone in the Triangle. I think a lot of people think it is great because of the cost. While the steaks are good I really feel that $ for $ you can get a steak just as good at Outback or some place like that. I know a lot will disagree and say I'm crazy but I'd just like people to understand that while its good its not AMAZING. Most of the sides are good and so are a lot of their appetizers. The best room in the whole place is the Wild Turkey Lounge. Its the bar upstairs in the restaurant. The bar is decorated with turkey decanters all over the place and you feel like you are in an old cabin. Service is good and the prices are not that bad for drinks. Also when you are flying into RDU take a look at this place from the air. It looks like a monstrosity. All in all I'd maybe go once to say youve been and then next time go to Outback and save the $ to go out the next night also.
(2)
Brad B.
The Angus Barn isn't so much a restaurant as an experience. From the second you drive into the parking lot you know that this is not a run-of-the-mill steakhouse. The collection of Colt single actions, rifles, and other guns is a useful distraction while you wait for your table, as is the Wild Turkey lounge. Don't miss the free salad bar. I've only been once, I admit, but it was quite a night. Our steaks were all stellar, both in the cut, and in the grilling. I'm not an hardcore steak fan, but these were first-rate, no question. Most steakhouses over-season a perfectly decent steak trying to be different. Angus Barn does not make this mistake. They simply take a great cut of beef and perfectly prepare it.
(5)
Conspicuous C.
Big place with a country character. They have a humidor and a bar upstairs where you can smoke cigars. Impressive wine list. The steak was pretty good, although the filet on my thick-cut T-bone was dried out. Crackers with cheese are served as the "bread". You can take some home with you afterwards from the gift shop. Not sure why you would want to do that, but you can. The service was excellent. Expensive ($30+/plate), and the wine was overpriced even for an expensive restaurant. They even have a $40,000 (yes you read that right) vintage set that you can order from the basement, or get a free tour of their cellars. I suppose this is a fun place to go to once in awhile, but other than the down-home decor it wasn't anything different from any other fine steakhouse.
(4)
Melanie D.
I went here once and was not impressed. Born and raised in Raleigh, I've always heard, "Oooh, Angus Barn, that place is awesome." But I thought it was only okay. This could be skewed, though, because: 1) I am not fond of steak in general 2) The decor reflects the "barn" part of the name and is very rough looking. 3) I thought the prices were a little high for the atmosphere it represented (casual). That being said, I tried the small filet mignon and liked it. It was very tender and they prepared it exactly as I asked - medium well. There used to be another family-owned steakhouse in Raleigh, Swain's. That place had candles, white table clothes and a really yummy selection of food. I really liked it, but it closed down awhile back. And Swain's was definitely better than Angus Barn. Overall, though, solid experience, but I think I was expecting a lot more.
(3)
Jim C.
That was a damn good steak... Nice, relaxed service and some great wine.
I haven't been to any other spots in NC for comparison sake- the Angus Barn is part restaurant part convention/meeting facility. I can see alot of corporate events and weddings taking place here. Very comfortable decor but not elegant at all. Our server, Katie, was extremely nice and knowledgeable about the menu. They offer home made crackers and cheddar cheese spread as a complimentary app- along with pickles, cherry peppers, celery and olives. Be careful- I watched the table next to us mow through the crackers and cheese and then not touch their meal! Katie suggested the french onion soup and was right on target. Was very tasty. Ordered Prime Rib- Whig I generally don't do- and it was cooked medium as ordered. It was a nice piece of meat - but nothing I would call memorable. Desserts were a plenty- i had a North Carolina Berry crumble- it was very good and just right amount to finish the meal. Wine selection was 86 pages long-----but didn't need to be. Oddly enough, of the 27,000 bottles they claim to have- they didn't have the Stags Leap Artemis I ordered.
(3)
Michael W.
sorry to rain on the parade, but i have to be honest. this place REALLY wasn't what i was expecting. 1) price. to be honest, the prices themselves weren't all that bad. they were high, but we went in knowing that. what frustrated me was that the prices in the bar we waited in for an hour and a half were $5-$10 cheaper than the prices in the dining area. 2) the service. it wasn't terrible, but it wasn't mind-blowing either. i know servers work harder for larger groups (bigger tip), but i felt ours ONLY came around for the party next to us and saw us as an afterthought. she also forgot my wife's glass of wine that she asked to have served with the meal. 3) the food. best french onion soup ever? it was OK, but i've had better at chain restaurants like Claim Jumper (mostly a West Coast chain, but those that know it know exactly what i'm talking about). and for what i paid for the prime rib, i would have expected some mind-blowing piece of meat. what i got was just OK, but nothing great. there was no seasoning whatsoever, and was much too cooked for rare. 4) the dining room. this place seems to not be able to figure itself out. the room itself is OK. it's a barn. it has stuff all over reminding you that it's a barn. some table even sit under hay. and the tables are just basic tables with checkered tablecloths. OK. neat. but then there are hosts in suits and everyone is dressed up in their Sunday best. also, when compared to their upstairs lounge (which we LOVED), the downstairs just seemed too.........campy? i dunno. just a big let down for sure. the dining room NEEDS some more intimacy for sure. in all, we probably would have been much happier if we had stayed upstairs and eaten in the bar. the food still would have just been mediocre, but at least we wouldn't have felt so ripped off by having to pay more just to sit in a room that wasn't anywhere near as nice as the bar. if this were just some restaurant that we randomly walked into, i probably would have rated this a 3-star. but, for all the hype about this place, we were just severely let down. it's not worth the price. i could have gone to Firebirds in the Southpoint Mall or an Outback Steakhouse and gotten just as good (if not better) food.
(2)
Jeffrey C.
Sorry, but I disagree with all the great reviews I have read on this one. I have eaten at the Angus Barn a few times over the past 15 or so years living here and while I agree the atmosphere is unique and the service is very good, the food at best is average and over priced. I ate here with a group from work about a week ago, I had the 10oz bacon wrapped filet for $38, ( looked to be the 7oz). It was not the center cut, like you get at Ruth Chris, but looked to be from the head of the beef tenderloin. Not pretty. Worse yet, it had no flavor at all. I had a Caesar salad and sauteed mushrooms both okay, about on pare with The Outback Steakhouse. For the amount of money you will spend for dinner here you can get a better tasting steak from other places specializing in steaks in the area. Or better yet, go get a USDA Prime cut steak from the Meat House in Cary, grab a "big-red" wine from Great Grapes next door, and head home to your own kitchen or grill and enjoy yourself and the money you will save.
For my 21st birthday, I was taken to Angus Barn for the first time. I was so impressed from top to bottom! We entered and told them our reservation name which they responded with, "Happy 21st birthday, Jessica!" Talk about having great organization. The only down side could be the fact we waited 25-30 minutes, even with a reservation. I actually don't consider it a negative thing at all, though, considering all the scenery that's to be seen on one's first visit. We were there in December when the lobby/waiting area was decked out with Christmas decorations, a beautiful fire, and complimented by hors d'oeuvres and hot cider. They even had a nice little gift shop to walk around while waiting. As if all of this wasn't enough to hold us over, when we were finally lead to our table (complete with a birthday balloon floating above,) we were immediately given the choice between two appetizers on the house. Keep in mind we hadn't mentioned any sort of complaint in the least. We chose the pork ribs and they did not disappoint. Between the finger foods in the lobby, hot cider, a free pork rib appetizer, complimentary bread + butter, and complimentary crackers served with two different cheeses, we knew we were in for a treat (and would be taking some good leftovers home afterwards.) I ordered the small steak for my entree, served with fabulous all-the-way potatoes and two very tasty steak sauces. Hands down, best steak I've ever put in my mouth. And I've tried my share of steak. We had great service and did not feel rushed, which is always a rare and well-praised occasion. Let me not forget to mention the exceptional wine list that can't be missed. A dinner isn't complete without dessert! We wound up packing up our entree's early so we could save room for dessert and really enjoy the entire experience. I was served the traditional pound cake dessert that I hear is complimentary for all birthdays and anniversaries. Loved it, but also tried a piece of cheesecake. Just ask to see the dessert tray and hear all about each one. It's a treat in itself! I couldn't resist. What a birthday to remember! Thank you, Angus Barn! Don't forget to snag a ginger bread cookie and apple when you leave. I'll be returning.
(5)
Nikki R.
Go here because it's an institution. Don't expect much in terms of quality of the food. Portions are huge. if you don't want to take your leftovers home, they feed yours to the tigers at the zoo! It was really busy when I was there, so make reservations to be safe. Tip: Dessert was the best part of the meal!
(3)
Jon H.
A must do for the beef lover. For me, I ordered a lobster entree and received the single largest, but tender, lobster I've ever seen much less eaten. I shared it with three friends who also loved it! One of the best wine selections in the state! Make sure that Van takes you on a tour through the Kitchen to the cigar bar outside!
(5)
Jeremy A.
Came in for dinner on a weeknight and opted to sit in the wild turkey lounge which is a cool place with some really neat ambiance including a wall of vintage guns. The cheese and crackers with olives bar is real great to start your dinner with but dont fill up on that or the buttered bread they bring out which is also awesome. The Filet was good and we got it with the red wine sauce. We also got the prime rib which I thought was good but it was a bit lacking in seasoning in the actual steak or the horseradish sauce. Dont get me wrong Im certainly not looking for the meat to be overseasoned because that masks the quality of an awesome steak but it seemed like it had nothing on it at all including salt and pepper. We definitely want to come back to check out the Chateaubriand and I guess I can say for the hype surrounding this place I expected a little bit more for the hefty price tag that comes along with a visit to the Angus Barn.
(3)
Roger H.
Such an awesome dining experience. This place has it all- great food, beautiful atmosphere, excellent service, huge portions.
(5)
Leela S.
If you have guests in town, particularly during the holiday season, I defy you to find a more festive dining location than the Angus Barn. I've been there three times, most recently to celebrate my husband's birthday. In any other scenario, nothing pisses me off more than places that have holiday decorations up early - but the AB gets away with it, mostly because you can't help but feel like a 5-year old when you walk in the door. It's wall-to-wall ho ho ho. It's not perfect though - I ended up with a score of 4 stars based on ambience (5), our food (3), our in-laws' food (4) and the service (5). Here are my seven tips for optimizing your AB experience: 1) Arrive early and head up to the Turkey Lounge for an aperitif. Cool? Not really. Charming in a cosy, wholesome, rustic way? Totally. If the lounge is mobbed, order from the bar downstairs and monopolize the nearby fireplace. 2) Be sparing with the pre-dinner snacks. There are free vats of cheese spread, olives and whatnot in the downstairs lounge area. It's tasty enough, but you have a lot of eating ahead of you. 3) For apps: if in doubt, the caesar is solid. The soup of the day when we visited was a red pepper and tomato bisque with crab, which my husband pronounced delish. 4) For mains: stick with your favorite cut of meat. My in-laws each went with a steak and ribs combo and were delighted by their plates. I ordered the seasonal special, a fillet stuffed with goat cheese, walnuts, cranberry and other morsels that sounded good. Trouble was, the meat was dried out and charred on the outside. Not the way I want tender fillet. Joel had the chateaubriand but wished he'd ordered a fillet or prime rib. 5) Be celebrating something - birthday, anniversary, whatever - so you hopefully end up with their fab pound cake as a celebratory dessert and in your take-home box. 6) Either order the right wine (we had a couple of bottles of Gundlach Bundschu at $70 each - sigh, I miss California) or talk about your love of wine enough that they get the point, and get a tour of the wine cellar below. They've got a really strong cellar that's been recognized by the WS 20+ years in a row. 7) Temper your expectations. This is not the best meal you'll ever, ever have based on quality of food. You should get a very good meal however, with excellent service and a childhood memory-invoking experience.
(4)
Graeme B.
The Angus Barn is like kissing a beautiful woman, only to realize that she is a heavy smoker. Looks good, but leaves a nasty taste in your mouth! Food is just so darned inconsistent. Food can be cold, & uncooked or over cooked. Some times you wait forever to get the next course, or conversely, you can get your next course before you are ready. Other times it can be pretty good - it depends on the day - too much of a crap shoot when you see the prices! The decor is like eating in a Dolly Parton movie and I fully expected a banjo and guitar to "have at it" at any moment - but that is part of the fun. To all intents and purposes it is a Cracker Barrel for Steaks, without the consistency of quality. Sad to say, but there are much better restaurants to go to if it is good food you are looking for.
(3)
Andrea Y.
Excellent from top to bottom. Great wait staff. Very attentive, and she was superb with the kids. Wine list is very deep - wish we could've downed more than 2 bottles. Ate too many crackers, but still managed to down a great deal of my meal. I got the filet with balsamic reduction and blue cheese. It was mmm mmm tasty. Meat was perfectly medium rare. Tomato was baked so that it had a crust and popped open with juices. Broccoli and potatoes were nothing to write home about, but still good to eat. Blueberries cobbler was *amazing*. The perfect finish. My only complaint would be portion sizes, which were way too big. If you're looking for a quiet fancy evening, don't come here. It's pretty loud, and although some people were dressed up, many were not. I disagree with the list saying not good for kids - it was great for our 3 year old and 1.5 yr old. There was a balloon waiting for all kids, and stuffed animals in the store. They let the 3 year old go in back and make his own sundae.
(4)
Jez R.
Wow, the staff here was really friendly. Wow, the place is huge. Wow, the steaks are good! This place is definitely worth a single visit if not for the decor and setting alone. But the steak was great, very moist and tender. The sides and sauces were appropriate and good as well. The exterior, much like the Library 2 in New Jersey resembles a ramshackle structure. Thank goodness that the interior is not the case. This was the first place we hit upon arrival to Raleigh and I was thrilled. I hope we go back again when I arrive in two months because after a long flight with no food this place is awesome!
(4)
mike b.
I came here on a recommendation from a friend from Raleigh. I was very disappointed with the quality of the food. the steaks were very overcooked. not prime quality and dry. I would not come back here again. The bright spots where the service and the attention to detail of the waitstaff.
(2)
Matt C.
With exception of Clydes (Broadlands, VA), this is certainly the largest restaurant I have ever been to. Also gets an award for how confusing it is to find. If it were not for the road signs dedicated to the place we may not have found it. But on to the important part. All around pretty solid cuisine and certainly one of the best wine lists I have seen in the area. Would have been four stars actually. They get dinged one star for overpricing everything. Maybe being away from San Francisco for a couple months I am already adjusting to the less expensive restaurant tabs (among virtually every other less expensive good and service). Not trying to justify it, but someone later told me that the chef won an award five years ago on Iron Chef for his ostrich. Congrats on that; unfortunately I did not get the memo, but might return to try some award winning ostrich.
(3)
Wynn S.
The food was good, but hardly worth the price. It is such an established eatery in Raleigh it gets away with overpricing. You pay more because it is the Angus Barn period.
(3)
Matthew V.
The Angus Barn is a classy joint hiding behind a common name. The atmosphere is nice, and it appears to be a local favorite, but the prices are high for the quality of the food. All our dinners - two steaks and an order of pork ribs - were good, but not great, and could've been warmer overall. I don't regret the decision to dine, but have a hard time recommending it.
(3)
Mike O.
This is a landmark in Raleigh, but since I live on the other side of town I had never eaten there. I had always heard good things though. A friend was in town from Nashville so we decided to meet up there and try out their new "Meat Locker" which was built for people who want to smoke cigars. The area was comfortable with big comfy chairs. I had a fillet with rochfert and blue cheese. It was perfect... We went on a Tuesday night and the place was packed with a 60+ minute wait for the dinning room. I would recommend you plan ahead.
(4)
Kim H.
This is like going to a theme restaurant. The theme is eating in a barn with guns on racks....old dishes....great country setting. I can see for tourist that want to see the authentic side of North Carolina with a little theme park feel....this place does its jobs. The food isn't bad either.
(3)
Miguel S.
An institution. Dined here on numerous occasions dating back to the mid/late 90's through recently & have always enjoyed the excellent food & service. You never know where you might sit (even if you're hosting a private party) because the place is expansive with all sorts of nooks, crannies, lounges, etc. Right to dessert (save room, trust me): The key lime pie, cheesecakes, cobblers and brulees are all wonderful, but the chocolate chess pie is simply out of this world.
(5)
James F.
We always love going to the Angus Barn. We would highly recommend getting reservations on most nights if you want to dine in the main dining area. For us, we typically go up to the Wild Turkey Lounge and get a table right away. We have been there many times and have never been disappointed with the food or service. We enjoy the atmosphere and food more than we do at Ruth's Chris' over in Cary. As for the price, we feel you get a great value for the money. It's not cheap, but it's not as pricey as we feel it could be. This is a great area restaurant to take clients or family out for a nice evening or to get a gift certificate for them.
(5)
Megan R.
I just went to a wedding at the Angus Barn Pavillion. The food was outstanding, but the service was the real star of the show. I haven't been treated that well in a long time, maybe ever.
(5)
Queenie V.
I think I would have had to go to McDonald's to have a worse burger, which makes me really sad because I decided to splurge on my burger urge and went here instead of five guys on the night I really had the hankering. The meat was hardly seasoned, and though correctly cooked, was rather watery...and I'm not sure why. And the root beer I got was just basic A&W brought in A PLASTIC BOTTLE. Egads, people-- either stock sasparilla in glass bottles to go with the decor, get some root beer on tap or by gun, or just take it of the menu. The fries were decent but really nothing special. The only reason why I'm giving it two stars instead of one is that: 1. I've only gone once and while I will not go again unless someone else makes me go with them, I would be curious to see if their non-burger options are equally ack. 2. It's a great building, and looked like a fantastic place to hole up on a wintery night with a group of close friends over drinks in their upstairs lounge. Though, I couldn't figure out why it was so drafty and cold since there were fireplaces around.
(2)
Lauren R.
I had no idea what to expect when I ate here. I'm from Chicago. We don't eat steak in a barn. I loved it. The barn is kitchy, cool, and very interesting. We had drinks in the Wild Turkey lounge and we were surrounded by ceramic turkeys. They weren't even ironic turkeys. They were a part of some crazy turkey colleciton. Then we sat by the gun collection and OMG there are some crazy-ass guns in that restaurant. Dinner was great. I had a bacon-wrapped filet with a Gorgonzola and balsamic reduction. Add some garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, and world-famous chess pie for dessert. Holy crap, I didn't regret a single bite. We drank a bottle of wine from the cellar and then took the tour. Probably should take the tour before you drink because it makes navigating the stairs a little easier, but the cellar is interesting and the wine collection is impressive. Who knew that this place had a chef who competed on Iron Chef America? Who knew that a barn could be so awesome? I'd go back in a heartbeat. I want more steak. Added tip: check out the country store. It's awesome and cute.
(4)
Mark C.
I am not sure it gets any better than The Angus Barn. I went for my Birthday this weekend with my family. It is simply incredible! First, the impeccable service is amazing. The training and knowledge that the entire staff demonstrates is unrivaled. The service in itself is worth the visit. My table had a vast array of orders including steak, salmon, ribs and burgers. Everyone was completely impressed with their entres which comes with a choice of salad and a choice of potatoe. I highly reccomend the bacon wrapped filet and the beef tip ribs. It is extremely tough to finish your food, but leave room for desert. If you are looking for an impressive dinner in Raleigh I think The Barn is tough to beat!
(5)
Sarah C.
Superb dinner last night...And fabulous that @ideasattjw and @martinrtp knew to arrange dinner in the upstairs "loft area" wonderful. The gun display and the visit to the kitchen AND the amazing wine cellar .. We're @wannesrams found the $15,000 bottle of Conti was fantastic. Make a night of it.. Visit the cigar humidor too!
(5)
JK L.
Excellent place for steaks. This is a really wonderful place for dinner. They even have a little country store inside. Came here based on a client's recommendation and I was not sorry. This place is really something! Two stories. We dined upstairs. What I like is the homemade crackers, which made fresh daily. A must try is the spreadable cheese with the homemade crackers, variety of olives, celery sticks and pickles to start before you even sit down. We also tried the fresh oysters...outstanding and fresh! Started with a Caesar Salad and then my entree selection...a 10 ounce prime rib cooked perfectly medium rare. My prime rib was served with assorted vegetables and mushrooms. My client shared a Chateaubriand with his wife. I understand the Chateaubriand is one of their speciality. The service was very friendly. Our server came by several times to refill our water glasses with out being asked. My other client tried the ribs...I don't any one can finish it. The size of the rib platter was amazing. Too full to try the dessert, but the selections look excellent. Must come back Make reservations, this place packs them in.
(4)
Melodie S.
The Angus Barn is amazing! If for no other reason than the surroundings,, it truly is set in a gigantic barn, and the history of this establishment is local legend. The Wild Turkey Lounge is where you should begin your experience, I felt so, well, legitimately southern. The steaks were good, not exceptional, but prepared to the perfect temp and the service was commendable considering how full the place was. Prices are substantially higher than the run of the mill places around here , but on par with Ruth's Chris. Given the choice between the two, I would choose the Angus Barn over and over, every time.
(4)
Daniel R.
First thing, they don't open for dinner until 5PM, Yelp says 3PM, but that is just the lounge. The review: We went at three, and realized we were early, the lady T the front was very nice and made us a reservation for 5PM. We came back at 4:45 and were seated immediately. We had crackers on the table and within 1 minute had two different types of cheese to with them. I love cheese and crackers, and these were very good. As we nibbled on those, we ordered drinks and the ribs appetizer. She brought the drinks and we ordered the meal. She brought the salads, nothing spectacular, but a good salad. The ribs were very good, and she also brought us a small plate of olives, pickles, peppers, and celery. When she brought the main course, she also brought a basket of Texas toast. Wow, the Texas toast was great, and the T-Bone was outstanding. Price was a little steep, since three people only had two meals, but we will be going back in the future.
(5)
Katarina N.
Our lab went here with 20 people Sunday and we received great service for seating a large group! The reason for 4 stars was that my salmon was slightly dry and lacked flavor. Also the cesaer salad I had was bland, but the croutons were great! I also agree with the person below who said the mashed potatoes weren't warm. The potatoes were supposed to be garlic but I didn't taste any flavor. Consistency was smooth though! The appetizers were delicious including the crab cakes! We had shrimp and ribs as well I believe in addition to garlic bread. The service was REALLY good for our group and anything that was needed was accommodated quickly and servers were friendly! Creme brule was so mouth watering and decent sized portion! The selection of deserts was also a plus. I would rate 4.8 stars if I could by my main entree left more to be desired. I understand it was a steak house but I don't eat steak so I went for the salmon. It was cooked nicely but just lacked any flavor. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meal! Lastly the service was overall great, especially for a large group! I would recommend!
(4)
E O.
What was once a special and exceptional place to dine, the quality and experience has plummeted. The food is good but for what you pay you are flushing money down the toilet. Want a good steak, go to Outback for less than half the price. Service is very slow. Our reservation was for 6, seated at 630 and dinner entrees arrived at 750. Note: no appetizers or drinks at our table. I have gone to the Angus Barn for over 30 yrs. you used to be treated like a king and little things, like chilled salad forks, made it a special event on every visit. No More....
(2)
Joann F.
Over rated, over priced! Just because you're the oldest restaurant in Raleigh, it doesn't make you any good. All this hype, raised my expectations & all I received was disappointment and a big bill.
(1)
Roy S.
This is a fantastic restaurant!! Had s great filet mignon (wrapped in bacon, huzzah!) with a au poivre (pepper crust) and some dipping gravy. Cooked excellently, great cut of meat, and very tasty. I had an ample side of fries as well. Make sure to come here hungry because even the starter salad is really big and the cheese and crackers could be their own meal. The key lime pie was very good and I really loved the New York cheesecake. It had strawberries, kiwi, shredded coconut, and raspberry sauce. Shoot me now I'm a happy camper... This place can be packed but with the kitschy decor and low ceilings it doesn't get very loud inside. You can actually hear the person you are with. A huge plus. I recommend this place very highly.
(5)
Irene H.
OY, I'm not even sure where I should start. First, I should have listened to the most recent yelpers. Shame on me, it was a costly mistake! 1. Make no mistake, this is NOT fine dining. Not even close. 2. It really is like a Cracker Barrel 3. No flavor, not kidding. We had the Easter buffet and I was floored with the prime rib. It was so sad. So was everything else. My 12 year old informed me it was underwhelming & flavorless. My bill came to 87 and change, way too much for the quality.
(2)
Paul J.
I've eaten here a few times and recently my wife treated me to a chef's table. This place already had some of the best customer service and meals I've ever had, but this was an entirely new and fantastic experience. With the chef's table you sit in the kitchen, have your own private chef and sommelier, and have full access to see how the kitchen works. I was served an appetizer, soup, salad, flavored ice (in lieu of a sorbet), entree and dessert which were tailored both to my wife and my tastes with information before our arrival. This allows the chef to plan your meal around allergies, medical conditions, or preferences you may have. Each course is paired with an appropriate wine by your sommelier and your chef will explain your meal and answer any questions you have. Being food-curious as I am, my chef showed me how he put together each course and his thinking behind what he did. It was about as close to living in a Food network TV show that I could probably experience. Hands down, this was the best time I've had eating out. Ever. * Because I was asked: This meal is actually amazing affordable for special occasions, but you need to book far in advance (December is filling up already and it's only July). $85 per person and it includes the wines.
(5)
Jenna B.
Recently had an awesome team work dinner here to celebrate a good Q1. Casey was our waiter, who was really great and very attentive with our needs and drink refills. I ordered a combo dinner of fillet, king crab claws, stuffed potatoes and french onion soup. Everything was very delicious and cooked to order. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.
(5)
Sharon L.
How can you not like this place, its just silly fun. Food portions are large, staff is always terrific. Its a busy touristy place, but the locals eat here too because its fun. Food doesnt disappoint, always leftovers to take home though....I think its pricey though....but again, still fun
(4)
Danny M.
Went there earlier this week with a large group. We got there at 5:30 and didn't get our entrees until after 8pm, I'm not a gourmand but I know the difference medium and medium rare. I had asked for medium rare and my steak was bordering on medium well. My mashed potatoes were not even warm enough to melt the butter, I don't even want to know how long my meal was sitting out before it got to me. I would have sent it back except I was with 14 of my coworkers and we had already been waiting too long. I will say though that the appetizers we shared were excellent-- shrimp, oysters, and pork ribs. However, for the money and the way they present themselves one would expect better presentation of the food.
(3)
Foodie C.
Awesome steakhouse with a great history. We went for a friends B-Day and everything we ordered was out of this world Solid 4.5 stars Service was 5 stars A lot of parking and always crowded but they seem able to seat you quickly Been back a couple times and consistent every time This place is close to Briar Creek area and RDU so if you are in town for work or live close go try it out
(4)
S H.
At a high level, this place is not what it used to be. When the free cheese and crackers are better than the steak and seafood ordered, something just isn't right. The service is also incredibly slow. From start to finish it took our party, that had a reservation, well over three hours to have dinner. We made a reservation for 12 and still had to wait over 30 minutes for a table. It was nice to have the cheese, crackers and olives to snack on while we waited. When we were seated it took even longer to take and receive out drink order. We had to waiters taking our orders. Our food order wasn't taken until well after the drinks, which was about two hours after we arrived. By this time most of us had filled up on the cheese and olives on the table. When our food finally did come it was less than stellar. The few people that ordered seafood in my party were the most disappointed. The fish was not fresh and most of it was left on the plate. Those that ordered steak had mixed reviews. The people that had a sauce to go with their steak could mask the flavor of the overcooked meat. This was the worst meal we have ever had at Angus Barn. We were actually glad to have filled up on cheese and crackers. Since we didn't want to figure out how long it would take to actually get dessert we skipped it and went home. Maybe the menu should be pared down so the kitchen staff can focus on doing a few things well. If I do return here I think it would be a better idea to go to the Turkey Lounge. If I want a good steak this is not a place I would consider in the future. You can now get the same quality food at Outback for half the price.
(2)
Matt N.
Dined on a busy Sunday evening and got seated right away without a reservation. That gave us reason for optimism. The ribs appetizer was excellent, ravioli was good. Salad was good, french onion soup was decent but could have used more onion. Bread was ok but lacked imagination. 2 strip steaks came out cooked as ordered but tasted like they have been idle for a while before they were served, they were getting a bit chilly towards the end. Flavor of the meat was decent. Sides of fries and garlic mashed were good. The service was sllllllllooooowwwwwwww...dinner for 2, 3 courses with no alcohol...should not take 2 hours. We spent a lot of time after a course wondering when the next one was coming, wondering where our waitress was. Steaks took an hour after ordering to finally make it to the table. I would not say it was overpriced, because IMO any decent steakhouse is going to run 3 bills for a dinner for two. But I would say this is a decent steakhouse, nothing more.
(3)
Robert S.
Service was excellent, but this place is very pricey. I felt like the mushrooms were out of the jar and even the prime rib was just "good" (as in Outback quality). I may go again, but next time with much lower expectations.
(4)
Lori D.
We went to Angus Barn for Easter brunch. Although it was on the pricey side, we were excited to have a traditional buffet brunch. We were so disappointed. First there was no fruit! Maybe Im just used to something different. The food was OKAY...nothing spectacular. I will say that my husband really liked the lamb. But everything else was just OKAY. For $48/person I expected SPECTACULAR! The last thing that really annoyed me was the tip that I had NO CHOICE about! We usually tip at least 20% for great service. You just cheated our server out of money. We wont be back, Angus Barn.
(3)
Quinn T.
I don't know what the hype is. I went in here expecting it to be the best steak I'm gona have in my life or something. That might've been the problem. Anyways, I ordered the prime rib and my bf ordered the filet mignon. The prime rib I had ordered medium rare but was a little too dry for me and under seasoned. In fact, I think they may have ended up making it well done cause there was no pink at all. The filet mignon was delish, it was wrapped with bacon and cooked to a well medium rare. The french onion soup was very hearty, lots of cheese on top, and lots of bread on the bottom, and very little onion soup in the middle! I actually like to have onion in my onion soup so although this tasted amazing, the cheese to bread to onion ratio felt off to me. They have some crackers and two kinds of cheese spread for you as soon as you sit down, but it just tasted a little too processed for me. Almost like velveeta or cheese whiz. And their bread was just drenched in butter, not the good crispy kind though... it was soggy drenched in butter. I wasn't too fond of either of the two offered. I would come back to give this place another go and see if my mind changes, but I wasn't all that impressed and didn't see what was so special about this place that everybody I came across has recommended it.
Ahhmazing! Love, love, love the steaks! The decor is not my style but when the place is always packed and ladies with Ferragamo purses dine here...well it says something. I had the chateaubriand and honestly cannot remember anything else. I was in heaven. So amazingly yummy. Tip:make reservations! Half the time I don't get to eat here because they have nothing available! (I'm usually in Raleigh for a day or two. It's not possible for me to make reservations in advance).
(5)
Jordan B.
You have to try the ribs. Mother of god, you have try the ribs! It was really packed when I was there, but the staff was still really friendly and patient with a large group I was with. Drink prices were OK too. There was a really long wait, but there are nice waiting areas with snacks and a cool gun collection.
(4)
Erin B.
My first 5 star review! We went for date night and were wow'd from the second we walked in. The decor couldn't be more perfect and reminiscent of growing up in the country, with a high end feel! We had a reservation which appears to be pretty important at a busy place like this. Complimentary cheese and crackers, along with coffee lets you know they care about the little things, along with an "extra" bar set up with no line and very friendly bartender while you wait. Our waiter Bud was amazing. Funny and helpful, and food was great. Ribeye and a Filet, both cooked perfectly. Martini was great and happy to say we can't wait to come back. So pleasantly surprised and the staff could not have been nicer! Wow!
(5)
Peter Y.
THEY HAVE PRIVATE ROOMS WUTWUUUT!!! It's so rare to find a restaurant that can comfortably seat a large party these days, but Angus Barn did just that. I came here with 14 people, and they sat us in one of their inner rooms secluded from the rest of the restaurant. Don't get me wrong, I love socializing as much as the next person, but I'd also like to be able to hear the sound of my own voice (and I apparently love the sound of my own voice according to everyone that knows me)... Anyways, came here, asked the waiter for suggestions, and got those. Like literally. The dayum that's good: Crab cakes Chateaubriand (if you get the 2-people option, they carve the meat onto your plate by tableside) Rack of Lamb (da bomb diggity, though the bones can be annoying) The good: Chicken chowder soup Spinach salad Shrimp cocktail Prime rib The ok: Oysters Rockeffer (oysters baked with sauce on top, usually some butter sauce) Raw oysters Most of their seafood The recommended red wine (Smooth and sweet, but the flavor was a bit bland) Anyways, it came out to like $110/person for a shipton of food (gratuity and alcohol included). Well worth the money. However, I'm pretty sure I can't eat meat again for at least a week. I guess there really can be too much of a good thing.
(4)
Liz D.
The Turkey Lounge is an experience in itself; the atmosphere reminds me at being at my grandma's house with the antique furniture that you sink down into and not want to leave. Especially with a dirty martini in one hand and a beef rib in the other. Check out the free cheese, crackers and veggie bar while you wait for your food to arrive and if you're lucky enough to get a tour of the wine cellar, don't miss it. And the snow crab is a taste of pure joy, I am salivating thinking about it and wondering how soon I can get back. One thing to note is if you are a vegetarian, they have a pasta dish that isn't too exciting, so check over the menu to make sure there is something you can eat. Or just go for dessert and drinks and grab an apple by the door on your way out!
Angus Barn has really interesting decor and is probably worth checking out if you're in the area. The upstairs Wild Turkey lounge and rest of the restaurant has this southern, quilts and guns on the wall feel. Essentially this is a cool southern steak house in an old barn that sports a country store and takes decorating for the holidays seriously. I was there this past week and they have their festivus A-game out in-force. Pros: - North Carolina Crab Cakes were solid - Alaskan Crab Claws were good, but it's easy to read the menu quickly and think you're getting crab legs - big difference - Barn's Barbecued Ribs were awesome and I'm not a ribs guy - 7 oz filet Oscar was excellent - cooked perfectly Cons: -1st time a sommelier has suggested a Pinot Noir when asked for a full bodied recommendation -1st time I've seen oysters brought out without a bed of ice (also...texas oysters??? really)
(4)
Patrick J.
Came here with friends. Thought the service was top notch (my glass was empty for maybe nanoseconds). Our waiter was very friendly. I drank coke instead of booze. The homemade cheese and crackers were excellent. The salad was excellent and plentiful. My prime rib was very good, tough in a couple of places but for the most part better than Outback. I would go back if I had the money.
(5)
Forrest P.
The basic tenant of a successful steak house is to start with a quality piece of meat. I ordered a small New York Strip. I honestly have had better steaks at Outback. The steak had a strip of sinew running the entire length about 3/4"into the steak. I had recommended the place to my boss. He ordered a combination of ribs and a small fillet. The ribs were cold and had to be sent back to the kitchen. Pretty embarrassing.
(2)
Shane B.
From the conversations I've had, I feel like this is a controversial place. I'm sure my review will not sit well with some. Please note, I've only been here once, but I feel like once is enough. There's not much I can say other than the service here is top notch but the flavor of the food is, well, weak. I ordered a steak, of course, and garlic mashed potatoes on the side. The steak was good, but nothing spectacular. However, the mashed potatoes simply had no flavor. And these are simple mashed potatoes. I never send food back so I asked the waiter if I could have an order of asparagus. Another side dish that had zero flavor. Now, this is something I can prepare easily in my kitchen. Steam the asparagus until it starts to get a little tender. Toss it in a pan with a little butter and dill. Viola! Quick and extremely tasty, and I'm far, far from a chef. I've heard rumors about a special room downstairs where you can taste all different kind of wines and be treated like royalty. I am unable to speak to that but then again therein lies a problem. What sense does it make to have all this special treatment available if you cant get the "meat and potatoes" right? I probably won't go back here again unless I get invited with a group. I've had steak dinners at other places that exceeded this experience. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan and would love to have a positive experience at this restaurant. Just a bit surprised how they failed to execute on basic dishes.
(2)
Shannon A.
Angus Barn has been a staple since I was a kid for celebratory events. It's great for couples and large family/friend evenings and is always a good time. We go 2-3 times per year and always have a super dooper experience. Hubs and I went last week to celebrate Valentine's day. Warning, get your reservations early because we had to settle for 4pm. This wasn't awful since we sipped on our drinks and enjoyed the cheese and crackers for a bit prior to eating but I would have liked to have had a later sitting time but that's our fault. Angus Barn literally is a large wooden barn-like building that is all wood and old timey farm equipment decor all around. It's fancy schmancy but totally gives you the feel that you are sitting in a cow barn that has been dolled up just for you. If you arrive early enough, you can go upstairs to the Wild Turkey lounge and have a few cocktails and munch on some crudites while you wait for your table or for your dining time. The wine list is the most diverse and largest I have ever seen. I am always amazed at what there is to try. The staff are always knowledgable and can help with any pairings. Due to the large amounts of crudites we munched on, we hardly ever get an app. It's just not needed. We always order steaks since this is their specialty and that comes with a salad, and a side item like a baked potato or other choices. We NEVER finish our food and always leave super full. The great thing is that for the amound you spend, you leave with at least another meal to eat at home, sometimes two. When leaving, don't forget to visit the gift shop where you can take home their famous cheese and crackers and a free apple on the way out. Angus Barn is a must for the true Ral/Dur experience!!!
(4)
Tamara S.
Great turkey wings which are huge and affordable. Went to the Wild Turkey Lounge and lots of servers were a plenty. Management really cares about the patrons...even if it's your first time here. Free Hors d'oeuvre bar which is awesome!
(4)
Brad H.
I was skeptical of this place when we pulled into the massive, Wal-Mart sized parking lot. I was thinking "oh great, this is gonna be super touristy and sub-par food". Boy was I wrong. Once inside, this was a 5-star experience on all (both?) cylinders--service and food. Our server was wonderful, recommended wines and took care of us like we were royalty the whole night. The toast and homemade crackers were a nice touch, we enjoyed those. Onion rings were a good start, followed by a standard caesar salad. I ordered the bacon-wrapped 10 oz filet and it was incredible. Perfect medium rare, and the bacon was thick and crispy--the steak didn't need it by any means, but who's gonna argue with bacon? Can never hurt. Tried the baked onion as a side, complimented the steak well. All in all it was an awesome dining experience that exceeded my expectations.
(5)
John d.
Went on friday night (04/19/13) and the power went out. Instead of closing they pull out a grill and tried to cook the food. It was not worth the money. Meat was cold under cooked and tough. Greed was the motivator and not quality. O yea they brought a birthday cake and was a tasteless pound cake.
(2)
Gregory H.
I was told that I have to go to this place at least once because it's a Raleigh staple. Okay - that being said, once was enough. The atmosphere was cool with fireplaces all around the waiting areas, antique firearms over the mantles and all. The house wine was also good but that's where it all ends. I ordered raw oysters on the half shell for an appetizer. Instead of being served on ice, they were placed under a heat lamp before being served - the plate was actually hot - I thought the staff was trying to poison me. My wife and I thought maybe our steaks would be something to look forward to but we were sorely disappointed. The steaks themselves were tasteless (Mine was rare, hers medium). The bourbon sauce was the only thing that had any flavor to it. For the price, Sullivan's and Morton's are much better choices. I've actually had better steaks at Perkins.
(1)
Don F.
Went there last night had a great steak and a few adult libations in the Wild Turkey lounge. One of my favorite restaurants ever. Wish St. Louis had a place like this!
(5)
Darius L.
Incredible customer service, classy environment, timely check-ins by wait staff and lastly, wonderful, freshly prepared food. I'd recommend this to anyone, every day of the week. This restaurant is worth every dime and is the gold standard of quality, customer service.
(5)
Christine G.
I've been here several times now and have had consistent service and food quality. We didn't order appetizers last night, but the crackers/cheese and olives/pickles plate were plenty to nosh on while waiting for our meal. I usually order a 7 oz. filet (which is wrapped in bacon), with a baked potato, and it's always been tasty. The boyfriend has gotten tuna the last couple of times we've been there (and last night was no exception), and was pleased. Our waiter was conscientious about our various food allergies as well--even asked the chef some specific questions about certain desserts on my behalf. He also was quite personable and knowledgeable about after-dinner brandy. Last night was the first time we got the opportunity to experience the magician. He was amusing, and a nice diversion while we were waiting for our main course. We live right up the road from the Angus Barn, but don't get to it as often as we'd like. It's sort of stuck in that "special occasion" wasteland, but it's not due to the food. Decor: It's a big glorified barn. Lots of hay and farm implements. :P The place is huge, and I'm sure I've only seen a small part of it. Overall: Good dining experience. Potentially a bit overpriced. It can get loud in there when it's crowded. Not the place to go for an intimate dinner. But the food is decent, and we'll continue to patronize the Angus Barn.
(4)
Beth M.
Outstanding AGAIN - this is our 7th time having guests to the wine cellar. We have done events in all rooms, the Cooking Class and the Captains Table. Excellent again. Jimmy did a fantastic time and Thomas was an excellent sous chef. It was great that Brian came in to say hi and the magician was there. On the way down and on the way back up, every employee greeted us. The food was 5 Star plus and the wine pairings were fantastic. I highly recommend to anyone wanted a special memory. We can't stop talking about it. Thank you again.
(5)
Sarah S.
I've been a couple times and was inspired to write this after a birthday dinner last night. All my previous experiences had been much better. I knew the place was big, but didn't realize how big until we were seated in the upstairs dinning room. We got the unfortunate seat next to the kitchen door. The place was packed and the action way too constant to feel relaxing, or well served. At one point I changed seats at the table to be away from the constant traffic flow. I felt anxious when I left. I think we got the second string waitstaff upstairs. I like good service, but was disappointed last night. We couldn't understand our waitress. Her English was poor, and I wanted to ask for recommendations, but didn't feel like I could have. We also didn't see much of her. Oh, and Angus barn, come on - T-shirts on the staff? For a Tuesday night, it was packed tight. I didn't want to pay $100 dollars to feel ushered in and out like cattle (even though it IS a barn). My recommendations: When making reservations, ask for the dining room downstairs. If you want good service, phone ahead for a good waiter. Ask for the updated Gun book at the front hostess station. They have a great room full of numbered guns. My boyfriend really wanted to browse the collection, but they are currently updating the book identifying their guns. A neat feature to the restaurant. (An aside: There is a separate bar upstairs called the Wild Turkey Lounge. I've always enjoyed the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs, if you like a more casual setting. Soup and crackers and a beer)
(3)
Andrea P.
The food gets 5 stars...but the service was lacking on our last visit. We went in 2013 for our anniversary and came back again in 2014. Our anniversary is on Valentine's day....so we know to expect large crowds, but even last year when we went on the 15th the crowd was just as large and our service was on point. The service, it seems it hit or miss. When we made the reservation we let them know it was a special occasion for us (and accepted the offer for the pound cake for celebration). We had to remind our server of that this year...when last year our server knew and wished us a happy anniversary. Our server let our drinks get empty more than once and we had to ask for things multiple times. They used to bring a bowl woth pickles and olives to your table, but this year they didn't. The cheese and crackers still came, but no pickles and olives. We ordered a hot fudge parfait which seemed to take forever to get to us. After asking to see the deserts, I know we waited a good 10-15 minutes for him to return with the desert tray, then another additional 10-15 waiting on the esert to get there. Then the bill came. I had ordered sauteed onions with my steak (which were not put in the box with my steak to go which upset me) but instead of being charged the $4 for onions I was charged $7 for mushrooms (which I am allegic to!) I pointed the error out to the server and he said it didnt mstter because they were both the same price. I didnt day anything more to him, but instead to my husband who pointed out the difference to the server again. He again said it didnt matter because they charged the same. My husband told him the menu shows a difference in the price and the server said, let me go check on that for you...the menu may be wrong. He came back and had removed the charge for the onions and thr dessert. Like I said, my food tasted great. The service this trip was less tham desireable. Last year the guy was on point.
(3)
Serena S.
Five stars is a rarity for me, but this place really earned it - not just because of the food, but the whole package. The food, service and ambiance was really great. I've only lived in the area for 6 months and had yet to find a restaurant I truly liked - enter Angus Barn. This place is pretty family friendly, but it definitely seems like the kind of place where a lot of medical conferences and business meetings take place. The crowd is older. Don't bother getting appetizers when you come here. They fill you up on the free stuff right from the start. Right when you sit down, they give you a little plate of olives and pickles, a basket of homemade crackers and cheese spread and a basket of the softest, awesome-est Texas toast I've had in my life. The Texas toast was drenched in butter, but why come here if you're going to count your calories. I ordered their bacon-wrapped filet mignon and soft shell crab with a twice baked potato and my significant other had their ribs and garlic mash. They really know their meat here. My filet was perfectly cooked and very tender. Usually, when I ask for the steak to be cooked medium rare, it still comes out too cooked or undercooked. At Angus Barn, when I asked for medium rare, it was actually medium rare. I wish I could say their soft shell crab was good, but it wasn't :-/ It wasn't terrible enough for me to bump my review down to 4 stars, but I definitely wouldn't order it again. It was a little too salty and didn't have much flavor to it. The twice baked potato - cheese, sour cream, bacon and all was very good. I definitely recommend that you get that if you're a potato person. The service was excellent! Our waitress was very attentive and as busy as she was, she was really good about refilling our drinks, replenishing our bread basket, etc. We had a lot of food leftover when we were done eating, and she still packed us extra Texas toast and their crackers and cheese spread to take home! She definitely earned her tip. This place is definitely pricey, but worth it. I'm definitely coming back again.
(5)
Jason W.
After our visit to Angus Barn a couple weeks ago, we thought we would at least provide them with a little feedback. The co-owner of the restaurant called us within a day and offered to make things right, even though all we wanted to was tell them how poor our meal was. They sent us a letter which again asked us to come back and give them a chance to provide "Angus Barn's legendary customer service." We decided to take them up on it and made reservations; while we're used to great customer service and food at AB, even we were stunned. The service and food were truly amazing, even for AB, if I could give them 6 stars I would because they truly gave us a perfect dinner experience. Thanks Angus Barn for your kind offer and giving us another great meal!
(5)
Chris E.
Great steaks. Really unique and original atmosphere with all sort of places to eat inside or out. Met the owner when I was there last and she was so nice. She was very curious if there was anything they could do better or anything I'd like to see on the menu. Just a really cool place. Tip: Check out the bathroom by the meat locker dining area, It's so bizarre, in a cool way.
(5)
Shannon P.
The wine cellar experience is nice.... I've dined here twice and both times had the opportunity to dine in the private wine cellar. It's a little odd to get there - you have to be escorted through the kitchen, down a set of stairs, past the cigar room, through the actual wine cellar, and then alas, you enter into the dining area within the wine cellar. The dimly lit room surrounded by large format wine bottles is really cool. This room is great for a private party - I think it holds maybe 25 or so people at one very long table. There's a bar in the room as well, which is nice for getting that cocktail and mingling with your guests (assuming you're there for a party). They also have 2 cheese spreads with an assortment of crackers/bread and olives to munch on while you mingle. Once you've taken your seat, the real 'royal treatment' begins. There is usually 2 servers for this room and one will take each side of the long table carefully taking each person's order. The first time I was there, it was a pre fixe menu (as requested by the host of the dinner), the second time we ordered off the menu. As a pescatarian, I obviously opt out of the steak option and seek out the seafood. I ordered the roasted red pepper soup to start followed by the Alaskan King Crab Claws with a baked sweet potato and finally the blackberry cobbler. When they serve any part of your meal, there's one person on each side of the table (with white gloves on by the way) to place the dish in front of you in unison to the person across from you - nice touch. Everything was great, but I did have a couple of issues with my second visit: - The dinner was literally a 4 hour event! It took an hour between each course. - We ordered 4 bottles of wine for the table (party of 16) and the watier said he'd get the appetizers out and then pour the wine, which seemed okay as most people still had full glasses from the bar still, however as mentioned above it took almost an hour for this wine to be poured. Not only did he wait to serve the appetizers, but then he had to serve the bread, then fill up everyone's water glass....had we known that we would have requested wine first. I don't mind waiting for food but don't make me wait for wine! - They have you order your dessert at the same time you order your entree. I know this is a timing/preparation issue, but sometimes I don't know what I'm going to want for dessert until after I've had dinner....minor detail, but found it a little challenging as the only way to see your options was a large platter he brought out at the head of the table. You couldn't see them well and he went through the options fast. If they'd just list them on the menu, it would've made it easier as I'd have a reference besides my memory. Expect to pay $25-55/entree depending on what you get. The food is tasty, the servers friendly, but a little overrated in my opinion. Keeping in mind that I don't eat steak, there are tons of restaurants that are better and cheaper in the triangle. Oh - and while I've only walked through the main dining room, I have to comment on the decor...it could REALLY use a makeover. I get that it's the Angus 'BARN', but I don't think the decor should be so literal. A fresh, slightly more modern look would be so beneficial!!
(3)
Steve N.
It was a fun all around place. They had a free toy for are kid. There was free cheese and stuff. The steak was good but not amazing. But we had a good time over all.
(4)
Rob W.
A long time Raleigh institution. They may have been resting on their laurels for a while now. I still like it for birthdays and things like that. If you have a larger group they can put you in a private room, which is nice. Service and food is good, the experience of the place really makes it.
(3)
Laura H.
So we ate upstairs here in the wild turkey lounge. we walked in on a Monday night with no reservation. There was no seats when we first got there but after maybe 10 mins we snagged a table. Cool venue like an old hunting lodge...tons of turkey ornaments!! Appeared to be a full menu at a reduced price compared to the downstairs formal dining. So the food: we got steaks, cooked perfectly and were mega tasty! When you ordered steak that's all you get so everything is at an additional price. Deserts were average. Service was ok, our waitress forgot our vegetable side order and my glass of wine BUT she then comp 'd the deserts for us, so that was nice. They also have some free cheese and crackers while you wait! Overall it was nice. Priced a little out of the range for the portion size. All sides at an extra cost racks up the price of things too. I would try it again though!so three stars because, there was no starter that i liked! which was a bit of a downer!, the service took a LONG time, Desert was so-so, i got a blueberry cobbler and the pastry was dry and tasteless leaving a kind of mediocre jam type filling.
(3)
Michael V.
Outstanding steakhouse. Ate in the bar upstairs. Excellent service also. The steak was about as good as any I have ever had. Wished I wasn't driving so I could've enjoyed some of the cocktails I saw being made. Definately worth a slight detour to visit and eat.
(5)
Pel C.
This once-great Triangle gem is tired and needs a nap. For the price and commodity menu, I expect stellar service. Alas, our experience went something like this: - The reservations agent, while polite, was new and unacquainted with the restaurant. - My seat by the window offered a direct view of a very bright spotlight. - Our waiter was not engaging, mumbled, rushed every course, and provided ill-informed feedback when asked questions about the menu. - The oysters and the wedge salad were fantastic -- the highlights of the meal for me - There was literally no seasoning on my steak and all of the potatoes were room temperature. - And then there's the roaming magician who interrupted table conversation to perform a 5-minute slight-of-hand trick... All in all, I'd call this our last visit for a while.
(2)
Kenny M.
I have been to here a handful of times of the past 10 years or so. They are consistently excellent in both service and quality of food. The steak has been perfect every time. If I have had any issues, the staff is quick to rectify the issues.
(5)
Jane Y.
Dear 200th review, I hope I'm doing you justice by dedicating Angus Barn to you. Love, Jane Are you surprised that I'm giving THE angus barn 3.5 stars? Don't worry, so am I. Maybe I had unrealistic expectations for this place - people's verbal raves, e-reviews, and the fact that there's an effing landmark sign for it on the highway (or big road, whatever). We came here for celebrating a new job, a b-day month and a monthiversary (don't you judge me.). Milestones galore!!! We got there pretty early (5:00PM) and was seated immediately. The dimness of the place needed some adjusting to, but it wasn't bad. We were seated in some corner, even though the place was empty. I understand we are just a party of two, but why must you be ashamed of us? The table was already set up with their crackers basket and two ramekins filled with cheeses. One cheddar and one goat cheese. After 2 lactaid pills, I indulged. It was quite delicious. The cheddar was great, because I love sharp cheese. Our waiter came by with two menus and a wine BINDER. I was overwhelmed. Our waiter was nice - I told him I liked sweet wine and he offered a sample of their sweet red to try. We ended up ordering the Biltmore Riesling, which was very good. For appetizer, we had the large shrimp cocktail. The shrimp was pretty ginormous. It was fresh and crunchy, we were satisfied. Our waiter then came by with hot bread smothered in butter. As a lover of white toast with butter, I was in heaven. We both ordered the 14oz chateaubriand. The cut in itself was not as impressive as I expected it to be. It was tender, and well prepared. However, it just tasted like pot roast beef - very expensive and high quality pot roast. The red wine aujus was pretty delicious. The veggies were fresh, and better tasting than your avg seasonal veggies. They must either use organic veggies or some kind of magical veggies. The salads were huge, ..again nothing special... Our waiter made us feel a little..hm..not as important compared to the service he was providing to the table next to us. Maybe because we look like two college kids who can't afford jack. He seemed a little uppity to us, which I didn't like. The apple pie/cobbler and it was good. The key lime pie had the right amount of of tartness and creaminess to it. We enjoyed the dessert, even though we were bursting out of our dress/shirt. For the amount you are dishing out, I didn't find this place very impressive. Hence, the 3 stars.
(3)
Sarah M.
Eh. That's my review of this place in one word: eh. I've been here I think 5 times throughout my tenure here in Raleigh and while I haven't had a bad experience to speak of I just don't get why people get SO excited about it. Maybe 6, 7 years ago when we had a lot less going on food-wise I could see it but that people still act as though this is the only, or was the first place that thought to combine beef and fire in the tri-state area befuddles me. And is it just me, or is anyone else put off by gingham in a place when the entree costs so much? Perhaps kitsch is less irritating when you are an out-of-towner. That being said, the wine list is no joke, the service is always up to snuff and the food is consistently good. Is it wildly inventive? No. Is there always some wanker at the bar smoking a cigar, which drives me insane as it ruins my meal and tends to give me a pretty vicious headache? Yes. It never fails. Why cigars are allowed when cigarettes are not is absolutely puzzling to me, and it is absolutely up to the management in the particular restaurants so I HOPE THEY'RE READING. If I wanted to go out for a business dinner or to meet family I would go here. If I wanted to go out for a date, I would want to be taken somewhere else, like Heron's, every time, but it always ultimately comes down to personal preference.
(3)
Brian L.
This was recommended by a business colleague as I was in from the Boston area. Very nice atmosphere but the food was rather bland. Was expecting top notch food! Got the Chateaubriand and the vegetables were good but the Tenderloin was bland as was the dressing on the Caesar salad. My guest also was not blown away with the sirloin. Sorry
(2)
Pasquale R.
The guy next to me on my flight to Raleigh pointed out this place from the sky and said "that place right there has good steaks"...as we were about to land. It's located near the airport and that's one thing I haven't tried in my time in NC, steak. So my final night in NC I decided to reward myself (plus being on the company dime kinda of helps). It's right off the highway...literally. The complex, and I am not sure what else to call it, is huge. Parking lot was full...on a Wed...a few buses as well. I had to park far away but it I was ok with it. Their are a couple of buildings but you cannot miss the big red barn like structure. When you walk in, it has a log house feel...yeah I guess a barn. Since I was solo I walked up the steep stairs to the Turkey Lounge...think gaudy...very gaudy. Looks purposefully non updated since the 1800's...I am being sarcastic but you need to experience it to understand it...tons of couches with tables and in the middle of the floor was a small rectangle bar. I grabbed the last seat. The place was packed with corporate types mostly and lots of groups of people who were out for a good time. I was greeted by the friendly bartender. Had a glass of wine and reviewed the menu. Everything a steakhouse would have. Filet, T-Bone, NY Strip, etc...Their prices weren't too bad either. I went with the house salad w/their home made blue cheese to start out...it was big. Meal size portion. And good. The lettuce tasted fresh, like it was just picked from the garden out back. For a meal I chose the smaller NY Strip, medium with a baked potato (although they didn't ask what toppings but you will see why). So after a short wait and nearly finished with the salad the steak arrived on a sizzling plate with a large baked potato. She brought over the toppings for the baked potato, a few slabs and I mean slabs of butter, sour cream and bacon...a concoction of potential heart attach but I didn't refuse. The steak was cooked like I wanted it but was a little disappointing. It didn't have any seasoning and was simple. Not that it's a bad thing but I was expecting spice...plus they didn't provide salt/pepper. But I ate it like a lion eating a gazelle, quick, barbaric and without caring who was watching. I didn't have an issue finishing it but didn't think "oh wow this is awesome". Like I mentioned, could have used more seasoning. The baked potato and salad, two of the underdogs, were the better part of the meal...kind of sad I must say. Not sure if I will give it another shot. Other than the great service and experiencing the places ambiance, not much to return to.
(3)
Christine P.
I am from the Metro Atlanta area and travel to Raleigh for business. I have dined at the Angus Barn twice. More expensive than most chain steakhouses, but worth it. My most recent visit was with my boss and co-workers (all from out of town). We used Yelp to locate the address, and after a few u-turns, we all met at the bar upstairs for a few drinks. The bar has a great atmosphere and we really enjoyed ourselves. For dinner we were seated in a back room, so we didn't have people walking by us which was nice. We enjoyed a very nice bottle of red wine with our dinner. My spinach salad and steak were great, but the garlic mashed potatoes were just average. Because the way the roads are right in front of the business you may have to make a u-turn or two like we did to get there, but the food is definitely worth it.
(4)
Chris J.
Had a corporate dinner in the Wine Cellar. It was amazing. The food was perfect 4 course meal. Roasted Red Pepper Soup to start and I honestly don't know how they got it to be so flavorful. It was great. Then an intermezzo- pear, gorganzola, pecan salad. Nothing out of the ordinary, but good. Then- Steak and Salmon. I don't even remember what kind of sauce it was, but it was terrific. Dessert- Chocolate Soufle. They warn you that it will burn your tounge if you eat it right away, but most people continued to burn themselves after the first bite, because it's that good! Decor and service were outstanding. Everything was well planned and well executed.
(5)
Jim N.
The Angus Barn was a special night out for us when we lived here many years ago and we had fond memories. Back in the Triangle for nearly three years, we had not been but had discussed a repeat visit often. Well, this weekend we took a visitor from our old town of Boston and...it was a real treat for all three of us. The service was outstanding; the menu had everything you could want in seafood, steaks or chops. The wine list is expansive. We had salads, steaks, wine, and shared two amazing desserts. The food was about as good as it gets (the bread alone is extraordinary), and we've tried most of the steakhouses in the area. The price is a bit higher than some places; but, the total package was worth it. My wife already says that's where we're going on her birthday! It was an excellent evening.
(5)
Jas G.
Very good place. The atmosphere is great. The food is very good. I had some tenderloin sliders that were amazing. Really like the Mac-n-cheese as well. The steaks are very good. I will certainly be back.
(4)
J G.
Great atmosphere! Took too long to get wine; an hour to get appetizers and almost 3 hours to get entrees. The food was good and the server was nice but at no point did they apologize for the delay. We arrived at 8:45 when the restaurant was packed and left at midnight when the restaurant was empty. We were very disappointed.
(2)
Cameron M.
Everything I was told and read about the Angus Barn came true and beyond my expectations. From the moment you Drive up you feel like you are a guest in the Country and are about to have an amazing meal. As you enter the Restaurant, you are greeeted by friendly hosts that get you signed in right away and give you a cool buzzer and they direct you into two waiting areas, a gun room and a snack room filled with cheese, crackers and pickle station. Then comes the main course. I had the Ribeye which was recommended by the hostess and it was so juicy and flavorfull. You have many choices of toppings so I chose garlic butter and cajun seasoning, simply one of the best Steaks I have had in my life. The most memorable part of my evening was the fact that everybody else was having as good of time as I was. Cannot wait to go back and try something else.
(5)
Grace B.
I've lived in the area my entire life, and just recently experienced the Angus Barn. We went on a Sunday night around 8pm and it was pretty slow. Our server took awhile to get to us, but he was very professional and helpful with the menu & knowledgeable of the specials. We had complimentary cheese & crackers, as well as a delicious little plate of pickles, celery, and peppers. I ordered the salmon special, which came with a salad and I picked a roasted sweet potato. My date had a steak with a salad and the loaded mashed potatoes. Both of our dishes came out promptly and were very tasty. To be honest, the prices for their meals are just a bit outrageous. While everything tasted delightful, I can't justify eating here for the price of their entrees. I'm not complaining about the food in the least ... it's just too expensive. The atmosphere was quaint and warm, and the overall experience was nice.
(3)
John S.
This place is a national landmark! I was in Raleigh for business and my co-worker Charlie took me here. Wow this place is so cool! From the parking lot to the entrance to the table....very very cool place. So old school it was hip and current! The bar upstairs is awesome and the decorations are really nice! We went on a Tuesday night and the place was busy but they sat us right away. The server was very prompt and I was amazed how much knowledge he had of the menu and the amazing wine list they have. Straight up the server was very well trained and knew his sh**. Rare these days for sure! When we sat down they brought two types of spreadable cheeses and house-made crackers as well as a plate of peppers, pickles and wonderful snacks. I had a NY steak cooked Med-Rare and it was perfect...best steak I have had in a long time. It came with choice of salad (I ordered the chopped salad) and a side (twiced baked potato). Salad was amazing and way too big, Steak awesome but the potato was just ok. Then the server brought this tray of great looking desserts (14-15 different kinds) and told us about all of them like he made them himself. Great knowledge! We were so full that I had to take part of my steak which I ate later in my hotel room by the airport. Not too pricey of a place for what you get, I recommend to anyone that hasn't gone or is up for a great meal. I will be back!
(4)
Palak T.
I am vegetarian and have only been to the Angus Barn for corporate meetings, but I have to say my experience has been great both times. The service is excellent, and every person who works there is extremely attentive and friendly. The vegetarian options have been tasty as well, not just an afterthought. This may not be the place to take a large group of herbivores as the options are probably somewhat limited, but one or two will definitely leave satisfied.
(4)
Mark D.
This place pretty much deserves 5 stars, but I have to say I've had (slightly) better steaks at places like Bern's in Tampa FL or Metropolitan Grill in Seattle. However, this is close and an OUTSTANDING experience. The ambiance and decor is incredible and a ton of fun for any occasion. the service is superb, and the food top notch indeed. My wife and I chose to go on the wine cellar tour, and were so happy we did. It rivals the best I've seen and the history and underground specialty dining rooms, like something gout of a medieval castle, are not to be missed. This is certainly a must-see place in the Triangle and enjoy some fantastic, tender steak!
(4)
Tracy D.
I have lived in Raleigh for 26 years and never tried AB. My northern VA parents heard rave reviews and have been dying to visit. There were six of us, including my 12 year old. The server was so attentive to him, supplying a shawl when he got cold and providing a kitchen tour when he decorated his sundae. The Oyster Rockefeller was the best I've tasted. The catch of the day, grilled Atlantic Salmon, was to die for. My parents had beef ribs and prime rib that they couldn't stop raving about. The two bottles of Monte Alpha Pinot Noir were excellent with our dishes. The cappuccino cheesecakes and chocolate pie for dessert were over the top. I have to say that our server, Lauren F, made all the difference. We stayed for three hours and she was attentive and patient from beginning to end. Worth every penny and can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Justin T.
The place has great steaks and below average everything else. The sides are just awful, and ala cart. It's decent for what it is as an ala carte steak house. The wine list is superb and interesting to look over while having a drink in the one of a kind, locally at least, Wild Turkey Bar. The chess pie is a 5/5 though. I know people that ship them to relatives across the country. In fact it may be the best chocolate dessert in the country. They are definitely 4 star worthy if they fix the sides.
(3)
Joe M.
I have been living in the triangle for over 18 years and the Angus Barn is by far my favorite restaurant. You have to take in the complete experience. Start at the Wild Turkey Lounge with a pre dinner drink. Enjoy dinner in the one of their many dinner room (main room is my favorite). Ask for a wine cellar tour (if you are lucky maybe the owner will take you on the tour - happened to us at Christmas time). Stop by the Meat locker for a cigar if you choose. On the way out make sure you grab some of their cheeses for enjoying at home. Don't forget the Apple for good luck.
(5)
Dawn F.
Advice: Make a reservation even if you think it won't be busy! My Dad and I showed up around 630 for dinner on a Sunday night. We were told there would be a forty-five minute to an hour wait so we went upstairs for drinks at the Wild Turkey Lounge. The staff was attentive, but after an hour had passed by, I went to check with the hostess who said they were working on the walk ins. They then buzzed us about 10 minutes after that. Our waiter was great. The wine was great. And the food was to die for! I've eaten here four times, and the food is always top notch!
(4)
Chris S.
When I left RDU six years ago the AB was the place for a special occasion meal. Retuning this year I was excited to pick up where I left off. I was disappointed last night with the quality of the meal and somewhat the service especially for what you pay the value is just not there. There are far more options in RDU area to spend $100+ in dinner with better food and service. The best part of AB is the ambiance. My recommendation is grab a drink in the bar soak up the decor and then go to dinner somewhere else.
(2)
victoria f.
The most unpretentious steak house ever! I love the Angus Barn! I always try to eat there when visiting my parents up here in the RDU area. The decor is hilarious and relaxed, the service is great, and the food is unbelievable. Make sure to try the Ostrich Satay (the executive chef won Iron Chef with this recipe)! Their spinach salad with warm poppy seed dressing is honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten. I know it sounds silly that a salad is my favorite thing at a steak house, but seriously, it's warm, it has bacon in it, and it just makes me feel like I'm being hugged. The only down side to the Angus Barn is that by the time you get your food, you're pretty full from all the cheese, bread, appetizers, and salads that have just landed onto your table and into your belly. I always end up with a 7 oz Filet Mignon since it's the smallest meat serving on the menu. Is it silly that I'd prefer a 3 oz steak? The balsamic reduction and blue cheese always adds that extra touch of awesome. If you're looking for delicious food and have a think wallet, I strongly suggest the Angus Barn.
(5)
Lee N.
My family and I went for a belated Valentine's Dinner last Sunday evening. As many have said, the ambience and decor are excellent. I kept thinking I was in someone's home the entire time. Even though there were people all around us, I couldn't help but notice that not only was the table noise not a factor, but it seemed like we were just there ourselves on some level It was my second visit to The Angus Barn, so I knew what to expect. And my expectations were met. My family loves the homemade crackers and pickled items for an appetizer. My wife and I split the Chateaubriand, and the kids split the New York Strip. It really was too much food, but we were there for a celebration. I do agree with others that the meat could have been seasoned at least a little prior to serving. However, it was melt in your mouth delicious. And the veggies were excellent. Cabernet Savignon goes extremely well with the Chateaubriand. And it helps to glean extra flavor from the entree. The kids were treated to the kitchen tour with ice cream, and we enjoyed watching them clean their sundae dishes. The staff was extremely attentive and freindly. All of them. Even though I expect that at this price point, it is very nice to be reminded of how the little things do make a difference. Well done, Angus Barn! You have our hearts.
(4)
Denise B.
I love the food at Angus barn but others believe that the cost is too high based on what you get. We go there for special occasions only due to the cost.
(5)
Jenny H.
Since my first review, we have returned to the wild turkey lounge. Definitely a cool place to check out. The service was better tonight..attentive but very laid back. Great live piano music in a kind of wooded lodge meets sports bar meets fancy cigar lounge type setting. Lots of unique holiday decor. Not having tried the restaurant, I can't speak to that, but I will say that we do not plan to go to the restaurant. The dessert and cheese plates we've had in the lounge have been very mediocre (bordering on tasteless) and pricey, and we would not want to spend money on an expensive meal here. As for drinks in the wild turkey lounge? We will be back!
(4)
Charlene G.
I LOVE this place for sentimental celebrations, family visits and an annual girls' night out Christmas dinner. So, that's your fair warning that my review of Angus Barn is coming from a very personal viewpoint- not scientific and 100% subjective. Stop reading now if you prefer only objective reviews. I've been to The Angus Barn about a dozen times over the past 10 years and every time the food has been great. Like other's have noted, the cheese, crackers, olives, peppers, celery and bread that are offered as gratis pre-dinner bites are great and provide options for just about everyone in a large party. I'm partial to the cherry peppers myself and often just nibble on those. In most visits, we've had reservations but often arrive a little early to spend some time in the Wild Turkey lounge. The drinks selections- including the wine menu- are vast and solid. Paired w/ the aforementioned cheese and crackers, you can end up relaxing for awhile before dinner even starts. For dinner, I've almost exclusively ordered the filet (comes wrapped in bacon) rare or medium rare, twice baked or stuffed potato- though sweet potato is also great option, and the spinach salad with warm bacon dressing. I've enjoyed this combo every single time and when paired w/ top notch service, this landmark continues to meet my expectations. When it comes to cost and comparison to other steakhouses, I don't think you can consider just the meal. It is pricey perhaps, but you are getting a full service experience. In almost every visit, our wait staff have only had to handle 2-3 tables (w/ parties of 4-8) and they are super attentive and well trained. In addition, there are plenty of 'freebies' that are included as standard treats and/or surprises: - Ice cream for kiddos - didn't know this until we visited w/ friends who brought their 5 yr old that the server will offer to take your child to the kitchen to make their own little sundaes (parents are welcome to go with) - Pound cake for birthday/anniversary- if you mention your special occasion when making reservations (or sometimes in passing to the server), they will give you a celebratory pound cake for dessert - Gingerbread men for Christmas- this one is just in December I think, but they always have fresh baked cookies during the holidays as you enter/leave. Christmas is a great time to visit actually for all the decor and extra hustle/bustle. Reservations are strongly recommended though. - Apples at the door- standard offering. Only things I haven't liked... Yes - it can be cold there sometimes. So, I've learned (especially during holidays) to dress warmly. Pass on the sawdust pie (or whatever it's called) because it tastes like it's namesake.
(5)
Muj A.
Went here for date night with the Mrs. and it was a good experience overall. What made it memorable for us was the service and the atmosphere. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and kinda funny. The large rooms, the old-fashioned decor, the grounds outside which is like a compound, are so lame that ironically it's quite appealing. I had the filet and wife had the prime rib. Both steaks were cooked to our liking. The highlight of the meal for me at least was the ostrich skewers that you can get as an app. It's poultry of course but tasted like a lite ny strip on a skewer. First time trying Ostrich, it was great..
(4)
Brittany B.
We went to the Angus Barn not long ago to celebrate an anniversary (not ours though, but hey, it was good food). Although the wine menu is massive, we didn't go that route. The menu itself primarily focuses on steaks although has some seafood options and a spare chicken dish. However, I think most people go here for the steak. They start the table out with two cheese dips - a cheddar and some kind of blue cheese. We aren't fans of the blue cheese, but the cheddar was good. The meal comes with salad or soup - we each got salad - as an appetizer. The salads are fairly generic, we had a house salad and a spinach salad, neither of which were terribly special. They also served some good bread with butter, too. For the main course we both ended up getting Prime Rib with Mashed Potatoes (seriously, how can you turn down mashed potatoes for some other side?). The quality of the meat was great, and it was cooked perfectly to our order, but we felt it lacked flavor. The au jus wasn't very flavorful; the steaks aren't seasoned at all. We recognize the quality and cooking of the meat is supposed to be the star, but we feel that for the prices they charge they should do a little something more to add some flavor. The mashed potatoes were tasty, though. For dessert we had the Chess Pie and the Gran Marnier Parfait. The chess pie is award winning and very good, which we got A La Mode. The parfait had raspberry sherbet, fresh fruit, and a shot of Gran Marnier. It was good, but not thrilling. Overall, all of the food was pretty good, the biggest problem we have is that none of it seemed quite worth the price. We've had steak we've appreciated more elsewhere for cheaper, and none of the sides or desserts alone would be worth the trip. The food is probably more on the four star level, but the prices aren't worth it to us, so we gave it three. Those looking for a plain steak with good sides and a massive wine list would be pleased, though.
(3)
Jeff B.
Great place! The upstairs bar is wonderful. There's a live piano player and a great atmosphere. In the dining room, you are started with a tasty cheese spread. I had the fillet with a loaded baked potato. It was very well prepared. The service was excellent as well. For wine, we had one of their house wines. Two bottles later and we finished up. No desert. I will definitely return here.
(5)
Mikee R.
The Food was very hot and delicious. The dessert was great. Our server was very attentive and lively.
(5)
Anthony I.
Have to say 3 stars, here is why. Oysters Rockefeller, with a Bearnaise type sauce on them. Enjoyed my steak and had several very nice wines, sat at the upstairs bar and felt the service was polite, charming and attentive. Had I skipped the oysters I would have gone with 4 stars.
(3)
Jessie R.
It's more of a 3.5 star. Amazing atmosphere. The theme was very well executed. The wine selection is very intense and had almost every wine I could name. Now the review about the steak. I would not say it was the best steak i had but it was up there. The prices are a little higher than I expected but it was well worth the atmosphere and service. Besides the steak, the appetizers, sides and desserts are out of this world. I was there with my family, party of 8, and we each order a different cut of meat and of course, I tried it all. I would say my favorite was the rib eye. I would still highly recommend it. It was great place to take out of state visitors.
(3)
Dale D.
Amazing bucolic atmosphere with signature quality. Sommelier Wine Service is excellent because of the Angus Barn Wine Celler, Award Winning Wine Collection from every day table wines to rare vintages which challege the purse and tasting of the most fervent oenophile. Seasoned Chef manages Beef, Pork, Poultry, Seafood which are prepared well by a back of the house kitchen crew which operates at the pinnacle of quality, flavor, speed, cleanliness other restaurants aspire.
(5)
Connie L.
Finally got to eat steak where Peyton eats steak! We had reservations but decided to just sit upstairs because we wanted a more casual dinner. It is definitely super super casual upstairs. You can sit on couches or by the bar and there are huge TVs. You can start by getting cheese crackers olives and peppers which are self serve. Delicious cheese! The service was so wonderful! We got a bottle of their house wine which was good and I actually really enjoyed the caesar salad and sweet potato side which was baked to perfection! The steak was cooked well. We had a feast and had an enjoyable meal!!
(4)
Bryan S.
This place was phenomenal!!! I would have never thought a place like this existed in Raleigh, NC. This restaurant rivals the best steak places in any major city. As the name states, it is in a barn. But not just any barn...the place is huge! When you think you have seen the whole thing, you find another dining room. I suggest making reservations as we went on a Wednesday and the place was packed. Upon entry, there are fresh cheese and crackers to snack on, along with a coffee station. A bar is at the top of the stairs to get a pre dinner drink. All of the dining rooms are nice and open. Unlike a fancy big city restaurant, the tables are not so close together that strangers are listening to your conversations. The menu is huge. So many great options...I could not decide. I ended up getting the bacon wrapped filet with a stuffed baked potato. It was fantastic! Perfectly cooked. Every meal comes with soup or salad, fresh baked bread and cheese and crackers to snack on prior to dinner. For desert, I had the pecan pie, and that too was great. I do not remember the exact number of different bottles of wine they have, but it is in the thousands! Definitely can find a great bottle in any price range. Tyler was our server and he was excellent! Upbeat, patient and helpful. Made the dining experience that much more enjoyable. Following dinner, we went upstairs to the bar. Great selection of Scotch to include my favorite...Macallan 25! The bar also had live music. It was perfect...entertaining, but not too loud that conversations could not be had within our party. This place was so good, I would seriously consider coming back to Raleigh, just to eat here again. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Amanda W.
This place... The ambiance alone would be worth it to go!!! It really is set up like a barn. The cheese & crackers in the lounge was such a unique idea. Good cheese, yummy olives, crackers & celery weren't stale. Dinners also come with cheese & crackers, and bread. French onion soup - amazing! I had to stop myself from licking the bowl. Prime rib - cooked just as I ordered. Flavorful & surprisingly tender for the cut of beef. Garlic mashed - just like garlic mashed. Lobster tail - whatever spice/flavor they sprinkle on adds flavor to this seafood staple. Rich and amazing. Mojito - this was an AMAZINGLY made Mojito! It tasted fresh, and just the right amount of each ingredient. Sawdust pie - the server informed us that this was an 'award winning pie'. It took about 2 bites before I understood why. It only has 7 ingredients. It is really awesome, crunchy & chocolatey at the same time.
(5)
Heather M.
If you're in the raleigh area, this place is a must-try! I've never been so impressed by every single dish at a restaurant. There is not a single thing that I can't rave about. From their cheese and crackers, bread, and salad, to their prime rib and ribeye, they received a perfect score (by me and my boyfriend) the entire way. The cheese and crackers are homemade. (Practically everything here is homemade!) They cut their steaks themselves. Our server knew what she was talking about and took care of us very well and thoroughly the entire time we were there. Their salads were also super fresh which is something I always look for! Now let's talk about their steaks... Cooked to perfection- we asked for medium rare for both our ribeye and prime rib and they delivered. The prime rib was super tender and tasty. The ribeye had such a beautiful char on it and great flavor! I left super full and satisfied. Ambience is that of a very classy and well-decorated barn. It might be pricey but totally worth every single bite.
(5)
Terry H.
Always a great time with family here for dinner. From oysters to steak to fresh salads and fresh drinks the service is always superb and the setting is fantastic. Not to mention very good desert.
(4)
David G.
This is by far the best food I've ever had the joy of eating. Steaks are cooked to perfection. If you are around Raleigh, NC it's a must stop. Very unique place to take your family. The one room has a million dollars in firearms mounted on the wall. Service is superb. When my son comes home for leave my wife and I take him here. We all love it.
(5)
Stephanie H.
Angus Barn is amazing. It is on the pricer side so it is nice to enjoy when celebrating a special moment. We arrived and headed up to the Turkey Lounge to enjoy a drink before the rest of our party arrived (I got a glass of the Merlot which I enjoyed). We went to our table where we enjoyed a few ribs and cheese with crackers. I ordered the Filet with a Caesar salad and the stuffed potato. All of the food is amazing. We also got a few bottles of the Michael David Petite Petit 2013, it was a great wine! We also did the wine cellar last year which was a great experience and a check off of the bucket list.
How does one review the behemoth of Raleigh food destinations? Simply. 1) If you're looking to entertain out-of-town guests, it's a fine location that might justify the grossly inflated costs. Just don't make comments like "it's the best steak in Raleigh/NC" or anything false like that. You know you're lying to them. 2) The food is okay, everything is over-priced, the location is very average, and the service is mediocre. The grounds and atmosphere are nice, though. In the end, it's an experience, but one that I certainly will not have again. This place i a relic of the past, but plays it's role well. I like to compare it to The Pit. It's doesn't have great food or anything special outside of it's name, but it attracts people and puts the tack on Raleigh. For that, I tip my hat.
(2)
Judy B.
If you specialize in steaks then you would think you could cook it to the right temp. I ordered mine at medium rare and it came out medium well; only a hint of pink. When they re-cooked it then it came out blue rare and when they recooked it again it came out medium rare only the outside was burnt. I was not impressed with the ambience or the food at this restaurant. I have no idea why so many people go there. Food quality in general was worse than Outback Steakhouse at twice the cost.
(1)
Nick W.
This is a place you have to go at least once. It's "fine dining" by North Carolinian standards. Plaid table clothes and $40-50 steaks. The service is in line with the table cloths- good, but not exceptional. Definitely has more of the down home atmosphere than a stuffy upper class establishment. The wine selection is breathtaking. Largest cellar in the state. Hank, their Som, is one of the most knowledgable in the state. The steaks are great- I prefer mine without the oil/butter/seasoning. If you haven't been before, ask to take a tour of the wine cellar- it's impressive. Overall, it's more of an experience than a place you need to go every week. Lots of sitting area/things to see in the place itself. There is an outdoor eating area along with a cigar bar. Gift shop with cheese, pound cake, memorabilia. Good steaks, great wine. Definitely worth visiting overall.
(4)
Laura S.
AWESOME PLACE! The decor is so cute because it's very western yet has a classy feel to it. The French onion soup and bread were delicious! Like seriously, they were so tasty, especially together. When coming to a place called Angus Barn, I couldn't pass up a hardy steak. I also tried the southern peach cocktail and it was great! Very refreshing summer drink. Staff is very knowledgable about the food and the drinks. Service was top notch in my opinion. Come here for a date or with work colleagues. Either way, it'll impress them.
(5)
Braden A.
Amazing prime rib! Little steep on the price but would be a great date night! Would love to try the ribeye next time.
(4)
Lenny J.
Three stars for Angus Barn. If I get back to RTP I'll have to give them another go because If the other reviews are right they have something more to offer. We were a group of five the week before Christmas without a reservation and the place was pretty packed. After calling and finding we could not reserve a table until after 9:00 we decided we'd walk in and go to the lounge upstairs instead. To our surprise, after 20 minutes we had a table. The Cheese and crackers are truly tasty and snackers should beware because you could wind up over doing it on these. I had the Connoisseur Prime Rib with the pepper treatment. The meat, while well seasoned and cooked, was a little more fatty than I desire. I actually cut so much fat away that there was enough to the waitresses eye to ask if I wanted a take away bag. The other minor niggle was that I ordered a baked potato with butter and sour cream, but my entree came with i side of mash. The place was really busy and our group was a bunch of jokers so it's possible to believe that this got lost somewhere. Two other colleagues had the Chateaubriand and were raving about it. So It gives me hope that I may have selected the wrong cut for my tastes. Finished with the cheesecake. It's actually more Italian style than NY style so it's lighter. Very good nonetheless with some strawberry accompaniment. Big news for Cider drinkers, they had a couple of choices on the list so you won't have to settle for your next best beverage choice.
(3)
Kevin F.
I am never disappointed regarding the food, service and overall experience. Our server was very attentive and helpful. The huge portions of food are designed to enjoy the experience at home as well. I highly recommend the French Onion Soup. It had a very richly flavored broth and lots of cheesyness. The Prime Rib was prepared perfectly to my liking and the sides were excellent. Great NY Style Cheesecake too. I really love this place; can't you tell?
(5)
Rebecca B.
Yum! Yum! Yum! Make sure you make reservations before you come here cause the wait is always long without them! Everything they serve here is delicious! I love the cheese and crackers, and they give you so much!! The salads are good and the steak melts in your mouth! We had our kids with us so they gave us a section to ourselves which was awesome. We had one of the first reservations of the night. I love this place!!
(5)
Kevin P.
Came here to eat with my close family and relatives from North Carolina. The food (the filet mignon) is absolutely delicious though I do warn you that it is heavily cow meat dominated and it is pricy. The service was acceptable, not over the top though I sense that our server was in her first month of serving. We never really had any serious needs while at the table. But the most important thing to note was the atmosphere. It is in a barn that had festive, southern, farm decorations all around. The music did not over power conversation and there were TVs and couches in waiting areas and clean bathrooms. They also had a valet service where the valet gentleman exhibited excellent southern chivalry. Final Thoughts: awesome but pricy, come here once a month with family to celebrate something.
(5)
LT R.
You won't be disappointed at the Angus Barn or the Turkey Lounge. If you're looking for a fantastic steak with a side of character don't look any further. Take note: they often book up for major holidays so plan ahead of you don't want a 2-3 hour wait.
(5)
Stephanie H.
I stopped in after work for a visit to the bar with a co-worker. We huffed it up the stairs but along the way I felt like I was sort of back in time? So much wood, dark colors, people drinking, eating cheese, having fun. Anyway - we ordered a couple of glasses of wine then sat down. I have heard about the cheese here soooo we grabbed a couple of plates and loaded up on cheese, crackers, olives, a random piece of celery. Cheese was good - it reminded me of the kind I used to eat at my grandma's house that was in a plastic container with a blue lid - started with a K...anyway, it reminded me exactly of that. The crackers were good as well and the olives were a nice compliment to the cheese and wine. We ended up ordering the potato skins which were deliciously spicy and crispy with a delicious dipping sauce made of bacon and something else - but bacon. SO good. We tackled those and enjoyed them. While I haven't had the pleasure of dining here for anything other than vino and apps, it is an impressive space and I'd be happy to eat a legit meal here sometime.
(4)
Jennifer H.
What an amazing experience! This was my first dinner experience at The Angus Barn. There was a warm welcome by the staff upon entry. We sat in the Turkey lounge. Cathy provided great service! She appeared to be very knowledgable and happy to be at work. She provided insight as we made decisions on what to order. The food itself was amazing! I ordered the filet and lobster tail combo-it was worth every penny! After dinner, my friend and I inquired about a tour. Christina, a hostess, was very accommodating and we were able to received a tour of the meat locker and the wine cellar. This is most definitely a place that I will bring out of town guests to or attend on special occasions. Thank you so much to Cathy and Christina for providing such a wonderful experience!
(5)
Crystal J.
I did read the reviews telling me not to fill up on cheese and crackers, but I could not help myself. They were too good. Mmm, olives and peppers- I think I'll have some of those too. Buttered bread? Don't mind if I do! Not to mention a nice sized salad. Who could eat a 24 oz T-bone after all that? I certainly tried, but did not succeed. Regardless, the T-bone was delicious. The top quality of beef is definitely noticeable. Thankfully, I was able to box up everything and take it home for a treat the next day. The service was excellent. Our waitress was personable and was able to suggest a great wine to pair with our meal. The prices will force to me to only indulge here on special occasions, but it is definitely worth it! As an added bonus, we got a complimentary pound cake for our anniversary!
(5)
Len R.
The Angus Barn is a place where you must visit for special occasions or just for a great meal. If you are visiting from out of state and looking for an amazing steak- this is one of the places around. If you leave here disappointed it is your own fault. They age the meat and cut it themselves- it is absolutely one of the best steakhouses in NC. I have even gone here for holidays such as Thanksgiving and they go all out. This business is an asset to the State of North Carolina. Call for reservations. Call months in advance for holidays.
(5)
Matthew N.
Have been here several times. The service is always spot on. Very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere with great steaks and sides.
(5)
A C.
I've been to and rated a lot of steakhouses, but that doesn't make me an expert. I do love me some beef though. Read through the reviews and decided what the heck, let's give it a go. The cheese, crackers etc is a nice thing to have. Though as others have said be careful how much of it you eat because your food is still coming and you'll want to save room. I ate in the wild turkey lounge which I thought was named after the booze but doesn't seem to be. Still a nice fun area. They had live music going. Got the chateaubriand as it was what everyone listed as the go to. I guess in the lounge it doesn't come with a salad but really I don't know when you could fit that in. There's so. Much. Food. The beef was supposed to come with fingerling potatoes though they do give you your choice if you want something else. So after my cheese snacks, came a big ole basket of buttered toast. I had to try it...I mean it's buttered toast. You have to. It was good but again I don't suggest eating too much of it. On to what you're waiting for! The beef. Was pretty spectacular. I thought it could've used just a pinch more seasoning but it was extremely tender and flavorful. And to top it off my server, Melanie L. Brought me fat fries and a sweet potato because the fingerlings that came were ...well really not there. So it was really awesome of her to notice that and take care of it. Southern hospitality at its finest. So while it's not cheap, it's enjoyable. But if you're looking for cheap then stop reading this and go somewhere else.
(4)
Donna H.
Had Karly's family birthday dinner here last night. It's such a comfortable place. Started with drinks in the Turkey Lounge in front of a fire and yes - duke was on TV...they won now in the final 4. Moved to a table in a small room off to the side - had it to ourselves for most of the time. Wait staff all awesome. And the chocolate chess pie - to die for! ( Steak everyone knows are delish!)
(5)
Chris G.
Almost always enjoy my time in the Wild Turkey Lounge. I prefer its casual lounge atmosphere to the main dining room. The steaks are typically good, but nothing life changing. I go more to share the experience with out of town guests these days rather than the food.
(4)
Ashley H.
Not really sure how this place has so many bad reviews. My boyfriend and I went to Angus Barn for our two year anniversary last night. We had done our research so we fully expected to spend a small fortune, but it was worth it. Our server was personable, and gave us extra shrimp and a whole cake for FREE because it was our anniversary. My lobster and prime rib were delicious, and EVERYTHING had flavor. My only complaint were the loud kids seated at the table next to us, but that's not their fault. (Who brings kids to a place like Angus Barn, anyway?) We can't afford to come here regularly, but we will be back for another special occasion. :)
(5)
Christie E.
I could write a book. A restaurant like this often rests on its laurels but this was the best meal I have had in years! I want to marry my steak and have loaded mashed potato babies! The experience was first rate all the way!
Yes, this place is pricey, but it's worth it! Somehow the ambiance of Angus Barn finds a way to seem classy yet also a bit casual at the same time (or maybe "homey" is a better word). The service is also really great. I ordered a North Atlantic Salmon with rice pilaf on the side, which was just about flavored to perfection. The salmon was soft inside but slightly crispy on the outside. The server I had also recommended that I put sour cream in my rice pilaf, which made it taste more flavorful and surprisingly complemented the salmon. I plan on eating at Angus Barn again!
(5)
Victoria S.
We made reservation for 6 pm and were sitting at a table by 6:10 pm. The staff greeted us promptly and were very nice. What a great night out! The food was amazing, service was top notch and it was worth every penny. HIGHLY recommend trying this place! We will be back
(5)
Sarah E.
What a great experience at the Angus Barn. I have been to the Pavilion before for a Valentine's dinner, but the experience at the actual restaurant is so much better! We had crackers and cheese waiting for us when we sat down and our server also brought over a free relish plate. I also got a Mint Chocolate martini to go with my meal and it was sooooo delicious that you could barely believe there was alcohol in it. Before our entrees came out, you get a salad. I was expecting a typical bowl of salad. The caesar salad I got was good enough for a whole meal and is by far the best caesar salad I have ever had. I was already full after that! Our food came out really fast as well even though the portions were huge. My boyfriend got a combination plate of ribs and filet mignon and I got the Chateaubriand . They were both delicious! If you are looking for more variety rather than all meat and carbs, I would definitely go for the Chateaubriand . The filet mignon my boyfriend got was the juiciest piece of meat ever. I am not a steak person, but this I would eat any day. We ended with the chess pie. You think it would be too sweet, but it was so perfect and delightful. The decor in this place is really nice too. We were kinda in the middle of the restaurant grouped up close to the next table, but I didn't really feel like it wasn't private at all. Definitely make a stop at the bathroom just to check out the decor in there. The only reason I didn't give this five stars was because our waitress was a very slow with everything. I had to drink my boyfriend's water after a while because she was nowhere to be found for a huge chunk of our meal. We were going to watch a movie after, but didn't make it because every step of the process took forever, just because we could never find her. Whenever she was around, though, she was extremely pleasant and accommodating. I think it was just because it was at the end of her shift and she was trying to get stuff going before she left. Other than that, it was well worth the money and a great dining experience!
(4)
Al S.
For 55 years Angus Barn has been Raleigh's premier steakhouse. Be kind to yourself... You deserve it... Go tonight!
(5)
John F.
The service and atmosphere deserve respective 5 and 4. Amazing service! Unfortunately, the food was truck stop average. The quality of the steaks and sides was subpar. On top of the poor quality, the food was cooked poorly. The only knock on service was that even though the waitstaff recognized we weren't eating our food none of them suggested an alternative, not even after we declined to take leftovers of two almost complete steaks and noted they were poorly cooked. Being a dessert lover and having plenty of room left, we ordered three desserts. We may have eaten two bites. Not very good. Again, we love the service and the atmosphere but we won't be back until the food gets better. Regards,
(2)
Ted E.
The Wild Turkey Lounge is the place. All the great food from the restaurant, plus an old time lounge atmosphere. The Ribeye was perfect, the Alaskan King Crab claws were a treat and the oysters were tasty and firm. We requested a Skinny Mojito...., they made a sugar free simple syrup, went a purchased mint, and then made the best Mojito I've ever tasted. The service and staff are top notch!
(4)
Kelly R.
We celebrated our parents' fiftieth wedding anniversary with fifteen family members at the angus barn last night. We booked one of the private dining rooms in the wine cellar. It was the perfect location to mark the moment, and we couldn't be happier we chose this place. From the beginning, they made the event planning a breeze. Once we were there, the waiters were attentive to our every need and the food and wine pairings were all excellent. My only regret is that they didn't ask the individual group members how we would like our steaks prepared. (Perhaps the other hostess answered for the entire group? That's entirely possible and I'm not sure.) The steaks were delicious nonetheless, so we still give the restaurant five stars.
(5)
Gretta G.
Excellent food and service! The decor is stunning and a great place for any occasion. Beautiful dark wood, ambient lightning, and country charm make it a very romantic setting. I ordered the filet oscar, creamed spinach, garden salad, and the chess pie. Everything was absolutely wonderful and I will definitely be returning!
(5)
Amanda K.
I have been here a few times. Every time though I have been the food and atmosphere have been excellent. On this review however I'm writing in concern about their catering. A friend of my husband was getting married and they chose the Pavillon as their ceremony + reception spot. The Angus Barn also catered and we were all very curious of the dining experience. This was by far one of the best wedding guest experiences I've ever had. The experience mirrors something of 5 star dining. The open bar offered a lot of different wines and beers, and the appetizers passed around were delicious. We were seated for dinner. The first course was served with a white wine, not too sweet. It was a salad with glazed pecans and mozzarella cheese and a yeast roll on the side. The pecans were so good, I ate them...and I don't even like pecans usually. Our main course was served with a nice smooth red wine, and consisted of ribs, a filet, two extra large shrimp, mashed potatoes, and snap peas. Everything in the main dish had an excellent flavor and nothing short of what i expect of the Angus Barn. The dessert was served with champagne and was a chocolate chess pie and key lime pie served in mini pie crusts. Coffee was served after dinner and was rich and had a great flavor. Overall the dinner and appetizers were extremely delicious, and the service of the staff and manner of everyone who worked was very professional. The setting was beautiful (I believe there is more outside but it was raining and I was unable to go out) The Angus Barn is defiently worth a call if you are planning a wedding in the near future. I am unsure of the price however so be prepared!
(5)
Vince E.
The dinners are HUGE! The prime rib was cooked perfectly, and each dinner comes with a side salad, potato, bread, and these amazing crackers and a cheese spread. The ribs fall off the bone and are also an excellent choice. This place seriously feels like a barn, and you'll leave full and feeling like you belong in one, but for all the best reasons
(5)
Kristy A.
With everything I had heard about the Angus Barn, I thought I'd have to take out a second mortgage to eat here. Not so! I loved my meal and would put it up against Ruth's Chris or Flemings any day - and I spent way less here than I have ever spent there. Granted, it wouldn't take much to drop some serious cash here; but you can have a really awesome dinner for a really reasonable price. I went with the 7 oz filet, cooked medium rare. It was served with my choice of soup or salad, plus a side. I went with the french onion soup, which I really enjoyed. I also enjoyed bites of my companion's salads, which were ample in size. The side was a stuffed potato, which was a million calories of heaven...and that was before they brought over a caddy of sour cream and bacon bits to add to it. The steak was plenty and perfectly cooked. One of my companions got one that wasn't cooked right, but they fixed it and a manager came back to make sure it was ok. Two glasses of wine - the house branded cab - and my bill was still under $50. In addition to all the food I actually ordered, they have these pots of cheese spread, some crackers, and a relish tray with pickles, olives, and peppers. This stuff comes out at the beginning and if I had to do it all over again, I would be less excited about that stuff (and probably skip it altogether). It's good and all, but I was SOOOOO FULL when I left that I unbuttoned my pants in the car. No shame. The one thing that I won't rave about is the service. Our service was definitely not stellar. We were there forever and his attempt at beverage service was lacking. The meal was so good though that I didn't have the heart to knock off a star for it.
(5)
Heather B.
I came here for their Thanksgiving buffet. I checked the Raleigh Visitor's Bureau site for a list of places open on Thanksgiving and this was one of them. You definitely need reservations. The place was packed and yet if you head to the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs it is first come first served which I did. The food was excellent. Prime Rib, turkey, ham and all the fixings. I must compliment the stuffing or dressing. It was not mushy or dry but the perfect consistency. Very flavorful. Overall great meal. The decor of the reataurant is also great.
(4)
Kurt H.
Take my bias into account when I talk about this place: My first visit to the Angus Barn was at the age of 13. Upon learning about my love of food, they invited me into kitchen, and I was given a tour, and introduced to the grill chef...by Van Eure, herself. This is a great honor for someone like myself, who isn't socially, economically or otherwise "connected". After the tour, they invited me to stage, and told my parents they'd haul me back and forth to the restaurant (it actually goes a lot farther than that). Then, they took my brother and I to the gift shop, and loaded us down with awesome goodies. My parents didn't take them up on the offer to intern, and it has been one of the great disappointments of my life. I enjoy the Angus Barn, because the service is top notch. The ambiance is fantastic, and the hors d'oeuvres are enough to make a meal on, in and of themselves. The wine list is more than extensive. If you're a oenophile, then you're in the right spot. The steak is very good, although I was still eating steaks MED, instead of MED RARE the last time I went. I cry every time I think about what a horrible waste that was, even though the steak was excellent. I tried to go again during November. Unless you have a reservation in the Christmas season, don't expect to drop in, even if you get there early. The lounge was even full. They easily accommodate large parties, and you'll have a wonderful time. Even waiting is a pleasure, as you can go upstairs to The Wild Turkey Lounge, or stay below and check out the massive six-shooter collection, as you sit on the vintage leather couches. The steak is delicious, the service impeccable, and you'll never have a bad time at the Angus Barn. How do I know? My parents took some friends out (a financial sacrifice, at the time) to celebrate their engagement. A waitress passing by, managed to drop a tray holding a few glasses of wine. The wine hit the hem of my mother's dress. Not only did the management come by to apologize, they sent them home with wine and a gift basket that had a value of over $150, but also cut her a generous check for the dry-cleaning of her dress. It's that kind of service and attention to detail that creates loyalty, and I guess, a sense of nostalgia in me. Tip: 1.) Get reservations, even if you don't feel it will be very busy. 2.) Avoid unless you've made reservations weeks in advance during the holiday season. 3.) Don't load up on the hors d'oeuvres, unless you don't care to finish your meal. The cheese spread and crackers will do you in quickly.
(4)
Joe P.
Ate here with colleagues in Thad's room. The experience was phenomenal with the servers being highly professional and the food unbelievably good. The experience overall was impressive and I would recommend to anyone looking for private dining.
(5)
Amanda A.
Went there over Memorial Day Weekend for lunch. Had a great server, great food and a great experience. When we were finished eating, a staff named Ray, took us for a tour which included going into the kitchen, and downstairs to an incredible wine cellar, and two private dining areas. It was a very good tour, the kid was very knowledgable and we will certainly be going back.
(5)
Korey W.
Wow what a place. Seven of us went here for dinner on a recommendation from a local business associate of ours. We started the evening off with dinner and a couple bottles of red wine from Napa Valley. During dinner a gentleman stopped by the table and performed a couple of magic tricks which was great entertainment. All the food was spectacular. Out waiter recommended that we take a tour of the wine cellar after dinner and I am so glad that we did. It is a spectacular cellar. Thank you to Henk "the wine guy" for spending extra time with us explaining the great history behind the cellar. A couple of us then headed to the humidor to grab a couple of cigars and then off to the smoking room we went. The lounge known as "the meat locker" is exactly that, the old meat locker repurposed. I've been to a few cigar lounges in my time and this is by far my favorite. The only way to get to the lounge is to be escorted by staff through the kitchen, what an experience! After a cigar and a couple glasses of scotch we joined back up with the others on the patio and enjoyed another bottle of wine around the fire pit and enjoyed a S'more. All in all this place is now one of my favorites in all of the US. I'm not sure the next time I will be in the area but if/when I am I will be returning.
(5)
Jay A.
Enjoyed a wonderful dinner last night at The Angus Barn. There were 6 of us and I can truly say that it was a memorable experience. We started our evening off with a wonderful bottle of Malbec. Yes, their wine list ain't cheap; however, the Malbec options were exceptional. Even the crackers with cheese on the tables were wonderful. Appetizer was a perfect sized bowl of French Onion Soup. It was included with dinner. Considering what entrees cost here it makes sense to include the soup. I then opted for the Alaskan King Crab. It was served in small sections nicely cut for very easy eating. Never saw it cut this way before; however, must admit it made life easy. The crab was flawless. It was hot, tender, flavorful and precisely the way it is supposed to taste. With it I had a baked potato. The potato was a tad overdone; however, the crab was so very good that I won't ding these nice folks a star. Dessert was pecan pie with homemade vanilla ice cream. Yummmmmmy. While this place has it's tourist appeal it happens to be very good. I enjoyed my meal and the service was good. Will I eat here again? Absolutely.
(5)
Tim C.
Zowie,,, this place is so good and so fun! I've eaten here about 3 times and will go back whenever I am in the area. It's a bit of a sleeper as it doesn't look too big from the highway. Once you get inside it's huge and they serve a TON of people all with awesome quality. Try to get a seat in the Turkey Lounge upstairs. I know it's tempting to fill up on the cheese and crackers (I did) but save yourself for the steak. The Turkey Lounge has interesting seating and much more eclectic than the rest of the restaurant. The staff is super friendly and if you ask they will give you the full tour of the place including the wine cellar, kitchen and indoor outhouse. I can't say enough good things about this place and it's staff. Everyone is super friendly and very attentive. I'm a sucker for the tenderloin but I am sure all the steaks are good there!
(5)
Charlie O.
I've heard from a number of people through the years that this places quality really depends on how crowded they are. We took my mother here for her birthday after wanting to try it for a few years. It was extremely packed but the wait time wasn't too bad at all. Our visit started out great. We checked out the gun collection (probably the greatest thing there and I'm not even a huge gun fanatic) and had a drink at the turkey lounge upstairs. We couldn't help but get a kick out of the hor d'oeuvres section , the way everyone talked we were expecting something a little more "upscale" than cheddar cheese and Ritz crackers but I liked the casual style. When it came time to eat our server was great, very quick and polite. However, none of us were happy with our food. There were 5 of us and we all agreed that the steaks didn't taste any different than something you could get at a place like the outback, maybe even a little worse, except these were twice the price. My sides were okay but again, nothing really different than any other average place. We ordered 2 appetizers, I believe 9 one liquor and soda drinks all together (whiskey & coke, rum & coke, etc.) , and our food and the total came to about $500 when we factored in the tip. Very overpriced in my opinion for the quality of the food but they could have just been having an off night since they had a packed house. Unfortunately it's too expensive for me to want to give it another shot and hope that they're better. Oh yeah! And a magician randomly showed up at our table and did some cool stuff so that was another perk. All in all I'd say it's worth a try I suppose, if anything I'd go check out the gun case and Turkey lounge. Grab a few of those gourmet Ritz and look at some early 1900s pistols
(3)
Kristine T.
Angus Barn was recommended to my husband and I by a friend who lives in the area. We are from Florida, and were on an impromptu road trip celebrating our one year wedding anniversary. We were told in advance it was pricey, which was okay with us because it was our last night before going home and wanted to finish strong. Our server, Doug, was an absolute professional. He was very knowledgeable on the most extensive wine list we have ever seen (my husband is a beverage manager at a upscale restaurant). He was friendly, personable, and made sure we took the tour of the wine cellar when we were finished with our meal, even though it was 15 minutes until they closed. The wine cellar, was enormous and out of this world. They also have a cigar bar in a meat locker with open windows to the air. To top that off, they have an outdoor patio area towards the back of the restaurant (closer to the street) with a bonfire! They even brought out marshmellows, graham crackers, and hershey bars for smores! We came back to the bonfire after ordering some champagne and closing out our bill. This was after an amazing meal. For starters, we had double jumbo shrimp and french onion soup (very good). For wine we chose, Ojai Syrah (very smooth). My 10 oz filet was wrapped in bacon and cooked to perfection, and I was able to force myself to finish because it was so good. I will say two things I was not crazy about. First, the host stand staff had a bit of an uppity attitude (one of my biggest pet peeves). Second, the bar upstairs. While, I liked the piano player, and the overall low key vibe we got, the bartenders were not very friendly and the host stand paged us not even after 10 minutes of going up there (we arrived to our reservation an hour earlier). Other than that, if you are going to have a pricey date night, Angus Barn will not disappoint!
(4)
Larry S.
Fabulous food and service. Always wanted to come here, and it didn't disappoint. Prime rib was great. Entrees come with salad and side, so it is significantly less expensive than other top end steakhouses. Not inexpensive in total, but worth it.
Just because the prices are high, doesn't mean you have to believe the hype! I ate dinner last night here with my husband. The environment is busy, dare i say hectic even and the place is packed, and as I understand, always is. I really don't get it. I like steak. I like potatoes. I like cheese. I like crackers. But something was off. The cheese and crackers weren't life altering, and if the unlimited amount of this and other add ins like pickles, olives, and bread are part of the prices I am paying on my entree, I'd rather do without. I ordered the French Onion Soup to start and couldn't suck down enough water and wine to get rid of the salt. It tasted like Lipton's. I ordered the bacon wrapped filet, 7oz and a "stuffed potato." First, my steak looked perfect, oh how I WISH I COULD HAVE TASTED IT. The bacon wrapped guy was encrusted in so much black pepper, my mouth was on fire! I couldn't taste anything! Again, more water. more wine. Someone please help me. Ouch. This filet costs $38! I want to know what it tastes like! After trying to scrape and trim, I surgically was able to find a few bits to eat. By then I was annoyed, and full. Stuffed Potato? Hmmmm...not sure about that either. It was just a crock of mashed potatoes with cheese, slopped in there and all the little white dishes surfing around the plates just seemed ridiculous. My husband's experience was just as awful if not worse. Leaving with a literal nauseated feeling is never a good sign. Skip Angus Barn. People told us you HAVE to go, just once! Don't. Don't bother. Spend a few dollars more and go to the nice steakhouse downtown.
(1)
Sonia S.
Discovered this place by accident and we were pleasantly surprised! The ambiance is phenomenal and we were given a tour while we waited for our table. There are appetizers to nibble on as well while waiting. Server was knowledgable and seemed happy to be there. Amount of food is phenomenal, side salads are full size! My husband and I split a steak and shrimp combo and we still had food left over. We tried two wine flights that complimented our food perfectly and also enjoyed a delicious dessert. Best part was how reasonable the bill was for the quality and service we received. Definitely a place we will revisit!
You know, I always drove passed the big red barn thinking The Angus Barn was only for super wealthy people who could afford $100/person plates of food. I finally got the opportunity to go for a friend's going away dinner here and I was actually surprised. For the amount of food that you get, the price is worth every bite. And to set the record straight, yes you could easily spend $100 per person if you like to order bottle(s) of wine and apps and desserts, etc., but it would be way too much food for a single person. For two people, my bf and I spent $100 plus tip (two steaks, two glasses of wine, and one dessert) and so certainly, it is a nicer place to go for dress-up, special occasions but we both agreed it is OUR preferred steakhouse to go to that would surpass other steakhouse chains like Ruth's Chris or Fleming's. At these places, everything on the menu is pretty much a la carte, so you pay for everything piecemeal which adds up on the bill. On their website - the first question on the FAQ says: "What is the average price? Our entrees run from the low 30's to low 40's with some exceptions. All entrees include a choice of salad and most include a choice of potato or vegetable. Most couples spend $80.00 to $100.00." I can vouch for that! Here at The Angus Barn, you get a lot for your meal - First you get homemade crackers and cheese that are truly addicting (and can be purchased at their store onsite). Then, I believe most meals come with a salad or soup - at least I know the steaks do. I chose a DELICIOUS salad (spinach, bacon and mushroom) with a warm vinaigrette, and it is a HUGE bowl - almost entree sized at other restaurants - and it was really yummy. By the time I got my steak, I could barely get 4-5 bites in because I was already full. I had enough leftover steak for at least three meals! For dessert, the waitress actually threw in a free dessert due to my indecisiveness. I was torn between two and so she just gave us both and charged us for one. Although we threw in a few more bucks for tip, it was still a nice gesture and somewhat appropriate for the southern hospitality that you can expect the moment you walk in. It's a barn... it's a big barn, but that's the style you should expect. Don't expect super sleek modern and contemporary because you'll be sorely disappointed. Overall, I'm a FAN - don't be intimidated like I was. It's worth it.
(4)
Mikey B.
Angus Barn is a classic joint. It's cozy, comfortable and cool. It's always busy. Whether it's the dining room, the Wild Turkey Lounge for a drink or a trip to the Meat Locker for a cigar...it's all good. You can even sit outside around the fire pit on a warm night. It's just a classic place. Never a dull moment at the barn.
(4)
Tai B.
Ate here on august 21st with colleagues while in the area on a business trip. If you are a non beef eater, like I am, the best thing about this place is the magician followed by the decor. Backing up a bit, this is basically a steak house and had I known I probably would have declined the invitation to go. Anyway I got the grilled chicken salad on spinach. I had to send it back because bacon bits were all in it and I don't eat bacon (it wasn't labeled on the menu as having bacon). But when I got the salad without bacon it was perfectly fine. Nothing particularly spectacular. Tried a colleagues asparagus and thought they were cooked in too much butter. The decor at angus barn can best be described as eclectic country living room. There are antler chandeliers, leather arms chairs, rugs, stuffed moose head on the walls, etc. there's a lot to look at! The best part, a magician came around and did a few tricks. Having a magician in a fine dining establishment is odd, but I liked him. If you're not a beef eater, I'd skip angus barn.
(3)
Gabby A.
The bar (Turkey Lounge) is great. The food is over priced. This place used to be the "it" place. Now it's kinda turned into a wash.
(3)
JW C.
I recently dined here with a large group of customers and was a bit underwhelmed by the food. I ordered the Chateaubriand medium-rare and although it came out properly cooked, it continued to cook on the heated cast iron griddle it was served on. The meat soon became tough and dry, which is a criminal thing to do to such prime cut of beef. The meat itself wasn't very seasoned and I did not care for the accompanying sauce or jus, which was also very bland. The person sitting next me ordered the prime rib cooked medium, but it was served medium-rare. When brought to our server's attention, she promptly apologized and promised a new, cooked cut of beef, which was nice gesture, but by the time he received the new steak, the rest of us were finished with our meals. Regardless, we did have an enjoyable experience, but at this price point, I expected a bit more.
(2)
Katie S.
*Wild Turkey Lounge Review Only* Drinks were ok, food was ok, service was ok... The slowness of the kitchen was ridiculous. It took 40 mins to get two aps out. Plus $26 for just ok crab dip in my mind is not worth it. It's a beautiful place, but I'm not really sure what all the hype is about.
(3)
Arlene T.
We have had the privilege of eating at some pretty high-end steak houses: Cut, the Metropolitan Grill, Mastros, etc so this review is skewed to high steak expectations. Anyway, we were new to the area, looking for great steak, and a friend recommended Angus Barn. We had very high expectations but were very disappointed with the quality of food. The portions were generous but the food was rather bland--I could cook up a better steak at home. In addition, meal was pricey for the quality--prices very comparable to Ruth Chris but the taste is no where near. It seems like most Raleigh locals who rave about Angus Barn have a sentimental memory associated with Angus Barn--family celebration, work party, etc--which may influence the appeal of the restaurant. Overall, the food leaves plenty to be desired but the staff at Angus Barn gets 5+ stars for customer service.
(3)
Jeremy C.
Wow what and experience! Dinner at the captains table was an awesome night! A private chef (Chris he was excellent) and personal wine service from the Beverage Director Hank. Chris started with seared scallops in brown butter, next course was a roasted red pepper with langoustines, an arugula salad with a mixed berry vinaigrette and goat cheese, main course was a mid rare filet and a perfectly cooked Chilean sea bass with a Beurre Blanc sauce (Chris did excellent here!) Top it all off with a personal tour of the Wine Cellar (considered as one of the top 100 in the world) from Hank. This was a heck of an evening and I recommend it to anyone.
(5)
Shruti D.
As a vegetarian and a native to this area, this has never been my 1st choice of place to go eat at. We went here for the 1st time and it was pretty good. I loved all the holiday decor. I got the pasta and I thought was good but can't compare to Bella Monica but don't expect it to either because they are not a italian restaurant. I would definitely go back for the atmosphere and wine (and Maybe their cheese spread and crackers.. ;-) )
(4)
Jeremy D.
Disclaimer: I have eaten at my fair share of up-scale restaurants and have a lot to compare against. Angus Barn is a lot of hype for slightly better than average steaks. Prices are DEFINITELY not reflective of quality. I got the bacon wrapped filet-mignon and it was better than what someone would make at home but not worth $37. I probably would have been satisfied if it had been under $24. It was pretty bland. Service was great and I loved the cheese and crackers. Overall too pricey for mediocre meal.
(3)
Nicole C.
Amazing!!!! A little skeptical given first impression with rustic decor. But quickly enchanted with customer service from bar to hostess to server. The owner welcomed us as we were being sat. And Jim!!!!!! Our server! Every restaurant should have a dozen of him. Not to discount the incredible award winning wine list. I have been in the restaurant fine dining business for 18 years......I work at one of the most prestigious restaurants in Dallas Texas; top ten cities with more restaurants than people in America. The Angus in North Carolina is truly a gold mine and a must for everyone in the area. And again, can't say enough about Jim!
(5)
Graham P.
Went to a financial seminar and had the filet. Both my wife and I were sick within the next 24 hours, as was another person in the group. We got the usual apology from one of the managers. Apparently, they have been cited for bad meat. It's way overrated and expensive.
(2)
Bill D.
Recently went to the Angus Barn and I have to say I am glad that somebody else picked up the tab. I thought for the quality of the food, the prices were extremely high. Here are the pro's and con's: Pro's 1. The service was great. Our server, Thomas, was always there when we needed him, but he was not at all obtrusive. 2. The Caesar Salad was excellent. 3. I had a crab cake as part of an appetizer plate and it was quite good. Con's 1. Honestly, the rice pilaf that I had as a side tasted straight out of a box of Rice-a-Roni. 2. The salmon entree was exceedingly bland in taste. 3. Also bland---very bland---were the crackers that they serve with a Cheese-whiz concoction. 4. We got a tour of the restaurant...and, yes, the restaurant itself is quite impressive...by someone who seemed to be only going through the motions in giving the tour. 5. I sampled another person's tuna entree and it had a very funny after-taste. Besides me and the other person who had the tuna, all others in our party got a beef dish. And to be fair, the beef-eaters' plates were all empty, or close to it, come the end of the dinner. So if you go, order the beef.
(3)
Paul B.
I have lived in Raleigh almost 22 years and have worked next to the Angus Barn for 18 of them. I have dined at this restaurant at least 20 times and I have to say it has gone so far down hill that the only thing saving it is its nostalgia. I bring clients and vendors for the ambience and decor and what use to be good food. Unfortunately the food and service has gotten so bad in the dining room that I will not return. They will not care as this place is packed 7 nights a week, what a shame. I usually dine with a party of 4-8 but honestly the food and service is way better at outback. I will return to the turkey lounge if we can get in which is tough these days but I have to tell you I think the owners, management and wait staff have given up and are resting on their laurels. Our food was late cold and tough, how do you have a tought piece of filet mignon medium rare? Our waitress actually disappeared for over 30 minutes and we had to hunt her down to get the check. We were in the main dining room and four times someone walking by bumped my leg and shoulder as the tables were packed so tight together. There are to many options these days for high end steak houses, they may not have the ambience of Angus Barn but they definitely have better food and service. What a shame, a Raleigh staple going so far.down hill.
(1)
Troy B.
Amazing aged steaks. By far the best steakhouse I have ever eaten at. The twice baked potato was also amazing. The service was top notch. Our waitress Maggie was outstanding and gave us a nice tour of the restaurant for my birthday. I have been to all of the high end steakhouses and this one would give them a run for there money.
(5)
Jessica B.
Another great evening at the AB. Excellent food and great service. On the occasion something doesn't hit the high mark, they bend over backwards to make it right. It's an institution for a reason, people.
(5)
Mike D.
Pretentious? - maybe a little bit, Ostentatious? - perhaps, but certainly the best pork ribs in the Triangle. So, the Lady takes me to the Barn for dinner last night. I gotta say that the quality of the meal coupled with the excellent service make for a fine dining experience. It can get a little noisy in the main dining area so hopefully you can snag a table in one of the smaller rooms. The cheeses, crackers and veggies are certainly a suitable stand-in for an appetizer, but I had to go for a dozen oysters anyway and they were awesome. The Lady had the rib-eye and the most succulent asparagus I've ever tasted while I stuck with my fall off the bone ribs as usual. A new addition to the menu is a 42 oz monster Bone-In Rib-eye called the Bedrock Tomahawk Chop. For a mere $95 you too can experience a bovine overload. Fortunately I passed on this trip. We shared a Chocolate Chess pie to finish our evening and all in all I can't find any fault in the Angus Barn. It is a Dining Experience.
(5)
John S.
Attended the Angus Barn after the US Open in Pinehurst to celebrate Fathers Day and my wife's birthday. Started with cocktails at the upstairs bar. Great atmosphere and one long time bartender was extremely accommodating with a tour to the meat locker. Seated by request at a private table and continued to indulge in a fabulous dinner. Started with a half dozen of raw oysters ("flown in daily from the Gulf"). Excellent size and flavor, complimented by Texas Pete's (our favorite hot sauce). Split the French onion soup and wedge salad, both were large and excellent. Split the 22oz bone in prime rib. Cooked perfectly (ordered rare/m-rare), great flavor. Chose creamed spinach and loaded potato based on previous reviews and were not disappointed...to the contrary. We forwent the complimentary birthday cake (too full!) and were pleasantly surprised when the check arrived. Our waitress was very attentive and extremely kind. All shared dishes were pre-split and individually plated upon arrival. As a caution, I agree with other posts on not indulging in the complimentary apps although the blue cheese cheddar spread is the bomb. I've been fortunate enough to dine at many premier steakhouses across the country (both chain and local) and I would recommend the Angus Barn next to all of them. Casual and "fine" at the same time. Over the top!
My wife and I have been going to the Angus Barn on Valentine's Day for the past 10 years and have never been disappointed! The thing I like the most is their consistency. They always prepare my steak to perfection each time. The cheese and crackers are border line addicting. The portions are very plentiful. You can not go wrong with this place!
(5)
Kathryn E.
Oh, Angus Barn. I love you. I had been here several times for work dinners but never with family or friends. We started our evening in the Wild Turkey Lounge and were able to find seats though it was crowded. The drinks and perfectly casual atmosphere got us off to a good start. Our buzzer rang promptly at 7pm and our party of 7 was seated in a back corner. Word of caution: Don't fill up on crackers, cheese, and olives like we did. When you sit down perfectly ravenous, it's easy to fill up on these complimentary delights. The cheddar and white cheeses are fantastic and the relish tray is the perfect salty company. For dinner I started with the French onion soup, others had soup of the day or salad. Must try the wedge salad! It's a gigantic plate of deliciousness and you'll be thrilled you did. Our entrees were all beef of course, I enjoyed a 10 ounce bacon wrapped filet. I also sampled the new York strip with blue cheese topping and it was divine. They know how to cook and present meat. I suggest trying any type of potato as the server will also come around and see if you'd like bacon, butter, or sour cream added to your side dish. Yes, please? Dessert is probably not their forte- but no one comes to AG for dessert. We enjoyed a cappuchino cheesecake and thought the (huge) poundcake they brought for two in our party celebrating a birthday was a lovely and delicious treat. Our meal was $165 for two (including tip and 2 glasses of wine) and worth every penny. The service was excellent, especially for a larger party, and the atmosphere can be as casual or as dressy as you want it to be. It's the perfect compliment to Fall. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Tasha C.
The atmosphere is amazing! It's a great place to come and hang out while your waiting for your table. Ambiance incredible. Food is delicious and great service
(5)
Julia H.
Overpriced. Slow. Steaks were average at best. The cheese tastes like cheese whiz. I just don't get it.
(1)
Sheryl P.
Dinnner in the Wild Turkey Lounge. Great food great service. Last minute decision but a great one! Ribs best ever. Sirloin steak super. And we have enough for lunch tomorrow. Fabulous finale. Key lime pie!!!!
(5)
Michael B.
EXCELLENT! Want a great steak? Go here! I have traveled all over the US and have been to ever state except Alaska and Hawaii. In all my travels I have ate at some of the best restaurants in America. This stands out by far as one of the best dining experiences I have had.
(5)
Larry G.
Last night was my first encounter with the Angus Barn, I brought the rents here for a birthday dinner. The entire scale of this restaurant is astonishing: 325 full-time employees (employment includes 401K and health benefits), a pavilion for weddings and special occasions, a wine cellar bigger than my apartment and the largest gun collection below the Mason-Dixon line. It even has its own exit off of Glenwood Avenue, I haven't seen that for an Outback Steakhouse before. We asked a few employees how long they have worked at the barn and the shortest tenure we heard was 14 years and given the information above it is easy to see why. The restaurant was opened in 1960 and is now run by the original owners daughter who has picked up a tremendous amount of goodwill, you can tell she has a passion for the business instead of simply viewing it as inheriting a cash cow. I loved the way the restaurant blended its old fashioned look with new technology like the remodeling of the bathrooms or the POS system up front to keep track of table placement. The staff (our waiter Kenny in particular) were attentive and willing to cope with my mothers waffling back and forth between a couple of different entrees. Ahead of the meal, she told us that she would be just as happy eating at McDonald's so I wanted to shoot back her claim after a taste of a gargantuan dinosaur sized rib. My initial thought after looking at the beef ribs is that there is a strong possibility the cows bred at this establishment were injected with HGH. I've never seen anything like it, but just like Barry Bonds' knocking 70 homeruns out of the park, I'll ignore logic and accept the afro growing entertainment factor. Service was on point and we all got different dishes leading to a sampling across the board at the barn. Everything was off the charts, with the beef ribs in pole position and the prime rib taking up the rear, although my stepdad loved how medium rare and fatty the cut was. My filet was cooked to perfection and for an added exclamation point had a juicy slice of bacon wrapped around it. The prices weren't cheap, but compared to NYC I'd put the tab at a 40% discount to our largest metropolis up north for a similar quality of meat. The main difference is that steaks or meals come with soup or salad and a side dish whereas at the traditional steakhouse up north everything is ordered a la carte. Aside from providing a ways to make ends meat (a pun!) for over 325 people in the Raleigh area, Angus Barn is committed to causes much greater than their bottom line which includes raising money for mentally disabled children, a walk that takes place the second Sunday in October every year. Despite being jewish, I can't wait to book my reservation for Christmas time where the place gets decorated to the nines and children dress up as elves for a most festive holiday flair. Not to be missed!
(5)
Ian W.
This review is for the Wild Turkey Lounge, so don't mistake this for the rest of the restaurant. The restaurant would probably get a slightly lower rating as I prefer Sullivan's downtown. But the lounge is amazing. I picture myself as a person of a different echelon when I go here. I can be fancy for a time and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a dark and classy atmosphere. I can watch a football game and enjoy some delicious appetizers like ostrich satay or potato wedges with sour cream and chives. There's also a free antipasti bar with olives, pickles, crackers and cheese spreads. Delicious! Grab a leather couch by the fireplace and enjoy some drinks with friends.
(4)
Michelle K.
We hadn't been to the Barn in a couple of years and we wanted a special place to go celebrate my 15-year old's birthday. Besides the terrible service we received we were unpleasantly surprised when the Filet Mignon that 3 out of 5 of us ordered was chewy with a lot of fat and nearly inedible. The waitress was not attentive (we barely saw her). There was some garlic bread plopped on the table randomly in the middle of our meal and we didn't know what to make of that ! We were not asked if we wanted a refill on our wine and when she brought over the traditional birthday pound cake for my son, she plopped it in front of him and quickly said Happy Birthday and basically ran from the table. Even though 3 of us basically had only eaten a third of our steak, she did not ask if everything was alright. Atmosphere pretty neat as it always is, but food was not good and very highly priced. Was not impressed at all on this visit and my husband hasn't stopped complaining about how much money we just spent on that underwhelming meal.
(1)
Avi N.
Dined there last night and was disappointed with the food. Ordered the 42oz ribeye for two medium rare and it was the worst $95 steak I've had. Why? steak was severely over cooked to the point where the outside was completely charred and inedible which of course made the inside a dry "well" temp. In addition probably about 30oz of the steak was bone so this was easily consumed by my wife and I who are not heavy eaters at all. Couldn't also send it back because it took 30 mins to receive and was not going to wait or make a scene for another one. On a positive note, the service was great and the crackers and cheese are great. If you're going to spend $100 per person, go to a better steakhouse and avoid buyers remorse.
(2)
Dipan P.
Amazing meal. Crab cakes were great, went for the prime rib this time....among best I have had anywhere. Overall if you want a great meal with top notch service in a great environment, don't look any further. 3rd visit over past 10 years and continues to get better each time
(5)
Michael C.
I've eaten here several times and this trip was the best, we got to sit upstairs for the first time for a party of 11, the food was really good as always I've had better steaks but you can't beat the atmosphere especially at Christmas. The wait staff is awesome and great with kids, had the kids split one kids meal and they still ended up bringing the kids their own plates, they take the kids to kitchen afterwards to make their own ice cream. Prime rib was very good, make reservations! Take it easy on the cheese and crackers while waiting they fill you up fast :) complimentary coffee after dinner
(5)
Kaitlyn M.
This place is a destination for the atmosphere and building alone! It's an excellent choice at Christmastime, and good for photos while you wait or while in the Wild Turkey Lounge. The food is excellent, especially the Ostrich Satay appetizer which the chef prepared while competing in Iron Chef. But I will say, I'm not sure that this place is as good as everyone thinks it is. I'm glad that I've been, and I might go back next Christmas, but I feel I can find a steak just as good if not better for a better value somewhere else. However, when I become a wine connoisseur, I will definitely return. Their wine list is incredibly impressive, and there was a group having a special Chef's dinner in the wine cellar, which looked like something worth coming back for.
(3)
Jean M.
I know I'm the odd man out because I think Angus Barn is all that. I've been there at least five times -- so I'm writing based on a compilation of my experiences there. First, expect a long wait. I would say on average 45 minutes. Sorry, there's just no justification for that. Yes, you can sit in the front bar and have some horrible cocktails - but maybe a reservation system would make more sense? Second, I find that for the prices the quality of the food should be much better. I wouldn't say the beef is the best grade, side dishes are sub par. And for the price I would expect the service to be much better. None of the waiters seem very happy to be there. Wild Turkey bar is almost always completely packed and impossible to find a seat in. Cocktails tend not to be great. But I will say some of the signature ones are OK. But not what you would expect from a place that holds itself out as a high end steak house. Meat Locker - it's kind of disheartening to go put down good money on a meal only to be told you can't go enjoy a cigar after dinner in the Meat Locker because it's at capacity. I wouldn't have come because to me that is one of the only reasons to come here. I've also seen at least one instance where people were over-served - and practically unable to speak or walk. Ambiance - half the people are pissed for having to wait so long to get a table. And it's often so loud that you can't here the person you're with. I've also been in the Meat Locker for a drink after dinner and it was painfully loud. To me, Angus Barn is becoming a kitschy place reminiscent of a Cracker Barrel. It also seems to be gaining attention with business travelers, people from out of town, etc. who come because it is a landmark. Overall, I've been to much better steakhouses. The prices and the long wait here isn't justified.
(2)
First J.
This review is only for the "meat locker". This is the place where you can drink and smoke cigars. What is really cool about it is the fact that is kind of like a speakeasy! I love the fact that they have to take you around the corner, through the back, and you also walk through the kitchen to get to the "locker". It has a tv and a cabin-like decor and a lot of history. Not a great selection on cigars however you can bring your own. The drinks are good as well. I love the service though, I've been here twice and service was superb both times. Had a server named Arianna or Marianna (spelling) and she was very cool and attentive. To eat I had the jumbo Alaskan crab claws and they were very tasty. Overall I enjoyed it and will definitely be back.
(5)
Joe D.
If you are just going here for the steak just know that it's not prime steak. For me - a steak lover- that is a deal breaker. If you go for things other than the steak - this place is fun and makes a nice place for a special occasion. We went for a graduation from college and I don't think it is 'nice enough' for an event like that - but it is nice enough for a birthday or anniversary. Don't feel bad if you don't order the steak - I've had better steaks (and I'm not joking) at Outback steak. In fact - if you have a choice just got to Outback.
(3)
Nicolas H.
This has to be my favorite restaurant of all time. Don't let the price scare you, because the food is amazing. They also make sure to give you your money's worth because the portions are HUGE! Service is amazing and on Friday nights they have a magician, which is always fun for the kids. So what are you waiting for, get on over to Angus Barn!
Do not come here for good steaks, it just falls short in every main category of a steakhouse. Had 14 people at our table, not one steak could have been considered cooked properly based on how they were ordered. Even two of the same exact steaks ordered the same temperature were 3 extremely different temperatures. Second no seasoning or flavoring on the steaks at all. Some purists might say thats how meat lovers want it but salt and pepper go a long way without ruining the taste of the meat. Lastly their cuts are fatty, gristly, uneven (sloped) and just all around poor quality beef. I get better NY Strips at the local grocery store for 3.99 a LB. The wedge salad was the redeeming factor in the meal as it was large, flavorful and fresh. If you are looking for an amazing steakhouse keep looking, this is one of those touristy / corporate hangouts where people overpay for sub par food and wine trying to impress customers or its own employees. I was fooled yet hope this review will help others not make the same mistake.
(1)
Isaac K.
Meh. Cheese and crackers were amazing as usual, chess pie still legendary. Service was slow and left a lot to be desired. Left half my food on the plate (which was really good outside of the vegetables being stone cold) and server cleared the plate without even asking if I wanted to take it home. Place has really gone down hill since my first visit a few years ago.
(2)
Patrick T.
It just wasn't that good. I like a good rib eye and it wasn't terrible, but I have had several good rib eyes over the past year and this didn't measure up. The rest of the meal was OK and we had a nice Spanish red, but the steak was ordinary
(3)
James E.
Initial impression was that of an upscale Cracker Barrel. When making the reso had mentioned it was a birthday, so why does the waiter first thing ask if we're celebrating something? Wine list is impressive in scope, but never saw a sommelier working the floor-seems like a miss for both the restaurant and customers. Wedge salad serviceable, but the french onion soup was like something a cooking school student would make. Potatoes accompanying filet were simply tasteless. Steak cooked as requested, ribs were fine. Pound cake for dessert was dry, uninteresting. Waiter was friendly, but seem harried and did a poor job of keeping the table cleared throughout the meal. Would probably take some out of towners to the lounge for a drink, but there's plenty better restaurant options for dinner in Raleigh/Durham.
(3)
Amy W.
Can we just talk about their cheese spread and home-made crackers? If I lived in Raleigh I would be here 1x per week for an ice cold martini at the bar and I would make myself a dinner plate of their scrumptious home-made cheese spread, cracker and olives (the olives are like $7.99 a pound at my local Safeway) so I bet I ate at least $4, almost makes the martini free... We split a steak sandwich - which came on a nice garlic roll and they gave us each our own order of sweet potato fries (which we assumed would just be a split) it was plenty of food, I just wish by the time the meal came I had saved some cheese spread for the fries. Minor complaint - they served a ramekin of ketchup that was very cold - just please leave at room temp. The servers are real old school, loved it. and apparently they make a nice $$'s there too! - which is good to hear - 'cause they are working it. Oh and the bathrooms are crazy cool, not only full of amenities (floss, hand cream, even couches - I could probably live in this bathroom- -but the stall doors are barn-like and I loved it in there, I almost took a photo but I was THIRSTY after my long flight and needed to get my ass to the b-a-r. Okay - bonus point for the HUGE upside down Christmas tree - But I take away same point for having it up a week BEFORE thanksgiving. ;)
(4)
Mary E.
My family decided to eat at Angus Barn for Thanksgiving, but we were unable to eat at the restaurant as my grandmother became ill the day before the holiday. The restaurant was extremely accommodating, allowing us to take home to -go trays and filling them up at the buffet. One of the managers even helped us to fill up and pack the to-go trays. The restaurant's flexibility allowed to eat at home with our sick grandma without scrambling to put together a Thanksgiving meal at the last minute.
(5)
Jakob L.
After seeing their prices, my expectations were very high. But man, what a let down. Absolutely uninspired and bland tasting steaks. The sauces and sides came out looking and tasting like they were made in a school cafeteria. I am absolutely dumbfounded how this place is so busy. Service however was great. No complaints there. If you want quality steaks you'll be better off going to one of the chains like Ruth's Chris etc...and I can't believe I just said as I don't typically promote anything that isn't local.
(1)
Mr C.
Top Notch. You pay for the atmosphere, you pay for the cuts of meat, you pay for the services. It money well spend. Upon arrival to the meat lovers compound. Huge place you enter this cozy steak barn. I love the history of this place the guy room the wild turkey lounge. Oh and did I mention the food? Had the turkey wings. The size of these puppies is out of a Flintstones cartoon. Great selection of whiskeys in this warm friendly lounge. I didn't eat in the main dining area. But that doesn't matter. It was nice to be in such a historic place and eat like a king.... everything is good. If you don't mine waiting a bit for a spot to eat....try the Turkey Lounge....otherwise call ahead for a reservation. Also we were here during xmas and it was like a wonderland it is a Truly great place to go on a special night out.....
(5)
Joe W.
Just had the Thanksgiving Buffet at the Angus Barn. There is a lot of ground to cover. I feel it's best to grade the experience in sectors. Service: A+ The Angus Barn has simply the most attentive staff of any restaurant I've ever been to. SUPERB service. Setting: A+ The building was decorated for Christmas and it was decorated expertly. They didn't miss a beat. The perfect setting for a holiday family gathering. Food - Meats: B+ They served roast turkey, ham, salmon, shrimp, and prime rib. I tasted them all and they were all very good. The prime rib was a little disappointing only because it was overcooked. Sides: B- Mashed Potatoes, yams, greens, Mac n Cheese, cornbread stuffing, Carrots, Baked Apples, and grits were offered. All were fine if under-seasoned somewhat. The stuffing was dry and tasteless. A shame. I love stuffing! Desserts: C When I saw homemade desserts I got very excited. Banana pudding, cookies, pecan pie, chess pie, pumpkin pie, and blackberry cobbler were offered. Only the cookies and pudding stood out. Any good home cook can make great versions of those. The desserts should be better. Overall the experience was great. I had a wonderful time with my family and made some great Thanksgiving memories. At $47 apiece, though, we will think twice when making plans next year. While very good, it just isn't quite worth the price tag. The Angus Barn (overall) : B+
(4)
Rich S.
Went there with a rather large group. The atmosphere is fantastic in an old barn with lots of neat guns and rural decor. There is free cheese and olives that is a 5*. The wait staff is a 5*. Our waiter was great and even performed some amazing card tricks for us after the meal. We had some combo appetizers, crab claws, shrimp, crab cakes, and pork ribs. The pork ribs and crab claws were some of the best I ever had. The crab cakes are very average. I had a garden salad that was good as well. For my main meal two people shared the tomahawk bone in ribeye. I tried some of that is a pretty good and tasty steak. It should be for $95. It is for two, but could easily server 3 though. For my main meal I had a NY Strip and fries. The steak was dry and bland, Fries were terrible. The cost of this place is very steep in my opinion. $41 for NY strip, $40 for rib eye. This seems steep for the more casual atmosphere and quality of steaks. If you go I highly recommend you try the pork ribs or the Tomahawk steak and a baked potato or garlic mashed potatoes. I also highly recommend to listen closely to your waiter. Everything he recommended was top notch. The other stuff was average and pricey for quality. Someone else had the prime rib and didn't really care for it. Another person had the beef ribs, they were giant but taste was average. Oh yeah, it was packed on a Wednesday, so I highly recommend you make a reservation.
(4)
Ben S.
320 reviews, 4 stars at the time of my review. Evidently I'm missing something. I left Angus Barn about 30 minutes ago, got home, and still can't rid myself of the nausea and the 1980s throwback vibe. Throwbacks being what they are, this is the less desirable kind of throwback. I digress. You know you've stepped into the past, and you know you're in store for a rough dinner when they try to stuff you with cheese and crackers (much hyped cheese and crackers mind you, like these cheese and crackers will change your entire outlook on cheese and crackers), olives, pepper and pickles. While you stuff yourself, and try not to break your crackers while spreading dense cheese on them, you can't help but see past the veneer of nostalgia and imagine what the place looks like if they lights were turned up - sort of like a nightclub in the daytime - it's not so cool then is it? I digress again. You also know you're in for a bazaar dinner when the menu includes about as many pages as the bible. This is rarely a sign of a good restaurant. And any menu that includes "Monster Energy Drink" within its beverages section is also perhaps a key indicator of why the children are running around excitedly, only moments later throwing tantrums, like junkies who are denied their next fix. I digress again. The main course: prime rib. This prime rib though folks, it was far from prime. Cooked fine, I suppose, but I still can't get the image of the marbled texture out of my head. Too marbled. More like a view of the earth from space - large spots of dense white - dense white something. Fat? I'm still unsure. My 30 year old serrated steak knife wasn't up to the task - and I feared that if I labored any further to sever the meat with any more aggression that my wife's Malbec would end up on her lap. I abandoned the job, took a break, wiped my brow and moved on to the honey bathed carrots. And bathed they were. Saturated. No, supersaturated. The rice pilaf would have been better at Friendly's. I returned to the prime rib, determined, but it was thick, too thick. Tough, too tough. Our dog is currently eating the prime rib - he's not so picky. I digress again. But I guess therein lies the point: Angus Barn is about digression. Digression from what a modern dining experience should be, from what diners should expect in 2015, except perhaps for those who enjoy Angus Barn, because after all the place was jam-packed. It always is. Every city has its Angus Barn. In Boston it was Hilltop Steakhouse. And for every Angus Barn and Hilltop Steakhouse there are throngs of people who swear by it. But for them its more about a tradition, a memory of something long ago. And Angus Barn is old. It's legacy. It's not today, and its not tomorrow. The decor and history is likely the draw, not the food. Strip away everything but the food and I can't imagine this business would last a year. All that said, the staff were very friendly, very accommodating, and there were lots of them. Hosting tables to accommodate the next party of 15, the next birthday celebration, the next round of diners who apparently enjoy Angus Barn. Either I'm missing something, or I'm a snob, or I had unfair expectations - or something else. Either way, I lost tonight, Angus Barn, you won. Overpriced indeed, I feel robbed. But now I know. I will not return, not if I have a choice in the matter. Now where's my Pepto-Bismol, I think my dog might need some now.
(1)
Natasha B.
Perfect experience for a special occasion, everyone was so gracious and I loved the ambience. Lots for food leftover for breakfast tomorrow!
Delayed Mother's Day dinner. I should not go if you have any food allergies. Lots of large groups and well behaved young children. No jeans. Collared shirts. Dress up.
(1)
Nadia K.
Meh, very disappointed. I'd heard such great things about the angus barn so I expected more. The staff was very pleasant, the atmosphere was quaint I suppose, but the food was sub-par. My steak was overdone, and their attempts at presentation included a not-so-tasty stuffed tomato which I disliked. I guess there's a low bar for good steaks around Raleigh. I would not recommend the Angus Barn to a friend and would not return.
(2)
Angel N.
Amazing service and food. What a unique place! We felt transported when we were there. We loved their tomahawk chop which is salt seared hmmm the crust was delish. We also had almost every dessert they had and our favorite was the Chocolate chess pie. The Ravioli was also great and surprisingly the crab claw, shrimp cocktail appetizer were all yummy too!
(5)
Brittney H.
Great experience. The Christmas decorations were beautiful and the food was great. The staff was very friendly and I loved their wine selection. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jennifer T.
Driving into Raleigh for work and saw the Angus Barn. The ambience was perfect. There was quite a long wait and we quickly found out why. We found a seat in the Wild Turkey Lounge and was served an amazing meal. The bacon wrapped filet with garlic butter was perfection and the creamed spinach was fantastic. While seated at the bar we heard someone ask the bartender if the Meat Locker was open. The bartender used her walkie talkie to find out. Of course we had to know about the Meat Locker, so we asked the person sitting next to us. She told us that first time guests could receive a special tour. If you want to know about the Meat Locker and all of the other "hidden gems" at the Angus Barn, then go there today. BUT I would definitely call ahead!
(5)
Beth B.
when you go to the angus barn, you are not only in for an amazing dinner, you are in for an amazing dining EXPERIENCE! i live nearby and actually dine here quite often, and i can honestly say i've never had a bad meal or bad service here. my husband and i like to dine in the wild turkey lounge or the meat locker (where you also get a tour through the kitchen) for a more casual dinner. i love the complimentary cheese, crackers and pickled veggies they provide. also the oysters are amazing, as are the steak sandwich and french onion soup. they are currently reno-ing their humidor, but we are very excited to see the finished project on that as well. i highly recommend this place for a nice, classy dinner.
(5)
Jason N.
I've been coming to the Barn since the early 1990s, originally as a celebration spot (bachelor party dinners) and an upscale date spot. Even with a less-well honed palate back then, I never seemed to grasp the allure that has formed the basis for Angus Barn's popularity. For the last decade and a half, I've come only for work-related dinners and have been here once or twice a year, including private wine-pairing dinners in the wine cellar (including the Titanic-themed dinner), late nights at the Wild Turkey lounge and $75 cigars out of the humidor. The atmosphere is cozy but the food, in my experience, is on par with Golden Corral. Somewhere along the line the primary chef here got a reputation that afforded him an appearance on Iron Chef and I never have understood why. For the last few years, after eating my fill of mediocre steaks, I finally decided to switch to fish whenever I come here. The staff is a little rough around the edges and harried. Group events can provide a challenge for finding a server when you need one. More than once, I've had tuna steaks come out cooked well-done. For dessert, the chocolate chess pie could have been purchased at Food Lion. The shrimp in the shrimp cocktail are huge but they clearly have been frozen and lack any real taste aside from texture. My favorite thing to eat here is the cheddar cheese spread and crackers that precede the meal. Yup, the cheese spread is reminiscent of the kind that used to come in those little brown ramekins but for some reason I find it tasty. Many out-of-towners think they have to come to the Angus Barn when they are in for an overnight. I would suggest skipping it.
(2)
Brent W.
My wife, father, infant and I went to dinner here last evening. We made reservations via our social club concierge. Upon arrival we were promptly welcomed and seated. Once seated we has some issues. Our waiter did not come to the table for 10 minutes. We sat for 10 minutes without anyone saying anything. Two tables with different waiters were seated, drink orders taken and delivered before we even met our waiter. We were presented with rib appetizers which were only adequate at best, they were room temp. Drinks were adequate, the sommelier was helpful in selecting a second growth French Bordeaux but most impressive was the assistant who decanted the bottle with skill and patients. The food was good and timely. The truly sad part of this was the server, below standard almost to casual and almost confrontational at times.
(3)
Walter C.
What can I say about this Raleigh icon? This is beautiful place in the ever growing west side of Raleigh. But I have an issue with the quality of the food for the price you pay. I went there with two other friends Sunday night. The staff is very friendly. The server knew the menu and (huge) wine list inside out. All is going well so far. Then come the shrimp cocktail... The shrimp were opaque...not pink and white....raw. Had to send them back. Then came the filets and the chateaubriand. Beautiful looking steaks but when you took a bite, FLAVORLESS...bland. The chateau was a little chewy (all were med rare) the twice baked potato was also bland. Like they didn't add any kind of seasoning. Shoot, even Outback has more flavor on their steaks. Finished with a blackberry cobbler. It was ok, but was a little bitter. I think it could have used a little more sugar. Ten-fifteen years ago this place was THE BEST! But you have to remember that back then there wasn't much competition in the fine steakhouse business. Now there are other options in the Raleigh area that I think for the same money ARE MUCH BETTER choices. The top on my list for Raleigh is Flemings. Followed by Ruth's Chris, 1705 Prime Chophouse. Don't get me wrong, "the barn" is a nice place but like I said, for the same money, you can get better quality food elsewhere in the Raleigh area.
(2)
Dr. Jeffrey R.
Took my wife out to dinner at the Angus Barn last night. Our overall experience was EXCELLENT! The decor, friendliness of the staff, and the food were all top notch. Our waitress Michelle G. was the BEST!! You should ask for her when you make a reservation. The place was packed with wall to wall people! I'm glad we made a reservation last week. They offer valet parking was nice because the parking lot is huge. They have a little gift shop that had several things my life loved. Overall, I highly recommend this place for dinner and I know you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Heather A.
My first time here and I wasn't leaving wanting to come back for more. :/ The ambience and service was wonderful however...when you pay $36 for a steak dinner..your expecting just that. What I got was a bland new york strip that i would compare to applebees. I will say the spinach salad was very good but I was convinced being that this place is known for their steaks (i almost got the lemon chicken pepper) I was expecting better. I would probably come back but not for their steak.
(3)
Angela K.
LOVE THIS PLACE! It really is one of the coolest spots in Raleigh to bring visiting family/friends to eat at. I've been here 4 times and have loved every single meal. The vibe and decor of the place is what really elevates the experience. The service is spectacular, with waiters and waitresses who are not only very friendly, but attentive in a way that isn't pushy. We took my nephew on his birthday, and they let him (and my fam) go to the back and make his cake - he absolutely loved it! The food is so good, and they are really good about substitutions and food allergies. I will say that some of the steaks could be better quality, but considering the volume that Angus Barn does, I can understand why it may not be the best quality steak ever. However, I have always had a good meal. I would give 4 stars based on food, but the service and atmosphere is so great that I have to keep it at 5. Love this place and love the atmosphere! Tips: - ask for the magician to come around if you have a child (or even if you don't) in your party - when you call in to make your reservation, ask to take the wine cellar tour (it's amazing!) - if you want to have a dinner party there, ask for the private rooms in the cellar
(5)
Scott W.
A Raleigh Tradition! This is as good as it gets! Bryan and I have been only twice, and Saturday Night we went for our 10th Anniversary. We started out in the Wild Turkey Lounge, a loft upstairs for a cocktale, then when our table was ready we moved to a dining room downstairs, the service Rocked, the relish tray was amazing, the Bread awesome, then there is the Chese and Crackers, which are incredible. Bryan had the Filet, he said it was the best steak he had ever had, I had of course the Angus Barn Burger which was every bit of a pound of Ground Angus Beef, cooked to perfection. We did order a slice each of the Famous Chocolate Chess pie (which we took home for later) they also brought us a special pound cake for our anniversary. You just can't go wrong with the Angus Barn!
(5)
David L.
I can't say enough good things about this place. The staff, the food, the decor and the pricing were all phenomenal! If you're a cigar lover be sure to ask to sit in The Meat Locker. The chateaubriand was cooked perfectly. The portions are beyond generous. I will absolutely be back as often as I travel through Raleigh.
Great place to go to for a special events, lots of food, but you have to pay very high prices for dinner.
(3)
Renee T.
Very disappointed in all around. The rib eye was basically boiled. There was no crust on it. The loft was noise and bright for an evening meal. Our table placement was just awful. This was supposedly a "must experience" type of place. No thanks. I don't need to experience that again.
(1)
Amanda A.
I had been there a few times for work dinners but last night was the first time I went there for a personal. I took some family and my 2 kids there as I heard it was decorated for Christmas. Good: It was beautiful! The food while we were waiting for the table and at the table were wonderful and kept the kids busy. Letting the kids decorate the bday cake and their ice cream also kept them busy. When my 2 year old was asking to see the elves again while we were eating the waitress took her for us. The amount of food including the kids menu items was so much we almost all had left overs. The bday cake was super yummy and a nice touch. Thank goodness they did not stand there and sing happy birthday. They think of everything including the items in the bathroom such as hair spray, Qtips and such. Nice touch. My family said their meat was good. My sweet potato soup was out of this world good! They have a kids toy chest and that kept them busy. (notice anything that keeps my kids busy and happy are on the "good" list? MUCH appreciated) It is all of the extra touches and "freebies" that make me feel like I did not spend a lot of money for nothing. Bad: I ordered the grilled veggies and like always there were areas where they were burnt and they lacked flavor. The veggie options are limited but I let that pass as this is a steak house and I do leave full because of all of the other things such as the crackers, soup or salad and side. I asked for no green, red or yellow peppers and they put all 3 on the plate. As she was boxing up the meal I asked her not to box those 3 things as they should not have been on there and I don't think she cared. If you only have a couple of veggie options I think they should be done well. I would go back again for Christmas as it was much more than a meal- it was a fun experience.
(4)
J. M. G.
After living in the Raleigh area for several years and hearing about The Agnus Barn, on a last minute fluke on a Saturday between the holidays we decided to give it a try. Going right at 5pm without reservations we figured it would be slow since they just opened for dinner....wrong! There was a 2.5 hours wait for dinner in the main dining room & it was busy!! We should of called & made reservations--lesson learned. Luckily, they had one table left in the Wild Turkey Lounge. Walking through, the atmosphere was charming...with all the Christmas decor & lights. So glad we ate in the lounge as it was more intimate with smaller tables. Looking into the main dining room it looked very busy with large tables. Had a wonderful server. We enjoyed the cheeses/cracker bar, our wine and awesome wedge salad. We ended with very good coffee & split a piece the yummy chess pie. Steaks where not as good as ones I have had at Ruth Chris or Sullivan's (hubby agreed). The sides where good, but, nothing special (he ordered some type of potato cheese bake and I got a baked potato & sauted mushrooms--all of which where just...meh). Our bill including tip came to about $150. We would return mainly because we loved the atmosphere & the wedge salad! :). Next time I probably would try something other then a steak.
(4)
Frank E.
Excellent experience while in town on business. Drinks, steaks, cigars, desert and more drinks. Even got a tour of the wine cellar. Very unique and will go back.
(5)
Elisha M.
Our first trip to the Angus Barn was this past Autumn when we considering it as a potential wedding venue. It is so beautiful and we could easily see our wedding there, but there was a big problem - the venue and food cost would eat up our entire budget and then some! We decided that since we couldn't afford an Angus Barn Pavilion wedding, then we would do the next best thing - celebrate 7 years together and have our anniversary dinner there. I am so glad that I made a reservation because even at 6:30 the whole place was packed! The parking lot was very tights, but we didn't want to park valet. The seating hostess greeted us, congratulated us on our anniversary and then we were seated right away. I was hoping for a tour around the dining rooms and lounges, but on such a busy night that was not available. Based on the menu prices, I was expecting more upscale decor and atmosphere, but it is close to an upscale Cracker Barrel. Our waiter started us with drinks, crackers with two different cheese spreads and a plate of olives/celery/peppers. Next was the salad and soup course. I had the spinach salad and Aaron had the sweet potato bisque. Both were delicious as was the bacon wrapped filet Oscar that I ordered and the short ribs that Aaron ordered for dinner. After we finished the main course our waiter brought over a petite pound cake topped with cream, strawberries with candles on behalf of the Angus Barn. This was such a nice touch! There is a full dessert menu, but we were delighted with our complimentary celebratory cake. It helped to make the evening even more special. After we finished our cake and coffee we walked around the tiny country store in search of a memento, but didn't find anything that stood out to us. The website says, "The Angus Barn Experience goes far beyond serving meals...We are in the memory business - making and creating unforgettable memories for you - our guest." For us, this was true and we are so glad that we celebrated our anniversary there this year!
(4)
Filipe T.
This place is unbelievably HUGE! Great service and food. The price is high, but you definitely get your money's worth. I had the burger which is as big as the place. It is A LOT OF FOOD. The service is very nice and the staff knows the menu very well and gives great suggestions. This place is meant for an experience, make sure you take your time and you have time to enjoy and spend when you go. Reservations are highly recommended. Great place for dates and special events
(5)
Morgan M.
We've seen this place when driving passed several times. Finally went to celebrate my husband's new job. Our goal - steak! We weren't disappointed. We split a 15oz New York Strip. It was cooked perfectly! Well seasoned and perfect medium temp. Excellent quality beef. The meat wasnt the only star. While the sides, asparagus and garlic mash, were good, the star was the signature grilled buttered texas toast. Amazing! The wine selection is incredible. Something for every palate. We chose an old vine Argentinian Malbec. It paired perfectly with the steak. Besides the food, service was excellent. Our server was Dani. She was great, very personable, and amazing job. Never let our glasses go empty and made sure we had everything we needed.
(4)
Ronda J.
My husband wanted to go to the Angus Barn for his big 6-0 birthday and we happily obliged. It's been 20 years or more since our last visit. It won't be another 20, I can promise you that! We enjoyed the complimentary cheeses and crackers on the table, and subsequently the buttery bread that accompanied our meal. Three in our party had the prime rib, two of us had the 7oz filet (all medium-rare), and one had the barbequed pork ribs. Sides and salads included baked sweet potato, stuffed potato, wedge salad with homemade roquefort dressing, and spinach salad. All meats were cooked and seasoned perfectly and were just outstanding! We shared a very reasonably-priced bottle of red wine. We all had food to take home and in our case, provided a full dinner again the next night. Some say it's pricey but I think it's very competitive based on the quality of the food, as well as the portions. The atmosphere was great for us as we were seated in one of the smaller rooms so the noise level was quite low compared to the large dining room. Our server, Doug, was very professional and has obvious experience in the industry. We never wanted for water refills or anything for that matter. Doug brought out a complimentary pound cake complete with candles for our birthday boy. Wish I could comment but we were all so stuffed, we just couldn't eat another bite. We sent this home with our youngest boy to enjoy. All in all, it was a great experience and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Denise C.
Went there 3 times. twice the steak was not cooked to order so the 3rd time I got lamb and it was overcooked.
(1)
Noa N.
Angus Barn during the holidays is a must - it feels magical with the Christmas decorations. If you are worried about having to spend a lot of money, visit Angus Barn first to enjoy the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs. It's a great place to meet friends for drinks. They offer complimentary cheese spread, crackers, pickles, peppers, and olives in the Wild Turkey Lounge and if you want to order off the regular menu, you can. If you or your date is interested in guns or wines, Angus Barn has quite the collection of both. We asked to take a tour of their wine cellar one night when it wasn't crazy busy and it was an awesome opportunity to learn about their wine collection, scope out the kitchen, their outdoor seating, and learn about unique dining opportunities there such as eating in the kitchen or the Titanic dinners. My family has enjoyed Thanksgiving at Angus Barn the past 2 years. Prior to having Thanksgiving at AB, we always cooked Thanksgiving dinner so though the buffet provides a tasty Thanksgiving feast, it's not as scrumptious as the home cooked turkey, stuffing, potatoes, etc. that my family made for many years. The collards at AB however are the best. There is something for everyone in your family at the Thanksgiving buffet, picky eaters included. The decorations, the energy, the excellent service make it special. And when it's not the holidays, the service and energy are still stellar. If you haven't been to Angus Barn, put it on your bucket list!
(5)
Mary A.
I recently went to the AB for the first time with my friend, who is a local, and who claims it is "the greatest restaurant in Raleigh" (it is not). I had looked at the menu in advance and knew it was on the pricey side so I dressed accordingly and had high expectations. When we first walked in, my initial thought was wow, this really is made to look like an actual barn. There is cheap looking decor that is borderline tacky all over the place. Next thing I notice (this is still near the entryway) is a guy wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt and moments later, another guy wearing jeans, a t-shirt and a camouflage baseball hat. I almost didn't see him, but did a double take and confirmed. Apparently there is no dress code. We checked in at the hostess stand for our reservation but were early and had planned to be so we could have a drink first in the wild turkey lounge. Up the stairs we go to the lounge. My friend had told me in advance about this wild turkey lounge so of course I assumed it was a bourbon lounge. Wrong. It is in fact a lounge area with actual turkey figurines everywhere. Experience in the lounge: We ordered wine from the bar and then went to sit at an empty couch. Moments later a waiter approaches and said you have to see the hostess to sit at the couch because there is a list. What? People are waiting to eat their meals while sitting on a couch and using the coffee table as a dinner table? I can do that at home. That didn't sound right to me and I think the waiter was just annoyed we ordered drinks at the bar and not from him, but truly there is no way to know how this is set up because there is no signage and no one at the top of the stairs to explain what is going on. My friend had raved about the free cheese and crackers so I went to get some. The cheese is disgusting. It tastes exactly like cheese whiz from a can. Truly it does. If you think otherwise you have never had proper cheese. Crackers are plain butter ritz-type crackers. Nothing special at all. Experience in the dining room: Our table is finally ready so off we go. We had a lovely waitress named Dani who was very knowledgeable and put up with my friend's high-maintenance ordering. We had the onion rings for appetizer and they were cooked perfectly. Not too greasy and the blue cheese and ranch dressings are to die for. On to the wedge salad which was a full sized salad. It too was delicious. At this point in the meal I was so full I couldn't eat my entree, which was the salmon. I did take a few bites and while it was cooked perfectly, it was sort of bland and oddly served with onions and peppers on the side. I took it to go. All in all the Angus Barn is a fine place to go, but it's crowded, loud and having an identity crisis. Is it an upscale place or a down home country barn? Should you wear a coat and tie or a hoodie? I guess it doesn't matter since I saw both. I think like other reviewers have noted, you sort of go here for the experience.
(3)
Carolyn G.
The Angus Barn Restaurant is one of the most amazing places to eat in Raleigh. Originally from NY outside of the city my family enjoys good restaurants and good service. So when they come to visit, a chain restaurant simply won't do! Several years ago when my sister came to visit we went to The Angus Barn, and she was in awh of this amazing restaurant.She tells everyone about it! We went back this summer too, of course excellent as always. Can't wait to take my brother in a few weeks as his daughter is attending to Elon University, he'll need to know about The Angus Barn early!
(5)
Elizabeth H.
Five Star Dining Experience. We had one of the private rooms on the Basement floor reserved for my sister's graduation celebration dinner and it was a wonderful and intimate dining experience. There was a fixed menu, of course, and each was paired with a different wine. The servers were very attentive and couldn't have been more wonderful. We were taken on a tour of their wine collection and learned about the history of this establishment. The filet was delicious, but the ahi tuna was a bit too thick for me. But since this was a fixed menu, I won't deduct any stars since they were trying to accommodate a large table of different palates. The chocolate souffle was heavenly and I enjoyed the performance the servers did for everyone at the table. SO YUMMY. Also, the candles in the gift shop are AMAZING! I am absolutely obsessed with the Mango one!! They smell great and seriously last forever! Cannot wait to return to Angus Barn!
(5)
Allyson P.
Wild turkey lounge is much better than the restaurant regarding atmosphere. We have had better experiences here before but most recently we thought it wasn't worth the money. Wasn't impressed with the ribeye, garlic mashed potatoes or broccoli We have better service and food at others upscale steak restaurants. Probably won't go back for a while.
(3)
Emy M.
Place is so nice!! Very country theme and the food is so good,it may appear a little bit expensive first,but since the price includes soup,or salad and a side,then it's not much at all,not to mention the free cheese and crackers as well as the pickles..i will definitely be back with my family:) and i recommend that place for a person seeking a nice outing at a fine restaurant with delicious food:)
(5)
Taylor M.
I took my family here after all the talk I heard when I first came to the area. Here's my impression: It has Cracker Barrel ambiance, Longhorn Steakhouse food, and Ruth's Chris' prices. The cocktails were well prepared and refreshing. Service was adequate, if not overly attentive. I have eaten many, many Big Steakhouse meals in my sales career: Ruth's Chris, The Palm, St Elmo's, Morton's, Charley's. &c. Perhaps I am overly jaded, but this is a cuisine that's on its way out: big brick of red meat, giant potato loaded with dairy products, and steaming piles of overcooked, tasteless vegetables/pasta swimming in cream sauces. I now prefer more modern options like Ray's the Steaks that have smaller portions of varied, high-quality types of meat, and come with sides like roasted marrow, roasted garlic, and wild mushrooms. They must pay people to write some of the reviews. Yeah, it's your first time there, but you manage to learn about who owns the place, their favored charities, the entire compensation plan for everyone who works there, and the local history of the place from when it was a real barn. What a crock. Who goes to dinner and then writes about the waiters' 401k plan? Seriously: paid reviewer or employee. I hope the waitstaff makes a million dollars a year and let's get a good, old Southern "Heck, yeah" for a restaurant that has their own exit off the highway. If the food is mediocre, none of that matters one iota. At least to my wife and me. Protip: If the review mentions everything BUT the food, be wary.
(2)
Andy J.
This place is amazing - on the size of the land and the buildings. Unfortunately the service is average and the food is not very good as its current average star rating. We had some out of state guests visiting, so decided to awe them this angus barn. The service was very slow. Took about 15 minutes before our orders were taken and another 45 minutes for us, 9 people, to have our orders. Most of us didn't finish our food. Steaks were either tasteless or a bit overcooked. Fish was overcooked and too dry. As not so good food was not enough, 4 out of 9 of us got stomachache after the meal. My suggestion is to come here and walk around to admire the place, take some pictures, then go somewhere else for your dinner.
(1)
J T.
Had a company meeting here. Service was great; steaks were cooked to proper temperature and seasoned. We had a good meeting. Was about 40 people and we would go back. We had a pretty big variety of food to eat and everything I had was great.
(4)
Katie H.
When taking my father to one of my favorite restaurants, he stated "This is like going to Disney World! Amazing service. Delicious food. Awesome decor. For a slightly less expensive night, try asking to eat in the Wild Turkey Lounge. The menu is more casual, but every bit as good. Unfortunately, you cannot make reservations for this area, but it's always worth the wait.
Went in with a group to celebrate a birthday. Our waitress was very nice, and did a pretty good job taking care of us. My filet was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, but honestly I was expecting a better flavor. I didn't feel like the steak was worth the price. Overall I had a positive experience, but it would not be my first choice when deciding where to eat.
(3)
David J.
Just finished an amazing experience at the Chef's table. Food was absolutely wonderful and delicious. Service was out of this world. Entertainment from the chefs, especially Tray, kept us laughing the entire night. Best birthday dinner I've ever had. Thank you all.
(5)
Briana B.
I can't say enough good things about The Angus Barn. The food is absolutely fantastic, the staff is very professional and welcoming, and the barn atmosphere is fun! Don't let the name fool you though, this is a nice dining restaurant with some of the best steaks in Raleigh. The cheese and crackers you can snack on while waiting and before your meal are so good. You can even get some to take home on your way out! I have had the fortune of dining here with my family as well as in a corporate atmosphere. My company has had multiple events in the Pavilion and they all turned out fantastic! I can only imagine how wonderful a wedding would be there.
(5)
John B.
RESERVATIONS STAFF WILL NOT PROVIDE AN ACCURATE WAIT TIME I eat at the Angus Barn frequently, between clients, family and picking up friends at airport perhaps a few dozen times a year. Usually, I am there at off hours and the food is as expected for the pricing etc. but out of towners like to see a "local place" Since one can never judge plane arrival times, I rarely make a specific reservation time unless dining with family. Last night, I picked up a friend at the airport and called within 1 mile of the Angus Barn and asked how long the wait would be. My friend was told 90 minutes for the dining room but that the upstairs lounge is "first come, first served" and wait would be short, maybe 5 minutes The parking lot was crowded, as one would expect, and we walked about 400 steps to the inside (I counted my steps on the way back). When I walked in I was told there was a 2 and a half hour wait for the dining room and 15! couples waiting to go to the lounge. I was rather upset since a) I had called less than 5 minutes before and b) it was obvious to anyone that I had two broken legs and was walking with a cane. I complained to both desks stating what we had been told a few minutes before. Both staff said "What can I say?". Perhaps a polite answer might have been "can we find you a chair to just sit in after your walk in". Here's what I say--I will never step foot in Angus Barn again. Perhaps I am sensitive since I am only recently out and about after breaking my jaw and both legs,(in fact, my first steak after having a jaw unwired was at the Angus Barn) but when I think of all of the older people or people of any age who are disabled who have to stand around for 2 hours after being told to "come on in" it makes my blood boil. A manager saw my walking away and asked my friend "how can we make this better?". Answer--be honest about wait times.. Granted, the food and service have always been fine or I would not be there a few dozen times a year, but at some point people have to stand up for decent behavior by establishments who should treat customers better. If they had told the truth, it would have been fine--I would have saved 800 steps with a cane, taken my friend to another place and would have been back next week. Now, because of reservations people on the phone I am posting my first comment on Yelp and they will never see me or anyone I know again.
(1)
Tammy M.
Everything was awesome. 24 of us from around the country attended last night. Although the majority of us enjoyed different entrees, all of the food was great. Joel/server was attentive and anticipated our needs. We continue to rave about this experience. We will definitely return.
(5)
Dsparkle R.
Thank goodness for Yelp!!! The Angus Barn is the best resturant in Raleigh!!! The first time here and I'm totally stuffed! No need for appetizers!!! I ordered the extra sized beef ribs, spinach salad, homemade crackers with two separate cheese spread, an assortment of celery, olives, pickles and peppers!!! This place was awesome!!!! Pleasant staff from the valet to the hostess and our dear waiter Bud, such a sweet heart!!! The kids platter should be shared with two kids!!! So much darn food!!! My family and I will be back!!! All the way from Chicago!!!!
(5)
Michael E.
If allowed this would be a 1.5. Service from Ken was a four. Management (Kevin's) response to issues was a sub 1. Brit and I had never been to the Barn together and we figured we had an hour and a half to grab a bite. Upon my recommendation we headed to the Barn to dine at the Wild Turkey lounge. We sat at the bar and Ken served us our drinks. A few local offerings, which we enjoyed some Fullsteam Working Man's Lunch and then I switched it up and had some Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout. There's an accepted timing of beverages, app and entree deliveries to diners. The Barn hit on one of the three. Drinks came quick and effortlessly. Apps were delayed and entrees delivered and comp'd by the manager were ridiculously late. Now had I not overheard Ken plead for a manager to show up three times over the walkies, and had I not watched the manager standing across the lounge or chat with some regulars on the stairs, I may have been willing to give this 3 stars. But knowing that one of their employees was asking for assistance and to be ignored is pretty poor. I even overheard him call a couple servers to ask for a location on the manager. If this is how the management team backs up their employees, and disregards patrons over "regulars", they can go ahead and forego the thought of our patronage ever again. Brit had a conference call scheduled so we had a hard and fast stopping point. As she and I discussed paying for our drinks and leaving the food arrived. I asked Ken to box it up and went to grab the car. Brit paid the drink bill and bolted from the restaurant. Regardless of the ineptitude of the kitchen manager to get food out, the FOH manager should have interjected themselves well before the time of just delivering the food and comping it, and walking away. The sandwich was pretty good, the steak fries were also a good flavor. Brit scarfed her tuna down as we arrived home with 5 minutes to spare before her call. It's a shame really that a local institution appears to be so full of itself that they can arbitrarily disregard patrons with a "these are on me, sorry for the delay". To which he promptly walked away, as if that was an acceptable method of dealing with a customer whose entree took an hour and forty minutes to arrive.
(1)
Kimberly D.
Food was good. Service was good. A bit pricey for what it is. Atmosphere was awful. They sat us at a long table in the middle of the room....it felt more like a very expensive cafeteria. Not intimate at all. I most likely will not go back.
(3)
Austin B.
Words don't describe the hospitality or experience that my girlfriend and I shared at the Angus Barn last night! Besides our full-time jobs, we both have worked in the food service industry for many years now. I currently bartend/serve at a fine dinning establishment, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. With that being said I've never had an experience like the one we shared last night! Our server took the time to make us feel as we've been patrons here for many years. We capped the evening off with a tour of the building. Let me just say, after dinning here, I don't believe that I'll ever enjoy a steak like that in my entire life. I would like to thank our server most of all! We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to give us a tour of the place. We both recognize that after working both jobs and taking care of his 5 month old and spending time with his wonderful wife, he managed to find time to share with us this rare opportunity!
(5)
John S.
Had a most memorable dinner at the Angus Barn. We had a gathering in the Wine Cellar room. A huge room located after walking through the kitchen and wine cellar. Off the menu I chose a Filet (the waiter recommended a grilled meat vs prime rib) with baked potato, caesar salad, and the famous chocolate chess pie. The filet was one of the best I'd ever eaten. I ordered medium and it came out with a dark red center. The meat could be cut with a fork. The potato was just a boring ole baked potato. The caesar salad was pretty good, and the dessert was very good. Service was excellent. We also has a few wines, cheeses, shrimp and rib appetizers - all very good. I highly recommend getting the filet!!
(4)
P G.
This place is not for light eaters! Service was fantastic all around. But for a corporate dinner, it ended up being a bit pricey..... Food selection had a little of everything - beef, beef, beef, chicken, lamb, fish and crab. Appetizer plate was a great option for our business table, but beware, that'll run you $50 alone! Prime rib was fantastic....ask for uncut horseradish on the side because the stuff they give you is cream with a pinch of horseradish.... With a table of 10 business colleagues, averaging the bill: sharing appetizer plates, small prime rib, 2 glasses of wine and sharing a dessert, it ran up to $220 per person with tip.... so if you're on a corporate budget, beware, it's not cheap. It's good, but not sure I would prefer it over other high-end chain steak places I've been to such as Flemmings or Ruth's Chris.
(3)
Ra R.
As far as steakhouses are concerned you can do a lot better elsewhere. This place is nothing more than a tourist attraction. Now if your here for a great meal, your best option is to make a reservation for the Chef's table or a meal in the Wine Cellars. At least your guaranteed to have a unique meal prepared by Chef Walter Royal or one of his Sous Chef's. Beyond that 'forget about it', steaks are not prime beef, usually poorly prepared or cooked, the sides are buffet quality! Don't even think about the oysters on the half shell, they are nothing more than petri dishes. That free cheese, comes out of 50lb boxes, it's disgusting & pulls double duty as Spackle for the housekeeping crew. Cleanliness in this place is something left to be desired, starting with the servers poorly kept uniforms, dirty glassware & utensils. Regarding the service, it will always be harried & overwhelmed, as they tend to take as many guests as possible, money being the principal objective not guest satisfaction. If you seek a great steak in a classy setting with great attentive service I would suggest Ruth Chris or a drive to Charlotte & dinner at Morton's, which serves actual Prime Beef. There is no reason to pay $40 for Choice beef, which is all you can expect at this over-hyped tourist trap!
(1)
Helen A.
Here for my husband !s birthday and we had Sarah as our wait staff... She was very attentive and the service was top notch .. We had the ribeye which was made just the way I asked for it.. We ordered a great bottle of wine. The wine list was quit extensive with all different price points . Mew will be back
(4)
Antonia M.
Finally. I can say I've eaten at the Angus Barn. Really, for someone who loves food, and moved here more than a decade ago with a family who loves food, and has a husband who, depending on the day, might literally kill for a great steak...it is almost impossible to believe I haven't yet been to the Angus Barn. A group of out-of-town colleagues and partners were in town for an event, and chose Angus Barn for dinner. I nearly did a happy dance when I heard the news. Just to preface things, there were about 20 of us. When we arrived, we were promptly seated upstairs, along the window side. First impression - the wood cabin-like structure and decor made it feel warm, homey and inviting. Not quite what I expected, knowing it's a pricey place, but welcome. The rest of the dinner had the same feel. Nothing was pretentious (and I'd sort of expected a bit of that). Our wait staff was excellent. With a big group, there was a lot of chatter and people moving along at different paces in the meal process - but our waiters managed to be attentive without ever rushing anyone. For the food and drink, the AB pulled out all the stops. We were impressed to find the crackers, 2 kinds of cheese (no one could figure out exactly what they were - so thanks Yelpers for helping solve the mystery), and olive/pickle platter on the table when we arrived. I love those kind of details, and so did the rest of the party. We had wine on the table before we sat down, and our waiters seemed to magically appear with refills just before we ran out each time. And although no one actually ordered a starter - since the main courses come with a soup or salad - the whole table received an appetizer sampler (crab claw, 2 shrimp and 2 ribs). I was impressed before the main course arrived, although also a bit full! I have to admit that for my main course, I plunged in full-glutton-style and got the pimento cheese stuffed filet - with potato gratin (a special). And I sit here honestly not feeling guilty about that decision. It was ridiculously good. When it came, I noticed that they had even wrapped the filet in bacon. Hey, why not?! I also sampled some of my neighbor's fried catfish and black-eyed peas (another special). And wowee, I like seafood, but only when it's done well. And this was done well. Really, really well. As for dessert...I had to pass. I was too damn full. But I loved that they brought the whole dessert tray out, with a huge assortment of options. I'm not usually a big dessert person, but I really hated to have to miss out on trying any. I do have to say that I am glad someone else was paying tonight. But I would be back again, even if I had to pay. I really enjoyed the honest, unpretentious food, service, and atmosphere - while being served a meal of incredible quality.
(4)
Claudine D.
The DH and daughter are meat lovers, and they LOVE Angus Barn. DH always gets the NY strip and the daughter loves their bacon-wrapped filet mignon. The crackers and cheese are yummy. I can eat plates of those. I usually order the ribs and those are amazing. I've also had their prime rib, which melted in my mouth like buttah. Always, always make a reservation. One time we forgot, but we ate in the Wild Turkey Lounge which was still a fun experience. Staff and service have always been top notch with each of our visits.
(4)
Raul R.
Great spot for steaks and seafood.Cooked to my perfection and the pre-meal/appetizer selection was awesome.I took a tour to see the single table setting in the kitchen and cigar smokers section.I sat outside in the patio.If you have a big appetite and/or special occasion then this place should be on your list.
(4)
Beth W.
The salad was average, at best. The ranch dressing was watery and bland. The filet was blood red (I wanted well done) and the fries were so-so. Not impressed! The place was crowded and loud. The tables have those picnic table squares, for their table covers. The lighting was beyond horrible. It was actually hard to see. The server was very nice and did a great job. Five stars for him. I don't care for the loud, informal environment here. I have to say, even though Ruth's Chris is a good bit more expensive than Angus Barn, it is hands down, 100% better! You have much better lighting, a quieter dining experience, not to mention the incredible atmosphere that RC offers. And the food at RC is above par. (Ruth's Chris is more expensive because they are a la carte). And Ruth's Chris offers a much larger selection of sides than Angus Barn does. Honestly, I'd rather spend $130.00 for a meal for two at Ruth's Chris; than spend $80.00 for an entire experience that is completely forgettable! If you like loud, informal, and so-so food, then by all means, go here. But if you want a memorable meal that will be worth every penny, go somewhere else! My somewhere else, would be Ruth's Chris.
(1)
Alex N.
I finally got a chance to visit this Raleigh mainstay, in a wine cellar room no less. Stepping into the waiting area, this place feels like a tourist trap and the dressed down decor really gives off a casual vibe. Don't be tricked though, dress doesn't seem too casual, in fact many wear sport coats. I'm not a fan of the table linens, but if they've been doing that forever, then who am I to disagree. If you do happen to get the chance to eat in a wine cellar room, a waiter will escort you through the kitchen, past the chef's table, and down into the cellar. Wine cellar room comes with a nice long table, personal bar, and service to the max. Don't be afraid to ask for anything, seriously. Ask for a cellar tour and the bread from upstairs. I had some of the famous cheddar cheese, ribs, filet, and the grand marnier parfait. Ribs were melt in your mouth good and next to the cheese, were really the highlights. The filet was pretty decent. I won't say it's the best I've ever had, but it wasn't completely devoid of flavor. I would have preferred a little more char. The grand marnier parfait was a little bit of a mess and with no finesse, but you could taste a generous serving of alcohol in it. 4 stars for a unique experience, decent steak and a cool wine cellar. I'd bring the out of towners here, but would probably stay away for a special occasion, unless it was for an all out celebration. They'll even dispose of a day old raw fish if you happen to bring one with you ;)
(4)
Sheila B.
good eats in Raleigh area. Although I am not a beef eater the salmon was good, the sides they load you up on salad, and choice of vegetable with a large portion are huge. I kept it simple and got the salmon, with a spinach salad and side of asparagus. My colleagues got each a filet and said it was great. The service was friendly, attentive and the meal was even better with a slice of chess pie, a slice of chocolate, pecan madness that is leaving me stuffed. next time you are in the area, come visit the Angus Barn for a classy time
(4)
Lauren H.
This has been my chosen spot for my birthday dinner as long as I can remember. I am a fan of everything about this restaurant and have never had a bad experience here. I have also been here for other celebration-type occasions (anniversaries, etc). The place is a lot more casual than it used to be, it's just basically a large barn style building with a similar theme inside. Some people get dressed up to eat here, but you'll see just as many people eating in jeans. When you sit down to your table, you are greeted by a basket of homemade crackers and two types of cheese - cheddar and blue. The cheese and crackers are one of my favorite parts of dinner here! They sell the cheese and crackers in their store area up front if you want to take a crock of it home too. You also get some really good, buttery bread and a tray of olives before your entree even comes out. I always order the smaller filet, which is wrapped in bacon and served with your choice of side (generally I go for the mashed potatoes - always tasty) and a grilled tomato. It also comes with a salad that is brought out after the cheese and crackers. It is a lot of food and I have never left hungry! I have never ordered anything besides steak here, so I can't comment on any of their other entrees because it is too hard for me to come here and steer away from the steak. Being that this is where I go for my birthday, they will always bring you a small pound cake after your meal for your birthday, which is topped with homemade whipped cream and a strawberry. I have yet to eat any of this cake at the restaurant (I'm always too full!), but it is always a delicious treat the next day! The service here is some of the best in the area and we've always had waiters that are quick to give you recommendations or point you towards a good bottle of wine. Yes, the prices here are high, but I believe it is worth it for the amount of food you get and how good it is for the price! On your way out of the restaurant, make sure to grab an apple from the huge barrel right by the door!
(5)
Allie E.
Everything about Angus Barn is perfection. From the food to the atmosphere it's an entire experience to dine there. Although it's on the pricy side, you do get what you pay for. The food is exquisite. They have a unique homemade cheese and cracker dip as an appetizer and the menu has quite a variety of options to choose from, and all delicious. We had gone for my birthday for my first Angus Barn experience and they gave me an entire poundcake (their own recipe) to share for dessert!
(5)
Kate G.
Great experience! Went here for business dinner and had excellent service. The food was delicious and ambience charming. Price is expensive, but good place to bring people you need to impress.
(4)
Elaine N.
Flew out to RDU from Vegas for a golf vacation just down the road. I saw Angus Barn on TV years ago and had to place it on our list of places to visit. Setting is outstanding! and worth the hour wait for the lounge area as we did not have reservations. The food on the other hand I would rate average and on par with the Outback Steakhouse for flavor. Table next to us had a four top with two of them beyond drunk! Cussing, over the top comments towards the wait staff, sports bar loud and in true worry behavior staff would rather look the other way and not upset the those patrons and the three tables surrounding them had to endure their behavior.
To be honest, I was a little disappointed by this restaurant. After hearing it hyped up so much, I was really expecting a lot more from the food. Most of the steaks my table got all looked very appetizing, but they tasted dry and did not have as much flavor as you would expect. They are quite generous with their side dish portions, but the vegetables that came with my steak were over-salted. On the plus side however, the oysters on the half shell were quite delicious, and I really like the homemade chips and cheese starter that everyone gets. What Angus Barn really has going for it though is its atmosphere and appearance. The inside of the restaurant is incredibly unique and they have one of the most impressive gun displays I have seen. The service here is fantastic, and the bottle of wine that our server suggested was phenomenal. This restaurant has a really good-old country feel to it, and the interior is warm, inviting, and bustling with activity. On a less serious note, part of the building was undergoing construction at the time I went, so all of their bathrooms were out of service. To solve this issue, Angus Barn obtained a handy portable restroom trailer outside...and boy was I impressed! Seriously, that was the nicest portable bathroom I have ever been in. There were wooden and lacquered floors and walls, and the whole place looked and smelled nicer than 90% of all other bathrooms I have had the pleasure of using (both public and private). I know this is a really weird thing to put in a review, but it seriously was one of the most memorable moments in my Angus Barn experience. In short, come to Angus Barn for the atmosphere and the service, but the food is not worth the price.
(3)
Julia W.
It is a good ol Steakhouse that is ran the right way. I enjoy coming here for special occasions and also enjoy the Wild Turkey Lounge.
(5)
Michael F.
Ummmmm, the only word(s) I can think of here is OH MY GOD (or OMG)!! From the moment you drive up to this massive place, walk into the lounge, humidor, or the amazing collection of classic guns, you'll be in awe until you leave (assumedly very, very full and content as well). The food was beyond bountiful. The steaks were all cooked to perfection. Our table enjoyed the bone in prime rib and the NY Strip. I do only wish the prime rib had a little more flavor, but it was so tender you could cut it with a fork. I couldn't part with it to complain! The salads are all amazing. The spinach salad with warm bacon dressing is a must do, the wedge with their home made Roquefort dressing is a lost art, BRAVO!! Scrumptious all around! The French onion soup was very good, but next time, I'll stick to 2 salads ;) The desserts were all very good. The specialty is the chocolate chest pie and that crust... ohhhhh that crust.... YUM! The crème brulee was good too. I cannot wait to go back on my next trip to NC!
(5)
Justin W.
I've had the pleasure of eating at Angus Barn several times and each visit has been nothing short of spectacular. I love the rustic look of in exterior and interior of the place. They offer valet parking as well as a very large private lot to park in. Since the restaurant is so busy, you might have to walk a little to get to the front door, which doesn't bother me because I'm always keeping my mind occupied by one thing: their steaks. I had their steaks during most of my visits (Rib-eye and Filet Mignon) and I keep coming back to them. Each time they have been cooked perfectly medium-rare (by my suggestion, of course...they will cook them however you'd like). I absolutely love their garlic mashed potatoes as well. They have a wide selection of wine, as well as decently priced beer/martinis. I've come here to have a few drinks/appetizers in the Wild Turkey Lounge (the bar upstairs), and their drinks are priced very normal (not overly pricey, I actually was expecting them to charge more but I had an extra drink because the price was right). The service is outstanding. The servers/hosts take care of you here, from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. They come around to check on you without being pestering (this, as you know, is a thin line most servers walk). Another great thing about this restaurant is little added bonuses that they offer. To name a few: +Apples in baskets (take an apple as you leave the restaurant -- it's a tradition there) +h'orderves available if you are going for drinks at the wild turkey lounge (crackers/cheese/celery/carrots/etc). Good filler food to compliment your beer/martini/wine. +Gift shop. They offer several homemade products and have their own walk-in humidor and extensive collection of fine cigars. +Large gun collection at the base of the first floor in front of the stairs leading to the wild turkey lounge. This place is perfect for any gun lover/collector. The guns are all behind a glass display and numbered. An accompanying book sits on a table in front of a leather couch so you can flip through and learn about the guns and their production years. Overall, a great place to have an upscale dinner. Perfect for special occasions or having a drink upstairs on a Friday night.
(5)
Gail C.
Since I really loved my Sundance, UT experience last fall, I fell in love with this place as I walked up to the door. The earthy charm of the outside living area made for guests to wait for their table was so great, I was hoping we would have some wait time so I could enjoy it. It was a Friday evening and the restaurant was full, but we were seated instantly. So I couldn't use their area outside. Next came the inside....wow it looked like Utah!!! As we were seated, our waiter Chad came right over. He was friendly and efficent and just made the entire experience even better. The food was good, melt in your mouth meat. My husband felt the french oiion soup was too salty and that his prime rib lacked flavor. My daughter wasn't crazy over the over garliced shrimp scampi either. My food was great, as was the rest of our table's. I LOVED the homemade Blue Cheese salad dressing for the garden salad. Best I have ever had. Overall , a really great experience and a waiter that really impressed. Although it was a bit over priced. I will come back again.
(4)
Amy L.
What can I say about the Angus Barn? The food is amazing, especially the filet and baked potato, so be sure you don't get too full from the yummy cheese that pre-courses your meal. After dinner, make your way up to the Turkey Lounge for some beverages and libations. Don't be surprised if you end up in the Meat Locker at night's end (I'm referring to the cigar lounge, not an actual meat locker)!
(5)
Leah M.
I love this place! Great food, environment, staff and location!
This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. It's hard to explain how awesome it is inside, it cannot be recreated. The food is fantastic, and the service is excellent; they will go out of their way to make things right. It is a little pricey but well worth it.
(5)
Shirley B.
This was the busiest restaurant I've ever seen. Standing room only. If you don't make a reservation the wait over an hour. The atmosphere is very warm and cozy. Live piano player at the bar. They had that laid back soft music vibe. The food was delicious, top notch, as well as the service. I had blackened salmon with baked sweet potato. The combination was a perfect match. The juiciest salmon with the best flavors I have experienced... Trust me I order salmon on a regular. I highly recommend this place. When I go back to Raleigh, NC I will definitely go back.
(4)
Erin C.
I hate to agree with everyone else, but this place left a little to be desired. The good: The ambiance and bar staff (specifically, Geoff and Ken) were FABULOUS. They were courteous, genuinely concerned about our experience, not to mention, very knowledgeable wine stewards. The bad: The food was mediocre at best. We had the filet mignon (medium rare) and a few appetizers and salads. The steak was BLAND. How do you mess up a filet? Don't season it. NOW, I will say that the manager (don't remember his name) was very apologetic, comped our meal, was as sweet as could be. That made a world of difference. Had I not read the previous Yelp comments, I would have thought that this was a one-time food accident, but I think it's more endemic and maybe should be looked into by management. Let me reiterate: Service, alcohol and atmosphere were GREAT! Food was meh.
(3)
Erica L.
Angus Barn. Yum. I'm shocked at the number of mediocre reviews because I think the Barn is one of the best restaurants in Raleigh (coming from a fair-weather fan of steak!). The atmosphere is excellent- not as stuffy as other nice steakhouses in the area, but the service is incredible. The food doesn't leave much to be desired either. The complimentary homemade crackers and cheese brought to each table to start are delicious... and it just gets better from there. My favorites are the wedge salad (mmm bacon) and the filet (so tender). I would be remiss if I didn't mention perhaps my favorite Angus Barn product and now, one of my favorite parts of the holidays: the gingerbread cookies. Do your sweet tooth a favor and snatch some up next holiday season! And a tip... do your wallet a favor and ask for the 'gingerbread casualties'-- they sell the broken gingerbread men for $5/bag. Enjoy!!!
(5)
L W.
Over priced. The beef was mealy. Not surprising considering it's corn fed beef. Everything is slathered in butter which (obviously) tastes good, but speaks to lower quality products. I would have given a higher rating if it was less expensive but for $50 a steak I expect to be blown away. Definitely go to Bin 54 over Angus Barn.
(2)
Jim M.
Fantastic dinner. The steak was great and the crab dip appetizer wow!!!! The whole place is 1st class. Definitely will be back next time I am in Raleigh
(5)
Neil M.
This is my favorite restaurant in Raleigh. The atmosphere is unmatched in the food is world-class. This is a must do restaurant in Raleigh.
(5)
Richard M.
Truly as good as it gets. Head out to the cigar room, have them grab you a bottle of their excellent house wines (or one of the thousand others) and order best steak youve had in long time.
(5)
Megan D.
I went here for my bf's graduation dinner and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I'm not a huge steak fan, but if I had a chance to go there more often I would be a quick convert.
(5)
Matt K.
It took us three years to finally get around to visiting AB, but we finally did this past Christmastime. There are a ton of reviews, so I'm going bullet style. 1. Cracker Barrel meets steakhouse. The decor is kind of frontier-style American, I guess you could say (I mean, there's a gun display for goodness sakes) and there is a little general store where you can buy the cheese spreads, some candles, and other gifts. Interesting for this alone. 2. Crazy awesome Christmas decorations. Get your reservations EARLY. There were several tables lined up for 20+ diners. This is clearly a destination for many locals, especially around the holidays, but the decorations are a must see. There was also a table-side magician (!) wandering about. Not sure if that was a Christmas special or what. 3. AB is pricey, but you get a lot for your money. It isn't the most interesting high dollar steak I've ever had, but you have to consider that the salad and side is included in the price. If you go to a traditional high-dollar steakhouse, you're going to pay $10+ for a salad and potato on top of a $35-40 steak. So if you drop that $10 from the price of your AB steak, you're getting a good deal. Also, you get the crackers with the cheese spreads and the relish tray. You will not leave hungry. We took home a doggy bag. 4. Saying that, this isn't fancy cuisine. The steak was good, but not great. It was cooked fairly correctly, but not perfectly to my liking. If you're trying to impress a date that you've got some fancy sophisticated palette, Angus Barn probably isn't the right dining option (remember: table-side magician). But if you want to make the impression that you're down to earth and know local institutions, then go for it. 5. I've heard things about their gigantic wine cellar, but we missed that somehow. I only saw the options they had in the regular menu. I guess next time I should ask for a wine list. However, even what was listed in the menu was good. We ate early (a 5 pm reservation was all that was left when we called a few days out in December) so we just had a glass each. 6. Get the stuffed potato. This is going to be a must-visit the next time we have family in town.
(4)
Paul S.
I would give this place a 100 stars if I could. Best food, best wine, best staff, best atmosphere. Best everything I always leave feeling euphoric (ok that is a little much but I always leave feeling happy). Angus Barn's award winning wine cellar is amazing, and the wine list has to many to choose from. Make sure you ask you waiter for a tour of the cellar. I prefer to go hang in the wild turkey lounge, which is AB's bar. On most of my trips there I just hang in the lunge and drink and have dinner. On my last visit the barn was to packed to find a place so the wait staff took me and my friends to the fire pit and we drank wine and made smores over the pit. So for something different ask to be seated at the fire pit. XMas is great at the barn, the xmas tree is amazing and the atmosphere is festive. You need to make a reservation if you go in Nov or Dec, and really any time if you want a real table and don't want to sit in the turkey lounge. I really don't need to review the food, I have not had anything bad here. If you have kids after dinner the wait staff will take the kids to the kitchen to the ice cream bar, they love it. Hands down my fav place in the Raleigh Area
(5)
Carol F.
Ive been several times over the last 30 years to this Raleigh landmark. It remains a unique experience in terms of its traditional ambiance. But this time the steak was a big disappointment.. just not much flavor in the NY Strip. Also the bread was just mediocre white bread pan grilled. However, in the delicious column were the ribs, the garden salad with blue cheese dressing, the soup, the wine and the crackers and cheese crocks served before the meal. For my husbands birthday he was given a complimentary but unfortunately tasteless mini pound cake to take home. Good things aside, I have to give only 3 stars, because its hard to forgive a mediocre steak at a very expensive restaurant famous for its steaks. I dont think we will return. We noticed a lot of multi generational groups attending. If they want to keep the next more food savvy generation coming back, Angus Barn needs to step it up to keep up with what is going on creatively in the wider restaurant world. For the same price you can have a truly amazing meal at the Chef and the Farmer in Kinston.
(3)
N J.
Wow...where to start...I'm actually going to get back to the amazing space and start with our service. I don't know the last time I met someone as fantastic as Bennett. We were so lucky to have him last Saturday evening. As soon as he approached us I could tell it was going to be a great meal. He immediately noticed that my daughter was cold and returned with a lovely shawl for her (how many times have you been cold at a restaurant?! how many shawls have you been offered?!). He then helped us select a fantastic wine. Though when he returned he informed us that they were unfortunately out of our selection...the good news was that they upgrade you for no additional cost. So another win for us! BTW - their wine markup is among the most reasonable I've ever seen, especially considering the size of their wine list...it's truly impressive! The wine corkage fee is completely reasonable at $15 too! Though they will likely have anything you might want! In between ordering Bennett told us some stories (this is a man who knows his craft and is great at it). We were then presented with an AMAZING meal. For the quality of food, the price is fantastic. You would easily pay 2-3x this in DC or NYC! After our amazing meal, we were so stuffed beyond belief and dessert was unfortunately not going to happen. Bennett offered my daughter the opportunity to make her own sundae in the kitchen. So we made our way to the kitchen where she was presented with more topping options than she knew she wanted. This kid was HAPPY! Afterwards, Bennett came to the table with a chocolate pie to go and apples for each of us (btw - that pie was ridiculously amazing!!!). But he said he would love to show us around the restaurant before we departed. Granted it was the end of the night, so this opportunity may not be available for those that done at 6. We had a 30 minute tour of this absolutely amazing place and got a ton of history about the restaurant. Talk about impressive. This place is truly amazing. I've never wanted to spend time in a public restaurant, but the women's restroom is unbelievable. Absolutely gorgeous! Each room is beautifully appointed (I want to know who handled the interiors for them!)! I wish I lived closer, so I could visit frequently! I will certainly be back! If you're ever driving through or live close by, this is a must-go. It rivals my favorite restaurants anywhere and I appreciate their reasonable prices. Amazing, amazing place...couldn't have had a better time! Thank you Bennett for such wonderful service and making our evening a truly memorable experience!
(5)
Jeremy P.
Love this place. Been there countless times and never had bad food or bad service. The steaks aren't adorned with lots of stuff....you come here to taste the meat. Also they have some sort of poundcake they give you when you come for birthdays or anniversaries which is awesome. Whenever you dine you are served a pickle/relish/olive tray with cheeses and their homemade crackers and it's really good stuff to pick on while you wait to order. Their wine list is VERY extensive and if you don't know what you want you can ask the server to send over the sommelier who will be happy to suggest something even if you don't know wine at all. I really don't and thankfully they didn't make me feel stupid. They also have a large bar upstairs called the Wild Turkey Lounge which is a great place to have drinks and you can also order food from a smaller bar menu up there. You can sit at the bar, tables, or off in a corner in their chairs and couches. It's really comfy up there and a cool place to tip a few with friends or family, especially if you're having to wait for a table. Last time we went up to the lounge I ordered the cheese burger and it was the best I'd ever had. I'm not joking when I tell you the thing was as thick as a paperback book and done to perfection. I had to take nearly half of it home. The beers on tap aren't that impressive so be mindful of that if you intend to have beer. They have some stuff in bottles too but this place is decidedly wine-centric so be mindful of that. This is a very popular and busy spot during prime dinner times so be sure to make reservations unless you have no problems waiting up to an hour or two for a table. This place has a great reputation for a reason.
(5)
N H.
Went there for a work dinner. We had a group of 15. At any other restaurant, this would be a "large" group and the server would be freaked out, trying to find help. At Angus barn, this was average for the dining room we were in - basically all the tables were 15-20. So, the server totally knew what to do, knew where to stand, how to take the orders in an efficient way - this was 5 star. He clearly handles large groups every night so he had absolutely no problem. The food is what drags it down. This is one of those restaurants that inflates the prices to make you think you're getting something really amazing. You feel like if you paid $40 for a plate of food, it must be really great, right? Seriously, I felt like they had the "chefs" from Outback Steakhouse in their kitchen. It was basically the exact same food. The salad was colorless iceberg with 3 croutons. Also - the place was freezing. Unnaturally cold. I had on 2 long sleeve shirts and sat with my hands in my pockets. Everyone who had brought a coat with them had to wear it the whole meal, which isn't very comfortable. This was a holiday dinner so people had dressed nicely, and it was kind of lame for them to all be sitting there in coats. Would never, ever take a date there - it was loud, busy, distracting environment and not at all worth the price- but for a large group, to get good service, I think it was a decent choice.
(3)
Peter S.
It's a great space to have a drink, but wow the food is reminiscent of what people in the 50s considered gourmet. I'm surprised I didn't get sick from those dry raw oysters. My "medium" fillet was as gray as they come. The turkey wings taste like "why bother". A delicious cinnamon ice cream covered a flavorless sawdust pie that may as well have had real sawdust in it.
(2)
Andrew F.
I was very excited when I first heard about the Angus Barn...the restaurant seems to have a near-legendary status in the area and it even has its own official blue tourism signs on the highway guiding you to meaty goodness. I was curious how the barn theme would play out...seems to make sense if you're serving a lot of beef. We did not get the full tour of the space but rather entered into the front lobby and were taken straight away from the hostess booth to our tables. We seemed to miss a lot of building on our way to our room which was empty. The decor was definitely didn't do it for me. I guess I was expecting Cracker Barrel, but the impression I got was paradoxically a mix of dirty/dark and stuffy/old/antique mall. To me the place lacked the 'down-home' appeal I expected and somehow felt like a barnyard mixed with my grandma's formal dining room. As for the food, I was roundly disappointed considering the price and the prestige of the place. The crackers, cheese and vegetables that were provided when we sat down were pretty good. The wine list IS massive...oenophiles will have a field day. Lots of good-sounding food on the menu but I ordered the Chateaubriand for 1 person. When I expressed my interest in the baked onion side (my steak traditionally came w/ sauteed veggies), our waitress kindly offered to replace the sauteed onions on the plate with a baked onion instead. The veggies, sadly, reminded me of the frozen veggie medleys of my childhood (peas, carrots, broccoli). We did, however, REALLY like the bread that they served just before the entrees made it to the table. Something magical about those buttery toasted slabs... Probably the most important part of the meal and maybe for the review is the steak, right? The meat was certainly of a higher grade than most/any steak I've ever had, but there was no seasoning. I suppose the beef should stand on its own, but for me it cannot compete with a Ruth's Chris steak. A general note for most everything we ate was that it lacked flavor; certainly the flavor did not warrant the substantial cost of the meal. Maybe I'll come back over the holidays (I hear they make it look great for Christmas), but that'll probably be it.
(3)
Shaun B.
Other than the obvious quality of the food and the great service, one of my favorite things here is also the least expensive: chopped steak - Oscar'd! Imagine top quality ground beef, grilled medium then smothered in asparagus, lump crab meat, and hollandaise sauce = yum! This time we enjoyed sharing this Raleigh icon with business colleagues from Albany.
(5)
Joe F.
World class wines!!! Thats what I heard about this place before even arriving to it. Walking up to it,you become overwhelmed with it's size..( that's what she said)...you quickly realize that you are here to eat..eat big,,eat STEAK!! When you walk up to it,you are taken back to the old wild west...old farming equipment lines the exterior and you are greeted by mom-n-pop tobacco injun's...just another relic of time and what this country has gone through with it's actions. The restaurant fills your senses with cool gadgets and displays of of revolvers, home made desserts and a walk in humidor. The steaks are cooked to perfection and each meal is served in generous portions so save some room for the after dinner sweets. The wine list is divine. Something for everyone's budget and the wines by the glass list is tops. I had the 7-oz fillet topped with sauce oscar...hollandaise with crabmeat and asparagus.....hello mouthwatering goodness!! Next time the wife and I make it into Raleigh,we will surely give the barn another visit.
(4)
Laurie B.
WOW. Just WOW. From the valet parking to the quick drink at the bar, to the sommelier, to the dining experience and the quality of the food (especially the beef).... just WOW. I won't waste words here. Just GET TO THIS RESTAURANT!!!! 1) Great Bombay Sapphire martini. 2) Exceptional Sommelier wine recommendation before dinner. 3) I grew up in Chicagoland. I know great beef when I taste it. THIS IS IT. I eat vegetarian UNTIL I find a reason to EAT GREAT COW. THIS IS THAT GREAT COW!!! 4) I didn't have to ask the staff to serve my food unsalted..... that is just the understood standard of practice. 5) RARE Chateaubriand was seared and served to perfection. 6) Impeccable service. 7) Side items (vegetables in this case) were perfectly cooked and correctly apportioned to accompany the Chateaubriand 8) Table service was all that one could wish.... neither obtrusive nor absent. We felt that our needs were being met at our every whim... even in a rather "packed" setting that eased as the evening progressed. 9) Have I mentioned the absolute PERFECTION of the beef? Order it rare. Or "extra-rare" (which they offer). You won't worry that it will not be as expected...... it will be PERFECT. 10) The dessert tray has something for everyone. See for yourselves. This dining experience will remain with me for a lifetime...... it was TRULY that good. I wish I had discovered this restaurant when my parents were alive....
(5)
Jeneane B.
I dined at the Angus Barn with two business associates. This place is huge and the gave us a tour after our meal. In addition to the main dining room, there are two private dining areas for parties, and two (I think) bar areas, and a ridiculously large wine cellar! There are two main kitchens in this restaurant, with a chef's table set up in each. The wine selection is impressive, and ordering is a bit daunting. The meal was pretty good. I had the bacon-wrapped filet with a side of asparagus. the steak was cooked medium-rare to perfection. My two dinner companions also enjoyed their meals, although we felt it was a bit overpriced.
(4)
Fred B.
There was a time when this venerable restaurant was one of only a handful of quality steakhouses in North Carolina. Now there are a plethora in the triangle alone. Fleming's, for example, offers a better steak, in a more elegant setting. But this place is a food and sensory adventure, somewhat funky, somewhat country, all theatre - this place is HeeHaw in a tux. The beef is still very, very good here, especially the Prime Rib and the Chateaubriand, which does not have to be ordered by two people.. The service is generally good, with the ocassional grumpy oops. The wine list really is nice, and they do have real wine glasses. We still come 1 or 2 times a year, not on special ocassions as we once did, but just to revisit old friend, remember old times, and eat a good meal.
(3)
Beth S.
I went here while traveling for work. The atmosphere was interesting and enjoyable. The food on the other hand was not memorable at all. My steak was tender but had no flavor and my food was cold. The first thing they taught me in culinary school was always season your food. As I was leaving I noticed a gift shop so I stopped in. They sell steak seasoning at the shop. My suggestion would be for them to use some of that seasoning on the steaks they serve in the restaurant.
(3)
Yeelo N.
On a recent work trip to RTP, I found myself at Angus Barn. I know it's a local favorite, huge, and has great service. But honestly, it's just not worth the $$$. We had our dinner at the Wild Turkey Lounge, which gets really busy regardless of how big it is. They have some great complimentary appetizers of cheese, pickles, celery, etc. I order the prime rib with spinach salad, my friend, the crab claws and filet. The highlight of the meal? The poppy seed dressing for my spinach salad. It's just sweet enough and served warm on the side. YUM! While everything was good, it just wasn't great. The prime rib actually came out overcooked (minus a star for sure!) and lacked that smokey prime rib flavor. Also, maybe because it was overcooked for my taste, it seemed fairly tough for prime rib. Would I go again? Eh, maybe, but just for drinks and the cheese appetizer. I just wasn't in love with the place. I'd so much rather head home and hit up House of Prime Rib.
(3)
Louise P.
We went to the Angus Barn for dinner for our friends' birthdays. We had a large table of maybe 13 people. We were taken upstairs to our table that was nice and out of the way in the big, loud room. I liked all their decorations for the holidays. The server was very rude to our friend when he asked for some water when we sat down. She scolded him for getting up. The timing of food service was way off. Three people got appetizers and we all had soups/salads coming with our entrees. They brought out the appetizers after 20 minutes. 20 minutes later they brought soups and salads. They should have just brought all of these starters out together. By the time our entrees came out, it had been an hour. The wine list is amazing and we all really liked our steaks but the service left a lot to be desired. Also, they are cash only and pretty expensive.
(3)
Mage L.
I finally got a chance to try the legendary Angus Barn. I've driven past the restaurant many times since we moved to North Carolina, and learned quickly from the locals that despite its appearance, this was the fancy place to eat in Raleigh. The parking situation was decent if you park in the lot to the right as you drive in. Valet parking in a private lot seems unnecessary. The exterior looks much like a Cracker Barrel type of restaurant. The interior, at least the main floor, reminded me of an all-you-can-eat restaurant in Wisconsin Dells called Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty, with its checkered tablecloths, oil lamps and old farm equipment hanging from the walls. We had made a reservation for 3, though I don't know if it was required. I noticed the main room was very crowded, noisy and busy for a Sunday at 5:30pm. We were seated in the far back left corner of the main floor, and it was very cold and dark back there. My son kept his coat on for the entire meal. The corner we were seated in was fairly quiet, but the tables were still stacked pretty close together. The lighting was also extremely dark, and my photos all turned pretty terribly. They did seem very accepting of children, giving him a balloon, coloring book and crayons. The tables have baskets of crackers and small pots of spreadable cheese, and a plate of various pickled items. They also brought out buttered, toasted bread later during the meal. The snacks were nice, but I suppose you could easily fill up before your entree even comes. Since I really wanted the Angus Barn experience, I ordered their signature dish: the Chateaubriand. It's a 14oz. tenderloin that comes with roasted fingerling potatoes, sauteed vegetables, bearnaise sauce and red wine jus. It was $43, the most expensive steak on the menu, but I figured I would go for the best. I ordered the french onion soup with that, and some thin cut french fries. My husband ordered the 10 oz. filet mignon with the Caesar salad and the thick cut french fries. The children's meals were all $11 each, and they come with applesauce or salad, a beverage, and ice cream for dessert. My son ordered the cheese ravioli with fries. The appetizers were really good. I loved my french onion soup, but I was getting pretty full by the time I finished it. My husband's Caesar salad was fantastic as well. He said it much better than most he's had elsewhere, and he's eaten a lot of different Caesar salads. The entrees were brought out on large, flat iron skillets. For the price, the presentation looked pretty poor. I suppose they hope with low lighting most people won't notice, but the plates were put together in a sloppy manner I'd expect from a cheap diner. The ravioli was just a simple white bowl that looked like sauce, and some fries on the side. My steak was arranged somewhat nicely, but the veggies were just in a giant pile. What they called "fingerling potatoes" were just some burnt, soggy, steak fries tossed in with the rest of the veggies. My husband's entree wasn't nearly such a mess. His steak looked pretty decent, and his thick cut fries were piled up high. My husband was really happy with his entree. He ordered his filet mignon medium-rare, and he said it was cooked perfectly. He managed to eat all his fries as well. But the stuffed tomato-type object on the skillet didn't get eaten. He tried it, didn't like it. I tried it, I thought it was pretty bland and gross as well. Maybe it was supposed to be for decoration, but it wasn't worth eating. My son, unfortunately, didn't eat most of his meal. That's pretty typical for him, though normally I wouldn't be paying $11 for a kid's meal. He wouldn't touch the ravioli, and just ate a few fries. He did like making the ice cream quite a bit though. They took him to the ice cream bar so he could decorate it himself. I ended up eating the ravioli during the week for lunch, and it wasn't bad. Seemed like a large portion for kids though. I wish my entree would have turned out as well as my husband's, especially considering it was their signature entree. I ordered mine medium-rare as well, but mine was quite well done on the ends, and barely medium in the middle. The bearnaise sauce was phenomenal. I love getting bearnaise sauce with my steaks, it always tastes so much better than regular steak sauce. I didn't like the red wine jus as much, but it would have been decent enough if I didn't have the bearnaise. I ordered the Bianchi Cabernet Sauvingnon at the server's recommendation, and I thought it went really well with the steak. They do have a very impressive wine list. As I mentioned before, the "fingerling" potatoes were a disappointment, so I only tried one of them. The other veggies were very good, but there were really a whole lot more than needed to be included. I didn't really care much for the peas. (rest of the review is on my site, I ran out of room here)
(3)
Marcus A.
I am a steak connoisseur. If I was just rating the steaks, I would give Angus Barn 3 stars. In 2008 I ate at Angus Barn, and I could have sworn the excellent Rib Eye I had tasted like USDA Prime, but the last couple of times I have been here, the steaks tasted like they were using USDA Choice meat. Although the steaks do have an 'aged' texture to them, and are well prepared, the steaks tasted more like USDA Choice rather than USDA Prime which is the standard for fine steakhouses. But, Angus Barn creates a great dining experience, and everything is usually well executed whether it is the shrimp cocktail, salads, or sides, not to mention the excellent customer service. I still want to try their Prime Rib. I also wish they would add a true Porterhouse to the menu.
(4)
Randy H.
I decided to try the Angus Barn due to the wine selections they have. I was not disappointed, with the wines at least. One of the best wines and worst steaks i have had in a long time. I was concerned when I pulled up and saw the outside that this was not a true steakhouse. It is very quant and campy. But again it is called the Angus Barn. The wine selection is fantastic and had a great bottle of Continuum. I ordered the ribeye and it was very tough and tasteless. They asked me if everything was ok and brought me another which had more taste but still very tough. The twice baked was very nice. My thoughts are if you are looking for a high end steakhouse then this is not the place for you. If you want a great glass of wine then try them out. They have over 1,600 bottles. Very impressive.
(2)
Ed C.
I've been to the Angus Barn three times. Once was in the Cellar, and the other two times were in the main dining rooms upstairs. I don't really get the appeal... and certainly not for the price. The first time I went, I had a fillet. It was fine, but it didn't blow me away. It came with a salad and a potato. The salad reminded me of Fresh Express, just nothing special. The same with the potato, nothing special. The steak was pretty good, but I've had steaks at much cheaper national chains that rivaled that steak--and the cheaper ones were seasoned better. My second experience was in the Cellar. It was indeed a nicer experience. We had some tasty appetizers that night, and a yummy wine enhanced the evening. I decided to have the prime rib that night, and while it was pretty good, I was glad I wasn't paying for it. For my third experience, I bit the bullet. I had been eying their Chateaubriand from my first visit and decided to go for it. The steak itself was huge, and I have to say it was delicious, a perfect sear and delightfully medium-rare inside. However, it was served barely above room temperature. The taste was divine, but it would have been much nicer had it been served warmer. (I know medium-rare is defined as a warm red center, but this was hardly warm... and the outside should definitely have been warmer.) The Chateaubriand is served with the typical two sides, but it also comes with a lot of extraneous vegetables on the plate. I'm not sure what the point of that is. The "medley" included broccoli, cauliflower, green peas, mushrooms, onions, and oven roasted "fingerling" potatoes--and the staff preferred to not leave them off. Sometimes I think folks get quantity mixed up with quality... and the extra veggies might help. Don't get me wrong. The Chateaubriand was an incredible piece of meat. Had it been served warmer, I'd probably add another star to my review... but the truth is, even if the prices were the same, I'd really rather get a steak at Firebirds... or at home. If you want to spend that kind of money, I'd really suggest Second Empire. (I haven't tried Nana's or Four Square. If you're buying, I'm willing to give them a try. Heck, if you're buying, I don't mind going back to the Barn...) :-)
(2)
Amanda G.
Let me just say as someone who doesn't eat meat, I wasn't particularly thrilled to visit Angus Barn for a birthday dinner. However I was pleasantly surprised with my trip to the Barn, and wouldn't even mind going back! The cheese and relish appetizers were a nice touch, but I was way more into my garlic mashed potatoes. For an entree, I was impressed with the flavor of the seasonal grilled vegetables (and the balsamic glaze, mmmm) - but the amount of veggies I got for $26 definitely didn't leave the best of aftertastes in my mouth. While I can't elaborate on the star attraction of the Barn (obviously the beef), I can relay that all who were in attendance for the birthday celebration were sufficiently satisfied by the end of the meal. Definitely have to love the kitschy atmosphere of the place. And yes, I was totally lured into the shop and bought a candle before we left.
(4)
Dennis U.
The best thing about the Angus Barn is that its not a chain. The steaks aren't bad either. The wine list is over the top. Not like a chain dinners come with the sides. The steaks are good but not ht best one has ever had but still nothing to complain about. Service is pleasant, but not in the category of the best of the best... It all totals up to a bit better than 3 stars for me. I'll be back but not too soon.
(3)
Craig S.
Great atmosphere, delicious food, and unparalleled service - the essential elements required for a first class dining experience! The Angus Barn has them all! Van, Kevin, and Chef Walter know what it takes to attract and retain life long devotees to the AB. Renown for their steak, I'm actually a big fan of the fresh, in-house, Ground Beef Steak. It's as tasty as any of the other steaks on the menu. Add a salad and thick cut steak fries and it can't be beat! If I'm feeling fancy, the filet mignon is the choice. They have other fantastic non-beef entrees, I just can't bring myself to order them. Try the ribs for an appetizer and grab a drink upstairs in the Turkey Lounge for starters - what's the rush? Take your time, relax, and enjoy all the Barn has to offer for a pleasant evening of dining out!
(5)
Michael H.
I really struggled with whether to give the Angus Barn three or four stars. As many others have correctly stated, the actual culinary experience here can be underwhelming. Not bad, mind you, but in comparison to Second Empire or Glenwood Grill - well, there just is no comparison. The Angus Barn gets its first star for ambiance. It's a good place for business dinners; the atmosphere is nice enough to wear a shirt and choker, and casual enough (in the wild turkey lounge) to get away with a nice pair of jeans. There's all sorts of kitsch and stuff to see, and the cellar tour always impresses. They get their second star for their wine list. Fault the Angus Barn for anything else, but their wine list is tough to beat. If you don't believe me, take a tour of their wine cellar. The third star goes to Water Royal, who has helped put Angus Barn on the map. The specialty dinners (in the themed dining rooms) are well done, and the table-for-two in the kitchen makes for a fantastic date. Alas - the fourth star is earned because the Angus Barn does pull off some good steak dinners. I can't say that I've ever been really let down; my disappointment is usually in the fact that the rest of the meal isn't particularly inspired. But it's still tasty enough to satisfy. For high cuisine and local culinary vernacular, I wouldn't recommend the Angus Barn ... but if you've got some red-meat-eaters to feed and you want something a little more upscale, it's tough to go wrong here.
(4)
Tom S.
Great place, service and bar. Unique setting with a lot of character. Food was above average, the turkey was really great. The prime rib was good, not great.
(4)
Brittney G.
Went with a party of 10 family and friends, the place was packed. Excellent ribs and steak! Our waiter was amazing very knowledgeable of wine list and pairing. The woman who makes the crackers fresh needs a raise they are delightful with the cheese. The restaurant has truly mastered a dining experience. Ended the night with a tour of the cellar, this was an excellent I would recommend it to everyone.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Coat Check : Yes Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Traci T.
I was a little apprehensive to eat here at first when I asked some people in the area for a nice, fancy place to eat and was suggested a place with the word "Barn" in the title. I think I was envisioning a place in which someone would be in the next room shoveling around horse shit, so I guess I was pleasantly surprised. The place is uniquely decorated and feels like a cross between a California wine cellar and a southern plantation with a touch of something out of an Al Pacino movie. I don't know how that makes sense, but go with it. It's intersting and has a quality about it that will somehow remind you of someone you know. My only gripe- my husband and I made reseverations here for 7:30 and were completely blown off when we arrived a few minutes early, and then we were consequently blown off until 8:10. We were about to leave when I spotted a manager who could tell we were annoyed and upset and immediately seated us. They more than made up for their error. They INSISTED my husband and I each order an appetizer of our choice on the house. At the end of the meal, we were offered free dessert on the house. The waitress knew I was debating between 2 and surprised us when she brought the check with the one I didn't choose in a to-go box. We were also given FREE cheese and crackers and a variety of other items from their gift shop to take home with us. The appetizers, cheese and crackers, and steak were all delicious. The desserts were all to die for, and our waitress was sweet and had the cutest English accent. I would gladly come back here again.
(4)Michael G.
The reason I was at Angus is because there was a reception being held there at one of the outdoor pavilions and let me tell you, AMAZING! Granted, this place is outrageously expensive, both the restaurant and anything beyond just the restaurant, but the pavillion area had a buffet and they just had food beyond my wildest dreams. The ribs were delicious as they fell off the bone and into my mouth; most importantly, you could cut them easily off the bone with a fork and knife, saving yourself a mess. The marinated/grilled scallops were to die for as were the deserts, specifically, the apple cobbler. Unfortunately, my time there was short or I would have eaten more. Maybe my biggest regret in life was not eating more...kidding, but seriously, the food is that good. The pavilion area was gorgeous, overlooking a lake and it was a beautiful January day in North Carolina with a beaming sun and temps in the 50s. It'd be certainly a marvelous place to hold a reception of any sorts, but it'd be even better if someone else was paying the bill. Still, the food, atmosphere and service were absolutely unbeatable and if you've got the dough or are looking for a place for a wedding reception or big party, I 100 percent suggest Angus Barn. Fantastic!
(5)Jeffrey H.
What a find. The wild turkey bar is a great place to unwind after a long day of work on the road. The drinks were stiff and priced well. The food was excellent. Try the homemade potato chips. The he service was top notch. I will return here every time I am in Raleigh.
(4)David D.
I was recommended this steak house by some locals and decided to give it a try. When you first walk in it's like an old western museum. I thought it was pretty cozy. I ordered the Chateaubriand and it was charred to death. Almost cut my insides on the way down. Very disappointing. My friends had other cuts of meat that was just fair. The service was good. Overall, it was a nice experience minus the food.
(2)KJ W.
What a great place. I have lived here for over 10 years and had never been. We loved it. I had no idea it was so great for kids too. Staff is awesome and goes fully out of their way to make sure everyone is happy. We went with friends and even with our pretty big group, we all had perfectly prepared food, served at the same time. Will plan to go back for another fun night out. Love it!
(5)Andrew S.
While it is true that this place can be beat on its steaks by other steak houses I've been at, I continue to go back as you can't beat the atmosphere of this place. Some examples: 1. A few years back the heating was out at the Wild Turkey Lounge (a must if you live in the area - I like it more than sitting in the main seating areas) and they broke our blankets for all and shawls for the women. I mean, really, who keeps those sorts of things at restaurants? 2. Last night went for a birthday celebration for my wife and they took the kids back into the kitchen to decorate her cake. The kids got to spoon on sprinkles and M&M's to personalize the free cake they gave her. 3. There is a magician there every Friday night who I've seen a few times (both with kids and adults as his audience). My oldest was looking forward to going to the barn just to see the magician. He didn't disappoint. He had both of my sons helping him with magic tricks table side and both were very excited. 4. Upstairs, there is a kids chest of take home toys that are great to keep the kids occupied until the meal starts coming out. 5. If you're looking for a place to see New Years, again the Wild Turkey Lounge is a great place. They cover the entire space with balloons, hand out party favors, do a round of bubbly near midnight, and in general make it a good place to be. Get there early though, as the lounge does fill up that night. So my summary... Great, family (kid) friendly place that impresses guests with atmosphere. Not the best place ever for steaks, but acceptable. If you're going with a group of adults, I suggest going upstairs to the Wild Turkey Lounge if not for a chaser for the whole meal.
(4)Aaron B.
The customer service is top notch. The steaks are the best you'll find in the Raleigh Area. The interior decor is kind of kitchy.
(4)Matthew C.
Ok steak. Cool atmosphere with good service. Pricey for sure and crowded on a Wednesday. Not sure I'd go back but worth it once. Lots of large parties there for different functions.
(2)Sarah T.
My husband and I moved to the area a year ago and stumbled upon this place one evening. What a great surprise! We ate upstairs in the bar and it was packed the Saturday night we went. Our waitress was phenomenal! I didn't know if I wanted mashed potatoes or the fries with my prime rib, so before my meal came out the waitress brought me two pretty large samples of each to try so I could make my decision. Really incredible prime rib! I loved the roasted red pepper bisque and will definitely have to get it next time!
(5)Ibad K.
The Angus Barn is equal parts American steakhouse and American museum. I loved the decor and the attention to detail. There's an entire wall of historic firearms (mostly revolvers but I remember some muskets, shotguns, and repeaters as well) that's just incredible! Also, the staff is one of the nicest and most attentive I've ever experienced. My friend commented on how everyone from the valet to the waiter were geniunely friendly and not fake. Our waiter also informed us that the restaurant can seat 700 people and has just added a pavillion by the lake for specials occassions! As for the food, it was great! The meals are preceded by cheese crackers with spread that are just sublime and the warm texas toast like bread is also to die for. I had the ribeye with fresh onion rings and my friend had the baby back ribs and our food was delish! Oh, and they've nationally awarded desserts that are made from scratch (for the most part)! Highly recommended!
(5)Sarah E.
Best Steak I have EVER had, if you LOVE steak try them out! They have amazing cheese spread as well as bread.
(5)Paul K.
Always good
(4)Tom C.
The food was good but dinner took forever. Our Reservation were for 5:30 and we still didn't have our dinner by 7:00. We had to ask them to hurry it al long because we had 8:00 theatre tickets. Would recommend as long as you have the time.
(4)Twitch R.
Visiting friends - they took us here for dinner. Fabulous! We got a tour of the place as well, which was amazing. The food was excellent and the atmosphere very lively. Definitely a must do!
(5)F G.
If you're looking for a great steak and price isn't an issue, this is the place. My husband took me there for our 1 year anniversary. Loved the lounge seating. They even had live entertainment, some old guy on the piano. It was really intimate. They even have couch seating. Loved the cheese and crackers while I was waiting on my dinner. Even though steak is the main attraction, the carolina crab cakes were my fav. A must try, especially the dipping sauce. But remember make reservations before going.
(4)Barry S.
Some of the best service I have ever had in a restaurant. Justin was amazing. I was down in the NC area for work and checked out some local steak houses and found some pretty good reviews for the Angus Barn. The decor is interesting to say the least. Not interesting in a bad way just different and very appealing. As i said before the service was amazing, made the experience great. Had the 22oz prime rib, between that the sweet potato, the salad, the chips, and the bread I was more than stuffed. If you are in the area worth checking this place out.
(5)Mr M.
Favorite restaurant experience anywhere. Wild Turkey Lounge, Cheese & Crackers, Wine Tour, Meat Locker Patio, Best service anywhere, great people, great food. I probably like Ruth's Chris steak a little better, but I'm usually so happy to be here, I barely notice. Every time I visit Raleigh, I must hit 3 spots. Firehouse Subs, Flying Saucer, and Angus Barn. Mission Accomplished.
(5)Keith C.
I grew up in this area, so I know that the Angus Barn is an institution. However, I'm afraid the message has gotten back to the Barn. They don't seem to try as hard as they used to. First, let me identify the things they continue to do better than anyone: Service - the waitstaff at AB is very knowledgeable about the menu and they take very good care of the guests. I've been told by individual servers that they go through a 6-week training process before they're allowed to serve. Appetizers - The cheese spread and crackers that come free with dinner (and in the Wild Turkey Lounge) are fantastic. They have two different homemade cheese spreads that have threatened to fill me up before dinner on multiple occasions. With these, you really don't need additional appetizers, but you will want to try the Ostrich Satay and Lump crabmeat coctail as both are superb. WIne - AB has one of the best wine cellars in North Carolina. Dessert - AB has tons of homemade pies and cakes that will simply make your mouth water. If it wasn't so far out of town, I would recommend going there just for dessert! Now for the not so stellar aspects Steaks - I know, right? You would think that a place called the Angus Barn would do steaks well. The truth is that 5 years ago this was my favorite steakhouse in the area. However, the last 3-4 times I've been for dinner, my steak has come out of the kitchen cold and lifeless; no sizzle. I don't know if this is a result of the house preparation method, or if there is an operational problem in the kitchen. Regardless, it has been really disappointing. Ribs - I recently had the AB Barbecued Pork Ribs. They were served luke-warm and tough with little flavor other than the sweet barbecue sauce basting. I can honestly make better ribs than those at home. Sides - SImilar to the steaks, AB seems to be coasting on their laurels in places where they once excelled. On my last trip I had the baked onion as my side. While i believe this dish is a great idea with promise, the current preparation is flavorless with the body of stewed cabbage. Yes, AB is an institution and we should all experience it. However, until they change their operations to improve quality I think I will stick with some of the younger "hungrier" triangle operations
(2)Johnny L.
I went around xmas time, the place was totally xmas'ed out - I loved it! Some of the bar waitresses were wearing some skimpy santa suits, which, really put me in the mood for a bone-in, a T-bone steak, that is. Had the usual, M to drink, C for an appetizer and the T-bone for my main. All was very good and the service was efficient. Decor is pretty cool too, especially since it is a huge barn (hence the name, duh!) It can get pretty crowded, so, make a res. Tourist trap? nah. Expensive, yeah, maybe. All-around good grub.
(4)Janel N.
I heard several good reviews on the Angus Barn. I took my best friend to dinner here on a trip to North Carolina - we got all dressed up and were excited but when we arrived we were way over dressed. I guess dress code for California differs a lot from North Carolina. The food was good - HOT so we know it came right from the kitchen. The prices were a pinch high, but we still had a fun night out. I would recommend, but jeans are A -Ok .
(4)Amy S.
If your looking for an experience, look no further than the Angus Barn, the food is amazing, the ambience and décor are incredible. Every time I go my expectations are met and surpassed.
(5)Ben M.
You'll have to pardon my adherence to traditional gender roles, as they are not something I commonly endorse. It's just that they are the easiest confines in which to accurately describe the Angus Barn. It's a man's restaurant. Not because of the food. The food is good, mind you. You'll pay a lot, but you'll get a tasty cut of beef and - since they know they're charging you top dollar - find that they cook them pretty much exactly how you ordered them. Yes, there are other menu items. But why go to a place called the Angus Barn if you're not going to have a steak? It's not a man's restaurant because of the barn house atmosphere either. Although that's also a lot of fun. And while at least one reviewer found the strange combination of the barn-style decor and the staff and patrons dressed like they're headed to (or working at) the prince's ball, I think it's kind of a neat juxtaposition that gives the place a nice feel. It's not even the Wild Turkey Lounge, even though that's a fine place to have an expensive post expensive dinner drink. I know, it's named after one of the manilest and hair-on-chest-puttingest bourbons out there...but still no. Nope, this place really tells you all you need to know about it when you see when they're closed. Just three days a year. Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Super Bowl Sunday. Man's restaurant.
(5)sara g.
We went to the Beefeaters Haven last night for our holiday family outting. We walked into a zoo of families doing the same thing. My first impression of the place was that is was an oversized Cracker Barrel with cheese spread and crackers. Food: ok. Could get the same thing at Outback Service: not too bad. not 100% attentive. you don't get the impression that they want you to linger and to enjoy your idea. food is rushed to you with little care. it is a machine. Atmosphere: a trip!! from the hired elves (pre-teens not midgets unfortunately) that wave at you from the rafters to the oversized xmas dress to the big red balls hanging from the ceiling to the wall of guns to the display case of wild turkey figurines. OMG!! If we come back, and I think we will, I want to lounge in the Wild Turkey Bar for awhile. It seems like the more chill way to hang, eat and enjoy the sights. The gingerman man on the way out was a nice touch.
(3)Robert B.
I was recently in North Carolina an we went to the barn to celebrate my n mother in law 86 th birthday-- the crackers and cheese were delious it was okay let's face it I am from L. .A I am use to Mortons an Ruth Chris
(3)jonny q.
A unique experience for any visitor to the Raleigh, NC area. The Angus barn features a fantastic homely atmosphere. You should has a drink in the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs. While waiting for a table, I took advantage of the complementary shoe shine service... a nice touch. I went to a Steak House and had the Salmon and it was cooked just right and not dried out. Those at my table that had ordered steaks complimented what they had ordered. But mentioned that it was not on par with the great steakhouses that they has been too (e.g. Bones, Chops, Palm, Ruth's Chris, McKendrick's). And my group is a well traveled bunch with extensive restaurant experience.
(4)Carmen J.
A few gaffes last night, but only for me and we were with a large party. The salad I ordered spinach...I was last at table to be served, but they served me Ceasar and took a long time to return with my actual order...everyone else had finished theirs by the time mine came, so I requested a box. Again my entree arrived last at the table, and although I ordered medium rare but closer to rare, my steak came very well done and again had to be replaced...when it came most were finished eating, so I again requested a box. Everyone else seemed to get what they ordered, so it was just my bad night. The wait staff seemed ok but slow. I prefer Jimmy V's food and service for that price range.
(1)Emily P.
My family likes to go to the Angus barn for special occasions. We went there recently to celebrate my brother's birthday, and we've gone a few other times to celebrate large milestones. Despite the fact that the places claim to fame is their steak, I have to say I'm not all that impressed with it. Sure it's good, but not enough to constitute the price tag. Where the Angus Barn wins with me is it's wine list. They have b far one of the most impressive wine lists in the triangle area. If you're a wine buff (and have some money to spend) then it's definitely worth a trip to try a unique bottle of wine along with a great steak. The service here is fantastic. You're obviously in an excellent restaurant despite the fact you're sitting in a barn.
(4)Randy H.
While in town on business, came here on a tip from the hotel and wasn't disappointed. One of the best steak houses I've experienced. Love the "hearty" atmosphere of this place. It was very busy, and the wait was long, but I enjoyed hanging-out in the lounge. Lots of interesting decor. And the steak was terrific! When I return to Raleigh, this is the #1 place for me.
(5)Chris C.
This is supposed to be "The Steakhouse" in Raleigh that everyone says is a "must visit". It's got a hoedown eclectic décor that's somewhat charming in a dude ranch kind of way. I can see the cast of Hee-Haw having their annual Christmas party there. The most positive take away is that it's the kind of place you'd go to entertain clients or have a team dinner, as they have a lot of seating and are adequately staffed for the large corporate-type clientele. The service is good, as it should be for the proud prices they charge for an adequate cut of beef. The prices are that of a Ruth's Chris, Capital Grill or Del Frisco's any of which I would choose hands down over Ye Old Angus Barn. The term 'Tourist Trap' keeps popping into my head.
(2)Star B.
We went there this past Sunday with my inlaws.I found the place overpriced and the meat flavorless. The bread that I see some people talk about in their reviews, we were never offered. The fillet and ribeye were good. I ordered beef kebobs, some pieces were hard to chew and in general had no flavor.
(2)Justin H.
We ate here for dinner it was really good 1 tip we got that makes the steak way better is add one of there topping like Oscar style ect it makes it taste way better.
(4)Mckenzie C.
Disappointing food, but a world class wine-list! It does remind you of a big barn-like museum which is interesting. Since coming to UNC in 1998 I have heard about Angus Barn -- it is indeed a Raleigh staple. Over the years I have tried so hard to love it --- I have been here with my family, friends, on dates, etc -- it really just never wowed me. I truly love a great steak, but I don't feel like I ever had one at Angus Barn. It kind of makes me sad. I have always really wanted to rave about this place -- it just never happens, because I leave disappointed relative to my actual meal. The meat here is always beyond bland to me -- sides are OK but nothing to write home about... I will say the parking lot is consistently full due to the fact that it is a Raleigh "staple." You see a lot of "Old Raleigh" in this place as well as people here on business. I think many people go just to say they went though -- it really is not that great. I have to stress that the place has a world class wine list. The wine list deserves a 10 except Yelp only goes up to 5. The food here deserves a 3 considering the prices, and the just OK atmosphere. With the exception of one server I had upstairs the overall service here is pretty good. Angus Barn is not really my cup of tea -- unless I have to eat here I avoid it. It gets a 4 for the wine list and the pretty good service. As a meat lover I will say -- if you really want a tasty steak you should remember -- save some dinero and go elsewhere!
(4)Lynette T.
We took my M-I-L to the Angus Barn Sunday for her 88th birthday. After reading some of the reviews I got a little nervous about our selection. We couldn't have more pleased. From the front door until we left we had a marvelous experience. And this is one picky 88 year old. The service, the food was superb. The Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere only added to our experience. The place exudes a graciousness we don't see very much any more. So let's just say we loved it and now I have promised my mother I will take her for 85th birthday and feel confident we will have the same sort of experience.
(5)Tara M.
Both of my experiences at the Angus Barn have been just fantastic. I (of course) had steak on both occasions, and it was delicious. Their sides are mouth watering, and their service is amazing. We have ordered a bottle of wine on both occasions, and, their sommelier was incredibly helpful navigating us through the massive wine list. My husband and I even got a free mini pound cake because we were celebrating our anniversary!
(4)Rachel S.
If you are planning an evening wedding at the Pavilions at Angus Barn, be sure to ask them about the $20,000 minimum on food and drink - because they won't be up front about it! After 2 months of conversations about the details of the wedding venue (including my emphasis on the importance of price) and waiting a month for the contract, it arrived with the line about the minimum tucked between the usual contract language. When I inquired about it, I was told that the coordinator did not tell me because it didn't come up. Needless to say, I'll be holding my wedding elsewhere - and while the new venue I am considering has a minimum (of $10,000), at least they are transparent about their policies.
(1)Bucky T.
What really needs to be said about The Angus Barn that hasn't already been said. It's one of my favorite places to eat. I have never been disappointed in the food nor the service. They have one of the best wine cellars in the country!. The executive chef appeared on the Iron Chef America TV show, and he WON! The Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs is more than comfortable. When I go, I order a half dozen oysters on the half-shell, a cup of the best French onion soup on the planet, the filet mignon (rare) with a cabernet from the Fess Parker vineyards. For desert, they will give you a free pound cake if you are there for a celebration. So we take a bite and box the rest up to take home. Just before we leave, we ask our server for a bone from the kitchen to take home to our dog. Did I say that my dog loves me? One of my favorite things about The Angus Barn is their Thanksgiving Day buffet. Make your reservations months in advance for it because it fills up every year. It is the best Thanksgiving dinner on earth! Man, I'm craving a filet !!!
(5)Gary H.
Great food, service and atmosphere. Cheese and crackers are awesome in addition to the steaks.
(5)Christina L.
A must go place in Raleigh. Just to say you have been there. If you are on a budget, go for a cocktail in the lounge. You will get to experience the ambiance anyway. We always take out of town guests there for a drink. We have had dinner there once. It was good, but pricey for what it was. I would have expected a little better. Not that it was bad, just not outstanding. The decor is interesting, like being in a barn/grandma's house. My friend made the comment that there are too many quilts hanging around, enticing you to curl up in a corner with a blanket after stuffing yourself.
(4)Michael A.
A local landmark with the food and service to back it up. Very unique experience. Great people. Chocolate Chess Pie is off the charts.
(5)Eve P.
We went to Wild Turkey - the lounge area in Angus Barn - for the first time today. I loved the atmosphere...dark with plenty of couches and squishy chairs to sink down into. Plus - FREE homemade crackers and cheese while you enjoy drinks. Perfect! And way less expensive than a full meal at Angus (which is also fabulous, but requires somewhat of a special occasion).
(4)David B.
Easily one of the top five restaurants in the Carolina's, as a steak aficionado it also ranks #3 in the country on my list. Make sure you save room for dessert, the Chocolate Chess Pie is outstanding. Wine list is one of the largest in the country and the sommeliers seem to be very equipped to help you explore the expanses of the cellar if you enlist their service. Prices are reasonable when compared to other, inferior, national chains like The Palm, Morton's, and Ruth's Chris
(5)Harry B.
I'm not a fan of the dining room. I've been there once, its a venerable institution in Raleigh, blah blah blah. Yeah, I've heard it...I tried it. It was okay, the food was really good, service was really good, and we paid highly for it. Fine. But the better dining is the Wild Turkey Lounge. Ever since we ended our evening, with cocktails up there, I just exclusively eat in the Lounge. The service is more personal, the prices are a bit less, you dont feel the pressure to order a full meal, sometimes I just like to go there for a glass of wine and their wonderful blackberry cobbler a la mode, or an appetizer plate with friends. I'm much happier there and more comfortable.
(4)Mark C.
Open wine tastings on 3rd Sunday of the Month are a phenomenal chance to try out some new vino.
(4)Thaddaeus C.
Awesome! Go upstairs to the bar for drinks while you wait, or to eat. Comfy atmosphere for drinks and dinner. Get the t-bone and stuffed potato and call it a night!! Legendary!
(5)Ashley W.
Greet atmosphers, great food, great fun! Love to hang out in the lounge and have a drink or two! Great place to bring friends and family. I would recommend this to anyone wanting a nice evening out, work party, or celebration!
(4)Patricia P.
The Angus Barn never dissapoints! one of the first times i visited we went to the Turkey Trott Lounge-to avoid the wait (it was 3 hours) and were about to leave (the cigar smoke was too much too bear ,it was not yet smoke free). And Van (manager) overheard me stating that i wanted to leave and would not let us-within 20 min she ordered us a round of drinks, their rib appetizer and found us a table inside the restaurant! Their rib appertizer is amazing! You are almost always tempted to order more and let that be your meal- they are juicy, fall of the bone and the bbq sauce is undescribable! Me and my husband always split the chateubriand with a side of bernaise-again amazing! (i hear angelws siinging when i take my first bite) I also have the side spinach salad-great! and he has the steak fries-never dissapoint. It is just a matter of time before we return. Though i do dislike their snooty old money nc patrons, but lately the crowd has been younger(i guess since they cannot smoke their god awful cigars anymore-may i say that is the best law!) And all of their waiters are on point and most of them could balance anywhere from 15-27 wine glasses in one hand-just ask they will demonstrate!
(5)Armando S.
I guess I shouldn't complain when I'm invited, but I will only because I've been here before and had excellent experiences. Let's just say that it's a long way from dining at the ecclectic wine cellar to the upstairs dining room. We were a group of nearly 30 and while service and attention was great, the food was mediocre at best. This was a company event, adn the AB does many events, so it's not as if we were a first. I was dissapointed since I was touting to my invited guest the great experience that we would have. Note to my hosts. If you can't get the wine cellar, don't bother. Now let's see if I'll be invited back.
(2)Carmen H.
I first ate here when I was just out of nursing school, some forty plus years ago. If my travels take me to the vicinity, as they have some five or so times since, I always manage to dine at the Angus Barn. It always seems to be crowded and, though I've been to better steak places in the world, a Raleigh visit would not be complete without dinner there. I like their extensive appetizer list - from soft shell crabs to ostrich to shrimp cocktail. Salad choices include spinach, Ceasar and garden and there are all sorts of potatoes - baked, french fries, There are all sorts of potatoes to ensure your carb intake and, of course, the steaks are superb. The barn trappings are somewhat of a novelty. Give me the food!!!! I don't require all the rest.
(4)Susan M.
We went for Thanksgiving Dinner. From the moment we pulled up to the front door and the Valet opened the door it was just a wonderful festive atmosphere. We did not wait long to get to our table and along the way everyone was very friendly. Once seated, the waitress explained the buffet...yes a buffet for Thanksgiving and told us where the different stations were located. What a variety of foods, from salmon, shrimp to turkey, roast beef, ham, potatoes, mac&cheese, cranberries, mashed, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, collards...and more and the desserts were heavenly. We had already decided we are going back next year, everyone was delighted.
(5)Liz B.
We got some great food, but the 5 stars are really for the amazingly good service we received. We went on our anniversary with our kids (one of the few places with excellent, high-end food that is also genuinely kid friendly). The food was very good; I got the ribeye and my husband got the prime rib, and both were cooked well and tasted great. The wine was lovely. The ambiance was a lot of fun -- all these old fireplaces and farm equipment gave the place an air of relaxed charm, as did the rocking chairs on the front porch, which a lot of people were actually using to relax; they weren't just for show. It is a very laid back place, which we liked. The overall service was outstanding; our server was pleasant, professional, and attentive. And when we ran into a complication, without telling the whole story, I will just say that the manager went FAR above and beyond to make our meal pleasant -- I mean, went from the "excellent professional quality service" into "WOW what a nice person to do so much to make sure we had a good time." I highly recommend this place!
(5)Mike C.
Really fun place to go to. The decor is interesting and the food was excellent. Both the ribs and steak were fantastic. The desert was also great. Was one of the last tables of the night and received the tour of the wine cellar. One of the biggest in the country! Highly recommended.
(4)Peter K.
OK, this place was very very good, but very very expensive. Coming from the LA area, when I think something is expensive, you know it's pricey. I had a new york steak, oscar style. It was superb. The sides were very good. Also tried the chef's signature ostrich satay - unbelievable. That plate was his creation on the Iron Chef, and I would recommend trying that appetizer. I was a little disappointed that their signature bread pudding is a winter only dessert. That actually turned me off a little. The decor is definitely a barn - but this place was packed. I would say that it's definitely a local favorite for "events" and celebrations. I'm not a Ruth's Chris fan, so if you want an excellent steak - go here instead. We brought our own wine, because I'm a bit of a snot, but they had an extensive wine cellar.
(4)YNOT S.
I went to Angus Barn on Jan 25, 2009. It turns out to be a huge mistake. The food temperature was not hot enough. There was no fresh baked bread, only some salty crackers. When I asked for some bread, they toasted couple slides of white bread that they bought from a grocery store! This is supposed to be a high end steak house for crying out loud! The veggies were plain and tasteless. The crab cake had some crab shells in it and too much sauce on the plate. Again, only lukewarm. I asked my prime rib to be cooked medium rare, but it was totally bloody and very rare -- I asked the waiter to take back to the kitchen and to get me a different piece. If it's a cheap place, I won't be picky, but with the price I paid, I was expecting way much better.
(1)Melba L.
Def not worth the money! Ordered the filet mignon and it was mediocre. Cooked properly but lacked taste. My French onion soup was Luke warm at best. My friend also had issues with her steak being cold.
(1)Karen B.
We came here for the steak, and we weren't disappointed. The petit fillet was perfectly medium rare, as requested. The sides were a bit bland. But they gave us huge amounts of food we had not expected! Appetizers: pickles, olives, crackers and small ramekins of spreadable cheese. Big basket of fried bread. We're supposed to eat an entree after all this? I had ordered unsweetened iced tea (you must specify this). I guess the server forgot, and filled my glass with sweet tea. After the initial shock from the jolt of sugar, I made it through to the end of the meal. No dessert after that tea!
(4)Bell C.
After reading about "The Angus Barn" in local publications, we decided to give it a try. I love a nice steak! The service was great, pleasant and everything timed just right. Unfortunately the food was just a step above Outback. The steaks were bland and not particularly tender. Overpriced and resting on their laurels. Try Bin 54 or Sullivans if you are looking for a steakhouse. As other reviewers have noted, "Angus Barn" is just not worth the price.
(2)T D.
The food here is amazing. I ordered the filet mignon wrapped w/bacon. It was cooked to perfection. The complimentary cheddar cheese spread with the crackers are so addictive. Had to stop myself from getting full on it. And the warm poppyseed dressing for the salad was so good. Overall the food was good and the service was very attentive.
(4)Zehr S.
it is a barn, first of all, a barn house overlooking the highway from above, nice paints and everything... went there finally one night, with a reservation, i had no issues finding my table, it was a very small table, the inside looks okay, with a lot of tables, so kind of crowded, our waitress she was an amazing black lady, humming along while working, man, she was sweating like crazy yet still humming...what a nice working attitude, so precious in today's crazy world she was very professional too, very outspoken too, when sb. mentioned trying one of the local wine, her face made it a clear no-no...the wine sampler actually worked very well, you could pick up 4 to 6 different types of wines finally the steak, it was actually very good, before i went there, sb. local told me it was not even better than Lone Star, so my expectation was kind of low before I went....after the meal, i know i would never ask that person to recommend any steak house to me inside you saw birthday parties, waitress climbing on top of a chair taking pics. for the clients...it is a very casual steak house, not pretentious at all, and best of all, i missed the "humming lady" when the bill came, it was a magic number 100, :-)
(4)Justin P.
A North Carolina institution. If you appreciate great food and are not afraid to pay a large amount for it, this is definitely a place you should try.
(5)linda t.
So good. This place has the best steak in the RTP area. The Chocolate Chess Pie has won multiple awards and you can also get the recipe on your way out :) It's delicious!! Make reservations, though. Also, you will spend a pretty penny, but you should at least try it once
(4)Thomas B.
Average food, rude waitstaff. Visually interesting country barn motif. But the food at Angus Barn is overrated. There is nothing special about the flavor or quality of the cuts of meat, and the waitstaff is often disinterested or outright rude. No plans to return here. Sullivan's in Raleigh is several orders of magnitude better on all levels.
(2)David D.
I remember going here as a kid a lot when I used to live in North Carolina as it was a family favorite. I went here recently on a trip back to NC and I must say that while I thought it was very good, it wasn't as good as I remember. I still would recommend this place to anyone that wants a nice formal steak dinner in the Raleigh area. Despite the price, the atmosphere is very unique and food is good.
(4)Pam S.
Amazing. The staff is wonderful. The food is delicious. The wine is great. I highly recommend the entire experience!
(5)Luke C.
Came here as a group (company dinner). Admitted the food was not bad, particularly given that there were like 20 of us. The quality of food was great, atmosphere was also matched the splendor of food. Very pricey though.
(4)Mary T.
Why Raleighites continue to come here when there are much more interesting things, I have no idea. The meat, sure, it's done well (though they will cook it well done if you ask). But that's about it. Sides: boring. Staff: rushed and rude. It's fine, but it's not good, and it's certainly not worth the price tag.
(3)michael f.
Absolutely terrible customer service, and the appetizers I had before we were kicked out were less than "meh". You're probably thinking "Before you were kicked out, you say? Well obviously you are a hooligan whose review I should not listen to!". Well, let me tell you a little story... So I met my family for a very special dinner on a saturday night. My sister and brother are both very young, my brother being 13 months. We had specifically made reservations to sit at a certain table that was special to my family, which when we arrived they wouldnt give us (even though it was set up and waiting for us), because they saw we had a baby and would only place us in the back side room. That was disappointing, but fine. I get it. After ordering appetizers, my baby brother woke up and started to make baby noises - not crying, but just making noises and thinkin' he was all talkin' and bein' a productive member of conversation (he wasn't, but whatever). There was no one else in the back side room, mind you. Our waiter comes over and tells us we need to quote "shut up our baby, it is being really loud". Obviously, this waiter was male and a jerk. My mother says "what did you say?" and the waiter actually REPEATS it. My dad, being the calm one, said he would try to see what he could do. After giving my brother his pacifier, he quieted down from his happy "talking" noises. When the waiter brought the appetizers, my baby brother dropped his pacifier and it fell on the guy's shoe. He exclaimed "gross!" and did one of those shiver-chills-of-disgust before stepping on my brother's pacifier and then hightailing it out of there. By now, the whole table was like "WTF?", and while my mom was fuming she hadnt said anything to anybody. My sister and I started eating the appetizers while my parents were giving each other Important Looks to see what they were going to do. Before they could do or say anything, the manager walked over and told us that WE needed to leave. He said our baby was disruptive, and that our waiter had "told him how disgusting we were" and that we needed to leave. My mom, of course, lit into him with the full story, of which the manager actually said "I dont know you but I know my waiter, he's been here a long time and I would believe him over a stranger any day. Please leave". So my mom starts getting extremely upset, now my brother starts to cry, my sister is confused and my dad is trying to comfort my mom. I took my sister outside, and after a few minutes my crying and furious mother comes out. Now, she never ever cries, so it was odd to see her in this way, and it really shook my sister as well. So yeah, Angus Barn will never be getting our business again.
(1)Kevin S.
I find the Angus Barn to very overrated by everyone in the Triangle. I think a lot of people think it is great because of the cost. While the steaks are good I really feel that $ for $ you can get a steak just as good at Outback or some place like that. I know a lot will disagree and say I'm crazy but I'd just like people to understand that while its good its not AMAZING. Most of the sides are good and so are a lot of their appetizers. The best room in the whole place is the Wild Turkey Lounge. Its the bar upstairs in the restaurant. The bar is decorated with turkey decanters all over the place and you feel like you are in an old cabin. Service is good and the prices are not that bad for drinks. Also when you are flying into RDU take a look at this place from the air. It looks like a monstrosity. All in all I'd maybe go once to say youve been and then next time go to Outback and save the $ to go out the next night also.
(2)Brad B.
The Angus Barn isn't so much a restaurant as an experience. From the second you drive into the parking lot you know that this is not a run-of-the-mill steakhouse. The collection of Colt single actions, rifles, and other guns is a useful distraction while you wait for your table, as is the Wild Turkey lounge. Don't miss the free salad bar. I've only been once, I admit, but it was quite a night. Our steaks were all stellar, both in the cut, and in the grilling. I'm not an hardcore steak fan, but these were first-rate, no question. Most steakhouses over-season a perfectly decent steak trying to be different. Angus Barn does not make this mistake. They simply take a great cut of beef and perfectly prepare it.
(5)Conspicuous C.
Big place with a country character. They have a humidor and a bar upstairs where you can smoke cigars. Impressive wine list. The steak was pretty good, although the filet on my thick-cut T-bone was dried out. Crackers with cheese are served as the "bread". You can take some home with you afterwards from the gift shop. Not sure why you would want to do that, but you can. The service was excellent. Expensive ($30+/plate), and the wine was overpriced even for an expensive restaurant. They even have a $40,000 (yes you read that right) vintage set that you can order from the basement, or get a free tour of their cellars. I suppose this is a fun place to go to once in awhile, but other than the down-home decor it wasn't anything different from any other fine steakhouse.
(4)Melanie D.
I went here once and was not impressed. Born and raised in Raleigh, I've always heard, "Oooh, Angus Barn, that place is awesome." But I thought it was only okay. This could be skewed, though, because: 1) I am not fond of steak in general 2) The decor reflects the "barn" part of the name and is very rough looking. 3) I thought the prices were a little high for the atmosphere it represented (casual). That being said, I tried the small filet mignon and liked it. It was very tender and they prepared it exactly as I asked - medium well. There used to be another family-owned steakhouse in Raleigh, Swain's. That place had candles, white table clothes and a really yummy selection of food. I really liked it, but it closed down awhile back. And Swain's was definitely better than Angus Barn. Overall, though, solid experience, but I think I was expecting a lot more.
(3)Jim C.
That was a damn good steak... Nice, relaxed service and some great wine.
(4)Adri T.
For Valentine's dinner we headed to "Angus Barn". The place was packed. We made reservations in '08 for the night, so we were quickly seated at a quaint little table for two. Once seated the waitress brings out a tasty little sampler of cheese spreads, homemade crackers, olives, peppers, pickles, and celery. After we got acquainted with the colossal menu, we decided on raw oysters for an appetizer, and asked for the sommelier's recommendation for a berriful pinot noir. The waitress returned and informed us of his selection, and we chose to go with his decision. Moments later she returned "regretfully" informing us that the $40 bottle of wine he recommended to us was no longer available, and they would be substituting an $80 bottle in it's place, for the same price - what a shame! The replacement wine, "Adelsheim" pinot noir, was perfect with our filet dinners. The oysters were fresh and served on the half shell on an ice bed. We ordered two steak dinners with salads and mashed potatoes. Everything was perfectly cooked, and our steaks were topped with gorgonzola and balsamic reduction! Delish! After our meals we were tempted by an enormous dessert tray. The selections included three types of cheesecakes, pecan pie, sundaes, chocolate chess pie, and cobblers. will decided on chocolate chess pie, a guest favorite - and i talked the waitress into putting chocolate sauce on top of fruit cheesecake! I also selected a glass of "Arboleda carmenere". This wine is from chile, and was out of this world! (The lost grape of Bordeaux, Carmenére has made a comeback in Chile. Deep violet color, blackberries and cherries along with vanilla and cacao.) if you have not been to the angus barn, you really should check it out! It's a winner!
(5)Scott W.
I haven't been to any other spots in NC for comparison sake- the Angus Barn is part restaurant part convention/meeting facility. I can see alot of corporate events and weddings taking place here. Very comfortable decor but not elegant at all. Our server, Katie, was extremely nice and knowledgeable about the menu. They offer home made crackers and cheddar cheese spread as a complimentary app- along with pickles, cherry peppers, celery and olives. Be careful- I watched the table next to us mow through the crackers and cheese and then not touch their meal! Katie suggested the french onion soup and was right on target. Was very tasty. Ordered Prime Rib- Whig I generally don't do- and it was cooked medium as ordered. It was a nice piece of meat - but nothing I would call memorable. Desserts were a plenty- i had a North Carolina Berry crumble- it was very good and just right amount to finish the meal. Wine selection was 86 pages long-----but didn't need to be. Oddly enough, of the 27,000 bottles they claim to have- they didn't have the Stags Leap Artemis I ordered.
(3)Michael W.
sorry to rain on the parade, but i have to be honest. this place REALLY wasn't what i was expecting. 1) price. to be honest, the prices themselves weren't all that bad. they were high, but we went in knowing that. what frustrated me was that the prices in the bar we waited in for an hour and a half were $5-$10 cheaper than the prices in the dining area. 2) the service. it wasn't terrible, but it wasn't mind-blowing either. i know servers work harder for larger groups (bigger tip), but i felt ours ONLY came around for the party next to us and saw us as an afterthought. she also forgot my wife's glass of wine that she asked to have served with the meal. 3) the food. best french onion soup ever? it was OK, but i've had better at chain restaurants like Claim Jumper (mostly a West Coast chain, but those that know it know exactly what i'm talking about). and for what i paid for the prime rib, i would have expected some mind-blowing piece of meat. what i got was just OK, but nothing great. there was no seasoning whatsoever, and was much too cooked for rare. 4) the dining room. this place seems to not be able to figure itself out. the room itself is OK. it's a barn. it has stuff all over reminding you that it's a barn. some table even sit under hay. and the tables are just basic tables with checkered tablecloths. OK. neat. but then there are hosts in suits and everyone is dressed up in their Sunday best. also, when compared to their upstairs lounge (which we LOVED), the downstairs just seemed too.........campy? i dunno. just a big let down for sure. the dining room NEEDS some more intimacy for sure. in all, we probably would have been much happier if we had stayed upstairs and eaten in the bar. the food still would have just been mediocre, but at least we wouldn't have felt so ripped off by having to pay more just to sit in a room that wasn't anywhere near as nice as the bar. if this were just some restaurant that we randomly walked into, i probably would have rated this a 3-star. but, for all the hype about this place, we were just severely let down. it's not worth the price. i could have gone to Firebirds in the Southpoint Mall or an Outback Steakhouse and gotten just as good (if not better) food.
(2)Jeffrey C.
Sorry, but I disagree with all the great reviews I have read on this one. I have eaten at the Angus Barn a few times over the past 15 or so years living here and while I agree the atmosphere is unique and the service is very good, the food at best is average and over priced. I ate here with a group from work about a week ago, I had the 10oz bacon wrapped filet for $38, ( looked to be the 7oz). It was not the center cut, like you get at Ruth Chris, but looked to be from the head of the beef tenderloin. Not pretty. Worse yet, it had no flavor at all. I had a Caesar salad and sauteed mushrooms both okay, about on pare with The Outback Steakhouse. For the amount of money you will spend for dinner here you can get a better tasting steak from other places specializing in steaks in the area. Or better yet, go get a USDA Prime cut steak from the Meat House in Cary, grab a "big-red" wine from Great Grapes next door, and head home to your own kitchen or grill and enjoy yourself and the money you will save.
(2)S T.
Moved to Cary about 15 months ago, and Angus Barn had been on the list of "musts" to try out. We were SORELY disappointed! The food was flavorless and while the staff was very nice, service was extremely slow. But all in all, I care about the food and it was mediocre at best. I had the 10z Filet, it was fine - nothing to rave about. I also order the sautéed mushrooms with white wine and garlic as one of my sides. They were not "sautéed" at all. It was like the kitchen pre-prepared the mushrooms and upon serving, added them in a bowl of wine/garlic broth. My dinner companion desired a bone-in ribeye, the menu listed a bone-in prime rib and standard ribeye. We asked the waitress if they could do a bone-in ribeye and she said "I believe so, let me check with the chef". They said "yes", this was very pleasing, as I hate being told no :-) Unfortunately the bone-in ribeye was awful. It appeared they took a bone-in prime rib and through it on the grill. So - the tab was $140 for two people (oh yes, the wine was good!), and I went home and made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We agreed there was absolutely no inclination to give AB a second chance at all! I'd run to Fleming's, Ruths Chris, Sullinavn's or even Outback instead!
(1)Jessica P.
For my 21st birthday, I was taken to Angus Barn for the first time. I was so impressed from top to bottom! We entered and told them our reservation name which they responded with, "Happy 21st birthday, Jessica!" Talk about having great organization. The only down side could be the fact we waited 25-30 minutes, even with a reservation. I actually don't consider it a negative thing at all, though, considering all the scenery that's to be seen on one's first visit. We were there in December when the lobby/waiting area was decked out with Christmas decorations, a beautiful fire, and complimented by hors d'oeuvres and hot cider. They even had a nice little gift shop to walk around while waiting. As if all of this wasn't enough to hold us over, when we were finally lead to our table (complete with a birthday balloon floating above,) we were immediately given the choice between two appetizers on the house. Keep in mind we hadn't mentioned any sort of complaint in the least. We chose the pork ribs and they did not disappoint. Between the finger foods in the lobby, hot cider, a free pork rib appetizer, complimentary bread + butter, and complimentary crackers served with two different cheeses, we knew we were in for a treat (and would be taking some good leftovers home afterwards.) I ordered the small steak for my entree, served with fabulous all-the-way potatoes and two very tasty steak sauces. Hands down, best steak I've ever put in my mouth. And I've tried my share of steak. We had great service and did not feel rushed, which is always a rare and well-praised occasion. Let me not forget to mention the exceptional wine list that can't be missed. A dinner isn't complete without dessert! We wound up packing up our entree's early so we could save room for dessert and really enjoy the entire experience. I was served the traditional pound cake dessert that I hear is complimentary for all birthdays and anniversaries. Loved it, but also tried a piece of cheesecake. Just ask to see the dessert tray and hear all about each one. It's a treat in itself! I couldn't resist. What a birthday to remember! Thank you, Angus Barn! Don't forget to snag a ginger bread cookie and apple when you leave. I'll be returning.
(5)Nikki R.
Go here because it's an institution. Don't expect much in terms of quality of the food. Portions are huge. if you don't want to take your leftovers home, they feed yours to the tigers at the zoo! It was really busy when I was there, so make reservations to be safe. Tip: Dessert was the best part of the meal!
(3)Jon H.
A must do for the beef lover. For me, I ordered a lobster entree and received the single largest, but tender, lobster I've ever seen much less eaten. I shared it with three friends who also loved it! One of the best wine selections in the state! Make sure that Van takes you on a tour through the Kitchen to the cigar bar outside!
(5)Jeremy A.
Came in for dinner on a weeknight and opted to sit in the wild turkey lounge which is a cool place with some really neat ambiance including a wall of vintage guns. The cheese and crackers with olives bar is real great to start your dinner with but dont fill up on that or the buttered bread they bring out which is also awesome. The Filet was good and we got it with the red wine sauce. We also got the prime rib which I thought was good but it was a bit lacking in seasoning in the actual steak or the horseradish sauce. Dont get me wrong Im certainly not looking for the meat to be overseasoned because that masks the quality of an awesome steak but it seemed like it had nothing on it at all including salt and pepper. We definitely want to come back to check out the Chateaubriand and I guess I can say for the hype surrounding this place I expected a little bit more for the hefty price tag that comes along with a visit to the Angus Barn.
(3)Roger H.
Such an awesome dining experience. This place has it all- great food, beautiful atmosphere, excellent service, huge portions.
(5)Leela S.
If you have guests in town, particularly during the holiday season, I defy you to find a more festive dining location than the Angus Barn. I've been there three times, most recently to celebrate my husband's birthday. In any other scenario, nothing pisses me off more than places that have holiday decorations up early - but the AB gets away with it, mostly because you can't help but feel like a 5-year old when you walk in the door. It's wall-to-wall ho ho ho. It's not perfect though - I ended up with a score of 4 stars based on ambience (5), our food (3), our in-laws' food (4) and the service (5). Here are my seven tips for optimizing your AB experience: 1) Arrive early and head up to the Turkey Lounge for an aperitif. Cool? Not really. Charming in a cosy, wholesome, rustic way? Totally. If the lounge is mobbed, order from the bar downstairs and monopolize the nearby fireplace. 2) Be sparing with the pre-dinner snacks. There are free vats of cheese spread, olives and whatnot in the downstairs lounge area. It's tasty enough, but you have a lot of eating ahead of you. 3) For apps: if in doubt, the caesar is solid. The soup of the day when we visited was a red pepper and tomato bisque with crab, which my husband pronounced delish. 4) For mains: stick with your favorite cut of meat. My in-laws each went with a steak and ribs combo and were delighted by their plates. I ordered the seasonal special, a fillet stuffed with goat cheese, walnuts, cranberry and other morsels that sounded good. Trouble was, the meat was dried out and charred on the outside. Not the way I want tender fillet. Joel had the chateaubriand but wished he'd ordered a fillet or prime rib. 5) Be celebrating something - birthday, anniversary, whatever - so you hopefully end up with their fab pound cake as a celebratory dessert and in your take-home box. 6) Either order the right wine (we had a couple of bottles of Gundlach Bundschu at $70 each - sigh, I miss California) or talk about your love of wine enough that they get the point, and get a tour of the wine cellar below. They've got a really strong cellar that's been recognized by the WS 20+ years in a row. 7) Temper your expectations. This is not the best meal you'll ever, ever have based on quality of food. You should get a very good meal however, with excellent service and a childhood memory-invoking experience.
(4)Graeme B.
The Angus Barn is like kissing a beautiful woman, only to realize that she is a heavy smoker. Looks good, but leaves a nasty taste in your mouth! Food is just so darned inconsistent. Food can be cold, & uncooked or over cooked. Some times you wait forever to get the next course, or conversely, you can get your next course before you are ready. Other times it can be pretty good - it depends on the day - too much of a crap shoot when you see the prices! The decor is like eating in a Dolly Parton movie and I fully expected a banjo and guitar to "have at it" at any moment - but that is part of the fun. To all intents and purposes it is a Cracker Barrel for Steaks, without the consistency of quality. Sad to say, but there are much better restaurants to go to if it is good food you are looking for.
(3)Andrea Y.
Excellent from top to bottom. Great wait staff. Very attentive, and she was superb with the kids. Wine list is very deep - wish we could've downed more than 2 bottles. Ate too many crackers, but still managed to down a great deal of my meal. I got the filet with balsamic reduction and blue cheese. It was mmm mmm tasty. Meat was perfectly medium rare. Tomato was baked so that it had a crust and popped open with juices. Broccoli and potatoes were nothing to write home about, but still good to eat. Blueberries cobbler was *amazing*. The perfect finish. My only complaint would be portion sizes, which were way too big. If you're looking for a quiet fancy evening, don't come here. It's pretty loud, and although some people were dressed up, many were not. I disagree with the list saying not good for kids - it was great for our 3 year old and 1.5 yr old. There was a balloon waiting for all kids, and stuffed animals in the store. They let the 3 year old go in back and make his own sundae.
(4)Jez R.
Wow, the staff here was really friendly. Wow, the place is huge. Wow, the steaks are good! This place is definitely worth a single visit if not for the decor and setting alone. But the steak was great, very moist and tender. The sides and sauces were appropriate and good as well. The exterior, much like the Library 2 in New Jersey resembles a ramshackle structure. Thank goodness that the interior is not the case. This was the first place we hit upon arrival to Raleigh and I was thrilled. I hope we go back again when I arrive in two months because after a long flight with no food this place is awesome!
(4)mike b.
I came here on a recommendation from a friend from Raleigh. I was very disappointed with the quality of the food. the steaks were very overcooked. not prime quality and dry. I would not come back here again. The bright spots where the service and the attention to detail of the waitstaff.
(2)Matt C.
With exception of Clydes (Broadlands, VA), this is certainly the largest restaurant I have ever been to. Also gets an award for how confusing it is to find. If it were not for the road signs dedicated to the place we may not have found it. But on to the important part. All around pretty solid cuisine and certainly one of the best wine lists I have seen in the area. Would have been four stars actually. They get dinged one star for overpricing everything. Maybe being away from San Francisco for a couple months I am already adjusting to the less expensive restaurant tabs (among virtually every other less expensive good and service). Not trying to justify it, but someone later told me that the chef won an award five years ago on Iron Chef for his ostrich. Congrats on that; unfortunately I did not get the memo, but might return to try some award winning ostrich.
(3)Wynn S.
The food was good, but hardly worth the price. It is such an established eatery in Raleigh it gets away with overpricing. You pay more because it is the Angus Barn period.
(3)Matthew V.
The Angus Barn is a classy joint hiding behind a common name. The atmosphere is nice, and it appears to be a local favorite, but the prices are high for the quality of the food. All our dinners - two steaks and an order of pork ribs - were good, but not great, and could've been warmer overall. I don't regret the decision to dine, but have a hard time recommending it.
(3)Mike O.
This is a landmark in Raleigh, but since I live on the other side of town I had never eaten there. I had always heard good things though. A friend was in town from Nashville so we decided to meet up there and try out their new "Meat Locker" which was built for people who want to smoke cigars. The area was comfortable with big comfy chairs. I had a fillet with rochfert and blue cheese. It was perfect... We went on a Tuesday night and the place was packed with a 60+ minute wait for the dinning room. I would recommend you plan ahead.
(4)Kim H.
This is like going to a theme restaurant. The theme is eating in a barn with guns on racks....old dishes....great country setting. I can see for tourist that want to see the authentic side of North Carolina with a little theme park feel....this place does its jobs. The food isn't bad either.
(3)Miguel S.
An institution. Dined here on numerous occasions dating back to the mid/late 90's through recently & have always enjoyed the excellent food & service. You never know where you might sit (even if you're hosting a private party) because the place is expansive with all sorts of nooks, crannies, lounges, etc. Right to dessert (save room, trust me): The key lime pie, cheesecakes, cobblers and brulees are all wonderful, but the chocolate chess pie is simply out of this world.
(5)James F.
We always love going to the Angus Barn. We would highly recommend getting reservations on most nights if you want to dine in the main dining area. For us, we typically go up to the Wild Turkey Lounge and get a table right away. We have been there many times and have never been disappointed with the food or service. We enjoy the atmosphere and food more than we do at Ruth's Chris' over in Cary. As for the price, we feel you get a great value for the money. It's not cheap, but it's not as pricey as we feel it could be. This is a great area restaurant to take clients or family out for a nice evening or to get a gift certificate for them.
(5)Megan R.
I just went to a wedding at the Angus Barn Pavillion. The food was outstanding, but the service was the real star of the show. I haven't been treated that well in a long time, maybe ever.
(5)Queenie V.
I think I would have had to go to McDonald's to have a worse burger, which makes me really sad because I decided to splurge on my burger urge and went here instead of five guys on the night I really had the hankering. The meat was hardly seasoned, and though correctly cooked, was rather watery...and I'm not sure why. And the root beer I got was just basic A&W brought in A PLASTIC BOTTLE. Egads, people-- either stock sasparilla in glass bottles to go with the decor, get some root beer on tap or by gun, or just take it of the menu. The fries were decent but really nothing special. The only reason why I'm giving it two stars instead of one is that: 1. I've only gone once and while I will not go again unless someone else makes me go with them, I would be curious to see if their non-burger options are equally ack. 2. It's a great building, and looked like a fantastic place to hole up on a wintery night with a group of close friends over drinks in their upstairs lounge. Though, I couldn't figure out why it was so drafty and cold since there were fireplaces around.
(2)Lauren R.
I had no idea what to expect when I ate here. I'm from Chicago. We don't eat steak in a barn. I loved it. The barn is kitchy, cool, and very interesting. We had drinks in the Wild Turkey lounge and we were surrounded by ceramic turkeys. They weren't even ironic turkeys. They were a part of some crazy turkey colleciton. Then we sat by the gun collection and OMG there are some crazy-ass guns in that restaurant. Dinner was great. I had a bacon-wrapped filet with a Gorgonzola and balsamic reduction. Add some garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, and world-famous chess pie for dessert. Holy crap, I didn't regret a single bite. We drank a bottle of wine from the cellar and then took the tour. Probably should take the tour before you drink because it makes navigating the stairs a little easier, but the cellar is interesting and the wine collection is impressive. Who knew that this place had a chef who competed on Iron Chef America? Who knew that a barn could be so awesome? I'd go back in a heartbeat. I want more steak. Added tip: check out the country store. It's awesome and cute.
(4)Mark C.
I am not sure it gets any better than The Angus Barn. I went for my Birthday this weekend with my family. It is simply incredible! First, the impeccable service is amazing. The training and knowledge that the entire staff demonstrates is unrivaled. The service in itself is worth the visit. My table had a vast array of orders including steak, salmon, ribs and burgers. Everyone was completely impressed with their entres which comes with a choice of salad and a choice of potatoe. I highly reccomend the bacon wrapped filet and the beef tip ribs. It is extremely tough to finish your food, but leave room for desert. If you are looking for an impressive dinner in Raleigh I think The Barn is tough to beat!
(5)Sarah C.
Superb dinner last night...And fabulous that @ideasattjw and @martinrtp knew to arrange dinner in the upstairs "loft area" wonderful. The gun display and the visit to the kitchen AND the amazing wine cellar .. We're @wannesrams found the $15,000 bottle of Conti was fantastic. Make a night of it.. Visit the cigar humidor too!
(5)JK L.
Excellent place for steaks. This is a really wonderful place for dinner. They even have a little country store inside. Came here based on a client's recommendation and I was not sorry. This place is really something! Two stories. We dined upstairs. What I like is the homemade crackers, which made fresh daily. A must try is the spreadable cheese with the homemade crackers, variety of olives, celery sticks and pickles to start before you even sit down. We also tried the fresh oysters...outstanding and fresh! Started with a Caesar Salad and then my entree selection...a 10 ounce prime rib cooked perfectly medium rare. My prime rib was served with assorted vegetables and mushrooms. My client shared a Chateaubriand with his wife. I understand the Chateaubriand is one of their speciality. The service was very friendly. Our server came by several times to refill our water glasses with out being asked. My other client tried the ribs...I don't any one can finish it. The size of the rib platter was amazing. Too full to try the dessert, but the selections look excellent. Must come back Make reservations, this place packs them in.
(4)Melodie S.
The Angus Barn is amazing! If for no other reason than the surroundings,, it truly is set in a gigantic barn, and the history of this establishment is local legend. The Wild Turkey Lounge is where you should begin your experience, I felt so, well, legitimately southern. The steaks were good, not exceptional, but prepared to the perfect temp and the service was commendable considering how full the place was. Prices are substantially higher than the run of the mill places around here , but on par with Ruth's Chris. Given the choice between the two, I would choose the Angus Barn over and over, every time.
(4)Daniel R.
First thing, they don't open for dinner until 5PM, Yelp says 3PM, but that is just the lounge. The review: We went at three, and realized we were early, the lady T the front was very nice and made us a reservation for 5PM. We came back at 4:45 and were seated immediately. We had crackers on the table and within 1 minute had two different types of cheese to with them. I love cheese and crackers, and these were very good. As we nibbled on those, we ordered drinks and the ribs appetizer. She brought the drinks and we ordered the meal. She brought the salads, nothing spectacular, but a good salad. The ribs were very good, and she also brought us a small plate of olives, pickles, peppers, and celery. When she brought the main course, she also brought a basket of Texas toast. Wow, the Texas toast was great, and the T-Bone was outstanding. Price was a little steep, since three people only had two meals, but we will be going back in the future.
(5)Katarina N.
Our lab went here with 20 people Sunday and we received great service for seating a large group! The reason for 4 stars was that my salmon was slightly dry and lacked flavor. Also the cesaer salad I had was bland, but the croutons were great! I also agree with the person below who said the mashed potatoes weren't warm. The potatoes were supposed to be garlic but I didn't taste any flavor. Consistency was smooth though! The appetizers were delicious including the crab cakes! We had shrimp and ribs as well I believe in addition to garlic bread. The service was REALLY good for our group and anything that was needed was accommodated quickly and servers were friendly! Creme brule was so mouth watering and decent sized portion! The selection of deserts was also a plus. I would rate 4.8 stars if I could by my main entree left more to be desired. I understand it was a steak house but I don't eat steak so I went for the salmon. It was cooked nicely but just lacked any flavor. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meal! Lastly the service was overall great, especially for a large group! I would recommend!
(4)E O.
What was once a special and exceptional place to dine, the quality and experience has plummeted. The food is good but for what you pay you are flushing money down the toilet. Want a good steak, go to Outback for less than half the price. Service is very slow. Our reservation was for 6, seated at 630 and dinner entrees arrived at 750. Note: no appetizers or drinks at our table. I have gone to the Angus Barn for over 30 yrs. you used to be treated like a king and little things, like chilled salad forks, made it a special event on every visit. No More....
(2)Joann F.
Over rated, over priced! Just because you're the oldest restaurant in Raleigh, it doesn't make you any good. All this hype, raised my expectations & all I received was disappointment and a big bill.
(1)Roy S.
This is a fantastic restaurant!! Had s great filet mignon (wrapped in bacon, huzzah!) with a au poivre (pepper crust) and some dipping gravy. Cooked excellently, great cut of meat, and very tasty. I had an ample side of fries as well. Make sure to come here hungry because even the starter salad is really big and the cheese and crackers could be their own meal. The key lime pie was very good and I really loved the New York cheesecake. It had strawberries, kiwi, shredded coconut, and raspberry sauce. Shoot me now I'm a happy camper... This place can be packed but with the kitschy decor and low ceilings it doesn't get very loud inside. You can actually hear the person you are with. A huge plus. I recommend this place very highly.
(5)Irene H.
OY, I'm not even sure where I should start. First, I should have listened to the most recent yelpers. Shame on me, it was a costly mistake! 1. Make no mistake, this is NOT fine dining. Not even close. 2. It really is like a Cracker Barrel 3. No flavor, not kidding. We had the Easter buffet and I was floored with the prime rib. It was so sad. So was everything else. My 12 year old informed me it was underwhelming & flavorless. My bill came to 87 and change, way too much for the quality.
(2)Paul J.
I've eaten here a few times and recently my wife treated me to a chef's table. This place already had some of the best customer service and meals I've ever had, but this was an entirely new and fantastic experience. With the chef's table you sit in the kitchen, have your own private chef and sommelier, and have full access to see how the kitchen works. I was served an appetizer, soup, salad, flavored ice (in lieu of a sorbet), entree and dessert which were tailored both to my wife and my tastes with information before our arrival. This allows the chef to plan your meal around allergies, medical conditions, or preferences you may have. Each course is paired with an appropriate wine by your sommelier and your chef will explain your meal and answer any questions you have. Being food-curious as I am, my chef showed me how he put together each course and his thinking behind what he did. It was about as close to living in a Food network TV show that I could probably experience. Hands down, this was the best time I've had eating out. Ever. * Because I was asked: This meal is actually amazing affordable for special occasions, but you need to book far in advance (December is filling up already and it's only July). $85 per person and it includes the wines.
(5)Jenna B.
Recently had an awesome team work dinner here to celebrate a good Q1. Casey was our waiter, who was really great and very attentive with our needs and drink refills. I ordered a combo dinner of fillet, king crab claws, stuffed potatoes and french onion soup. Everything was very delicious and cooked to order. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.
(5)Sharon L.
How can you not like this place, its just silly fun. Food portions are large, staff is always terrific. Its a busy touristy place, but the locals eat here too because its fun. Food doesnt disappoint, always leftovers to take home though....I think its pricey though....but again, still fun
(4)Danny M.
Went there earlier this week with a large group. We got there at 5:30 and didn't get our entrees until after 8pm, I'm not a gourmand but I know the difference medium and medium rare. I had asked for medium rare and my steak was bordering on medium well. My mashed potatoes were not even warm enough to melt the butter, I don't even want to know how long my meal was sitting out before it got to me. I would have sent it back except I was with 14 of my coworkers and we had already been waiting too long. I will say though that the appetizers we shared were excellent-- shrimp, oysters, and pork ribs. However, for the money and the way they present themselves one would expect better presentation of the food.
(3)Foodie C.
Awesome steakhouse with a great history. We went for a friends B-Day and everything we ordered was out of this world Solid 4.5 stars Service was 5 stars A lot of parking and always crowded but they seem able to seat you quickly Been back a couple times and consistent every time This place is close to Briar Creek area and RDU so if you are in town for work or live close go try it out
(4)S H.
At a high level, this place is not what it used to be. When the free cheese and crackers are better than the steak and seafood ordered, something just isn't right. The service is also incredibly slow. From start to finish it took our party, that had a reservation, well over three hours to have dinner. We made a reservation for 12 and still had to wait over 30 minutes for a table. It was nice to have the cheese, crackers and olives to snack on while we waited. When we were seated it took even longer to take and receive out drink order. We had to waiters taking our orders. Our food order wasn't taken until well after the drinks, which was about two hours after we arrived. By this time most of us had filled up on the cheese and olives on the table. When our food finally did come it was less than stellar. The few people that ordered seafood in my party were the most disappointed. The fish was not fresh and most of it was left on the plate. Those that ordered steak had mixed reviews. The people that had a sauce to go with their steak could mask the flavor of the overcooked meat. This was the worst meal we have ever had at Angus Barn. We were actually glad to have filled up on cheese and crackers. Since we didn't want to figure out how long it would take to actually get dessert we skipped it and went home. Maybe the menu should be pared down so the kitchen staff can focus on doing a few things well. If I do return here I think it would be a better idea to go to the Turkey Lounge. If I want a good steak this is not a place I would consider in the future. You can now get the same quality food at Outback for half the price.
(2)Matt N.
Dined on a busy Sunday evening and got seated right away without a reservation. That gave us reason for optimism. The ribs appetizer was excellent, ravioli was good. Salad was good, french onion soup was decent but could have used more onion. Bread was ok but lacked imagination. 2 strip steaks came out cooked as ordered but tasted like they have been idle for a while before they were served, they were getting a bit chilly towards the end. Flavor of the meat was decent. Sides of fries and garlic mashed were good. The service was sllllllllooooowwwwwwww...dinner for 2, 3 courses with no alcohol...should not take 2 hours. We spent a lot of time after a course wondering when the next one was coming, wondering where our waitress was. Steaks took an hour after ordering to finally make it to the table. I would not say it was overpriced, because IMO any decent steakhouse is going to run 3 bills for a dinner for two. But I would say this is a decent steakhouse, nothing more.
(3)Robert S.
Service was excellent, but this place is very pricey. I felt like the mushrooms were out of the jar and even the prime rib was just "good" (as in Outback quality). I may go again, but next time with much lower expectations.
(4)Lori D.
We went to Angus Barn for Easter brunch. Although it was on the pricey side, we were excited to have a traditional buffet brunch. We were so disappointed. First there was no fruit! Maybe Im just used to something different. The food was OKAY...nothing spectacular. I will say that my husband really liked the lamb. But everything else was just OKAY. For $48/person I expected SPECTACULAR! The last thing that really annoyed me was the tip that I had NO CHOICE about! We usually tip at least 20% for great service. You just cheated our server out of money. We wont be back, Angus Barn.
(3)Quinn T.
I don't know what the hype is. I went in here expecting it to be the best steak I'm gona have in my life or something. That might've been the problem. Anyways, I ordered the prime rib and my bf ordered the filet mignon. The prime rib I had ordered medium rare but was a little too dry for me and under seasoned. In fact, I think they may have ended up making it well done cause there was no pink at all. The filet mignon was delish, it was wrapped with bacon and cooked to a well medium rare. The french onion soup was very hearty, lots of cheese on top, and lots of bread on the bottom, and very little onion soup in the middle! I actually like to have onion in my onion soup so although this tasted amazing, the cheese to bread to onion ratio felt off to me. They have some crackers and two kinds of cheese spread for you as soon as you sit down, but it just tasted a little too processed for me. Almost like velveeta or cheese whiz. And their bread was just drenched in butter, not the good crispy kind though... it was soggy drenched in butter. I wasn't too fond of either of the two offered. I would come back to give this place another go and see if my mind changes, but I wasn't all that impressed and didn't see what was so special about this place that everybody I came across has recommended it.
(3)Yasmine H.
Love this place! Their food is great and the service is ALWAYS incredible. Prices are very reasonable for such delicious food. The cheese and crackers are my favorite. And so is the hot, buttery, fluffy bread. And the creme brûlée! Pretty much everything is delicious! The atmosphere is awesome. Love that it's kid friendly. My son yells out "treasure chest!" every time we pass by it. He loves making his own ice cream sundae in the kitchen. If you haven't been, don't hesitate to try it out! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Ann G.
Ahhmazing! Love, love, love the steaks! The decor is not my style but when the place is always packed and ladies with Ferragamo purses dine here...well it says something. I had the chateaubriand and honestly cannot remember anything else. I was in heaven. So amazingly yummy. Tip:make reservations! Half the time I don't get to eat here because they have nothing available! (I'm usually in Raleigh for a day or two. It's not possible for me to make reservations in advance).
(5)Jordan B.
You have to try the ribs. Mother of god, you have try the ribs! It was really packed when I was there, but the staff was still really friendly and patient with a large group I was with. Drink prices were OK too. There was a really long wait, but there are nice waiting areas with snacks and a cool gun collection.
(4)Erin B.
My first 5 star review! We went for date night and were wow'd from the second we walked in. The decor couldn't be more perfect and reminiscent of growing up in the country, with a high end feel! We had a reservation which appears to be pretty important at a busy place like this. Complimentary cheese and crackers, along with coffee lets you know they care about the little things, along with an "extra" bar set up with no line and very friendly bartender while you wait. Our waiter Bud was amazing. Funny and helpful, and food was great. Ribeye and a Filet, both cooked perfectly. Martini was great and happy to say we can't wait to come back. So pleasantly surprised and the staff could not have been nicer! Wow!
(5)Peter Y.
THEY HAVE PRIVATE ROOMS WUTWUUUT!!! It's so rare to find a restaurant that can comfortably seat a large party these days, but Angus Barn did just that. I came here with 14 people, and they sat us in one of their inner rooms secluded from the rest of the restaurant. Don't get me wrong, I love socializing as much as the next person, but I'd also like to be able to hear the sound of my own voice (and I apparently love the sound of my own voice according to everyone that knows me)... Anyways, came here, asked the waiter for suggestions, and got those. Like literally. The dayum that's good: Crab cakes Chateaubriand (if you get the 2-people option, they carve the meat onto your plate by tableside) Rack of Lamb (da bomb diggity, though the bones can be annoying) The good: Chicken chowder soup Spinach salad Shrimp cocktail Prime rib The ok: Oysters Rockeffer (oysters baked with sauce on top, usually some butter sauce) Raw oysters Most of their seafood The recommended red wine (Smooth and sweet, but the flavor was a bit bland) Anyways, it came out to like $110/person for a shipton of food (gratuity and alcohol included). Well worth the money. However, I'm pretty sure I can't eat meat again for at least a week. I guess there really can be too much of a good thing.
(4)Liz D.
The Turkey Lounge is an experience in itself; the atmosphere reminds me at being at my grandma's house with the antique furniture that you sink down into and not want to leave. Especially with a dirty martini in one hand and a beef rib in the other. Check out the free cheese, crackers and veggie bar while you wait for your food to arrive and if you're lucky enough to get a tour of the wine cellar, don't miss it. And the snow crab is a taste of pure joy, I am salivating thinking about it and wondering how soon I can get back. One thing to note is if you are a vegetarian, they have a pasta dish that isn't too exciting, so check over the menu to make sure there is something you can eat. Or just go for dessert and drinks and grab an apple by the door on your way out!
(4)Renee S.
Two years ago tearfully, "I'm moving to North Carolina." Alex: "Awesome! The Angus Barn is in the North Carolina!" Me: "Whaaa?" He has a love affair with the Angus Barn, it's sick really, but I indulge it by frequently torturing him by text "Just drove past the Angus Barn" while usually on my way to Crabtree Mall. I further indulged this slightly sick obsession with the Angus Barn by luring him to North Carolina on a diving ruse and surprising him with a birthday dinner. The Angus Barn should really be described as the Angus Suburban Farm because its more than just a barn, there is a whole pavilion with a store, a bar, and a cellar - I mean it has its own freeway exit sign! Seriously. Deemed a Raleigh institution, and further, one of the nations best restaurants; I hate to disagree, but I do in my humble opinion.... I know it's the beef eaters haven, but the menu statement, "All of our beef is corn-fed Midwestern beef" disturbed me, the Angus Barn obviously hasn't read the Omnivore's Dilemma. Our corn-fed beef concerns aside, Alex ordered the filet mignon au poivre with cracked peppercorn sauce and a sweet potato with cinnamon. Knowing I was going to steal a few bites of his filet mignon (no sense for us to order the same thing...) I ordered the fresh catch of the day, the ahi. We also ordered two appetizer garden salads, HUGE and pretty tasty. My tongue and the Angus Barn: The filet was tender and cleanly good but not amazing. I wasn't rolling my eyes or saying mmm. In fact, if it hadn't been au poivre, it wouldn't have had any flavor hardly. The peppercorn sauce reminded me of regular old A1 creamy steak sauce. My fillet of ahi was enormously mammoth and obscenely flavorless. I hoped two squeezes of lemon would help, but nope, not even the regular old A1 type creamy peppercorn sauce helped. Sigh. What's more, the fillet was cut incorrectly; the membranes weren't teased off the loin. Happy Birthday to you - you get pound cake, a whole pound cake. The pound cake was the best part of the meal. Sweet and soft with fresh strawberries and cream - the high point of the meal! The real appeal of the Angus Barn is its décor and ancillary establishments. The Wild Turkey Lounge - awesome place to grab a drink and catch up about the war of Northern Aggression and chat about all the old guns and turkey decoys... Don't forget to grab a free apple from the barrel on the way out. Although, I couldn't eat it thinking a queen had poisoned it and I'd fall into a deep sleep until some random prince finds me, but I digress... The Angus Barn sits high on its laurels with its lodge(y) decor and its folksy appeal. Quantity versus quality in regards to actual taste is the name of the game here; nothing gourmet or even gourmand by any stretch of the imagination with an excessive $40-$60 per plate average price point. I'd prefer smaller portions and bigger flavor, in my humble opinion....
(2)Jeff F.
Angus Barn has really interesting decor and is probably worth checking out if you're in the area. The upstairs Wild Turkey lounge and rest of the restaurant has this southern, quilts and guns on the wall feel. Essentially this is a cool southern steak house in an old barn that sports a country store and takes decorating for the holidays seriously. I was there this past week and they have their festivus A-game out in-force. Pros: - North Carolina Crab Cakes were solid - Alaskan Crab Claws were good, but it's easy to read the menu quickly and think you're getting crab legs - big difference - Barn's Barbecued Ribs were awesome and I'm not a ribs guy - 7 oz filet Oscar was excellent - cooked perfectly Cons: -1st time a sommelier has suggested a Pinot Noir when asked for a full bodied recommendation -1st time I've seen oysters brought out without a bed of ice (also...texas oysters??? really)
(4)Patrick J.
Came here with friends. Thought the service was top notch (my glass was empty for maybe nanoseconds). Our waiter was very friendly. I drank coke instead of booze. The homemade cheese and crackers were excellent. The salad was excellent and plentiful. My prime rib was very good, tough in a couple of places but for the most part better than Outback. I would go back if I had the money.
(5)Forrest P.
The basic tenant of a successful steak house is to start with a quality piece of meat. I ordered a small New York Strip. I honestly have had better steaks at Outback. The steak had a strip of sinew running the entire length about 3/4"into the steak. I had recommended the place to my boss. He ordered a combination of ribs and a small fillet. The ribs were cold and had to be sent back to the kitchen. Pretty embarrassing.
(2)Shane B.
From the conversations I've had, I feel like this is a controversial place. I'm sure my review will not sit well with some. Please note, I've only been here once, but I feel like once is enough. There's not much I can say other than the service here is top notch but the flavor of the food is, well, weak. I ordered a steak, of course, and garlic mashed potatoes on the side. The steak was good, but nothing spectacular. However, the mashed potatoes simply had no flavor. And these are simple mashed potatoes. I never send food back so I asked the waiter if I could have an order of asparagus. Another side dish that had zero flavor. Now, this is something I can prepare easily in my kitchen. Steam the asparagus until it starts to get a little tender. Toss it in a pan with a little butter and dill. Viola! Quick and extremely tasty, and I'm far, far from a chef. I've heard rumors about a special room downstairs where you can taste all different kind of wines and be treated like royalty. I am unable to speak to that but then again therein lies a problem. What sense does it make to have all this special treatment available if you cant get the "meat and potatoes" right? I probably won't go back here again unless I get invited with a group. I've had steak dinners at other places that exceeded this experience. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan and would love to have a positive experience at this restaurant. Just a bit surprised how they failed to execute on basic dishes.
(2)Shannon A.
Angus Barn has been a staple since I was a kid for celebratory events. It's great for couples and large family/friend evenings and is always a good time. We go 2-3 times per year and always have a super dooper experience. Hubs and I went last week to celebrate Valentine's day. Warning, get your reservations early because we had to settle for 4pm. This wasn't awful since we sipped on our drinks and enjoyed the cheese and crackers for a bit prior to eating but I would have liked to have had a later sitting time but that's our fault. Angus Barn literally is a large wooden barn-like building that is all wood and old timey farm equipment decor all around. It's fancy schmancy but totally gives you the feel that you are sitting in a cow barn that has been dolled up just for you. If you arrive early enough, you can go upstairs to the Wild Turkey lounge and have a few cocktails and munch on some crudites while you wait for your table or for your dining time. The wine list is the most diverse and largest I have ever seen. I am always amazed at what there is to try. The staff are always knowledgable and can help with any pairings. Due to the large amounts of crudites we munched on, we hardly ever get an app. It's just not needed. We always order steaks since this is their specialty and that comes with a salad, and a side item like a baked potato or other choices. We NEVER finish our food and always leave super full. The great thing is that for the amound you spend, you leave with at least another meal to eat at home, sometimes two. When leaving, don't forget to visit the gift shop where you can take home their famous cheese and crackers and a free apple on the way out. Angus Barn is a must for the true Ral/Dur experience!!!
(4)Tamara S.
Great turkey wings which are huge and affordable. Went to the Wild Turkey Lounge and lots of servers were a plenty. Management really cares about the patrons...even if it's your first time here. Free Hors d'oeuvre bar which is awesome!
(4)Brad H.
I was skeptical of this place when we pulled into the massive, Wal-Mart sized parking lot. I was thinking "oh great, this is gonna be super touristy and sub-par food". Boy was I wrong. Once inside, this was a 5-star experience on all (both?) cylinders--service and food. Our server was wonderful, recommended wines and took care of us like we were royalty the whole night. The toast and homemade crackers were a nice touch, we enjoyed those. Onion rings were a good start, followed by a standard caesar salad. I ordered the bacon-wrapped 10 oz filet and it was incredible. Perfect medium rare, and the bacon was thick and crispy--the steak didn't need it by any means, but who's gonna argue with bacon? Can never hurt. Tried the baked onion as a side, complimented the steak well. All in all it was an awesome dining experience that exceeded my expectations.
(5)John d.
Went on friday night (04/19/13) and the power went out. Instead of closing they pull out a grill and tried to cook the food. It was not worth the money. Meat was cold under cooked and tough. Greed was the motivator and not quality. O yea they brought a birthday cake and was a tasteless pound cake.
(2)Gregory H.
I was told that I have to go to this place at least once because it's a Raleigh staple. Okay - that being said, once was enough. The atmosphere was cool with fireplaces all around the waiting areas, antique firearms over the mantles and all. The house wine was also good but that's where it all ends. I ordered raw oysters on the half shell for an appetizer. Instead of being served on ice, they were placed under a heat lamp before being served - the plate was actually hot - I thought the staff was trying to poison me. My wife and I thought maybe our steaks would be something to look forward to but we were sorely disappointed. The steaks themselves were tasteless (Mine was rare, hers medium). The bourbon sauce was the only thing that had any flavor to it. For the price, Sullivan's and Morton's are much better choices. I've actually had better steaks at Perkins.
(1)Don F.
Went there last night had a great steak and a few adult libations in the Wild Turkey lounge. One of my favorite restaurants ever. Wish St. Louis had a place like this!
(5)Darius L.
Incredible customer service, classy environment, timely check-ins by wait staff and lastly, wonderful, freshly prepared food. I'd recommend this to anyone, every day of the week. This restaurant is worth every dime and is the gold standard of quality, customer service.
(5)Christine G.
I've been here several times now and have had consistent service and food quality. We didn't order appetizers last night, but the crackers/cheese and olives/pickles plate were plenty to nosh on while waiting for our meal. I usually order a 7 oz. filet (which is wrapped in bacon), with a baked potato, and it's always been tasty. The boyfriend has gotten tuna the last couple of times we've been there (and last night was no exception), and was pleased. Our waiter was conscientious about our various food allergies as well--even asked the chef some specific questions about certain desserts on my behalf. He also was quite personable and knowledgeable about after-dinner brandy. Last night was the first time we got the opportunity to experience the magician. He was amusing, and a nice diversion while we were waiting for our main course. We live right up the road from the Angus Barn, but don't get to it as often as we'd like. It's sort of stuck in that "special occasion" wasteland, but it's not due to the food. Decor: It's a big glorified barn. Lots of hay and farm implements. :P The place is huge, and I'm sure I've only seen a small part of it. Overall: Good dining experience. Potentially a bit overpriced. It can get loud in there when it's crowded. Not the place to go for an intimate dinner. But the food is decent, and we'll continue to patronize the Angus Barn.
(4)Beth M.
Outstanding AGAIN - this is our 7th time having guests to the wine cellar. We have done events in all rooms, the Cooking Class and the Captains Table. Excellent again. Jimmy did a fantastic time and Thomas was an excellent sous chef. It was great that Brian came in to say hi and the magician was there. On the way down and on the way back up, every employee greeted us. The food was 5 Star plus and the wine pairings were fantastic. I highly recommend to anyone wanted a special memory. We can't stop talking about it. Thank you again.
(5)Sarah S.
I've been a couple times and was inspired to write this after a birthday dinner last night. All my previous experiences had been much better. I knew the place was big, but didn't realize how big until we were seated in the upstairs dinning room. We got the unfortunate seat next to the kitchen door. The place was packed and the action way too constant to feel relaxing, or well served. At one point I changed seats at the table to be away from the constant traffic flow. I felt anxious when I left. I think we got the second string waitstaff upstairs. I like good service, but was disappointed last night. We couldn't understand our waitress. Her English was poor, and I wanted to ask for recommendations, but didn't feel like I could have. We also didn't see much of her. Oh, and Angus barn, come on - T-shirts on the staff? For a Tuesday night, it was packed tight. I didn't want to pay $100 dollars to feel ushered in and out like cattle (even though it IS a barn). My recommendations: When making reservations, ask for the dining room downstairs. If you want good service, phone ahead for a good waiter. Ask for the updated Gun book at the front hostess station. They have a great room full of numbered guns. My boyfriend really wanted to browse the collection, but they are currently updating the book identifying their guns. A neat feature to the restaurant. (An aside: There is a separate bar upstairs called the Wild Turkey Lounge. I've always enjoyed the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs, if you like a more casual setting. Soup and crackers and a beer)
(3)Andrea P.
The food gets 5 stars...but the service was lacking on our last visit. We went in 2013 for our anniversary and came back again in 2014. Our anniversary is on Valentine's day....so we know to expect large crowds, but even last year when we went on the 15th the crowd was just as large and our service was on point. The service, it seems it hit or miss. When we made the reservation we let them know it was a special occasion for us (and accepted the offer for the pound cake for celebration). We had to remind our server of that this year...when last year our server knew and wished us a happy anniversary. Our server let our drinks get empty more than once and we had to ask for things multiple times. They used to bring a bowl woth pickles and olives to your table, but this year they didn't. The cheese and crackers still came, but no pickles and olives. We ordered a hot fudge parfait which seemed to take forever to get to us. After asking to see the deserts, I know we waited a good 10-15 minutes for him to return with the desert tray, then another additional 10-15 waiting on the esert to get there. Then the bill came. I had ordered sauteed onions with my steak (which were not put in the box with my steak to go which upset me) but instead of being charged the $4 for onions I was charged $7 for mushrooms (which I am allegic to!) I pointed the error out to the server and he said it didnt mstter because they were both the same price. I didnt day anything more to him, but instead to my husband who pointed out the difference to the server again. He again said it didnt matter because they charged the same. My husband told him the menu shows a difference in the price and the server said, let me go check on that for you...the menu may be wrong. He came back and had removed the charge for the onions and thr dessert. Like I said, my food tasted great. The service this trip was less tham desireable. Last year the guy was on point.
(3)Serena S.
Five stars is a rarity for me, but this place really earned it - not just because of the food, but the whole package. The food, service and ambiance was really great. I've only lived in the area for 6 months and had yet to find a restaurant I truly liked - enter Angus Barn. This place is pretty family friendly, but it definitely seems like the kind of place where a lot of medical conferences and business meetings take place. The crowd is older. Don't bother getting appetizers when you come here. They fill you up on the free stuff right from the start. Right when you sit down, they give you a little plate of olives and pickles, a basket of homemade crackers and cheese spread and a basket of the softest, awesome-est Texas toast I've had in my life. The Texas toast was drenched in butter, but why come here if you're going to count your calories. I ordered their bacon-wrapped filet mignon and soft shell crab with a twice baked potato and my significant other had their ribs and garlic mash. They really know their meat here. My filet was perfectly cooked and very tender. Usually, when I ask for the steak to be cooked medium rare, it still comes out too cooked or undercooked. At Angus Barn, when I asked for medium rare, it was actually medium rare. I wish I could say their soft shell crab was good, but it wasn't :-/ It wasn't terrible enough for me to bump my review down to 4 stars, but I definitely wouldn't order it again. It was a little too salty and didn't have much flavor to it. The twice baked potato - cheese, sour cream, bacon and all was very good. I definitely recommend that you get that if you're a potato person. The service was excellent! Our waitress was very attentive and as busy as she was, she was really good about refilling our drinks, replenishing our bread basket, etc. We had a lot of food leftover when we were done eating, and she still packed us extra Texas toast and their crackers and cheese spread to take home! She definitely earned her tip. This place is definitely pricey, but worth it. I'm definitely coming back again.
(5)Jason W.
After our visit to Angus Barn a couple weeks ago, we thought we would at least provide them with a little feedback. The co-owner of the restaurant called us within a day and offered to make things right, even though all we wanted to was tell them how poor our meal was. They sent us a letter which again asked us to come back and give them a chance to provide "Angus Barn's legendary customer service." We decided to take them up on it and made reservations; while we're used to great customer service and food at AB, even we were stunned. The service and food were truly amazing, even for AB, if I could give them 6 stars I would because they truly gave us a perfect dinner experience. Thanks Angus Barn for your kind offer and giving us another great meal!
(5)Chris E.
Great steaks. Really unique and original atmosphere with all sort of places to eat inside or out. Met the owner when I was there last and she was so nice. She was very curious if there was anything they could do better or anything I'd like to see on the menu. Just a really cool place. Tip: Check out the bathroom by the meat locker dining area, It's so bizarre, in a cool way.
(5)Shannon P.
The wine cellar experience is nice.... I've dined here twice and both times had the opportunity to dine in the private wine cellar. It's a little odd to get there - you have to be escorted through the kitchen, down a set of stairs, past the cigar room, through the actual wine cellar, and then alas, you enter into the dining area within the wine cellar. The dimly lit room surrounded by large format wine bottles is really cool. This room is great for a private party - I think it holds maybe 25 or so people at one very long table. There's a bar in the room as well, which is nice for getting that cocktail and mingling with your guests (assuming you're there for a party). They also have 2 cheese spreads with an assortment of crackers/bread and olives to munch on while you mingle. Once you've taken your seat, the real 'royal treatment' begins. There is usually 2 servers for this room and one will take each side of the long table carefully taking each person's order. The first time I was there, it was a pre fixe menu (as requested by the host of the dinner), the second time we ordered off the menu. As a pescatarian, I obviously opt out of the steak option and seek out the seafood. I ordered the roasted red pepper soup to start followed by the Alaskan King Crab Claws with a baked sweet potato and finally the blackberry cobbler. When they serve any part of your meal, there's one person on each side of the table (with white gloves on by the way) to place the dish in front of you in unison to the person across from you - nice touch. Everything was great, but I did have a couple of issues with my second visit: - The dinner was literally a 4 hour event! It took an hour between each course. - We ordered 4 bottles of wine for the table (party of 16) and the watier said he'd get the appetizers out and then pour the wine, which seemed okay as most people still had full glasses from the bar still, however as mentioned above it took almost an hour for this wine to be poured. Not only did he wait to serve the appetizers, but then he had to serve the bread, then fill up everyone's water glass....had we known that we would have requested wine first. I don't mind waiting for food but don't make me wait for wine! - They have you order your dessert at the same time you order your entree. I know this is a timing/preparation issue, but sometimes I don't know what I'm going to want for dessert until after I've had dinner....minor detail, but found it a little challenging as the only way to see your options was a large platter he brought out at the head of the table. You couldn't see them well and he went through the options fast. If they'd just list them on the menu, it would've made it easier as I'd have a reference besides my memory. Expect to pay $25-55/entree depending on what you get. The food is tasty, the servers friendly, but a little overrated in my opinion. Keeping in mind that I don't eat steak, there are tons of restaurants that are better and cheaper in the triangle. Oh - and while I've only walked through the main dining room, I have to comment on the decor...it could REALLY use a makeover. I get that it's the Angus 'BARN', but I don't think the decor should be so literal. A fresh, slightly more modern look would be so beneficial!!
(3)Steve N.
It was a fun all around place. They had a free toy for are kid. There was free cheese and stuff. The steak was good but not amazing. But we had a good time over all.
(4)Rob W.
A long time Raleigh institution. They may have been resting on their laurels for a while now. I still like it for birthdays and things like that. If you have a larger group they can put you in a private room, which is nice. Service and food is good, the experience of the place really makes it.
(3)Laura H.
So we ate upstairs here in the wild turkey lounge. we walked in on a Monday night with no reservation. There was no seats when we first got there but after maybe 10 mins we snagged a table. Cool venue like an old hunting lodge...tons of turkey ornaments!! Appeared to be a full menu at a reduced price compared to the downstairs formal dining. So the food: we got steaks, cooked perfectly and were mega tasty! When you ordered steak that's all you get so everything is at an additional price. Deserts were average. Service was ok, our waitress forgot our vegetable side order and my glass of wine BUT she then comp 'd the deserts for us, so that was nice. They also have some free cheese and crackers while you wait! Overall it was nice. Priced a little out of the range for the portion size. All sides at an extra cost racks up the price of things too. I would try it again though!so three stars because, there was no starter that i liked! which was a bit of a downer!, the service took a LONG time, Desert was so-so, i got a blueberry cobbler and the pastry was dry and tasteless leaving a kind of mediocre jam type filling.
(3)Michael V.
Outstanding steakhouse. Ate in the bar upstairs. Excellent service also. The steak was about as good as any I have ever had. Wished I wasn't driving so I could've enjoyed some of the cocktails I saw being made. Definately worth a slight detour to visit and eat.
(5)Pel C.
This once-great Triangle gem is tired and needs a nap. For the price and commodity menu, I expect stellar service. Alas, our experience went something like this: - The reservations agent, while polite, was new and unacquainted with the restaurant. - My seat by the window offered a direct view of a very bright spotlight. - Our waiter was not engaging, mumbled, rushed every course, and provided ill-informed feedback when asked questions about the menu. - The oysters and the wedge salad were fantastic -- the highlights of the meal for me - There was literally no seasoning on my steak and all of the potatoes were room temperature. - And then there's the roaming magician who interrupted table conversation to perform a 5-minute slight-of-hand trick... All in all, I'd call this our last visit for a while.
(2)Kenny M.
I have been to here a handful of times of the past 10 years or so. They are consistently excellent in both service and quality of food. The steak has been perfect every time. If I have had any issues, the staff is quick to rectify the issues.
(5)Jane Y.
Dear 200th review, I hope I'm doing you justice by dedicating Angus Barn to you. Love, Jane Are you surprised that I'm giving THE angus barn 3.5 stars? Don't worry, so am I. Maybe I had unrealistic expectations for this place - people's verbal raves, e-reviews, and the fact that there's an effing landmark sign for it on the highway (or big road, whatever). We came here for celebrating a new job, a b-day month and a monthiversary (don't you judge me.). Milestones galore!!! We got there pretty early (5:00PM) and was seated immediately. The dimness of the place needed some adjusting to, but it wasn't bad. We were seated in some corner, even though the place was empty. I understand we are just a party of two, but why must you be ashamed of us? The table was already set up with their crackers basket and two ramekins filled with cheeses. One cheddar and one goat cheese. After 2 lactaid pills, I indulged. It was quite delicious. The cheddar was great, because I love sharp cheese. Our waiter came by with two menus and a wine BINDER. I was overwhelmed. Our waiter was nice - I told him I liked sweet wine and he offered a sample of their sweet red to try. We ended up ordering the Biltmore Riesling, which was very good. For appetizer, we had the large shrimp cocktail. The shrimp was pretty ginormous. It was fresh and crunchy, we were satisfied. Our waiter then came by with hot bread smothered in butter. As a lover of white toast with butter, I was in heaven. We both ordered the 14oz chateaubriand. The cut in itself was not as impressive as I expected it to be. It was tender, and well prepared. However, it just tasted like pot roast beef - very expensive and high quality pot roast. The red wine aujus was pretty delicious. The veggies were fresh, and better tasting than your avg seasonal veggies. They must either use organic veggies or some kind of magical veggies. The salads were huge, ..again nothing special... Our waiter made us feel a little..hm..not as important compared to the service he was providing to the table next to us. Maybe because we look like two college kids who can't afford jack. He seemed a little uppity to us, which I didn't like. The apple pie/cobbler and it was good. The key lime pie had the right amount of of tartness and creaminess to it. We enjoyed the dessert, even though we were bursting out of our dress/shirt. For the amount you are dishing out, I didn't find this place very impressive. Hence, the 3 stars.
(3)Sarah M.
Eh. That's my review of this place in one word: eh. I've been here I think 5 times throughout my tenure here in Raleigh and while I haven't had a bad experience to speak of I just don't get why people get SO excited about it. Maybe 6, 7 years ago when we had a lot less going on food-wise I could see it but that people still act as though this is the only, or was the first place that thought to combine beef and fire in the tri-state area befuddles me. And is it just me, or is anyone else put off by gingham in a place when the entree costs so much? Perhaps kitsch is less irritating when you are an out-of-towner. That being said, the wine list is no joke, the service is always up to snuff and the food is consistently good. Is it wildly inventive? No. Is there always some wanker at the bar smoking a cigar, which drives me insane as it ruins my meal and tends to give me a pretty vicious headache? Yes. It never fails. Why cigars are allowed when cigarettes are not is absolutely puzzling to me, and it is absolutely up to the management in the particular restaurants so I HOPE THEY'RE READING. If I wanted to go out for a business dinner or to meet family I would go here. If I wanted to go out for a date, I would want to be taken somewhere else, like Heron's, every time, but it always ultimately comes down to personal preference.
(3)Brian L.
This was recommended by a business colleague as I was in from the Boston area. Very nice atmosphere but the food was rather bland. Was expecting top notch food! Got the Chateaubriand and the vegetables were good but the Tenderloin was bland as was the dressing on the Caesar salad. My guest also was not blown away with the sirloin. Sorry
(2)Pasquale R.
The guy next to me on my flight to Raleigh pointed out this place from the sky and said "that place right there has good steaks"...as we were about to land. It's located near the airport and that's one thing I haven't tried in my time in NC, steak. So my final night in NC I decided to reward myself (plus being on the company dime kinda of helps). It's right off the highway...literally. The complex, and I am not sure what else to call it, is huge. Parking lot was full...on a Wed...a few buses as well. I had to park far away but it I was ok with it. Their are a couple of buildings but you cannot miss the big red barn like structure. When you walk in, it has a log house feel...yeah I guess a barn. Since I was solo I walked up the steep stairs to the Turkey Lounge...think gaudy...very gaudy. Looks purposefully non updated since the 1800's...I am being sarcastic but you need to experience it to understand it...tons of couches with tables and in the middle of the floor was a small rectangle bar. I grabbed the last seat. The place was packed with corporate types mostly and lots of groups of people who were out for a good time. I was greeted by the friendly bartender. Had a glass of wine and reviewed the menu. Everything a steakhouse would have. Filet, T-Bone, NY Strip, etc...Their prices weren't too bad either. I went with the house salad w/their home made blue cheese to start out...it was big. Meal size portion. And good. The lettuce tasted fresh, like it was just picked from the garden out back. For a meal I chose the smaller NY Strip, medium with a baked potato (although they didn't ask what toppings but you will see why). So after a short wait and nearly finished with the salad the steak arrived on a sizzling plate with a large baked potato. She brought over the toppings for the baked potato, a few slabs and I mean slabs of butter, sour cream and bacon...a concoction of potential heart attach but I didn't refuse. The steak was cooked like I wanted it but was a little disappointing. It didn't have any seasoning and was simple. Not that it's a bad thing but I was expecting spice...plus they didn't provide salt/pepper. But I ate it like a lion eating a gazelle, quick, barbaric and without caring who was watching. I didn't have an issue finishing it but didn't think "oh wow this is awesome". Like I mentioned, could have used more seasoning. The baked potato and salad, two of the underdogs, were the better part of the meal...kind of sad I must say. Not sure if I will give it another shot. Other than the great service and experiencing the places ambiance, not much to return to.
(3)Christine P.
I am from the Metro Atlanta area and travel to Raleigh for business. I have dined at the Angus Barn twice. More expensive than most chain steakhouses, but worth it. My most recent visit was with my boss and co-workers (all from out of town). We used Yelp to locate the address, and after a few u-turns, we all met at the bar upstairs for a few drinks. The bar has a great atmosphere and we really enjoyed ourselves. For dinner we were seated in a back room, so we didn't have people walking by us which was nice. We enjoyed a very nice bottle of red wine with our dinner. My spinach salad and steak were great, but the garlic mashed potatoes were just average. Because the way the roads are right in front of the business you may have to make a u-turn or two like we did to get there, but the food is definitely worth it.
(4)Chris J.
Had a corporate dinner in the Wine Cellar. It was amazing. The food was perfect 4 course meal. Roasted Red Pepper Soup to start and I honestly don't know how they got it to be so flavorful. It was great. Then an intermezzo- pear, gorganzola, pecan salad. Nothing out of the ordinary, but good. Then- Steak and Salmon. I don't even remember what kind of sauce it was, but it was terrific. Dessert- Chocolate Soufle. They warn you that it will burn your tounge if you eat it right away, but most people continued to burn themselves after the first bite, because it's that good! Decor and service were outstanding. Everything was well planned and well executed.
(5)Jim N.
The Angus Barn was a special night out for us when we lived here many years ago and we had fond memories. Back in the Triangle for nearly three years, we had not been but had discussed a repeat visit often. Well, this weekend we took a visitor from our old town of Boston and...it was a real treat for all three of us. The service was outstanding; the menu had everything you could want in seafood, steaks or chops. The wine list is expansive. We had salads, steaks, wine, and shared two amazing desserts. The food was about as good as it gets (the bread alone is extraordinary), and we've tried most of the steakhouses in the area. The price is a bit higher than some places; but, the total package was worth it. My wife already says that's where we're going on her birthday! It was an excellent evening.
(5)Jas G.
Very good place. The atmosphere is great. The food is very good. I had some tenderloin sliders that were amazing. Really like the Mac-n-cheese as well. The steaks are very good. I will certainly be back.
(4)J G.
Great atmosphere! Took too long to get wine; an hour to get appetizers and almost 3 hours to get entrees. The food was good and the server was nice but at no point did they apologize for the delay. We arrived at 8:45 when the restaurant was packed and left at midnight when the restaurant was empty. We were very disappointed.
(2)Cameron M.
Everything I was told and read about the Angus Barn came true and beyond my expectations. From the moment you Drive up you feel like you are a guest in the Country and are about to have an amazing meal. As you enter the Restaurant, you are greeeted by friendly hosts that get you signed in right away and give you a cool buzzer and they direct you into two waiting areas, a gun room and a snack room filled with cheese, crackers and pickle station. Then comes the main course. I had the Ribeye which was recommended by the hostess and it was so juicy and flavorfull. You have many choices of toppings so I chose garlic butter and cajun seasoning, simply one of the best Steaks I have had in my life. The most memorable part of my evening was the fact that everybody else was having as good of time as I was. Cannot wait to go back and try something else.
(5)Grace B.
I've lived in the area my entire life, and just recently experienced the Angus Barn. We went on a Sunday night around 8pm and it was pretty slow. Our server took awhile to get to us, but he was very professional and helpful with the menu & knowledgeable of the specials. We had complimentary cheese & crackers, as well as a delicious little plate of pickles, celery, and peppers. I ordered the salmon special, which came with a salad and I picked a roasted sweet potato. My date had a steak with a salad and the loaded mashed potatoes. Both of our dishes came out promptly and were very tasty. To be honest, the prices for their meals are just a bit outrageous. While everything tasted delightful, I can't justify eating here for the price of their entrees. I'm not complaining about the food in the least ... it's just too expensive. The atmosphere was quaint and warm, and the overall experience was nice.
(3)John S.
This place is a national landmark! I was in Raleigh for business and my co-worker Charlie took me here. Wow this place is so cool! From the parking lot to the entrance to the table....very very cool place. So old school it was hip and current! The bar upstairs is awesome and the decorations are really nice! We went on a Tuesday night and the place was busy but they sat us right away. The server was very prompt and I was amazed how much knowledge he had of the menu and the amazing wine list they have. Straight up the server was very well trained and knew his sh**. Rare these days for sure! When we sat down they brought two types of spreadable cheeses and house-made crackers as well as a plate of peppers, pickles and wonderful snacks. I had a NY steak cooked Med-Rare and it was perfect...best steak I have had in a long time. It came with choice of salad (I ordered the chopped salad) and a side (twiced baked potato). Salad was amazing and way too big, Steak awesome but the potato was just ok. Then the server brought this tray of great looking desserts (14-15 different kinds) and told us about all of them like he made them himself. Great knowledge! We were so full that I had to take part of my steak which I ate later in my hotel room by the airport. Not too pricey of a place for what you get, I recommend to anyone that hasn't gone or is up for a great meal. I will be back!
(4)Palak T.
I am vegetarian and have only been to the Angus Barn for corporate meetings, but I have to say my experience has been great both times. The service is excellent, and every person who works there is extremely attentive and friendly. The vegetarian options have been tasty as well, not just an afterthought. This may not be the place to take a large group of herbivores as the options are probably somewhat limited, but one or two will definitely leave satisfied.
(4)Mark D.
This place pretty much deserves 5 stars, but I have to say I've had (slightly) better steaks at places like Bern's in Tampa FL or Metropolitan Grill in Seattle. However, this is close and an OUTSTANDING experience. The ambiance and decor is incredible and a ton of fun for any occasion. the service is superb, and the food top notch indeed. My wife and I chose to go on the wine cellar tour, and were so happy we did. It rivals the best I've seen and the history and underground specialty dining rooms, like something gout of a medieval castle, are not to be missed. This is certainly a must-see place in the Triangle and enjoy some fantastic, tender steak!
(4)Tracy D.
I have lived in Raleigh for 26 years and never tried AB. My northern VA parents heard rave reviews and have been dying to visit. There were six of us, including my 12 year old. The server was so attentive to him, supplying a shawl when he got cold and providing a kitchen tour when he decorated his sundae. The Oyster Rockefeller was the best I've tasted. The catch of the day, grilled Atlantic Salmon, was to die for. My parents had beef ribs and prime rib that they couldn't stop raving about. The two bottles of Monte Alpha Pinot Noir were excellent with our dishes. The cappuccino cheesecakes and chocolate pie for dessert were over the top. I have to say that our server, Lauren F, made all the difference. We stayed for three hours and she was attentive and patient from beginning to end. Worth every penny and can't wait to go back!!
(5)Justin T.
The place has great steaks and below average everything else. The sides are just awful, and ala cart. It's decent for what it is as an ala carte steak house. The wine list is superb and interesting to look over while having a drink in the one of a kind, locally at least, Wild Turkey Bar. The chess pie is a 5/5 though. I know people that ship them to relatives across the country. In fact it may be the best chocolate dessert in the country. They are definitely 4 star worthy if they fix the sides.
(3)Joe M.
I have been living in the triangle for over 18 years and the Angus Barn is by far my favorite restaurant. You have to take in the complete experience. Start at the Wild Turkey Lounge with a pre dinner drink. Enjoy dinner in the one of their many dinner room (main room is my favorite). Ask for a wine cellar tour (if you are lucky maybe the owner will take you on the tour - happened to us at Christmas time). Stop by the Meat locker for a cigar if you choose. On the way out make sure you grab some of their cheeses for enjoying at home. Don't forget the Apple for good luck.
(5)Dawn F.
Advice: Make a reservation even if you think it won't be busy! My Dad and I showed up around 630 for dinner on a Sunday night. We were told there would be a forty-five minute to an hour wait so we went upstairs for drinks at the Wild Turkey Lounge. The staff was attentive, but after an hour had passed by, I went to check with the hostess who said they were working on the walk ins. They then buzzed us about 10 minutes after that. Our waiter was great. The wine was great. And the food was to die for! I've eaten here four times, and the food is always top notch!
(4)Chris S.
When I left RDU six years ago the AB was the place for a special occasion meal. Retuning this year I was excited to pick up where I left off. I was disappointed last night with the quality of the meal and somewhat the service especially for what you pay the value is just not there. There are far more options in RDU area to spend $100+ in dinner with better food and service. The best part of AB is the ambiance. My recommendation is grab a drink in the bar soak up the decor and then go to dinner somewhere else.
(2)victoria f.
The most unpretentious steak house ever! I love the Angus Barn! I always try to eat there when visiting my parents up here in the RDU area. The decor is hilarious and relaxed, the service is great, and the food is unbelievable. Make sure to try the Ostrich Satay (the executive chef won Iron Chef with this recipe)! Their spinach salad with warm poppy seed dressing is honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten. I know it sounds silly that a salad is my favorite thing at a steak house, but seriously, it's warm, it has bacon in it, and it just makes me feel like I'm being hugged. The only down side to the Angus Barn is that by the time you get your food, you're pretty full from all the cheese, bread, appetizers, and salads that have just landed onto your table and into your belly. I always end up with a 7 oz Filet Mignon since it's the smallest meat serving on the menu. Is it silly that I'd prefer a 3 oz steak? The balsamic reduction and blue cheese always adds that extra touch of awesome. If you're looking for delicious food and have a think wallet, I strongly suggest the Angus Barn.
(5)Lee N.
My family and I went for a belated Valentine's Dinner last Sunday evening. As many have said, the ambience and decor are excellent. I kept thinking I was in someone's home the entire time. Even though there were people all around us, I couldn't help but notice that not only was the table noise not a factor, but it seemed like we were just there ourselves on some level It was my second visit to The Angus Barn, so I knew what to expect. And my expectations were met. My family loves the homemade crackers and pickled items for an appetizer. My wife and I split the Chateaubriand, and the kids split the New York Strip. It really was too much food, but we were there for a celebration. I do agree with others that the meat could have been seasoned at least a little prior to serving. However, it was melt in your mouth delicious. And the veggies were excellent. Cabernet Savignon goes extremely well with the Chateaubriand. And it helps to glean extra flavor from the entree. The kids were treated to the kitchen tour with ice cream, and we enjoyed watching them clean their sundae dishes. The staff was extremely attentive and freindly. All of them. Even though I expect that at this price point, it is very nice to be reminded of how the little things do make a difference. Well done, Angus Barn! You have our hearts.
(4)Denise B.
I love the food at Angus barn but others believe that the cost is too high based on what you get. We go there for special occasions only due to the cost.
(5)Jenny H.
Since my first review, we have returned to the wild turkey lounge. Definitely a cool place to check out. The service was better tonight..attentive but very laid back. Great live piano music in a kind of wooded lodge meets sports bar meets fancy cigar lounge type setting. Lots of unique holiday decor. Not having tried the restaurant, I can't speak to that, but I will say that we do not plan to go to the restaurant. The dessert and cheese plates we've had in the lounge have been very mediocre (bordering on tasteless) and pricey, and we would not want to spend money on an expensive meal here. As for drinks in the wild turkey lounge? We will be back!
(4)Charlene G.
I LOVE this place for sentimental celebrations, family visits and an annual girls' night out Christmas dinner. So, that's your fair warning that my review of Angus Barn is coming from a very personal viewpoint- not scientific and 100% subjective. Stop reading now if you prefer only objective reviews. I've been to The Angus Barn about a dozen times over the past 10 years and every time the food has been great. Like other's have noted, the cheese, crackers, olives, peppers, celery and bread that are offered as gratis pre-dinner bites are great and provide options for just about everyone in a large party. I'm partial to the cherry peppers myself and often just nibble on those. In most visits, we've had reservations but often arrive a little early to spend some time in the Wild Turkey lounge. The drinks selections- including the wine menu- are vast and solid. Paired w/ the aforementioned cheese and crackers, you can end up relaxing for awhile before dinner even starts. For dinner, I've almost exclusively ordered the filet (comes wrapped in bacon) rare or medium rare, twice baked or stuffed potato- though sweet potato is also great option, and the spinach salad with warm bacon dressing. I've enjoyed this combo every single time and when paired w/ top notch service, this landmark continues to meet my expectations. When it comes to cost and comparison to other steakhouses, I don't think you can consider just the meal. It is pricey perhaps, but you are getting a full service experience. In almost every visit, our wait staff have only had to handle 2-3 tables (w/ parties of 4-8) and they are super attentive and well trained. In addition, there are plenty of 'freebies' that are included as standard treats and/or surprises: - Ice cream for kiddos - didn't know this until we visited w/ friends who brought their 5 yr old that the server will offer to take your child to the kitchen to make their own little sundaes (parents are welcome to go with) - Pound cake for birthday/anniversary- if you mention your special occasion when making reservations (or sometimes in passing to the server), they will give you a celebratory pound cake for dessert - Gingerbread men for Christmas- this one is just in December I think, but they always have fresh baked cookies during the holidays as you enter/leave. Christmas is a great time to visit actually for all the decor and extra hustle/bustle. Reservations are strongly recommended though. - Apples at the door- standard offering. Only things I haven't liked... Yes - it can be cold there sometimes. So, I've learned (especially during holidays) to dress warmly. Pass on the sawdust pie (or whatever it's called) because it tastes like it's namesake.
(5)Muj A.
Went here for date night with the Mrs. and it was a good experience overall. What made it memorable for us was the service and the atmosphere. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and kinda funny. The large rooms, the old-fashioned decor, the grounds outside which is like a compound, are so lame that ironically it's quite appealing. I had the filet and wife had the prime rib. Both steaks were cooked to our liking. The highlight of the meal for me at least was the ostrich skewers that you can get as an app. It's poultry of course but tasted like a lite ny strip on a skewer. First time trying Ostrich, it was great..
(4)Brittany B.
We went to the Angus Barn not long ago to celebrate an anniversary (not ours though, but hey, it was good food). Although the wine menu is massive, we didn't go that route. The menu itself primarily focuses on steaks although has some seafood options and a spare chicken dish. However, I think most people go here for the steak. They start the table out with two cheese dips - a cheddar and some kind of blue cheese. We aren't fans of the blue cheese, but the cheddar was good. The meal comes with salad or soup - we each got salad - as an appetizer. The salads are fairly generic, we had a house salad and a spinach salad, neither of which were terribly special. They also served some good bread with butter, too. For the main course we both ended up getting Prime Rib with Mashed Potatoes (seriously, how can you turn down mashed potatoes for some other side?). The quality of the meat was great, and it was cooked perfectly to our order, but we felt it lacked flavor. The au jus wasn't very flavorful; the steaks aren't seasoned at all. We recognize the quality and cooking of the meat is supposed to be the star, but we feel that for the prices they charge they should do a little something more to add some flavor. The mashed potatoes were tasty, though. For dessert we had the Chess Pie and the Gran Marnier Parfait. The chess pie is award winning and very good, which we got A La Mode. The parfait had raspberry sherbet, fresh fruit, and a shot of Gran Marnier. It was good, but not thrilling. Overall, all of the food was pretty good, the biggest problem we have is that none of it seemed quite worth the price. We've had steak we've appreciated more elsewhere for cheaper, and none of the sides or desserts alone would be worth the trip. The food is probably more on the four star level, but the prices aren't worth it to us, so we gave it three. Those looking for a plain steak with good sides and a massive wine list would be pleased, though.
(3)Jeff B.
Great place! The upstairs bar is wonderful. There's a live piano player and a great atmosphere. In the dining room, you are started with a tasty cheese spread. I had the fillet with a loaded baked potato. It was very well prepared. The service was excellent as well. For wine, we had one of their house wines. Two bottles later and we finished up. No desert. I will definitely return here.
(5)Mikee R.
The Food was very hot and delicious. The dessert was great. Our server was very attentive and lively.
(5)Anthony I.
Have to say 3 stars, here is why. Oysters Rockefeller, with a Bearnaise type sauce on them. Enjoyed my steak and had several very nice wines, sat at the upstairs bar and felt the service was polite, charming and attentive. Had I skipped the oysters I would have gone with 4 stars.
(3)Jessie R.
It's more of a 3.5 star. Amazing atmosphere. The theme was very well executed. The wine selection is very intense and had almost every wine I could name. Now the review about the steak. I would not say it was the best steak i had but it was up there. The prices are a little higher than I expected but it was well worth the atmosphere and service. Besides the steak, the appetizers, sides and desserts are out of this world. I was there with my family, party of 8, and we each order a different cut of meat and of course, I tried it all. I would say my favorite was the rib eye. I would still highly recommend it. It was great place to take out of state visitors.
(3)Dale D.
Amazing bucolic atmosphere with signature quality. Sommelier Wine Service is excellent because of the Angus Barn Wine Celler, Award Winning Wine Collection from every day table wines to rare vintages which challege the purse and tasting of the most fervent oenophile. Seasoned Chef manages Beef, Pork, Poultry, Seafood which are prepared well by a back of the house kitchen crew which operates at the pinnacle of quality, flavor, speed, cleanliness other restaurants aspire.
(5)Connie L.
Finally got to eat steak where Peyton eats steak! We had reservations but decided to just sit upstairs because we wanted a more casual dinner. It is definitely super super casual upstairs. You can sit on couches or by the bar and there are huge TVs. You can start by getting cheese crackers olives and peppers which are self serve. Delicious cheese! The service was so wonderful! We got a bottle of their house wine which was good and I actually really enjoyed the caesar salad and sweet potato side which was baked to perfection! The steak was cooked well. We had a feast and had an enjoyable meal!!
(4)Bryan S.
This place was phenomenal!!! I would have never thought a place like this existed in Raleigh, NC. This restaurant rivals the best steak places in any major city. As the name states, it is in a barn. But not just any barn...the place is huge! When you think you have seen the whole thing, you find another dining room. I suggest making reservations as we went on a Wednesday and the place was packed. Upon entry, there are fresh cheese and crackers to snack on, along with a coffee station. A bar is at the top of the stairs to get a pre dinner drink. All of the dining rooms are nice and open. Unlike a fancy big city restaurant, the tables are not so close together that strangers are listening to your conversations. The menu is huge. So many great options...I could not decide. I ended up getting the bacon wrapped filet with a stuffed baked potato. It was fantastic! Perfectly cooked. Every meal comes with soup or salad, fresh baked bread and cheese and crackers to snack on prior to dinner. For desert, I had the pecan pie, and that too was great. I do not remember the exact number of different bottles of wine they have, but it is in the thousands! Definitely can find a great bottle in any price range. Tyler was our server and he was excellent! Upbeat, patient and helpful. Made the dining experience that much more enjoyable. Following dinner, we went upstairs to the bar. Great selection of Scotch to include my favorite...Macallan 25! The bar also had live music. It was perfect...entertaining, but not too loud that conversations could not be had within our party. This place was so good, I would seriously consider coming back to Raleigh, just to eat here again. I highly recommend it!
(5)Amanda W.
This place... The ambiance alone would be worth it to go!!! It really is set up like a barn. The cheese & crackers in the lounge was such a unique idea. Good cheese, yummy olives, crackers & celery weren't stale. Dinners also come with cheese & crackers, and bread. French onion soup - amazing! I had to stop myself from licking the bowl. Prime rib - cooked just as I ordered. Flavorful & surprisingly tender for the cut of beef. Garlic mashed - just like garlic mashed. Lobster tail - whatever spice/flavor they sprinkle on adds flavor to this seafood staple. Rich and amazing. Mojito - this was an AMAZINGLY made Mojito! It tasted fresh, and just the right amount of each ingredient. Sawdust pie - the server informed us that this was an 'award winning pie'. It took about 2 bites before I understood why. It only has 7 ingredients. It is really awesome, crunchy & chocolatey at the same time.
(5)Heather M.
If you're in the raleigh area, this place is a must-try! I've never been so impressed by every single dish at a restaurant. There is not a single thing that I can't rave about. From their cheese and crackers, bread, and salad, to their prime rib and ribeye, they received a perfect score (by me and my boyfriend) the entire way. The cheese and crackers are homemade. (Practically everything here is homemade!) They cut their steaks themselves. Our server knew what she was talking about and took care of us very well and thoroughly the entire time we were there. Their salads were also super fresh which is something I always look for! Now let's talk about their steaks... Cooked to perfection- we asked for medium rare for both our ribeye and prime rib and they delivered. The prime rib was super tender and tasty. The ribeye had such a beautiful char on it and great flavor! I left super full and satisfied. Ambience is that of a very classy and well-decorated barn. It might be pricey but totally worth every single bite.
(5)Terry H.
Always a great time with family here for dinner. From oysters to steak to fresh salads and fresh drinks the service is always superb and the setting is fantastic. Not to mention very good desert.
(4)David G.
This is by far the best food I've ever had the joy of eating. Steaks are cooked to perfection. If you are around Raleigh, NC it's a must stop. Very unique place to take your family. The one room has a million dollars in firearms mounted on the wall. Service is superb. When my son comes home for leave my wife and I take him here. We all love it.
(5)Stephanie H.
Angus Barn is amazing. It is on the pricer side so it is nice to enjoy when celebrating a special moment. We arrived and headed up to the Turkey Lounge to enjoy a drink before the rest of our party arrived (I got a glass of the Merlot which I enjoyed). We went to our table where we enjoyed a few ribs and cheese with crackers. I ordered the Filet with a Caesar salad and the stuffed potato. All of the food is amazing. We also got a few bottles of the Michael David Petite Petit 2013, it was a great wine! We also did the wine cellar last year which was a great experience and a check off of the bucket list.
(5)Kelsey T.
Angus Barn most definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the area. Since we have relatives visiting from Australia, we decided this was a great place to impress them! And their minds were definitely blown away by the portion sizes and the stellar service. Our server was the best! She was extremely personable and she definitely went above and beyond to satisfy our needs for our party of 9. When it took awhile for our food to come out, she was incredibly apologetic and made it up to us in the form of dessert. The servers here really know what they are doing to make it a great dining experience. Now for the food. Angus Barn's crackers and cheese are extremely addictive and responsible for me being full before my entrée came out (oops!). If you want to take more of the deliciousness home, be sure to buy some in the restaurant's store on the way out. We were also treated to sample some of their Barn's Barbecued Ribs appetizer. So tender and flavorful. As for the entrées, Angus Barn is known for having great steaks. But I'm not a huge steak person (Yes, I know. That is incredibly weird of me), so I ordered the Bacon Wrapped North Carolina Trout. I got the French onion soup as my starter and a stuffed potato as my entrée side. The French onion soup came out hot and melty cheese perfection. I used the buttered toast to soak up the soup that I couldn't manage to get out with my spoon. So good! So after all of these things, I was already full so I only ate approximately a quarter of my gigantic trout and a couple bites of my stuffed potato. And I was done. The trout was cooked perfectly and the crab meat, spinach, and sundried tomatoes that it was stuffed with brought the flavor to a whole new level. The stuffed potato is like a hybrid of a baked potato and mashed potatoes and it is also delicious. For dessert, I took home their decadent cappuccino cheesecake! Not to mention I was able to make 2 more meals out of my leftover trout and potatoes. I highly recommend Angus Barn for special occasions and if you are looking to impress! It may be pricey, but it is worth it due to the portion sizes and the excellent service and dining experience!
(5)George H.
How does one review the behemoth of Raleigh food destinations? Simply. 1) If you're looking to entertain out-of-town guests, it's a fine location that might justify the grossly inflated costs. Just don't make comments like "it's the best steak in Raleigh/NC" or anything false like that. You know you're lying to them. 2) The food is okay, everything is over-priced, the location is very average, and the service is mediocre. The grounds and atmosphere are nice, though. In the end, it's an experience, but one that I certainly will not have again. This place i a relic of the past, but plays it's role well. I like to compare it to The Pit. It's doesn't have great food or anything special outside of it's name, but it attracts people and puts the tack on Raleigh. For that, I tip my hat.
(2)Judy B.
If you specialize in steaks then you would think you could cook it to the right temp. I ordered mine at medium rare and it came out medium well; only a hint of pink. When they re-cooked it then it came out blue rare and when they recooked it again it came out medium rare only the outside was burnt. I was not impressed with the ambience or the food at this restaurant. I have no idea why so many people go there. Food quality in general was worse than Outback Steakhouse at twice the cost.
(1)Nick W.
This is a place you have to go at least once. It's "fine dining" by North Carolinian standards. Plaid table clothes and $40-50 steaks. The service is in line with the table cloths- good, but not exceptional. Definitely has more of the down home atmosphere than a stuffy upper class establishment. The wine selection is breathtaking. Largest cellar in the state. Hank, their Som, is one of the most knowledgable in the state. The steaks are great- I prefer mine without the oil/butter/seasoning. If you haven't been before, ask to take a tour of the wine cellar- it's impressive. Overall, it's more of an experience than a place you need to go every week. Lots of sitting area/things to see in the place itself. There is an outdoor eating area along with a cigar bar. Gift shop with cheese, pound cake, memorabilia. Good steaks, great wine. Definitely worth visiting overall.
(4)Laura S.
AWESOME PLACE! The decor is so cute because it's very western yet has a classy feel to it. The French onion soup and bread were delicious! Like seriously, they were so tasty, especially together. When coming to a place called Angus Barn, I couldn't pass up a hardy steak. I also tried the southern peach cocktail and it was great! Very refreshing summer drink. Staff is very knowledgable about the food and the drinks. Service was top notch in my opinion. Come here for a date or with work colleagues. Either way, it'll impress them.
(5)Braden A.
Amazing prime rib! Little steep on the price but would be a great date night! Would love to try the ribeye next time.
(4)Lenny J.
Three stars for Angus Barn. If I get back to RTP I'll have to give them another go because If the other reviews are right they have something more to offer. We were a group of five the week before Christmas without a reservation and the place was pretty packed. After calling and finding we could not reserve a table until after 9:00 we decided we'd walk in and go to the lounge upstairs instead. To our surprise, after 20 minutes we had a table. The Cheese and crackers are truly tasty and snackers should beware because you could wind up over doing it on these. I had the Connoisseur Prime Rib with the pepper treatment. The meat, while well seasoned and cooked, was a little more fatty than I desire. I actually cut so much fat away that there was enough to the waitresses eye to ask if I wanted a take away bag. The other minor niggle was that I ordered a baked potato with butter and sour cream, but my entree came with i side of mash. The place was really busy and our group was a bunch of jokers so it's possible to believe that this got lost somewhere. Two other colleagues had the Chateaubriand and were raving about it. So It gives me hope that I may have selected the wrong cut for my tastes. Finished with the cheesecake. It's actually more Italian style than NY style so it's lighter. Very good nonetheless with some strawberry accompaniment. Big news for Cider drinkers, they had a couple of choices on the list so you won't have to settle for your next best beverage choice.
(3)Kevin F.
I am never disappointed regarding the food, service and overall experience. Our server was very attentive and helpful. The huge portions of food are designed to enjoy the experience at home as well. I highly recommend the French Onion Soup. It had a very richly flavored broth and lots of cheesyness. The Prime Rib was prepared perfectly to my liking and the sides were excellent. Great NY Style Cheesecake too. I really love this place; can't you tell?
(5)Rebecca B.
Yum! Yum! Yum! Make sure you make reservations before you come here cause the wait is always long without them! Everything they serve here is delicious! I love the cheese and crackers, and they give you so much!! The salads are good and the steak melts in your mouth! We had our kids with us so they gave us a section to ourselves which was awesome. We had one of the first reservations of the night. I love this place!!
(5)Kevin P.
Came here to eat with my close family and relatives from North Carolina. The food (the filet mignon) is absolutely delicious though I do warn you that it is heavily cow meat dominated and it is pricy. The service was acceptable, not over the top though I sense that our server was in her first month of serving. We never really had any serious needs while at the table. But the most important thing to note was the atmosphere. It is in a barn that had festive, southern, farm decorations all around. The music did not over power conversation and there were TVs and couches in waiting areas and clean bathrooms. They also had a valet service where the valet gentleman exhibited excellent southern chivalry. Final Thoughts: awesome but pricy, come here once a month with family to celebrate something.
(5)LT R.
You won't be disappointed at the Angus Barn or the Turkey Lounge. If you're looking for a fantastic steak with a side of character don't look any further. Take note: they often book up for major holidays so plan ahead of you don't want a 2-3 hour wait.
(5)Stephanie H.
I stopped in after work for a visit to the bar with a co-worker. We huffed it up the stairs but along the way I felt like I was sort of back in time? So much wood, dark colors, people drinking, eating cheese, having fun. Anyway - we ordered a couple of glasses of wine then sat down. I have heard about the cheese here soooo we grabbed a couple of plates and loaded up on cheese, crackers, olives, a random piece of celery. Cheese was good - it reminded me of the kind I used to eat at my grandma's house that was in a plastic container with a blue lid - started with a K...anyway, it reminded me exactly of that. The crackers were good as well and the olives were a nice compliment to the cheese and wine. We ended up ordering the potato skins which were deliciously spicy and crispy with a delicious dipping sauce made of bacon and something else - but bacon. SO good. We tackled those and enjoyed them. While I haven't had the pleasure of dining here for anything other than vino and apps, it is an impressive space and I'd be happy to eat a legit meal here sometime.
(4)Jennifer H.
What an amazing experience! This was my first dinner experience at The Angus Barn. There was a warm welcome by the staff upon entry. We sat in the Turkey lounge. Cathy provided great service! She appeared to be very knowledgable and happy to be at work. She provided insight as we made decisions on what to order. The food itself was amazing! I ordered the filet and lobster tail combo-it was worth every penny! After dinner, my friend and I inquired about a tour. Christina, a hostess, was very accommodating and we were able to received a tour of the meat locker and the wine cellar. This is most definitely a place that I will bring out of town guests to or attend on special occasions. Thank you so much to Cathy and Christina for providing such a wonderful experience!
(5)Crystal J.
I did read the reviews telling me not to fill up on cheese and crackers, but I could not help myself. They were too good. Mmm, olives and peppers- I think I'll have some of those too. Buttered bread? Don't mind if I do! Not to mention a nice sized salad. Who could eat a 24 oz T-bone after all that? I certainly tried, but did not succeed. Regardless, the T-bone was delicious. The top quality of beef is definitely noticeable. Thankfully, I was able to box up everything and take it home for a treat the next day. The service was excellent. Our waitress was personable and was able to suggest a great wine to pair with our meal. The prices will force to me to only indulge here on special occasions, but it is definitely worth it! As an added bonus, we got a complimentary pound cake for our anniversary!
(5)Len R.
The Angus Barn is a place where you must visit for special occasions or just for a great meal. If you are visiting from out of state and looking for an amazing steak- this is one of the places around. If you leave here disappointed it is your own fault. They age the meat and cut it themselves- it is absolutely one of the best steakhouses in NC. I have even gone here for holidays such as Thanksgiving and they go all out. This business is an asset to the State of North Carolina. Call for reservations. Call months in advance for holidays.
(5)Matthew N.
Have been here several times. The service is always spot on. Very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere with great steaks and sides.
(5)A C.
I've been to and rated a lot of steakhouses, but that doesn't make me an expert. I do love me some beef though. Read through the reviews and decided what the heck, let's give it a go. The cheese, crackers etc is a nice thing to have. Though as others have said be careful how much of it you eat because your food is still coming and you'll want to save room. I ate in the wild turkey lounge which I thought was named after the booze but doesn't seem to be. Still a nice fun area. They had live music going. Got the chateaubriand as it was what everyone listed as the go to. I guess in the lounge it doesn't come with a salad but really I don't know when you could fit that in. There's so. Much. Food. The beef was supposed to come with fingerling potatoes though they do give you your choice if you want something else. So after my cheese snacks, came a big ole basket of buttered toast. I had to try it...I mean it's buttered toast. You have to. It was good but again I don't suggest eating too much of it. On to what you're waiting for! The beef. Was pretty spectacular. I thought it could've used just a pinch more seasoning but it was extremely tender and flavorful. And to top it off my server, Melanie L. Brought me fat fries and a sweet potato because the fingerlings that came were ...well really not there. So it was really awesome of her to notice that and take care of it. Southern hospitality at its finest. So while it's not cheap, it's enjoyable. But if you're looking for cheap then stop reading this and go somewhere else.
(4)Donna H.
Had Karly's family birthday dinner here last night. It's such a comfortable place. Started with drinks in the Turkey Lounge in front of a fire and yes - duke was on TV...they won now in the final 4. Moved to a table in a small room off to the side - had it to ourselves for most of the time. Wait staff all awesome. And the chocolate chess pie - to die for! ( Steak everyone knows are delish!)
(5)Chris G.
Almost always enjoy my time in the Wild Turkey Lounge. I prefer its casual lounge atmosphere to the main dining room. The steaks are typically good, but nothing life changing. I go more to share the experience with out of town guests these days rather than the food.
(4)Ashley H.
Not really sure how this place has so many bad reviews. My boyfriend and I went to Angus Barn for our two year anniversary last night. We had done our research so we fully expected to spend a small fortune, but it was worth it. Our server was personable, and gave us extra shrimp and a whole cake for FREE because it was our anniversary. My lobster and prime rib were delicious, and EVERYTHING had flavor. My only complaint were the loud kids seated at the table next to us, but that's not their fault. (Who brings kids to a place like Angus Barn, anyway?) We can't afford to come here regularly, but we will be back for another special occasion. :)
(5)Christie E.
I could write a book. A restaurant like this often rests on its laurels but this was the best meal I have had in years! I want to marry my steak and have loaded mashed potato babies! The experience was first rate all the way!
(5)Tim S.
Turned up without a reservation as was a recommendation from a colleague. Waited an hour for a table - but worth every second! Noted the cigar room which piqued our interest in what cellar choices they offered also. Cigars, good red wine, bliss.... We started with a beer to cleanse our palates and we're delighted with a German Helles pale lager from the upstairs bar (which was full & busy). We were taken to our table and greeted by our server Corey W. A very enthusiastic gentleman who was keen to make sure we enjoyed every moment of our evening. Started with the French onion soup - nice, flavoursome but slightly overdone with the cheese topping on the bread.. The mains we had were the 10oz Filet Mignon with sweet potato fries and a 10oz prime rib with steamed veggies. Perfectly cooked and completely flavoured. Well seasoned and rested after cooking. Was one of the nicest steaks I've had in some time. Reminds me of Gemele Restaurant in Liverpool, Sydney Australia. Meat that has been cooked & served for a perfect meal. Dessert we shared was a creme brûlée - which was not overly sweet as some are. Crisp crunchy top and a lively smooth vanilla flavour. Wine was Australian Shiraz from the McLaren Vale from 2012, which was a much better vintage than the 2011 which they also had (excessive heat during the 2011 vintage burnt lot of the parcels across many vineyards in South Australia). After dinner, Corey offered to give us a tour of their award winning wine cellar - which was amazing! A storage capacity of 27000 bottles, it had only approx 25500 when we viewed it. Everything you could imagine from many of the stellar wine regions from around the globe. I was impressed at their Penfolds Grange selection, which was quite extensive. From their daily drinking quaffer of $50 to the most expensive wine in their cellar ($15000), I was overwhelmed at the quality their sommelier has put into establishing a remarkable wine cellar for clients to choose from.. A quick tour of the wine 'dining rooms' downstairs to the 'chefs table' seating in the enormous kitchen, we walked away from this fantastic restaurant with one thing one our minds - WE WILL BE BACK - and soon! Huge kudos to ALL the staff working - completely friendly and outgoing (everyone smiled, said hello and asked how evening was). As a regular foodie and wino, my wife and I were extremely impressed at the size of this restaurant was. Although there was a massive turnover of clients coming and going, there was NO compromise on the quality of the food and the service.
(5)Kate S.
Yes, this place is pricey, but it's worth it! Somehow the ambiance of Angus Barn finds a way to seem classy yet also a bit casual at the same time (or maybe "homey" is a better word). The service is also really great. I ordered a North Atlantic Salmon with rice pilaf on the side, which was just about flavored to perfection. The salmon was soft inside but slightly crispy on the outside. The server I had also recommended that I put sour cream in my rice pilaf, which made it taste more flavorful and surprisingly complemented the salmon. I plan on eating at Angus Barn again!
(5)Victoria S.
We made reservation for 6 pm and were sitting at a table by 6:10 pm. The staff greeted us promptly and were very nice. What a great night out! The food was amazing, service was top notch and it was worth every penny. HIGHLY recommend trying this place! We will be back
(5)Sarah E.
What a great experience at the Angus Barn. I have been to the Pavilion before for a Valentine's dinner, but the experience at the actual restaurant is so much better! We had crackers and cheese waiting for us when we sat down and our server also brought over a free relish plate. I also got a Mint Chocolate martini to go with my meal and it was sooooo delicious that you could barely believe there was alcohol in it. Before our entrees came out, you get a salad. I was expecting a typical bowl of salad. The caesar salad I got was good enough for a whole meal and is by far the best caesar salad I have ever had. I was already full after that! Our food came out really fast as well even though the portions were huge. My boyfriend got a combination plate of ribs and filet mignon and I got the Chateaubriand . They were both delicious! If you are looking for more variety rather than all meat and carbs, I would definitely go for the Chateaubriand . The filet mignon my boyfriend got was the juiciest piece of meat ever. I am not a steak person, but this I would eat any day. We ended with the chess pie. You think it would be too sweet, but it was so perfect and delightful. The decor in this place is really nice too. We were kinda in the middle of the restaurant grouped up close to the next table, but I didn't really feel like it wasn't private at all. Definitely make a stop at the bathroom just to check out the decor in there. The only reason I didn't give this five stars was because our waitress was a very slow with everything. I had to drink my boyfriend's water after a while because she was nowhere to be found for a huge chunk of our meal. We were going to watch a movie after, but didn't make it because every step of the process took forever, just because we could never find her. Whenever she was around, though, she was extremely pleasant and accommodating. I think it was just because it was at the end of her shift and she was trying to get stuff going before she left. Other than that, it was well worth the money and a great dining experience!
(4)Al S.
For 55 years Angus Barn has been Raleigh's premier steakhouse. Be kind to yourself... You deserve it... Go tonight!
(5)John F.
The service and atmosphere deserve respective 5 and 4. Amazing service! Unfortunately, the food was truck stop average. The quality of the steaks and sides was subpar. On top of the poor quality, the food was cooked poorly. The only knock on service was that even though the waitstaff recognized we weren't eating our food none of them suggested an alternative, not even after we declined to take leftovers of two almost complete steaks and noted they were poorly cooked. Being a dessert lover and having plenty of room left, we ordered three desserts. We may have eaten two bites. Not very good. Again, we love the service and the atmosphere but we won't be back until the food gets better. Regards,
(2)Ted E.
The Wild Turkey Lounge is the place. All the great food from the restaurant, plus an old time lounge atmosphere. The Ribeye was perfect, the Alaskan King Crab claws were a treat and the oysters were tasty and firm. We requested a Skinny Mojito...., they made a sugar free simple syrup, went a purchased mint, and then made the best Mojito I've ever tasted. The service and staff are top notch!
(4)Kelly R.
We celebrated our parents' fiftieth wedding anniversary with fifteen family members at the angus barn last night. We booked one of the private dining rooms in the wine cellar. It was the perfect location to mark the moment, and we couldn't be happier we chose this place. From the beginning, they made the event planning a breeze. Once we were there, the waiters were attentive to our every need and the food and wine pairings were all excellent. My only regret is that they didn't ask the individual group members how we would like our steaks prepared. (Perhaps the other hostess answered for the entire group? That's entirely possible and I'm not sure.) The steaks were delicious nonetheless, so we still give the restaurant five stars.
(5)Gretta G.
Excellent food and service! The decor is stunning and a great place for any occasion. Beautiful dark wood, ambient lightning, and country charm make it a very romantic setting. I ordered the filet oscar, creamed spinach, garden salad, and the chess pie. Everything was absolutely wonderful and I will definitely be returning!
(5)Amanda K.
I have been here a few times. Every time though I have been the food and atmosphere have been excellent. On this review however I'm writing in concern about their catering. A friend of my husband was getting married and they chose the Pavillon as their ceremony + reception spot. The Angus Barn also catered and we were all very curious of the dining experience. This was by far one of the best wedding guest experiences I've ever had. The experience mirrors something of 5 star dining. The open bar offered a lot of different wines and beers, and the appetizers passed around were delicious. We were seated for dinner. The first course was served with a white wine, not too sweet. It was a salad with glazed pecans and mozzarella cheese and a yeast roll on the side. The pecans were so good, I ate them...and I don't even like pecans usually. Our main course was served with a nice smooth red wine, and consisted of ribs, a filet, two extra large shrimp, mashed potatoes, and snap peas. Everything in the main dish had an excellent flavor and nothing short of what i expect of the Angus Barn. The dessert was served with champagne and was a chocolate chess pie and key lime pie served in mini pie crusts. Coffee was served after dinner and was rich and had a great flavor. Overall the dinner and appetizers were extremely delicious, and the service of the staff and manner of everyone who worked was very professional. The setting was beautiful (I believe there is more outside but it was raining and I was unable to go out) The Angus Barn is defiently worth a call if you are planning a wedding in the near future. I am unsure of the price however so be prepared!
(5)Vince E.
The dinners are HUGE! The prime rib was cooked perfectly, and each dinner comes with a side salad, potato, bread, and these amazing crackers and a cheese spread. The ribs fall off the bone and are also an excellent choice. This place seriously feels like a barn, and you'll leave full and feeling like you belong in one, but for all the best reasons
(5)Kristy A.
With everything I had heard about the Angus Barn, I thought I'd have to take out a second mortgage to eat here. Not so! I loved my meal and would put it up against Ruth's Chris or Flemings any day - and I spent way less here than I have ever spent there. Granted, it wouldn't take much to drop some serious cash here; but you can have a really awesome dinner for a really reasonable price. I went with the 7 oz filet, cooked medium rare. It was served with my choice of soup or salad, plus a side. I went with the french onion soup, which I really enjoyed. I also enjoyed bites of my companion's salads, which were ample in size. The side was a stuffed potato, which was a million calories of heaven...and that was before they brought over a caddy of sour cream and bacon bits to add to it. The steak was plenty and perfectly cooked. One of my companions got one that wasn't cooked right, but they fixed it and a manager came back to make sure it was ok. Two glasses of wine - the house branded cab - and my bill was still under $50. In addition to all the food I actually ordered, they have these pots of cheese spread, some crackers, and a relish tray with pickles, olives, and peppers. This stuff comes out at the beginning and if I had to do it all over again, I would be less excited about that stuff (and probably skip it altogether). It's good and all, but I was SOOOOO FULL when I left that I unbuttoned my pants in the car. No shame. The one thing that I won't rave about is the service. Our service was definitely not stellar. We were there forever and his attempt at beverage service was lacking. The meal was so good though that I didn't have the heart to knock off a star for it.
(5)Heather B.
I came here for their Thanksgiving buffet. I checked the Raleigh Visitor's Bureau site for a list of places open on Thanksgiving and this was one of them. You definitely need reservations. The place was packed and yet if you head to the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs it is first come first served which I did. The food was excellent. Prime Rib, turkey, ham and all the fixings. I must compliment the stuffing or dressing. It was not mushy or dry but the perfect consistency. Very flavorful. Overall great meal. The decor of the reataurant is also great.
(4)Kurt H.
Take my bias into account when I talk about this place: My first visit to the Angus Barn was at the age of 13. Upon learning about my love of food, they invited me into kitchen, and I was given a tour, and introduced to the grill chef...by Van Eure, herself. This is a great honor for someone like myself, who isn't socially, economically or otherwise "connected". After the tour, they invited me to stage, and told my parents they'd haul me back and forth to the restaurant (it actually goes a lot farther than that). Then, they took my brother and I to the gift shop, and loaded us down with awesome goodies. My parents didn't take them up on the offer to intern, and it has been one of the great disappointments of my life. I enjoy the Angus Barn, because the service is top notch. The ambiance is fantastic, and the hors d'oeuvres are enough to make a meal on, in and of themselves. The wine list is more than extensive. If you're a oenophile, then you're in the right spot. The steak is very good, although I was still eating steaks MED, instead of MED RARE the last time I went. I cry every time I think about what a horrible waste that was, even though the steak was excellent. I tried to go again during November. Unless you have a reservation in the Christmas season, don't expect to drop in, even if you get there early. The lounge was even full. They easily accommodate large parties, and you'll have a wonderful time. Even waiting is a pleasure, as you can go upstairs to The Wild Turkey Lounge, or stay below and check out the massive six-shooter collection, as you sit on the vintage leather couches. The steak is delicious, the service impeccable, and you'll never have a bad time at the Angus Barn. How do I know? My parents took some friends out (a financial sacrifice, at the time) to celebrate their engagement. A waitress passing by, managed to drop a tray holding a few glasses of wine. The wine hit the hem of my mother's dress. Not only did the management come by to apologize, they sent them home with wine and a gift basket that had a value of over $150, but also cut her a generous check for the dry-cleaning of her dress. It's that kind of service and attention to detail that creates loyalty, and I guess, a sense of nostalgia in me. Tip: 1.) Get reservations, even if you don't feel it will be very busy. 2.) Avoid unless you've made reservations weeks in advance during the holiday season. 3.) Don't load up on the hors d'oeuvres, unless you don't care to finish your meal. The cheese spread and crackers will do you in quickly.
(4)Joe P.
Ate here with colleagues in Thad's room. The experience was phenomenal with the servers being highly professional and the food unbelievably good. The experience overall was impressive and I would recommend to anyone looking for private dining.
(5)Amanda A.
Went there over Memorial Day Weekend for lunch. Had a great server, great food and a great experience. When we were finished eating, a staff named Ray, took us for a tour which included going into the kitchen, and downstairs to an incredible wine cellar, and two private dining areas. It was a very good tour, the kid was very knowledgable and we will certainly be going back.
(5)Korey W.
Wow what a place. Seven of us went here for dinner on a recommendation from a local business associate of ours. We started the evening off with dinner and a couple bottles of red wine from Napa Valley. During dinner a gentleman stopped by the table and performed a couple of magic tricks which was great entertainment. All the food was spectacular. Out waiter recommended that we take a tour of the wine cellar after dinner and I am so glad that we did. It is a spectacular cellar. Thank you to Henk "the wine guy" for spending extra time with us explaining the great history behind the cellar. A couple of us then headed to the humidor to grab a couple of cigars and then off to the smoking room we went. The lounge known as "the meat locker" is exactly that, the old meat locker repurposed. I've been to a few cigar lounges in my time and this is by far my favorite. The only way to get to the lounge is to be escorted by staff through the kitchen, what an experience! After a cigar and a couple glasses of scotch we joined back up with the others on the patio and enjoyed another bottle of wine around the fire pit and enjoyed a S'more. All in all this place is now one of my favorites in all of the US. I'm not sure the next time I will be in the area but if/when I am I will be returning.
(5)Jay A.
Enjoyed a wonderful dinner last night at The Angus Barn. There were 6 of us and I can truly say that it was a memorable experience. We started our evening off with a wonderful bottle of Malbec. Yes, their wine list ain't cheap; however, the Malbec options were exceptional. Even the crackers with cheese on the tables were wonderful. Appetizer was a perfect sized bowl of French Onion Soup. It was included with dinner. Considering what entrees cost here it makes sense to include the soup. I then opted for the Alaskan King Crab. It was served in small sections nicely cut for very easy eating. Never saw it cut this way before; however, must admit it made life easy. The crab was flawless. It was hot, tender, flavorful and precisely the way it is supposed to taste. With it I had a baked potato. The potato was a tad overdone; however, the crab was so very good that I won't ding these nice folks a star. Dessert was pecan pie with homemade vanilla ice cream. Yummmmmmy. While this place has it's tourist appeal it happens to be very good. I enjoyed my meal and the service was good. Will I eat here again? Absolutely.
(5)Tim C.
Zowie,,, this place is so good and so fun! I've eaten here about 3 times and will go back whenever I am in the area. It's a bit of a sleeper as it doesn't look too big from the highway. Once you get inside it's huge and they serve a TON of people all with awesome quality. Try to get a seat in the Turkey Lounge upstairs. I know it's tempting to fill up on the cheese and crackers (I did) but save yourself for the steak. The Turkey Lounge has interesting seating and much more eclectic than the rest of the restaurant. The staff is super friendly and if you ask they will give you the full tour of the place including the wine cellar, kitchen and indoor outhouse. I can't say enough good things about this place and it's staff. Everyone is super friendly and very attentive. I'm a sucker for the tenderloin but I am sure all the steaks are good there!
(5)Charlie O.
I've heard from a number of people through the years that this places quality really depends on how crowded they are. We took my mother here for her birthday after wanting to try it for a few years. It was extremely packed but the wait time wasn't too bad at all. Our visit started out great. We checked out the gun collection (probably the greatest thing there and I'm not even a huge gun fanatic) and had a drink at the turkey lounge upstairs. We couldn't help but get a kick out of the hor d'oeuvres section , the way everyone talked we were expecting something a little more "upscale" than cheddar cheese and Ritz crackers but I liked the casual style. When it came time to eat our server was great, very quick and polite. However, none of us were happy with our food. There were 5 of us and we all agreed that the steaks didn't taste any different than something you could get at a place like the outback, maybe even a little worse, except these were twice the price. My sides were okay but again, nothing really different than any other average place. We ordered 2 appetizers, I believe 9 one liquor and soda drinks all together (whiskey & coke, rum & coke, etc.) , and our food and the total came to about $500 when we factored in the tip. Very overpriced in my opinion for the quality of the food but they could have just been having an off night since they had a packed house. Unfortunately it's too expensive for me to want to give it another shot and hope that they're better. Oh yeah! And a magician randomly showed up at our table and did some cool stuff so that was another perk. All in all I'd say it's worth a try I suppose, if anything I'd go check out the gun case and Turkey lounge. Grab a few of those gourmet Ritz and look at some early 1900s pistols
(3)Kristine T.
Angus Barn was recommended to my husband and I by a friend who lives in the area. We are from Florida, and were on an impromptu road trip celebrating our one year wedding anniversary. We were told in advance it was pricey, which was okay with us because it was our last night before going home and wanted to finish strong. Our server, Doug, was an absolute professional. He was very knowledgeable on the most extensive wine list we have ever seen (my husband is a beverage manager at a upscale restaurant). He was friendly, personable, and made sure we took the tour of the wine cellar when we were finished with our meal, even though it was 15 minutes until they closed. The wine cellar, was enormous and out of this world. They also have a cigar bar in a meat locker with open windows to the air. To top that off, they have an outdoor patio area towards the back of the restaurant (closer to the street) with a bonfire! They even brought out marshmellows, graham crackers, and hershey bars for smores! We came back to the bonfire after ordering some champagne and closing out our bill. This was after an amazing meal. For starters, we had double jumbo shrimp and french onion soup (very good). For wine we chose, Ojai Syrah (very smooth). My 10 oz filet was wrapped in bacon and cooked to perfection, and I was able to force myself to finish because it was so good. I will say two things I was not crazy about. First, the host stand staff had a bit of an uppity attitude (one of my biggest pet peeves). Second, the bar upstairs. While, I liked the piano player, and the overall low key vibe we got, the bartenders were not very friendly and the host stand paged us not even after 10 minutes of going up there (we arrived to our reservation an hour earlier). Other than that, if you are going to have a pricey date night, Angus Barn will not disappoint!
(4)Larry S.
Fabulous food and service. Always wanted to come here, and it didn't disappoint. Prime rib was great. Entrees come with salad and side, so it is significantly less expensive than other top end steakhouses. Not inexpensive in total, but worth it.
(5)Brian K.
Most people consider Angus Barn a place for after-work business meetings, birthday celebrations, and people with deep pockets dressed in serious clothing. Well, that's mostly true. But climb a set of creaky stairs to find The Wild Turkey Lounge, where you'll find the Barn's burger--"16 oz. patty [yes--a pound] of our Angus Barn beef, ground by our butchers"--for a measly $17. The staff will gladly explain how the burger can be spruced up with just about anything they've got in the kitchen, from the basic toppings to béarnaise sauce and crab. I personally stand by my faithful favorite formation: bacon and cheddar, medium rare, with a side of mayo. The burger arrives on a large plate surrounded by a buttered, toasted bun, with massive, charred edges, melted shredded cheddar, and three pieces of crispy, curly bacon on top. I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of the AB bacon. I prefer thick slices on my burgers, but AB puts the little curly crispy guys on theirs. I take a massive first bite to look back and see a pink inside while juice drips down the sides and onto my hands. Closer to the center I find a warm, deeper pink--almost red--core. The beef is soft and moist on the inside, with a crisp shell from an open flame, with a unique flavor that I can only associate with the seasoned grills of AB. I quickly find my inner peace in this perfectly cooked medium rare patty from heaven.
(5)Ali S.
Just because the prices are high, doesn't mean you have to believe the hype! I ate dinner last night here with my husband. The environment is busy, dare i say hectic even and the place is packed, and as I understand, always is. I really don't get it. I like steak. I like potatoes. I like cheese. I like crackers. But something was off. The cheese and crackers weren't life altering, and if the unlimited amount of this and other add ins like pickles, olives, and bread are part of the prices I am paying on my entree, I'd rather do without. I ordered the French Onion Soup to start and couldn't suck down enough water and wine to get rid of the salt. It tasted like Lipton's. I ordered the bacon wrapped filet, 7oz and a "stuffed potato." First, my steak looked perfect, oh how I WISH I COULD HAVE TASTED IT. The bacon wrapped guy was encrusted in so much black pepper, my mouth was on fire! I couldn't taste anything! Again, more water. more wine. Someone please help me. Ouch. This filet costs $38! I want to know what it tastes like! After trying to scrape and trim, I surgically was able to find a few bits to eat. By then I was annoyed, and full. Stuffed Potato? Hmmmm...not sure about that either. It was just a crock of mashed potatoes with cheese, slopped in there and all the little white dishes surfing around the plates just seemed ridiculous. My husband's experience was just as awful if not worse. Leaving with a literal nauseated feeling is never a good sign. Skip Angus Barn. People told us you HAVE to go, just once! Don't. Don't bother. Spend a few dollars more and go to the nice steakhouse downtown.
(1)Sonia S.
Discovered this place by accident and we were pleasantly surprised! The ambiance is phenomenal and we were given a tour while we waited for our table. There are appetizers to nibble on as well while waiting. Server was knowledgable and seemed happy to be there. Amount of food is phenomenal, side salads are full size! My husband and I split a steak and shrimp combo and we still had food left over. We tried two wine flights that complimented our food perfectly and also enjoyed a delicious dessert. Best part was how reasonable the bill was for the quality and service we received. Definitely a place we will revisit!
(5)B. P.
Point blank the best restaurant experience I've had in Raleigh. My fiancé and I went here for his birthday and we ordered raw oysters for appetizer, the largest lobster I've ever eaten, beef (filet mignon or prime rib), and the best dessert ever: chocolate chess pie! I saw that this particular pie won an award so I thought it necessary to try. I was right! To top it off, since it was my fiancé's birthday, Angus Barn gave us a full cake with a candle! Impeccable service, excellent food, perfect for a great night out. My new favorite restaurant in the Triangle! Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
(5)Nancy T.
You know, I always drove passed the big red barn thinking The Angus Barn was only for super wealthy people who could afford $100/person plates of food. I finally got the opportunity to go for a friend's going away dinner here and I was actually surprised. For the amount of food that you get, the price is worth every bite. And to set the record straight, yes you could easily spend $100 per person if you like to order bottle(s) of wine and apps and desserts, etc., but it would be way too much food for a single person. For two people, my bf and I spent $100 plus tip (two steaks, two glasses of wine, and one dessert) and so certainly, it is a nicer place to go for dress-up, special occasions but we both agreed it is OUR preferred steakhouse to go to that would surpass other steakhouse chains like Ruth's Chris or Fleming's. At these places, everything on the menu is pretty much a la carte, so you pay for everything piecemeal which adds up on the bill. On their website - the first question on the FAQ says: "What is the average price? Our entrees run from the low 30's to low 40's with some exceptions. All entrees include a choice of salad and most include a choice of potato or vegetable. Most couples spend $80.00 to $100.00." I can vouch for that! Here at The Angus Barn, you get a lot for your meal - First you get homemade crackers and cheese that are truly addicting (and can be purchased at their store onsite). Then, I believe most meals come with a salad or soup - at least I know the steaks do. I chose a DELICIOUS salad (spinach, bacon and mushroom) with a warm vinaigrette, and it is a HUGE bowl - almost entree sized at other restaurants - and it was really yummy. By the time I got my steak, I could barely get 4-5 bites in because I was already full. I had enough leftover steak for at least three meals! For dessert, the waitress actually threw in a free dessert due to my indecisiveness. I was torn between two and so she just gave us both and charged us for one. Although we threw in a few more bucks for tip, it was still a nice gesture and somewhat appropriate for the southern hospitality that you can expect the moment you walk in. It's a barn... it's a big barn, but that's the style you should expect. Don't expect super sleek modern and contemporary because you'll be sorely disappointed. Overall, I'm a FAN - don't be intimidated like I was. It's worth it.
(4)Mikey B.
Angus Barn is a classic joint. It's cozy, comfortable and cool. It's always busy. Whether it's the dining room, the Wild Turkey Lounge for a drink or a trip to the Meat Locker for a cigar...it's all good. You can even sit outside around the fire pit on a warm night. It's just a classic place. Never a dull moment at the barn.
(4)Tai B.
Ate here on august 21st with colleagues while in the area on a business trip. If you are a non beef eater, like I am, the best thing about this place is the magician followed by the decor. Backing up a bit, this is basically a steak house and had I known I probably would have declined the invitation to go. Anyway I got the grilled chicken salad on spinach. I had to send it back because bacon bits were all in it and I don't eat bacon (it wasn't labeled on the menu as having bacon). But when I got the salad without bacon it was perfectly fine. Nothing particularly spectacular. Tried a colleagues asparagus and thought they were cooked in too much butter. The decor at angus barn can best be described as eclectic country living room. There are antler chandeliers, leather arms chairs, rugs, stuffed moose head on the walls, etc. there's a lot to look at! The best part, a magician came around and did a few tricks. Having a magician in a fine dining establishment is odd, but I liked him. If you're not a beef eater, I'd skip angus barn.
(3)Gabby A.
The bar (Turkey Lounge) is great. The food is over priced. This place used to be the "it" place. Now it's kinda turned into a wash.
(3)JW C.
I recently dined here with a large group of customers and was a bit underwhelmed by the food. I ordered the Chateaubriand medium-rare and although it came out properly cooked, it continued to cook on the heated cast iron griddle it was served on. The meat soon became tough and dry, which is a criminal thing to do to such prime cut of beef. The meat itself wasn't very seasoned and I did not care for the accompanying sauce or jus, which was also very bland. The person sitting next me ordered the prime rib cooked medium, but it was served medium-rare. When brought to our server's attention, she promptly apologized and promised a new, cooked cut of beef, which was nice gesture, but by the time he received the new steak, the rest of us were finished with our meals. Regardless, we did have an enjoyable experience, but at this price point, I expected a bit more.
(2)Katie S.
*Wild Turkey Lounge Review Only* Drinks were ok, food was ok, service was ok... The slowness of the kitchen was ridiculous. It took 40 mins to get two aps out. Plus $26 for just ok crab dip in my mind is not worth it. It's a beautiful place, but I'm not really sure what all the hype is about.
(3)Arlene T.
We have had the privilege of eating at some pretty high-end steak houses: Cut, the Metropolitan Grill, Mastros, etc so this review is skewed to high steak expectations. Anyway, we were new to the area, looking for great steak, and a friend recommended Angus Barn. We had very high expectations but were very disappointed with the quality of food. The portions were generous but the food was rather bland--I could cook up a better steak at home. In addition, meal was pricey for the quality--prices very comparable to Ruth Chris but the taste is no where near. It seems like most Raleigh locals who rave about Angus Barn have a sentimental memory associated with Angus Barn--family celebration, work party, etc--which may influence the appeal of the restaurant. Overall, the food leaves plenty to be desired but the staff at Angus Barn gets 5+ stars for customer service.
(3)Jeremy C.
Wow what and experience! Dinner at the captains table was an awesome night! A private chef (Chris he was excellent) and personal wine service from the Beverage Director Hank. Chris started with seared scallops in brown butter, next course was a roasted red pepper with langoustines, an arugula salad with a mixed berry vinaigrette and goat cheese, main course was a mid rare filet and a perfectly cooked Chilean sea bass with a Beurre Blanc sauce (Chris did excellent here!) Top it all off with a personal tour of the Wine Cellar (considered as one of the top 100 in the world) from Hank. This was a heck of an evening and I recommend it to anyone.
(5)Shruti D.
As a vegetarian and a native to this area, this has never been my 1st choice of place to go eat at. We went here for the 1st time and it was pretty good. I loved all the holiday decor. I got the pasta and I thought was good but can't compare to Bella Monica but don't expect it to either because they are not a italian restaurant. I would definitely go back for the atmosphere and wine (and Maybe their cheese spread and crackers.. ;-) )
(4)Jeremy D.
Disclaimer: I have eaten at my fair share of up-scale restaurants and have a lot to compare against. Angus Barn is a lot of hype for slightly better than average steaks. Prices are DEFINITELY not reflective of quality. I got the bacon wrapped filet-mignon and it was better than what someone would make at home but not worth $37. I probably would have been satisfied if it had been under $24. It was pretty bland. Service was great and I loved the cheese and crackers. Overall too pricey for mediocre meal.
(3)Nicole C.
Amazing!!!! A little skeptical given first impression with rustic decor. But quickly enchanted with customer service from bar to hostess to server. The owner welcomed us as we were being sat. And Jim!!!!!! Our server! Every restaurant should have a dozen of him. Not to discount the incredible award winning wine list. I have been in the restaurant fine dining business for 18 years......I work at one of the most prestigious restaurants in Dallas Texas; top ten cities with more restaurants than people in America. The Angus in North Carolina is truly a gold mine and a must for everyone in the area. And again, can't say enough about Jim!
(5)Graham P.
Went to a financial seminar and had the filet. Both my wife and I were sick within the next 24 hours, as was another person in the group. We got the usual apology from one of the managers. Apparently, they have been cited for bad meat. It's way overrated and expensive.
(2)Bill D.
Recently went to the Angus Barn and I have to say I am glad that somebody else picked up the tab. I thought for the quality of the food, the prices were extremely high. Here are the pro's and con's: Pro's 1. The service was great. Our server, Thomas, was always there when we needed him, but he was not at all obtrusive. 2. The Caesar Salad was excellent. 3. I had a crab cake as part of an appetizer plate and it was quite good. Con's 1. Honestly, the rice pilaf that I had as a side tasted straight out of a box of Rice-a-Roni. 2. The salmon entree was exceedingly bland in taste. 3. Also bland---very bland---were the crackers that they serve with a Cheese-whiz concoction. 4. We got a tour of the restaurant...and, yes, the restaurant itself is quite impressive...by someone who seemed to be only going through the motions in giving the tour. 5. I sampled another person's tuna entree and it had a very funny after-taste. Besides me and the other person who had the tuna, all others in our party got a beef dish. And to be fair, the beef-eaters' plates were all empty, or close to it, come the end of the dinner. So if you go, order the beef.
(3)Paul B.
I have lived in Raleigh almost 22 years and have worked next to the Angus Barn for 18 of them. I have dined at this restaurant at least 20 times and I have to say it has gone so far down hill that the only thing saving it is its nostalgia. I bring clients and vendors for the ambience and decor and what use to be good food. Unfortunately the food and service has gotten so bad in the dining room that I will not return. They will not care as this place is packed 7 nights a week, what a shame. I usually dine with a party of 4-8 but honestly the food and service is way better at outback. I will return to the turkey lounge if we can get in which is tough these days but I have to tell you I think the owners, management and wait staff have given up and are resting on their laurels. Our food was late cold and tough, how do you have a tought piece of filet mignon medium rare? Our waitress actually disappeared for over 30 minutes and we had to hunt her down to get the check. We were in the main dining room and four times someone walking by bumped my leg and shoulder as the tables were packed so tight together. There are to many options these days for high end steak houses, they may not have the ambience of Angus Barn but they definitely have better food and service. What a shame, a Raleigh staple going so far.down hill.
(1)Troy B.
Amazing aged steaks. By far the best steakhouse I have ever eaten at. The twice baked potato was also amazing. The service was top notch. Our waitress Maggie was outstanding and gave us a nice tour of the restaurant for my birthday. I have been to all of the high end steakhouses and this one would give them a run for there money.
(5)Jessica B.
Another great evening at the AB. Excellent food and great service. On the occasion something doesn't hit the high mark, they bend over backwards to make it right. It's an institution for a reason, people.
(5)Mike D.
Pretentious? - maybe a little bit, Ostentatious? - perhaps, but certainly the best pork ribs in the Triangle. So, the Lady takes me to the Barn for dinner last night. I gotta say that the quality of the meal coupled with the excellent service make for a fine dining experience. It can get a little noisy in the main dining area so hopefully you can snag a table in one of the smaller rooms. The cheeses, crackers and veggies are certainly a suitable stand-in for an appetizer, but I had to go for a dozen oysters anyway and they were awesome. The Lady had the rib-eye and the most succulent asparagus I've ever tasted while I stuck with my fall off the bone ribs as usual. A new addition to the menu is a 42 oz monster Bone-In Rib-eye called the Bedrock Tomahawk Chop. For a mere $95 you too can experience a bovine overload. Fortunately I passed on this trip. We shared a Chocolate Chess pie to finish our evening and all in all I can't find any fault in the Angus Barn. It is a Dining Experience.
(5)John S.
Attended the Angus Barn after the US Open in Pinehurst to celebrate Fathers Day and my wife's birthday. Started with cocktails at the upstairs bar. Great atmosphere and one long time bartender was extremely accommodating with a tour to the meat locker. Seated by request at a private table and continued to indulge in a fabulous dinner. Started with a half dozen of raw oysters ("flown in daily from the Gulf"). Excellent size and flavor, complimented by Texas Pete's (our favorite hot sauce). Split the French onion soup and wedge salad, both were large and excellent. Split the 22oz bone in prime rib. Cooked perfectly (ordered rare/m-rare), great flavor. Chose creamed spinach and loaded potato based on previous reviews and were not disappointed...to the contrary. We forwent the complimentary birthday cake (too full!) and were pleasantly surprised when the check arrived. Our waitress was very attentive and extremely kind. All shared dishes were pre-split and individually plated upon arrival. As a caution, I agree with other posts on not indulging in the complimentary apps although the blue cheese cheddar spread is the bomb. I've been fortunate enough to dine at many premier steakhouses across the country (both chain and local) and I would recommend the Angus Barn next to all of them. Casual and "fine" at the same time. Over the top!
(5)Lisa M.
There is a reason this place is huge with new additions added every year. It's the destination restaurant in Raleigh. The service is second to none. The food is delicious and the free whipped cheese and crudités including homemade crackers hits the spot. I asked the wine steward Hank for a full body wine recommendation for a bottle that I could buy at total wine if I liked it for $20. He gave me plenty of personalized great tips and brought us a bottle so good we had two. There is also a more casual bay called The Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs. If you enjoy cigars, check out the meat locker. Sounds horrible but it's incredibly cool and leads to a lovely enormous deck for an after dinner drink under the stars. Being a vegetarian I was so pleasantly surprised to find out that the owner personally visits the farms the animals come from to ensure they are humanely raised and processed cruelty free. If you get a chance to pop by, definitely do!
(5)Jason L.
My wife and I have been going to the Angus Barn on Valentine's Day for the past 10 years and have never been disappointed! The thing I like the most is their consistency. They always prepare my steak to perfection each time. The cheese and crackers are border line addicting. The portions are very plentiful. You can not go wrong with this place!
(5)Kathryn E.
Oh, Angus Barn. I love you. I had been here several times for work dinners but never with family or friends. We started our evening in the Wild Turkey Lounge and were able to find seats though it was crowded. The drinks and perfectly casual atmosphere got us off to a good start. Our buzzer rang promptly at 7pm and our party of 7 was seated in a back corner. Word of caution: Don't fill up on crackers, cheese, and olives like we did. When you sit down perfectly ravenous, it's easy to fill up on these complimentary delights. The cheddar and white cheeses are fantastic and the relish tray is the perfect salty company. For dinner I started with the French onion soup, others had soup of the day or salad. Must try the wedge salad! It's a gigantic plate of deliciousness and you'll be thrilled you did. Our entrees were all beef of course, I enjoyed a 10 ounce bacon wrapped filet. I also sampled the new York strip with blue cheese topping and it was divine. They know how to cook and present meat. I suggest trying any type of potato as the server will also come around and see if you'd like bacon, butter, or sour cream added to your side dish. Yes, please? Dessert is probably not their forte- but no one comes to AG for dessert. We enjoyed a cappuchino cheesecake and thought the (huge) poundcake they brought for two in our party celebrating a birthday was a lovely and delicious treat. Our meal was $165 for two (including tip and 2 glasses of wine) and worth every penny. The service was excellent, especially for a larger party, and the atmosphere can be as casual or as dressy as you want it to be. It's the perfect compliment to Fall. Can't wait to return.
(5)Tasha C.
The atmosphere is amazing! It's a great place to come and hang out while your waiting for your table. Ambiance incredible. Food is delicious and great service
(5)Julia H.
Overpriced. Slow. Steaks were average at best. The cheese tastes like cheese whiz. I just don't get it.
(1)Sheryl P.
Dinnner in the Wild Turkey Lounge. Great food great service. Last minute decision but a great one! Ribs best ever. Sirloin steak super. And we have enough for lunch tomorrow. Fabulous finale. Key lime pie!!!!
(5)Michael B.
EXCELLENT! Want a great steak? Go here! I have traveled all over the US and have been to ever state except Alaska and Hawaii. In all my travels I have ate at some of the best restaurants in America. This stands out by far as one of the best dining experiences I have had.
(5)Larry G.
Last night was my first encounter with the Angus Barn, I brought the rents here for a birthday dinner. The entire scale of this restaurant is astonishing: 325 full-time employees (employment includes 401K and health benefits), a pavilion for weddings and special occasions, a wine cellar bigger than my apartment and the largest gun collection below the Mason-Dixon line. It even has its own exit off of Glenwood Avenue, I haven't seen that for an Outback Steakhouse before. We asked a few employees how long they have worked at the barn and the shortest tenure we heard was 14 years and given the information above it is easy to see why. The restaurant was opened in 1960 and is now run by the original owners daughter who has picked up a tremendous amount of goodwill, you can tell she has a passion for the business instead of simply viewing it as inheriting a cash cow. I loved the way the restaurant blended its old fashioned look with new technology like the remodeling of the bathrooms or the POS system up front to keep track of table placement. The staff (our waiter Kenny in particular) were attentive and willing to cope with my mothers waffling back and forth between a couple of different entrees. Ahead of the meal, she told us that she would be just as happy eating at McDonald's so I wanted to shoot back her claim after a taste of a gargantuan dinosaur sized rib. My initial thought after looking at the beef ribs is that there is a strong possibility the cows bred at this establishment were injected with HGH. I've never seen anything like it, but just like Barry Bonds' knocking 70 homeruns out of the park, I'll ignore logic and accept the afro growing entertainment factor. Service was on point and we all got different dishes leading to a sampling across the board at the barn. Everything was off the charts, with the beef ribs in pole position and the prime rib taking up the rear, although my stepdad loved how medium rare and fatty the cut was. My filet was cooked to perfection and for an added exclamation point had a juicy slice of bacon wrapped around it. The prices weren't cheap, but compared to NYC I'd put the tab at a 40% discount to our largest metropolis up north for a similar quality of meat. The main difference is that steaks or meals come with soup or salad and a side dish whereas at the traditional steakhouse up north everything is ordered a la carte. Aside from providing a ways to make ends meat (a pun!) for over 325 people in the Raleigh area, Angus Barn is committed to causes much greater than their bottom line which includes raising money for mentally disabled children, a walk that takes place the second Sunday in October every year. Despite being jewish, I can't wait to book my reservation for Christmas time where the place gets decorated to the nines and children dress up as elves for a most festive holiday flair. Not to be missed!
(5)Ian W.
This review is for the Wild Turkey Lounge, so don't mistake this for the rest of the restaurant. The restaurant would probably get a slightly lower rating as I prefer Sullivan's downtown. But the lounge is amazing. I picture myself as a person of a different echelon when I go here. I can be fancy for a time and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a dark and classy atmosphere. I can watch a football game and enjoy some delicious appetizers like ostrich satay or potato wedges with sour cream and chives. There's also a free antipasti bar with olives, pickles, crackers and cheese spreads. Delicious! Grab a leather couch by the fireplace and enjoy some drinks with friends.
(4)Michelle K.
We hadn't been to the Barn in a couple of years and we wanted a special place to go celebrate my 15-year old's birthday. Besides the terrible service we received we were unpleasantly surprised when the Filet Mignon that 3 out of 5 of us ordered was chewy with a lot of fat and nearly inedible. The waitress was not attentive (we barely saw her). There was some garlic bread plopped on the table randomly in the middle of our meal and we didn't know what to make of that ! We were not asked if we wanted a refill on our wine and when she brought over the traditional birthday pound cake for my son, she plopped it in front of him and quickly said Happy Birthday and basically ran from the table. Even though 3 of us basically had only eaten a third of our steak, she did not ask if everything was alright. Atmosphere pretty neat as it always is, but food was not good and very highly priced. Was not impressed at all on this visit and my husband hasn't stopped complaining about how much money we just spent on that underwhelming meal.
(1)Avi N.
Dined there last night and was disappointed with the food. Ordered the 42oz ribeye for two medium rare and it was the worst $95 steak I've had. Why? steak was severely over cooked to the point where the outside was completely charred and inedible which of course made the inside a dry "well" temp. In addition probably about 30oz of the steak was bone so this was easily consumed by my wife and I who are not heavy eaters at all. Couldn't also send it back because it took 30 mins to receive and was not going to wait or make a scene for another one. On a positive note, the service was great and the crackers and cheese are great. If you're going to spend $100 per person, go to a better steakhouse and avoid buyers remorse.
(2)Dipan P.
Amazing meal. Crab cakes were great, went for the prime rib this time....among best I have had anywhere. Overall if you want a great meal with top notch service in a great environment, don't look any further. 3rd visit over past 10 years and continues to get better each time
(5)Michael C.
I've eaten here several times and this trip was the best, we got to sit upstairs for the first time for a party of 11, the food was really good as always I've had better steaks but you can't beat the atmosphere especially at Christmas. The wait staff is awesome and great with kids, had the kids split one kids meal and they still ended up bringing the kids their own plates, they take the kids to kitchen afterwards to make their own ice cream. Prime rib was very good, make reservations! Take it easy on the cheese and crackers while waiting they fill you up fast :) complimentary coffee after dinner
(5)Kaitlyn M.
This place is a destination for the atmosphere and building alone! It's an excellent choice at Christmastime, and good for photos while you wait or while in the Wild Turkey Lounge. The food is excellent, especially the Ostrich Satay appetizer which the chef prepared while competing in Iron Chef. But I will say, I'm not sure that this place is as good as everyone thinks it is. I'm glad that I've been, and I might go back next Christmas, but I feel I can find a steak just as good if not better for a better value somewhere else. However, when I become a wine connoisseur, I will definitely return. Their wine list is incredibly impressive, and there was a group having a special Chef's dinner in the wine cellar, which looked like something worth coming back for.
(3)Jean M.
I know I'm the odd man out because I think Angus Barn is all that. I've been there at least five times -- so I'm writing based on a compilation of my experiences there. First, expect a long wait. I would say on average 45 minutes. Sorry, there's just no justification for that. Yes, you can sit in the front bar and have some horrible cocktails - but maybe a reservation system would make more sense? Second, I find that for the prices the quality of the food should be much better. I wouldn't say the beef is the best grade, side dishes are sub par. And for the price I would expect the service to be much better. None of the waiters seem very happy to be there. Wild Turkey bar is almost always completely packed and impossible to find a seat in. Cocktails tend not to be great. But I will say some of the signature ones are OK. But not what you would expect from a place that holds itself out as a high end steak house. Meat Locker - it's kind of disheartening to go put down good money on a meal only to be told you can't go enjoy a cigar after dinner in the Meat Locker because it's at capacity. I wouldn't have come because to me that is one of the only reasons to come here. I've also seen at least one instance where people were over-served - and practically unable to speak or walk. Ambiance - half the people are pissed for having to wait so long to get a table. And it's often so loud that you can't here the person you're with. I've also been in the Meat Locker for a drink after dinner and it was painfully loud. To me, Angus Barn is becoming a kitschy place reminiscent of a Cracker Barrel. It also seems to be gaining attention with business travelers, people from out of town, etc. who come because it is a landmark. Overall, I've been to much better steakhouses. The prices and the long wait here isn't justified.
(2)First J.
This review is only for the "meat locker". This is the place where you can drink and smoke cigars. What is really cool about it is the fact that is kind of like a speakeasy! I love the fact that they have to take you around the corner, through the back, and you also walk through the kitchen to get to the "locker". It has a tv and a cabin-like decor and a lot of history. Not a great selection on cigars however you can bring your own. The drinks are good as well. I love the service though, I've been here twice and service was superb both times. Had a server named Arianna or Marianna (spelling) and she was very cool and attentive. To eat I had the jumbo Alaskan crab claws and they were very tasty. Overall I enjoyed it and will definitely be back.
(5)Joe D.
If you are just going here for the steak just know that it's not prime steak. For me - a steak lover- that is a deal breaker. If you go for things other than the steak - this place is fun and makes a nice place for a special occasion. We went for a graduation from college and I don't think it is 'nice enough' for an event like that - but it is nice enough for a birthday or anniversary. Don't feel bad if you don't order the steak - I've had better steaks (and I'm not joking) at Outback steak. In fact - if you have a choice just got to Outback.
(3)Nicolas H.
This has to be my favorite restaurant of all time. Don't let the price scare you, because the food is amazing. They also make sure to give you your money's worth because the portions are HUGE! Service is amazing and on Friday nights they have a magician, which is always fun for the kids. So what are you waiting for, get on over to Angus Barn!
(5)Natasha G.
The Angus Barn has turned into a regular stop for my fiancé and me on special occasions, or to take friends and relatives to who are visiting from out of town. I really, really LOVE this place! Yes, it's pricey. But the atmosphere and deliciousness make it totally worth it in my opinion. Upon first entering the joint, you will fall in love with the ambiance. The title is no joke. The Angus Barn really is a barn. But it has been totally transformed into the coziest, quaint, upscale joint in Raleigh. There is a sweet little shop when you first enter that sells some amazing soy candles (we have 2). The ladies' lounge is also super pristine and cozy. Now for the food. Complimentary appetizers include some dang good cheese dips and garlic bread. Mmmmm. And for dinner, I usually order the filet mignon or the prime rib. I'm no steak expert, but I am always extremely happy with what they bring out to me, and that's really all that matters, right? The service here is also outstanding. We've visited maybe 4 or 5 times now, and the wait staff has always taken extremely good care of us. Our last visit was for my fiancé's birthday. To my surprise, they even took the cake I brought in to the back for safe keeping and brought it out when we were ready for dessert, complete with candles (which they asked if I wanted ahead of time). They even sliced it up for us! Don't let the prices shock you when you get there. Check out the menu online and make sure this is an affordable option before visiting (always a good idea). This is why we only visit The Angus Barn for special occasions.
(5)Chris M.
Do not come here for good steaks, it just falls short in every main category of a steakhouse. Had 14 people at our table, not one steak could have been considered cooked properly based on how they were ordered. Even two of the same exact steaks ordered the same temperature were 3 extremely different temperatures. Second no seasoning or flavoring on the steaks at all. Some purists might say thats how meat lovers want it but salt and pepper go a long way without ruining the taste of the meat. Lastly their cuts are fatty, gristly, uneven (sloped) and just all around poor quality beef. I get better NY Strips at the local grocery store for 3.99 a LB. The wedge salad was the redeeming factor in the meal as it was large, flavorful and fresh. If you are looking for an amazing steakhouse keep looking, this is one of those touristy / corporate hangouts where people overpay for sub par food and wine trying to impress customers or its own employees. I was fooled yet hope this review will help others not make the same mistake.
(1)Isaac K.
Meh. Cheese and crackers were amazing as usual, chess pie still legendary. Service was slow and left a lot to be desired. Left half my food on the plate (which was really good outside of the vegetables being stone cold) and server cleared the plate without even asking if I wanted to take it home. Place has really gone down hill since my first visit a few years ago.
(2)Patrick T.
It just wasn't that good. I like a good rib eye and it wasn't terrible, but I have had several good rib eyes over the past year and this didn't measure up. The rest of the meal was OK and we had a nice Spanish red, but the steak was ordinary
(3)James E.
Initial impression was that of an upscale Cracker Barrel. When making the reso had mentioned it was a birthday, so why does the waiter first thing ask if we're celebrating something? Wine list is impressive in scope, but never saw a sommelier working the floor-seems like a miss for both the restaurant and customers. Wedge salad serviceable, but the french onion soup was like something a cooking school student would make. Potatoes accompanying filet were simply tasteless. Steak cooked as requested, ribs were fine. Pound cake for dessert was dry, uninteresting. Waiter was friendly, but seem harried and did a poor job of keeping the table cleared throughout the meal. Would probably take some out of towners to the lounge for a drink, but there's plenty better restaurant options for dinner in Raleigh/Durham.
(3)Amy W.
Can we just talk about their cheese spread and home-made crackers? If I lived in Raleigh I would be here 1x per week for an ice cold martini at the bar and I would make myself a dinner plate of their scrumptious home-made cheese spread, cracker and olives (the olives are like $7.99 a pound at my local Safeway) so I bet I ate at least $4, almost makes the martini free... We split a steak sandwich - which came on a nice garlic roll and they gave us each our own order of sweet potato fries (which we assumed would just be a split) it was plenty of food, I just wish by the time the meal came I had saved some cheese spread for the fries. Minor complaint - they served a ramekin of ketchup that was very cold - just please leave at room temp. The servers are real old school, loved it. and apparently they make a nice $$'s there too! - which is good to hear - 'cause they are working it. Oh and the bathrooms are crazy cool, not only full of amenities (floss, hand cream, even couches - I could probably live in this bathroom- -but the stall doors are barn-like and I loved it in there, I almost took a photo but I was THIRSTY after my long flight and needed to get my ass to the b-a-r. Okay - bonus point for the HUGE upside down Christmas tree - But I take away same point for having it up a week BEFORE thanksgiving. ;)
(4)Mary E.
My family decided to eat at Angus Barn for Thanksgiving, but we were unable to eat at the restaurant as my grandmother became ill the day before the holiday. The restaurant was extremely accommodating, allowing us to take home to -go trays and filling them up at the buffet. One of the managers even helped us to fill up and pack the to-go trays. The restaurant's flexibility allowed to eat at home with our sick grandma without scrambling to put together a Thanksgiving meal at the last minute.
(5)Jakob L.
After seeing their prices, my expectations were very high. But man, what a let down. Absolutely uninspired and bland tasting steaks. The sauces and sides came out looking and tasting like they were made in a school cafeteria. I am absolutely dumbfounded how this place is so busy. Service however was great. No complaints there. If you want quality steaks you'll be better off going to one of the chains like Ruth's Chris etc...and I can't believe I just said as I don't typically promote anything that isn't local.
(1)Mr C.
Top Notch. You pay for the atmosphere, you pay for the cuts of meat, you pay for the services. It money well spend. Upon arrival to the meat lovers compound. Huge place you enter this cozy steak barn. I love the history of this place the guy room the wild turkey lounge. Oh and did I mention the food? Had the turkey wings. The size of these puppies is out of a Flintstones cartoon. Great selection of whiskeys in this warm friendly lounge. I didn't eat in the main dining area. But that doesn't matter. It was nice to be in such a historic place and eat like a king.... everything is good. If you don't mine waiting a bit for a spot to eat....try the Turkey Lounge....otherwise call ahead for a reservation. Also we were here during xmas and it was like a wonderland it is a Truly great place to go on a special night out.....
(5)Joe W.
Just had the Thanksgiving Buffet at the Angus Barn. There is a lot of ground to cover. I feel it's best to grade the experience in sectors. Service: A+ The Angus Barn has simply the most attentive staff of any restaurant I've ever been to. SUPERB service. Setting: A+ The building was decorated for Christmas and it was decorated expertly. They didn't miss a beat. The perfect setting for a holiday family gathering. Food - Meats: B+ They served roast turkey, ham, salmon, shrimp, and prime rib. I tasted them all and they were all very good. The prime rib was a little disappointing only because it was overcooked. Sides: B- Mashed Potatoes, yams, greens, Mac n Cheese, cornbread stuffing, Carrots, Baked Apples, and grits were offered. All were fine if under-seasoned somewhat. The stuffing was dry and tasteless. A shame. I love stuffing! Desserts: C When I saw homemade desserts I got very excited. Banana pudding, cookies, pecan pie, chess pie, pumpkin pie, and blackberry cobbler were offered. Only the cookies and pudding stood out. Any good home cook can make great versions of those. The desserts should be better. Overall the experience was great. I had a wonderful time with my family and made some great Thanksgiving memories. At $47 apiece, though, we will think twice when making plans next year. While very good, it just isn't quite worth the price tag. The Angus Barn (overall) : B+
(4)Rich S.
Went there with a rather large group. The atmosphere is fantastic in an old barn with lots of neat guns and rural decor. There is free cheese and olives that is a 5*. The wait staff is a 5*. Our waiter was great and even performed some amazing card tricks for us after the meal. We had some combo appetizers, crab claws, shrimp, crab cakes, and pork ribs. The pork ribs and crab claws were some of the best I ever had. The crab cakes are very average. I had a garden salad that was good as well. For my main meal two people shared the tomahawk bone in ribeye. I tried some of that is a pretty good and tasty steak. It should be for $95. It is for two, but could easily server 3 though. For my main meal I had a NY Strip and fries. The steak was dry and bland, Fries were terrible. The cost of this place is very steep in my opinion. $41 for NY strip, $40 for rib eye. This seems steep for the more casual atmosphere and quality of steaks. If you go I highly recommend you try the pork ribs or the Tomahawk steak and a baked potato or garlic mashed potatoes. I also highly recommend to listen closely to your waiter. Everything he recommended was top notch. The other stuff was average and pricey for quality. Someone else had the prime rib and didn't really care for it. Another person had the beef ribs, they were giant but taste was average. Oh yeah, it was packed on a Wednesday, so I highly recommend you make a reservation.
(4)Ben S.
320 reviews, 4 stars at the time of my review. Evidently I'm missing something. I left Angus Barn about 30 minutes ago, got home, and still can't rid myself of the nausea and the 1980s throwback vibe. Throwbacks being what they are, this is the less desirable kind of throwback. I digress. You know you've stepped into the past, and you know you're in store for a rough dinner when they try to stuff you with cheese and crackers (much hyped cheese and crackers mind you, like these cheese and crackers will change your entire outlook on cheese and crackers), olives, pepper and pickles. While you stuff yourself, and try not to break your crackers while spreading dense cheese on them, you can't help but see past the veneer of nostalgia and imagine what the place looks like if they lights were turned up - sort of like a nightclub in the daytime - it's not so cool then is it? I digress again. You also know you're in for a bazaar dinner when the menu includes about as many pages as the bible. This is rarely a sign of a good restaurant. And any menu that includes "Monster Energy Drink" within its beverages section is also perhaps a key indicator of why the children are running around excitedly, only moments later throwing tantrums, like junkies who are denied their next fix. I digress again. The main course: prime rib. This prime rib though folks, it was far from prime. Cooked fine, I suppose, but I still can't get the image of the marbled texture out of my head. Too marbled. More like a view of the earth from space - large spots of dense white - dense white something. Fat? I'm still unsure. My 30 year old serrated steak knife wasn't up to the task - and I feared that if I labored any further to sever the meat with any more aggression that my wife's Malbec would end up on her lap. I abandoned the job, took a break, wiped my brow and moved on to the honey bathed carrots. And bathed they were. Saturated. No, supersaturated. The rice pilaf would have been better at Friendly's. I returned to the prime rib, determined, but it was thick, too thick. Tough, too tough. Our dog is currently eating the prime rib - he's not so picky. I digress again. But I guess therein lies the point: Angus Barn is about digression. Digression from what a modern dining experience should be, from what diners should expect in 2015, except perhaps for those who enjoy Angus Barn, because after all the place was jam-packed. It always is. Every city has its Angus Barn. In Boston it was Hilltop Steakhouse. And for every Angus Barn and Hilltop Steakhouse there are throngs of people who swear by it. But for them its more about a tradition, a memory of something long ago. And Angus Barn is old. It's legacy. It's not today, and its not tomorrow. The decor and history is likely the draw, not the food. Strip away everything but the food and I can't imagine this business would last a year. All that said, the staff were very friendly, very accommodating, and there were lots of them. Hosting tables to accommodate the next party of 15, the next birthday celebration, the next round of diners who apparently enjoy Angus Barn. Either I'm missing something, or I'm a snob, or I had unfair expectations - or something else. Either way, I lost tonight, Angus Barn, you won. Overpriced indeed, I feel robbed. But now I know. I will not return, not if I have a choice in the matter. Now where's my Pepto-Bismol, I think my dog might need some now.
(1)Natasha B.
Perfect experience for a special occasion, everyone was so gracious and I loved the ambience. Lots for food leftover for breakfast tomorrow!
(5)James T.
After being told about this place, my fiancé and I decided to try it out. We got there 10min before our reservation and they were happy to seat us immediately which was nice. All of the staff we dealt with on the way in and out were very nice. The waitress we had took very good care of us and I appreciated that. The atmosphere was appropriate for the setting (Angus BARN and the interior had a very strong farm house/barn feel). Now on to what a restaurant is supposed to provide...good food. My fiancé had a Wedge salad and the 10 oz. Petite Prime Rib with mashed potatoes. She enjoyed both the salad and prime rib but commented that the prime rib was "nothing special." I ordered the soup of the day (Vegetable Beef) and the 14oz. Chateaubriand with a baked potato and also ordered an Old Fashioned to drink. The Old Fashioned was made so-so. The bourbon was hardly present but the drink was still OK. The soup was very nice and had great flavor. The Chateaubriand was surprisingly mundane. It is cut from a tenderloin which meant it was a tender cut but it had no flavor to me. It was served with pan roasted fingerling potatoes and sauteed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, and mushrooms). The fingerling potatoes (more like pan roasted potato chips) were very thinly sliced but tasted nice. The rest of the vegetables were undercooked and bland. We had the chocolate cheesecake for dessert and it was tasty. Overall, the price of the meals paired with the quality of the meal make this a place that we will not return to. I had read some reviews comparing the meals to something you would expect from a chain restaurant like Longhorn or Outback Steakhouse but to be honest, I would have rather eaten at either of those places. Maybe eating at much better restaurants in the same price range has caused me to be overly judgmental but I think it really just factors down to the poor quality food we had tonight.
(2)Lida F.
Delayed Mother's Day dinner. I should not go if you have any food allergies. Lots of large groups and well behaved young children. No jeans. Collared shirts. Dress up.
(1)Nadia K.
Meh, very disappointed. I'd heard such great things about the angus barn so I expected more. The staff was very pleasant, the atmosphere was quaint I suppose, but the food was sub-par. My steak was overdone, and their attempts at presentation included a not-so-tasty stuffed tomato which I disliked. I guess there's a low bar for good steaks around Raleigh. I would not recommend the Angus Barn to a friend and would not return.
(2)Angel N.
Amazing service and food. What a unique place! We felt transported when we were there. We loved their tomahawk chop which is salt seared hmmm the crust was delish. We also had almost every dessert they had and our favorite was the Chocolate chess pie. The Ravioli was also great and surprisingly the crab claw, shrimp cocktail appetizer were all yummy too!
(5)Brittney H.
Great experience. The Christmas decorations were beautiful and the food was great. The staff was very friendly and I loved their wine selection. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Jennifer T.
Driving into Raleigh for work and saw the Angus Barn. The ambience was perfect. There was quite a long wait and we quickly found out why. We found a seat in the Wild Turkey Lounge and was served an amazing meal. The bacon wrapped filet with garlic butter was perfection and the creamed spinach was fantastic. While seated at the bar we heard someone ask the bartender if the Meat Locker was open. The bartender used her walkie talkie to find out. Of course we had to know about the Meat Locker, so we asked the person sitting next to us. She told us that first time guests could receive a special tour. If you want to know about the Meat Locker and all of the other "hidden gems" at the Angus Barn, then go there today. BUT I would definitely call ahead!
(5)Beth B.
when you go to the angus barn, you are not only in for an amazing dinner, you are in for an amazing dining EXPERIENCE! i live nearby and actually dine here quite often, and i can honestly say i've never had a bad meal or bad service here. my husband and i like to dine in the wild turkey lounge or the meat locker (where you also get a tour through the kitchen) for a more casual dinner. i love the complimentary cheese, crackers and pickled veggies they provide. also the oysters are amazing, as are the steak sandwich and french onion soup. they are currently reno-ing their humidor, but we are very excited to see the finished project on that as well. i highly recommend this place for a nice, classy dinner.
(5)Jason N.
I've been coming to the Barn since the early 1990s, originally as a celebration spot (bachelor party dinners) and an upscale date spot. Even with a less-well honed palate back then, I never seemed to grasp the allure that has formed the basis for Angus Barn's popularity. For the last decade and a half, I've come only for work-related dinners and have been here once or twice a year, including private wine-pairing dinners in the wine cellar (including the Titanic-themed dinner), late nights at the Wild Turkey lounge and $75 cigars out of the humidor. The atmosphere is cozy but the food, in my experience, is on par with Golden Corral. Somewhere along the line the primary chef here got a reputation that afforded him an appearance on Iron Chef and I never have understood why. For the last few years, after eating my fill of mediocre steaks, I finally decided to switch to fish whenever I come here. The staff is a little rough around the edges and harried. Group events can provide a challenge for finding a server when you need one. More than once, I've had tuna steaks come out cooked well-done. For dessert, the chocolate chess pie could have been purchased at Food Lion. The shrimp in the shrimp cocktail are huge but they clearly have been frozen and lack any real taste aside from texture. My favorite thing to eat here is the cheddar cheese spread and crackers that precede the meal. Yup, the cheese spread is reminiscent of the kind that used to come in those little brown ramekins but for some reason I find it tasty. Many out-of-towners think they have to come to the Angus Barn when they are in for an overnight. I would suggest skipping it.
(2)Brent W.
My wife, father, infant and I went to dinner here last evening. We made reservations via our social club concierge. Upon arrival we were promptly welcomed and seated. Once seated we has some issues. Our waiter did not come to the table for 10 minutes. We sat for 10 minutes without anyone saying anything. Two tables with different waiters were seated, drink orders taken and delivered before we even met our waiter. We were presented with rib appetizers which were only adequate at best, they were room temp. Drinks were adequate, the sommelier was helpful in selecting a second growth French Bordeaux but most impressive was the assistant who decanted the bottle with skill and patients. The food was good and timely. The truly sad part of this was the server, below standard almost to casual and almost confrontational at times.
(3)Walter C.
What can I say about this Raleigh icon? This is beautiful place in the ever growing west side of Raleigh. But I have an issue with the quality of the food for the price you pay. I went there with two other friends Sunday night. The staff is very friendly. The server knew the menu and (huge) wine list inside out. All is going well so far. Then come the shrimp cocktail... The shrimp were opaque...not pink and white....raw. Had to send them back. Then came the filets and the chateaubriand. Beautiful looking steaks but when you took a bite, FLAVORLESS...bland. The chateau was a little chewy (all were med rare) the twice baked potato was also bland. Like they didn't add any kind of seasoning. Shoot, even Outback has more flavor on their steaks. Finished with a blackberry cobbler. It was ok, but was a little bitter. I think it could have used a little more sugar. Ten-fifteen years ago this place was THE BEST! But you have to remember that back then there wasn't much competition in the fine steakhouse business. Now there are other options in the Raleigh area that I think for the same money ARE MUCH BETTER choices. The top on my list for Raleigh is Flemings. Followed by Ruth's Chris, 1705 Prime Chophouse. Don't get me wrong, "the barn" is a nice place but like I said, for the same money, you can get better quality food elsewhere in the Raleigh area.
(2)Dr. Jeffrey R.
Took my wife out to dinner at the Angus Barn last night. Our overall experience was EXCELLENT! The decor, friendliness of the staff, and the food were all top notch. Our waitress Michelle G. was the BEST!! You should ask for her when you make a reservation. The place was packed with wall to wall people! I'm glad we made a reservation last week. They offer valet parking was nice because the parking lot is huge. They have a little gift shop that had several things my life loved. Overall, I highly recommend this place for dinner and I know you won't be disappointed.
(5)Heather A.
My first time here and I wasn't leaving wanting to come back for more. :/ The ambience and service was wonderful however...when you pay $36 for a steak dinner..your expecting just that. What I got was a bland new york strip that i would compare to applebees. I will say the spinach salad was very good but I was convinced being that this place is known for their steaks (i almost got the lemon chicken pepper) I was expecting better. I would probably come back but not for their steak.
(3)Angela K.
LOVE THIS PLACE! It really is one of the coolest spots in Raleigh to bring visiting family/friends to eat at. I've been here 4 times and have loved every single meal. The vibe and decor of the place is what really elevates the experience. The service is spectacular, with waiters and waitresses who are not only very friendly, but attentive in a way that isn't pushy. We took my nephew on his birthday, and they let him (and my fam) go to the back and make his cake - he absolutely loved it! The food is so good, and they are really good about substitutions and food allergies. I will say that some of the steaks could be better quality, but considering the volume that Angus Barn does, I can understand why it may not be the best quality steak ever. However, I have always had a good meal. I would give 4 stars based on food, but the service and atmosphere is so great that I have to keep it at 5. Love this place and love the atmosphere! Tips: - ask for the magician to come around if you have a child (or even if you don't) in your party - when you call in to make your reservation, ask to take the wine cellar tour (it's amazing!) - if you want to have a dinner party there, ask for the private rooms in the cellar
(5)Scott W.
A Raleigh Tradition! This is as good as it gets! Bryan and I have been only twice, and Saturday Night we went for our 10th Anniversary. We started out in the Wild Turkey Lounge, a loft upstairs for a cocktale, then when our table was ready we moved to a dining room downstairs, the service Rocked, the relish tray was amazing, the Bread awesome, then there is the Chese and Crackers, which are incredible. Bryan had the Filet, he said it was the best steak he had ever had, I had of course the Angus Barn Burger which was every bit of a pound of Ground Angus Beef, cooked to perfection. We did order a slice each of the Famous Chocolate Chess pie (which we took home for later) they also brought us a special pound cake for our anniversary. You just can't go wrong with the Angus Barn!
(5)David L.
I can't say enough good things about this place. The staff, the food, the decor and the pricing were all phenomenal! If you're a cigar lover be sure to ask to sit in The Meat Locker. The chateaubriand was cooked perfectly. The portions are beyond generous. I will absolutely be back as often as I travel through Raleigh.
(5)Leslie C.
I had heard great things about The Angus Barn. Maybe I'm a food snob, maybe not...the experience was interesting, but the food was just average in my opinion. I love local, fresh restaurants, and I believe the AB could be great, but the food simply wasn't worth the price tonight. I had the bacon wrapped, crab stuffed trout with broccoli and sautéed mushrooms. Everything was in need of seasoning. We did finish our meal with dessert. The cheesecake was fantastic. Big shout out to our waitress. She was great!
(3)Frank M.
Great place to go to for a special events, lots of food, but you have to pay very high prices for dinner.
(3)Renee T.
Very disappointed in all around. The rib eye was basically boiled. There was no crust on it. The loft was noise and bright for an evening meal. Our table placement was just awful. This was supposedly a "must experience" type of place. No thanks. I don't need to experience that again.
(1)Amanda A.
I had been there a few times for work dinners but last night was the first time I went there for a personal. I took some family and my 2 kids there as I heard it was decorated for Christmas. Good: It was beautiful! The food while we were waiting for the table and at the table were wonderful and kept the kids busy. Letting the kids decorate the bday cake and their ice cream also kept them busy. When my 2 year old was asking to see the elves again while we were eating the waitress took her for us. The amount of food including the kids menu items was so much we almost all had left overs. The bday cake was super yummy and a nice touch. Thank goodness they did not stand there and sing happy birthday. They think of everything including the items in the bathroom such as hair spray, Qtips and such. Nice touch. My family said their meat was good. My sweet potato soup was out of this world good! They have a kids toy chest and that kept them busy. (notice anything that keeps my kids busy and happy are on the "good" list? MUCH appreciated) It is all of the extra touches and "freebies" that make me feel like I did not spend a lot of money for nothing. Bad: I ordered the grilled veggies and like always there were areas where they were burnt and they lacked flavor. The veggie options are limited but I let that pass as this is a steak house and I do leave full because of all of the other things such as the crackers, soup or salad and side. I asked for no green, red or yellow peppers and they put all 3 on the plate. As she was boxing up the meal I asked her not to box those 3 things as they should not have been on there and I don't think she cared. If you only have a couple of veggie options I think they should be done well. I would go back again for Christmas as it was much more than a meal- it was a fun experience.
(4)J. M. G.
After living in the Raleigh area for several years and hearing about The Agnus Barn, on a last minute fluke on a Saturday between the holidays we decided to give it a try. Going right at 5pm without reservations we figured it would be slow since they just opened for dinner....wrong! There was a 2.5 hours wait for dinner in the main dining room & it was busy!! We should of called & made reservations--lesson learned. Luckily, they had one table left in the Wild Turkey Lounge. Walking through, the atmosphere was charming...with all the Christmas decor & lights. So glad we ate in the lounge as it was more intimate with smaller tables. Looking into the main dining room it looked very busy with large tables. Had a wonderful server. We enjoyed the cheeses/cracker bar, our wine and awesome wedge salad. We ended with very good coffee & split a piece the yummy chess pie. Steaks where not as good as ones I have had at Ruth Chris or Sullivan's (hubby agreed). The sides where good, but, nothing special (he ordered some type of potato cheese bake and I got a baked potato & sauted mushrooms--all of which where just...meh). Our bill including tip came to about $150. We would return mainly because we loved the atmosphere & the wedge salad! :). Next time I probably would try something other then a steak.
(4)Frank E.
Excellent experience while in town on business. Drinks, steaks, cigars, desert and more drinks. Even got a tour of the wine cellar. Very unique and will go back.
(5)Elisha M.
Our first trip to the Angus Barn was this past Autumn when we considering it as a potential wedding venue. It is so beautiful and we could easily see our wedding there, but there was a big problem - the venue and food cost would eat up our entire budget and then some! We decided that since we couldn't afford an Angus Barn Pavilion wedding, then we would do the next best thing - celebrate 7 years together and have our anniversary dinner there. I am so glad that I made a reservation because even at 6:30 the whole place was packed! The parking lot was very tights, but we didn't want to park valet. The seating hostess greeted us, congratulated us on our anniversary and then we were seated right away. I was hoping for a tour around the dining rooms and lounges, but on such a busy night that was not available. Based on the menu prices, I was expecting more upscale decor and atmosphere, but it is close to an upscale Cracker Barrel. Our waiter started us with drinks, crackers with two different cheese spreads and a plate of olives/celery/peppers. Next was the salad and soup course. I had the spinach salad and Aaron had the sweet potato bisque. Both were delicious as was the bacon wrapped filet Oscar that I ordered and the short ribs that Aaron ordered for dinner. After we finished the main course our waiter brought over a petite pound cake topped with cream, strawberries with candles on behalf of the Angus Barn. This was such a nice touch! There is a full dessert menu, but we were delighted with our complimentary celebratory cake. It helped to make the evening even more special. After we finished our cake and coffee we walked around the tiny country store in search of a memento, but didn't find anything that stood out to us. The website says, "The Angus Barn Experience goes far beyond serving meals...We are in the memory business - making and creating unforgettable memories for you - our guest." For us, this was true and we are so glad that we celebrated our anniversary there this year!
(4)Filipe T.
This place is unbelievably HUGE! Great service and food. The price is high, but you definitely get your money's worth. I had the burger which is as big as the place. It is A LOT OF FOOD. The service is very nice and the staff knows the menu very well and gives great suggestions. This place is meant for an experience, make sure you take your time and you have time to enjoy and spend when you go. Reservations are highly recommended. Great place for dates and special events
(5)Morgan M.
We've seen this place when driving passed several times. Finally went to celebrate my husband's new job. Our goal - steak! We weren't disappointed. We split a 15oz New York Strip. It was cooked perfectly! Well seasoned and perfect medium temp. Excellent quality beef. The meat wasnt the only star. While the sides, asparagus and garlic mash, were good, the star was the signature grilled buttered texas toast. Amazing! The wine selection is incredible. Something for every palate. We chose an old vine Argentinian Malbec. It paired perfectly with the steak. Besides the food, service was excellent. Our server was Dani. She was great, very personable, and amazing job. Never let our glasses go empty and made sure we had everything we needed.
(4)Ronda J.
My husband wanted to go to the Angus Barn for his big 6-0 birthday and we happily obliged. It's been 20 years or more since our last visit. It won't be another 20, I can promise you that! We enjoyed the complimentary cheeses and crackers on the table, and subsequently the buttery bread that accompanied our meal. Three in our party had the prime rib, two of us had the 7oz filet (all medium-rare), and one had the barbequed pork ribs. Sides and salads included baked sweet potato, stuffed potato, wedge salad with homemade roquefort dressing, and spinach salad. All meats were cooked and seasoned perfectly and were just outstanding! We shared a very reasonably-priced bottle of red wine. We all had food to take home and in our case, provided a full dinner again the next night. Some say it's pricey but I think it's very competitive based on the quality of the food, as well as the portions. The atmosphere was great for us as we were seated in one of the smaller rooms so the noise level was quite low compared to the large dining room. Our server, Doug, was very professional and has obvious experience in the industry. We never wanted for water refills or anything for that matter. Doug brought out a complimentary pound cake complete with candles for our birthday boy. Wish I could comment but we were all so stuffed, we just couldn't eat another bite. We sent this home with our youngest boy to enjoy. All in all, it was a great experience and I can't wait to go back.
(5)Denise C.
Went there 3 times. twice the steak was not cooked to order so the 3rd time I got lamb and it was overcooked.
(1)Noa N.
Angus Barn during the holidays is a must - it feels magical with the Christmas decorations. If you are worried about having to spend a lot of money, visit Angus Barn first to enjoy the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs. It's a great place to meet friends for drinks. They offer complimentary cheese spread, crackers, pickles, peppers, and olives in the Wild Turkey Lounge and if you want to order off the regular menu, you can. If you or your date is interested in guns or wines, Angus Barn has quite the collection of both. We asked to take a tour of their wine cellar one night when it wasn't crazy busy and it was an awesome opportunity to learn about their wine collection, scope out the kitchen, their outdoor seating, and learn about unique dining opportunities there such as eating in the kitchen or the Titanic dinners. My family has enjoyed Thanksgiving at Angus Barn the past 2 years. Prior to having Thanksgiving at AB, we always cooked Thanksgiving dinner so though the buffet provides a tasty Thanksgiving feast, it's not as scrumptious as the home cooked turkey, stuffing, potatoes, etc. that my family made for many years. The collards at AB however are the best. There is something for everyone in your family at the Thanksgiving buffet, picky eaters included. The decorations, the energy, the excellent service make it special. And when it's not the holidays, the service and energy are still stellar. If you haven't been to Angus Barn, put it on your bucket list!
(5)Mary A.
I recently went to the AB for the first time with my friend, who is a local, and who claims it is "the greatest restaurant in Raleigh" (it is not). I had looked at the menu in advance and knew it was on the pricey side so I dressed accordingly and had high expectations. When we first walked in, my initial thought was wow, this really is made to look like an actual barn. There is cheap looking decor that is borderline tacky all over the place. Next thing I notice (this is still near the entryway) is a guy wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt and moments later, another guy wearing jeans, a t-shirt and a camouflage baseball hat. I almost didn't see him, but did a double take and confirmed. Apparently there is no dress code. We checked in at the hostess stand for our reservation but were early and had planned to be so we could have a drink first in the wild turkey lounge. Up the stairs we go to the lounge. My friend had told me in advance about this wild turkey lounge so of course I assumed it was a bourbon lounge. Wrong. It is in fact a lounge area with actual turkey figurines everywhere. Experience in the lounge: We ordered wine from the bar and then went to sit at an empty couch. Moments later a waiter approaches and said you have to see the hostess to sit at the couch because there is a list. What? People are waiting to eat their meals while sitting on a couch and using the coffee table as a dinner table? I can do that at home. That didn't sound right to me and I think the waiter was just annoyed we ordered drinks at the bar and not from him, but truly there is no way to know how this is set up because there is no signage and no one at the top of the stairs to explain what is going on. My friend had raved about the free cheese and crackers so I went to get some. The cheese is disgusting. It tastes exactly like cheese whiz from a can. Truly it does. If you think otherwise you have never had proper cheese. Crackers are plain butter ritz-type crackers. Nothing special at all. Experience in the dining room: Our table is finally ready so off we go. We had a lovely waitress named Dani who was very knowledgeable and put up with my friend's high-maintenance ordering. We had the onion rings for appetizer and they were cooked perfectly. Not too greasy and the blue cheese and ranch dressings are to die for. On to the wedge salad which was a full sized salad. It too was delicious. At this point in the meal I was so full I couldn't eat my entree, which was the salmon. I did take a few bites and while it was cooked perfectly, it was sort of bland and oddly served with onions and peppers on the side. I took it to go. All in all the Angus Barn is a fine place to go, but it's crowded, loud and having an identity crisis. Is it an upscale place or a down home country barn? Should you wear a coat and tie or a hoodie? I guess it doesn't matter since I saw both. I think like other reviewers have noted, you sort of go here for the experience.
(3)Carolyn G.
The Angus Barn Restaurant is one of the most amazing places to eat in Raleigh. Originally from NY outside of the city my family enjoys good restaurants and good service. So when they come to visit, a chain restaurant simply won't do! Several years ago when my sister came to visit we went to The Angus Barn, and she was in awh of this amazing restaurant.She tells everyone about it! We went back this summer too, of course excellent as always. Can't wait to take my brother in a few weeks as his daughter is attending to Elon University, he'll need to know about The Angus Barn early!
(5)Elizabeth H.
Five Star Dining Experience. We had one of the private rooms on the Basement floor reserved for my sister's graduation celebration dinner and it was a wonderful and intimate dining experience. There was a fixed menu, of course, and each was paired with a different wine. The servers were very attentive and couldn't have been more wonderful. We were taken on a tour of their wine collection and learned about the history of this establishment. The filet was delicious, but the ahi tuna was a bit too thick for me. But since this was a fixed menu, I won't deduct any stars since they were trying to accommodate a large table of different palates. The chocolate souffle was heavenly and I enjoyed the performance the servers did for everyone at the table. SO YUMMY. Also, the candles in the gift shop are AMAZING! I am absolutely obsessed with the Mango one!! They smell great and seriously last forever! Cannot wait to return to Angus Barn!
(5)Allyson P.
Wild turkey lounge is much better than the restaurant regarding atmosphere. We have had better experiences here before but most recently we thought it wasn't worth the money. Wasn't impressed with the ribeye, garlic mashed potatoes or broccoli We have better service and food at others upscale steak restaurants. Probably won't go back for a while.
(3)Emy M.
Place is so nice!! Very country theme and the food is so good,it may appear a little bit expensive first,but since the price includes soup,or salad and a side,then it's not much at all,not to mention the free cheese and crackers as well as the pickles..i will definitely be back with my family:) and i recommend that place for a person seeking a nice outing at a fine restaurant with delicious food:)
(5)Taylor M.
I took my family here after all the talk I heard when I first came to the area. Here's my impression: It has Cracker Barrel ambiance, Longhorn Steakhouse food, and Ruth's Chris' prices. The cocktails were well prepared and refreshing. Service was adequate, if not overly attentive. I have eaten many, many Big Steakhouse meals in my sales career: Ruth's Chris, The Palm, St Elmo's, Morton's, Charley's. &c. Perhaps I am overly jaded, but this is a cuisine that's on its way out: big brick of red meat, giant potato loaded with dairy products, and steaming piles of overcooked, tasteless vegetables/pasta swimming in cream sauces. I now prefer more modern options like Ray's the Steaks that have smaller portions of varied, high-quality types of meat, and come with sides like roasted marrow, roasted garlic, and wild mushrooms. They must pay people to write some of the reviews. Yeah, it's your first time there, but you manage to learn about who owns the place, their favored charities, the entire compensation plan for everyone who works there, and the local history of the place from when it was a real barn. What a crock. Who goes to dinner and then writes about the waiters' 401k plan? Seriously: paid reviewer or employee. I hope the waitstaff makes a million dollars a year and let's get a good, old Southern "Heck, yeah" for a restaurant that has their own exit off the highway. If the food is mediocre, none of that matters one iota. At least to my wife and me. Protip: If the review mentions everything BUT the food, be wary.
(2)Andy J.
This place is amazing - on the size of the land and the buildings. Unfortunately the service is average and the food is not very good as its current average star rating. We had some out of state guests visiting, so decided to awe them this angus barn. The service was very slow. Took about 15 minutes before our orders were taken and another 45 minutes for us, 9 people, to have our orders. Most of us didn't finish our food. Steaks were either tasteless or a bit overcooked. Fish was overcooked and too dry. As not so good food was not enough, 4 out of 9 of us got stomachache after the meal. My suggestion is to come here and walk around to admire the place, take some pictures, then go somewhere else for your dinner.
(1)J T.
Had a company meeting here. Service was great; steaks were cooked to proper temperature and seasoned. We had a good meeting. Was about 40 people and we would go back. We had a pretty big variety of food to eat and everything I had was great.
(4)Katie H.
When taking my father to one of my favorite restaurants, he stated "This is like going to Disney World! Amazing service. Delicious food. Awesome decor. For a slightly less expensive night, try asking to eat in the Wild Turkey Lounge. The menu is more casual, but every bit as good. Unfortunately, you cannot make reservations for this area, but it's always worth the wait.
(5)Amanda D.
Dined here tonight with my fiancé to celebrate a recent promotion at work. He had the Tuna and I had the filet and baby back rib combination. My fiancé said that he would order the grilled fish every time we went back from here on out ...the bite that I tasted was phenomenal. Kellie was our waitress and she was wonderful too. As a bonus they gifted us with a bottle of wine as they were celebrating their 54th anniversary. Score!!!
(4)Jake M.
Went in with a group to celebrate a birthday. Our waitress was very nice, and did a pretty good job taking care of us. My filet was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, but honestly I was expecting a better flavor. I didn't feel like the steak was worth the price. Overall I had a positive experience, but it would not be my first choice when deciding where to eat.
(3)David J.
Just finished an amazing experience at the Chef's table. Food was absolutely wonderful and delicious. Service was out of this world. Entertainment from the chefs, especially Tray, kept us laughing the entire night. Best birthday dinner I've ever had. Thank you all.
(5)Briana B.
I can't say enough good things about The Angus Barn. The food is absolutely fantastic, the staff is very professional and welcoming, and the barn atmosphere is fun! Don't let the name fool you though, this is a nice dining restaurant with some of the best steaks in Raleigh. The cheese and crackers you can snack on while waiting and before your meal are so good. You can even get some to take home on your way out! I have had the fortune of dining here with my family as well as in a corporate atmosphere. My company has had multiple events in the Pavilion and they all turned out fantastic! I can only imagine how wonderful a wedding would be there.
(5)John B.
RESERVATIONS STAFF WILL NOT PROVIDE AN ACCURATE WAIT TIME I eat at the Angus Barn frequently, between clients, family and picking up friends at airport perhaps a few dozen times a year. Usually, I am there at off hours and the food is as expected for the pricing etc. but out of towners like to see a "local place" Since one can never judge plane arrival times, I rarely make a specific reservation time unless dining with family. Last night, I picked up a friend at the airport and called within 1 mile of the Angus Barn and asked how long the wait would be. My friend was told 90 minutes for the dining room but that the upstairs lounge is "first come, first served" and wait would be short, maybe 5 minutes The parking lot was crowded, as one would expect, and we walked about 400 steps to the inside (I counted my steps on the way back). When I walked in I was told there was a 2 and a half hour wait for the dining room and 15! couples waiting to go to the lounge. I was rather upset since a) I had called less than 5 minutes before and b) it was obvious to anyone that I had two broken legs and was walking with a cane. I complained to both desks stating what we had been told a few minutes before. Both staff said "What can I say?". Perhaps a polite answer might have been "can we find you a chair to just sit in after your walk in". Here's what I say--I will never step foot in Angus Barn again. Perhaps I am sensitive since I am only recently out and about after breaking my jaw and both legs,(in fact, my first steak after having a jaw unwired was at the Angus Barn) but when I think of all of the older people or people of any age who are disabled who have to stand around for 2 hours after being told to "come on in" it makes my blood boil. A manager saw my walking away and asked my friend "how can we make this better?". Answer--be honest about wait times.. Granted, the food and service have always been fine or I would not be there a few dozen times a year, but at some point people have to stand up for decent behavior by establishments who should treat customers better. If they had told the truth, it would have been fine--I would have saved 800 steps with a cane, taken my friend to another place and would have been back next week. Now, because of reservations people on the phone I am posting my first comment on Yelp and they will never see me or anyone I know again.
(1)Tammy M.
Everything was awesome. 24 of us from around the country attended last night. Although the majority of us enjoyed different entrees, all of the food was great. Joel/server was attentive and anticipated our needs. We continue to rave about this experience. We will definitely return.
(5)Dsparkle R.
Thank goodness for Yelp!!! The Angus Barn is the best resturant in Raleigh!!! The first time here and I'm totally stuffed! No need for appetizers!!! I ordered the extra sized beef ribs, spinach salad, homemade crackers with two separate cheese spread, an assortment of celery, olives, pickles and peppers!!! This place was awesome!!!! Pleasant staff from the valet to the hostess and our dear waiter Bud, such a sweet heart!!! The kids platter should be shared with two kids!!! So much darn food!!! My family and I will be back!!! All the way from Chicago!!!!
(5)Michael E.
If allowed this would be a 1.5. Service from Ken was a four. Management (Kevin's) response to issues was a sub 1. Brit and I had never been to the Barn together and we figured we had an hour and a half to grab a bite. Upon my recommendation we headed to the Barn to dine at the Wild Turkey lounge. We sat at the bar and Ken served us our drinks. A few local offerings, which we enjoyed some Fullsteam Working Man's Lunch and then I switched it up and had some Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout. There's an accepted timing of beverages, app and entree deliveries to diners. The Barn hit on one of the three. Drinks came quick and effortlessly. Apps were delayed and entrees delivered and comp'd by the manager were ridiculously late. Now had I not overheard Ken plead for a manager to show up three times over the walkies, and had I not watched the manager standing across the lounge or chat with some regulars on the stairs, I may have been willing to give this 3 stars. But knowing that one of their employees was asking for assistance and to be ignored is pretty poor. I even overheard him call a couple servers to ask for a location on the manager. If this is how the management team backs up their employees, and disregards patrons over "regulars", they can go ahead and forego the thought of our patronage ever again. Brit had a conference call scheduled so we had a hard and fast stopping point. As she and I discussed paying for our drinks and leaving the food arrived. I asked Ken to box it up and went to grab the car. Brit paid the drink bill and bolted from the restaurant. Regardless of the ineptitude of the kitchen manager to get food out, the FOH manager should have interjected themselves well before the time of just delivering the food and comping it, and walking away. The sandwich was pretty good, the steak fries were also a good flavor. Brit scarfed her tuna down as we arrived home with 5 minutes to spare before her call. It's a shame really that a local institution appears to be so full of itself that they can arbitrarily disregard patrons with a "these are on me, sorry for the delay". To which he promptly walked away, as if that was an acceptable method of dealing with a customer whose entree took an hour and forty minutes to arrive.
(1)Kimberly D.
Food was good. Service was good. A bit pricey for what it is. Atmosphere was awful. They sat us at a long table in the middle of the room....it felt more like a very expensive cafeteria. Not intimate at all. I most likely will not go back.
(3)Austin B.
Words don't describe the hospitality or experience that my girlfriend and I shared at the Angus Barn last night! Besides our full-time jobs, we both have worked in the food service industry for many years now. I currently bartend/serve at a fine dinning establishment, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. With that being said I've never had an experience like the one we shared last night! Our server took the time to make us feel as we've been patrons here for many years. We capped the evening off with a tour of the building. Let me just say, after dinning here, I don't believe that I'll ever enjoy a steak like that in my entire life. I would like to thank our server most of all! We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to give us a tour of the place. We both recognize that after working both jobs and taking care of his 5 month old and spending time with his wonderful wife, he managed to find time to share with us this rare opportunity!
(5)John S.
Had a most memorable dinner at the Angus Barn. We had a gathering in the Wine Cellar room. A huge room located after walking through the kitchen and wine cellar. Off the menu I chose a Filet (the waiter recommended a grilled meat vs prime rib) with baked potato, caesar salad, and the famous chocolate chess pie. The filet was one of the best I'd ever eaten. I ordered medium and it came out with a dark red center. The meat could be cut with a fork. The potato was just a boring ole baked potato. The caesar salad was pretty good, and the dessert was very good. Service was excellent. We also has a few wines, cheeses, shrimp and rib appetizers - all very good. I highly recommend getting the filet!!
(4)P G.
This place is not for light eaters! Service was fantastic all around. But for a corporate dinner, it ended up being a bit pricey..... Food selection had a little of everything - beef, beef, beef, chicken, lamb, fish and crab. Appetizer plate was a great option for our business table, but beware, that'll run you $50 alone! Prime rib was fantastic....ask for uncut horseradish on the side because the stuff they give you is cream with a pinch of horseradish.... With a table of 10 business colleagues, averaging the bill: sharing appetizer plates, small prime rib, 2 glasses of wine and sharing a dessert, it ran up to $220 per person with tip.... so if you're on a corporate budget, beware, it's not cheap. It's good, but not sure I would prefer it over other high-end chain steak places I've been to such as Flemmings or Ruth's Chris.
(3)Ra R.
As far as steakhouses are concerned you can do a lot better elsewhere. This place is nothing more than a tourist attraction. Now if your here for a great meal, your best option is to make a reservation for the Chef's table or a meal in the Wine Cellars. At least your guaranteed to have a unique meal prepared by Chef Walter Royal or one of his Sous Chef's. Beyond that 'forget about it', steaks are not prime beef, usually poorly prepared or cooked, the sides are buffet quality! Don't even think about the oysters on the half shell, they are nothing more than petri dishes. That free cheese, comes out of 50lb boxes, it's disgusting & pulls double duty as Spackle for the housekeeping crew. Cleanliness in this place is something left to be desired, starting with the servers poorly kept uniforms, dirty glassware & utensils. Regarding the service, it will always be harried & overwhelmed, as they tend to take as many guests as possible, money being the principal objective not guest satisfaction. If you seek a great steak in a classy setting with great attentive service I would suggest Ruth Chris or a drive to Charlotte & dinner at Morton's, which serves actual Prime Beef. There is no reason to pay $40 for Choice beef, which is all you can expect at this over-hyped tourist trap!
(1)Helen A.
Here for my husband !s birthday and we had Sarah as our wait staff... She was very attentive and the service was top notch .. We had the ribeye which was made just the way I asked for it.. We ordered a great bottle of wine. The wine list was quit extensive with all different price points . Mew will be back
(4)Antonia M.
Finally. I can say I've eaten at the Angus Barn. Really, for someone who loves food, and moved here more than a decade ago with a family who loves food, and has a husband who, depending on the day, might literally kill for a great steak...it is almost impossible to believe I haven't yet been to the Angus Barn. A group of out-of-town colleagues and partners were in town for an event, and chose Angus Barn for dinner. I nearly did a happy dance when I heard the news. Just to preface things, there were about 20 of us. When we arrived, we were promptly seated upstairs, along the window side. First impression - the wood cabin-like structure and decor made it feel warm, homey and inviting. Not quite what I expected, knowing it's a pricey place, but welcome. The rest of the dinner had the same feel. Nothing was pretentious (and I'd sort of expected a bit of that). Our wait staff was excellent. With a big group, there was a lot of chatter and people moving along at different paces in the meal process - but our waiters managed to be attentive without ever rushing anyone. For the food and drink, the AB pulled out all the stops. We were impressed to find the crackers, 2 kinds of cheese (no one could figure out exactly what they were - so thanks Yelpers for helping solve the mystery), and olive/pickle platter on the table when we arrived. I love those kind of details, and so did the rest of the party. We had wine on the table before we sat down, and our waiters seemed to magically appear with refills just before we ran out each time. And although no one actually ordered a starter - since the main courses come with a soup or salad - the whole table received an appetizer sampler (crab claw, 2 shrimp and 2 ribs). I was impressed before the main course arrived, although also a bit full! I have to admit that for my main course, I plunged in full-glutton-style and got the pimento cheese stuffed filet - with potato gratin (a special). And I sit here honestly not feeling guilty about that decision. It was ridiculously good. When it came, I noticed that they had even wrapped the filet in bacon. Hey, why not?! I also sampled some of my neighbor's fried catfish and black-eyed peas (another special). And wowee, I like seafood, but only when it's done well. And this was done well. Really, really well. As for dessert...I had to pass. I was too damn full. But I loved that they brought the whole dessert tray out, with a huge assortment of options. I'm not usually a big dessert person, but I really hated to have to miss out on trying any. I do have to say that I am glad someone else was paying tonight. But I would be back again, even if I had to pay. I really enjoyed the honest, unpretentious food, service, and atmosphere - while being served a meal of incredible quality.
(4)Claudine D.
The DH and daughter are meat lovers, and they LOVE Angus Barn. DH always gets the NY strip and the daughter loves their bacon-wrapped filet mignon. The crackers and cheese are yummy. I can eat plates of those. I usually order the ribs and those are amazing. I've also had their prime rib, which melted in my mouth like buttah. Always, always make a reservation. One time we forgot, but we ate in the Wild Turkey Lounge which was still a fun experience. Staff and service have always been top notch with each of our visits.
(4)Raul R.
Great spot for steaks and seafood.Cooked to my perfection and the pre-meal/appetizer selection was awesome.I took a tour to see the single table setting in the kitchen and cigar smokers section.I sat outside in the patio.If you have a big appetite and/or special occasion then this place should be on your list.
(4)Beth W.
The salad was average, at best. The ranch dressing was watery and bland. The filet was blood red (I wanted well done) and the fries were so-so. Not impressed! The place was crowded and loud. The tables have those picnic table squares, for their table covers. The lighting was beyond horrible. It was actually hard to see. The server was very nice and did a great job. Five stars for him. I don't care for the loud, informal environment here. I have to say, even though Ruth's Chris is a good bit more expensive than Angus Barn, it is hands down, 100% better! You have much better lighting, a quieter dining experience, not to mention the incredible atmosphere that RC offers. And the food at RC is above par. (Ruth's Chris is more expensive because they are a la carte). And Ruth's Chris offers a much larger selection of sides than Angus Barn does. Honestly, I'd rather spend $130.00 for a meal for two at Ruth's Chris; than spend $80.00 for an entire experience that is completely forgettable! If you like loud, informal, and so-so food, then by all means, go here. But if you want a memorable meal that will be worth every penny, go somewhere else! My somewhere else, would be Ruth's Chris.
(1)Alex N.
I finally got a chance to visit this Raleigh mainstay, in a wine cellar room no less. Stepping into the waiting area, this place feels like a tourist trap and the dressed down decor really gives off a casual vibe. Don't be tricked though, dress doesn't seem too casual, in fact many wear sport coats. I'm not a fan of the table linens, but if they've been doing that forever, then who am I to disagree. If you do happen to get the chance to eat in a wine cellar room, a waiter will escort you through the kitchen, past the chef's table, and down into the cellar. Wine cellar room comes with a nice long table, personal bar, and service to the max. Don't be afraid to ask for anything, seriously. Ask for a cellar tour and the bread from upstairs. I had some of the famous cheddar cheese, ribs, filet, and the grand marnier parfait. Ribs were melt in your mouth good and next to the cheese, were really the highlights. The filet was pretty decent. I won't say it's the best I've ever had, but it wasn't completely devoid of flavor. I would have preferred a little more char. The grand marnier parfait was a little bit of a mess and with no finesse, but you could taste a generous serving of alcohol in it. 4 stars for a unique experience, decent steak and a cool wine cellar. I'd bring the out of towners here, but would probably stay away for a special occasion, unless it was for an all out celebration. They'll even dispose of a day old raw fish if you happen to bring one with you ;)
(4)Sheila B.
good eats in Raleigh area. Although I am not a beef eater the salmon was good, the sides they load you up on salad, and choice of vegetable with a large portion are huge. I kept it simple and got the salmon, with a spinach salad and side of asparagus. My colleagues got each a filet and said it was great. The service was friendly, attentive and the meal was even better with a slice of chess pie, a slice of chocolate, pecan madness that is leaving me stuffed. next time you are in the area, come visit the Angus Barn for a classy time
(4)Lauren H.
This has been my chosen spot for my birthday dinner as long as I can remember. I am a fan of everything about this restaurant and have never had a bad experience here. I have also been here for other celebration-type occasions (anniversaries, etc). The place is a lot more casual than it used to be, it's just basically a large barn style building with a similar theme inside. Some people get dressed up to eat here, but you'll see just as many people eating in jeans. When you sit down to your table, you are greeted by a basket of homemade crackers and two types of cheese - cheddar and blue. The cheese and crackers are one of my favorite parts of dinner here! They sell the cheese and crackers in their store area up front if you want to take a crock of it home too. You also get some really good, buttery bread and a tray of olives before your entree even comes out. I always order the smaller filet, which is wrapped in bacon and served with your choice of side (generally I go for the mashed potatoes - always tasty) and a grilled tomato. It also comes with a salad that is brought out after the cheese and crackers. It is a lot of food and I have never left hungry! I have never ordered anything besides steak here, so I can't comment on any of their other entrees because it is too hard for me to come here and steer away from the steak. Being that this is where I go for my birthday, they will always bring you a small pound cake after your meal for your birthday, which is topped with homemade whipped cream and a strawberry. I have yet to eat any of this cake at the restaurant (I'm always too full!), but it is always a delicious treat the next day! The service here is some of the best in the area and we've always had waiters that are quick to give you recommendations or point you towards a good bottle of wine. Yes, the prices here are high, but I believe it is worth it for the amount of food you get and how good it is for the price! On your way out of the restaurant, make sure to grab an apple from the huge barrel right by the door!
(5)Allie E.
Everything about Angus Barn is perfection. From the food to the atmosphere it's an entire experience to dine there. Although it's on the pricy side, you do get what you pay for. The food is exquisite. They have a unique homemade cheese and cracker dip as an appetizer and the menu has quite a variety of options to choose from, and all delicious. We had gone for my birthday for my first Angus Barn experience and they gave me an entire poundcake (their own recipe) to share for dessert!
(5)Kate G.
Great experience! Went here for business dinner and had excellent service. The food was delicious and ambience charming. Price is expensive, but good place to bring people you need to impress.
(4)Elaine N.
Flew out to RDU from Vegas for a golf vacation just down the road. I saw Angus Barn on TV years ago and had to place it on our list of places to visit. Setting is outstanding! and worth the hour wait for the lounge area as we did not have reservations. The food on the other hand I would rate average and on par with the Outback Steakhouse for flavor. Table next to us had a four top with two of them beyond drunk! Cussing, over the top comments towards the wait staff, sports bar loud and in true worry behavior staff would rather look the other way and not upset the those patrons and the three tables surrounding them had to endure their behavior.
(3)Laura S.
I have been to Angus Barn three times now, and I'm a little surprised at all the negative reviews on here. The first time I went to the Angus Barn was because my fiancé and I were considering having our wedding in the Pavillions and we wanted to sample the food. Even though the restaurant was already booked, the wedding coordinator of the Pavillions ensured that we could have a reservation and informed the dining room that we had recently been engaged. When we arrived, we were given complementary champagne and flutes. I know they were trying to give us the royal treatment so that we had our wedding there, but it was a nice touch none-the-less. This evening they also gave us a complementary appetizer (ribs...delicious) and dessert (chess pie..yumm). I had the shrimp for dinner (we were considering having this on our menu) and they were delicious and MASSIVE. This particular evening we were treated exceptionally well and we truly enjoyed our experience. The second time we went to the Barn was with my out-of-town family. I don't remember too much about this dining experience, but I know we were treated to the same quality service and were not disappointed with our food. My family and I were last here last weekend for my graduation celebration. Our waitress was phenomenal and very attentive. A few people at my table split the chateaubriand and were happy with this. I had the filet and shrimp combo, which I really enjoyed! Although we enjoyed the food, I've definitely had a better steak in NYC at Peter Leugers (but that is the best of the best!)...but Angus Barn has delivered every time for me...in ambiance, service, and good food.
(5)Kevin Y.
To be honest, I was a little disappointed by this restaurant. After hearing it hyped up so much, I was really expecting a lot more from the food. Most of the steaks my table got all looked very appetizing, but they tasted dry and did not have as much flavor as you would expect. They are quite generous with their side dish portions, but the vegetables that came with my steak were over-salted. On the plus side however, the oysters on the half shell were quite delicious, and I really like the homemade chips and cheese starter that everyone gets. What Angus Barn really has going for it though is its atmosphere and appearance. The inside of the restaurant is incredibly unique and they have one of the most impressive gun displays I have seen. The service here is fantastic, and the bottle of wine that our server suggested was phenomenal. This restaurant has a really good-old country feel to it, and the interior is warm, inviting, and bustling with activity. On a less serious note, part of the building was undergoing construction at the time I went, so all of their bathrooms were out of service. To solve this issue, Angus Barn obtained a handy portable restroom trailer outside...and boy was I impressed! Seriously, that was the nicest portable bathroom I have ever been in. There were wooden and lacquered floors and walls, and the whole place looked and smelled nicer than 90% of all other bathrooms I have had the pleasure of using (both public and private). I know this is a really weird thing to put in a review, but it seriously was one of the most memorable moments in my Angus Barn experience. In short, come to Angus Barn for the atmosphere and the service, but the food is not worth the price.
(3)Julia W.
It is a good ol Steakhouse that is ran the right way. I enjoy coming here for special occasions and also enjoy the Wild Turkey Lounge.
(5)Michael F.
Ummmmm, the only word(s) I can think of here is OH MY GOD (or OMG)!! From the moment you drive up to this massive place, walk into the lounge, humidor, or the amazing collection of classic guns, you'll be in awe until you leave (assumedly very, very full and content as well). The food was beyond bountiful. The steaks were all cooked to perfection. Our table enjoyed the bone in prime rib and the NY Strip. I do only wish the prime rib had a little more flavor, but it was so tender you could cut it with a fork. I couldn't part with it to complain! The salads are all amazing. The spinach salad with warm bacon dressing is a must do, the wedge with their home made Roquefort dressing is a lost art, BRAVO!! Scrumptious all around! The French onion soup was very good, but next time, I'll stick to 2 salads ;) The desserts were all very good. The specialty is the chocolate chest pie and that crust... ohhhhh that crust.... YUM! The crème brulee was good too. I cannot wait to go back on my next trip to NC!
(5)Justin W.
I've had the pleasure of eating at Angus Barn several times and each visit has been nothing short of spectacular. I love the rustic look of in exterior and interior of the place. They offer valet parking as well as a very large private lot to park in. Since the restaurant is so busy, you might have to walk a little to get to the front door, which doesn't bother me because I'm always keeping my mind occupied by one thing: their steaks. I had their steaks during most of my visits (Rib-eye and Filet Mignon) and I keep coming back to them. Each time they have been cooked perfectly medium-rare (by my suggestion, of course...they will cook them however you'd like). I absolutely love their garlic mashed potatoes as well. They have a wide selection of wine, as well as decently priced beer/martinis. I've come here to have a few drinks/appetizers in the Wild Turkey Lounge (the bar upstairs), and their drinks are priced very normal (not overly pricey, I actually was expecting them to charge more but I had an extra drink because the price was right). The service is outstanding. The servers/hosts take care of you here, from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. They come around to check on you without being pestering (this, as you know, is a thin line most servers walk). Another great thing about this restaurant is little added bonuses that they offer. To name a few: +Apples in baskets (take an apple as you leave the restaurant -- it's a tradition there) +h'orderves available if you are going for drinks at the wild turkey lounge (crackers/cheese/celery/carrots/etc). Good filler food to compliment your beer/martini/wine. +Gift shop. They offer several homemade products and have their own walk-in humidor and extensive collection of fine cigars. +Large gun collection at the base of the first floor in front of the stairs leading to the wild turkey lounge. This place is perfect for any gun lover/collector. The guns are all behind a glass display and numbered. An accompanying book sits on a table in front of a leather couch so you can flip through and learn about the guns and their production years. Overall, a great place to have an upscale dinner. Perfect for special occasions or having a drink upstairs on a Friday night.
(5)Gail C.
Since I really loved my Sundance, UT experience last fall, I fell in love with this place as I walked up to the door. The earthy charm of the outside living area made for guests to wait for their table was so great, I was hoping we would have some wait time so I could enjoy it. It was a Friday evening and the restaurant was full, but we were seated instantly. So I couldn't use their area outside. Next came the inside....wow it looked like Utah!!! As we were seated, our waiter Chad came right over. He was friendly and efficent and just made the entire experience even better. The food was good, melt in your mouth meat. My husband felt the french oiion soup was too salty and that his prime rib lacked flavor. My daughter wasn't crazy over the over garliced shrimp scampi either. My food was great, as was the rest of our table's. I LOVED the homemade Blue Cheese salad dressing for the garden salad. Best I have ever had. Overall , a really great experience and a waiter that really impressed. Although it was a bit over priced. I will come back again.
(4)Amy L.
What can I say about the Angus Barn? The food is amazing, especially the filet and baked potato, so be sure you don't get too full from the yummy cheese that pre-courses your meal. After dinner, make your way up to the Turkey Lounge for some beverages and libations. Don't be surprised if you end up in the Meat Locker at night's end (I'm referring to the cigar lounge, not an actual meat locker)!
(5)Leah M.
I love this place! Great food, environment, staff and location!
(5)Mallory P.
Angus Barn is always a special experience. The staff is attentive, the atmosphere is warm and rich, and the food reflects the passion and care of the cooks and chefs who prepare it. Favorites include the French onion soup, garlic mashed potatoes (comfort food manna), wedge salad (their blue cheese is a revelation), ribs, and of course the filet mignon. If you're on a budget or looking for a quicker meal, your best bet is the Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs. Their bar menu is fantastic- favorites include the ahi tuna (still the best I've had in Raleigh) and the Angus Barn burger with sautéed onions (classic). The chocolate chess pie will change your life, and it's perfect with a glass of port. In your state of foodie euphoria, don't forget to take an apple from the barrel on your way out-- it's good luck.
(5)Alex R.
This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. It's hard to explain how awesome it is inside, it cannot be recreated. The food is fantastic, and the service is excellent; they will go out of their way to make things right. It is a little pricey but well worth it.
(5)Shirley B.
This was the busiest restaurant I've ever seen. Standing room only. If you don't make a reservation the wait over an hour. The atmosphere is very warm and cozy. Live piano player at the bar. They had that laid back soft music vibe. The food was delicious, top notch, as well as the service. I had blackened salmon with baked sweet potato. The combination was a perfect match. The juiciest salmon with the best flavors I have experienced... Trust me I order salmon on a regular. I highly recommend this place. When I go back to Raleigh, NC I will definitely go back.
(4)Erin C.
I hate to agree with everyone else, but this place left a little to be desired. The good: The ambiance and bar staff (specifically, Geoff and Ken) were FABULOUS. They were courteous, genuinely concerned about our experience, not to mention, very knowledgeable wine stewards. The bad: The food was mediocre at best. We had the filet mignon (medium rare) and a few appetizers and salads. The steak was BLAND. How do you mess up a filet? Don't season it. NOW, I will say that the manager (don't remember his name) was very apologetic, comped our meal, was as sweet as could be. That made a world of difference. Had I not read the previous Yelp comments, I would have thought that this was a one-time food accident, but I think it's more endemic and maybe should be looked into by management. Let me reiterate: Service, alcohol and atmosphere were GREAT! Food was meh.
(3)Erica L.
Angus Barn. Yum. I'm shocked at the number of mediocre reviews because I think the Barn is one of the best restaurants in Raleigh (coming from a fair-weather fan of steak!). The atmosphere is excellent- not as stuffy as other nice steakhouses in the area, but the service is incredible. The food doesn't leave much to be desired either. The complimentary homemade crackers and cheese brought to each table to start are delicious... and it just gets better from there. My favorites are the wedge salad (mmm bacon) and the filet (so tender). I would be remiss if I didn't mention perhaps my favorite Angus Barn product and now, one of my favorite parts of the holidays: the gingerbread cookies. Do your sweet tooth a favor and snatch some up next holiday season! And a tip... do your wallet a favor and ask for the 'gingerbread casualties'-- they sell the broken gingerbread men for $5/bag. Enjoy!!!
(5)L W.
Over priced. The beef was mealy. Not surprising considering it's corn fed beef. Everything is slathered in butter which (obviously) tastes good, but speaks to lower quality products. I would have given a higher rating if it was less expensive but for $50 a steak I expect to be blown away. Definitely go to Bin 54 over Angus Barn.
(2)Jim M.
Fantastic dinner. The steak was great and the crab dip appetizer wow!!!! The whole place is 1st class. Definitely will be back next time I am in Raleigh
(5)Neil M.
This is my favorite restaurant in Raleigh. The atmosphere is unmatched in the food is world-class. This is a must do restaurant in Raleigh.
(5)Richard M.
Truly as good as it gets. Head out to the cigar room, have them grab you a bottle of their excellent house wines (or one of the thousand others) and order best steak youve had in long time.
(5)Megan D.
I went here for my bf's graduation dinner and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I'm not a huge steak fan, but if I had a chance to go there more often I would be a quick convert.
(5)Matt K.
It took us three years to finally get around to visiting AB, but we finally did this past Christmastime. There are a ton of reviews, so I'm going bullet style. 1. Cracker Barrel meets steakhouse. The decor is kind of frontier-style American, I guess you could say (I mean, there's a gun display for goodness sakes) and there is a little general store where you can buy the cheese spreads, some candles, and other gifts. Interesting for this alone. 2. Crazy awesome Christmas decorations. Get your reservations EARLY. There were several tables lined up for 20+ diners. This is clearly a destination for many locals, especially around the holidays, but the decorations are a must see. There was also a table-side magician (!) wandering about. Not sure if that was a Christmas special or what. 3. AB is pricey, but you get a lot for your money. It isn't the most interesting high dollar steak I've ever had, but you have to consider that the salad and side is included in the price. If you go to a traditional high-dollar steakhouse, you're going to pay $10+ for a salad and potato on top of a $35-40 steak. So if you drop that $10 from the price of your AB steak, you're getting a good deal. Also, you get the crackers with the cheese spreads and the relish tray. You will not leave hungry. We took home a doggy bag. 4. Saying that, this isn't fancy cuisine. The steak was good, but not great. It was cooked fairly correctly, but not perfectly to my liking. If you're trying to impress a date that you've got some fancy sophisticated palette, Angus Barn probably isn't the right dining option (remember: table-side magician). But if you want to make the impression that you're down to earth and know local institutions, then go for it. 5. I've heard things about their gigantic wine cellar, but we missed that somehow. I only saw the options they had in the regular menu. I guess next time I should ask for a wine list. However, even what was listed in the menu was good. We ate early (a 5 pm reservation was all that was left when we called a few days out in December) so we just had a glass each. 6. Get the stuffed potato. This is going to be a must-visit the next time we have family in town.
(4)Paul S.
I would give this place a 100 stars if I could. Best food, best wine, best staff, best atmosphere. Best everything I always leave feeling euphoric (ok that is a little much but I always leave feeling happy). Angus Barn's award winning wine cellar is amazing, and the wine list has to many to choose from. Make sure you ask you waiter for a tour of the cellar. I prefer to go hang in the wild turkey lounge, which is AB's bar. On most of my trips there I just hang in the lunge and drink and have dinner. On my last visit the barn was to packed to find a place so the wait staff took me and my friends to the fire pit and we drank wine and made smores over the pit. So for something different ask to be seated at the fire pit. XMas is great at the barn, the xmas tree is amazing and the atmosphere is festive. You need to make a reservation if you go in Nov or Dec, and really any time if you want a real table and don't want to sit in the turkey lounge. I really don't need to review the food, I have not had anything bad here. If you have kids after dinner the wait staff will take the kids to the kitchen to the ice cream bar, they love it. Hands down my fav place in the Raleigh Area
(5)Carol F.
Ive been several times over the last 30 years to this Raleigh landmark. It remains a unique experience in terms of its traditional ambiance. But this time the steak was a big disappointment.. just not much flavor in the NY Strip. Also the bread was just mediocre white bread pan grilled. However, in the delicious column were the ribs, the garden salad with blue cheese dressing, the soup, the wine and the crackers and cheese crocks served before the meal. For my husbands birthday he was given a complimentary but unfortunately tasteless mini pound cake to take home. Good things aside, I have to give only 3 stars, because its hard to forgive a mediocre steak at a very expensive restaurant famous for its steaks. I dont think we will return. We noticed a lot of multi generational groups attending. If they want to keep the next more food savvy generation coming back, Angus Barn needs to step it up to keep up with what is going on creatively in the wider restaurant world. For the same price you can have a truly amazing meal at the Chef and the Farmer in Kinston.
(3)N J.
Wow...where to start...I'm actually going to get back to the amazing space and start with our service. I don't know the last time I met someone as fantastic as Bennett. We were so lucky to have him last Saturday evening. As soon as he approached us I could tell it was going to be a great meal. He immediately noticed that my daughter was cold and returned with a lovely shawl for her (how many times have you been cold at a restaurant?! how many shawls have you been offered?!). He then helped us select a fantastic wine. Though when he returned he informed us that they were unfortunately out of our selection...the good news was that they upgrade you for no additional cost. So another win for us! BTW - their wine markup is among the most reasonable I've ever seen, especially considering the size of their wine list...it's truly impressive! The wine corkage fee is completely reasonable at $15 too! Though they will likely have anything you might want! In between ordering Bennett told us some stories (this is a man who knows his craft and is great at it). We were then presented with an AMAZING meal. For the quality of food, the price is fantastic. You would easily pay 2-3x this in DC or NYC! After our amazing meal, we were so stuffed beyond belief and dessert was unfortunately not going to happen. Bennett offered my daughter the opportunity to make her own sundae in the kitchen. So we made our way to the kitchen where she was presented with more topping options than she knew she wanted. This kid was HAPPY! Afterwards, Bennett came to the table with a chocolate pie to go and apples for each of us (btw - that pie was ridiculously amazing!!!). But he said he would love to show us around the restaurant before we departed. Granted it was the end of the night, so this opportunity may not be available for those that done at 6. We had a 30 minute tour of this absolutely amazing place and got a ton of history about the restaurant. Talk about impressive. This place is truly amazing. I've never wanted to spend time in a public restaurant, but the women's restroom is unbelievable. Absolutely gorgeous! Each room is beautifully appointed (I want to know who handled the interiors for them!)! I wish I lived closer, so I could visit frequently! I will certainly be back! If you're ever driving through or live close by, this is a must-go. It rivals my favorite restaurants anywhere and I appreciate their reasonable prices. Amazing, amazing place...couldn't have had a better time! Thank you Bennett for such wonderful service and making our evening a truly memorable experience!
(5)Jeremy P.
Love this place. Been there countless times and never had bad food or bad service. The steaks aren't adorned with lots of stuff....you come here to taste the meat. Also they have some sort of poundcake they give you when you come for birthdays or anniversaries which is awesome. Whenever you dine you are served a pickle/relish/olive tray with cheeses and their homemade crackers and it's really good stuff to pick on while you wait to order. Their wine list is VERY extensive and if you don't know what you want you can ask the server to send over the sommelier who will be happy to suggest something even if you don't know wine at all. I really don't and thankfully they didn't make me feel stupid. They also have a large bar upstairs called the Wild Turkey Lounge which is a great place to have drinks and you can also order food from a smaller bar menu up there. You can sit at the bar, tables, or off in a corner in their chairs and couches. It's really comfy up there and a cool place to tip a few with friends or family, especially if you're having to wait for a table. Last time we went up to the lounge I ordered the cheese burger and it was the best I'd ever had. I'm not joking when I tell you the thing was as thick as a paperback book and done to perfection. I had to take nearly half of it home. The beers on tap aren't that impressive so be mindful of that if you intend to have beer. They have some stuff in bottles too but this place is decidedly wine-centric so be mindful of that. This is a very popular and busy spot during prime dinner times so be sure to make reservations unless you have no problems waiting up to an hour or two for a table. This place has a great reputation for a reason.
(5)N H.
Went there for a work dinner. We had a group of 15. At any other restaurant, this would be a "large" group and the server would be freaked out, trying to find help. At Angus barn, this was average for the dining room we were in - basically all the tables were 15-20. So, the server totally knew what to do, knew where to stand, how to take the orders in an efficient way - this was 5 star. He clearly handles large groups every night so he had absolutely no problem. The food is what drags it down. This is one of those restaurants that inflates the prices to make you think you're getting something really amazing. You feel like if you paid $40 for a plate of food, it must be really great, right? Seriously, I felt like they had the "chefs" from Outback Steakhouse in their kitchen. It was basically the exact same food. The salad was colorless iceberg with 3 croutons. Also - the place was freezing. Unnaturally cold. I had on 2 long sleeve shirts and sat with my hands in my pockets. Everyone who had brought a coat with them had to wear it the whole meal, which isn't very comfortable. This was a holiday dinner so people had dressed nicely, and it was kind of lame for them to all be sitting there in coats. Would never, ever take a date there - it was loud, busy, distracting environment and not at all worth the price- but for a large group, to get good service, I think it was a decent choice.
(3)Peter S.
It's a great space to have a drink, but wow the food is reminiscent of what people in the 50s considered gourmet. I'm surprised I didn't get sick from those dry raw oysters. My "medium" fillet was as gray as they come. The turkey wings taste like "why bother". A delicious cinnamon ice cream covered a flavorless sawdust pie that may as well have had real sawdust in it.
(2)Andrew F.
I was very excited when I first heard about the Angus Barn...the restaurant seems to have a near-legendary status in the area and it even has its own official blue tourism signs on the highway guiding you to meaty goodness. I was curious how the barn theme would play out...seems to make sense if you're serving a lot of beef. We did not get the full tour of the space but rather entered into the front lobby and were taken straight away from the hostess booth to our tables. We seemed to miss a lot of building on our way to our room which was empty. The decor was definitely didn't do it for me. I guess I was expecting Cracker Barrel, but the impression I got was paradoxically a mix of dirty/dark and stuffy/old/antique mall. To me the place lacked the 'down-home' appeal I expected and somehow felt like a barnyard mixed with my grandma's formal dining room. As for the food, I was roundly disappointed considering the price and the prestige of the place. The crackers, cheese and vegetables that were provided when we sat down were pretty good. The wine list IS massive...oenophiles will have a field day. Lots of good-sounding food on the menu but I ordered the Chateaubriand for 1 person. When I expressed my interest in the baked onion side (my steak traditionally came w/ sauteed veggies), our waitress kindly offered to replace the sauteed onions on the plate with a baked onion instead. The veggies, sadly, reminded me of the frozen veggie medleys of my childhood (peas, carrots, broccoli). We did, however, REALLY like the bread that they served just before the entrees made it to the table. Something magical about those buttery toasted slabs... Probably the most important part of the meal and maybe for the review is the steak, right? The meat was certainly of a higher grade than most/any steak I've ever had, but there was no seasoning. I suppose the beef should stand on its own, but for me it cannot compete with a Ruth's Chris steak. A general note for most everything we ate was that it lacked flavor; certainly the flavor did not warrant the substantial cost of the meal. Maybe I'll come back over the holidays (I hear they make it look great for Christmas), but that'll probably be it.
(3)Shaun B.
Other than the obvious quality of the food and the great service, one of my favorite things here is also the least expensive: chopped steak - Oscar'd! Imagine top quality ground beef, grilled medium then smothered in asparagus, lump crab meat, and hollandaise sauce = yum! This time we enjoyed sharing this Raleigh icon with business colleagues from Albany.
(5)Joe F.
World class wines!!! Thats what I heard about this place before even arriving to it. Walking up to it,you become overwhelmed with it's size..( that's what she said)...you quickly realize that you are here to eat..eat big,,eat STEAK!! When you walk up to it,you are taken back to the old wild west...old farming equipment lines the exterior and you are greeted by mom-n-pop tobacco injun's...just another relic of time and what this country has gone through with it's actions. The restaurant fills your senses with cool gadgets and displays of of revolvers, home made desserts and a walk in humidor. The steaks are cooked to perfection and each meal is served in generous portions so save some room for the after dinner sweets. The wine list is divine. Something for everyone's budget and the wines by the glass list is tops. I had the 7-oz fillet topped with sauce oscar...hollandaise with crabmeat and asparagus.....hello mouthwatering goodness!! Next time the wife and I make it into Raleigh,we will surely give the barn another visit.
(4)Laurie B.
WOW. Just WOW. From the valet parking to the quick drink at the bar, to the sommelier, to the dining experience and the quality of the food (especially the beef).... just WOW. I won't waste words here. Just GET TO THIS RESTAURANT!!!! 1) Great Bombay Sapphire martini. 2) Exceptional Sommelier wine recommendation before dinner. 3) I grew up in Chicagoland. I know great beef when I taste it. THIS IS IT. I eat vegetarian UNTIL I find a reason to EAT GREAT COW. THIS IS THAT GREAT COW!!! 4) I didn't have to ask the staff to serve my food unsalted..... that is just the understood standard of practice. 5) RARE Chateaubriand was seared and served to perfection. 6) Impeccable service. 7) Side items (vegetables in this case) were perfectly cooked and correctly apportioned to accompany the Chateaubriand 8) Table service was all that one could wish.... neither obtrusive nor absent. We felt that our needs were being met at our every whim... even in a rather "packed" setting that eased as the evening progressed. 9) Have I mentioned the absolute PERFECTION of the beef? Order it rare. Or "extra-rare" (which they offer). You won't worry that it will not be as expected...... it will be PERFECT. 10) The dessert tray has something for everyone. See for yourselves. This dining experience will remain with me for a lifetime...... it was TRULY that good. I wish I had discovered this restaurant when my parents were alive....
(5)Jeneane B.
I dined at the Angus Barn with two business associates. This place is huge and the gave us a tour after our meal. In addition to the main dining room, there are two private dining areas for parties, and two (I think) bar areas, and a ridiculously large wine cellar! There are two main kitchens in this restaurant, with a chef's table set up in each. The wine selection is impressive, and ordering is a bit daunting. The meal was pretty good. I had the bacon-wrapped filet with a side of asparagus. the steak was cooked medium-rare to perfection. My two dinner companions also enjoyed their meals, although we felt it was a bit overpriced.
(4)Fred B.
There was a time when this venerable restaurant was one of only a handful of quality steakhouses in North Carolina. Now there are a plethora in the triangle alone. Fleming's, for example, offers a better steak, in a more elegant setting. But this place is a food and sensory adventure, somewhat funky, somewhat country, all theatre - this place is HeeHaw in a tux. The beef is still very, very good here, especially the Prime Rib and the Chateaubriand, which does not have to be ordered by two people.. The service is generally good, with the ocassional grumpy oops. The wine list really is nice, and they do have real wine glasses. We still come 1 or 2 times a year, not on special ocassions as we once did, but just to revisit old friend, remember old times, and eat a good meal.
(3)Beth S.
I went here while traveling for work. The atmosphere was interesting and enjoyable. The food on the other hand was not memorable at all. My steak was tender but had no flavor and my food was cold. The first thing they taught me in culinary school was always season your food. As I was leaving I noticed a gift shop so I stopped in. They sell steak seasoning at the shop. My suggestion would be for them to use some of that seasoning on the steaks they serve in the restaurant.
(3)Yeelo N.
On a recent work trip to RTP, I found myself at Angus Barn. I know it's a local favorite, huge, and has great service. But honestly, it's just not worth the $$$. We had our dinner at the Wild Turkey Lounge, which gets really busy regardless of how big it is. They have some great complimentary appetizers of cheese, pickles, celery, etc. I order the prime rib with spinach salad, my friend, the crab claws and filet. The highlight of the meal? The poppy seed dressing for my spinach salad. It's just sweet enough and served warm on the side. YUM! While everything was good, it just wasn't great. The prime rib actually came out overcooked (minus a star for sure!) and lacked that smokey prime rib flavor. Also, maybe because it was overcooked for my taste, it seemed fairly tough for prime rib. Would I go again? Eh, maybe, but just for drinks and the cheese appetizer. I just wasn't in love with the place. I'd so much rather head home and hit up House of Prime Rib.
(3)Louise P.
We went to the Angus Barn for dinner for our friends' birthdays. We had a large table of maybe 13 people. We were taken upstairs to our table that was nice and out of the way in the big, loud room. I liked all their decorations for the holidays. The server was very rude to our friend when he asked for some water when we sat down. She scolded him for getting up. The timing of food service was way off. Three people got appetizers and we all had soups/salads coming with our entrees. They brought out the appetizers after 20 minutes. 20 minutes later they brought soups and salads. They should have just brought all of these starters out together. By the time our entrees came out, it had been an hour. The wine list is amazing and we all really liked our steaks but the service left a lot to be desired. Also, they are cash only and pretty expensive.
(3)Mage L.
I finally got a chance to try the legendary Angus Barn. I've driven past the restaurant many times since we moved to North Carolina, and learned quickly from the locals that despite its appearance, this was the fancy place to eat in Raleigh. The parking situation was decent if you park in the lot to the right as you drive in. Valet parking in a private lot seems unnecessary. The exterior looks much like a Cracker Barrel type of restaurant. The interior, at least the main floor, reminded me of an all-you-can-eat restaurant in Wisconsin Dells called Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty, with its checkered tablecloths, oil lamps and old farm equipment hanging from the walls. We had made a reservation for 3, though I don't know if it was required. I noticed the main room was very crowded, noisy and busy for a Sunday at 5:30pm. We were seated in the far back left corner of the main floor, and it was very cold and dark back there. My son kept his coat on for the entire meal. The corner we were seated in was fairly quiet, but the tables were still stacked pretty close together. The lighting was also extremely dark, and my photos all turned pretty terribly. They did seem very accepting of children, giving him a balloon, coloring book and crayons. The tables have baskets of crackers and small pots of spreadable cheese, and a plate of various pickled items. They also brought out buttered, toasted bread later during the meal. The snacks were nice, but I suppose you could easily fill up before your entree even comes. Since I really wanted the Angus Barn experience, I ordered their signature dish: the Chateaubriand. It's a 14oz. tenderloin that comes with roasted fingerling potatoes, sauteed vegetables, bearnaise sauce and red wine jus. It was $43, the most expensive steak on the menu, but I figured I would go for the best. I ordered the french onion soup with that, and some thin cut french fries. My husband ordered the 10 oz. filet mignon with the Caesar salad and the thick cut french fries. The children's meals were all $11 each, and they come with applesauce or salad, a beverage, and ice cream for dessert. My son ordered the cheese ravioli with fries. The appetizers were really good. I loved my french onion soup, but I was getting pretty full by the time I finished it. My husband's Caesar salad was fantastic as well. He said it much better than most he's had elsewhere, and he's eaten a lot of different Caesar salads. The entrees were brought out on large, flat iron skillets. For the price, the presentation looked pretty poor. I suppose they hope with low lighting most people won't notice, but the plates were put together in a sloppy manner I'd expect from a cheap diner. The ravioli was just a simple white bowl that looked like sauce, and some fries on the side. My steak was arranged somewhat nicely, but the veggies were just in a giant pile. What they called "fingerling potatoes" were just some burnt, soggy, steak fries tossed in with the rest of the veggies. My husband's entree wasn't nearly such a mess. His steak looked pretty decent, and his thick cut fries were piled up high. My husband was really happy with his entree. He ordered his filet mignon medium-rare, and he said it was cooked perfectly. He managed to eat all his fries as well. But the stuffed tomato-type object on the skillet didn't get eaten. He tried it, didn't like it. I tried it, I thought it was pretty bland and gross as well. Maybe it was supposed to be for decoration, but it wasn't worth eating. My son, unfortunately, didn't eat most of his meal. That's pretty typical for him, though normally I wouldn't be paying $11 for a kid's meal. He wouldn't touch the ravioli, and just ate a few fries. He did like making the ice cream quite a bit though. They took him to the ice cream bar so he could decorate it himself. I ended up eating the ravioli during the week for lunch, and it wasn't bad. Seemed like a large portion for kids though. I wish my entree would have turned out as well as my husband's, especially considering it was their signature entree. I ordered mine medium-rare as well, but mine was quite well done on the ends, and barely medium in the middle. The bearnaise sauce was phenomenal. I love getting bearnaise sauce with my steaks, it always tastes so much better than regular steak sauce. I didn't like the red wine jus as much, but it would have been decent enough if I didn't have the bearnaise. I ordered the Bianchi Cabernet Sauvingnon at the server's recommendation, and I thought it went really well with the steak. They do have a very impressive wine list. As I mentioned before, the "fingerling" potatoes were a disappointment, so I only tried one of them. The other veggies were very good, but there were really a whole lot more than needed to be included. I didn't really care much for the peas. (rest of the review is on my site, I ran out of room here)
(3)Marcus A.
I am a steak connoisseur. If I was just rating the steaks, I would give Angus Barn 3 stars. In 2008 I ate at Angus Barn, and I could have sworn the excellent Rib Eye I had tasted like USDA Prime, but the last couple of times I have been here, the steaks tasted like they were using USDA Choice meat. Although the steaks do have an 'aged' texture to them, and are well prepared, the steaks tasted more like USDA Choice rather than USDA Prime which is the standard for fine steakhouses. But, Angus Barn creates a great dining experience, and everything is usually well executed whether it is the shrimp cocktail, salads, or sides, not to mention the excellent customer service. I still want to try their Prime Rib. I also wish they would add a true Porterhouse to the menu.
(4)Randy H.
I decided to try the Angus Barn due to the wine selections they have. I was not disappointed, with the wines at least. One of the best wines and worst steaks i have had in a long time. I was concerned when I pulled up and saw the outside that this was not a true steakhouse. It is very quant and campy. But again it is called the Angus Barn. The wine selection is fantastic and had a great bottle of Continuum. I ordered the ribeye and it was very tough and tasteless. They asked me if everything was ok and brought me another which had more taste but still very tough. The twice baked was very nice. My thoughts are if you are looking for a high end steakhouse then this is not the place for you. If you want a great glass of wine then try them out. They have over 1,600 bottles. Very impressive.
(2)Ed C.
I've been to the Angus Barn three times. Once was in the Cellar, and the other two times were in the main dining rooms upstairs. I don't really get the appeal... and certainly not for the price. The first time I went, I had a fillet. It was fine, but it didn't blow me away. It came with a salad and a potato. The salad reminded me of Fresh Express, just nothing special. The same with the potato, nothing special. The steak was pretty good, but I've had steaks at much cheaper national chains that rivaled that steak--and the cheaper ones were seasoned better. My second experience was in the Cellar. It was indeed a nicer experience. We had some tasty appetizers that night, and a yummy wine enhanced the evening. I decided to have the prime rib that night, and while it was pretty good, I was glad I wasn't paying for it. For my third experience, I bit the bullet. I had been eying their Chateaubriand from my first visit and decided to go for it. The steak itself was huge, and I have to say it was delicious, a perfect sear and delightfully medium-rare inside. However, it was served barely above room temperature. The taste was divine, but it would have been much nicer had it been served warmer. (I know medium-rare is defined as a warm red center, but this was hardly warm... and the outside should definitely have been warmer.) The Chateaubriand is served with the typical two sides, but it also comes with a lot of extraneous vegetables on the plate. I'm not sure what the point of that is. The "medley" included broccoli, cauliflower, green peas, mushrooms, onions, and oven roasted "fingerling" potatoes--and the staff preferred to not leave them off. Sometimes I think folks get quantity mixed up with quality... and the extra veggies might help. Don't get me wrong. The Chateaubriand was an incredible piece of meat. Had it been served warmer, I'd probably add another star to my review... but the truth is, even if the prices were the same, I'd really rather get a steak at Firebirds... or at home. If you want to spend that kind of money, I'd really suggest Second Empire. (I haven't tried Nana's or Four Square. If you're buying, I'm willing to give them a try. Heck, if you're buying, I don't mind going back to the Barn...) :-)
(2)Amanda G.
Let me just say as someone who doesn't eat meat, I wasn't particularly thrilled to visit Angus Barn for a birthday dinner. However I was pleasantly surprised with my trip to the Barn, and wouldn't even mind going back! The cheese and relish appetizers were a nice touch, but I was way more into my garlic mashed potatoes. For an entree, I was impressed with the flavor of the seasonal grilled vegetables (and the balsamic glaze, mmmm) - but the amount of veggies I got for $26 definitely didn't leave the best of aftertastes in my mouth. While I can't elaborate on the star attraction of the Barn (obviously the beef), I can relay that all who were in attendance for the birthday celebration were sufficiently satisfied by the end of the meal. Definitely have to love the kitschy atmosphere of the place. And yes, I was totally lured into the shop and bought a candle before we left.
(4)Dennis U.
The best thing about the Angus Barn is that its not a chain. The steaks aren't bad either. The wine list is over the top. Not like a chain dinners come with the sides. The steaks are good but not ht best one has ever had but still nothing to complain about. Service is pleasant, but not in the category of the best of the best... It all totals up to a bit better than 3 stars for me. I'll be back but not too soon.
(3)Craig S.
Great atmosphere, delicious food, and unparalleled service - the essential elements required for a first class dining experience! The Angus Barn has them all! Van, Kevin, and Chef Walter know what it takes to attract and retain life long devotees to the AB. Renown for their steak, I'm actually a big fan of the fresh, in-house, Ground Beef Steak. It's as tasty as any of the other steaks on the menu. Add a salad and thick cut steak fries and it can't be beat! If I'm feeling fancy, the filet mignon is the choice. They have other fantastic non-beef entrees, I just can't bring myself to order them. Try the ribs for an appetizer and grab a drink upstairs in the Turkey Lounge for starters - what's the rush? Take your time, relax, and enjoy all the Barn has to offer for a pleasant evening of dining out!
(5)Michael H.
I really struggled with whether to give the Angus Barn three or four stars. As many others have correctly stated, the actual culinary experience here can be underwhelming. Not bad, mind you, but in comparison to Second Empire or Glenwood Grill - well, there just is no comparison. The Angus Barn gets its first star for ambiance. It's a good place for business dinners; the atmosphere is nice enough to wear a shirt and choker, and casual enough (in the wild turkey lounge) to get away with a nice pair of jeans. There's all sorts of kitsch and stuff to see, and the cellar tour always impresses. They get their second star for their wine list. Fault the Angus Barn for anything else, but their wine list is tough to beat. If you don't believe me, take a tour of their wine cellar. The third star goes to Water Royal, who has helped put Angus Barn on the map. The specialty dinners (in the themed dining rooms) are well done, and the table-for-two in the kitchen makes for a fantastic date. Alas - the fourth star is earned because the Angus Barn does pull off some good steak dinners. I can't say that I've ever been really let down; my disappointment is usually in the fact that the rest of the meal isn't particularly inspired. But it's still tasty enough to satisfy. For high cuisine and local culinary vernacular, I wouldn't recommend the Angus Barn ... but if you've got some red-meat-eaters to feed and you want something a little more upscale, it's tough to go wrong here.
(4)Tom S.
Great place, service and bar. Unique setting with a lot of character. Food was above average, the turkey was really great. The prime rib was good, not great.
(4)Brittney G.
Went with a party of 10 family and friends, the place was packed. Excellent ribs and steak! Our waiter was amazing very knowledgeable of wine list and pairing. The woman who makes the crackers fresh needs a raise they are delightful with the cheese. The restaurant has truly mastered a dining experience. Ended the night with a tour of the cellar, this was an excellent I would recommend it to everyone.
(5)