Calavera. Empanadas. Tequila.
One of downtown Raleigh’s newest restaurants, located on the corner of Blount and Davie, has taken on one dish and paired it effortlessly with the spirit made from the blue agave plant. The idea here is simple, delicious, versatile food and drinks.
The food: $3 empanadas filled with meats, herbs, spices and veggies (7 choices) or sugar and spice (2 choices). $10 salads (2 choices). Suggestion: more veggie-only options, the picadillo would be especially good without meat.
The drinks: $5-$10 tequilas (20 brands/styles) and $8 bebidas especiales (8, including a killer Mojito). Oh, and a $25 Don Julio 1942 is on the menu. Not sure what that means exactly but it sounds pretty awesome; find out more about how tequila is made and classified.
Inside, the walls are painted a deep, heartfelt red. Mexican-inspired paintings and calaveras (skulls) loom in the creases and folds. The upstairs dining room and the tiny bar downstairs capture a vibe of openness and intimacy.
One suggestion… one easy-to-fix, must-fix… important as hell part of the deal… service. How your waitstaff presents and represents your establishment can go further than what’s on the menu, and very often does. You don’t have to love Peru, downtown Raleigh, empanadas and tequila to desire a few words on how the menu works, a little instruction on tequila pairings, and just some general excitement that you’ve come! To the new restaurant! That wants you to come back again!
Calavera also has cervecas and vino, TVs upstairs and outdoor seating.
Well said. It’s so unfortunate to go to a “great” new restaurant only to have so-so service. Especially when it’s not even that busy! We shall try again, and hopefully they will add another veggie option.
exacto mi amiga!
This post makes me miss Raleigh – I don’t think Calavera was open before we left for SB. I am in love with that art work – especially the Frida piece. Do you know the artist?
Hi Kathleen! It just recently opened a few weeks ago. Don’t know if you knew Lily from 5star but she’s the owner. I love that artwork and don’t know the artist but was interested in finding out more, so next time I’m there I’ll check it out and let you know. Thanks for reading!