Raleigh Iron Works’ tasty new tenant
Ford Fry is at it again. He first hinted at his just-announced ATL standout concept Little Rey dropping in Raleigh last year—and now this aspiration is finally coming to fruition; set to slide into Raleigh Iron Works in 2024.
After first dipping his toes into the Triangle food scene via successful Fenton spot, Superica, the celeb chef is once again blessing us with his already thriving Tex-Mex concept centering around “al carbon” wood-roasted cooking and an array of droolworthy staples such as al carbon—naturally—plus, traditional street style tacos, fresh salsas, and handmade tortillas to boot.
To sate those with a sweet tooth, a variety of soft service ice cream flavors (tres leches! salty cajeta and fried peanuts!) await. Or tuck into the concept’s cult-fave pancakes with buttermilk syrup.
Thirsty? Enter the impressive beverage program. Masterminded by beverage VP Eduardo Porto Carreiro, the drinks will pair perfectly with the flavors of the fare. Toast to the tantalizing Tex-Mex morsels with an on-the-rocks marg or crack open at Mexican beer from the scad of handselected local and regional craft ales a la the convenient reach-in cooler.
The expansive counter-service taco spot sprawls across 3,1000-square-feet via indoor and patio seating, and a walk-up to-go window affectionately dubbed Uno Mas. More casual than its Cary-based cousin, the resto exudes relaxation and zest with its rose pink, deep blue and sage color palette, old-fashioned handpainted signs, and Waylon & Willie songs on the queue. Plus, be sure to peep vintage Mexican mementos and standout art compliments of a curated collection decorating the dining room.
“I’m excited about it [Little Rey] because I eat it all the time,” said Ford on that prophetic podcast episode. “There is a chance that one may make its way to Raleigh, I’m not gonna say for sure… but it’s in talks.” … We love a full-circle moment. Give us mas!
