Irregardless Cafe & Catering

Ate there for Christmas dinner. Poor service- twice the waiter tried to give me the wrong dish. No bread or any included starters for a $27 turkey entree. Turkey itself was half dark, pieces of gristle and fat, and too tough to cut. I've never had that experience before. No gravy for mashed potatoes. Flavorless beans. Busboy kept trying to give me diet coke, another kept trying to give me iced tea. Tiny scoop of stuffing. I left really hungry. My meal was delayed because the waiter wrote down the wrong thing, but the owner took care of that quickly. this was my first trip there and I'm going to skip it in the future. Pros: Salads and seafood looked good. Cons: Bland food, subpar service more

We had our wedding reception at Irregardless in Sept and it was amazing. Everyone said it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding ( we had it at the restaurant so the guests could order of a smaller menu and have it cooked fresh). Since we had the whole restaurant to ourselves, it felt really intimate and perfect for our 80 guests. We had an open bar and even with that and 6 fresh sit down dinner options and appetizers it was amazingly affordable. The service was excellent and all the guests said it was what every wedding should be: intimate, with amazing food, and fun. Anya was a huge huge help and made the whole thing so easy. She organized everything and really cared. I just don't understand how other people could give her negative reviews.\r \r This place has great catering, but if you want a truly amazing and affordable wedding, have it at the restaurant. I just can't say enough how wonderful, perfect and affordable it was. Pros: great food, great service, great ambiance more

Because Meymandi Hall is the best place to see the NC Symphony, we have a group of 4 (two couples) who check out Raleigh restaurants en route to our concerts. This means early (5:45 or 6:00 Saturday nights). It means chaos for most restaurants. Having seen several negative reviews of Irregardless on this site, we almost didn't go. That would have been a serious omission - all of us had a great dinner. We were seated promptly at a large booth. The wait staff were there to help promptly, consistently, and professionally. The wine list included the alcohol percentages on the wines (a nice addition), and was very reasonable - heaviest on decent mid-priced wines (we had a nice rioja reserva for around $30). 3 of our 4 had the warm goat cheese salad (with craisins and toasted nuts and a nice, light dressing) as an entry. Excellent. The other had bruschetta. It looked good from my point of view. For the main course, I had the spicy shrimp and polenta as my entree. The polenta was well done, and the shrimp, vegetable, and mozzarella cheese combination was super - well spiced. My wife had paella (lots of mussels), one friend had grilled scallops, and the other had Asian shrimp linquine. The only complaints were a little too much salt on the linguine, and the rice a bit dry on the paella (only around the edges). Those were minor concerns. All of us were very pleased. No desserts - too full. We'll go back. And the meal ended in plenty of time to make the concert. [oh yes, jazz during dinner was also a nice addition] Pros: Good food. Varied menu. Nice wine list (for not-fancy wines). Excellent service Cons: Parking on the street. A bit noisy. Not really romantic. more

The Irregardless Cafe recently catered a reception I planned and they were marvelous to work with. Very professional in every detail and the food was excellent. They have catered several events I've attended this year and the food, service and presentation are consistently top quality. Their years of experience also meant that I was able to consult them on other aspects of the event - tables, linens, even flowers. Everything turned out exceptional thanks to their catering and event planning expertise. I highly recommend their catering service. Pros: Very knowledgable and experienced owners and staff more

I worked with Irregardless at a recent wedding reception and they were TERRIBLE! The food was not the problem, though, it was the service. They were SO ugly to me and I was there specifically to be the bride's voice because we didn't want her to stress out on her wedding day. I will NEVER EVER eat at their restaurant or hire their catering service because they are NOT nice people... especially the owner, Anya. Cons: Rude attitude, over priced, snotty service more

When did this place turn into a snotty, full-of-itself ""destination""? I used to feel welcome there for Sunday brunch. I returned in July 2007 at a time when the restaurant was not even 20% full. I was dressed very nicely and was looking forward to it.\r \r The visibly annoyed, supercilious ""host"" tried to seat me (a female by herself, or as they say, ""JUST one"") next to a post, where I would have been crowded and in the line of traffic. When I objected, he tried to seat me directly across from the cash register. When I objected again, he became annoyed and snapped at me to pick a table I wanted. Remember, the place was mostly empty.\r \r The waiter, as another review mentioned, disappeared after greeting me. He didn't even take my order for probably ten minutes - in a nearly empty restaurant. When the dry,bland omelet arrived I was hesitant to put it in my mouth anyway, given the attitude of the host. \r \r The Irregardless used to be a really neat, warm place. They've seen the last of me. more

My boyfriend and I always go out to eat on Tues nights. We decidedd to try this place for the first time... well the waiter we had was terrible. He ran around and forgot half ur meal. He never checked on us and just was more interested in the tables with more people. He gave us cookies at the end of the meal Iguess to make up for forgetting so much. Well we didnt take them and sorry for him but we are usually extreamly good tippers and if he would have tried to be a good waiter he would have left with alot more money. more

ahhh, my husband and I have gone to Irregardless Cafe for about three years now and it is our alltime favorite place to eat, especially for special or romantic occasions. I am vegan and he is a meat-eater, and we always have a number of the most delectable options for us each to choose from. Super yum. Plus, we're only 27 years old, and we love it here, whether it's for lunch, for brunch, or for a lovely dinner. We order a bottle of wine and the middle easter platter every single time to share and then get our entrees. Their tapas menu, tiny portions as they are, are so tasty too and work really well if you get a couple appetizers. Service is always incredibly professional and friendly - though not overly fake friendly thank goodness - and we always get a complimentary bottle of wine for our birthdays and anniversary too, which rocks even more :) One of the best and most authentic places to eat in Raleigh. Yum yum! Pros: Super Food, Neat Locale, Pro Servers Cons: I can think of nothing more

The food was good, have no complaints about what we had, a decent value compared to the price. Not the least expensive place in town, but the food justified it reasonably, everybody at the table was happy with the food. Service was great, owner stopped by and was super nice. We were there on a Sat night, so it was a bit loud and bustling, but that was okay (i.e. not really an intimate setting if that's what you're seeking). I wouldn't recommend this place for under 40, and marginally for 40-50 just because you might feel like you're getting a bit old. When the dance floor opened I knew we were in the wrong place, although if you're about 55 and up you may just feel like you've won the jackpot with the music and the dancing. Really the only issue I had was with feeling like we were young (late 30's) for the crowd (and apparently the dance crowd are regulars). Everything else was acceptable. We can always go down the street for a livelier nightlife. more

Having eaten here three times now, I can only assume that this places reputation is based entirely on it's age (the place has been open for more than twenty years) .. and while there is certainly something to be said for tradition, there is also something to be said for making progress and evolving, which is why I just can't recommend Irregardles. The food is average at best (except at brunch, when it was actually way below average), the service is just ok and the intertior while quirky is a little overwhelming. \r \r There are so many better restaurants in the neighborhood (including the unbelievably awesome Underground right next door) that I just can't understand why this place remains as popular as it does. more

I recently celebrated my birthday at Irregardless and the experience was wonderful. The food was scrumptious and the entertainment lovely for dining. Our waitress was delightful and knowledgeable as well as very efficient. We were treated to a bottle of wine since it was my birthday which I think was a nice touch. Overall I would recommend this restaurant highly and intend to return frequently - not just for special occasions. Pros: the food Cons: need more parking area more

This was my second visit to Irregardless Cafe and I just had to write to let you know how great it was! The entire dining experience was superb!\r \r We started with the Middle Eastern Platter - very good and good for you! The spices they added to the humus really set it off from others.\r \r For salad we chose the Warm Goat Cheese Salad and I think it was the best salad I've ever had. Imagine - a big warm goat cheese ""cake"" over top a bed of baby romaine along with cranberries, candied pecans and the most delicious vinaigrette salad dressing! I just love all those ingredients mixed together. Yummm! The goat cheese is dipped in breadcrumbs and spices then fried. It was just awesome! I can't wait to go back and have another. Maybe just get this for lunch!\r \r For dinner I chose the Blackened Salmon and my hubby ordered the Rib eye - both done to perfection. The Salmon had a creamy sauce on it and it melted in your mouth. I ordered mine medium and my husband's rib eye was med. rare.\r \r To top it all off we splurged with your Chocolate Chip Coconut Custard Pie and coffee. \r \r Our friends had a pasta dish and scallops and they loved their meals also. \r \r The reason we picked the Irregardless Cafa is because a friend who used to live in Raleigh recommended it and she said this was her favorite restaurant. Yes, it is does cost a bit more than you would spend at Outback. But come on... can you really compare???\r \r As far as the parking goes, someone on Citysearch state that Irregardless ONLY had street side parking. This is not true. Their is a parking lot 2 doors down from the resturant. \r \r Oh... I didn't mention the live music. Just the right sound, not too loud, not too soft. Pros: Unique selection of appetizers, entrees and deserts. Cons: Cost a bit more than some places, but worth it. more

The reviews were good so we tried it out, disappointed. Parking is very limited ( street parking only). Nothing about it stands out from the exterior, you could easily drive by if you were not looking carefully. Don't be surprised if patrol cars are parked in front of the place because of the location. When we went they were having problems with homeless people coming in asking for food. Which really made for an interesting night out but the management did handle the issue with great class and tact. \r Inside decor: Pink walls with green trim and fish hanging from the ceiling. Interesting:reminds me of a beach location restaurant. The food although presented well was rather bland and definitely not worth the price. Our waitress was Excellent. However the staff tends to congregate near the bar and talk about customers, because they think they cannot be heard. \r Overall it was an average experience but not worth the price tag, if you looking to dine in downtown Raleigh go to Porters Tavern, for the same priced food you will have a better dining experience. Pros: service Cons: Parking, food-average but the menu changes often so you nev more

We ate at the Irregardless last night and had an incredible time. I've long been a lover of proper vegetarian cuisine and they did not disappoint! We had a bottle of wine and enjoyed the bruschetta and seafood stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer and then the vegetable lasagna and butternut squash for dinner. Both were well-prepared, creative and delicious. The other highlight of dinner was the attentive, helpful and friendly service. Our waiter, who was short, young and had a beard (I think his name was Matt) guided through all the dishes and helped us make an informed decision. I'll definitely be back soon! Pros: lovely music, great service, delicious desserts more

I really, really, really wanted to like Irregardless. I read so many glowing reviews and after several visits, I just think things must have gone downhill from it's glorious past. I expected to find a vegetarian oasis but instead found my entree choices limited to two while choices for meateaters abound. My companions were just as disappointed in their meals. The veggie lasagna was unpleasantly sweet and otherwise flavorless. Hummus was good but nothing special. The spinach salad and warm goat cheese salad were both highlights of an otherwise lackluster meal. We had dessert and the coconut cake was so dry, we all agreed it seemed that it had been sitting out and had gotten stale. I told the server and she took it back but didn't seem surprised; I also told the owner, he seemed annoyed. I'm sorry to say that Irregardless is well past its prime. Pros: nice music, friendly staff, good salads Cons: mediocre food, servers too busy more

Well, it's strike three for this place. I have tried my third meal here and was served fare that I would describe as mediocre (at best). ...overcooked, poorly seasoned, served haphazardly (with three at the table we received entrees over ten minutes apart). The restaurant used to have a good reputation as a vegetarian place. I guess that changed before I arrived in the neighborhood. My overall rating was ""average"", but that's what I would give Taco Bell. Pros: music on sunday Cons: mediocre service, mediocre food, mediocre ambiance more

I've been going to the Irregardless for many years, and have always been pleased with the food, service and atmosphere. The servers are very prompt and extremely pleasant. The food has always been superb and the deserts are wonderful, made by their own baker! Their goat cheese & mixed greens salad is awesome and their bruschetta is the best I've ever tried. On Sundays, their brunch menu is terrific. You really get a lot of food for the price. The egg dishes (fritatas, omelets, scrambles, etc.) are always a good choice, and the cheese blintzes or french toast are great if you have a sweet tooth. The Irregardless is definitely a place to visit, again and again - ENJOY! Pros: live music, great food & service, fun atmosphere Cons: lack of parking more

I have dined here on two different occasions, once for brunch and once for a birthday dinner. I will say I had an enjoyable experience each time. They do include more than the single obligatory pasta and sauce dish on their menu and as a vegetarian it's always nice to eat out and not feel like I'm on the fringes of society. Having said that the food in my opinion is lack-luster. While it was not inedible I did find it to be bland on both occasions. I will probably return out of hopefulness at least once or twice more. Pros: Vegetarian friendly, Open atmosphere Cons: Bland food, Pricy more

My husband and I LOVE Irregardless! We loved this place for years, had our rehersal dinner there, and eat there every year on our anniversary...in addition to the many many other times a year we eat there. The food is always fresh and extremely delicious! I've never had a bad meal there. The reviews that say the Irregardless is less than perfection are just NUTTY! more

Yep. After years of living in Raleigh, it suddenly came to my attention that I had never ventured towards the Irregardless cafe. How had this happened? Imagine living in NYC for years and never going to a broadway show, or the East Village for shopping, or ever actually looking skyward...this is how I felt. Anniversary time came and hopes were high. Result? Bad food, dated ""hip"" 1990's decor and even worse service. Like the title said, I want to like this place. Positive atmosphere and an owner who is famous in Raleigh for being a fun kook. But just like being a NCSU sports fan, you love 'em but can cuss 'em like a Heel fan. Pros: owner, jazz, positive vibes Cons: food, decor, price more