The Mecca Restaurant: A Restaurant You Know, a Bar You'll Get to Know
Walk across the hexagon tiled threshold at the Mecca Restaurant and enter a downtown Raleigh institution of an eatery, now in its third, thriving generation of ownership. Here at the Mecca Restaurant, it’s a reminder that the more things change and advance in the growing capital city, how nice it is to appreciate those few things that somehow manage to stay the same.
Nearing its 81st anniversary in business, Mecca’s striking a balance of blending its tried-and-true old with the area’s demands for a splash of new. As of New Year’s Eve, Mecca kicked off the year with a bang – extended hours, offering a new, late-night haunt for those seeking the classic Mecca atmosphere mixed with libations well into the late evening hours.
It’s still very much that same restaurant that your mom and dad and their moms and dads enjoyed. The tables are draped with checkered red and white tablecloths, the original booths and surrounding interior woodwork remain and, of course, it is the downtown go-to for Southern goodness like fried chicken, quality steaks and burgers, homemade biscuits and, most certainly, its ever-changing variety of daily fresh, local veggies.
In addition to its regular breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, Mecca’s glowing vertical marquee signage beckons a new evening welcome along the Martin Street corridor between Fayetteville Street and Wilmington Street. In a way, owner Paul Dombalis is returning Mecca back to the later evening hours it kept long before his time, dating back to the 1930s and '40s. He’s found the team to help him do it and now, not only can you order a Mecca meal after 7 p.m. at night, but you can equally enjoy a classic cocktail with quality liquor or a nicely priced glass of wine ($6-$7/per glass) with your burger, daily dinner specials ($7-$9 average), or late night bites ($5.50-$8).
Behind the newly stocked bar of notably labeled spirits, you’ll find the familiar faces of area veteran bartenders ready to serve you a thoughtfully prepared drink the likes of an old-fashioned Manhattan or Sazerac. Bushmills Irish malt whiskey, bottles of rye, bourbon and blended whiskeys are on the menu, as is St-Germain elderflower liqueur and the ever so sweet black currant flavored Crème de Cassis for your mixed drink pleasure. In homage to the Mecca’s family’s heritage, the classic Greek aperitif ouzo is stocked for toasting along with seasonally changing red, white and sparkling wine selections.
The atmosphere at Mecca’s bar is relaxed, familiar and welcoming with ease. Post 7 p.m. into the night, the eclectic music soundtracks playing are courtesy of your bartender's choice -- adding another layer of zip to the already character-loaded establishment. If it’s a loud, jam-packed scene you are looking for, look elsewhere. If it’s a retro-meets-classic with a touch of edge comfort zone for a range of ages, then a seat is waiting for you at the red-topped bar.
HelloRaleigh Tip: Monday through Thursday nights, Mecca serves it up until 11 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, it’s at your drink service until 2 a.m. with a final “kitchen” food call at 1:30 a.m.
Posted on Apr 4, 2011 by Angela Risko
