Quality Grocery In Oakwood

This little place is located on the corner of Lane Street and Linden Avenue, near the entrance to the cemetery.


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What Is This Place?

I've never noticed this place until last night. There are no signs indicating what type of business or gallery this is. The address is 400 East Martin Street, and searches yield nothing.

Anyone know?

UPDATE: Reader jbroome points out that this is the home to Bryan Regan Photography.


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Tough Love Boutique

Tough Love Boutique is a relatively new ladies fashion store open on Hillsborough Street. They have a web site, but it doesn't have much information other than the labels/brands they carry and a blog. I stopped by and talked to the owner out of curiosity one day, and she was extremely nice. Tough Love Boutique is also a pet friendly establishment.

3114 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC

(503) 239-3837

Get Directions

East Martin Street Groceries

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Watkins Shoe Shop

Peering in to the window of Watkins Shoe Shop is like looking in to a time capsule. I honestly had no idea there was a place in Raleigh where you could still get your shoes shined. I've driven by this place hundreds of times, and assumed it was only a shoe repair place. Despite the sad and somewhat dated note on the door, the place is still open. It first opened for business in 1973.
Anne Blythe wrote an outstanding article on Willie for the News & Observer, shortly after his death:

As an African-American man, Watkins had to overcome many obstacles to build his business. As a young husband and father, he worked two jobs -- early mornings at a creamery moving crates of milk from the refrigerated area to the loading dock, then at a white-owned shoe shop in Raleigh's Five Points where he only was allowed to shine shoes.

Through his time there and at other shops and companies, Watkins soaked up enough about the business to teach himself the intricacies of shoe repair.

Once he took apart his daughter's little patent leather shoes just so he could stitch them back together. He made leather book bags and suitcases that his children still have.

"He used to say he was a jack-of-all trades and a master of none," Elaine said. "I dispute that."

Watkins worked hard to afford his children any opportunity. He helped them pay for college and chipped in for other relatives in tough times. That generous spirit carried over into his shop. "People would come through a little down and out on their luck, and he would do their repair work and not charge them," said son Reggie, a lawyer in the state Attorney General's Office.

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Peace Street Market

This topic has come up several times at work between people on my team, so I thought I should finally create a post about it.
Beer enthusiasts far and wide know of Peace Street Market. I don't know of another shopping outlet in the area that has the diverse array of beers that they have. The 6-12 in the Mission Valley Plaza comes close, but a couple of years ago I got burned by getting stale beer. Could have been bad luck, but Peace Street is closer. It is now where I go to get something out of the ordinary. It received an A- from Beer Advocate too. Check it out sometime if you've never been. The phrase on the sign has been unchanged for as long as I can remember:

BIG ENOUGH TO TO SERVE U - SMALL ENOUGH TO KNOW U

804 W Peace St
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 834-7070
Get directions

Snooker's

Snooker's is a pool hall in the same shopping center as Whole Foods, and one of the better pool halls in the city. They have 9 ball, 8 ball, and 8 ball express leagues every night of the week. It's a pretty chill place with some really dedicated players. Also in this shopping center is a Rite-Aid, some sport equipment stores, and All-Star Bike Shop, a favorite bike shop of mine.

Snooker's Sports Pub
3520 Wade Ave # B
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 828-7665

Liberty Fashions

It was in business at least as late as the fall of last year. Like many of the other clothing outlets on Wilmington Street, this one has gone out of business.
Isaac's Menswear is still selling stylish clothing, however.


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What Won't David Beasley's Do?

Let's go over what David Beasley's AAA does:

• bail bonds
• checks cashed
• notary public
• atm
• prepaid cellular
• moneygram
• after hours request service

However, one thing (obscured in the photo) that they won't do: give change. In the window is a sign that says "change not free".

Clearscapes (or Water Works Supplies)

This is the home of Clearscapes, located in the Warehouse District. The web site says that

Clearscapes is a multi-disciplinary design firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina that was formed in 1981 when architect, Steven D. Schuster, and sculptor, Thomas H. Sayre, combined their creative talents and energies to design environments for some of North Carolina's neediest citizens, the severely and profoundly retarded residents of Murdoch Center in Butner, North Carolina. Twenty four years later, the firm has matured to a broad-based, full service design firm comprised of twenty architects, artists, and support personnel with diverse educational, geographic and experiential backgrounds.

In addition to the design studio, the firm maintains a 4,000 square foot shop where material research, mock-up fabrications, and experimentation is done. The firm's public art is built in the shop as well as components for many of its architectural projects. This facility is unique and extends the firm's creativity beyond the confines of a traditional architectural firm.

There are several small sculptures and other art pieces around this building that make it one of the most interesting and attractive commercial spaces in all of Raleigh.

Sure-Fit Upholstery Inc

This place exists in about 78 different online business directories, but none of which were local. Looks like it's been here for some time, but not sure for how long.

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Lighting, Inc. on Peace Street

This place has no web presence, and I've never been to the store before. They certainly have an interesting array of lighting fixtures--notice the NASCAR themed lamps in the bottom photo. The location also has a nice view of the city at night.

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Vernacular Studio Architects

The people here at Vernacular Studio were mentioned in my post about the prettiest dumpster in Raleigh. I know nothing about them, but they have a fantastic location for operations.

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Community Grocery on Oberlin

I don't recall exactly, but I'm pretty sure the sign says something like "hot dogs since 1972". If you've ever driven on Oberlin, you've seen this place.

319 West Martin Street

The sign above the door says Intervolve, yet the DXR.06 letters are still on the door. This is odd because Design Expo Raleigh was held here in 2006 (which I ended up volunteering time to help with), and then the place sat vacant for some time. I am unsure of when Intervolve took over this location. They either decided they liked the DXR letters or thought it too much trouble to scrape them off.
Their web site states that

Intervolve, Inc. is the pioneer in providing supply chain software and services for the beverage industry that leverage web and mobile technologies.

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Capitol Tire Service

I realize the sign on the building says Co., but everywhere on the internet it is referred to as Capitol Tire Service. The internet is always correct.

Capitol Tire Service
502 S West St
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 828-8293

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Biscuit Station Restaurant

I guess it should come as no surprise that this place has no web presence. About all I can find are directory listings and a few review sites. I've often wondered if the place was still open, but similar to Finch's Restaurant, I am rarely on that side of town early in the morning. I finally did go to Finch's and it was an amazing breakfast and a unique experience.
Similar to that post, I'll vow to visit the place sooner or later. In the meantime, does anyone have any opinions on this place?

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Sadlack's Heroes, Part II

The congo line

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The front of Sadlack's

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Kaci and my dog, Elsi

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Kaci and a friend

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I happened to walk by Sadlack's last Saturday when walking my dog and a friend, Kaci, called my name and I decided to hang out and have a beer. She is on a frisbee team (disc golf?) and the team was celebrating at Sadlack's. I happened to have my camera with me (I almost always do) so I hung out and took some pics.

According to their blog,

For over 30 years, Sadlacks has served Raleigh's best and freshest heroes (including legendary vegetarian selections) while entertaining the populace with the region's finest live musical entertainment.

Best sandwiches. Dog-friendly. Relaxed casual atmosphere. Prime real estate. What else do you need?

Sadlack's Heroes
2116 Hillsborough St
919-828-9190

Sadlack's Heroes, Part I

Rose (owner) and Mary (bartender)

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Steve and Stacy

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This post is going to be a bit lengthier than usual. Sadlack's Heroes is a bar/venue/sandwich joint on Hillsborough Street. Several months ago they did a complete renovation which was pretty much knocking down the previous building and rebuilding it in a similar fashion. It has plenty of outdoor seating. Normally I don't do sandwiches for dinner, but this place wins an exception every time. In my opinion, they have hands down THE BEST sandwich in Raleigh. I also don't do fried foods, but their homemade chips (or fries) are so tasty that they are worth the unhealthiness that goes with fried items.

The location is a favorite for me personally, as it's about a 2 minute walk from my house. Additionally, the location provides a great bird's eye view of the Bell Tower intersection of Hillsborough St. Perhaps the biggest reason I am such a fan of this place is that it is a dog-friendly establishment (outside, anyhow). I generally pass by this place when walking the pup, and it's neat that often there will be a dog or two hanging out on the patio for mine to play with.

Sadlack's Heroes
2116 Hillsborough St
919-828-9190

Blalock's Barber & Beauty Salon

Blalock's Barber & Beauty Salon
217 S. Wilmington St.
919-832-6153

Reliable Loan Co. & Isaac's Menswear

I've never been in Reliable Loans, but I have shopped for menswear as Isaac's before. They have a great selection of clothes unavailable anywhere else in Raleigh.

Reliable Loan Co.
307 S Wilmington St
(919) 832-3461

Isaac's Menswear
309 S Wilmington St/
(919) 834-4978

Peace Camera

It's about time I did a piece on Peace Camera. A staple of the downtown area for much longer than I've been living here, it is the best friend of a photographer of any variety. Lest you think I'm plugging the place because it's a locally-owned operation, ponder this: When was the last time you visited a local shop that had prices lower than national chain stores? Not only that, but actually compare with an online buying experience?
It's certainly possible to buy cheaper new gear online (especially when much of the time the items are of a gray-market nature), but the difference isn't that much, especially when you factor in the cost of shipping. The ability to hold the item in your hand and try it out in the parking lot before you buy it is an experience that you just can't match online. This is especially true for used photography gear. Defects and abuse are easily hidden--even with good quality pictures. For me, this fact alone makes it all worthwhile. I'll be honest in that I'll scan craigslist.org first for used equipment, but I always go to Peace Camera for new stuff.
The staff is incredibly knowledgable and helpful. I almost always learn something new whenever I go there. They'll also clean your camera sensor for free, which is a must for folks like me with an older digital camera and that frequently change lenses. There really just aren't enough good things to say about Peace Camera. If you are looking to buy anything dealing with cameras, go their first. You'll find it's well worth it.

J&J Automotive Repair

Located @ 2812 Hillsborough St.

Sylvia's Pizza

Sylvio and Juan working late at Sylvia's Pizza.

Capitol Comics

Side view of Capitol Comics. Located at 3027 Hillsborough St.

Reader's Corner

This is perhaps my favorite bookstore in all of Raleigh. The fact that there is a selection of books for 25 cents (available 24/7) probably resulted in its #1 status with me. Located @ 3201 Hillsborough Street.

The Violin Maker

Located at the end of Hillsborough Street near the Capitol Building

View of the Hamlin Drug Store

Shortly before the Hillsborough St. split

As you are heading towards the Capitol building away from NCSU, you'll see the place to get tattoos, piercings, or food.

Finch's Place

The sign says Finch's, and it look like a restaurant, but I'm not entirely sure what this place is today. Right off of Peace St., next to Peace Camera.