Ruckus Raises the Bar

Caribbean-flared eatery Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits has become one of Cary’s most popular food haunts—and for good reason. Ridiculously good food, friendly service and a lively atmosphere make it a go-to place for lunch, dinner or late-night fun.

Winning starters include hand-rolled garlic knots served with marinara sauce; spicy guacamole with blue and yellow tortilla chips; and fried or sautéed giant buffalo shrimp.

For something decidedly different, try the crispy mahi sandwich with a side salad and phenomenal, scratch-made Thousand Island dressing. If it’s pasta you crave, try the house-favorite spicy chicken alfredo with spinach and mushrooms.

At lunchtime you can you get a sandwich, side item and a drink for just $7.77. What’s more, two huge slices of pizza and a drink costs only $5.50. 

Speaking of pizza, specialty pies abound. Among the tempting options are olive oil-based Mediterranean with feta and spinach; Tuscan with Roma tomatoes, salami, gorgonzola and fresh garlic; and the killer ranch bacon chicken.

Be sure to save room for dessert, namely the key lime pie. Chef Chris Tucker’s version is fashioned with fresh lime juice, homemade whipped cream and a Nilla wafer crust. It’s served with a flavorsome raspberry puree and then topped with a lime wedge for a picture-perfect presentation (see below).

All food is delivered by well-trained servers who execute their duties with poise and precision. Managing partner/chief good times engineer Ryan Pilz and other conscientious staff members are always nearby to ensure your dining experience exceeds expectations.

Ruckus is also kid-friendly and features the best mac & cheese you’ll find anywhere. An added bonus: Kids eat for half price all day on Mondays and Tuesdays.

There’s never a dull moment at the restaurant, whether it’s a patron attempting to conquer the 24-inch pizza challenge, folks playing cornhole or a group enjoying the robust selection of suds and watching a big game on TV.

Trivia night on Wednesday is always rollicking, and other highlights include wine tastings on Friday and live entertainment on the patio Thursday through Saturday nights.

Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about Ruckus is its altruistic, community-oriented ventures like Military Appreciation Fortnight, St. Baldrick’s fundraiser to fight childhood cancer and the annual “Raising a Ruckus” initiative to provide Christmas gifts for needy local families.

Open seven days a week and even most holidays, Ruckus is located in Cary’s Tryon Village Shopping Center.

Photos courtesy of William Baker (williambakermedia@gmail.com)