Get Your Fill of Pub Grub at Brewster's

The first thing you notice upon entering Brewster’s Pub is the inviting horseshoe-shaped bar. It practically beckons each patron to pull up a stool and chill.

The pub is owned and run by former musician Seven Morello (yes, "Seven" is his real first name), who shares proprietorship with Jim Cassese. It's open for lunch, dinner and late-night service seven days a week.
 
While you’re there, chow down on a fried bologna and cheese sandwich or some loaded nachos. Even better, build your own creamy mac and cheese (think blackened chicken, bacon and jalapeños).

A messier but no-less-filling proposition, the Brewster Bomb burger arrives crowned with bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions and Monterey Jack cheese. It’s accompanied by waffle fries or house-made chips.

 Photos courtesy of Jonathan Fredin/S&A Cherokee

Whether it’s the weekly indoor cornhole tourney on Mondays, team trivia on Wednesdays or a competitive game of darts anytime, there’s plenty of fun to enjoy. Circle Thursday on your calendar, as that’s steak night. Starting at 6 p.m., you can score a 10-ounce Omaha ribeye with baked potato, steamed veggies and, if you're inclined to imbibe, a Samuel Adams seasonal draft for just $15.99.

Craft Public House Serves Up Great Fish & Chips, Burgers

Craft Public House may be Cary’s first farm-fresh sports bar. Consider this: The restaurant's freezer is completely empty.

According to co-owner Brian Cordileone, Craft makes everything from scratch using high-quality ingredients like grass-fed beef and cage-free chicken. Robust offerings like slow-roasted baby-back ribs, cast-iron steak and artisan pizzas are all legit. Never mind the chicken Parmesan and baked lasagna, both of which are made from Cordileone's grandmother's recipes.

Don’t miss the Yuengling beer-battered fish served with hand-cut fries and Creole tartar sauce. Or feast on a succulent Southwest burger (pictured below), a hefty eight ounces of ground chuck topped with Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeño peppers, avocado, onion straws and ranch dressing.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Fredin/S&A Cherokee

When it comes to libations, an ample selection of craft brews is available along with domestic and premium bottles. White and red wines are offered by the glass or bottle, and various specialty cocktails give you plenty of alternatives.

Service is mostly efficient and friendly, although the last time I visited it took a while for the waiter to take my order. A spacious dining room with two dozen high-definition televisions provides plenty of opportunities to view a big game.