Brewery Bhavana

Friday evening Nate and I finally tried out Brewery Bhavana (218 S Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27601)! The Brewery is located in historic Moore Square in downtown Raleigh and despite having only been open for about a year, has generated quite the buzz in the culinary community. Countless reviews and write-ups have been published about this unique space that is part brewery, part dim sum restaurant, part bookstore and part flower shop.

Décor: the space is sectioned into different areas (bar, bookstore, flower shop, dining space) yet still remains open and bright. The spaces are separated from each other with a series of half-walls and floor-to-ceiling gossamer curtains. There are defined spaces without feeling closed-off. This shop is all about clean lines, natural elements and minimalist features. We sat at the end of the long granite bar and admired the marble tap system, natural wood chairs, stacked oak barrels and shelves upon shelves of books.

Food appearance: this place wouldn't get a write-up in Bon Apetit if the food wasn't as beautiful to see as it was to eat. The plates were artfully arranged and even served to us with flair. Dim Sum, for example, was brought in bamboo steam baskets and unveiled when it was brought to the hungry diners.

Crab Rangoons, Edamame and Ginger Dumplings and Vegetable Curry Puffs

Food taste: Their menu is small but has items to please every palate (vegans and vegetarians, too!). It ranges from the more traditional Chinese-menu staples like General Tso Chicken to the more exotic Crispy Pig Ears and Duck Eggrolls. We ordered three small plates to share while we sipped on Brewery Bhavana's incredible beers.


We began with the Crab Rangoon, before I go on, I know what you're thinking, "Lindsey, you're at this incredible dim sum restaurant, and you get crab rangoons?" Absolutely! These were by far the most flavorful Rangoons I've ever had the fortune to slide down my gullet. The crab meat was sweet and succulent, the jalapeno offered a spice element and the wonton wrappers were fried to crisp and golden perfection. The Rangoons were served alongside a sauce cup filled with house-made sweet and sour sauce which had notes of citrus and wizardry.


Next we moved onto the Edamade and Ginger Dumplings. The green dumplings were filled with soybeans and ginger and pan-seared to perfection. These were especially excellent with dipped in soy sauce.


Finally we ate the Vegetable Curry Puffs. These puffs were filled with cauliflower, spinach and sweet potato with all the wonderful Indian spices of curry, coriander and cumin. The pastry itself was airy, flaky and oh-so-deliciously buttery. I'd have gladly eaten all 3 of these giant "small plate" pastries by myself.


Service: The bartenders were all attentive and helpful. No glass was ever empty, no dirty plates were left out and everyone had a smile on their faces without looking like they were trying to hard. From the hosts at the front to the cleaning lady in the back, every employee seems genuinely happy to help make your experience a great one.


Cleanliness: This restaurant is a well-oiled machine and in high-demand in the Raleigh area. As such, tables are turned over quickly and everything is in pristine condition for maximum aesthetic.


I would MOST DEFINITELY recommend a trip to Brewery Bhavana to anyone even considering a trip to Raleigh. The beer is show-stopping and interesting (have you ever had a Mango Peppercorn Saison before?), the food is scrumptious and decadent and the service is incredible.


After your meal, check out the flower shop (single stems are available for purchase!), their in-house library or their bookstore. The concept of this restaurant is so unique and sounds like a lot going on, but the inside is calm and tranquil.

Nate checking out the in-house library

GO TO BREWERY BHAVANA, MY DEAR READERS! However I have a few helpful tips before you go:


1) There is very limited parking in the Moore Square area so I recommend either Ubering or parking in a downtown lot and walking.
2) Reservations are a necessity. As I said, this restaurant is in extremely high demand (for good reason) and walking in and expecting a table is unrealistic. Even the bar was almost completely full when we came in at 6:00 PM on a Friday.
3) This meal is going to cost you. The small plates start at $8.50 and the larger meals start at $18.80. Don't let this discourage you! Your food and beers are well worth the cost!


As always, thank you for taking time out of your day to read my humble blog.