Scott Crawford is one of the Triangle’s most well-regarded — and prolific — chefs. From the original Crawford & Son to French bistro Jolie to Croatian-inspired Brodeto, the 1 Beard Award finalist is committed to offering a variety of high-end dining experiences. Crawford Brothers Steakhouse, which opened in December, continues that tradition.

Patrons are swept up in the action with a direct view into the steakhouse’s cooking suite, surrounded by the slap and sizzle of T-bones in the pan, or the satisfying whir while chefs whip up the house white truffle butter. While Crawford’s menu pays tribute to the traditional American steakhouse, there is an undeniably modern flare in each dish.

Crawford Brothers delivered a memorable experience on every visit. On three occasions, my party and I embraced it as a special event, indulging in steaks, seafood, and small plates. On the fourth visit, we opted for the burger. Though the bill was lighter, the experience was just as exceptional. It’s clear that Scott Crawford’s vision for the restaurant has quickly and successfully come to life.

2025 James Beard Awards: Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists – Outstanding Restaurateur – A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, and integrity in restaurant operations. – Scott Crawford, Crawford Hospitality (Crawford and Son, Brodeto, Jolie, and others), Raleigh, NC

With all eyes and excitement on the new steakhouse, it’s a good time to snag a reservation at Brodeto, his homage to the cooking of the Adriatic coast that opened last March as the flagship of the Raleigh Iron Works development.

The Adriatica, created by Jordan Joseph, beverage director of Brodeto’s parent company Crawford Hospitality, brings grilled complexity to the glass. Built on a base of Uncle Val’s gin, it layers the citrusy perfume of fire-charred Meyer lemons with fresh basil and a subtle drizzle of Sicilian olive oil. “This drink is all about simplicity and technique,” says Joseph. “It’s a great example of what ‘less is more’ is all about.”

Six years in the making, Crawford Brothers Steakhouse opened with a splash just last month and is already set to be one of the most coveted reservations in the Triangle. Diners select from a variety of cuts of steak, all aged in-house in a specially designed glass aging room that divides the main dining room from a private chef’s table area. Aside from steak, there is a stellar roast chicken, a massive seafood tower, and a perfectly cooked Dover sole that is filleted tableside.

From start to finish, Brodeto is polished and intentional, a truly transporting experience. “The first time I ate here, I was brought to tears,” says Sayre. “I knew what it took to get there. It was fresh and new and unusual and all the creative stuff was still there.”

Chef Scott Crawford is ending the year with a bang. He’s opening the doors to the much-anticipated Crawford Brothers Steakhouse in Cary’s Fenton development today. It’s been an exciting year for the acclaimed Triangle chef, who opened Brodeto (serving Croatian fare and dishes from Italy’s coast) and Sous Terre (an underground cocktail bar at his French bistro, Jolie) earlier this year.

Crawford Brothers, a modern steakhouse from acclaimed Raleigh chef Scott Crawford debuts this week in Cary’s Fenton development as one of the Triangle’s final major openings of 2024.