In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host and real estate expert Gretchen Coley sits down with Kyle Tears, executive chef of Whiskey Kitchen, one of downtown Raleigh's most beloved dining destinations.

Gretchen and Kyle discuss what's made Whiskey Kitchen a local favorite for nearly a decade, from its massive thoughtfully curated whiskey selection down to a menu designed around Southern flavors, seasonal ingredients, and intentional pairings. Kyle also talks about his road to becoming a chef, his return to Whiskey Kitchen as executive chef, and his vision moving forward.

From leaning into local farmers and North Carolina seafood to refining the menu and creating memorable communal experiences, this conversation will set the tone for why Whiskey Kitchen is so much more than a restaurant: a place where Raleigh comes together in the name of great food, great drinks, and an atmosphere that feels at once welcoming, elevated, and unmistakably local.