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  The Royal Flush: April 1st, 2005 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  The owner refers to the Rockford as:  “the sandwhich shop with a bar.”  What an understatement.

  Walk among the various, uniquely disparate restaurants and bars in Raleigh’s posh Glenwood South district and there’s a quasi-hidden entryway revealing, just behind it, a flight of stairs. 320 1/2 is branded on the top of the door and in the middle’s the faint resemblance of the last remains of the letter ‘R.’ Open the door, take the stairs, there’s the Rockford (10 years running), one of the district’s oldest establishments.

  Once at the top of the stairs, a sense of the Old-World ambiance captured me and remained for the entirety of the stay. Warn hardwood flooring and wood-beamed reinforced ceilings contrasted flawlessly with the canary-yellow (non-smoking) or earthy-green (bar/smoking) walls that were accompanied by contemporary, aesthetically pleasing prints. Provenancially an apartment in the 1950s, the place exudes serenity, ease, and intimacy as evident by the heavy emphasis on wall lighting and tables for two.

  As we sat among a mixed range of cohorts, some our peers, others decades our senior and in similarly ranging attire, the Rockford seemed more welcoming than anything else. The second level view of Glenwood Avenue’s activity, briefly, reintroduced me back to Raleigh (ne pas Manhattan), and after a private, lengthy discussion with their General Manager over a very unique Spinach and Artichoke Dip, I had a better grasp on the Rockford’s focus: a secluded local favorite. And that it is, as the majority of the business is founded on repeat guests. However, I continued garnering the impression of an attempt, a repression even, against the district’s trendy allure, but that endeavor is at best in vain, as apparent by the social composition within the Rockford itself.

  With an unmatched imported bottled beer collection complimenting over 20 sandwiches (all under $7 each), predominately vegetarian, the menu isn’t incomprehensibly lengthy, but the entree decision probably will be. Due to the stiffness of the cocktails, I admit on nursing my Royal Flush through consuming the Spin. Dip, an immaculately fresh Spinach Salad with Cajun Ranch dressing (all of the Rockford’s dressings are homemade), and tasty Portobello Mushroom Sandwhich. My collegue, Mindy, decided on the Golden Spears (steak and fresh asparagus). On her selection, she provided an enthusiastic, “phenomenal.” Although we did not partake in the signature sandwhiches, the general consensus is that the “ABC” (Granny Smith Apples, Bacon, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and toasted Sesame Honey dressing on a “French-Toasted” Whole Wheat bread) and “Cubana” (Ham and Turkey, Cream Cheese, and a spicy Fruit spread served on a French Rolled grilled Cuban-style) are the guests’ preferred choices.

  With all of the elements, collectively, and a very personable, agreeable wait staff (no uniforms in order to represent their personalities) and a hands-on management team, the clarity of the longevity backing the Rockford, upon closer examination, becomes abudantly unclouted. Upon the premise of principled consistency, as opposed to overbearing superiority, the Rockford has certainly supplied Raleigh with a congruous establishment. And from my understanding, the trend at the Rockford shows no signs of decline.

  The Rockford, need to knows:

  Operating six days a week (omit Sundays) and closed all major calender holidays, the Rockford stays on a first come, first serve basis. Additionally, seating is limited to roughly 50 guests at maximum capacity.

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  Hunter Wilson

  Owner, CarolinaNightlife.com1 Posts

  Charles is the Executive Director of Carolina Nightlife and very involved in the nightlife industry in NC and SC. He has been working with venues of all sizes, different brands and products, and countless events across NC and SC for over 8 years.

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