"The Irregardless Café is the place to eat when you are in Raleigh."

"If you have never been to the Irregardless Café, you will be charmed from the minute you step in the door until the minute you scrape the last bit of apple pie from you plate and wish there was just a little more. And if you have eaten at the Irregardless Café, you know you'll be back because there's not a better feeling than being treated to the nurturing atmosphere the restaurant provides."

"Loyal customers experience the two signature hallmarks of Irregardless. The first is uniquely prepared, savory foods like Spanish paella and blackened salmon flavored with a special combination of spices... The second hallmark of Irregardless is its atmosphere. As you walk in the door, you can feel the stresses of your life and the weight on your shoulders becoming lighter."

"The atmosphere is just as important to Arthur Gordon as the quality of his food. 'What feeds me is my strong sense of faith that I am doing what I was called to do. I want this place to be a sanctuary. When you come in here, I make sure you are treated with dignity and respect. It is a place that lets you recharge for what is awaiting you outside those door. I feel my restaurant has a soul and is a friend to those who come here.'"

In the quarter century since Irregardless opened as a strictly vegetarian eater, the dining room has traded its rustic anti-establishment décor for a brighter, more upscale look, and the menu has evolved to include seafood, poultry and beef. Dishes such as spicy jerk shrimp, plump sautéed mussels, grilled triggerfish with roasted pepper salsa, and pan-seared chili parmesan chicken have won new customers, but old-timers keep coming back for salads dressed with Lemon Tahini, Middle Eastern platters and some of the best desserts in town. Live music (soft jazz, acoustic, classical) nightly. ***

Recent N&O Review ***1/2 (Stars)"

"Dear Irregardless Café: (letter sent by snail mail after Christmas 2005)
Thank you and your staff for being open on Christmas. For the first time in 64 years, I was spending the holiday alone. When I saw that one of my favorite restaurants was going to be open, I made my reservation. Although I've eaten alone many times, I was a little nervous about being by myself. Your hostess put my fears to rest as she greeted me as if I was an honored guest. She also pointed out two tables that I might like and let me choose the one I would feel most comfortable with. My waitress also made me feel as if I was as important to her as the other parties she served. My food was served immediately and refills on my Diet Coke came right on cue. Sine then, I've been telling everyone I know about my good experience, while also raving about the Lobster Manicotti and the Chocolate Raspberry Bread Pudding.
Again, thank you, Kindest regards, D.H."

"Just a quick note before we head out. The food was delicious, the service friendly and spot on, the set up was lovely and everything was fabulous. I couldn't have been more thrilled and relaxed and care free. We were in such good hands and everything went smooth as butter!! Thank you thank you thank you".Bride, wedding reception held at the Irregardless Cafe March 2005

"I came to the Irregardless Café the first day it opened. From the beginning, they have served the freshest, finest food in a charming atmosphere. You always know the food is going to be fresh." Howard Twiggs, Raleigh attorney

"Please accept my kudos for a wonderful evening at your restaurant last Tuesday. I had 5 business guests in from California who were "wowed" by what they experienced. The wait staff was very professional and available, but not overbearing. My guests were still talking about the quality of the food and music as they left on Thursday. Your restaurant and staff are certainly instrumental in elevating the stature of Raleigh, North Carolina!" Rick Evans, Sr. Sales Engineer Engineered Processing Equipment, Inc.Research Triangle Park, NC

"Eating at the Irregardless Café is kind of a 'front porch' experience. Whether or not we know the other people having dinner, we sense that we are part of a community." Kyle Highsmith, Raleigh visual artist, whose paintings hang on Irregardless' walls

"My wife Kay and I are into fine dining, but fine dining doesn't need to be pretentious. The Irregardless Café is casual and warm and the food is excellent!" Thomas Crowder, Raleigh architect

"We had our second date here over 20 years ago. Irregardless is the place where, literally, when I walk in the door the tension melts away. It's just like being home." Linda Stephens, Raleigh attorney

"The food is fabulous and the staff is great - a rare combination!" Jean & Ben Henderson, who eat at the Irregardless Café many times each week, for lunch, dinner & Sunday Brunch

"We were so happy with everything the Irregardless provided our Wedding reception. The food was fantastic, as was the service. I wanted to share with you that many of our guests raved about the food, and more than a few said it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding. (That was what I had hoped!) Irregardless catering had much to do with the success of our day. Thank you!" A bride who's wedding the Irregardless catered

"Thank you for such great food at the party. There were so many compliments about all the food! A wife who had a Surprise Birthday party for her husband.