Scratch Kitchen & Taproom

5 ( reviews )

225 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502, United States

+1 919-372-5370

Discovering Scratch Kitchen & Taproom in the Heart of Apex

Nestled in the historic charm of downtown Apex, North Carolina, Scratch Kitchen & Taproom stands as a testament to the beauty of thoughtful, handcrafted dining. Located at 225 N Salem St, this establishment has become a cornerstone for locals and visitors alike who appreciate the intersection of culinary creativity and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The philosophy here is simple yet profound: prioritize quality ingredients, honor traditional techniques, and foster a sense of community through every plate served and every glass poured.

Stepping into the space, guests are immediately greeted by an environment that balances rustic aesthetics with modern comfort. It is the kind of place where the bustle of daily life seems to fade away, replaced by the inviting aroma of fresh preparations and the hum of genuine conversation. Whether you are seeking a quiet corner for a midweek meal or a lively spot to gather with friends on a weekend evening, the venue offers a versatile backdrop that caters to a wide array of social needs. The commitment to the craft is evident in every detail, from the selection of local produce to the careful curation of the beverage program.

What Defines the Scratch Experience

A Dedication to Scratch-Made Quality: True to its name, the kitchen operates on the principle that the best flavors come from starting with raw, wholesome ingredients. By avoiding shortcuts and pre-packaged components, the culinary team ensures that every dish—from complex sauces to house-made dressings—retains a distinct, authentic character that mass-produced alternatives simply cannot replicate.
A Curated Taproom Selection: The beverage program is designed to complement the diverse menu, featuring a rotating selection of craft beers and thoughtfully chosen refreshments. This focus on variety allows guests to explore new flavor profiles while enjoying familiar favorites, making it an ideal destination for those who view dining as an opportunity to discover something unique.
Community-Centric Atmosphere: Situated in the heart of Apex, the restaurant serves as a neighborhood hub. The design and service style are intentionally crafted to encourage lingering, making it a natural choice for celebrations, casual meetups, or simply enjoying a well-deserved break in a space that feels like an extension of the local community.
Commitment to Seasonal Integrity: By working closely with regional suppliers, the menu remains dynamic and responsive to the changing seasons. This approach not only supports the local agricultural economy but also guarantees that diners are experiencing ingredients at their peak freshness, resulting in a menu that feels vibrant and alive throughout the year.

The culinary approach at Scratch Kitchen & Taproom is rooted in the belief that food should be approachable without sacrificing sophistication. By focusing on the fundamentals of flavor—balancing acidity, texture, and depth—the kitchen creates a dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting. It is a place where the integrity of the ingredient is always the star, and the preparation serves to elevate, rather than mask, the natural qualities of the food. This balance is what keeps patrons returning, as they know they can expect a consistent level of care and passion in every interaction.

Beyond the food and drink, the true essence of the establishment lies in its hospitality. The staff understands that a great meal is about more than just what is on the plate; it is about the feeling of being welcomed and cared for. This human element is what transforms a simple meal into a memorable occasion. As the town of Apex continues to grow and evolve, this venue remains a steady anchor, providing a space where people can connect over shared meals and create lasting memories in a setting that values authenticity above all else.

Whether you are a long-time resident of the Triangle area or just passing through the historic streets of Apex, a visit to this local staple offers a genuine taste of the region's culinary spirit. It is an invitation to slow down, appreciate the effort behind a well-prepared dish, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good company in a space designed for comfort. We invite you to experience the dedication and warmth that define this unique corner of North Salem Street, where every detail is crafted with the guest in mind.

Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Dolores Brauer

22-06-2026

Very quaint beautiful restaurant. We stopped in for a late lunch and we were seated very quickly. The service was great and the food delicious. Many salad choices, and vegetarian choices as well. We will definitely return when we’re back in the area. Meal type Lunch Price per person USD 10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Group size 2 people Seating type Indoor dining area Recommendation for vegetarians Somewhat recommend Vegetarian offerings Vegetarian menu or section Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking lot

alyssa s

21-06-2026

we spontaneously decided to try this place out after exploring downtown apex. we’re really glad we did! the service was really attentive, we never had to wait too long before someone came by our table. the menu had a variety of options, … More

Anasha Godley

11-06-2026

We had already tried the one in Cary, so my best friend wanted to try this one in Apex for her bday brunch. Crab Cake deviled eggs, Dutch pancake with chicken and lemon rosemary syrup, fried pork Belly Bites with brussel sprouts and creme brulee french toast were all a hit! Now, the only thing I will say is if you get the Dutch pancake, please note that the rosemary is EXTREMELY strong! It was flavorful but more than I expected...almost a little too overpowering for the dish but nonetheless, it was delicious! 10 out of 10. Our server, Indiana was SUPER awesome so ask for her when you go! Oh, and the drink was a ginger tea type concoction with cold foam....the foam by itself was tasty but that drink was 100 out of 10!! It was sooo fragrant so whoever made it knows exactly what they're doing! Price per person USD 20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Noise level Moderate noise Group size Suitable for all group sizes Wait time No wait Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking lot

CheffreyApproved

14-05-2026

Tonight's dinner was at @scratchkitchennc! I took my mom here for dinner tonight and she loved it. I have been here before, I just forgot to post/review it! It was so good! Drinks: BLACK SESAME OLD FASHIONED Bourbon, Black Sesame, Homemade Orange Bitters, and Sesame Seed Rim Lagerfest Oktoberfest Marzen App: SMOKED PIMENTO CHEESE WONTONS House-smoked pimento cheese with sweet corn and scallions. Served with red pepper jam. Main: NY STRIP STEAK Seared NY Strip with caramelized onion miso butter, sake jus, smoked cheddar potato au gratin, and spicy candied bacon collard greens. This did not disappoint! They give you a little bowl of their housemade chex mix when you sit down and place your order. It is good and seasoned well. The Sesame Old Fashioned was one of the best old fashioneds I have had so far. I loved the sesame garnished rim. The beer was great too! Full of flavor and brewed nearby. The smoked pimento wontons were super tasty. I mean, who doesn't love pimento cheese?! I also love a good pepper jam. The steak was cooked to my preference, medium, lol. The compound butter on top added a great umami and taste to the outside of the steak. The potatoes were amazing. Creamy and cheesy! My favorite part... the collards, lol. I FREAKIN LOVE collards. The candied bacon made them sweet, which is different than what I am used to, but I loved it! I got every last piece of bacon out of the bowl along with drinking the little bit of pot liquor at the bottom of the bowl. Don't judge me. 😂 All in all, it was another great experience! The ambience of this place is great. The lighting, the fireplace, and the bar are all so cool looking. The service was great and the server was attentive. This is a great local spot you should stop by if you are in the area. Or, make the drive out. Meal type Dinner Price per person USD 20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Noise level Moderate noise Seating type Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace

Marty Flournory

21-04-2026

Scratch Kitchen offers inside and outside dining, kid and pet friendly, and several games to play while you lounge. The food is excellent and t by e drinks are delightful. Several of the menu items have playful culinary twists. Restaurant is located in downtown Apex, very walkable to other shops. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Anthony Gray (Mark Gray)

03-03-2026

Now when you go it’s in downtown Apex, I was worried about parking but that was not an issue. There is parking right behind the restaurant, I think off of Seaboard. They have a huge outdoor patio right outside. The food was AMAZING, this was a mix of their brunch menu and regular menu. We went on a Sunday after church. This is a very cool spot lots of seating, plenty of families. I wish I would have took photos of their deserts. But they were to go. I would say the menu is a mix of Asian American food. The biscuits were some of THE BEST I have had. My wife had the Benedict it had thick slice of Canadian ham. She said she would go back for the biscuit alone. The menu is eclectic and I am sure anyone would could find something to enjoy. I rated service at a 4 because our waiter went missing a few times but when he was present he was Fantastic, I’m sure they were just busy. Price per person USD 10–20 Food: 5 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5 Noise level Moderate noise Group size 5-8 people Wait time No wait Recommendation for vegetarians Highly recommend Vegetarian offerings Not sure Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking lot Kid-friendliness Yes, many families enjoy food. Wheelchair accessibility Yes little tight in some areas but yes.

Melissa Cook

06-09-2025

Situated on a quaint little street in Apex, Scratch Kitchen & Taproom offers foods that will please a variety of palates. Parking is free for three hours along spots on the backside of the restaurant. The brick, and stone walls with wooden beams overhead creates a welcoming aesthetic. A nice blend of old and new. Add your name to the list for seating and wait at the adjoining lounge across the hall where you can order drinks and appetizers or wait on wooden benches lining the corridor. Seating is both inside and out. The food was visually appealing, but some meals lacked the right balance. For appetizers, we ordered the Barbecue Egg Rolls and the Scratch Fries. There were six rolls and they were delicious. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Paired with a sauce that gives it a bit of a kick, you'll want to dip these for the full effect. The fries are not recommended; smothered in sauce, they became soggy and the shredded ribeye on top was unappetizing. For meals, we tried the Buddha Bowl and substituted the tofu for grilled chicken. This bowl was a healthy option. The Truffle Mac and Cheese Burger with fries were good portion sizes, but both were over seasoned with pepper and spices. In addition, the Blues Mac & Cheese was overpowered with the cheese sauce. The Curry Lo Mein had good noodles and taste, but the meat was overcooked and rubbery. The Flank Steak Salad was a good salad. (Next time, I'd pair it with the grilled chicken because the steak was chewy and I'd ask for more dressing.) Otherwise, the peaches, cranberries and onion straws added nice texture and taste. The Crispy Chicken Sandwich was filling and cooked well. Served with fries, these were again, over spiced. We tried a feature dessert, the Baked Alaska. Topped with a marshmallow meringue, and vanilla ice cream, this thin layer of cake is paired with a light blueberry sauce. Worth it, if you've never had it, otherwise try some homemade ice cream down the road. Price per person USD 20–30 Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5 Noise level Moderate noise Group size Suitable for all group sizes Seating type Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Counter seating Kid-friendliness Kid friendly Wheelchair accessibility Difficult with a wheelchair.