In the foreground are Capital Bank Plaza and the Durham Life Insurance Building, (aka “The Superman Building“), which were at different points in time the tallest buildings in Raleigh. The Durham Life Building reigned as the tallest from the 1940s until the BB&T Building (later Capital Bank Plaza) was built in 1965. The view here is seen from what is currently the tallest building, RBC Plaza.

Local fashion models Joie Frances and Cori Lee are regulars at Deep South. The place was hopping on a Wednesday night, full of fashion industry professionals. There is always a lively spot downtown somewhere; you just need to know where to look. Photo/article credit: Magnus Hedemark

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Oakwood lies a restaurant specializing in all the S’s: soups, salads, sandwiches, and sweets. Continuing on the “Side” theme, the menu is broken down according to what type of “Side” you’d like: “A Bit on the Warm Side”, “The Green Side”, “The Lighter Side”, “Our Best Side”, and “Side Kicks”.

Side Street Restaurant is a sole proprietership run by Mary Lu Wooten, although both of her brothers also work there. She bought the place in the summer of 1979, which means that this year will mark the 30th year in operation. Previously named the Corner Cupboard, the name was changed to Side Street by the previous owner prior to her taking over. When she first began running the restaurant, there were only 4 or 5 places to eat in the downtown area, including the Capital Room in the now gone Hudson Belk on Fayetteville Street.

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