Located in the heart of historic downtown Apex, North Carolina, at 225 N Salem St, Scratch Kitchen & Taproom has established itself as a cornerstone of the local culinary scene. The restaurant embodies a philosophy centered on the art of cooking from scratch, prioritizing fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites guests to slow down and enjoy their meal. Whether you are a long-time resident of Apex or a visitor exploring the charming streets of the town, this establishment offers a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and deeply rooted in the community.
The concept behind the restaurant is simple yet ambitious: to provide high-quality, flavorful dishes that honor traditional cooking techniques while embracing modern culinary creativity. By focusing on the fundamentals of flavor—balancing acidity, texture, and seasoning—the kitchen team ensures that every plate served is a testament to their dedication. The taproom component complements the dining experience, offering a curated selection of beverages that pair harmoniously with the diverse menu options, making it an ideal destination for casual lunches, celebratory dinners, or relaxed evening gatherings.
What Makes Scratch Kitchen & Taproom Unique
Commitment to Scratch-Made Quality: At the core of the restaurant is a genuine passion for preparing food from the ground up. By avoiding shortcuts and pre-packaged ingredients, the culinary team maintains full control over the flavor profiles and nutritional integrity of every dish, resulting in a dining experience that tastes authentic and vibrant.
A Focus on Community and Atmosphere: Situated in a prime location on Salem Street, the restaurant serves as a gathering space for the Apex community. The interior design and service style are crafted to foster connection, providing a comfortable environment where neighbors can meet, families can celebrate, and friends can unwind after a long day.
Thoughtfully Curated Beverage Program: The taproom is designed to be more than just an afterthought. With a focus on local and regional craft selections, the drink menu is carefully curated to complement the seasonal nature of the food. This synergy between the kitchen and the bar ensures that guests enjoy a cohesive and well-rounded culinary journey.
Adaptable Dining Experience: The versatility of the space allows it to cater to a wide range of occasions. From the relaxed, approachable vibe during the day to a more refined and lively energy in the evening, the restaurant successfully bridges the gap between a casual neighborhood eatery and a destination for those seeking a memorable meal out.
The Philosophy of Freshness and Hospitality
The success of Scratch Kitchen & Taproom is built upon a foundation of consistency and hospitality. In an era where convenience often takes precedence over quality, this establishment chooses to invest the time and effort required to produce food that resonates with guests on a deeper level. The chefs understand that the best ingredients require minimal interference, and they approach their work with a respect for the raw materials they source. This respect translates into dishes that are honest, satisfying, and reflective of the seasonal bounty available in the region.
Beyond the food, the service team plays a vital role in defining the character of the restaurant. Hospitality here is viewed as an essential ingredient, just as important as the salt or the herbs used in the kitchen. Staff members are trained to be knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed from the moment they step through the doors at 225 N Salem St. This dedication to service creates a sense of belonging, turning first-time visitors into regular patrons who appreciate the care taken in every aspect of their visit.
Furthermore, the restaurant remains deeply connected to the identity of Apex. By participating in the local culture and maintaining a presence in the historic district, the team demonstrates a commitment to the town's growth and vitality. They understand that a restaurant is more than just a business; it is a vital part of the social fabric of the area. This perspective influences everything from the menu development to the way the space is managed, ensuring that the restaurant remains a relevant and cherished part of the local landscape for years to come.
Experience the Best of Apex
Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy a craft beverage with friends or seeking a reliable spot for a high-quality meal, Scratch Kitchen & Taproom offers a distinct experience that stands out in the vibrant culinary landscape of North Carolina. The combination of a scratch-based culinary approach, a welcoming community-focused environment, and a genuine passion for hospitality makes it a must-visit destination. We invite you to visit us on Salem Street to discover why so many locals consider this their go-to spot for great food and even better company. Come see how we turn simple, fresh ingredients into something truly special, one plate at a time.
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Reviews Scratch Kitchen & Taproom
Sean L.
30-05-2026
Had a great lunch here. Poke bowl and Pulled Pork Mac n Cheese were yummy and the service from Gene was great. The house Chex mix had a great seasoning and was a nice touch. Would definitely come back for another delicious and casual meal.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating
alyssa s
30-05-2026
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
Aurora Stanley
30-05-2026
My husband & I grabbed dinner here for a date night & loved the atmosphere. The food was also delicious; we ordered the wonton dip to start, then my husband ordered a burger, I ordered the steak, & we were both too stuffed for dessert. It's a bit of a drive for us, but we would definitely eat here again if we were close by! More
shanna scott
30-05-2026
I love the atmosphere and the setting. Menu is simple and yet all the options available sound appetizing. There are options for vegetarians and vegans. The food had great flavor and came out in a timely manner. I suggest trying this place … More
Bob Conolty
30-05-2026
I had an excellent experience here as I cannot have gluten and they were extremely accommodating! They came back out and told me they had changed the sauce and it was no longer gluten free and brought me out two new sauces to try and they … More
Cody Woolverton
30-05-2026
My wife and I were given a gift card here for Christmas. We just went and tried it out and had a great experience. The food is incredible. We ordered the Red Curry, Korean Beef sandwich, and the brussel sprouts. All amazing and some of the … More
Eric M
30-05-2026
2 star experience due to the food.
I made the mistake of not reading that the Korean Chicken Bao Buns had lightly fried buns. Frying a Bao bun ruins the whole appeal and makes it no longer light, airy, and delicious. They also skimped on the chicken, so halfway through you’re left with fried bao and pickled veg.
The B&Gs used brown gravy and were lacking. I expected a cream based gravy and an amount that would clog my arteries, but this was not it.
The Scratch Fries were good and a huge portion (an appetizer for 3-4). The problem was biting into a small bone that hurt! Had to be careful as we ate the rest.
Drinks were good and our server was nice. Loved the vibe of the decor and Mason jars. Food came out quick but I had to ask them for cutlery and napkins. Come here for the drinks and fries and you won’t be disappointed!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Anasha Godley
30-05-2026
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
$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
Alexander Galindez
30-05-2026
Seating was fast, food came quickly and taste good. Place are great with some details that make it a fantastic place. I would like to see a variety of drinks without alcohol but I forgot when food come to my table!!! I will return to taste more dishes
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Burger
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Vegetarian menu or section
Dietary restrictions
Yes you can select it
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Kid-friendliness
Yes
Sydney Erin
30-05-2026
Rachel G & staff were absolutely lovely!
I misread the hours and thought they closed at 10pm, it was actually 9pm that they closed, but they were still kind enough to seat us and serve us! We feel horrible that we misread the hours, but all the staff and our server, Rachel, were amazing - as was the food! We do not recommend going to sit down to eat near closing time, but we definitely do suggest going there for a great meal & great service! Thank you again to all the staff for a great experience!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating
Dietary restrictions
Gluten free options are available upon request!
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Parking lot available behind the main street entrance, behind building.
Anthony Gray (Mark Gray)
30-05-2026
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
$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.
Rick Tabor
30-05-2026
Had a great time here talking with some people and employees. Food was good and so was the service. Our waitress was very friendly and professional. Also very helpful. The pig belly appetizer and it is awesome. Loved it. More
Kevin Kunz
30-05-2026
Ok so we tried the other places in town big mistake. Always good always good value. And NOW. new menu coming out yeah. See below … More
Brian
30-05-2026
The jammin burger was fantastic. Potato salad was pretty decent. The fries were good but a little too salty. … More
Andie B
30-05-2026
We visited a few weeks back for lunch and opted for outdoor seating. The ambiance was great, inside and out. For appetizers, we ordered a modified version of devilled eggs (can't recollect the exact name), which tasted pretty good, but the downside was that as soon as food was served, our table was swarming with flies.
So we moved indoors and continued with a serving of firecracker shrimp alongside a couple of fall-flavored cocktails, all of which were decent. I ended my meal with a veggie skillet, which did not live up to the expectations as it lacked flavors, the ingredients didn't come together, and it didn't have any butternut squash in it, contrary to its description on the menu. When I brought it up with my server, he insisted that the skillet indeed had butternut squash, but the pieces were too tiny to be noticeable, which was bizarre because not only being the first ingredient of the skillet, it should've been distinctly detectable, but there was actually no butternut squash whatsoever in my serving.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Dolores Brauer
30-05-2026
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
$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
Melissa Cook
30-05-2026
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
$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.
Marty Flournory
30-05-2026
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
Michelle Fincher
30-05-2026
Scratch has such a warm, cozy farm-style vibe, even down to the cheese-grater light fixtures over the bar, which were such a clever and charming touch. The food and service were excellent from start to finish. We ordered the Scratch Steak & Eggs for brunch — Korean-marinated flank steak, two sunny-side-up eggs, breakfast potatoes, and toasted local sourdough. Every bite was perfectly seasoned and cooked just right. To finish, we shared the Coco Seduction dessert — a dreamy combination of chocolate mousse, graham cracker tuille, white-chocolate truffle, and chocolate-dipped marshmallow — paired with cranberry mimosas, of course! It was the perfect Saturday girls’ brunch before a day of shopping. Cozy atmosphere, creative menu, and genuinely great service. We’ll definitely be back!
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
CheffreyApproved
30-05-2026
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
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Reviews Scratch Kitchen & Taproom