Sophie’s Bar & Grill

Sophie’s Grill & Bar channels Eastern European hospitality to the NC 55 corridor, led by chef-owner Desislava “Desy” Nikolova and her team of fellow first-generation culinarians. The full-service dining room welcomes guests for lunch, dinner, and late-night gatherings, pairing polished table service with a convivial bar scene and a steady calendar of happenings from holiday celebrations to immersive tea experiences.

Signature plates showcase old-world recipes interpreted with North Carolina ingredients, from stuffed cabbage rolls and Slavonian paprikash simmered in clay pots to bacon-wrapped Armenian figs and Croatian-style chicken stews. Seafood fans gravitate toward grilled salmon over sauteed greens, while dessert lovers linger for house-baked baklava and creme caramel. Curated Georgian wines, regional craft beers, and seasonal cocktails are matched to each course by an in-house sommelier.

Guests can reserve cozy banquettes or expansive private dining spaces for weddings, corporate parties, and themed dinners, with the team coordinating bespoke menus, florals, and even DJs or live bands. A dedicated catering program extends the experience off-site, and late-night weekend hours keep the bar humming well past midnight. Whether you drop in for takeout-friendly comfort food or settle in for a multi-course celebration, the staff keeps the atmosphere warm, inclusive, and unmistakably European.