Apex, North Carolina, has always had a knack for charming surprises, and Scratch Kitchen & Taproom is one of its finest. 🍽️
Tucked inside a historic Tobacco and Mule Exchange building in downtown Apex, this couple-owned gem has been flipping the script on ordinary dining since it opened in September 2018 — and locals simply can’t get enough of it.
How Scratch Kitchen & Taproom won Apex’s hearts
Jeff and Meredith Kromenhoek are not your average restaurant owners. 🌊 The couple met and spent over two decades running restaurants in the U.S. Virgin Islands before trading Caribbean breezes for the rolling hills of the Triangle region of North Carolina.
When they opened Scratch Kitchen & Taproom in September 2018, they brought with them a bold, globe-trotting food philosophy — Asian-influenced American cuisine made entirely from scratch — and a deep conviction that community and hospitality go hand in hand.
“We like to put our unique spin on everything,” Jeff Kromenhoek told Cary Magazine.
“If you like to experiment and try new things, Scratch is the place for you.”
Partnering with Jonathan and Maggie Pierce, owners of The Mason Jar Tavern and Mason Jar Lager Company, the Kromenhoeks built something that Apex had been quietly craving: a neighborhood restaurant with the soul of a family kitchen, the creativity of a fine-dining chef, and the warmth of people who genuinely love feeding their community.
“There really is something here for everyone,” Meredith Kromenhoek has said — and from the looks of the packed dining room most nights, Apex couldn’t agree more. 🏅
The menu’s marriage of Southeast Asian flavors with classic American favorites gave the independent restaurant scene in Apex something entirely new to celebrate.
It wasn’t just the food, though — it was the story behind it. 🌟
Two people who built their life together across multiple countries, raised three children, and then planted roots in Holly Springs to open a restaurant that reflects everything they believe in: quality, family values, and a positive, encouraging culture.
Word spread quickly, and Scratch Kitchen & Taproom went on to earn recognition as an award-winning restaurant — a badge that surprised no one who had already discovered it.
Food Highlights
- Korean Bibimbap Bowl: Shaved marinated ribeye, spinach, carrots, grilled green onions, pickled red onions, and an over-easy egg over rice. 🥢
- Tuna Poke Bowl: Fresh tuna over sushi rice with avocado, edamame, cucumber, wakame salad, and a wasabi-miso crema and mirin-soy glaze. 🥑
- Firecracker Shrimp: Crispy shrimp tossed in a spicy firecracker sauce — a crowd-pleasing appetizer. 🍤
- Cast-Iron Chicken: A half chicken infused with lemon and rosemary, served alongside butternut squash and caramelized Brussels sprouts. 🍋
-
Pork Belly Bites: Tender pork belly and Brussels sprouts tossed in a Thai chili-hoisin glaze. Bold, sticky, and packed with umami. 🔥
- Pimento Cheese Wontons: Cold-smoked pimento cheese stuffed into crispy fried wontons, served with red pepper jam. 🧀
- Lobster Mac & Cheese: Pasta bathed in a rich lobster bisque-based sauce — pure comfort food with a luxurious twist. 🦞
Atmosphere
Step inside Scratch Kitchen & Taproom and you’re immediately greeted by a space that feels both historic and alive — exposed brick walls, shiplap, wide-plank flooring, and a giant wagon wheel chandelier set the tone inside the landmark Tobacco and Mule Exchange building. 🏚️
The vibe is informal yet elevated — the kind of place you’d equally feel comfortable on a first date or a casual weeknight dinner with the whole family.
A cozy covered patio seating around 30 guests adds a breezy outdoor option, while the bar anchors the room with nearly two dozen local beers on tap, creative cocktails, and an impressive bourbon and whiskey selection.
Bottom Line
Scratch Kitchen & Taproom is the rare restaurant where every dish is genuinely made from scratch, the owners still walk the floor, and the menu makes you feel like you’ve traveled the world without leaving North Carolina.
It’s an award-winning, couple-owned independent restaurant that rewards adventurous eaters and comfort-food lovers alike — don’t miss it. 🌟
Address:
225 N. Salem St., Apex, NC 27502
📞 (919) 372-5370
🕔 Open Mon–Thu 11 AM–9 PM | Fri 11 AM–10 PM | Sat 10 AM–10 PM | Sun 10 AM–9 PM