Oysters, cocktails the focus of new North Hills restaurant

STIR will be located next to The Capital Grille. The restaurant, which is the first of its name to open in North Carolina, will feature premium oysters along with made-from-scratch entrees and cocktails made with artisanal ice.

Artisanal ice is ice that is hand-cut into shapes to complement different kinds of cocktails. According to Kane Realty, craft cocktails will be one of the restaurant's staples, and menus will change seasonably to highlight the best flavors.

The only other STIR calls Chattanooga, Tennessee home and offers brunch, lunch and dinner. There, oyster fans can enjoy fried oysters with parmesan, green onions and garlic, Oysters Rockefeller, char-grilled oysters and cold platters, while non-oyster fans have access to a variety of other options, including salads, sandwiches, fish tacos, chicken, pasta, beef and more.

Owners have not said if the menu in Raleigh will be identical to that in Tennessee.

Officials plan to open STIR in 2019 but did not release a specific date.

"STIR will be a huge amenity for office tenants at the Bank of America Tower as well as shoppers, residents and hotel guests next door," said John Kane, CEO of Kane Realty. "It is a phenomenal restaurant and they will do great at this location."