Guidebook for Raleigh
Food Scene
Great long time local sandwich shop. Also has really good deserts and salads. CASH ONLY.
Side Street Restaurant
225 N Bloodworth StGreat long time local sandwich shop. Also has really good deserts and salads. CASH ONLY.
Great little bakery and coffee shop. We highly recommend the cinnamon rolls. In fact we've never gotten anything else except maybe a roll of bread for dinner.
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Yellow Dog Bread Company
219 E Franklin StGreat little bakery and coffee shop. We highly recommend the cinnamon rolls. In fact we've never gotten anything else except maybe a roll of bread for dinner.
Pie, pie, and more pie. Sweet and savory. I highly recommend the moravian chicken. They also make a good manhattan.
PieBird
618 N Person StPie, pie, and more pie. Sweet and savory. I highly recommend the moravian chicken. They also make a good manhattan.
A little bit of a hike from the house but well worth it. One of the hottest restaurants in town. Make reservations well in advance.
75 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Stanbury
938 N Blount StA little bit of a hike from the house but well worth it. One of the hottest restaurants in town. Make reservations well in advance.
Although a chain, they do have excellent burgers. And alcoholic milkshakes.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tasty 8's
121 Fayetteville StAlthough a chain, they do have excellent burgers. And alcoholic milkshakes.
Finch's Restaurant
401 West Peace StreetJust your typical diner and all its glory. Highly recommend it.
Another good low key breakfast place. Expect a long wait on the weekend if you go at hang over hour aka 10:30am-11am
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant
220 Wolfe StreetAnother good low key breakfast place. Expect a long wait on the weekend if you go at hang over hour aka 10:30am-11am
Best NC style BBQ in town, although they are not open for dinner. Eat here for lunch at half the price of the Pit. Cash only. Raleigh's original downtown bbq joint, unfortunately in a new location.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Clyde Cooper's Barbeque
327 S Wilmington StBest NC style BBQ in town, although they are not open for dinner. Eat here for lunch at half the price of the Pit. Cash only. Raleigh's original downtown bbq joint, unfortunately in a new location.
One of the best restaurants in Raleigh. This is Ashley Christiansen's original space. James Beard winner. Make reservations well in advance if you can.
102 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Poole's
426 S McDowell StOne of the best restaurants in Raleigh. This is Ashley Christiansen's original space. James Beard winner. Make reservations well in advance if you can.
One of Greg Hatem's original spaces and probably at the forefront of the downtown raleigh renovation scene. It seems to add a new building every couple of years.
105 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Raleigh Times
14 E Hargett StOne of Greg Hatem's original spaces and probably at the forefront of the downtown raleigh renovation scene. It seems to add a new building every couple of years.
Excellent Loatian food. It's a small space so call to make a reservation.
126 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bida Manda
222 S Blount StExcellent Loatian food. It's a small space so call to make a reservation.
Self described as global street food. Just a wide variety of excellent food items. hard to describe but worth it.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
bu•ku Global Street Food
Self described as global street food. Just a wide variety of excellent food items. hard to describe but worth it.
Just your typical irish bar. If you are in town on a thursday go check out local beer local band. They also have a decent sunday brunch buffet.
Tír na nÓg Irish Pub (Closed)
108 E Hargett StJust your typical irish bar. If you are in town on a thursday go check out local beer local band. They also have a decent sunday brunch buffet.
Busy Bee Cafe/Mash & Lauter
225 S Wilmington StA good bar with some good food. Usually pretty crowded on the weekends.
Sitti
137 S Wilmington StExcellent meditterranean food.
Sono Sushi
319 Fayetteville StOur go to for sushi.
Our absolute favorite italian place in downtown raleigh. They've been around forever and are very low key and authentic, and I do mean authentic.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Vic's Ristorante Italiano
331 Blake StOur absolute favorite italian place in downtown raleigh. They've been around forever and are very low key and authentic, and I do mean authentic.
Raleigh's original southern comfort food restaurant. Fried chicken and gravy, check. Salisbury steak, check. Now with a full bar and extended hours. Good for breakfast!
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mecca Restaurant
13 E Martin StRaleigh's original southern comfort food restaurant. Fried chicken and gravy, check. Salisbury steak, check. Now with a full bar and extended hours. Good for breakfast!
Some good alternative bar food with veggie options and a more alternative crowd. The go to place before the gay bars really get started on the weekends.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Borough
317 W Morgan StSome good alternative bar food with veggie options and a more alternative crowd. The go to place before the gay bars really get started on the weekends.
One of two dedicated restaurants for the vegetarians. It's quite good. Mostly vegan.
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Fiction Kitchen
2409 S Dawson StOne of two dedicated restaurants for the vegetarians. It's quite good. Mostly vegan.
Downtown Raleigh's other vegetarian spot. We have mixed experiences here but others seem to absolutely loved it.
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Irregardless Cafe & Catering
901 W Morgan StDowntown Raleigh's other vegetarian spot. We have mixed experiences here but others seem to absolutely loved it.
Best described as upscale polish and german food. Very good and a long time neighborhood staple.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
J Betski's
1916 W Franklin StBest described as upscale polish and german food. Very good and a long time neighborhood staple.
They use lots of local NC ingredients and are more of an upscale southern cuisine. Definitely a good bet for that more romantic evening.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
18 Seaboard
18 Seaboard AveThey use lots of local NC ingredients and are more of an upscale southern cuisine. Definitely a good bet for that more romantic evening.
Excellent fresh cali style mexican and margaritas. Nothing authentic about it but still really good.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro
106 S Wilmington StExcellent fresh cali style mexican and margaritas. Nothing authentic about it but still really good.
This is the typical tex-mex style mexican. Big plates, cheap, big margaritas.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
329 S Blount StThis is the typical tex-mex style mexican. Big plates, cheap, big margaritas.
A little expensive for what it is but it is the most authentic tacos you'll find in a sit down restaurant and made by a gringo. You'll only find better at a real taco truck.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gringo A Go Go
100 N Person StA little expensive for what it is but it is the most authentic tacos you'll find in a sit down restaurant and made by a gringo. You'll only find better at a real taco truck.
Excellent empenandas, mojitos, margaritas, and other cocktails. Usually very crowded. It's a very small space.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Calavera Empanadas and Tequila
615 W Morgan StExcellent empenandas, mojitos, margaritas, and other cocktails. Usually very crowded. It's a very small space.
Exotic drinks and asian inspired food. Very unique and gets rave reviews. You won't find any of your favorites here but you will find amazing food and drinks.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Garland
14 W Martin StExotic drinks and asian inspired food. Very unique and gets rave reviews. You won't find any of your favorites here but you will find amazing food and drinks.
Southern/California Tapas? Is that a thing? Can't really figure out how else to describe it. Good food and drinks though. Great patio and one of the originals in the revitalization of Raleigh.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Humble Pie
317 S Harrington StSouthern/California Tapas? Is that a thing? Can't really figure out how else to describe it. Good food and drinks though. Great patio and one of the originals in the revitalization of Raleigh.
Ashley Christiansen's Coffee Shop. She's the James Beard winner. A little pricey but all our coffee snob friends won't go elsewhere.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Joule Coffee
223 S Wilmington StAshley Christiansen's Coffee Shop. She's the James Beard winner. A little pricey but all our coffee snob friends won't go elsewhere.
Dessert & Coffee and the only place I've ever seen multiple choices of hot chocolate. Former pastry chef at Magnolias.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
lucettegrace
235 S Salisbury StDessert & Coffee and the only place I've ever seen multiple choices of hot chocolate. Former pastry chef at Magnolias.
Authentic Cuban and Argentinian Food. Very good. It's a homely place and nothing fancy. Also very small. They do serve breakfast on the weekends.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oakwood Cafe
300 E Edenton StAuthentic Cuban and Argentinian Food. Very good. It's a homely place and nothing fancy. Also very small. They do serve breakfast on the weekends.
THE NEW hot spot if you can get a reservation. Food is excellent. Also has a small grocery store attached. Farm to table.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Standard Foods
205 E Franklin StTHE NEW hot spot if you can get a reservation. Food is excellent. Also has a small grocery store attached. Farm to table.
Ashley Christian's newest restaurant. Good luck getting a reservation. Pricey but very good.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Death and Taxes
105 W Hargett StAshley Christian's newest restaurant. Good luck getting a reservation. Pricey but very good.
Excellent food just a couple of blocks away. They only do takeout and delivery though. Don't miss the desert. No liquor, beer, or wine.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brewerks Cafe & Bakery
701 E Lane StExcellent food just a couple of blocks away. They only do takeout and delivery though. Don't miss the desert. No liquor, beer, or wine.
Drinks & Nightlife
Excellent patio for drinking at sunset or late into the hot summer night. We're not fans of their food. It's ok bar food. Although they use the original slate from our roof for some of their apps.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Station at Person Street
701 N Person StExcellent patio for drinking at sunset or late into the hot summer night. We're not fans of their food. It's ok bar food. Although they use the original slate from our roof for some of their apps.
A more casual bar scene. You may see a few fixie bikes outside if you know what that means.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Person Street Bar
805 N Person StA more casual bar scene. You may see a few fixie bikes outside if you know what that means.
Just a short drive from the house and one of Raleigh's original breweries. Excellent local beer.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Boss Brewing Company
1249 Wicker DrJust a short drive from the house and one of Raleigh's original breweries. Excellent local beer.
Our friend Les is the brewer here and he makes some of the best beer in Raleigh. They also have some very good pizza's.
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trophy Brewing
827 W Morgan StOur friend Les is the brewer here and he makes some of the best beer in Raleigh. They also have some very good pizza's.
Not the best beer by any means but they easily have the best deck and view of downtown raleigh. Maybe stop here after biking around the city for a cool down.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Boylan Bridge Brewpub
201 South Boylan AvenueNot the best beer by any means but they easily have the best deck and view of downtown raleigh. Maybe stop here after biking around the city for a cool down.
Excellent cocktails. Some how all the really good cocktail bars are in the basement.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fox Liquor Bar
East Martin StreetExcellent cocktails. Some how all the really good cocktail bars are in the basement.
Another excellent cocktail lounge with an emphasis on NC ingredients. Also in the basement but they do have some outside sitting on Fayetteville St for people watching.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
FOUNDATION
213 Fayetteville StAnother excellent cocktail lounge with an emphasis on NC ingredients. Also in the basement but they do have some outside sitting on Fayetteville St for people watching.
One of our favorite local bars except when it gets a bit fratty on friday nights. Of course if that's your thing stick around.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Landmark Tavern
117 E Hargett StOne of our favorite local bars except when it gets a bit fratty on friday nights. Of course if that's your thing stick around.
Large on tap beer selection and ok bar food.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom
102 E Main StLarge on tap beer selection and ok bar food.
Probably the largest selection of on tap beer anywhere in Raleigh. Also women in short plaid skirts. That could either bother you, excite you, or maybe you just don't have an opinion on it.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Flying Saucer
328 W Morgan StProbably the largest selection of on tap beer anywhere in Raleigh. Also women in short plaid skirts. That could either bother you, excite you, or maybe you just don't have an opinion on it.
A little ways away but definitely making some of the better beer in Raleigh. Right up there with trophy and big boss.
Neil Street
Neil StreetA little ways away but definitely making some of the better beer in Raleigh. Right up there with trophy and big boss.
Local Bar just a few blocks away. Small space with excellent mixed drinks. Fresh Tamales on Fri and Sat.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
William & Company
616 N Person StLocal Bar just a few blocks away. Small space with excellent mixed drinks. Fresh Tamales on Fri and Sat.
Everything Else
Excellent wine shop. You can sit outside or inside sampling some of their wines and have a nice cheese plate as well. They do have some beer.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wine Authorities Raleigh ~ Wine Shop
211 E Franklin StExcellent wine shop. You can sit outside or inside sampling some of their wines and have a nice cheese plate as well. They do have some beer.
Best beer selection in town if that's your thing. Just a short drive or a long walk away.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Peace Street Market
804 W Peace StBest beer selection in town if that's your thing. Just a short drive or a long walk away.
Oak City Cycling
707 N Person StGreat bike shop with rentals.
Just a short walk from the house. Lots of dinosaurs and such.
288 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Carolina del Norte
11 W Jones StJust a short walk from the house. Lots of dinosaurs and such.
Name says it all and just a short walk away.
142 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Historia de Carolina del Norte
5 E Edenton StName says it all and just a short walk away.
Tucker House
418 North Person StreetWedding venue. 2 1/2 blocks away.
All Saints Chapel
110 South East StreetWedding Venue. 2 very short blocks away.
The Merrimon-Wynne House
500 N Blount StWedding Venue. 3 blocks away.
The Stockroom at 230
230 Fayetteville StreetWedding Venue Downtown. Anything downtown is 7-9 blocks away.
Shopping
Only NC's favorite doughnut, and perhaps a few other places as well. If the wind is right you can smell it at the house, but very rarely.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Krispy Kreme Raleigh
549 N Person StOnly NC's favorite doughnut, and perhaps a few other places as well. If the wind is right you can smell it at the house, but very rarely.
Another great wine shop if you need a bottle, or two, or three...
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seaboard Wine at HighPark Village
1914 Bernard StAnother great wine shop if you need a bottle, or two, or three...