A Newcomers Guide to Thirteen Classic Restaurants in Raleigh!

Welcome to Raleigh, NC – The Oak City!

With all the love for Raleigh over the past five years, it’s become one of the fastest growing cities in the country resulting in Wake County welcoming 60+ new residents per day. So if you’re new to Raleigh (or thinking about moving here) I’m sure there’s part of you that wants to explore and get to know your adopted city. I came to the area about 15 years ago and I can tell you for certain that the Oak City did not have the food and dining choices it has today. And as much as I love the new restaurant scene here, it’s always good to tip your hat to the tried and true options that represent the heart of what Raleigh is about. So I’ve pulled together a list of some fave, classic downtown Raleigh restaurants that will help you gain a true appreciation of your new hometown!

• A late night visit to Char-Grill, Cook Out or Snoopy’s – If you’ve been out for a night on the town in Raleigh, it won’t be complete until you stop for a caloric, unhealthy late night snack at one of these classic grills! Choose from hot dogs slopped with chili, a barbeque sandwich with a corn-dog side or a burger off a flaming grill. All of these fast-food options are open late for your dining pleasure!

• NC Barbeque at Clyde Coopers – Savory NC barbeque, ribs, collards, hush-puppies and banana pudding at this refreshed que restaurant. While Clyde Coopers has moved to a new space, it still has the charm of its original space along with really reasonable prices for downtown Raleigh. It’s been around for nearly 80 years (founded 1938) and it’s still going strong!

• Beer and a pretzel at the Flying Saucer – Better known for its adult bevvies over its food, the Flying Saucer has been serving up great craft beer before it got so cool in Raleigh! This German-style bier haus is popular and don’t forget to check out the UFO plates (earned by tasting 200+ beers) on the ceiling and walls.

• Comfort food and cake at Hayes Barton Cafe – This Raleigh hidden gem has been dishing out huge chicken pot-pies, meatloaf, mussels and more for years! And once you get past those huge plates of comfort food, save room for a slice of their famous coconut cake. Or any other flavors they have in their refrigerated case. A wonderful indulgence and throw-back dining experience at Five Points, look for their discrete doorway on Fairview Road.

• A pint and dinner at The Hibernian – When you talk about Irish pubs in Raleigh, the Hibernian started it all in Glenwood South. While it’s not the cozy spot that it used to be, the multi-room space and great patio overlooking the street is still tons of fun. And don’t miss their fish n chips or Irish breakfast with eggs, bangers, rashers, baked beans and pudding.

• Glazed donuts at Krispy Kreme – If that neon “hot” light is on, it’s time to stop in at Krispy Kreme! The Blount Street location with their iconic sign makes donuts for the entire area so there’s usually some soft, sweet glazed Krispy Kremes coming off their conveyor belt. There’s nothing better than eating a fresh donut while wearing one of their paper Krispy Kreme hats! But let’s face it, you’re not going to eat just one… 
  

• A cheeseburger at the Mecca – Another Raleigh institution that has been in business for over 85 years, the Mecca is a beautifully restored, classic diner. High-back wooden booths, vinyl red stools at the counter, enjoy a delicious char-broiled cheese burger (chopped sirloin) with fries and take a trip back in time! Open late on the weekends (1:00 am), the Mecca also serves up beer and liquor.

• A visit to Mitch’s Tavern – This longtime NC State favorite has recently re-opened post-pandemic. Mitch’s handles the basics well: sandwiches, salads and soups along with beer and basic mixed drinks. Fans of the movie, Bull Durham will recognize the bar as the setting for one of the most memorable scenes!

• A steak or sandwich and scotch whiskey at the Players Retreat – A popular dining option for the Wolfpack, this casual restaurant near NC State serves up burgers, sandwiches, steak and other American favorites in a casual setting.  A fun spot to catch a game, the bartenders here are professionals. They also have a fantastic selection of single malt scotch whiskeys here along with a great sidewalk patio!

• Raleigh Times Bar – Before Raleigh got cool, the Raleigh Times Bar was here on Hargett Street serving up great bar food and brews in its converted newspaper shop space. And over the years the Raleigh Times has expanded into three different rooms and a roof-top, testament to its long-standing success. Grabbing a burger and cheesy fries here is a must-do for locals!

• A hot dog (no ketchup) at the Roast Grill – You know you’re doing something right when you’ve been open for over 70 years with one item on the menu: hot dogs. The Roast Grill does it in classic NC style with chili, onions, slaw and mustard. Nothing else except for bottled Coke and some Greek desserts. With only 20 or so seats, this little diner fills up quickly and they’re only open for lunch…

• Dinner at the Second Empire – A beautifully restored Victorian mansion, Second Empire has been a Raleigh favorite for special occasion and celebration dinners. Their contemporary Southern and seasonal cuisine is paired with impeccable service for a deluxe dining experience. They also have a more casual dining room (The Tavern) serving up the same menu in a pub and greenhouse setting.

• Lebanese cuisine at Sitti – Enjoy this lovely restaurant owned by the Saleh family of Raleigh. Known for their popular Neomonde cafe, Sitti upgrades their delicious Lebanese-Mediterranean eats to the next level. Choose from kabobs, kibbee, falafel and much more in a warm cozy dining room. Sitti is definitely a favorite of my readers here at NC Triangle Dining!

Best Restaurants If You’re New to Raleigh

So as new residents to Raleigh, the Oak City, I hope that you appreciate all the great food we have to offer. I hope you make time to check out these long-time favorites to meet the locals. And once you finish up these Raleigh classics, check out my full list of Triangle Top Three’s (the best restaurants and food in the Triangle) and go explore the rest of the area. And I can tell you that it all tastes a bit better when you can throw down some y’all’s with us here in the area, welcome to Raleigh!