Known for its dance clubs and bars, S. Glenwood still has its fair share of good eats and restaurants! Running from Peace Street down to Hillsborough, this busy strip in Raleigh has some hidden dining gems if you take the time to look. From pizza to Spanish, steak and Thai, you can find it all on this street along with its side-streets and then dance it off at one of the clubs nearby.
Starting at the northern end of S. Glenwood you’ll find Mellow Mushroom! A pizza chain from the Southeast, Mellow Mushroom serves up consistently good pizza and sandwiches along with a nice selection of craft beers and margaritas. Perfect for families or a quick lunch given casual service, don’t miss the Mellow Mushroom patio during good weather. It’s a great spot to while away the afternoon or early evening and watch people go by!
Across the street from Mellow Mushroom is the ever-popular Mojoe’s Burger Joint! A NC state classic, Mojoe’s offers up delicious hamburgers, fries and onion rings. They do regular specials and don’t miss the specialty of the house, their Vortex burger. A 6 oz. burger between two cheese sandwiches along with pickles, bacon and ketchup. Mojoe’s also has decent patio and outdoor dining area when the weather is nice.
Further south you’ll run into Sullivan’s, a small chain of premium steakhouses. Known for their prime-aged beef and excellent service, I have yet to do a full sit-down dinner but have done several events here. It’s a formal and classic feel restaurant with a bustling bar scene on Thursdays for its $5 martinis and bar menu. But if you go full-price, I’d expect to spend about $60 to $75 per person.
Down the block from Sullivans, you’ll find Vidrio, a lovely wine bar and Mediterranean small plates restaurant. This upscale restaurant is perfect for date nights offering an amazing dining room lines with colorful plates along with a fun and lively sidewalk lounge. Choose from healthy but flavorful grilled meats, seafood and much more.
Upstairs from Vidrio is the ever-popular Carolina Ale House! Loaded with televisions and a wrap-around patio overlooking Glenwood Avenue, you can catch up on the latest games and nosh on some above-average bar food. Love their burgers and wings, Carolina Ale House is great value for the money.
Next on my S. Glenwood list is Clockwork on North Street! Part bar, part lounge and part snackatorium, you can do apps, pizzas and sandwiches here. And while they have a limited menu, the mod interior and roll-up garage door makes for a great night when the evening weather is good. Great for a quick snack and drink but you could put together a full meal if you’re really hungry.
On the other side of Glenwood on North Street is the Thaiphoon Bistro which has been dishing up good and spicy eats for years! A menu spanning all the Thai favorites plus additions like roti canai make this spot a forgotten gem. Sit inside in the clean-designed dining room or outside on the small porch by their koi pond. Everything here is reasonably priced and a good deal for the portion size.
Around the corner from Thaiphoon Bistro you’ll find Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, which shares a patio with them. Known for it’s local, farm to table fare in international flavors, Plates has come on strong over the past six months. It dishes out well-prepared food spanning a broad variety of cuisines but don’t miss out on their corn-crab fritters, yum! Basic Southern eats at very good prices with excellent service.
If you’re up for Asian but not Thai food, maybe Anise Pho will hit the spot! This humble Vietnamese eatery serves up really authentic pho, bun (noodle bowls), banh mi and more. Super cozy dining space with good service completes the dining experience. While it may not look like much from the outside, Anise Pho delivers a great meal for not much money.
One of the newest kids on the block, Tin Roof is a popular bar, live music venue and restaurant. Offering bar classics like nachos, wings, quesadillas, Nashville hot chicken and loaded tots. Sit up on the 2nd floor patio and you’ll have a great spot to grab a beer and people watch.
A little further down the street is Tobacco Road Sports which does elevated bar food. But you come here as much for the TV’s and big game as you do for the food. Busy on any night with a big sporting event, Tobacco Road Sports also puts out very large portions for the price, make sure to order their huge nachos plate with chicken or steak.
All I can say is, wow! While S. Glenwood is known for its nightlife, there are plenty of good eating options here! I didn’t even bother to mention Armadillo Grill, Sushi Blues, DeMo’s Pizza, the Hibernian, Rockford or Napper Tandys, some other popular eating options. And on busy weekend nights, you’ll also find food carts working the busy streets around the clubs. So don’t sweat it if you’re looking for something to eat when you’re out on S. Glenwood because there are plenty of choices to keep you going after a night out on the town…
Great Restaurants and Food on Glenwood South in Raleigh
Mellow Mushroom (Pizza, Italian) $
Mojoe’s Burger Joint (American, Burgers) $
Sullivans (Steak) $$$$
Carolina Ale House (Sports bar) $$
Vidrio (Small plates) $$$
Clockwork (Pizza, Sandwiches) $$
Thaiphoon (Thai) $$
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe (American) $$
Plates (Southern, American) $$
Tin Roof (Southern) $$
Anise Pho (Vietnamese) $$
Sushi O (Japanese, Thai) $$
$ = Under $10 $$ = $10 to $20 $$$ = $20 to $35 $$$$ = Over $35
kelleychisholm says
Great post about Glenwood South, Ron!
Ron Wen says
Thanks for checking out the blog, Kelley!
Arthur in the Garden! says
Great overview! I have visited any restaurant there since it became so busy and trendy! Although, I would love to visit The Rockford! Since it has reopened!
Ron Wen says
Hey Arthur, the Rockford is still very good (improved service) and they’re also doing brunch now. Check em out soon, super affordable for what you get…
Ron