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Restaurants Near Red Hat Amphitheater

December 8, 2020 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

The 10 Best Restaurants Near the Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and City Plaza!

Raleigh Convention Center- NC Triangle Dining
Raleigh Convention Center- NC Triangle Dining

When I first moved to Raleigh back in 2008, downtown was a sleepy little area under construction. But over the past 10 years, City Plaza, the Raleigh Convention Center, and Red Hat Amphitheater have opened up to revitalize the downtown area.  Add in Broadway theater and shows at the historic Progress Energy Center-Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and you’ve got a lot of people visiting the south side of downtown Raleigh. And while it’s a busy area there aren’t a ton of restaurant or dining options on that side of town, yet. Note: A new downtown Raleigh social-drinking district goes live in this area on August 15, 2022!

Front of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, NC Triangle Dining
Front of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, NC Triangle Dining
View from Red Hat Amphitheater stage, NC Triangle Dining
View from Red Hat Amphitheater stage, NC Triangle Dining

City Plaza in Raleigh, nctriangledining.com

So where to go to eat if you don’t want to do McDonalds or hotdog cart?  Well my friend, just hoof it a couple of blocks further out and you’ll have some great, higher end options that are off the tourist path. From simple to fancy, downtown Raleigh has got you covered for some great eating!

Pooles Diner near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Pooles Diner near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Mac n cheese at Pooles Diner near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Mac n cheese at Pooles Diner near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining

On the pricey end of the spectrum, head over to Wilmington Street to find Ashley Christensen’s acclaimed Poole’s Diner! Known for it’s seasonal Southern fare, Poole’s takes classic Southern comfort food and puts it on its ear. From the moment you step in and ingest the quirky horseshoe shaped bar, hipster staff and cocktail menu, you realize it’s something special. There’s no online menu, just a chalkboard with some of the freshest food around. I’ve been here for brunch and dinner and tried everything from an amazing mac n cheese au gratin, to slow-cooked Berkshire pork. Preparation is everything at Poole’s and everything she puts out is tasty. The one drawback is that due to Poole’s popularity, they don’t take reservations and have only one dinner seating. Plan accordingly.

Sono near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Sono near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Sushi at Sono near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining
Sushi at Sono near the Raleigh Convention Center, NC Triangle Dining

Sono is a chic sushi restaurant and long-standing Raleigh favorite decked out in crimson and black. With the stylish decor you know you’re not in for a traditional Japanese experience but that’s fine because their sushi is pretty darn good. With rolls with names like Screaming O and G-Spot, it’s got a sexy rep to live up to. And Sono dishes fresh and interesting non-sushi entrees and appetizers too.

Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Taco plate at Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Taco plate at Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Further west near the Warehouse District you’ll find the very popular and reasonably priced Fiction Kitchen! Popular with vegetarians and vegans, Fiction Kitchen does some amazing things with veggies and tempeh. They also pour a mean cocktail here.

Beasleys-ChickPlateMacCollards
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

And don’t forget some other restaurants I’ve reviewed:  Beasley’s for their fried chicken and honey, and Bida Manda for Laotian.  All are within 5 blocks of City Plaza, Red Hat Amphitheater and the Raleigh Convention Center and worth the effort.

Interior at Bida Manda, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Interior at Bida Manda, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Honey ribs plate at Bida Manda, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Honey ribs plate at Bida Manda, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Overall while I’m sure the catering is decent at the Convention Center, if you’ve got an expense account or are visiting for a show, there are lots of options in the core of downtown Raleigh for great eats!  Or if you’re at the Raleigh Amphitheater for music, City Plaza for Winterfest, the Progress Energy Center for a show, take some extra time to find a good meal. And I guarantee you it’s worth the walk and effort, bon appetit!

 

10 Best Restaurants Near the Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, Progress Energy Center and City Plaza

Beasley’s Chicken and Honey (Southern)

Bida Manda (Laotian)

Capital Club 16 (American, German)

Clyde Coopers Barbeque (Southern)

Fiction Kitchen (Vegan/Vegetarian)

Oak City Meatball Shoppe (Comfort)

Poole’s Diner (Southern Seasonal)

Sam Jones Barbeque (Southern)

Sono (Japanese, Sushi)

Whiskey Kitchen (Southern, Bourbon)

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Filed Under: Local Information, Overviews, Raleigh, Restaurant & Bar Reviews Tagged With: Restaurants Near City Plaza, Restaurants Near Progress Energy Center, Restaurants Near Raleigh Convention Center, Restaurants Near Red Hat Amphitheater

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