It is no secret I love exploring and finding new-to-me places in and around North Carolina and one of my favorite discoveries are the walk-up windows in Raleigh! This article has been fun to research and I genuinely love the resurgence of this concept. Keep scrolling for a list of hidden gems I have found so far in my experiences around town. And for more Raleigh favorites, check out this page.
Raleigh Hidden Gems: Walk-Up Windows
Bittersweet
Bittersweet is a cocktail, dessert, and coffee bar located right on Martin Street in downtown Raleigh. While Bittersweet is a great spot to end the evening on a girls’ night, it is also ideal to start your evening with a cocktail (espresso martini, anyone?) at their walk-up window before a sip and stroll to dinner in Raleigh’s Social District.
My Order: Espresso Martini
Dose Elixir Bar
Located in Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow, Dose offers wonderful yoga classes (the Dose Down CBD Massage class is a must-take, y’all!) and a smoothie bar. Their açai bowls are some of my favorites around and I love their turmeric latte. Check out their smoothie menu, especially the P.Y.T.
My Order: Peanut Butter Açai Bowl with extra strawberries (and no bananas on top)
Jolie
The champagne & French fry window at Jolie is what sparked the idea for this post. I absolutely love this concept and Sam, the bartender, is the best around. Additional drink options are also available to take to either the butterfly bench or to one of the side tables on the evenings that the window is open, currently Tuesdays-Thursdays. There are two additions to the menu, including chocolate pot de crème and lemon sugar cookies with raspberry-crème fraiche swirl ice cream. My girlfriends and I went here after my birthday earlier this year, and David & I will go as part of our anniversary celebration this year. It’s just the best.
My Order: Champagne & French Fries forever and ever, Amen.
Longleaf Swine
David and I are *obsessed* with Longleaf Swine located right near the Mordecai and Oakwood neighborhoods. Their walk-up window is a little different in that it is a to-go window, so I am stretching the rules here. Grab a drink at the bar and put your order in to pick up at the to-go window before heading to one of my favorite local spots for a picnic. P.S. Check out Raleigh’s BBQ Renaissance here.
My Order: BBQ Sammie with Slaw, Mac & Cheese
Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse is another Smoky Hollow gem. I love their outdoor space and ordering to-go foods and grabbing a Ranch water at their charming outdoor bar while waiting. We really enjoy their dessert menu here in addition to their entrees and sides, as well.
My Order: BBQ Sammie with Slaw with Broccoli Casserole
Videri Chocolate Factory
I will be quick to tell you that I prefer savory to sweet items, though Videri is an exception to that rule for me. In my opinion, their chocolate ice cream is the best around and their chocolate sauce and marshmallows are things of daydreams come to life (am I the only one who daydreams about food?…). I appreciate that their ice cream offerings include a tasting size, which is exactly the amount I enjoy. They offer a variety of options, including milkshakes, a homemade fudgesicle, a Videri dirt cup, and a Videri affogato.
My Order: Cup of Chocolate Ice Cream with Fudge & Housemade Marshmallows (if they are still available… they go quick!)
Photos by Glory Roze Photography
