The Ultimate Guide to the Best of Raleigh

I have been in the Raleigh area for over fifteen years, and witnessing the growth and change has been exciting. That said, the city has quite a bit to offer, and I am so excited to share a guide to the best of Raleigh. I enjoy recommending my favorite places, so I am compiling them here. Despite how quickly the city changes, the City of Oaks has maintained a small-town feel. While a lot has changed and the cultural landscape is evolving and progressing, it still feels close-knit.

Here are some of my favorite date night itineraries for Raleigh neighborhoods, and there are lots more Raleigh favorites here.

This post was first published in April 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for March 2025.

Guide to the Best of Raleigh

Best Bars in Raleigh, NC

The Bend Bar

Raleigh’s newest neighborhood bar is brought to you by the Trophy Brewing guys! This casual spot offers a delicious cocktail and wine list with a beautiful outdoor space, including blankets for the cooler evenings. It is right next door to the newest location of State of Beer, so you can grab a sammie and snacks before enjoying a craft cocktail.

The Bend Bar is at 853 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Dram & Draught

Dram & Draught is an excellent neighborhood bar in Glenwood South. They feature hand-selected beers, seasonal craft cocktails, and a cozy space to enjoy a drink after work with friends or a fun spot to start a date night.

Dram & Draught is at 1 Glenwood Ave Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27603.

The Parlor at Heights House

The Parlor at Heights House features a curated menu composed of Italian-influenced craft and seasonal cocktails, an all-Italian wine list, and local beers to honor the Italianate style of this 1858 historic mansion. Charcuterie and other delicacies are also available, and the Parlor features a Sunday Sauce menu of two pasta dishes from Figulina. Be sure to explore the vintage treasures available on the first floor by Honed Home.

The Parlor at Heights House is at 308 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Person Street Bar

This neighborhood bar on Person Street features delicious craft cocktails, a great wine list, and local beers. There are games, TVs for sporting events, a covered patio with fans, and my favorite bartender in the Triangle, Tom.

Person St. Bar is at 805 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Sous Terre

Sous Terre is an underground, cozy cocktail lounge that seats 35 people. You need a key to get in unless you dine at one of the Crawford restaurants upstairs. The exposed brick and amber lighting make for a lovely evening. Check it out on a Sunday when Kat is there and try her special cocktail for the evening!

Sous Terre is at 620 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604

Watts & Ward

Watts and Ward is an upscale speakeasy named after the Watts Act of 1903 and the Ward Act of 1905, both state legislation passed to prohibit alcohol, well before Prohibition was a federal policy. The interior is thoughtfully designed, with a gorgeous take on the 1920s era, plus there is a great outdoor space for warmer evenings.

Watts & Ward is at 200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601.

William & Company

I have *never* had a bad night at Willco. Never. It is a cozy locale for seasonally inspired cocktails served in mellow digs with art hanging on brick walls. Do not skip on their tamales, either! You really will luck out if you end up there on a night when there is a DJ playing.

William & Company is at 616 N Person St #1214, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Fun Activities In Raleigh, NC

Historic Oakwood

Oakwood is my dream neighborhood with its history, location in downtown Raleigh, and the community events hosted by the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood. David and I consistently look forward to the candlelight tour during the holiday season, and the tea and garden tour is a perfect way to spend a spring afternoon with your girlfriends.

Historic Oakwood is at 411 N. Bloodworth St., Raleigh, NC 27604.

Mordecai Park

Discover hidden history in Mordecai, a quaint neighborhood in downtown Raleigh. Mordecai Park houses the Badger-Iredell Law Office and Andrew Johnson’s birthplace. The Mordecai House is the oldest home in Raleigh in its original location. They also offer a trolley tour of Raleigh on Saturdays, a fun way to learn more about Raleigh’s history. David and I love a picnic here in the spring or fall evenings with the pups.

Mordecai Park is at 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC 27604.

North Carolina State Museums in Raleigh

North Carolina Museum of Art

The North Carolina Museum of Art has something for everyone! The outdoor trails are perfect for an afternoon of exploring, while the Friday night jazz nights are a lovely option for date nights. Plus, David and I love the summer movie series and try to pick a movie each summer to enjoy outdoors. The exhibits are outstanding and the space is so gorgeous. Also, check out the NCMA Café for lunch or brunch.

North Carolina Museum of Art is at 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607.

North Carolina Museum of History

As a self-proclaimed history nerd and a native North Carolinian, I am consistently impressed with the exhibits at the North Carolina Museum of History. The museum offers an incredible guest lecture series and has a great podcast with interesting facts on local history. If you are into sports, do check out the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame here.

Note: The museum is temporarily closed for renovations.

North Carolina Museum of History is at 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601. 

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Photo via Visit Raleigh

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a natural history museum in Raleigh, North Carolina. The museum is the oldest in the state and the largest natural history museum in the Southeastern United States. They have amazing permanent and rotating exhibits, and great events.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is at 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Pullen Park

Pullen Park is such a fun place to spend an afternoon. David and I always enjoy heading to the park for pedal boating and walking around when they have free concerts. It is also a perfect spot to visit if you have children or are entertaining friends or family with kids. The train is a big hit!

Pullen Park is at 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Umstead State Park

We love Umstead Park for a hiking spot with the Grant fluffy kids. It is a convenient spot with lots of options for trails and two entrances. There are three lakes, one with canoe rentals, such there is a lot to offer for everyone.

Umstead State Park is at 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27617.

Best Casual Restaurants in Raleigh

Char-Grill

Before my friend Courtney moved back to Pittsburgh, I took her on a tour of Raleigh establishments. My personal favorite is the Char-Grill on Hillsborough St. My go-to order is a bacon cheeseburger, fries, and a Cheerwine.

Char-Grill is at 618 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603 with multiple other locations available here.

Clyde Cooper’s BBQ

This Raleigh staple has been serving up Carolina-style BBQ since 1938. It is some of the best BBQ in the area, and it reminds me of the places I grew up going to get BBQ in eastern NC.  I order the BBQ sandwich, fried okra, and a sweet tea.

Clyde Cooper’s BBQ is at 327 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Eastcut Sandwich Bar

I love a good sandwich shop and this one at Eastcut Sandwich Bar is the best around. Get the McSteak with lettuce and tomato, curly fries, chipotle aioli, and a glass of rosé.

Eastcut Sandwich Bar is at 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd Suite 126, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Gussie’s

Gussie’s is such a fun neighborhood restaurant and bar, though it has such an upscale take. You order at the bar and grab a table of your choosing. Also, be sure to check out their disco brunch! I order the double-double Smashburger and the Animal fries.

Gussie’s is at 927 W Morgan St Suite 116, Raleigh, NC 27603.

J.Betski’s

J.Betski’s serves up a delightful Eastern and Central European menu and a surprisingly interesting wine list. Order the potato crisps, the cheese spaetzle, and the hot beer pretzel.

J.Betski’s is at 1916 Bernard St, Raleigh, NC 27608.

La Santa

Photo via La Santa Instagram

One of my favorite spots for a casual meal and a delicious cocktail is La Santa! Order the queso and chips, a skinny marg, and the chicken quesadillas. Sometimes I’ll splurge on an ACP because that queso is out of this world good!

La Santa is at 222 Glenwood Ave #107, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Oakwood Pizza Box

Oakwood Pizza Box is a small, quaint pizzeria with delicious pizzas, salads, and a sneaky good wine list. We order the pepperoni pizza with basil.

Oakwood Pizza Box is at 610 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Poole’s Diner

One of my favorite restaurants in Raleigh is Poole’s Diner for their famous mac & cheese. We always start with the pimento cheese. The menu is seasonal, so if the tomato pie or some sort of seafood salad is on the menu, order it! The royale is also a favorite of mine.

Poole’s Diner is at 428 South McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Standard Beer + Food

Standard is so laid-back and the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon. Order the ranch water, the Smashburger, and the queso tots. Also, don’t sleep on their tuna tartare! Pro tip: Get yours to go and take it next door to Person St. Bar!

Standard Beer + Food is at 205 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Tazza

Tazza offers a delicious menu of wood-fired pizzas, tacos, bowls, and some of the best starters in a casual environment. Their patio is also a delight! My favorite dishes include the cast-iron goat cheese, the mixed greens and goat cheese salad with a crabcake or tuna, or the Baha bowl with chicken. Make a reservation unless you plan on grabbing a seat at the bar, as there is usually a wait.

Tazza is at 432 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605.

Wye Hill

Wye Hill is the best spot for the prettiest views of the city and the best pimento cheese. Their patio is heated in the cooler months, shaded with misters and fans in the warmer months, and is dog-friendly. My go-to order is the deviled eggs, dill pickle pimiento cheese with ripple cut fries, and the Farmer’s Burger or a salad with grilled shrimp.

Wye Hill is at 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Raleigh Shopping Centers

Put each shop in subheading FOUR followed by more info.

Iron Works

Photo via Raleigh Iron Works Instagram

This mixed-use space is the newest shopping center in Raleigh featuring local shopping, restaurants, bars, community spaces and more. Iron Works is home to Eastcut Sandwich Bar (mentioned above), Little Rey (see our date night here), Brodeto, Ponysaurus Brewing, and fantastic local shops. Anthony, from Oakwood Pizza Box, is also opening a wine bar, St. Pierre, here in 2025. See the directory of businesses here.

Iron Works is at 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604.

North Hills

North Hills has experienced such a big transformation since I first moved to the city. Whether you are looking to have a meal at a locally-owned restaurant, rooftop bars, a variety of shops, spas, and more! Check out all the offerings here!

North Hills is at 4321 Lassiter at North Hills Ave., Raleigh, NC 27609. 

Seaboard Station & Person Street

This downtown area is one of my favorites because it is small, walkable, and full of hidden gems! Located in the northern end of downtown, this area has a neighborhood feel with locally owned businesses such as bakeries, clothing boutiques, hardware and garden stores, and some of downtown’s best restaurants. Several bars and restaurants listed above are found in this area of downtown!

For a full list of addresses, check this link.

Village District

Village District has been around for 75 years and is an ever-changing community center featuring delicious restaurants (like Tazza mentioned above), shopping, spas, my favorite hidden gem of Aillea Raleigh, and Raleigh staple, Goodnight’s Comedy Club.

Village District is at 2068 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27605.

Where To Stay In Raleigh

AC Hotel North Hills

David and I did a birthday staycation at the AC Hotel North Hills, but it was also perfect for a girls’ night in North Hills. I love the convenient location to park for a weekend and explore all North Hills offers.

AC Hotel North Hills is at 101 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609.

Guest House Raleigh

Photo via Guest House

Guest House is a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. It has 8 rooms with tons of natural light, a beautiful front porch, and a back patio with a view of the Raleigh skyline. This husband-and-wife team saved a historic house from demolition to become the Guest House. It is the perfect place to stay and explore downtown.

Guest House Raleigh is at 420 S Bloodworth St, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Heights House

Heights House is such a special spot located in Raleigh’s Boylan Heights. It is another historic home that has been saved and repurposed and is quite lovely! There are 9 luxurious rooms, the Parlor (mentioned above), an event space (where I threw myself a birthday party a couple of years ago), an amazing vintage shop, and afternoon tea.

Heights House is at 308 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603.

The Umstead Hotel

If you want a resort experience in Raleigh, stay at The Umstead. The grounds are perfect for exploring, the spa is perfectly relaxing, and the accommodations are stunning.

The Umstead Hotel is at 100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513.

Where are your favorite spots in the City of Oaks? If you have not yet, I hope you will consider a visit to Raleigh and try out some of these spots! The whole Research Triangle Area has so much to offer! Check out things to do in Durham, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, Hillsborough, NC, and some restaurants around Wake County, the county in which Raleigh is located.