Today I am sharing my favorite things to do in Raleigh, from places to go, things to do, and where to eat. I find blog posts like this helpful, especially when you have visitors in town for the weekend and are scrambling for recommendations! We’ve been living together in Raleigh for almost 3 years and as a couple who enjoys good food, pretty views, and strong drinks, here’s our favorite places in and around the city:
PLACES TO EAT IN RALEIGH, NC
- Torchy’s Tacos for breakfast tacos
- Optimist Raleigh for creative breakfast sandwiches
- Raleigh Times for quick breakfast food + coffee (get the vegan bowl)
- Raleigh Raw for smoothies + acai bowls
- Transfer Food Hall or Morgan Street Food Hall for several food options in one place – great for lunch!
- Parkside for brunch
- Pizza at Oakwood Pizza Box
- MOFU Shoppe for shared plates
- Sitti for Lebanese
- Mulino’s for a romantic outdoor space
- Good Day Good Night for a quiet date night
- Rockford for a great sandwich/salad
- Gringo A GoGo for a hip Mexican vibe
- Whiskey Kitchen for whiskey and outdoor seating
- O-Ku Raleigh for a fancy date night
- City Market Sushi
- Neuse River Brewing is a hidden gem for great food – off the beaten path
MY TOP 5 DATE-NIGHT RESTAURANTS:
- Bida Manda – their crispy rice lettuce wraps and pork belly soup is a must!
- Wye Hill – delicious shrimp and grits and a nice view of downtown Raleigh
- Death and Taxes – say yes to their beet started and seeded sourdough!
- St. Roch Fine Oyster Bar for seafood
- Irregardless for some amazing vegan food
MY TOP 3 CASUAL RESTAURANTS:
- Wilson’s Eatery – I die for their veggie burger and salads
- Wye Hill – delicious shrimp and grits and a nice view of downtown Raleigh
- BarTaco for a casual tacos and bites
PLACES TO DRINK IN RALEIGH, NC
- Cocktails at Will + Co
- Trophy Brewing for chill vibes and good beer
- Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard for outdoor games
- Great outdoor space at Junction West
- Standard for beers and quick bites
- Bittersweet for fancy cocktails and dessert
- 10th and Terrance Rooftop at the Marriott
- Dram and Draught for a relaxed vibe
- Person Street bar for late-night antics
- Watts & Wards for expensive cocktails + a speakeasy vibe
THINGS TO DO IN RALEIGH, NC
- Rent bikes and bike around downtown
- State Farmer’s Market
- Walking and shopping at North Hills
- Grab a bite and sit in Moore Square to enjoy the view of downtown
- Two Roosters for homemade ice-cream
- Indoor golfing at Drive Shack
- Movie at Alamo Drafthouse
- Plant shopping while drinking at Atlantic Gardening Company
- Drinks and games at Boxcar Barcade
- Visit NCMA – walk around the grounds and visit the museum (we got married there! It’s so pretty)
- Walk or bike along the Greenway
- Walk around Pullen Park
- Explore the Warehouse District and visit CAM Raleigh
- Have a picnic at Dorothea Dix
- NC Museum of History and it’s *FREE*
I hope this helps you next time you’re looking for something to do here in Raleigh! I also have an entire Instagram highlight dedicated to local restaurants on my Instagram here. And if you’re looking to escape Raleigh, I did A WEEKEND IN BOONE, NC blog post recap here.
