What is something which not only physically, but also mentally keeps us going in its anticipation? Yes, you guessed correctly, our next meal. Restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC are said to have a different vibe altogether. They are full of lively people, good food, and a fantastic ambiance.
1. About Restaurants in Downtown Raleigh NC
Restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC serve both, quality and quantity. You would never be disappointed after dining in one of their restaurants. Ashley Christensen, crowned as America’s best chef, calls the restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC, her home.
And we think those restaurants deserve the title as well. There are restaurants and other eateries where you can find various dishes made by downtown Raleigh’s finest chefs.
Indulge in various cuisines, desserts, and beverages like beers made in their breweries cum restaurants downtown Raleigh, NC. If you plan to go out on a date or have a fun dinner with your family, restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC would be perfect for you.
Tourists who visit Downtown Raleigh, NC, should know that it is famous for its food, cultural diversity, and shopping. Half of the restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC are located in the city market where you can enjoy food and shopping together.
There are many bars if you want to stop for a drink, and it would help if you tried and did not miss out on various rooftop bars and underground cocktails.
This article would further brief you about a few of the best restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC, that you must visit at least once.
2. Top 10 Restaurants in Downtown Raleigh NC
2.1. Big Foot Taphouse
This family-owned restaurant and tap house in Glenwood Ave aims at serving high-quality food and beverages for all the foodies out there. They have appetizers and various styles of hotdogs in all of the other downtown restaurants in Raleigh NC.
They have a variety of locally brewed ales and beers from other breweries outside downtown Raleigh.
They also have many on-tap beverages that you could try, both alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic. You should try one of their beers or ales from the on-tap menu.
2.2. Transfer Co. Food Hall
A gathering hall made for people to connect over great food and drinks, this is one of the most crowded restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC. It is located in the historic Carolina coach garage at E Davie Street.
They have other amenities you could access, like:
- Private bar
- 150-seated dining area
- Standing room for 300 guests
- Host events and parties
- Wheelchair access
- Music system and high-speed WIFI.
There are so many different vendors here that sell a variety of food that you would be confused about what to gobble up first. They also have a taproom that sells local and other beers and ales and many other drinks.
You must not miss out on their local oyster bar for fantastic seafood dishes.
2.3. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
Even though this eatery is closed for dine-out due to the pandemic, you can still order your favorite dishes from their menu as a takeaway. This is one of the best chicken and waffle-selling restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC.
They have a variety of fried chicken with different sides, served in the heart of Raleigh. They also serve drinks like beers, wines, and champagne they like to have a class of alcohol with their meal and soda pop for the non-drinkers.
It is situated on Wilmington Street. It is one of the famous chefs, Ashley Christensen’s restaurants. Maybe that would help you imagine the quality and taste of the food now.
2.4. Crabtree Ale House
This is a significant and good place for casual hangouts. They offer various dishes, from American grill dishes to various pizzas.
They also serve delectable salads and entrees, desserts, and wraps. Also, nearby Raleigh’s warehouse district city market sushi is one of the best in the city.
This is one of the sports restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC and has a big screen to watch sports. You could watch any game while you have your lunch or dinner, they also have craft beers for you to gulp down with your food on a hot summer afternoon.
This place has an enthusiastic and friendly vibe and is suitable for youngsters to hang out with. This eatery also resides on Glenwood Ave.
2.5. High Top Burger
Located on Bale Street, they serve the most amazing burgers in all of the other restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC. They are slowly turning into a casual fast-food eatery.
They also serve fries, wings, tater tots, hot dogs, shakes, and beers. They focus on providing quality food and the best customer service through pretty friendly staff.
You could order online or go to their outlet for lunch and dinner.
2.6. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
They have a historic-themed setup restaurant and Tavern.
A unique setup amongst all of the other restaurants of downtown Raleigh NC, this restaurant in Hillsborough Street has a very relaxed and elegant ambiance.
It is located in the Dodd Hinsdale house (circa 1872); you will see a combination of history and gourmet food that would enchant you. They have the main menu and a separate dessert menu to order from.
They also let you take a tour of the house to look at its history; the Tavern is in the form of an exposed brick cellar and has many drinks on tap.
They also accept private dining reservations. So, if you’re on a date or prefer privacy, you can enjoy your time here by calling up first.
2.7. Crawford and Son
Established in 2016, this modern-day eatery at N Person Street has various dishes to serve amongst all the restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC.
The classic entrance tells you about the laid-back ambiance this restaurant has to offer.
They strive to deliver good quality food and flavors from the recipes of their executive chef Scott Crawford, an amalgam of classical and modern cooking techniques. This restaurant is located in historic Oakwood.
They ensure that you get the taste of what you ordered and use original ingredients for their dishes. They also accept the booking for private dining.
2.8. Morgan Street Food Hall and Market
The food scene here is on a different level.
Morgan street food hall is the first cross-dining eatery amongst other restaurants in downtown Raleigh, NC. It has many local eateries, retail food shops, and restaurants amidst the local shops at the city market.
This food hall gives you a great dining experience while choosing various cuisines and dishes from various eateries. You could order a coffee from the coffee shop or have authentic Italian food from an Italian restaurant there, the choice is yours.
You can have mix-and-match items from the eateries for both lunch and dinner. The Arbor bar serves all kinds of Alcoholic beverages. Do try their special drink – the red bull tropical tequila.
You will find this restaurant on W Morgan Street.
2.9. Bida Manda
This is a Laotian restaurant famous for its unique cuisine, making it one of the best Laotian cuisine restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC.
It is located near the city market at S Blount Street and is one of the most authentic restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC.
Enjoy a dining experience in the diverse culture and food of Laos, the dining area is designed under the influence of the understanding of Laos’s people and their approach toward space and nature.
They have many art pieces from local artists, reclaimed wooden furniture, and a big screen of natural sticks made from the mountains’ harvests in North Carolina.
They have a variety of cuisines, from Thai and Vietnamese to Chinese. They also have a bar that serves fantastic beers and wines with tasty cocktails and fresh non-alcoholic juices.
2.10. Gravy
This Wilmington street restaurant has the most authentic Italian food and American food out of other restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC, they make their amazing Italian signature sauce with local ingredients like fried green tomatoes and herbs.
They pair traditional Italian American dishes with modern twists, making it a classic cuisine every food-lover must try out.
You can also host a party or an event in their private dining hall.
You can choose from two venues – the wine cellar and the hidden space courtyard. Choose from their lunch, dinner, kids, drinks, and specialty menu and have a great, unforgettable meal.
3. Closing Thoughts
Now that we have seen the best restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC, I hope you do try one or even some of these, not just the restaurants in downtown Raleigh NC, but also try the eateries of other parts of North Carolina and the USA as well.
If you are looking for a place for date night, then these best downtown Raleigh restaurants are perfect; filled with different styles and vibes like antique art deco bars, classic dining rooms, or even places like a sushi restaurant. So, whether you’re looking for fried chicken, fresh seafood, or southern food, this downtown Raleigh restaurant got you covered.
Apart from the list mentioned above, there are many more sushi bars and fine-dining restaurants you can visit with your family and friends.
It is a tough task to choose the best restaurant in downtown Raleigh, NC, with so many options. Feel free to choose your favorite best restaurants and comment about your experience below. Enjoy!
4. Frequently Asked Questions
4.1. How do I make a reservation at these restaurants?
Reservations can typically be made through the restaurant’s website or by calling the restaurant directly.
4.2. Are there any discounts or deals available?
It’s best to check the restaurant’s website or social media pages for any current promotions or discounts. You can also sign up for their email newsletters to stay updated on deals.
4.3. What is the dress code for dining at these restaurants?
Dress codes vary from restaurant to restaurant, but most have a casual to semi-formal dress code.
4.4. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options on the menu?
Many of the restaurants in the area offer vegetarian and vegan options, but it’s best to check with the restaurant directly to confirm.
4.5. Are there any options for gluten-free or other dietary restrictions?
Most restaurants will accommodate dietary restrictions upon request, but it’s best to confirm with the restaurant before making a reservation.
4.6. How do I get to the restaurants in downtown Raleigh?
The restaurants are easily accessible by car or public transportation. Parking options include street parking and nearby parking lots. The restaurants are also within walking distance of several popular tourist attractions in the area.
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