If you’re planning a trip to Raleigh soon, you’ll want to consider visiting one of the city’s top food and drink venues. These restaurants offer unique experiences for visitors to the area. In addition to a wide array of craft beers, you’ll find plenty of interesting bar food and small plates at local establishments.
Irregardless Cafe
The Irregardless Cafe offers a world-inspired menu featuring local fare and live music. The long-running restaurant is located in a historic building in downtown Raleigh. The menu is made from fresh, seasonal ingredients and is crafted to complement the unique culture of the region.
The Irregardless Cafe is one of the most popular restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina. The menu features dishes from around the world, with an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian cuisine. In fact, almost two-thirds of the menu is meat-free. This Raleigh institution is well known for its Sunday brunch, which features popular items like asparagus omelettes, smoked salmon hash, and vegan burritos.
The Irregardless Cafe opened on Thanksgiving in 2000. It was named one of the top 50 vegetarian restaurants in the country by OpenTable. The restaurant is often packed for brunch and dinner, and it has a patio out front. The name is a tribute to the owner’s German heritage, and the menu features a mix of international and traditional dishes.
The Station is another top raleigh food & drink spots. It offers an outdoor patio and a modern, fun atmosphere. The menu features delicious N.C. craft beers and top-notch grub from the grill. It’s also a popular brunch spot for those who like a traditional brunch.
Poole’s Diner
A retro-chic diner re-created in the style of a vintage American diner serves seasonal comfort food, cocktails and house desserts in a retro-chic setting. The restaurant offers a relaxed, nostalgic vibe and its menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Poole’s Diner is located on McDowell Street in downtown Raleigh. The restaurant has been around since 1945 and serves seasonal comfort food with a modern twist. The menu includes classic diner fare like mac ‘n’ cheese and chicken pot pie. Other menu items include roasted snapper with summer squash and basil-driven cold pistou sauce.
Owner Ashley Christensen has been running Poole’s Diner for 10 years. In that time, the diner has raised millions of dollars for charity and touched the lives of countless people. Christensen, a native of the city, is also an author of her first cookbook.
Located downtown, Poole’s Diner features a large outdoor patio and a casual atmosphere. The restaurant offers Southern-fried chicken, a local favorite. Fried chicken is typically prepared by soaking the chicken in buttermilk and seasoned flour, then pan or deep-fried or air-fried. The breading provides a crisp exterior while retaining the juices in the meat. The menu also features Japanese Fried Chicken.
The Depot district is home to Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Project, which serves outstanding chocolate and coffee. There’s a view of the processing facility and a BYOB patio. The cafe also supports a local nonprofit called Tasty Beverage.
Lee’s Kitchen
Known for its Jamaican soul food, Lee’s Kitchen has a growing reputation for delivering flavorful dishes and the right amount of southern charm. The restaurant, which opened in early 2007, has three locations and a blazing yellow food truck. It has developed a loyal customer base and has been known to attract a long line at events.
The restaurant is also available for delivery through Postmates. Check out their menu and decide whether you’d like your food to be picked up or delivered. You can also specify the time of delivery. If you’re a member of the app, you can receive delivery for free.
Lee’s Kitchen serves Caribbean cuisine, including Caribbean fusion dishes. Its menu is available online. You can order food to go, or place an order for delivery in Raleigh. The Jamaican Combo and Side Oxtail are two of the many dishes on the menu. Whether you prefer to eat in or take out, you’ll find it in one of the best Caribbean restaurants in the city.
The restaurant offers a variety of menu choices, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The ambiance is bright and colorful, and the seafood is outstanding. The restaurant also features a cozy lounge where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Transfer Co Food Hall
Located in a historic garage, this venue houses over 50 food-related businesses. The unique layout of the venue allows food lovers to taste and purchase from a variety of vendors. The food hall also hosts live music and events. Located near downtown Raleigh, this venue is a must-see destination for foodies.
Transfer Co Food Hall features a new outdoor bar serving handcrafted seasonal cocktails. Opened in July, this bar has signature cocktails containing mezcal, blueberry-peppercorn syrup, Hellfire shrub, and scotch. The mixologist at the bar, Mamie Taylor, blends the scotch and adds aromatic bitters.
If you’re looking for a place to grab some tasty bites, head downtown to the Olde East neighborhood for some of the city’s best food and drink. Located at 500 E. Davie Street in downtown Raleigh, Transfer Co. is open seven days a week. On Mondays, it’s closed.
The Transfer Co is part of the national food hall trend. It is located inside the historic Carolina Coach Garage and features 43,000 square feet of renovated warehouse space. The market is open to local vendors, restaurateurs, and food producers. It also offers an online ordering portal.
If you’re looking for a place to grab a quick bite or have a nice date night, Jolie French Bistro is a great choice. Chef Scott Crawford brings French flavors to the South through a menu with just a few choices. Choose from small, but memorable plates like pillowy macarons.
Angus Barn
For the ultimate holiday experience, head to Angus Barn. The restaurant is a festive, seasonal affair with a Christmas tree that is a giant and unusual sight in the Raleigh food scene. The restaurant’s founder, Van Eure, came up with the concept of dressing each room in a different Christmas theme. Each year, he rotates the theme, so that it never becomes the same. Past themes have included elves peeking out of trees, upside-down trees, and a train that travels through the main tree.
Angus Barn has been in the Triangle since 1960. It is a renowned steakhouse, serving up to 20,000 steaks per month. The restaurant offers a variety of cuts and classic steakhouse sides. Angus Barn also offers seafood dishes and vegetarian selections.
Angus Barn’s executive chef Walter Royal has been working in the Triangle for two decades. Prior to coming to Angus Barn, he worked for Durham’s Magnolia Grill. Now he has a stellar reputation for preparing perfectly cooked steaks.
Christmas is a big event at Angus Barn, and reservations are necessary for this special event. The restaurant’s holiday decorations are spectacular and will make your holiday season merry and bright.