Clyde Cooper's Barbeque ★ 4.4
A Raleigh institution since 1938 and one of the oldest barbecue joints in North Carolina. Vinegar-and-pepper whole-hog sells out daily; arrive before noon.
Signature: Whole-hog pulled pork, Hush puppies, Coleslaw
Compass Rose Brewery is a brewery restaurant in North Hills, Raleigh.
Founded in 2015, northeast Raleigh brewery with a German beer hall aesthetic in a 5,500 sq ft taproom. Ten-plus beer styles and food; family-friendly.
Editorially verified June 24, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Signature dishes: Globally inspired small plates, House ales
Address: 3201 Northside Dr, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27615
A Raleigh institution since 1938 and one of the oldest barbecue joints in North Carolina. Vinegar-and-pepper whole-hog sells out daily; arrive before noon.
Signature: Whole-hog pulled pork, Hush puppies, Coleslaw
Every beer brewed in honour of Raleigh as the City of Oaks, with 32 rotating taps. Distributes throughout the Triangle; a Study Bar co-located on-site.
Signature: 32 rotating taps, City-themed ales
A pioneering subterranean cocktail bar on Fayetteville Street, open since 2009. Built on domestic spirits and NC draft beer; Imbibe-recognised cocktails.
Signature: Seasonal domestic-spirits cocktails, NC-only draft beer
A Glenwood South bar built around 300-plus world whiskeys and rotating local draught beers. Opened in 2016; wine, mocktails, and THC beverages also available.
Signature: 300+ world whiskeys, Local draught beer
A Raleigh institution since 1938 and one of the oldest barbecue joints in North Carolina. Vinegar-and-pepper whole-hog sells out daily; arrive before noon.
Signature: Whole-hog pulled pork, Hush puppies, Coleslaw
At the City Market since 1989, Big Ed's serves scratch-made biscuits, country ham, and grits. The room is deliberately unchanged; breakfast and lunch only.
Signature: Scratch biscuits, Country ham and eggs, Grits
Downtown Raleigh's most established Lebanese restaurant. Falafel, shawarma, mixed grill, and mezze across a long all-day window; Sunday brunch adds more.
Signature: Falafel, Mixed grill kabobs, Mezze