Clyde Cooper's Barbeque ★ 4.4
The oldest continuously operating barbecue joint in Raleigh, open since 1938. Eastern NC whole-hog with vinegar-and-pepper sauce; sells out daily before noon.
TryWhole-hog vinegar-sauced pulled pork
Vendors, food trucks and stalls: the cheapest, fastest, frequently best food in Raleigh.
Don't-miss vendors
Bul Box (Transfer Co.) ★ 4.0
Korean BBQ bowl vendor at Transfer Co. Food Hall, serving bulgogi, galbi, and vegetable bowls over rice. One of the most consistent vendors in the building.
TryKorean BBQ rice bowls
Chhote's (Transfer Co.) ★ 4.0
Indian street food at Transfer Co. Food Hall: chaat, samosas, and biryanis. The most distinctive flavour profile in the building; chaat is well-spiced.
TryIndian street food: chaat, samosas, biryani
Dank Burrito (Transfer Co.) ★ 3.8
Mexican vendor at Transfer Co. with build-your-own burritos and tacos. The most approachable quick-eat in the hall; reliable for lunch and an evening plate.
TryBuild-your-own burritos and tacos
Big Ed's City Market Restaurant ★ 4.2
At the City Market since 1989, Big Ed's makes scratch biscuits, country ham, and grits in the most traditionally NC sense. Breakfast and lunch counter only.
TryScratch biscuits with country ham
Che Empanadas (Transfer Co.) ★ 3.9
Argentinian-style empanadas at Transfer Co. Food Hall, hand-made with rotating beef, chicken, cheese, and vegetarian fillings. A popular grab-and-go choice.
TryHand-made Argentinian-style empanadas
Raleigh Raw ★ 3.9
Entirely gluten-free, soy-free, and seed oil-free. Central downtown counter for cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and scratch-made organic food.
TryCold-pressed juices and smoothies
Benchwarmers Bagels ★ 3.9
Hand-rolled New York-style bagels at Transfer Co. Food Hall, open from 07:00 Tue-Fri. The everything bagel with scallion cream cheese is the standout order.
TryHand-rolled New York-style bagels
NC State Fair Food Vendors ★ 4.1
The NC State Fair in October is Raleigh's biggest annual street food event. Deep-fried novelties across 11 days; the food competition has run since 1853.
TryDeep-fried State Fair specialties
Brewgaloo Food Trucks ★ 4.0
Brewgaloo in late April brings 50-plus food trucks to Fayetteville Street alongside 80 NC breweries. One of the widest food truck concentrations in the state.
Try50+ food truck variety
Book street food in Raleigh
Guided tour · 3 hours
Raleigh: Downtown Food Tour with 5 Tastings & Secret Dish
Explore downtown Raleigh on a guided food tour with a local guide. Taste Cantonese barbecue pork buns, Lebanese dishes, and more as you learn about the city's history ...
from$105 Check dates
2 hours
Raleigh: Sushi Making at a Local Craft Beer Bar
Learn how to make sushi with a hands-on cooking class led by Chef Jenny. Make California and vegetable rolls with fresh ingredients and enjoy your creations.
from$75 Check dates
2 hours
Raleigh: Mystery Paint & Sip Night at a Trendy Wine Bar
Join a fun mystery paint & sip night at a local Raleigh wine bar. Cold drinks, brushes and a surprise painting revealed on the night, no experience needed, just show u...
from$59 Check dates