My son is visiting North Carolina State University next Friday. Afterwards, we are staying 2 nights in Raleigh and looking for places to eat and visit.
So far, planning on visiting the Raleigh Warehouse District, Videri chocolate factory and Botanical Garden.
Looking for suggestions on a really good North Carolina BBQ place and also would be interested in visiting a good museum.
- Second the recommendation on BBQ from the Pit. (See link) …
- On weekend mornings, the flea market at the Fairgrounds is interesting; it’s in the shadow of both Carter Finley ( football) and PNC (Hurricanes hockey).
- from there, Drive the 20 or so miles to Durham and checkout Duke … The chapel is usually open and so might be Cameron.
- I’d say go to a Durham Bulls Bb game, but I think they’re on the road for the next 2 weeks …. The old Tobacco district adjacent to DBAP has some good places to eat in a nice atmosphere.
- Then checkout UNC and Chapel Hill. I’d not recommend the school, but it’s a great campus.
- If you want to see where the Yankees live, visit Cary and Apex. Both towns are interesting in their own way.
Enjoy.
Link - ( New Window )
lol so am I
Death on Lake Lynn Drive - ( New Window )
Ya …been here over 30 years … I’m on the west side of Cary now, off 55 by Green Hope HS. Previously lived off Holly Springs road near Cary Parkway.
Bar you'll find me at on sat night is WILCO.
Brunch - Peck and Plume
Raleigh Times is a cool spot downtown, as others have mentioned, Angus Barn. You can go check out Duke, I was able to walk in and go on the court at Cameron but that was 25 years ago. I’m not sure how accessible it is now.
Down the road a piece. Over yonder in Burlington. (see what they did to me?)
I used to go to Raleigh all the time to play Dek hockey and nearby to play pickup soccer.
Another vote for Angus Barn. Carolina Ale House isn't bad either.
Raleigh Times is a cool spot downtown, as others have mentioned, Angus Barn. You can go check out Duke, I was able to walk in and go on the court at Cameron but that was 25 years ago. I’m not sure how accessible it is now.
+1 on Players Retreat … it’s basically on campus across from the Bell Tower. The Angus Barn is 2nd to none, but it’s an ‘expense account’ kind of place, it’s where Eli took the boys when they came to play catch with at him at Duke. ‘Top of the Hill’ is the UNC equivalent to players … overlooking Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.
NC Museum of Art is great and also the NC Museum of Natural Science.
Angus Barn is a great place to eat as well as Sullivan's Steakhouse.
State Farmers market is always a good time.
GO PACK!
Sorry to Miller the thread, but Larry do you play pickleball?
Quote:
but just graduated with my master's from NC state. I recommend the pit as well for BBQ.
Sorry to Miller the thread, but Larry do you play pickleball?
Nope, Wife has tried to get me to play, but I haven't picked it up yet.
When it opened it was legit. But the founder Ed Mitchell cashed out over a decade ago and it has been awful since. Overpriced, flavorless and heat lamped, and the restaurant facility itself is slipping.
For the best meat in NC, head to Prime BBQ in Knightdale. But it's Texas brisket, has limited hours and is only open until sold out. You'd need to plan this one out (long lines and check the hours).
For NC BBQ, the only Raleigh answer is Sam Jones BBQ downtown. Grandson of one of NC's legendary pitmasters, and Sam has won many awards in his own right.
If not Sam Jones, then hit either Clyde Coopers (lunch only), Ole Time, or even Smithfield Chicken & BBQ (chain but the Q is real) over the Pit x100 times over.
Other Raleigh things:
- If you want to drop some cash, definitely the Angus Barn. Not the best steak you'll ever have, but a Raleigh / NC institution, awesome building and aura, exceptional service...you will not regret it. Second choice for a great steak, non-chain, 50% of the AB price is the Peddler. Great 70's, dark wood atmosphere.
-Raleigh Beer Garden is worth a stop - one of the largest tap selections in the US, 3 or 4 stories, great patio and games, live music some times.
- Watch Bull Durham then go have a beer at Mitch's Tavern on Hillsborough St. The famous bar scene was filmed there.
- Burger and shake at Char Grill. I think Hillsborough St (original) is closed so hit the Edwards Mill location. get the half pound steak burger. Or get your son used to late hours post-bar eats and hit a Cook-Out.
- Amedeos is an absolute NC State staple. Italian. Not the best Italian ever but if you want to "feel" NC State, check it out, right by campus (Western Blvd). Prob #2 State place behind Players Retreat (also recommended)
-if you haven't had Bojangles before - get a chicken biscuit and seasoned fries
- The #2 Raleigh institution behind Angus Barn is 42nd Street Oyster Bar. This is my go-to to take visitors to. I think it's 80+ years in running. Make a reservation. Not terribly expensive. You would not regret a dinner here.
- Farmers Market is worth checking out...good breakfasts at the restaurant. Right by campus.
- If you can't get Howling Cow, then Two Roosters ice cream is worth checking out.
- The two main food halls (Transfer and Morgan St) have some really good options if you can't agree on one restaurant. I'd lean Transfer and get some beers at Burial.
- Wye Oak for good beer, food and Raleigh view
- Best burger is at the Standard
- If you want to get out of Raleigh a bit, there is a fantastic (and huge) brewery / winery called Zinchouse. Technically Durham County. Prob 30 mins from State. Worth a trip if you want to see some pretty countryside outside of city limits.
- Tons of breweries around. I've prob been to 3/4 of them. If this is your thing let me know what you like and I'll recommend a few.
All of the above is from traveling the state extensively for my job and having frequent work visitors.
Just don't do the Pit. I don't want anyone thinking it's NC BBQ.
When it opened it was legit. But the founder Ed Mitchell cashed out over a decade ago and it has been awful since. Overpriced, flavorless and heat lamped, and the restaurant facility itself is slipping.
For the best meat in NC, head to Prime BBQ in Knightdale. But it's Texas brisket, has limited hours and is only open until sold out. You'd need to plan this one out (long lines and check the hours).
For NC BBQ, the only Raleigh answer is Sam Jones BBQ downtown. Grandson of one of NC's legendary pitmasters, and Sam has won many awards in his own right.
If not Sam Jones, then hit either Clyde Coopers (lunch only), Ole Time, or even Smithfield Chicken & BBQ (chain but the Q is real) over the Pit x100 times over.
Other Raleigh things:
- If you want to drop some cash, definitely the Angus Barn. Not the best steak you'll ever have, but a Raleigh / NC institution, awesome building and aura, exceptional service...you will not regret it. Second choice for a great steak, non-chain, 50% of the AB price is the Peddler. Great 70's, dark wood atmosphere.
-Raleigh Beer Garden is worth a stop - one of the largest tap selections in the US, 3 or 4 stories, great patio and games, live music some times.
- Watch Bull Durham then go have a beer at Mitch's Tavern on Hillsborough St. The famous bar scene was filmed there.
- Burger and shake at Char Grill. I think Hillsborough St (original) is closed so hit the Edwards Mill location. get the half pound steak burger. Or get your son used to late hours post-bar eats and hit a Cook-Out.
- Amedeos is an absolute NC State staple. Italian. Not the best Italian ever but if you want to "feel" NC State, check it out, right by campus (Western Blvd). Prob #2 State place behind Players Retreat (also recommended)
-if you haven't had Bojangles before - get a chicken biscuit and seasoned fries
- The #2 Raleigh institution behind Angus Barn is 42nd Street Oyster Bar. This is my go-to to take visitors to. I think it's 80+ years in running. Make a reservation. Not terribly expensive. You would not regret a dinner here.
- Farmers Market is worth checking out...good breakfasts at the restaurant. Right by campus.
- If you can't get Howling Cow, then Two Roosters ice cream is worth checking out.
- The two main food halls (Transfer and Morgan St) have some really good options if you can't agree on one restaurant. I'd lean Transfer and get some beers at Burial.
- Wye Oak for good beer, food and Raleigh view
- Best burger is at the Standard
- If you want to get out of Raleigh a bit, there is a fantastic (and huge) brewery / winery called Zinchouse. Technically Durham County. Prob 30 mins from State. Worth a trip if you want to see some pretty countryside outside of city limits.
- Tons of breweries around. I've prob been to 3/4 of them. If this is your thing let me know what you like and I'll recommend a few.
All of the above is from traveling the state extensively for my job and having frequent work visitors.
Just don't do the Pit. I don't want anyone thinking it's NC BBQ.
Thanks for all the info, appreciate it.