20+ Late-Night Eats Around Downtown Raleigh, N.C.
Thursday, September 05, 2019, 9am by Tabletop Media Group
Whether you’ve just gone to a concert, enjoyed a few local beers or find yourself hungry well after dinner time, these 20+ late-night dining spots around downtown Raleigh will surely satisfy. From the Glenwood South district to Fayetteville St. and everywhere in between and beyond, stop into these local-favorites for a bite to eat.
Snoopy's Hot Dogs & More
Open until 3am on Thurs., Fri. and Sat. nights, the Snoopy's downtown Raleigh location is a hit for late-night bites. The grill features the "Snoopy's Famous Hot Dog," which is topped with mustard, onions and chili and served on a steamed bun. Don't leave without ordering the crinkle-cut fries!
Fox Liquor Bar
This subterranean drinking den, featuring classic and contemporary cocktails, is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winner chef Ashley Christensen. Down a flight of stairs just around the corner from two of Christensen's eating spots (Chuck's and Beasley's Chicken + Honey), you'll find friendly service, a laid back vibe, strong drinks and lots of comfortable, dark leather seating. Those looking for a bite to eat can peruse the "Snax" menu, with Picnic Chicken (cold fried chicken breast, pickles, hot honey and buttermilk herb dressing), Mom's Hawaiian Ham Rolls, the Double Diner Burger and more.
Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria
Sip on the most perfect, well-crafted mezcal cocktail while savoring bar snacks at Gallo Pelón. The kitchen's open until midnight, serving tasty options like epazote queso dip, Colombian hot dogs, fried plantains and more. Snag a spot on their outdoor rooftop courtyard, a favorite secret spot among locals!
Benny Capitale's
Who doesn’t love a ginormous slice of pizza after a night out? Benny Capitale’s is best known for slices that are bigger than your head, making a late-night trip more than satisfying. Stick to the classic cheese and pepperoni or opt for their monthly special, which varies from bacon mac 'n cheese to chorizo and crispy onions. Benny Capitale's is open until 2am on Thurs. nights and 3am on Fri. and Sat. nights.
Char-Grill
Since 1959, Char-Grill has served hungry Raleigh customers delicious hamburgers cooked over charcoal flames. Open until 2am on Fri. and Sat. nights, choose from a mouthwatering menu of burgers, hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches and more paired with a chocolate milkshake and fries for the perfect late-night meal.
DeMo's Pizzeria & Deli
DeMo's is a great late-night stop for pizza, wings and sandwiches on Fri. and Sat. nights until midnight. Drop by their take-out window on Glenwood Ave. for a slice to-go or hang out inside. The stuffed pizza is a must, and if you’re extra hungry, we wouldn’t judge you for devouring a tasty cheesesteak stromboli as well.
Hibernian Restaurant & Pub
Enjoy the old-world flavor and new vibrancy of Ireland without ever leaving the comfort of Raleigh. Hibernian in Glenwood South—owned by passionate mind Niall Hanley—puts the relaxing nature of an Irish social club and the warmth of a Gaelic Kitchen on full display for your utter pleasure. The second-floor patio is a prime eating and drinking spot year-round! Open until 2am every night.
The Station
Another Niall Hanley spot, located in the N. Person St. neighborhood, The Station offers a fantastic outdoor space to enjoy beers and bites, with fireplaces that make it optimal for any season. The kitchen is open until midnight on weeknights and 2am on Fri. and Sat. nights serving fantastic eats like the sloppy joe with pimento cheese and loaded Cuban sandwich, along with starters like hot black bean dip to enjoy with your crew.
Raleigh Beer Garden
Offering 350+ beers on tap (the world's largest beer selection under one roof!) and with a kitchen that's open every night until 2am, Raleigh Beer Garden is a prime place to spend an evening on Glenwood Ave. Select a N.C. craft beer from any of their three indoor bars, then stick around for menu items like beer battered pretzels with beer cheese and pork belly cheese fries. Yet another great place from Hanley.
Armadillo Grill
When a late-night Tex-Mex craving hits, stop by Armadillo Grill on Glenwood Ave., open until 1am on Fri. and Sat. nights. Try their famous steak or chicken soft tacos paired with a heaping bowl of chile con queso dip, and wash it all down with an infused margarita.
MoJoe's Burger Joint
Open until 1am every day of the week, MoJoe's serves a beloved menu of burgers, wings, fries and shakes. The "Classic Big Mo'" burger is popular with the late-night crowd, featuring a 100% Angus Choice, 10-ounce, hand-pressed patty and your choice of toppings. Ask for a side of bacon chili cheese fries to complete one of the best late-night meals in town.
Raleigh Times Bar
Pulled pork nachos, anyone? Raleigh Times Bar is a timeless watering hole and a favorite among locals for late-night food and unique craft beer offerings. Open every day until 2am, pop in for the Bangin' Shrimp Po' Boy, N.C. catfish and chips or their signature Carolina Poutine.
The Players' Retreat
A Raleigh tradition since 1951, PR (as the locals know it) is a go-to for cheese fries, jalapeño poppers and N.C. pit-cooked BBQ sandwiches. Best enjoyed late at night, The Players' Retreat is open daily until 2am!
Trophy Brewing Company
Trophy consistently offers creative beers with a rotating tap list that changes often, ensuring that there’s always something new to try. The lively brewery also offers a unique pizza menu utilizing local ingredients in specialty pies, and what goes better with beer than pizza? Try the Most Outgoing, topped with brie, local mushrooms, caramelized onions and fresh arugula with a Trophy Wife, a session IPA and local favorite. Or, try a feature pizza and pair with noteworthy brews like the Cloud Surfer, a modern IPA, or the Foam Party pilsner. Open until 2am and Fri. and Sat. nights.
Trophy Tap & Table
One part craft beer bar, one part Southern-inspired kitchen, Trophy Tap & Table serves up eats until 2am on Fri. and Sat. From the same team behind the aforementioned, super-successful Trophy Brewing Company, Tap & Table serves the same great beer plus offers a menu ranging from loaded tots (fellow bar-goers will be adamant that you order these) to pork chops, tacos, burgers and more. The rooftop patio, which is open in the evenings, also welcomes you up for brunch on weekends—it's one of the best dining and drinking spots in town.
Carolina Ale House
For casual pub fare and a sports bar vibe, Carolina Ale House is open every day until 2am. Snack on bar bites like “Frickles” and Southern fried chicken sliders or share some crowd-favorite plates like Carolina nachos and hand-battered and fried chicken wings.
Virgil's Original Taqueria
Open until 2am on Fri. and Sat. nights, Virgil's more than fulfills downtown Raleigh's needs for late-night tacos. Go for the al pastor, fried avocado and carne asada tacos. The flash-fried tortilla chips are also perfect to share with friends; get them with roasted tomatillo salsa, guacamole or chile con queso.
Poole’s Diner
You’d be missing out passing up Poole’s decadent macaroni au gratin during a late night out. Open until midnight every night of the week, this Raleigh mainstay by James Beard Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen offers their famous mac all day, with additional locally-inspired, seasonal offerings that rotate almost each night.
Calavera Empanada and Tequila Bar
Tequila and empanadas? Yes please! Calavera is open until 2am on Fri. and Sat. nights, serving up unique pastries stuffed with everything from pulled pork to bulgogi to buffalo chicken. Served with a premium margarita or a couple late-night rounds of tequila, it’s the perfect way to end the night with a bang.
The District
A modern bar with a familiar menu, The District’s signature tots (hello, pizza tots and cheesesteak tots!) are enough to attract any hungry patron after hours, not to mention their honey-sriracha fries, Southwestern egg rolls and buffalo chicken flatbread. Get your fix on Fri. and Sat. nights until 2am.
Clockwork
While most think that Clockwork is solely a bar, their food menu should not be ignored. Open until 2am every day, they serve tasty appetizers like homemade gnocchi, nachos and deep-fried cauliflower, as well as a great selection of tacos and pizza. A house DJ makes ending the night here a blast.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
It’s not too hard to please when you have more than a hundred beers on tap, plus an appetizing menu served until 2am on Fri. and Sat. nights and 12am every other night of the week. The food at the Flying Saucer varies from shareable small plates like giant buttered and salted pretzels to loaded burgers and sandwiches. Take a seat at the bar or opt for their spacious outdoor patio on a nice night.
Tin Roof Raleigh (opening early Sept. 2019)
Raleigh's newest live music venue (expected to open in early Sept.), Tin Roof Raleigh is expected to feature live music every night with a mix of local, regional and national acts across all genres. And open until 2am every night, you can order up made-from-scratch, Southern-inspired "Better-Than-Bar Food" from their extensive food menu. Highlights include the Nashville Hot Chicken, Chicken 'n Waffles, Dixie Biscuits, award-winning wings and more!
The days are longer, the weather is warmer and the flowers are blooming—sure signs of spring in the Raleigh area! The... View More
Passionate local chefs, brewers and creative types have teamed up to guide the Raleigh area through a foodie resurgence in recent... View More
Located just east of Raleigh in the town of Wendell, Robertson Millpond Preserve is a hidden, 85-acre refuge for nature lovers,... View More
Roll call! Who's up for beer festivals, outdoor concerts, food truck rodeos, special arts exhibits and more? We've got... View More
Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts . Menconi's next book,... View More
Comedy nights, beer celebrations, performing arts events, blooming flowers and more—hello, March! We're jumping feet... View More
Who's ready to rock? Live music is back in a big way this spring in the Raleigh area! Browse the biggest and best picks of... View More
Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts . Menconi's next book,... View More
Author: Tabletop Media Group
Tabletop Media Group is a boutique media agency based in Raleigh serving clients in the food, beverage and agriculture industries. The company offers consulting services in the fields of social media, graphic design, illustration, special events, website design and videography. Founder Kristen started the company in the midst of writing for visitRaleigh.com's food blog more than six years ago!
Follow @TabletopMediaGp on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Visit the team at tabletopmediagroup.com
Have ideas for more visitRaleigh.com articles or questions about current articles? Reach out to senior marketing manager Derek Allman, CHIA, at dallman@visitRaleigh.com!