Sticky floors, cheap pours and zero pretense—Raleigh’s dive bars are back in style. Here’s why the culture is resurging and where to start your crawl.
Big Cat Bows on Brookside Drive
A collective of big-name hospitality vets have opened the first phase of Big Cat—with a market and sandwich counter still to come by the end of April.
Local Legend: Slim’s
Downtown Raleigh’s OG dive bar Slim’s remains a fave for cheap drinks, pool, live music and a nostalgic grittiness you won’t find at Raleigh’s new cocktail bars.
Raleigh Restaurateurs Are Betting on the Burbs
As Wake County’s population continues to spread outward, more and more Raleigh chefs and restaurateurs are choosing to open eateries in the suburbs.
Raleigh’s Newest Brunch Bunch
From Mediterranean plates and a brunch club with day-party energy, these new additions prove Raleigh’s appetite for brunch is only getting bigger.
Drinking Isn’t Just Drinking Anymore—Play Is the Move
From pickleball bars to mini golf lounges, Raleigh’s nightlife is getting more interactive. These sportstainment spots turn a night out into a full-on experience.
Crooked Hammock to Bow in April
We got a first look at Crooked Hammock Raleigh, which is anticipated to open at GlenLake this spring.
Chef-Owners Leading the Charge in Raleigh
Raleigh’s food scene stands apart thanks to a host of chef-owned restaurants who are working the line on a daily basis.
Is a 5pm Dinner Reservation the New 8pm?
Gen Z and millennials are embracing earlier dinner reservations—making 5pm the new prime time to snag a great table.
Best Brunch Spots in Raleigh
Brunch in Raleigh has grown from recovery meal to weekly ritual. These are the restaurants doing brunch best in 2026—no rushing, no rules.