by Carlee Nilphai | Jul 15, 2025 | Do, July/August 2025
Explore the best dog-friendly restaurants and bars, parks, and hangouts in the City of Oaks.
Who let the dogs out… You should—because your four-legged bestie deserves to have a good doggone day out too. Plan an ~ulti-mutt~ experience with your pooch in and around Downtown Raleigh via our list of some of the best dog-friendly hot spots for those looking to get out of the doghouse.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Bars
Bowstring
Bowstring’s outdoor grassy area is the perf post for all your furry friends—they may even try to get in on a game of cornhole or sneak a bite of pizza (!). You can also bring ’em inside or on the covered patio while you grab a drink, play a game or tune into live tunes.
House of Hops
Whether it’s outside playing cornhole and cooling off with an ice cold beer or tucking inside to escape the heat (also with a beer, of course!), you and your four-legged friend(s) are always welcome at this House.
Raleigh Beer Garden
Hungry dog 🤝 RBG’s Hungry Dawgs menu. Feed Fido his pick of pup-tizers—from carrots and bacon to burgers—while you have your fill of your own hooman snacks paired with over 350 beers on tap.
State of Beer
Put your fur-baby in a great state with an outing at either SOB location (The Bend locale also offers a covered back patio and spacious backyard for roaming!). And those cult-fave sandos are reason enough to leave the house any time.
Tap Yard
Raleigh’s 1-acre beer garden is a hot spot for kids, families, lovers and doggos—think of it like an inclusive playground for all. Tap Yard also hosts trivia, live music, food trucks and other events to keep everyone entertained.
Vault Craft Beer
Raise the “woof”—literally—at this unique brew haven situated in a historic building formerly home to Raleigh’s first drive-thru bank. And for man’s best friend, they can cash in on the free dog treat box while hanging inside or out.
West Street Dog
Let your pup get out the zoomies and socialize with other canines while you enjoy some bevys at this indoor off-leash dog park with a full bar, also offering daycare, boarding and grooming services—plus Monday trivia.
Wolfe & Porter
More like *woof* and porter, are we right?! Post up on the patio or back deck to catch a game, listen to live music, or simply relax with your pal sitting happily at your feet.
Wye Hill
The only view better than the one at Wye Hill is of your happy pup enjoying a dog biscuit by your side as you enjoy the sun-soaked patio and sip on a brew or two. Not to mention it’s the perf perch to take a ’Gram snap for your pooch’s profile.
Plus:
Pet-Friendly Adventures
City Market
Dogs are welcome at most establishments at this historic hub in DTR. Fetch a good deal at cute shops, lap up a latte at Blackbird Books & Coffee, or lean into culture at an art gallery.
Dix Park Dog Park
For an un(fur)gettable day, look no further than one of Raleigh’s largest and most popular park. Its size-specific play space lets your dog play safely—so no worrying about your smaller pooches getting ruffed up by a bigger-boned fella.
Moore Square
Pause and reflect at Moore Square, surrounded by some of Raleigh’s best restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques to fill up an outing. Order takeout and throw down a blanket for a chill hang, or head over to the fully-fenced dog park for some social time.
NCMA
Rover’s gonna love rovin’ the art museum’s Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. Whether roaming the trails, propping up near the pond, sniffin’ the sculptures or basking in the sun on the Ellipse lawn, your pup’ll no doubt have the time of his/her life.
Oakwood Dog Park
Doggos of all shapes and sizes are welcome to run through the trees at this popular Historic Oakwood destination also featuring shade from the sun, a picnic shelter and softball fields.
Unleashed
Dogs need retail therapy too! Find all your pet needs—from treats and food to toys and accessories—to make your canine the envy of all. unleashedmutt.com/city-market
Plus:
by Raleigh Magazine | Sep 20, 2023 | Do, September 2023
Football fans, rejoice! Football season is finally upon us! Looking for the best spot to find your fellow fans and catch your team? We’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you’re a Pack fan looking for an away game party with your pack (or find yourself without tix in coming weeks) or you cheer for one of these other teams, game day is at a bar near you. Here’s where to go on *The Big Day* this season—so you can join the huddle with your home team to get blitzed (get it?) with your peeps. Time to put your game face on. Punt, intended.
NC State
They say the strength of the wolf is the Pack. … If you can’t make it to Carter-Finley—or State is away—and want the fan feel, find your fellow wolves around Raleigh at such go-to game-day hot spots as Brickhouse (home of the Dave Doeren Radio Show), Carolina Ale House, TheMixx, Amedeo’s, Players Retreat (s/o to the OG) or Village Draft House for a howling good game day with your pack. #WITH amedeosrestaurant.com; carolinaalehouse.com; bottlemixx.com; brickhouse-nc.com; playersretreat.com; villagedrafthouse.com
UNC & Duke
If you must watch the Heels or the Blue Devils—we don’t hide our Wolfpack pride at Raleigh Mag—there’s a handful of spots around the Triangle to catch the game. Cheer on UNC while sipping from the signature blue cups at He’s Not Here in Chapel Hill, or, if Duke is who you choose, go “crazie” at Mavericks in the Bull City with a milkshake and BBQ. NTM, word on the street is Brier Creek’s Carolina Ale House is always a good game-watching spot for fans in blue. maverickssmokehouse.com; hesnotherenc.com; carolinaalehouse.com
ECU
This is arrrrgh state?! You can’t spell parties without pirates. Hey, #PirateNation! The Pirates are back in action this year at Highpark Bar & Grill, so don your best purple and gold and get that Pirate pride on with fellow fans. #PiratesTogetherPiratesForever! Wake County, NC Chapter, ECU Alumni Association, piratealumni.com; highparkbarandgrill.com
Ohio State
O-H! I-O! Bond over bacon (AKA that ol’ pigskin) and $5 Buckeye bombs—plus $3 Miller Lite 16 oz. drafts, $5 Lunazul tequila shots, and plenty of grub—over at Brickhouse. Ohio’s alum club is bringing those Horseshoe home-game vibes to you via the fighting song playing on every score and DJs on deck for the big games. Go Buckeyes! The Ohio State University Alumni Club of the Triangle, triangle nc.alumni.osu.edu; brickhouse-nc.com
Alabama
Wild Wing Cafe is the place for Bama fans, friends, food and brews to unite, complete with Bama music, cheers, shakers and more (like, I don’t know, making a drinking game out of the gazillion scores). Roll Tide! Roll Tide Raleigh, rolltideraleigh.com; wildwingcafe.com
Georgia
If you can’t be between the hedges swaying to the “Battle Hymn,” travel to Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in Raleigh. Catch the dawg fights all season and keep sniffin’ for some post-season play. Sic ’em, UGA. Good dawg. UGA Alumni Association – Raleigh Chapter, alumni.uga.edu, tobaccoroadsportscafe.com
Michigan
Share your OSU distaste and shout “Go Blue” with fellow fans at Wild Wing Cafe in Brier Creek. With a fight song dubbed “The Victors,” solo watching is just not an option. Specials will keep you satisfied (plus, Wild Wing donates 10% of food sales to MTAC!) while you bop to beats and let the fight song to transport you to The Big House. And keeping Blue benevolent, be on the lookout for Wild Wing’s MTAC charity nights. Michigan Triangle Alumni Club, alumni.umich.edu; wildwingcafe.com
LSU
In Louisiana, the 12th man is food—and Sharky’s isn’t here to disappoint. … Down some drinks and grub on some gumbo and po’boys all football season long. NTM co-owner Simone was born and bred in the Big Easy! So, “hot boudin, cold coush-coush, come on Tigers, push push poosh.” Geaux Tigers! sharkysnc.com
University of Mississippi
Hotty toddy, gosh almighty! Cheer on those Ole Miss Rebels right down the road at Moe’s Original BBQ in Durham, where the owner just happens to be an Ole Miss alum (!). While Moe’s is no Vaught Hemingway Stadium, there’ll be plenty of barbecue and beer to go around for your whole squad. Game on. Ole Miss Alumni Association, olemissalumni.com; moesoriginalbbq.com
Clemson
While it isn’t Death Valley, you’re gonna wanna get your roar on with fellow alumni and fans at Lynnwood Brewing Concern at Dock 1053, where, if nothing else, the “Tiger Rag” will never get old. So scoot on in and “hold that tiger” (and find out if QB DJ Uiagalelei can meet those lofty expectations). C-L-E-M-S-O…N! lynnwoodgrill.com
Notre Dame
The luck of the Irish can be found at Trali Irish Pub—natch. “We are Irish. We’ve got Guinness. We’ve got TVs.” Pop a squat at the bar to watch the Fighting Irish “play like a champion today.” traliirishpub.com
by Anna Beth Adcock | Jun 29, 2023 | Buzz, July/August 2023
Why did the chicken cross the road? … To ace our fried chicken quiz, of course! We’ve cooked up a slew of Q’s about the local fried chicken scene—with a sprinkling of “just winging it” to really test your wits—in honor of National Fried Chicken Day July 6. … Are you even a true Southerner if you don’t love to devour the greasy goodness?! There’s no bones about it—will you chicken out or earn an eggcellent score? Best of cluck!
1. Star chef Ashley Christensen—of Poole’s Diner, Poole’side Pies, and Death & Taxes fame—recently released her shares of BB’s Crispy Chicken to Raleigh-based biz partner MDO Holdings. Which recently reopened bar is the renowned restaurateur also behind?
a. The Hippo Wine Bar
b. Fox Liquor Bar
c. Barcelona Wine Bar
d. The Raleigh Wine Shop
2. In 1991, a devastating fire at NC-based chicken factory Imperial Food Products led to 25 deaths and 40 injuries due to an ignited fryer catching on grease/oils on the factory floor. In what city was the factory located?
a. Fayetteville
b. Hamlet
c. Sanford
d. Winston-Salem
3. “Y’all come!” … With menu items that’ll make your grandma proud, the State Farmer’s Market Restaurant and its fried chicken biscuits are def worth a try. When did this Southern comfort sup spot settle into its current locale?
a. 1961
b. 1979
c. 1991
d. 2002
4. The combo of our dreams, chicken and waffles continue to remain a supreme mealtime pick. Hummingbird’s menu touts a waffle with maple syrup/hot honey herb butter and a lemon and garlic chicken breast that’s oh-so-tasty. From which foodie city does this kitchen draw inspo?
a. Austin
b. New York
c. New Orleans
d. Charleston
5. Louisiana fast-food chicken franchise Popeyes launched a fried chicken sandwich so popular that it broke the internet circa 2019. How many Raleigh locations does this chicken chain boast?
a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 5
6. Hey, y’all! Tupelo Honey’s scratchmade Southern eats fill hungry bellies with a slew of fried chicken ops—paired with waffles, biscuits and an array of sides—oh, my! In what city did this nationwide nosh spot begin?
a. Durham
b. Raleigh
c. Charleston
d. Asheville
7. The plot chickens. Agriculture tops the list as NC’s top industry, with poultry ranking No. 1 on NC’s agriculture list in terms of economic impact. About how much money does poultry bring in annually?
a. $39.76 billion
b. $42.38 billion
c. $57.95 billion
d. $68.32 billion
8. Spread your wings and fry. Mandolin’s fried chicken sammy is stacked with pimento cheese, bacon and a pickled green tomato—but what saucy topping amps up its appeal?
a. Old Bay mayo
b. Chipotle mayo
c. Sriracha
d. Honey BBQ sauce
9. Aim fryer! Wilson’s Eatery’s Southern Fried sando features crispy chicken (natch), pimento cheese, lettuce and house pickles on brioche. Which brewery neighbors this resto—and makes the perf place for a post-dinner drink?
a. Lynnwood Brewing Concern
b. Crank Arm Brewing Company
c. Funguys Brewing
d. Trophy Brewing Co.
Answers: 1. B; 2. B; 3. B; 4. C; 5. B; 6. D; 7. A; 8. A; 9. A
by Anna Beth Adcock | Sep 1, 2022 | Do, September 2022
Football fans, rejoice! Football season is finally upon us! Looking for the best spot to find your fellow fans and catch your team? We’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you’re a Pack fan looking for an away game party with your pack (or find yourself without tix in coming weeks to CF) or you cheer for one of these other teams (but why—jk), game day is at a bar near you. Here’s where to go on *The Big Day* this weekend—and this season—so you can join the huddle with your home team to get blitzed (get it?) with your peeps. Time to put your game face on. Punt, intended.
NC State
They say the strength of the wolf is the Pack… and with its highest preseason ranking ever at No. 13, all eyes are on NC State. So if you can’t make it to Carter-Finley—or State is away—and want the fan feel, find your fellow wolves around Raleigh at such go-to game-day hot spots as Brickhouse (home of the Dave Doeren Radio Show), Carolina Ale House, Amedeo’s (swing by this Saturday for drink specials, a celebrity bartender and a halftime raffle!), Players Retreat (s/o to the OG) or Village Draft House for a howling good game day with your pack. #WITH amedeosrestaurant.com; carolinaalehouse.com; brickhouse-nc.com; playersretreat.com; villagedrafthouse.com
Game one, Saturday, Sept. 3: Pack sniffs out the Pirates in Greenville, noon, ESPN
UNC & Duke
If you must watch the Heels or the Blue Devils—we don’t hide our Wolfpack pride at Raleigh Mag—there’s a handful of spots around the Triangle to catch the game. Cheer on UNC while sipping from the signature blue cups at He’s Not Here in Chapel Hill, or, if Duke is who you choose, go “crazie” at Mavericks in the Bull City with a milkshake and BBQ. NTM, word on the street is Brier Creek’s Carolina Ale House is always a good game-watching spot for fans in blue. maverickssmokehouse.com; hesnotherenc.com; carolinaalehouse.com
Game one, Friday, Sept. 2: Duke takes on Temple at home, 7:30pm, ACC Network
Game two, Saturday, Sept. 3: Tarheels head to Boone to battle App State, noon, ESPN
ECU
This is arrrrgh state?! You can’t spell parties without pirates. Hey, #PirateNation! The Pirates are back in action this year at Highpark Bar & Grill, so don your best purple and gold and get that Pirate pride on with fellow fans. #PiratesTogetherPiratesForever! Wake County, NC Chapter, ECU Alumni Association, piratealumni.com; highparkbarandgrill.com
Game two, Saturday, Sept. 10: ECU faces Old Dominion on its territory, 6:00pm, ESPN+
Ohio State
O-H! I-O! Bond over bacon (AKA that ol’ pigskin) and $5 Buckeye bombs—plus $3 Miller Lite 16 oz. drafts, $5 Lunazul tequila shots, and plenty of grub—over at Brickhouse. Ohio’s alum club is bringing those Horseshoe home-game vibes to you via the fighting song playing on every score and DJs on deck for the big games. Go Buckeyes! The Ohio State University Alumni Club of the Triangle, triangle nc.alumni.osu.edu; brickhouse-nc.com
Game one, Saturday, Sept. 3: Buckeyes host the Fighting Irish, 7:30pm, ABC
Alabama
Sammy’s Tap & Grill is the place for Bama fans, friends, food and brews to unite, complete with Bama music, cheers, shakers and more (like, I don’t know, making a drinking game out of the gazillion scores). Don’t miss the weekly raffle (we love some Bama swag!) to benefit the local chapter. Roll Tide! Roll Tide Raleigh, rolltideraleigh.com; sammystapgrill.com
Game one, Saturday, Sept. 3: Bama rolls over Utah State, 7:30pm, SEC Network
Georgia
If you can’t be between the hedges swaying to the “Battle Hymn,” travel to Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in Raleigh. Catch the dawg fights all season and keep sniffin’ for some post-season play. Sic ’em, UGA. Good dawg. UGA Alumni Association – Raleigh Chapter, alumni.uga.edu, tobaccoroadsportscafe.com
Game one, Saturday, Sept. 3: The Dawgs meet the Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl, 3:30pm, ABC
Michigan
Share your OSU distaste and shout “Go Blue” with fellow fans at Wild Wing Cafe in Brier Creek. With a fight song dubbed “The Victors,” solo watching is just not an option. Specials will keep you satisfied (plus, Wild Wing donates 10% of food sales to MTAC!) while you bop to beats and let the fight song to transport you to The Big House. And keeping Blue benevolent, be on the lookout for Wild Wing’s MTAC charity nights. Michigan Triangle Alumni Club, alumni.umich.edu; wildwingcafe.com
Game one, Saturday, Sept. 3: Wolverines takes on CAM the Ram (aka Colorado State) in Ann Arbor, noon, ABC
LSU
In Louisiana, the 12th man is food—and Sharky’s isn’t here to disappoint. … Down some drinks (stay tuned for drink specials) and grub on some gumbo and po’boys all football season long. NTM co-owner Simone was born and bred in the Big Easy! So, “hot boudin, cold coush-coush, come on Tigers, push push poosh.” Geaux Tigers! sharkysnc.com
Game one, Sunday Sept. 4: Tigers take on the FSU Noles in Nawlins, 7:30pm EST, ABC
University of Mississippi
Hotty toddy, gosh almighty! Cheer on those Ole Miss Rebels right down the road at Moe’s Original BBQ in Durham, where the owner just happens to be an Ole Miss alum (!). While Moe’s is no Vaught Hemingway Stadium, there’ll be plenty of barbecue and beer to go around for your whole squad. Game on. Ole Miss Alumni Association, olemissalumni.com; moesoriginalbbq.com
Game one, Saturday, Sept. 3: Rebels host Troy in Oxford, 4pm EST, ESPN
Clemson
While it isn’t Death Valley, you’re gonna wanna get your roar on with fellow alumni and fans at Lynnwood Brewing Concern at Dock 1053, where, if nothing else, the “Tiger Rag” will never get old. So scoot on in and “hold that tiger” (and find out if QB DJ Uiagalelei can meet those lofty expectations). C-L-E-M-S-O…N! carolinaalehouse.com
Game one, Monday, Sept. 5: Tigers prowl to Atlanta to play Georgia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game (!), 8pm, ESPN
Notre Dame
The luck of the Irish can be found at Trali Irish Pub—natch. “We are Irish. We’ve got Guinness. We’ve got TVs.” Pop a squat at the bar to watch the Fighting Irish “play like a champion today.” traliirishpub.com
Game one, Saturday, Sept. 3: Notre Dames heads to the “O-H-I-O” to take on Ohio State, 7:30pm, ABC
by Lauren Kruchten | Mar 31, 2022 | April 2022, Eat
5 frothy patios to fulfill your pursuit of hoppiness.
This year, NC Beer Month is in October (a shift initiated last year), but this April marks the inaugural #HopIntoSpring—because “there’s no finer way to enjoy the sunshine of a Carolina day than with… a locally crafted NC beer.” We agree… it’s always hoppy hour during patio season. Here, our five fave beer patios with a mix of vibes and a variety of brews—pouring out the perfect perch for eternal hoptimists. Cheers!
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
Dubbed “Raleigh’s favorite patio,” Wye Hill is an alfresco affair that promises to cure what ales you. Impeccable views + bangin’ housemade brews + chef-driven bar food = our definition of a perfectly spent spring day. You’re gonna need some Everything Brussels… then wash ’em down with Wye’s constantly rotating small-batch brews—so there’s always something new to sip on. wyehill.com
Trophy Brewing + Pizza
You’re gonna want a slice of patio-drinking season at this Trophy hot spot. Pizza and beer already make the perf pairing—but nothing pairs as well with a slice of ’za than Trophy’s house-brewed sips. Fave combos include the Local Celebrity pizza with a Cloud Surfer IPA, or the Most Loyal with a Trophy Husband witbier—but TBH, you can’t go wrong no matter what you tap into. trophybrewing.com
Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie
Savor the flavor (and the sun!) on this sun-soaked patio—complete with a small, calming herb garden that sets the scene for a serene day out. The old-meets-new brewery specializes in Belgian ales and IPAs (but experiments with other brew styles as well), which are best enjoyed with European bistro-inspired fare with a North Carolina twist—out under the twinkling lights, natch. neuseriverbrewing.com
Lynnwood Brewing Concern
Come for the LBC brews and stay for the food from Wilson’s Eatery—thanks to the outdoor haven bridging the two hot spots at Dock 1053. Trust us, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday Funday—or any afternoon/evening imbibing sesh—with your crew than with one of LBC’s palatable pints and a sammie or flatbread from its sister resto. lynnwoodbrewing.beer
Crank Arm Brewing
You can never be two-tired to sit back, relax and enjoy a brewsky post-biking sesh (or, well, ever) at Crank Arm. Complete with bike racks, naturally, this primo alfresco perch always promises a hopping good time, with plenty of tables and chairs (plus a cozy bench) to post up at and relish the sun + warmth with a pint or a tasting wheel. Hoppiness, found. crankarmbrewing.com
