Forks up! Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week is back July 24 through Aug. 3, shining a light on some of the city’s best eateries and tempting diners to try out new-to-them spots or return to their faves for special deals, prix fixe menus and experimental dishes. And no matter what you’re craving, odds are it’s on the list, with diversified ops ranging from Southern comfort and contemporary American to Asian, Italian, Mexican and more—plus new-this-year drink and dessert ops. See the full list of participating restaurants below, and click here for all the specific offerings.
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.
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
Ahead of our annual must-consume Best Restaurants Issue, we asked our contributors to chew the fat on the best meal they ate in Raleigh this year. With no shortage of star-studded menus, we dug deep to dish up our true standouts. From established staples to newbies setting the foodie scene on fire, these picks promise to have you reaching for your Resy app. And while you wait for the issue to drop, follow us on social, subscribe for doorstep delivery—and get on the list for hot takes and fresh picks between issues. Because trust us: you won’t want to miss a bite.
From grill to glass—Raleigh’s watermelon game goes wild.
“Tastes like strawberries on a summer evening”—that watermelon sugar high is more than sticky chins and spitting seeds at the family picnic. The juicy fruit isn’t just a sweet summer snack—it’s a savory superstar hiding in plain sight. Like Baby in Dirty Dancing, who famously “carried a watermelon,” local chefs here are flipping the script—playing on watermelon’s crisp, refreshing bite in everything from spicy salads and smoky grilled dishes to inventive cocktails and dreamy desserts.
“When we have our mezcal watermelon margarita on the board, the whole neighborhood knows summer is here,” says William & Company owner Lily Ballance. “Everyone sits on our patio with this fragrant and delicious refreshing watermelon pink drink—our favorite drink of the year!”
Packed with hydration and subtle sweetness, the fruit lends itself to endless creativity—even Jubala’s has jumped in with its viral watermelon tonic (read: local heirloom watermelon, yuzu, basil-mint, quinine and “some pretty wild-tasting espresso.”) So, time to rethink watermelon—and taste its surprising versatility—or flex your rind rigour on Watermelon Day Aug. 7 at the State Farmers Market, complete with a NC Watermelon Queen sighting and judging for the state’s largest upward of 300 pounds (!). Whether a dish, drink or hack for spicing up that sweet fruit at home, one thing is certain—Raleigh’s watermelon scene is anything but ordinary.
Photo courtesy of Stanbury
Watermelon Salad | Stanbury Dice watermelon into 1-inch cubes and place in shallow serving bowl. Dice Persian cucumber. Toss cucumbers with nuoc cham* and pour over plated watermelon. Top with torn herbs (mint, Thai basil, cilantro), crushed roasted peanuts**, crispy shallots*** and rice powder****.
*Nuoc cham 1/2 cup lime juice 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup fish sauce 1/4 cup water 1 serrano
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Stir in 1 Tbsp. sambal and two grated garlic cloves.
**Roasted peanuts Toast 1 cup raw peanuts at 350 for 5–10 minutes, until aromatic and golden. Crush with bottom of pan.
***Crispy shallots Toss 1 cup thinly sliced shallots in 1/4 cup cornstarch and fry at 275 till golden brown.
****Toasted rice Bake 1/2 cup jasmine or sticky rice at 350, tossing every 5 mins. until golden, for a total of ~30 mins. Grind in coffee mill until a coarse powder.
2 oz. Mezcal Espadín 2 oz. fresh watermelon Fresca 1/2 oz. agave nectar 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice 2–3 sprigs fresh basil Tajín for rim
Rim glass with Tajín. Combine all ingredients in a shaker and strain over ice. Garnish with watermelon slice and fresh basil sprig.
Photo by Forrest Mason, courtesy of William & Company
Hacks
Spiked Melon Party-ready and Insta-worthy, a spiked melon is the punch bowl glow-up you didn’t know you needed. Hollow, fill (think rosé, sangria or spiked lemonade), chill, serve—done.
Scoops for ’Tails Poolside pour upgrade: Scoop melon balls into your bev as juicy ice cubes or garnish. Freeze ’em for a chill twist. Pro tip? The real buzz lives in the booze-soaked scoops.
Grilled Slices Sweet meets heat—grill thick watermelon slices for 2–3 mins per side (or until caramelized) with olive oil, salt and chile powder for a smoky-sweet char that hits every note.
“Ceviche” Cool, kicky and plant-based—this watermelon ceviche is peak summer in a bowl. Just dice; mix with lime juice, chopped mint, jalapenos and a salt pinch; marinate for 10 mins; and serve chilled.
Popsicles With a Twist Hydrating and backyard-ready—watermelon pops are the new frozen flex. Blend melon with fresh herbs (basil, mint) and a citrus splash, spike if you like (tequila, rum), then freeze overnight in molds.
Forget flight fears and panic packing—sometimes the best getaway is a staycay. Ditch the keys, keep the vibes and hit pause without leaving town—Raleigh’s hotel and nightlife game is staycation certified. PTO preserved, DND mode: on.
