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Walk Up This Way

Walk Up This Way

by | Jun 16, 2025 | Eat, June 2025

Don’t call it a comeback. … Once upon a time, fast-food behemoth McD’s dished that now-billions-served burger at a walk-up window—a concept popular in the halcyon days of the ’40s and ’50s. But now, it’s not so nostalgic. The resurgence of the old-school walk-up window is once again a thing (some incited by pivots, natch)—and one we see playing out around town. Here are 8 worth stepping up to.

Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar

In uplifting news, helping us stay grounded is Dose Yoga’s fruitful in-house smoothie bar—and walk-up window in the uber-hip Smoky Hollow and North Hills Innovation District developments. So whether you ~namaste’d~ a Dose class or you’re just passing through with your pup or pals, you can grab your daily “dose” of adaptogenic and plant-based protein ops to elevate mood or stay balanced. Positive side effects, guaranteed. doseyogaraleigh.com 

Our rec: Pick your potion from smoothies, smoothie bowls and wellness lattes.

Videri

Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast?! The beloved bean-to-bar chocolate factory’s walk-up window fits right in with the brick exterior, vintage appearance and goodies. Treat yo’self to a cuppa joe, some handcrafted chocolate, a creamy hot cocoa or a scoop of soft-serve ice cream during your DTR stroll—or as a midafternoon pick-me-up. Now that’s pretty sweet. viderichocolatefactory.com

Our rec: BYO wine and cozy up on the charming light-strung patio.

Lawrence Barbecue

If you like *pig* butts and you cannot lie, head to Boxyard for Lawrence Barbecue’s bangin’ brisket, ribs, pulled pork, oysters and chicken—all smoked on-site—plus an array of side fixins’ that are just as mandatory. Snag all those smoky and savory flavors via the walk-up window; then chow down at a picnic table or back at home (dealer’s choice!). But you’ll want to get the whole crew in on this one—after all, BBQ is best enjoyed family-style. lawrencefoodco.com

Our rec: The brisket sando with a side of the three-cheese mac

Oakwood Pizza Box

Get a slice of the action at local fave Oakwood Pizza Box, a casual pizzeria known for its creative toppings and convenient walk-up window (regulars know to grab a pie—in traditional or square size—before heading next door to neighbor Willco for some potables-and-pizza action). Or swing by for a weekend lunch slice when you hit that midday slump—because ’za always makes everything better. oakwoodpizzabox.com

Our rec: Keep it simple with a slice of pepperoni pizza and a Mexican coke.

Bittersweet

A bittersweet symphony indeed, this chic one-stop-shop for coffee, cocktails and desserts also houses its own convenient walk-up window. Satisfy your sweet tooth with an ice cream sundae, or perk up with an afternoon espresso (we won’t tell if you add some liquor to it…). Seasonal specialties keep things interesting, while specials like Thursday Bubbles + Cake and Sunday Pie make a night out a piece of cake—literally. bittersweetraleigh.com

Our rec: A slice of the derby pie pairs perfectly with a boozy latte. 

Jolie

Ooh la la! Trade le rooftop for le walk-up window and settle in to a sidewalk seat like a true Parisian for primo “happy hour” selects like herb and truffle frites, spritzes, sparkling rosé, and wine by the glass offered Tuesday–Thursday from 5 to 10pm. restaurantjolie.com

Our rec: Fries + wine = an unbeatable girl (or boy!) dinner

Little Rey

Tacos at any time of day? Say less. Hit up this popular taco the town at Raleigh Iron Works for the perfect on-the-go snack—plus chips and queso, natch. And a meal here wouldn’t be complete with a marg, naturally. Look out for their monthly rotating featured taco in partnership with a local chef, with proceeds benefiting a different org each month. littlerey.com

Our rec: Brekkie dreams are made of breakfast tacos—and don’t sleep on the quesadillas.

Midwood Smokehouse

“Take meat home tonight” via the Smoky Hollow ’cue spot’s to-go window dishing up smoky barbecue plates (think Carolina pork, brisket, smoked chicken and burnt ends)—plus fan-fave sandwiches, salads, and apps like nachos and wings. It’s great go-to for your next family BBQ sans the grill. midwoodsmokehouse.com

Our rec: Load up on the burnt ends with a side of cheesy broccoli casserole.

More Streeteries Are Coming to Downtown Raleigh

More Streeteries Are Coming to Downtown Raleigh

by | Jan 30, 2022 | Buzz, December 2021/January 2022, Web Exclusive

WEB EXCLUSIVE Outdoor diners and drinkers rejoice!

If you’re outdoorsy in that you like drinking on patios, your outdoor imbibing sesh just got a huge upgrade. Enter the City of Raleigh’s new outdoor seating regulations that allow for (more) “streeteries” to be implemented at DTR bars and restaurants beyond the pandemic. (Can we get a cheers?!)

You’ve likely already tossed back a brew or two on a streetery—which converts on-street parking spaces to provide more outdoor seating for patrons—in the past two-plus years (Crank Arm, Irregardless Cafe and The Raleigh Times are just a few local businesses that added one to their patios during the pandemic), but now you’ll see them cropping up at more and more at sip and sup spots around town thanks to a $500,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan.

And before any DTR parking rants start… hear us out (and, TBH, we rec an Uber for that spirits sesh anyway). While streeteries may take away from local businesses’ parking spots, they will ultimately help locally owned Raleigh restaurants and bars thrive—so a chicken and egg situation, if you will. According to Crank Arm owner Adam Eckhardt in a November 2021 interview with Spectrum News 1, the streeteries helped gain a lot of positive feedback from customers and helped his business survive during the worst of COVID. 

But streeteries aren’t the only thing sticking around. Raleigh City Council also just approved an ordinance to codify temporary curbside pickup zones into the City Code—meaning, whether you like it or not, they’re here to stay. A result of DRA’s Public Realm Study, the now-permanent curbside pickup zones provide customers of local businesses a safe spot to park their vehicles and pickup takeout orders, which have remained a prominent option for a lot of local restaurants—and for Raleighites who enjoy cozying up on their couches with a good, local meal. (Again, yes, street parking takes the backseat—but without that spot to pull up in DTR how often were you really considering takeout…) 

So whether you dig dining or drinking outside or pref easy no-fuss pullup to grab that to-go box in your PJs to nosh on at home, Downtown Raleigh has plenty of ops for how and where you want to eat and drink.