by Elliott Harrell | Jan 28, 2025 | Do, February 2025
Meat, cheese, wine and friends
If a plate of snacks for dinner is wrong, we don’t want to be right. Viral in popularity ever since “girl dinner” was coined on a 2023 TikTok giving name to the “snacky supper” (aka a bountiful smattering of charcuterie, accoutrements, and/or random pairings of leftovers—think a half-bag of chips + three bites of pasta), the all-the-rage graze sesh makes for the perf Galentine’s Day, best paired with a bevy—and a bestie, obviously. Here, where to gather ’round Raleigh with your gaggle of gal pals for max cheesiness, in the best way.
Postino
Let’s go girls… to build your own bruschetta board. Mix and match from a variety of toast ops ranging smoked salmon and pesto to French onion—or spring for the likes of a Greek hummus board or table cheese. Bottle of vino required for all the gossip (girl) vibes. postinowinecafe.com
Whiskey Kitchen
No situationships here. Just fine-aging whiskey (and friendships!) over small plates like cracklin’ biscuits, crispy broccoli, farm cheese and roasted cauliflower. And fries before guys—always. whiskey.kitchen
Vita Vite
Finally, an excuse to pop bottles and ~wine~ all you want about your love life—or lack thereof. Snag a spot by the fireplace at the Downtown sip spot (but please, don’t try to burn the letters your ex gave you) while you nosh on the ever-changing lineup of cheese and charcuterie options. Pair with mustard to add a little spice to your life. vitaviteraleigh.com
STIR
If you’re not looking to commit (to a full bottle), this happening North Hills outpost offers both a Slay Then Rosé cocktail—or spring for “just the tip” of a bottle by taking advantage of one of their fancy Coravin pours. Complete the meal with oysters with mignonette and the Chef’s Board, brimming with bread, nuts, cheeses, meats, and more. stirraleigh.com
The Raleigh Wine Shop
Meat and cheese—it’s what’s for dinner. And when it’s RWS’ cut-to-order charcuterie and artisanal cheeses from around the world, it’s perfectly acceptable, especially when paired with a glass or two. Vinofile vixens will enjoy the wide selection of vinos on offer, with its wine-by-the-glass program allowing you to taste your way through several ops. theraleighwineshop.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Nov 11, 2024 | Do, November 2024
Now that daylight saving time has ended, here’s where to hang after dark.
Hello darkness our old friend. … Daylight saving time has officially ended, aka when we “fall back”—and count the days till we spring forward again (that’s Sunday, March 9—mark your cals).
So, while we pine for the day our gov sees the light—literally—and passes the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent (BYE, 5pm sunsets—forever), we’re trying to find ways to look on the bright side. Here, a handful of hangs to counter the winter blues—no daylight required.
Cause Chaos
Vibes? Unmatched. Get rowdy this hockey season with fellow Caniacs at a high-energy and goal-heavy Hurricanes games. We’re the fastest-growing NHL franchise for a reason!
The Ritz
Prince said it best: music is indeed healing, so hit up a concert at The Ritz to chase those winter blues away with the likes of Girl in Red (Nov. 27), Finneas (Feb. 16), Foster the People (Feb. 27) and more.
Pickleball
Get your paddles and mood up while you hit some balls under the stars (0r lights) at Pin Point, Method Community Park, or North Hills Park. After all, endorphins make you happy!
Neptunes/Kings
When the lights go down, the music turns up at Neptunes and Kings. Check out the hot spots’ eclectic line-up feat. everything from the Carolina Indie Showcase (Nov. 14) International Jazz Open Jam (Nov. 19) to a Chappell Roan Party (Nov. 22). Oh, and don’t miss karaoke night at Neptunes on Wednesdays!
Comedy Shows
Daylight doesn’t go underground anyway. Spend a night or two at Goodnights Comedy chuckling at the sillies of stand-up comics bringing tons of talent from all over the country into an intimate setting. Cozy and comical? Count us in.
Trivia
If your brain functions better at night, find a lineup of trivia challenges all over town—from adult trivia (*wink, wink*) at Flying Saucer to oodles of other bars and restos offering weekly trivia nights. Think Raleigh Beer Garden (Wendesdays) and My Way Tavern (Tuesdays).
Wine Night
Wine all you want this winter with your pals or your boo at such sophisticated and sleek spots as Vita Vite or Barcelona Wine Bar. Sips after sundown? Yes, please!
Movies
Movies are so back. Cozy up for a drive-in movie after dark and under the stars at Triangle Cinemas or Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre. Or take the film-watching fun inside with bites and brews at Alamo Drafthouse. Either way, pass the popcorn!
Game Night
Got game? Bring your competitive spirit to Boxcar for a night of arcade classics (a round of Pac-Man, anyone?), Skee Ball, air hockey and more. Level up, indeed!
