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
“Restoring the past and forging the future,” Raleigh’s burgeoning Iron District has established itself as a one-of-a-kind pocket of town feat. an array of innovative eateries, creative retail selects and forthcoming businesses.
Wilson’s Eatery Belly up for Southern-inspired faves and craft beer compliments of Lynnwood Brewing amid a casual warehouse space. Pro tip: Get the burger. @wilsonseatery
Thompson Lynch Company Feel simply de-lighted once you step inside the longtime lighting and repair shop offering oodles of quality lighting pieces—from floor and table lamps to chandeliers. Say watt! thompsonlynchco.com
Urban Pothos Plant parents, rejoice! Two green thumbs up for this DTR houseplant boutique sprouting a second locale touting a sprawling jungle of gorg flowers and greenery. @urbanpothos
Trig Modern Channel your sophisticated self when you sip a glass of vino on a nice couch at this midcentury mod/timeless chic furniture and drink oasis. How fab! @trigmoderndtr
East End Bistrot That’s amour! Elevated French fare found at this stunningly chic bistro flaunting a luxe dining experience. Before or after din, sip a drink out on the Champagne Terrace. @eastendbistrotraleigh
Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard Wanna pizza this? Enjoy live tunes, ’za and a brewski (or two!) in an inviting neighborhood bar fit for a night out with the buds or your boo. @bowstringpizzabrewyard
Glow Fitness Ready, set, glow. Get your fitness on at this immersive group fitness studio feat. indoor cycling, body pump, Barre, yoga and more. @glow_raleigh
Andia’s Ice Cream Hey, sweet thang! Lap up local small-batch ice cream—scooped with love!—at Andia’s new Iron Works locale flaunting super-delish frozen treats. It’s totally worth melting for…@andiasicecream
Gabi’s: Powered by Special Abilities Inclusion and empowerment are the MO of this java-focused nonprofit providing jobs for the special abilities community—and volunteer ops for all.@gabisraleigh
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?
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?
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?
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?
Raleigh has no shortage of bangin’ burgers—arguably stacking up against the best burger capitals in the country (comin’ for ya, Dallas). It’s been seven years since Raleigh Magazine crowned the best burgers in town—and a lot has changed on the beefy scene—so we decided it was time to dig in. We had a cow noshing our way through Raleigh’s meatiest masterpieces to suss out everything under the bun and crown our mighty burger kings. If you like big buns and you cannot lie, when it comes to perfect patties, 10 standouts hamburgled our hearts—aka the best burgers you can get our hands on—plus a smattering of walk-up ops, fries, sauces and more worth getting out of bed for. Hungry? Let’s meat up.
1
Neuse River Brewing Co.
NEUSE RIVER BURGER Beer cheese and beef patties—name a better combo, we’ll wait. And add a brew for the perf meat-cute. Inspired by “flavor, flavor, flavor,” says co-owner and COO Jennifer Kolarov, “chef Mark Woodard is maintaining the legacy” of the NRBC burger originally dreamt up by chef Steven Jankowski that continues to achieve insane levels of satisfaction on the daily. The half-pound beef patty with NRBC beer cheese is also topped with roasted garlic aioli, crispy onion strings and housemade pickles on locally made Union Special brioche buns for a flavor bomb worth Gramming about. @neuseriverbrewingco (Photo courtesy of Beck Laster)
DOUBLE SMASH BURGER A pandemic prodigy if you will, chef Oscar Diaz’s double smash burger first popped on the menu in 2020 as a solution to “bomb ass” comfort-food takeout while the dining room was closed—only to become so popular that it became a permanent menu staple. Bless! The smashing success belongs, of course, to the well-seasoned patties smashed as thin as possible—which helps with caramelization—NTM the housemade pickles, American cheese, lettuce and tomato that provide the “perfect grease-to-freshness ratio (that’s an actual measurement),” says Diaz. But the crowning jewel is the secret burger sauce—and though the ingredients are indeed a secret, you should def order extra for dipping. @cortezraleigh (Photo courtesy of May Caudillo)
RANCHERO Spice lovers—this one’s for you. If you can handle the heat, the Ranchero is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds thanks to crispy jalapeno bacon, pepper jack cheese and salsa verde—topped off with a fried egg. MoJoe’s kitchen manager Fidel Herrera Gonzalez garnered inspo for the spicy “sammich” in his family’s salsa verde recipe, finding it paired excellently with the creaminess of the cheese. And since there’s an egg on it, it also counts as breakfast—aka a perf hangover brunch meal that’ll kick ya back into gear after a night out. Feelin’ hot, hot! @mojoesburgers (Photo by Jennifer Robertson)
4
Standard Beer + Food
STANDARD SMASH BURGER “Nothing fancy, no chef required.” If Standard’s, ahem, standard smash burger had a tagline, this would be it. “It’s pretty simple—as it should be,” says operating partner Cov DeRamus. Nevertheless, the burg sure doesn’t skimp on flavor. Made from two quality patties of coarse, ground, high-fat chuck + brisket, the killer handheld delivers on fat, salt, acid and heat—all thanks to thinly shaved Oklahoma-style onions, American cheese, a toasted buttered Martin’s potato bun, and dill pickles. And we can’t forget Standard’s slightly spicy special sauce, which was somewhat inspired by In-N-Out Burger… “because they are the best,” says DeRamus. But trust us, In-N-Out has nothing on these bad boys. @standard_beerfood (Photo courtesy of brand)
5
Wye Hill Brewing
WYE HILL BURGER Beer love and burger love combine in this elite menu op starring a fried green tomato battered with the same local grain Wye uses to brew its award-winning beers. One of the resto’s most popular dishes, the meaty masterpiece is served with bacon, cheddar and Gouda cheeses (the more cheese the merrier!), and a chipotle crema that adds a delicious smokiness in every bite. We won’t say it’s necessary to enjoy this loaded burg with a Wye Hill brew on its treasured patio, but wye the heck wouldn’t you?! @wyehill(Photo by Food Seen)
OLE BLEU BURGER Monday is arguably one of the most important days of the week at Mandolin, as its seasonally rotating burger (also available on the bar menu Monday through Saturday) is only 10 bucks (!). #Steal. The bun in a million changes regularly, but the patty—made with housebutchered beef shoulder and ground with housesmoked bacon—stays the same. Currently, it’s being dressed with a blue cheese remoulade, shredded lettuce, caramelized onions and house pickles. “It’s meaty, funky and tangy,” says chef de cuisine Dylan Shook—“and just the right amount of juice runs down your hand.” Better grab extra napkins. @mandolinraleigh (Photo courtesy of JNK PR)
7
Players Retreat
WOLFPACK BURGER Raleigh’s long been howlin’ for this OG burger riff on the Carolina dog. You just can’t get more classic Southern than this aptly dubbed Wolfpack Burger lest you ride in on a decked-out truck blaring Darius Rucker’s version of “Wagon Wheel” (“And if I died in Raleigh, at least I will die free…”). Slathered in slaw, mustard and chili—don’t even think about asking for ketchup—and served on a Union Special seeded bun, the time-honored “slutty” classic is just one of PR’s mainstay menu items. Case in point: A burger has been on the menu as long as the Hillsborough Street institution’s been open (1951). Real Southerners will order it with a sweet tea—but beer works too. @theplayersretreat
8
Fine Folk
FINE FOLKIN’ CHEESEBURGER From the fine folks who brought you pandemic pop-up Gov’t Cheeseburger in Cary comes this damn fine cheeseburger inspired by “many trips to McDonald’s after a long shift, then hanging out at the bar,” says Fine Folk chef/operator Chris Lopez. After several iterations, hands and spaces, the burg now stacks up as two chargrilled patties, American cheese, shredduce, onion, pickles and special sauce on a seeded bun. Trust us—it’ll live in your dreams. @finefolknc (Photo courtesy of brand)
9
Capital Club 16
CC16 CLUB BURGER You’re the ~bun~ that I want. Literally Raleigh Mag’s publisher’s fave—because “everything about it is absolutely delicious,” she says—you can’t go wrong with 4 ounces of Angus beef patty (single or double) dusted in CC16 house seasoning, thyme and rosemary, then topped with melted Vermont cheddar, butter lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions, and slathered with a spread of 1000 Island burger sauce, all tucked in a brioche bun. Pro tip: “If you are super-hungry, you can double up the patty or add a fried egg and call it a Golden Buck,” says chef/owner Jake Wolf—before spilling some tea. … “A version of this burger will soon be able to be enjoyed on the road or on location out of our Wandering Wolf Food Truck hitting the streets soon!” Find us in the club…@capital_club_16 (Photo courtesy of Mariangela Perez Masud)
LE COQUETTE BURGER Life is messy—may as well lean in and slap that mess on a bun—er, croissant (who you callin’ flaky?!)—and go ham. Say au revoir to your probs with this steak burger topped with brie, bacon, caramelized onions and sunny-side-up egg on croissant (natch)—so, in essence, all the fan faves paired up in one sammich—messy and totally worth it—kinda like life TBH. Ooh la la… @coquetteraleigh(Photo courtesy of brand)
Casual Buns
Let’s be honest—the best burgers don’t have to be high class. If you’re on the go or not feelin’ fancy a la Iggy Azalea, these 4 Raleigh Magpicks promise to satiate a quick, casual craving of juicy, greasy goodness.
Char-Grill
Hamburger Steak Sandwich “Simpler times, simpler choices” served via this OG burger with a legacy to boot. “Born in the ’60s at my father’s restaurant, the Gateway [shuttered 1972], across from NC State,” says Char-Grill co-owner Ryon Wilder, the classic splashed back on the scene in 1975 as the 8-oz. Hamburger Steak Sandwich we know and love today (the 4-oz. Hamburger Steak Sandwich Jr. was added later). And Raleigh still fiends for the top-seller—whether as a grab-and-go lunch, a fam tradition or a saving grace post night out. Cooked over lava rock (!), the chargrilled patty perfection comes with your choice of toppings: mayo, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, coleslaw and chili. The world is your oyster—er, burger! chargrillusa.com(Photo courtesy of brand)
Reaper Burger “Come on, baby, don’t fear the reaper.” … This burger joint’s Reaper is, well, killin’ it. “Bringin’ the heat to Mama Crow’s epic lineup of charred and true burgers,” says co-owner Jeanne Queen, there’s nothing grim about these two smash patties of perfectly seasoned coarse ground beef topped with melty homemade pimento cheese and assembled with housepickled jalapenos, a bed of spicy crispy slaw and globs of housemade Carolina Reaper mayo. @mamacrows (Photo courtesy of Chair8)
Double Smashed Cheeseburger A smash burger is only as good as its meat—and smashing technique, of course—which is why this Jersey City- and NYC-inspired fusion “food exchange” uses 100% Angus halal beef for its signature burg. In true smash burger fashion (with an added twist!), it’s topped with fresh onions, American cheese and a special housemade aioli. #Juicy. @meatnbite (Photo courtesy of brand)
Truffle Burger Bodacious truffle burger—aka umami bomb—found via 8 ounces of beef sourced from short rib, chuck and brisket (!), then topped with truffle aioli, caramelized red onions and smoked Gouda cheese, and placed on brioche with a hint of butter flavor. But the real star of this flavor explosion is the umami—natch—“followed by the sweetness of the aioli that complements the fatty and richness of our signature beef blend,” says chef/owner Dan Yeager. @cowbarburger
(Courtesy of Char-Grill)
(Medium) Rare History
Among all the princely patties, there is but one true “burger king” when it comes to legacy beef. Raleigh’s OG Char-Grill has been serving up its fan-fave flame-cooked patties since 1960—and it’s been a treasured meat-up destination since.
Fun fact—contrary to conventional wisdom, the burger joint wasn’t actually Raleigh’s first. … Per Char-Grill co-owner Ryon Wilder, fast-food spot Charcoal Grill on Capital Boulevard preceded it in late 1959—only to be put out of biz by Char-Grill a few months later when it bowed on Hillsborough Street. (Honestly, not surprised—it’s Char-Grill after all.) Despite a brief closure in the early ’70s (there were plans to demolish the building and use the land for a parking lot—sound familiar?), the Raleigh icon has stood the test of time as a go-to for NC State students, Downtowners and Raleighites for a down-home no-frills burger, fries and shake—with now an additional eight locales to feed the frenzy. “We’ve been here a long time,” says Wilder, “and we’ve had a loyal following for many years.”
As for the burger king’s future? Grab those shades—it’s looking bright as ever. In the next few years, the OG Hillsborough Street building will be demolished (pause for a moment of silence). But before we go bacon your heart, the casz burger behemoth will return. “We will remain open for ~two more years and then rebuild on the first floor of the new building,” says Wilder. The new digs will feature inside seating (!), and the iconic Char-Grill sign will be proudly displayed in the dining room. “Our goal is to recreate exactly what you see here [now],” Wilder adds. And so, we will *meat* again.
VIP PICKS
Gov. Roy Cooper Char-Grill “Quick, tasty, mustard-on-tie worth it—the best spot for a burger in town.”
Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL meteorologist Neuse River burger, Neuse River Brewing Co. “Two things: beer cheese and roasted garlic aioli—wow! Sooo delicious. Plus their location can’t be beat.”
Bryan Blinson, North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Steakburger Senior at the Char-Grill on Hillsborough Street “I realized the Steakburger Senior was my go-to in 1980 when I was a freshman at NCSU—and it has been ever since. I am going to miss pushing my order down that iconic slide.”
Ellyn Daniels, comedian; writer, director and actor of This Little Show of Mine Cheeseburger, MoJoe’s “I love sitting outside, I love the old-fashioned burger-joint ambiance… and the cheeseburger with crinkly cut fries hit the spot when I’m nostalgic for the burgers of my childhood.”
Abby Lampe, NC State alumna + 2022 Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling race winner Southwestern burger, MoJoe’s “MoJoe’s sauce slaps and I love the avocado. The flavors are immaculate!”
Brea Hollingsworth, CBS 17 co-anchor Quad Stack, CowBar “My go-to burger place in town is CowBar. I’m a lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and bacon kind of girl, so I love their Quad Stack. Don’t forget the vanilla milkshake!”
Veggie Burger No one’s wondering where the beef is at with this Wilson’s Eatery meatless masterpiece feat. housemade falafel and edamame, tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, house pickles, and pickled onions on brioche. Pro tip: Vegging out in the outdoor garden def ups the delish factor. @wilsonseatery
You Want Fries With That?
Let’s be honest—it ain’t a bangin’ burger without the fries. … And it’s Fry Day every day when it comes to these 10 RM picks for your burger’s BFF.
Coquette: There’s no better fries combo topping than herbs, truffle oil and pecorino—fight us on it. (Pam Varela)
Buena Papa Fry Bar: I mean, it’s a fry bar—duh. Taking loaded fries to a whole new level with toppings like fried pork belly + guac, pomodoro sauce + meatball, and pulled pork + coleslaw. (Courtesy of brand)
Neuse River Brewing Co.: Pro tip: Get the mussels and save the sauce for fry dipping. (Courtesy of brand)
Standard Beer + Food: There’s nothing standard about these perfectly seasoned skinny fries.
CowBar: Choose from the original, Italiano (rosemary, garlic, Parma), Asian Persuasion (kimchi, wasabi mayo) or Truffle (truffle oil + shavings—our fave!) and you’ll never be disappointed. (Courtesy of brand)
Jolie: Champagne and fries: Doesn’t get much better than that! Run, don’t walk, to the takeout window for this fizzically perf pairing. (Courtesy of brand)
Whiskey Kitchen: Thick, battered fries seasoned with herb and sea salt make for an addicting add-on to a juicy burg. Dip in the housesmoked ketchup—or the beet peppercorn dressing!—for extra class. (Courtesy of brand)
East End Bistrot: Ooh la la! Transport yourself to Paris on the Bistrot patio with an order of pomme frites with fleur de sel (French sea salt). Pro tip: Add the duck fat aioli—and Champagne, natch. (Forrest Mason)
Wye Hill Brewing: It’s giving ripple-cut chips in fry form—the ideal vessel for the savory pimento cheese dip with dill pickle relish. … Kind of a big dill. (P.S. Don’t sleep on the BBQ fries with charred scallion ranch either!) (Courtesy of brand)
Fine Folk: Will skip dinner for the big ass bowl o’ fries. … And the garlic mayo is a necessity. (Courtesy of brand)
CHAIN CHEAT—FIVE GUYS: The boardwalk-style cup o’ fries are irresistible—albeit greasy. … Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Get ’em Cajun style if you’re feeling extra spicy. (Jerry Huddleston)
So Saucy
If you’re a condiment queen—these 6 sauces are the boss.
Sweeten the Deal
3 sweet potato fries picks—if you are what you eat, then I yam what I yam.
Village Deli Swap “rude” taters for a sweet spud basket.
Nofo Sweet spice a la basket served with a Cajun citrus mayonnaise
We’re flippin’ out for these local ’tails around town benefiting Skate Raleigh.
Roll up to one of these local bars throughout April for sips in support of Skate Raleigh that’ll have you jumping for joy. Conlon Family Skate Park is located between Capital Boulevard and Peace Street (aka the land expected to one day become Smoky Hollow Park) and construction broke ground on the park a few weeks back.
Sig Hutchinson, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, emphasizes the park will not only be fun and inviting, but will also fill a need in the city.
“Skateboarders have a hard time finding a place to do their sport, and so they tend to go places where they aren’t necessarily welcome,” he says. “This provides that opportunity to give them a safe place to practice where they can feel at home with their buddies—and they and their parents know that they’re going to be OK, and they’re going to be safe.”
