Raleigh · Wake County, NC

Where to eat in Raleigh

Scout analyzed 122 Raleigh places and surfaced the ones that actually fit food.

Places analyzed

122

Matches

Typical spend

$50

Typical visit

1.7 hr

Scout-verified spots

Downtown

Lincoln Theatre

This is a good spot for an evening of live music, typically following a dinner out. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $25-75 per person, including tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Watts & Ward

Watts & Ward is a good spot for evening cocktails, whether as a date night opener or a late-night cap. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $30-75 per person for drinks and a small bite.

CocktailsFoodRelaxed

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Southeast Raleigh

Anderson Point Park

Anderson Point Park is good for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, such as a nature walk, exploring historic structures, or a casual paddle. It can be a standalone outing for 1-2 hours or part of a larger day spent outdoors.

OutdoorsHistoryAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Northwest Raleigh

Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park

This park is ideal for a free family outing or solo stroll, offering sculptures and walking trails. Plan for a 1-2 hour visit, best enjoyed on a pleasant weather day, and consider pairing it with a visit to the adjacent museum.

OutdoorsArtsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Southwest Raleigh

Chapel of Bones

Chapel of Bones is a live music venue in Raleigh, suitable for an evening out to catch a show. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit and expect to spend $15-50 per person on drinks and cover.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$15–$50 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

North Hills

Midtown Park at North Hills

Midtown Park is a good free spot for a casual outdoor stroll or to relax before or after shopping/dining at North Hills. Expect to spend an hour here, with easy access for all ages and usually free parking in nearby decks.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

North Raleigh

Shelley Lake Park

Shelley Lake Park is good for a free, active outing lasting 1.5 to 2 hours, suitable for walking, running, or bringing kids to the playground. It pairs well with a picnic or a post-park coffee run.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

John Chavis Memorial Park

John Chavis Memorial Park is good for a multi-hour family outing or a relaxed solo visit, especially for outdoor recreation and playgrounds. Expect minimal to moderate costs if using the carousel or splash pad.

OutdoorsAnimalsRelaxed

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Meymandi Concert Hall

Meymandi Concert Hall is suitable for an evening outing centered around live music, typically a two-to-three hour experience with ticket costs ranging from $30-$100 per person. It can be paired with a pre-show dinner.

Live musicArtsRelaxed

$30–$100 typical2.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Old North Durham

Motorco Music Hall

Motorco Music Hall is a good spot for an evening of live music or comedy, often pairing well with dinner beforehand. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $30-75 per person for tickets and drinks.

Live musicFoodCocktails

$30–$75 typical3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Red Hat Amphitheater

This amphitheater is suitable for a primary evening outing to see a concert. Expect to spend 3 hours and $50-150 per person on tickets and concessions.

Live musicFoodCocktails

$50–$150 typical3 hr visithard parking

Downtown

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

This venue is good for an evening out to see a show or concert, potentially paired with dinner beforehand. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $30-$150 per person.

Live musicArtsSocial

$30–$150 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking

North Raleigh

Saints & Scholars Pub

Saints & Scholars Pub is a good spot for a casual dinner or drinks with friends, especially if you enjoy live music or a dog-friendly patio. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

919 FAYE ART LAB

This art studio is suitable for a 1-2 hour creative session, often paired with lunch or coffee nearby. Expect to spend $20-$50 per person on a typical visit.

ArtsRelaxedEducational

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Pullen Park

Pullen Park is a classic family outing for 2-3 hours, offering amusement rides and playgrounds for a moderate cost per person. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination in itself for young children.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$5–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Fred Fletcher Park

Fred Fletcher Park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity like a walk or playground visit, typically lasting 1-2 hours. It can be paired with a picnic or a nearby cafe for a longer outing.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

North Hills

Lassiter Mill Park

Lassiter Mill Park is a free outdoor space ideal for a relaxing walk or a family outing, particularly on a weekend afternoon. Expect to spend about an hour enjoying the natural surroundings, possibly pairing it with a picnic.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Northgate Park

Museum of Life and Science

This museum is great for a half-day family outing, offering both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits. Plan for moderate walking and about $20-30 per person for entry.

ArtsAnimalsOutdoors

$20–$30 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

Ackland Art Museum

The Ackland Art Museum offers a free indoor art experience, good for an hour and a half solo visit or family outing. It's a great complement to exploring the UNC-Chapel Hill campus and costs nothing to enter.

ArtsHistoryRelaxed

$0 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

This venue is ideal for an evening out to catch live music, pairing well with a dinner beforehand. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $25-$75 per person on drinks and cover.

CocktailsLive musicShopping

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Duke University - Main Campus

Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

Spend 2-3 hours exploring art, from free permanent collections to paid special exhibits. It pairs well with a meal on Duke's campus or nearby Durham for a relaxed cultural outing.

ArtsHistoryRelaxed

$0–$25 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Kings

Kings is a downtown Raleigh spot for live music, comedy, and themed nights, best for an evening out with friends or a date. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $20-50 per person on tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

North Raleigh

Galaxy Fun Park

Galaxy Fun Park is suitable for a 3-hour family outing, especially with younger kids. Expect to spend $25-50 per person for entry and activities.

OutdoorsSportsPlayful

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Southwest Raleigh

Dix Park

Dix Park is good for a free, active outing outdoors, suitable for walking, dog-walking, or enjoying nature. It can fill 1-3 hours and pairs well with a picnic or a coffee shop visit before or after.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking