The Ultimate Guide for Your Date Night in Raleigh
Welcome to the ultimate guide to date nights in Raleigh! Whether you're looking for a romantic evening under the stars or a vibrant night out on the town, Raleigh has something to offer every couple. We’re giving you the inside scoop on our top recommendations for dining spots, the best bars for cozy cocktails, and the most fun, unique activities to make your date night truly special. From hidden gems to popular hotspots, get ready to discover all the ingredients needed for a perfect date night in the heart of North Carolina.
Dining & Eats:
ITALIAN:
Caffe Luna: Offering Italian cuisine in a charming setting, it's an ideal spot for couples who enjoy classic dishes and a warm ambiance. Check out our IG post!
Mulino: Set in a restored historic mill, Mulino offers traditional Italian cuisine in a stunning environment, featuring a spacious outdoor patio and reflecting pool.
Gravy: Gravy serves up Italian-American comfort food with a focus on homemade sauces and fresh, local ingredients, all in a cozy, inviting setting.
La Terrazza: Enjoy classic and contemporary Italian dishes at La Terrazza, where the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful 9th floor terrace views make for an unforgettable dining experience. Check out our IG post!
Vivace: Vivace is a modern Italian restaurant in North Hills, known for its sophisticated menu and stylish setting, perfect for a chic date night.
AMERICAN:
Second Empire: Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian home, this spot offers a refined dining experience with a menu that blends modern and classical cooking.
Crawford & Son: This is a place to enjoy thoughtful, locally-sourced American cuisine in a cozy setting.
Parkside Restaurant: In downtown Raleigh, Parkside features American comfort food with a modern twist, emphasizing local beers and farm-to-table dishes.
Poole’s Diner: Known for its retro-chic vibe and inventive comfort food, Poole’s is a Raleigh staple that's perfect for a laid-back, yet romantic evening.
Wye Hill: Overlooking the Raleigh skyline, this brewery offers not only great views but also an excellent selection of craft beers brewed on-site and a tasty menu.
Angus Barn: An iconic steakhouse known for its exceptional steaks, expansive wine cellar, and rustic elegance.
MEXICAN:
BarTaco: A lively spot offering a beachy vibe, BarTaco specializes in upscale street tacos, fresh cocktails, and a variety of small plates in a stylish, casual setting.
La Santa: La Santa brings a taste of Mexico to Glenwood Ave with its vibrant decor and authentic Mexican cuisine, featuring a menu of classic dishes and innovative margaritas.
CHINESE:
Brewery Bhavana: A combination brewery, flower shop, bookstore, and Chinese inspired restaurant. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed yet elegant date night.
MEDITERRANEAN:
Taverna Agora: This Greek-inspired restaurant and bar features a beautiful rooftop garden where you can enjoy Mediterranean dishes and drinks under the stars.
FRENCH:
Jolie Restaurant: This charming French bistro in Raleigh offers a romantic ambiance and a menu of classic French cuisine. Enjoy the elegant setting and seasonal dishes, perfect for a special evening out. Check out our IG post!
Coquette Brasserie: A vibrant French brasserie located in North Hills, Coquette offers a genuine Parisian dining experience with a menu of classic French dishes, from fresh seafood to decadent desserts, all served in an elegant atmosphere.
Bars, Breweries & Wine Bars
BARS:
Watts & Ward: This large, speakeasy-style bar offers a wide array of craft cocktails in a 1920s-inspired setting.
Dram & Draught: A whiskey and cocktail bar offering a wide selection of drinks and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that's great for conversation.
The Green Light: Hidden behind a bookshelf in The Architect Bar & Social House, this speakeasy is an excellent spot for those who enjoy a bit of mystery with their drinks.
Tin Roof: A fun venue known for live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy Southern-inspired dishes, craft beers, and cocktails while listening to a mix of local and national bands.
ROOFTOP BARS:
10th & Terrace: Located at the Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown, this rooftop bar offers panoramic views of downtown Raleigh along with a selection of wines, local craft beers, and small plates.
The Willard: Located on top of the AC Hotel on Glenwood South, The Willard offers panoramic city views, a refined cocktail menu, and an upscale atmosphere, making it a prime spot for evening drinks and socializing.
Level 7: This rooftop bar on the seventh floor of the AC Hotel in North Hills mixes a modern, urban vibe with a relaxed setting, featuring eclectic small plates and craft cocktails.
Botanical Lounge: As unique garden-themed bar, The Botanical Lounge offers an immersive experience with its plant-laden decor, innovative cocktails, and a menu that emphasizes fresh, botanical ingredients.
WINE BARS:
Vita Vite: A stylish wine bar and art gallery, Vita Vite offers a relaxed atmosphere with a curated selection of wines, local craft beers, and small southern-inspired plates, surrounded by local art.
Barcelona Wine Bar: This warm and welcoming spot offers an extensive selection of Spanish and South American wines paired with tapas-style dishes, emphasizing bold, Mediterranean flavors in a rustic-chic setting.
The Hippo: A contemporary American restaurant, The Hippo is known for its innovative cuisine and modern decor, creating a vibrant and enjoyable dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
BREWERIES:
Raleigh Beer Garden: While not exactly a rooftop, it has an extensive outdoor seating area and holds the record for the world's largest beer selection, making it a unique spot for a casual drink.
Ponysaurus Brewing Co.: A unique brewery in Raleigh that prides itself on crafting "the beer beer would drink if beer could drink beer." Enjoy their inventive brews in a fun, laid-back taproom or on the spacious outdoor patio.
Lynwood Brewing Concern: Known for its quality craft beers and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Lynwood Brewing offers a variety of styles from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, all crafted on-site at their popular Raleigh location. Plus, grab a bite to eat next door at Wilson’s Eatery.
Fortnight Brewing Company: Specializing in English-style beers, Fortnight Brewing in Cary brings traditional UK brewing techniques to North Carolina, offering a cozy pub atmosphere and a lineup of both classic and innovative ales.
Trophy Brewing + Pizza: Known for its inventive pizzas and home-brewed beers, Trophy creates a fun, casual environment perfect for a relaxed night out with friends or a casual date.
Sweet Treats
Bittersweet: A dessert and cocktail lounge offering a unique mix of sweet treats, desserts, and artisan cocktails. Their seasonal desserts and homemade pies are a must-try.
The Peach Cobbler Factory: Specializing in a variety of classic Southern desserts, The Peach Cobbler Factory offers a delightful array of cobblers, cinnamon rolls, and banana pudding, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Check out our IG post!
Videri Chocolate Factory: A bean-to-bar chocolate factory that offers tours and a cozy café setting where visitors can indulge in artisan chocolates, rich hot cocoa, and a selection of homemade confections.
Two Roosters Ice Cream: For a lighter dessert, Two Roosters offers unique and traditional ice cream flavors made with local ingredients. Their rotating menu of flavors keeps things interesting.
Jeni’s Ice Cream: Known for its creative and high-quality ice creams, Jeni's in the Village District provides a wide range of unique flavors made from scratch with grass-grazed milk.
The Yard Milkshake Bar: Known for its over-the-top milkshakes and indulgent desserts, The Yard Milkshake Bar offers a fun and Instagram-worthy experience. Each creation is a unique blend of ice cream, toppings, and syrups, served in creatively decorated mason jars.
Activities
Boxcar Bar + Arcade: If you're looking for a more active date, Boxcar is a fun spot with a variety of arcade games, pinball machines, and console games, complemented by a great selection of beers and cocktails.
Goodnights Comedy Club: A staple in Raleigh's entertainment scene, Goodnights Comedy Club offers a lineup of top-tier comedic talent in a cozy, intimate setting, perfect for a night of laughs and relaxation. Check out our IG post!
First Friday Raleigh: If your date night falls on the first Friday of the month, take advantage of this event where art galleries, studios, and museums open their doors to the public for a lively cultural experience.
NC Museum of Art: Stroll through the galleries to enjoy an impressive collection of art, or walk the Museum Park for outdoor installations and natural beauty. They often host events like outdoor concerts and movie nights, too.
Drive Shack: Perfect for any couple wanting to practice their golf game! This modern golfing facility combines technology-driven golf games with a lively bar and restaurant atmosphere, making it ideal for a fun and competitive outing.
ParTee Shack: Offering a unique mini-golf experience with three creatively themed courses, ParTee Shack is a family-friendly venue that also appeals to couples looking for a fun and casual date night activity.
If you made it to the end of this blog, now you know Raleigh has TONS of options for an unforgettable date night. This definitely doesn’t even begin to cover ALL the options, but these are definitely out favorites and will guarantee a fun date with your honey! Whether you choose to indulge in delectable dishes, sip on fine wines, laugh out loud at a comedy show, or explore interactive games, each of these offers its own unique charm and excitement. We hope this guide inspires you to explore new places and create memorable experiences with your special someone right here in the heart of North Carolina!