4 “Locals Only” Destinations in Raleigh

Despite having an area population nearly a million strong, Raleigh often sits under the radar when it comes to people looking for hip destinations. Fortunately, that’s just the way locals like it! Between being able to grab a craft cocktail without a long wait or knowing the perfect spot for chicken and waffles on a Sunday morning, Raleigh’s citizens enjoy some enticing delicacies all on the down-low.

Area business owners look out for their customers, too, with secret menu options and plenty of TLC given to their atmosphere. However, even the most careful business can neglect customer safety in some ways, resulting in an injury. When this happens, natives know that they can rely on a trustworthy personal injury attorney in Raleigh to represent their case and get them fair compensation for their claim.

To help you enjoy Raleigh like locals do, bookmark these four local hotspots that are sure to wind up in your regular going out routine!

Duck Donuts

Duck Donuts, 8323 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613

Duck Donuts may be a franchise, but the intimate atmosphere and the fact that workers know many customers on a first-name basis could easily fool you. This Pennsylvania-based chain has only 69 locations around the U.S., and Raleigh is blessed to be one of them. Donuts are fried and baked from scratch every morning. Inventive flavor options include maple bacon, lemon, strawberry, and the not-so-secret French toast donut.

Boxcar Bar + Arcade

330 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Housed in a renovated industrial building, Boxcar Bar + Arcade has the charm of a hipster hotspot awash in nostalgia you probably haven’t felt since your six-year-old birthday party. The owners curate a jaw-dropping selection of authentic, original arcade machines that run the gamut from Street Fighter to Guitar Hero. There’s also plenty of classic pinball machines as well as air hockey, skeeball, and a host of vintage consoles. Come for the games, but stay for amazing specials and the wide selection of microbrews.

Beasley’s Chicken + Honey

237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Don’t let the hip interior and ultra-modern menu designs fool you: Beasley’s Chicken + Honey is anything but fussy! It serves up classic Southern treats at reasonable prices, making it a local’s favorite. Just make sure to get there early for brunch; the line gets long!

José and Sons

327 W Davie St #102, Raleigh, NC 27601

Authentic and inventive, José and Sons has developed a cult following in Raleigh for good reason. The chiccarones and waffles may be a big component of this notoriety, but the menu is also bursting with tons of other inspired latin x Southern fusion ideas. Come for a filling dish and refreshing drink, and then come back week after week because it’s just that good!

Other Outstanding Locals’ Spots in Raleigh, NC

These are just four of the most flavorful fun spots in Raleigh you’ll find packed to the gills with locals. There’s also a number of others worth mentioning, including: Fiction Kitchen, Clouds Brewing, Brewery Bhavana, Raleigh Beer Garden, the Pearson Street Pharmacy Cafe, and the institution that is Big Ed’s downtown.

The next time you find yourself wondering where to go in Raleigh, just follow the locals! These outstanding options are popular for a reason, so you really can’t go wrong.