A guide to Raleigh’s longest-running restaurants, including The Mecca, Clyde Cooper’s BBQ and the Angus Barn
by Addie Ladner and Lily Kane
It takes a special combination of craveable food, a welcoming atmosphere and consistent service to keep a bar or restaurant open for decades. That’s why we’re celebrating these venues, which have each been in business in Raleigh for more than 50 years. From Southern food and barbecue to some of Raleigh’s first international offerings, these spots paved the way for today’s bustling hospitality scene.
The Mecca Restaurant, est. 1930
Raleigh’s oldest restaurant, The Mecca, has been serving up classic diner food for nearly 100 years. Opened in 1930 by Nick Dombalis, an immigrant from Greece, the restaurant moved to Martin Street in 1937 and has remained there ever since. Ownership has changed hands over the years, passing to Nick’s son, John, his grandson Paul, and finally to the Hatem family in 2018. Crowd favorites include their Eastern North Carolina barbecue and their Glorified Jumbo Hamburger, which features The Mecca’s secret sauce. 13 E. Martin Street; mecca-restaurant.com
Clyde Cooper’s BBQ, est. 1938
Started in 1938 by the original Clyde Cooper, this restaurant has since become a legendary institution for Eastern NC-style barbecue. Over the years, Clyde Cooper’s has garnered accolades and attention from Raleighites and non-locals alike, including countless awards for the best barbecue in the Triangle and a 2013 appearance on Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters series. (They even catered to U2 in 2009 when the band performed on tour at Carter-Finley Stadium!) After 88 years serving downtown Raleigh, earlier this year they moved into a new location at the Quail Corners Shopping Center. 1326 E. Millbrook Road; clydecoopersbbq.com
The Roast Grill, est. 1940
A no-frills, family-owned spot for hot dogs and Greek desserts, the Roast Grill doesn’t offer many of the sides that traditionally come with a hot dog. There’s no relish, no mayo, no fries, no sauerkraut — and don’t even think about asking for ketchup. What they do have: charred hot dogs topped with their signature homemade chili and onions, Coke in glass bottles, baklava and free Tootsie Rolls. Freeda Poniros, the daughter of the original owners, ran this hole-in-the-wall joint alongside her son George for many years. Though Freeda passed away in 2024, George is continuing to carry out the Roast Grill’s legacy. Fun fact: it was featured on Man vs. Food in 2014.
7 S. West Street; instagram.com/theroastgrillhotweiners
Watkins Grill, est. 1947
Watkins Grill has been a Raleigh institution since it first opened its doors. Situated in a modest 1928 building that once housed the Black Hawk Tavern, it serves up classic Southern diner fare to early-risers and longtime locals. Known for hearty breakfasts and homestyle lunch favorites — from grits and corned beef hash to biscuits and gravy and savory burgers — it continues to draw crowds who appreciate generous portions and a down-to-earth atmosphere. 1625 Wake Forest Road; facebook.com/watkinsgrill
Players Retreat, est. 1951
A Wolfpack institution, the Players Retreat — or, as many call it, “the PR” — is more than just your average sports bar. Founded by husband and wife Bernie and Mickey Hanula and now owned by former employee Gus Gusler, the PR has been a hub for college students, alums and other fans for 75 years. Their Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring legacy, recognizes regulars, local celebrities and longtime employees who have been part of the PR family for decades. In addition to classic menu items like burgers and oysters, and a late-night menu on weekend nights, the PR boasts the most extensive Scotch collection in the state. And after all these years, kids still eat free on Sundays. 105 Oberlin Road; playersretreat.com
State Farmers’ Market Restaurant, est. 1955
Especially popular on Sundays for a post-church brunch, the State Farmers’ Market Restaurant serves up a classic Southern farm-to-table breakfast from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day of the week. Menu items include biscuits, omelets, grits, hot cakes, ham and more, much of it sourced from North Carolina farmers. Lunch specials become available at 11 a.m., offering hearty, home-style options that round out the restaurant’s all-day Southern spread. 1240 Farmers Market Drive; realbiscuits.com
Char-Grill, est. 1959
A classic walk-up burger bar: use a tiny yellow pencil to make your order, then watch it being made. With its quaint feel and 1950s-style architecture, their original cinderblock location on Hillsborough Street epitomizes the nostalgia of their slogan, “Simpler Times, Simpler Choices.” Over the years, the franchise has expanded to 10 locations in and around the Triangle, all of them serving up fast-food classics: flame-grilled burgers, piping hot fries, barbecue, hot dogs, milkshakes and their signature fried apple turnovers. 618 Hillsborough Street; chargrillusa.com
Angus Barn, est. 1960
The Angus Barn has been Raleigh’s go-to spot for a nice meal since the restaurant first opened 66 years ago. Founded by Thad Eure, Jr., and Charles Winston and now operated by Eure’s daughter Van, this renowned steakhouse offers nine different cuts of steak, as well as seafood, ribs, specialty dishes and an array of award-winning desserts. Explore selections from their extensive wine menu, indulge in their famous chocolate chess pie, or settle into the Wild Turkey Lounge for a drink at this larger-than-life dining destination. The Angus Barn draws crowds year-round, but especially during the holidays, when the space transforms into a Christmas wonderland of twinkling lights, elaborate decor and festive elves. Reservations during the season (and on most special occasions) are notoriously hard to come by, so plan well in advance. 9401 Glenwood Avenue; angusbarn.com
Amedeo’s, est. 1963
Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall off Western Boulevard, Amedeo’s is easy to miss from the outside. Step indoors, though, and you’ll find an eye-catching floor-to-ceiling display of NC State sports memorabilia covering every inch of the bright red walls. Founded by former NC State football player Amedeo “Dick” DeAngelis, Amedeo’s has been serving up heaping family-style Italian meals since 1963. A host of notable figures have dined at this establishment, including Wolfpack basketball coach Jim Valvano, former North Carolina governor Jim Hunt and all-time NCAA basketball top scorer Pete Maravich. 3905 Western Boulevard; amedeosrestaurant.com
Jerry’s Grill, est. 1968
Nestled into the busy intersection of Wake Forest Road and Whitaker Mill Road, Jerry’s Grill is easy to miss. But this classic breakfast and lunch spot is near and dear to the hearts of its many loyal regulars, who come by for hot dogs, burgers and home cooking. 813 E. Whitaker Mill Road; instagram.com/vinandjerrys
Kanki Japanese House of Steaks & Sushi, est. 1972
This family-owned and -operated business was founded in 1972 at its flagship location in Crabtree Valley Mall. Known for its theatrical hibachi offerings and sushi menu, it’s become a favorite destination for birthdays and other celebrations. Since then, they’ve added locations in North Raleigh and Durham, and built a reputation for fostering long-time employees. 4325 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 1070; kanki.com
Mitch’s Tavern, est. 1974
Push open an unassuming black door on Hillsborough Street, head up a creaky flight of stairs and find yourself in this bustling community hub, where the walls are adorned with eclectic posters and paintings and ambient lighting casts a warm glow over the wooden walls and vinyl booths. This is Mitch’s Tavern, an iconic Raleigh landmark beloved by both students and old-timers. The menu is simple, classic pub food — including hoagies, reubens, chili and their famous gumbo. Founder and longtime owner Mitch Hazouri nearly had to shut the restaurant down when the Covid pandemic forced a two-year hiatus, but Van Alston and Chris Post, co-owners of Slim’s Dive Bar and MoJoe’s Burger Joint, intervened to buy Mitch’s and give the tavern a second act. Though Hillsborough Street has seen many changes over the years, Mitch’s is one staple that remains. 2426 Hillsborough Street; mitchstavernraleigh.com
Irregardless, est. 1975
Founded as Raleigh’s first vegetarian restaurant, Irregardless has long been a trailblazer in the Triangle food scene, delivering a delicious mix of fine dining, farm-to-table meals and a family-
friendly atmosphere. The menu has expanded since Lee Robinson took the helm from original owner Arthur Gordon in early 2020, but diners can still expect to find hearty vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, now alongside seafood, burgers and sandwiches. Irregardless also supports the community beyond food: many evenings you can find area musicians performing jazz, Latin or bluegrass music, and the cafe’s walls feature work by Raleigh artists. Gov. Josh Stein declared an official “Irregardless Restaurant Day” when the restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary in February last year. 901 W. Morgan Street; irregardless.com
This article originally appeared in the April 2026 issue of WALTER magazine.
