Need to refuel after a night of bar-hopping or a great concert? These spots serve pizza, burgers and more after midnight.
by Sydney Brainard
Whether you’re hungry after a long night out, craving a study snack or need to refuel after using up all your energy at a concert, sometimes you need to eat late-night. And while it seems like many places stop serving by 10 p.m., Raleigh has a solid number of restaurants that serve food until midnight or later. Don’t worry, we aren’t suggesting you permanently abandon your beloved 2 a.m. Cook Out tradition — and there are plenty of fast-food options, as well — simply offering new options to your rotation. These spots are centrally located, walkable to a number of music venues, bars and sporting venues, and offer something for everyone, from classics like pizza and burgers to polished dessert spreads and Southern-style dinners. When you’re ready to hang out a little longer to rehash your night of fun, consider one of these 12 Raleigh restaurants that serve food until midnight or later.
Benny Capitale’s
You can’t go wrong with a late-night pizza, especially at Benny Capitale’s, where you can get a massive slice for only $5. If you’ve got a hungry crowd in tow, Benny’s also offers a giant 28” pizza. Describing itself as the “Home of the Virginia Slice,” the pizzeria is the perfect stop to follow up a big night out. The menu is pretty simple: just pizza with a few topping options, so if you’re looking for something inexpensive, straightforward and filling, this is a great spot.
Friday & Saturday, open until 2 a.m.; Sunday, open until 12 a.m. | 121 Fayetteville Street | bennysva.com
The Big Easy NC
Serving a blend of Cajun and Southern cuisine, The Big Easy describes itself as “a little slice of New Orleans” in Raleigh. Past 10 p.m., you can order off their Late Night menu, which includes a large array of appetizers, main courses, salads and sides such as alligator bites, seafood platters and po’ boys. The lively spot also has a sizeable menu of craft and seasonal cocktails to pair with your Louisiana eats. If you want your meal to have a real New Orleans edge, add a Hurricane cocktail.Sunday – Thursday, open until 12 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, open until 2 a.m. | 222 Fayetteville Street | bigeasync.com
Bittersweet
What could be a better way to end the night than a creme brulee in one hand and an espresso in the other? Welcome to Bittersweet, a decadent dessert and cocktail lounge and semifinalist for a 2024 James Beard Award. Bittersweet serves a seasonal menu of coffee, craft cocktails and divine desserts until late in the evening. This vibey lounge is walking distance from the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and Red Hat, making it a perfect spot to stop in after a show downtown.
Friday & Saturday, open until 12 a.m. | 16 E. Martin Street | bittersweetraleigh.com
D.P. Dough
A one-stop shop for anything and everything calzone, D.P. Dough has become a staple in college towns across the United States since the first location opened in 1987. Raleigh’s D.P. Dough stays open until 4 a.m. every night — or morning, rather — of the week, serving as the perfect late-night grub spot. If nothing else is open, D.P. Dough will be open.
Open daily until 4 a.m. | 2109 Avent Ferry Road | dpdough.com
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
With lots of indoor and outdoor seating, Flying Saucer is a great location for a big crowd. The beer garden serves a menu of starters, sandwiches, pizzas and salads, including several vegan and vegetarian options. The taproom has an eccentric interior — the walls and ceiling are lined with plates mounted with the names of members of the restaurant’s special club — making for a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Go on a Sunday or Monday for $5 beer deals and don’t miss the giant pretzels.
Sunday – Thursday, open until 12 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, open until 2 a.m. | 328 W. Morgan Street | beerknurd.com
Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant
With two Raleigh locations, one in downtown and one in North Raleigh, you will never be too far from a Hibernian. The atmosphere is cozy, with a unique, old-world interior, and a line-up of hearty pub food. Keep in mind that the doors are open until 2 a.m. every day of the week, but the kitchen closes at 1:30 a.m. So grab your pub sliders and buffalo mac & cheese and kick back in a comfy booth until the end of the night.
Open daily until 2 a.m. | 311 Glenwood Avenue; 8021 Falls of Neuse Road | hibernianpub.com
Insomnia Cookies
If you’ve ever stepped foot on a college campus, it’s very likely that you have seen Insomnia Cookies. With over 200 locations across the country (soon one more will open on Fayetteville Street), usually in close proximity to university campuses, this cookie and dessert shop is a staple for college students looking to crush a sweet midnight craving, but anyone can join in on the fun! Order one of their many cookie flavors straight to your door, or walk into their Hillsborough Street location. And lucky for Raleigh, this location carries ice cream to pair with your warm cookies.
Sunday – Wednesday, open until 1 a.m.; Thursday – Saturday, open until 3 a.m. | 2302 Hillsborough Street | insomniacookies.com
Meat & Bite
Tex-Mex meets Mediterranean meets American at the Hillsborough Street joint Meat & Bite, situated right near NC State’s campus. Founded in 2020, Meat & Bite serves halal burgers, sandwiches, wings, fried chicken and other comfort meals until late into the night. The restaurant may be small, but its flavorful fusion menu is a favorite of locals, students, visitors and — according to Instagram — comedian Pete Davidson.
Monday – Thursday, open until 12 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, open until 2 a.m. | 2908 Hillsborough Street | meatnbite.com
The Players’ Retreat
Founded in 1951, The Players’ Retreat, also known as “PR,” is a storied institution in Raleigh. From its long past as a beloved Wolfpack hang out to the restaurant almost closing its doors in 2005 before being rescued by a former NC State student and employee, PR has earned its local stripes. Inside, the eatery has a relaxed sports bar atmosphere and boasts a considerable late night menu, offering burgers, sandwiches and starter options, such as the evening breakfast plate or Hawaiian burger with grilled pineapple.
Sunday – Thursday, open until 12 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, open until 1 a.m. | 105 Oberlin Road | playersretreat.com
The Raleigh Times
Within a century-old downtown building, formerly the home of The Raleigh Times newspaper, sits the well-loved restaurant by the same name. The Raleigh Times serves bar food with a twist alongside an extensive beer and drink menu. Stop by late for some Peruvian grilled wings or “Devils on Horseback” (The Times’ version of the bacon-wrapped dates appetizer, using goat-cheese stuffed figs instead). Of course, you can’t go wrong with an order of mozzarella sticks either.
Friday & Saturday, open until 2 a.m. | 14 E. Hargett Street | raleightimesbar.com
The Station
This cozy restaurant and bar situated at the edge of the Historic Oakwood neighborhood of Raleigh pledges to offer diners a comfortable “third space” between home and work. Huddle up by the fire pit with a dish off The Station’s late night menu, which includes comfort bites like fried green tomatoes and popcorn shrimp.
Sunday – Thursday, open until 12 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, open until 2 a.m. | 701 N. Person Street | stationraleigh.com
Whiskey Kitchen
Founded in 2016, Whiskey Kitchen is not only the home of one of the finest selection of whiskies in the area, but also host to a full menu of Southern delights like barbeque and fried chicken sandwiches, collard greens and boiled peanuts. The restaurant also has a fair amount of vegetarian late night choices, like gazpacho, smoked mozzarella salad and grain bowls. With a large seating area and patio and a comfortable atmosphere, Whiskey Kitchen is a great option for a nice late dinner or after hours drink.
Sunday – Thursday, open until 12 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, open until 2 a.m. | 201 W. Martin Street | whiskey.kitchen
This article was originally published on August 27, 2024 on waltermagazine.com
