As the hospitality scene in the City of Oaks has grown and evolved, these classic spots have stood the test of time
by Addie Ladner and Lily Kane
We all love to get excited when a new bar or restaurant opens — but as anyone in the hospitality business knows, the true test is if you can convince people to come year after year. That takes a special combination of craveable food (be it a greasy burger, classic barbecue or fine-dining cuisine), a distinct atmosphere and service that makes you want to visit again and again. That’s why we’re celebrating the “30 Over 30,” aka Raleigh bars and restaurants that have been around for 30 or more years. (Some of them date back to, fittingly, the 1930s!) From a fine-dining establishment in a Victorian-era home to a watering hole best for watching college sports, these are Raleigh’s oldest bars and restaurants.
The Mecca Restaurant, est. 1930
Raleigh’s oldest restaurant, the Mecca has been serving up satisfied customers 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. But don’t worry — in spite of the changing owners, the Mecca’s menu has remained true to the classic diner dishes they offered up 95 years ago. Crowd favorites include their Eastern North Carolina barbecue and their iconic Glorified Jumbo Hamburger, featuring 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 himself, 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, they closed briefly this February to move into their new location at Quail Corners Shopping Center — keep an eye out for their expected reopening later this month.
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, though, is sure to satisfy: 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 in 1947, in a modest 1928 building that once housed the Black Hawk Tavern, serving up classic Southern diner fare to early-risers and longtime locals alike. 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 welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere.
1625 Wake Forest Road; facebook.com
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 and longtime Raleigh residents alike for 75 years. Their Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring legacy, recognizes regulars, local figures and longtime employees who have been part of the PR family for decades. Old or young, regular or first-timer, there’s something for everyone here: 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. til 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 50s-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 since 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 Eure, 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 esteemed 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
Mitch’s Tavern, est. 1974
Push open an unassuming black door on Hillsborough Street, head up a flight of creaky stairs and find yourself in a 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 — 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 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
Raleigh’s first vegetarian restaurant, the 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 changed slightly 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. And best of all, their local focus extends beyond the food: most evenings you can find area musicians performing jazz, Latin or bluegrass music, and the cafe’s walls are adorned with the work of featured Raleigh artists. In a testament to their wide-ranging support, Governor 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
Neomonde Mediterranean, est. 1977
Neomonde means “new world” in French, and the name is fitting: the Saleh brothers opened the restaurant in 1977 after immigrating to the United States from Lebanon. Originally a bakery, the brothers added a deli section in 1989, featuring an array of dishes from family recipes prepared by their mother, Cecilia Saleh. Cecilia passed away in 2023, but the restaurant remains in the family and has expanded to two more locations in Durham and Morrisville. They’ve become a go-to for families for fresh Middle Eastern fare.
3817 Beryl Road; neomonde.com
Side Street Restaurant, est. 1979
Side Street Restaurant’s location in the heart of Historic Oakwood, on the corner of Bloodworth Street and Lane Street, made it a beloved neighborhood spot even before the restaurant as we know it today existed. Owner Mary Lu Wooten took over the spot in 1979, replacing the former Corner Cupboard, which had previously been a Piggly Wiggly. The simple menu is a callback to the nostalgia of those earlier times, featuring a selection of hearty classics like pimento cheese sandwiches, chicken salad, sweet tea and Mac and cheese.
225 N. Bloodworth Street, #427; sidestreetrestaurantraleigh.com
Berkeley Cafe, est. 1980
Though rezoning pushed the Berkeley Cafe out of their longtime location on Martin Street in 2023, they found a new location just down the street and regulars can rest assured that the cafe’s spirit remains the same. Raleigh’s self-proclaimed “home for live music,” Berkeley features open mic nights and local jazz, roots, hip-hop and punk alongside a no-frills bar and a selection of burgers, subs, salads and sandwiches.
428 S. Dawson Street; instagram.com/berkeley_cafe
Piccola Italia, est. 1982
Forty-four years into the business and the Village District’s Piccola Italia is still family-owned and -operated, and founder Frank Amato can still be found in-house every day. An immigrant from Sicily, Amato learned his recipes from his mother and founded his first restaurant in Pennsylvania in the ‘70s. Indulge in their New York style pizzas and their wide-ranging selection of classic Italian-American dishes, from eggplant parmesan to their indulgent house lasagna.
423 Woodburn Road; piccolaitalianc.com
Casa Carbone, est. 1984
When Raleigh resident Maria Carbone opened Casa Carbone with her husband Michael in 1984, she was carrying on a family tradition — her parents, John and Jean, ran Raleigh’s Villa Capri Restaurant for more than 30 years. Keeping family at the heart of the operation, Casa Carbone has enjoyed more than four decades of success. Inside the classic Italian restaurant on N. Glenwood expect dishes like fried calamari, minestrone and veal parmesan, and don’t skip one of Maria’s delicious desserts. With its plush carpeted floors and the smell of freshly-baked bread emanating throughout the dining room, the restaurant is a nostalgic step back in time.
6019-A Glenwood Avenue; casacarbone.com
Imperial Garden, est. 1987
This award-winning spot was the Triangle’s original Chinese restaurant and has stuck with its menu ever since, offering classic Chinese dishes like Kung Pao chicken and Peking duck served in a casual but lively atmosphere with red walls, paper lanterns and antiques from China.
7713 Lead Mine Road; imperialgardenrestaurant.com
42nd Street Oyster Bar, est. 1987
This restaurant’s storied history reaches all the way back to 1931, when J.C. Watson opened a neighborhood grocery store that served fresh shucked local oysters at the corner of West Street and Jones Street. 42nd Street as it’s known today came to be more than 50 years later, when Brad Hurley and Thad Eure, Jr. (also the owner and founder of the Angus Barn) bought the oyster bar, relocated it to a former warehouse next door, and transformed it into a restaurant. After nearly 40 years as a beloved date-night spot and gathering place, 42nd Street closed its doors in March 2025, but general manager Hunter Correll confirmed late last year that the restaurant will be making its return sometime in 2026, so it still makes the list.
508 W. Jones Street
Big Ed’s, est. 1989
Original owner Ed Watkins drew inspiration from his childhood on a family farm, where he often worked alongside his mother in the kitchen, when he opened this classic Southern cooking spot. The classic breakfast diner, located on cobblestone streets in the historic City Market area near Moore Square, opened in 1989 in conjunction with a project to revitalize downtown Raleigh. Diners flock here for staples like shrimp and grits, biscuits and omelets, and, of course, to take on their “Big One” challenge — eat three of their massive hot cakes in 45 minutes, and win a free t-shirt.
220 Wolfe Street; bigedsnc.com
Glenwood Grill, est. 1990
Chef John Wright, a Charleston native, has worked behind the counter of this lively neighborhood spot for nearly 30 years, sourcing many of his ingredients from local vendors across North Carolina. With a menu inspired by the cuisine of the coastal Carolinas and a superb wine list, The Glenwood Grill offers elegant but down-to-earth dining, from catfish to burgers to fried green tomatoes. Tucked into a shopping center at the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Oberlin Road, it’s a welcoming gathering place with something for everyone — a relaxed weekday lunch, celebratory evening out, or anything in between.
151 Glenwood Avenue; glenwoodgrill.com
Royal India, est. 1990
Raleigh’s oldest Indian restaurant and one of the first in the Triangle, Royal India offers an array of North Indian specialties, including Tandoori dishes, lamb, goat and seafood. Established in 1990 by Ram Tirath, it helped introduce generations of local diners to the depth and warmth of traditional Indian cuisine, pairing aromatic curries and freshly baked naan with gracious hospitality.
3901 Capital Boulevard #103; royalindiaraleigh.com
Dos Taquitos, est. 1991
Founder Carlos Salamanca, who is originally from Colombia, learned his craft from the cooks of the Mexican restaurant he worked at to pay his way through college. The experience inspired in him a love of Mexican food and culture, leading him to open Dos Taquitos, Raleigh’s oldest Mexican restaurant, in 1991. Current owner Pamela Salamanca inherited the restaurant from her father and oversaw its relocation from Creedmoor Road to Glenwood Avenue, but the restaurant’s lively spirit and fresh, locally-sourced menu remain unchanged.
6101 Glenwood Avenue; dostaquitosraleigh.com
NC Seafood Restaurant, est. 1991
Visitors to the State Farmers Market are often greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of the N.C. Seafood Restaurant, which has been serving up fresh, Calabash-style seafood primarily from North Carolina for more than 30 years. A classic fried fish joint, their offerings include trout, catfish, shrimp and oysters, and all of them served alongside hushpuppies, cole slaw and home fries.
1201 Agriculture Street; ncseafood.com
Margaux’s Restaurant, est. 1992
The atmosphere of Margaux’s Restaurant is striking and elegant: flame-like sculptures and ambient, fiery lighting illuminate the dark wood interiors, and a suit of armor even stands against one of the stone walls. This stylish tone carries over to Margaux’s menu, which chef Andrew Pettifer elevated from its original French cuisine to a fusion of French, Southern and Asian fare when he joined the restaurant in 1996. Their upscale menu includes indulgent dishes like grilled swordfish, chicken piccata and Szechuan grilled lamb, or guests can opt for a lighter three-course prix fixe menu. Margaux’s is also committed to bringing local food to diners’ plates, working with local dairy, cattle and pork farms and produce vendors to source their menu.
8111 Creedmoor Road #111; margauxsrestaurant.com
Lilly’s Pizza, est. 1993
Our own local funky pizza place, Lilly’s Pizza is a local favorite and has garnered accolades from both national and local media. Located in a former biker bar in the heart of Five Points, the restaurant is known for its Carolina Crust, a dough made from whole-wheat flour milled in nearby Graham. Choose from their selection of signature pies, build your own or head there at lunchtime to enjoy one of their weekly specials for less than $10.
1813 Glenwood Avenue; lillyspizza.com
Ole Time Barbecue, est. 1993
The retro yellow awning of this no-frills spot across from the train tracks, will catch the eye of any driver heading by on the western end of Hillsborough Street. Beneath that awning, diners can find a restaurant that truly lives up to its name, offering barbecue, fried chicken, ribs and nostalgic staples like Brunswick stew and chicken pastry. True to their Eastern North Carolina style, all plates come with hushpuppies and a choice of sides like boiled cabbage and fried okra.
6309 Hillsborough Street; oletimebarbecue.com
Bloomsbury Bistro, est. 1995
Cozy and quaint meets upscale and artisanal at Bloomsbury Bistro in Five Points. This neighborhood spot has garnered a loyal following of regulars over the years — including current owner Stephen Koster, a longtime fan of the restaurant who took over ownership in 2021. The menu is short but eclectic, ranging from seafood bisque and beef short ribs to tuna tataki and skillet lasagna. Don’t miss their $1 oysters, every weeknight from 5 – 6 p.m.
509 W. Whitaker Mill Road #101; bloomsburybistro.com
Pam’s Farmhouse, est. 1996
Pam Medlin developed the perfect recipe for creating a beloved local restaurant while working at other classic Raleigh spots, including Big Ed’s and the State Farmers Market Restaurant. When she opened up her own place 30 years ago, she kept things simple: Southern comfort food for breakfast and lunch, the menu handwritten and passed out to customers each day. The formula worked, and the simple, white-brick restaurant on Western Boulevard has been a beloved family spot ever since.
5111 Western Boulevard; pams-farmhouse-restaurant.menu-world.com
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern, est. 1997
In the historic Dodd-Hinsdale House built that dates back to 1879 on Hillsborough Street, this sophisticated fine dining establishment is now owned by local development and hospitality group Empire Eats. Its exposed brick walls, lower level tavern and white table cloths transport you back in time.
330 Hillsborough Street; second-empire.com
This web exclusive article was originally published on February 23, 2026 on waltermagazine.com
