Raleigh is a medium sized city and is a compromise of sorts. It lacks the glimmer and glam of the largest cities in the US, but it's large enough to attract businesses and cultural events and to be, overall, an interesting enough place to live. Raleigh is also large enough to avoid small-town syndrome; the condition that occurs when an entire town is aware of each bodily function you perform before it has even finished. I could see myself living in Raleigh for the rest of my life, but I believe that I can be happy as long as I am either in a city or within a few minutes of one.
Here are a few of the more unique local places I hang out at (malls and large chains are left out of the listings here)..
Caffe Luna: An upscale Italian restaurant downtown. I come here on special occassions with my boyfriend and sometimes with some other friends as well. A bit pricey but worth every penny for a nice dinner. Reservations reccomended.
136 East Hargett St.
518 West: Another nice Italian spot, though more affordable and casual than Caffe Luna. They have excellent tiramisu here which is one of my favorite desserts of all time.
518 W. Jones St.
El Rodeo: Casual but very good, affordable Mexican food. This is a great place to come with a big group of hungry people on a budget.
2400 Hillsborough St.
Bali Hai: Excellent, casual mongolian barbeque. You get two plates to fill with the meats and/or veggies of your choosing and then your choice on a scale of 1-10 of how hot/spicy or sweet/sour you want it. Unlimited fried rice and a drink.
2414 Wake Forest Road
Hard Times Cafe: Here's where to come for a great bowl of chili. They have four different kinds to choose from as well as burgers, hot dogs and salads. Casual and affordable.
414 Glenwood Ave.
Irregardless Cafe: Creative, gourmet vegetarian entrees. Excellent tabouli and hummus. They also have a few meat dishes if you prefer and they serve a hearty, traditional brunch on Sunday mornings. There are also monthly wine tasting dinners if you have the cash to spend. Slightly pricey but always tasty!
901 W. Morgan St.
Greenshields Brewery & Pub: English and Irish food here, everything from chips 'n fish to bangers 'n mash. Local beer is made here as well.
214 E. Martin St.
Third Place Coffeehouse: This is one of my favorite places to hang out. Third Place is an independent coffeehouse with an eclectic and diverse regular crowd. The regular crowd is generally there at night by 9 or 9:30 (especially on Fridays and Saturdays). The atmosphere is laid back and sociable, making it a good place to bring friends or to meet new people.
1811 Glenwood Ave.
Legends Nightclub: Legends is probably the most popular gay club in Raleigh. They play primarily dance and techno music and are especially crowded on Saturdays. Pretty typical gay club scene. I'm not too into the club scene myself but probably hang out at Legends with my bf once every month or two. On Monday and Thursday nights they have Goth Nite which is always fun and a great time to hang out with a more alternative crowd.
330 West Hargett St.
Cup A Joe Coffeehouse: This is another eclectic coffeehouse in Raleigh. Primarily I go to Third Place but once in awhile I go to Cup A Joe. The coffee is a little cheaper than at Third Place but I am not as familliar with the regular crowd, there are some cool people though.
2109 Avent Ferry Rd. - Mission Valley Shopping Center
Champions Billiards & Darts: Probably the best pool hall in Raleigh. Slightly more eclectic than the typical pool hall with a considerable college crowd on the weekend. Lots of tables.
2109 Avent Ferry Rd. - Mission Valley Shopping Center
The Jackpot: A bar and pool hall with lots of tables to play on. Good place to rack 'em up.
1303 Hillsborough St.
Flex: Come here on Thursday nights for a hysterical trailer trash themed comedy drag show.. complete with tacky door prizes, video commercial spoofs and some of Raleigh's ugliest drag queens (with apologizes to Mrs. Shanita Jobb, Mrs. Merry K-Mart and Mrs. Maxi-Flow), the show starts at 12:30am Friday morning. On other nights this place is strictly for those into the leather/bondage scene (you won't find me here then) but Thursday's show brings a more eclectic crowd.
2 S. West St.
CC's: Yet another gay club, accross the street from Legends. This one's not as popular but on Tuesday nights they have unlimited free pool games for only $2 cover. It's also nice if you want to go out but also want to avoid the crowds and drama of Legends.
Accross the street from Legends.
Oasis: Raleigh's newest (and in my opinion, best) gay club. This one is about five minutes away from downtown. It has a fairly classy atmosphere and is a lot more spacious than the other clubs in the area. They offer a dance/bar area in the front, a lounge with a bar, fireplace and couches/tables in the middle, an area with tables and billiards, a country & western dance floor in the rear, a patio (which will soon offer volleyball) and of course a VIP room (not sure what, or who, you have to do to be invited there Dancing Moon: A metaphysical, occult and new age bookstore. This shop features a variety of books, incense, crystals, candles, oils, CD's, Tarot cards, ritual and altar supplies. A very relaxing shop to browse through.
Buddha's Belly: Head shop near campus with lots of candles, incense, and all kinds of hippie gear. Plenty of "water pipes".. for "tobacco use only" of course! (wink wink, nod nod!) White Rabbit Books 'n Things: Raleigh's official gay and lesbian bookstore. Books, pride items, cards, novelties and movies gallore. And of course the latest dance music CD's!
Ten Thousand Villages: This is a cool shop specializing in handmade foreign imports. They buy the crafts directly from the artisans at a fair price simultaneously saving you the costs of paying a middle man and ensuring that the foreign artisans get a fair price for their work.
Cedar Creek Pottery & Craft Gallery: An extremely charming old country house that has been converted into an intimate shop and museum of local pottery and handmade furniture and decor. Beautiful country surroundings and a stone fireplace. A great place to go for high quality handmade gifts and home items or to just look at some locally made pottery and furniture. It's worth the drive and is a great way to pass a lazy afternoon on a pretty day.
3301 New Bern Ave. (accross the street from Wake Med).
(Recently moved to corner of Oberlin & Fairview Rd.)
Accross from the NCSU bell tower on Hillsborough St.
309 W. Martin St.
1550 Fleming Rd.