10 Best Brunch Spots in Downtown Raleigh for 2023

Are you considering going out for brunch in downtown Raleigh, NC? Here are some of the best brunch spots in downtown Raleigh for fresh meals, delicious drinks, and beautiful atmospheres.

There is nothing quite like sleeping in, but it often means sacrificing your favorite breakfast foods. However, brunch offers the perfect solution by allowing you to sleep in and enjoy a tasty meal of eggs, bacon, waffles, pancakes, or whatever your heart desires.

If you are visiting or living in the Raleigh area, you can probably tell the city has many excellent restaurants. But you don't have to wait till dinner or even lunchtime to indulge in some of Raleigh's best restaurants. These unique brunch spots are a must-visit if you're catching up with friends, hungry after church, or just starting your day off right.

As a safe and affordable city, Raleigh is a trendy area to move to. From fun farmer's markets to campgrounds to fine dining, you can't go wrong with buying a home in Raleigh, NC.

Going for brunch is a popular activity in any area, but it is essential to know the best spots to visit, what time to go, and what to expect. Keep reading to discover the best brunch spots in downtown Raleigh.

Here are the ten best brunch spots in Downtown Raleigh

1. The Flying Biscuit Cafe

Price: $$

Address: 2016 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27605

The Flying Biscuit Cafe is a brunch staple in Raleigh. Whether you're here for brunch or lunch, you will not be disappointed with the menu, drinks, and atmosphere. The casual American cafe features a full breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Since opening in Atlanta in 1993, the business has grown to 29 locations nationwide and is a top favorite in Raleigh. The institution hasn't lost sight of its signature small cafe atmosphere. 

Suppose you are looking for the best Southern-inspired menu and biscuits as early as 7 a.m. You can relax in the bright and friendly space with your favorite mimosa mix, catch your favorite football team playing on Sunday, or enjoy a delightful meal. 

2. Plates Neighborhood Kitchen

Price: $$

Address: 301 Glenwood Ave # 100, Raleigh, NC 27603

Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Plates Neighborhood Kitchen is known as an all-around delicious restaurant. Located right on Glenwood Avenue South, you can choose between eating in their cozy interior or patio for fresh air.

This contemporary restaurant takes pride in its Southern-style dishes that are influenced by international flavors and made with locally sourced ingredients. Don't forget about the best parts: the signature cocktails and weekend or weekday brunch specials. 

It won't take long to realize why this restaurant earned numerous awards, including The News and Observer's Best Restaurants medal, the 2022 OpenTable Diners' Choice for Best Overall, and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2021. Check out their website for hours, as they close after lunch and open back up for the dinner service. The restaurant also has fun events, like the Mead Pairing Dinner.

3. Gringo a Go Go

Price: $$

Address: 100 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27601

This former gas station from the 1930s has been remodeled into an upbeat, authentic Mexican restaurant, serving lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sundays. Gringo, a Go Go, is mainly known for its ever-changing hand-crafted Margaritas and Gringosas, and you won't be able to beat the cocktails.

The casual restaurant serves a classic menu with a unique twist. As a family-owned restaurant, it has become a staple of Raleigh restaurants over the short nine years since opening. 

Choose a seat in the welcoming interior or delightful outside patio. It is the perfect place for a casual brunch with friends or family. Definitely try their signature brunch items, the Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles Rojos. Or check out their daily specials for the best food at the best price.

4. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Price: $$

Address: 425 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605

Tupelo Honey is more than just a restaurant, serving made-from-scratch and locally sourced Southern favorites. After opening up in Asheville, NC, Tupelo has grown tremendously and has many locations in and around North Carolina. The award-winning restaurant features a lengthy brunch, lunch, and dinner menu with over 20 craft beers on tap, 40 bottles, and a full bar. 

Grab a table in the bright and inviting dining room and try one of the renowned chicken and waffles. For a classic meal, get the country-style fried chicken and waffles or take a step on the wild side with the Mac-n-cheese Waffles with Asheville Hot Fried Chicken or Siracha Honey Fried Chicken and Waffles.

As an upscale yet casual spot, you'll find the warm indoor space to be the perfect place to grab a meal, especially during happy hour. Join in Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. for $5 snacks and drink specials all day.

5. Mecca Restaurant

Price: $

Address: 13 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601

If you're looking for a quick and delicious brunch, then Mecca Restaurant is the perfect choice. Established in 1930, the old-timey, family-owned spot focuses on Southern comfort food and drinks.

As Raleigh's oldest restaurant, its owners have been proud to serve customers an excellent meal at a good price. Renowned columnist Dennis Rogers wrote, "The wonderful old Mecca Restaurant is the kind of place you ought to go to so you will know what old Raleigh was like."

Aside from its deep history, this little diner has many delicious menu items for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The simple menu features mouthwatering omelets, pancakes, country ham, breakfast sandwiches, and much more. 

Not only will you get a great meal at an affordable price, but you will get to enjoy the real Raleigh experience. Check out their website for information on hours, as it varies depending on the day. 

6. A Place at the Table

Price: $

Address: 300 W Hargett St #50, Raleigh, NC 27601

Open Wednesday through Saturday, A Place at the Table is a restaurant like no other. The owners set out to accomplish their mission in two ways: create Raleigh's first pay-what-you-can cafe and allow volunteers to gain skills and connections each shift. 

To the average customer, they would never even know it was a nonprofit. The unique restaurant serves as one of the many that you would eat at each day until a volunteer asks, "Your suggested price is... would you like to pay that price, pay less, pay it forward, or volunteer for your meal?" This marvelous idea was created to serve anyone and everyone, regardless of how much they can pay. 

On top of the fantastic backstory and mission, the food is terrific. The breakfast and lunch menu is served all day and includes delicious sandwiches, soups, pastries, biscuit sandwiches, and more. Essentially, it is anything you could want at precisely the right price for you. This is why this restaurant is known as one of the best small businesses in Raleigh. 

Whether you're dining here for the food, experience, or to help your community, it will be a meal like no other. As of now, this is the one and only location; however, in Boone, NC, you can check out their mentor restaurant, F.A.R.M. Cafe, which serves the same purpose.

7. Big Ed's City Market Restaurant

Price: $

Address: 220 Wolfe St, Raleigh, NC 27601

As soon as you enter the doors, you'll be transported back to this funky little restaurant. Big Ed's City Market Restaurant is known for the funky antiques hanging from the ceiling, Southern breakfast, and a laid-back environment. 

With an all-day breakfast, you'll indulge in locally sourced, farm-fresh items like the Western-style omelet, country ham with red-eye gravy, egg, side, and bread. 

Founded in 1958, this is another Raleigh restaurant with a deep history. "Big Ed" Watkins, a native of Wake County, developed the original recipes here on his family's farm and opened his own restaurant in 1989. With the help of the community and many of its long-standing customers, Big Ed opened up two more locations, Big Ed's North and Big Ed's Garner. Whether you decide to visit the original location downtown or the two others, you will have a fantastic experience full of southern hospitality, joy, and delicious food. 

8. Capital Club 16

Price: $$

Location: 16 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Open daily for brunch and lunch and Thursday through Saturday for dinner, Capital Club 16 is the place for an upscale brunch. Located in the Depression-era landmark, the building is filled with history and delicious food. 

It offers an authentic, unique, and locally sourced selection of food, wine, and spirits. With a combination of German and American fare, this restaurant prides itself on its curation of flavors that are both traditional and new. 

With an upscale urban yet cozy atmosphere, this is the only place in Raleigh where you'll find Hax'n G'Roastl, a Wiener Platter, and Bavarian Breakfast. If you're not in the mood for some traditional German delicacies, there is a selection of American brunch fare like Eggs Benedicts and Farmer's Breakfast. 

The restaurant offers many fun events throughout the year, including Oktoberfest, Holiday Goose Roast, Wild Game Week, and more. 

9. Beasley's Chicken + Honey

Price: $$

Location: 237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601

If you've ever been to Raleigh, Beasley's Chicken + Honey is the place for the best chicken and waffles. Its unique, updated version of fried chicken and waffles put this restaurant on the map as one of the best brunch spots downtown. 

Located downtown, you'll find delicious chicken pot pie, a loaded breakfast bowl, and biscuits and gravy. Of course, the most popular dish is the chicken and waffles, which are offered with in-house crafted Virginia maple syrup, fresh fruit, and whipped cream. The food will be excellent, and Beasley's has a wide selection of beer, wine, champagne, and cocktails.

To avoid long queues, arriving early is advisable as this place is quite popular. Once inside, you'll be welcomed by a vibrant ambiance, a cozy bar, ample seating, lofty ceilings, and enormous windows. 

10. Parkside Restaurant

Price: $$

Location 301 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Located on the corner in the Warehouse District, Parkside Restaurant is known by Raleigh locals and visitors alike as one of the best brunch spots downtown for its traditional American comfort food and casual atmosphere. 

Home to the longest-running neon restaurant sign in North Carolina, Parkside Restaurant believes in tradition and community. This is what sets this restaurant apart from the rest.

Combined with the deep-rooted tradition, you can enjoy tasty bananas foster challah french toast, fried park chip with a cheddar waffle, and its famous prime rib scramble bowl. No matter what you order, you're sure to have the best brunch at Parkside.

FAQS: Best Brunch Spots in Raleigh, NC

Here are some commonly asked questions about the best brunch spots in Raleigh, NC.

What is the most popular time for brunch?

Most Americans eat brunch between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most brunch restaurants are only open during these hours, and you can expect longer wait times for brunch between these times. 

What food is Raleigh, North Carolina, known for?

As the capital of North Carolina, there are many different cuisines to pick from. The city is mostly known for North Carolina-style barbecue, Fried Chicken, Carolina-style hot Dogs and Hamburgers, and Fried Green Tomatoes.

Why is Sunday brunch so popular?

Sunday brunch started in 1985 after British author Guy Beringer wrote an article, "Brunch: A Plea." It insisted that we have a meal between breakfast and lunch for people to reconnect and bond. 

What is Raleigh most famous for?

Raleigh has been known by many nicknames like "Smithsonian of the South," "The City of Oaks," "The Triangle," and the "Live Music Capital of the South." As the capital, it is filled with abundant food, bars, entertainment, diversity, and more.

What is a typical brunch menu?

Brunch menus are mostly breakfast foods like fried eggs, eggs Benedict, omelets, waffles, or pancakes. However, there can also be lunch foods like burgers or sandwiches. The staple brunch menu item is undoubtedly the mimosas, and luckily, Raleigh has the best.

Best Brunch Spots in Raleigh - Our Last Words

No matter which brunch spot you pick, you're bound to have a fantastic meal here in Raleigh. The area is full of fun things to do, like historical spots, parks, ice cream shops, breweries, lakes, museums, the Chinese Lantern Festival, and so much more.

Whether you already live here or are planning a trip to the city, there are many more fun things to check out. Remember that this list is just a couple of the best brunch spots downtown; there are many more worth checking out. 

You can guarantee to find your favorite brunch spot in Raleigh's beautiful neighborhoods. Before moving to the city, make sure to contact us to find the home of your dreams in Raleigh, North Carolina.