The North Carolina Museum of Art is an outstanding cultural destination that blends art, nature, and community. The permanent collection is beautifully curated, offering a wide range of works from European classics and African art to modern and contemporary pieces. Each gallery is spacious, thoughtfully arranged, and enhanced with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. The museum park is equally impressive, with miles of walking and biking trails accented by large-scale outdoor sculptures. It provides a unique opportunity to enjoy art in a natural setting, making the museum experience extend beyond the building itself. Staff and volunteers are consistently friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming, which adds to the overall positive experience. Another highlight is that admission to the permanent collection is free, making the museum highly accessible to the public while still offering high-quality exhibitions and events. Overall, the North Carolina Museum of Art sets a high standard for museums in the region. It is a place where art and community intersect in a meaningful way, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting or living in North Carolina.

This is a beautiful art museum! And it’s free. Except for some special exhibits. But the large portion of it is free. And stunning. The building itself is beautiful and they have some wonderful pieces. I was not expecting for this place to be so big. I will be back.

Absolutely love the NC Museum of Art! The galleries are stunning, the curation is top-notch, and the mix of classic and modern art keeps every visit exciting. The outdoor sculpture park is HUGE and feels like stepping into an open-air art adventure especially with cool installations like the Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky, which feels almost magical when the live sky appears inside. The café is pricey but delicious. Can’t believe admission to the main collection is free because the experience feels world-class. If you’re in Raleigh, this place is a must-visit. I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could!

This is an amazing museum and we didn’t get to explore all of it because of how huge it is. We love art so we spent about 3 hours walking around learning & looking at African American art, European art, WWII art, Christian art, and many more other powerful artistic pieces with a historical background. The museum is absolutely free to explore which is great but no food and drinks inside the place. There’s about 2-3 different buildings to go into.

The free night event was wonderful. Plenty of exhibits . A variety of mediums. A quiet ,clean friendly atmosphere and plenty of on-site parking. The special exhibit...The book of Esther was informative and well put together. The African American exhibit was full of color and very eye-catching. The various mediums (wood, wire, paper, metal)will keep a person intrigued. There are benches throughout for time to reflect or just rest. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. There is a gift shop with a variety of items for sell such as books, jewelry, artwork and trinkets. There is also a dress up photo opportunity near the book of Esther exhibit.

Not to be missed art museum. I have seen many art museums in the world, I shall consider this as one the best viewer friendly museums. Everything is explained in English. Not very huge one but collections very good. Saw special exhibit on Rembrandt era’s collection on ‘ Book of Esther - very unusual. Whole museum is free except special exhibits. Do not miss cafe

Great experience with a plethora of art from different time periods. I would recommend designating ample time to really soak in all the pieces. The staff was present and available for any questions as well. I would definitely revisit.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh is an absolute gem and a must-visit! When we went, they were hosting a special blue whale exhibition, and it was jaw-dropping. Seeing the enormous skeleton up close for the first time was unforgettable—it really gave us perspective on how massive and magnificent these ocean giants are. The museum has plenty more to explore, too. We loved roaming through the dinosaur exhibit, where life-sized displays and fascinating details bring prehistoric times to life. Standing next to those towering models was both humbling and exciting. One of the best parts is that general admission is donation-based, so you can explore the museum at no set cost, making it accessible for everyone. If you’d like to add something extra, they also offer 3D movies at a very reasonable price: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students, and military with ID, $4 for children, and $3 for members. It’s a fun way to dive deeper into science and nature. Overall, our visit was fascinating, family-friendly, and inspiring. We’ll definitely return to see future exhibits and enjoy more of what this incredible museum has to offer. Cheers! 🥂

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the best science museum we’ve ever visited! The first thing that impressed me was that the entire main area is free — no tickets are needed to explore all four floors. You only need to buy tickets for special exhibitions or movies. I’ve never seen such a wonderful free science museum before! Out of appreciation, I bought tickets for all three movies and the Blue Whales exhibit for three people — and even with that, it wasn’t expensive at all, just a little over $90. The museum is so diverse and interesting that we spent the whole day there and still didn’t see everything. You definitely need at least two days to explore it fully. There’s a café on the 4th floor that was full of visitors. The menu doesn’t really offer much for healthy eaters, so we skipped it, but it’s a great spot for a quick snack, especially for kids. On the 4th floor there’s also a bridge that connects to another building of the museum — it opens up to a huge laboratory area that was amazing to see. We’re still impressed! The museum has two gift shop areas, but honestly, the museum itself is much more exciting and full of variety than the shops. There are restrooms on every floor, plus escalators and elevators, so it’s accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is an amazing place to visit. There are so many interesting exhibits for both kids and adults, and the best part is that admission is completely free! The museum is clean, well organized, and full of fascinating displays about nature and science. Parking is also free on weekends, which makes it even better. Highly recommend for a family visit or a weekend trip!

Okay, I'll try to give my opinion based on everything. The place is nice, it's about four floors, it's free, and there are some live animals. Everything looks good and in good condition, and at first I thought I was going to be there for many hours, but I managed to see everything in an hour and a half, and that's only because we had to wait for the elevator to take the stroller up; otherwise, we would have been there even faster. Despite all that, in my personal opinion, I got bored. I don't know what the museum is missing, but I think it should be more dynamic. I don't know if it's because of my age, because I did see some kids having fun; I'm just giving my personal opinion.

What a delightful place to visit! We enjoyed ourselves from the moment we entered, until the time we left. There's lots of floors to visit. You can also walk across the bridge and visit the multiple floors at the other part of the museum! You can easily spend a few hours here, learning so many things!

I really enjoyed my visit to this museum. The place is huge and super clean, which made walking around really nice. The staff were all friendly and professional, and there was a ton to see and do. One of the highlights for me was the dinosaur areas, they're really well put together, with some awesome skeletons and tons of interesting info for both kids and adults. The pictures are just a little bit of the areas, you've gotta check out all the floors Whether you're into science, history, or just want something fun to explore, this place has something for everyone. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is absolutely fantastic for all ages. From towering dinosaurs and mammoths to exhibits on rocks, whales, and North Carolina’s plants and animals, there’s truly something for everyone. Many of the displays are interactive, making it both educational and fun. The museum is huge—you could easily spend several hours exploring everything. Best of all, admission is completely free, which makes it an incredible value. A must-visit if you’re in Raleigh!

I saved this location in maps to explore one day with my children and all I can say is WOW!! This park is absolutely beautiful! From the ground being well kept and fun to walk around to the different types of parks to play in based on age. We didn't get to experience the paddle boats because we arrived a little later than expected but the train and carousel were a lot of fun and only $2 a person, ya'll!! We're already looking forward to going back again soon... Thank you to all of the staff as well for being helpful and friendly when needed!

This park is so cute. You have a very cheap train ride for the kids. A nice quick loop around the water with a gorgeous fountain at the center and a couple of bridges crossing the water. There is some food and drinks too and a small playground as well. I believe they have paddle boats but only during the weekends and in good weather. Definitely a great place to go alone or with family and pets!

Pullen Park is such a charming and family-friendly spot in Raleigh! The park is beautifully maintained with scenic walking paths shaded by tall trees, plus a peaceful pond that makes for a relaxing stroll. It’s well organized and offers plenty of activities that children and adults alike will enjoy. We had planned to try the pedal boats, but since they’re only available on weekends, we opted for the train ride instead. The train was a delightful experience and a fun way to see more of the park while enjoying the breeze. Although the day was a bit too hot for us to stay long, we still had a wonderful time. On a cooler day, this would be the perfect place to spend hours enjoying the outdoors, picnicking, or simply exploring. Overall, Pullen Park is a gem in the area and a must-visit for families. We can’t wait to return! Cheers 🥂

They have a great playground for different ages. Very fun to be able to take a train ride and a ride on the carousel. $2 a ticket per person its not a bad price. We didn't get to do any other rides but I would recommend visiting. Feels very safe

Took my kiddos here who are 8 and 9. They did have a lot of fun. I’d say it’s geared more for younger. But they still had a blast! Road the train multiple times, played at the parks and did the carousel. We got lunch at the cafe, which everyone loved. Was very clean and well kept all over. We had fun just wondering and looking.

One of the oldest parks in Raleigh. Carousel, train, little boats to ride, Caboose, and paddle boats. Paddle boats are seasonal. Cafe with outdoor seating. Great place to spend morning or late afternoon. Nostalgia

We visit Raleigh frequently and had never been here. It was pretty crowded, but a well maintained park. We spent a couple hours here letting our kids play at the “big kid” playground and then we rode the train (only $2 a person, bought tickets online). Not sure if we would return though as my kids were a little “bored” from not having as many options to play on at the playground versus other ones but it was fun for that day!

This museum blew us away! It's definitely the best museum we've ever been to, and definitely worth the money and the trip to Raleigh. The entrance fee is incredibly reasonable compared to other museums, making it even more attractive. The place is truly fun and educational. The innovative hands-on exhibits are fantastic, engaging kids of all ages. We loved the award-winning programs and the larger-than-life movies. It's a perfect blend of entertainment and learning, perfect for kids and those young at heart. Highly recommended!

Went here on a field trip and it was the best thing ever! I really enjoy how many activities the establishment had, and how they welcome everyone no matter what. Even as a child, or even as an adult, you can come here and enjoy yourself and just have a good time in general. 5/5 stars! My favorite part was definitely the origami portion!

Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh is a wonderful place for children to explore, learn, and have fun through hands-on play. The exhibits are creative, educational, and designed to engage kids of all ages — from toddlers to school-age children. Every section encourages imagination and curiosity, whether it’s the water play area, the pretend town, or the science and building exhibits. The museum is clean, well-organized, and staff members are friendly and helpful. The IMAX theater is an added bonus, making it a complete family experience. It’s a perfect destination for families, school trips, or weekend fun. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Raleigh.

This is definitely a wonderful place for kids to explore their their motor skills, creativity and imagination. I absolutely love all the areas and outdoor activities. My 2-year-old and 4-year-old had a ball. However, it was frustrating that the staff has little to no input or comments when rules aren't being followed and most of the parents are on their phone instead of attending to their child. Seemed like a drop off daycare where the kids went wild and the parents tuned out. We love the sensory room because my 4-year-old is on the spectrum and needed to calm down a little. However was unable to do so because even with posted signs it was treated as if any other room. Staff came in as part of a tour yet failed to tell the two phone parents in the room the purpose of the room. But we find this anywhere. There is so much for the children to do. Just make sure you're a parent that participates with your child instead of holding up the wall while your child pushes Littles

My husband and I were on the fence about going here. I wish we would have came earlier! Our 2 year old had so much fun and would have loved to stay longer. Endless opportunities for pretend play, sensory activities, creative works, and physicality! This place has so much opportunity to create impactful and bonding moments with your child. Wish we had this in Detroit!

I took my daughter here even though I wasn't sure how much she would be able to do. She just turned 2 but because of a genetic disorder, her mobility is very limited for her age. I was so incredibly impressed with how inclusive this museum was. We LOVED the quiet sensory rooms where she could play at her own pace without big kids making it unsafe. We were having so much fun that we didn't even realize there was a 2nd floor until we were about to leave, so then we stayed longer to play with the big legos! Thank you for putting so much thought into this museum. This is a dream come true for a mama of a special needs kid! I wish I had something this amazing where I live. Bonus points for having a "tasted toys" bin to keep everything sanitary. Part of my daughter's disorder makes her want to put everything in her mouth, so we returned A LOT of toys lol

This is one of the best children’s museums that I have ever been to. The people are nice and fantastic. It’s ultra clean and there are exhibits and different spaces to keep the kids entertained for hours and hours and hours. You could honestly spend all day here and still not cover everything. Also, it’s very reasonably priced.

Great park for hiking 🥾 with a multitude of sights to see 👀. There is a waterfall of sorts near where sycamore trail enters its big loop that is a bit out of the way but a worth while trek. It has a good range of beginner and advanced trails but there could be more. Overall good and a must-visit if you are in NC

Amazing! Well marked trails, interesting history. Yes it's close to RDU and some spots you can hear the plans more then others but it's not bad. Frankly at one of the water fronts you can practically watch the plans take off. Was pretty neat. Beautiful scenery! No complaints.

This is one of the most beautiful park I have ever been to. I been there after my first time more then 50 times never get enough of this beautiful park, you need to be in shape to go there , it is a long walk and if you go biking 🚴 it take a good hours if you have a fast bike you can do it in 30 minutes if you not that fast it will be one hour to get out. It worth tt

an extremely boring but an extremely large Park, just 15 minutes away from downtown Raleigh. it is a great quiet escape from the city life, and the staff that work at the visitor center are very friendly and knowledgeable, even working on weekends! you would have to come back multiple times if you want to see every corner of this park. sadly there's barely any shred of wildlife and when your main attraction is a tree with some carvings in it, not terribly eventful either... Even Crabtree lake was more interesting

Went to Raleigh because my wife had a work type workshop, and I had like six hours to kill. I chose to spend my whole day here and absolutely loved it. Peaceful, beautiful, and fun trails. I got lucky enough to visit when I did because I was told the carved log was being taken due to it degrading. It was still beautiful. I would love to visit the park again and do other trails I missed out on.

Free entry, the 2.8ish mile loop that starts/ends at the welcome center/ranger station has a good mix of relatively light-to-moderate terrain, and a lake to see (no area to walk around the perimeter of the lake per se). Short drive from the city center, a decent amount of parking spots, but I can see it be packed during peak hours.

A beautiful park. Undisturbed by progress or development. Many miles of trails to enjoy on your own or with your dogs. The only criticism is that due to its close proximity to RDU, there is a lot of noise from aircraft overheard, but the dogs don’t seem to mind.

The service was impeccable. Waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and the history of the restaurant. Ambiance is on the fancier side with white table cloths and an emphasis on fine dining. The menu is varied with each dish being very complex with lots of flavors going on at once, borderline overly so. However, they are all in balance so everything still tasted good. I will note that seafood Paella was more of a jambalaya with Latin flavor profiles. But was still tasty. Definitely worth going at least once to experience the ambiance and the chef’s menu.

My family and I went there to celebrate. It was an amazing dinner. The food was so flavorful and different than any other place. The chef is very talented at combining flavors. The desserts were very unique, but very good. For example, their was a chocolate and apricot cake which I’ve never had before and it was amazing. It seemed like the chef put his own touch. Our family all ordered different dishes. The highlight of the night was definitely all of the desserts lol, the ribeye, and calamari. Also shouout to Amanda for remembering all of the dishes and specials lol 😂

Really cool restaurant with great food. Started with a 3 cheese plate. The sheep's milk blue cheese was the star of the show. They had a dinner course special of foie gras and a filet mignon. Both were paired with too many things to remember but everything paired really well together in every bite. A great balance of savory and sweet.

First timer and will return! When the hostess called to confirm and asked if we were celebrating something special, I mentioned our anniversary. We arrived for our 6:45 reservation about 6-7 minutes early and were seated immediately in the main dining room. We were presented with the standard menus, wine list, special cocktail list, etc., plus a copy of the menu with a Happy Anniversary (with our names) at the top and signed by the Chef as a keepsake of the evening -- such an awesome touch. Every staff member was amazing. They were knowledgable, friendly, authentic, and attentive. We started with the Aleppo Margarita (great amount of spice and flavor) and a standard Rum & Coke (also balanced for something simple). For firsts, we split the pork belly and a foie gras special. The depth of flavor was incredible. Perfect amount of sauce, accents, and temperature. For seconds, we both had the ribeye. We're definitely picky with steak, in general, as we both can make great steaks - these were flavorful and excellent cuts. I was surprised that the recommendation was "Medium." My husband got his rare and I said medium to medium-rare. Medium rare is my go-to, but with the Chef recommending Medium, I didn't want to stray too far from the preferred. The outermost parts of my steak edged on the far side of Medium, but the rest was just as asked for. I would consider my husband's medium rare (at least 90% of it), so there are probably some hot parts of the grill/pan. All that aside, the cut, flavor, and sides were so well-balanced. We split a bottle of WillaKenzie Pinot Noir and it went well with all. We were stuffed and didn't even consider dessert. We would absolutely return because of top notch service, attention to detail, atmosphere, and quality and taste of food! While we did spend a lot per person (according to google review options), there are many dishes and wines by glass options that make it more affordable!

Our visit to Second Empire was absolutely phenomenal! Elegant Victorian house, the ambience set the tone for a perfect dinner. Every dish we tried was a masterpiece! Just amazing! Impeccable service!!! We felt like VIPs! It was our anniversary dinner and everyone at the restaurant made sure we had an excellent experience. I can’t wait to return! If you are looking for an upscale dining experience in Raleigh with unforgettable food and service, Second Empire is a must visit. Highly recommend!!!

I have a habit of being too effusive in my praise in many of my reviews, but for SECOND EMPIRE, I cannot possibly hold back. This restaurant is phenomenal, on every level. The owners are to be commended for renovating, establishing, and sustaining this iconic Victorian building as a culinary jewel in the downtown Raleigh landscape. The menu and the food experience are wonderful, and the table service is nothing short of professional; a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and efficient staff of servers. Micaela, in particular, although one of the youngest servers, demonstrated a flair for courteous, eloquent delivery in her expression of the components of every special menu item. She was dazzling. 😊 The chef and their team outdo themselves with local, fresh ingredients, and flavor combinations that are out of this world. The atmosphere is semi-formal and relaxed; a relief from the ordinary eateries that we are so often accustomed to. The no-rush ambiance is appropriate for their upscale price point. I cannot recommend Second Empire highly enough. It’s sublime.

This is truly an exceptional dining experience. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the service very much. This is a special occasion restaurant. They made our 39th wedding anniversary very special!. We even had a signed menu from the chef waiting for us! Highly recommend for those special occasions!

Ambiance was casual with a dash of quirkiness throughout the decor and even on the plates! Mixed menu of Tapas/small plates style and entree style dishes. Each one is a modern take on various food groups and flavor profiles. Service was great and attentive. They do not take reservations and they fill up quickly so I’d recommend getting there 20-30 min before they open and get your name on the list (even for the second/later seating) to secure a seat. Will definitely comeback as the menu changes frequently!

Overall I had a wonderful time at Stanbury. The atmosphere is very fun. The food is pretty good and the service was also good. We got the oysters that come already dressed which is nice so you don’t have to do the work. The bone marrow was very good, I especially liked the greens that came with it. The fish was the star of the show, it was so tasty! The sides it came with just made everything better and I kept wanting more. For dessert we got the halva rice Krispie which was ok, I was not wowd. Even though it came with the ice cream there was an element missing from being great. Drinks were decent as well, I especially enjoyed the last word. I’d definitely go back to see what else they have. It sucks they don’t take reservations so you have to get there at 4:30 to get a table that night. We arrived at 5:30 and got a table at 8:30. Not sure why they don’t take reservations in this day and age.

Best food I have had in NC since leaving new york ! A very creative menu that changes regularly. Great place for couples and foodies in general. The service was excelent and the menu was filled with delightfull options, making it very hard to decide. Stay for the desserts. We were highly impressed!

Just an amazing place. Such unique options, food is amazing, staff is super helpful. Get a bunch of small plates and share. Absolutely love this place.

This our favorite restaurant to celebrate special events! They never miss. Food is always spectacular, staff is always so attentive and welcoming, drinks are spot on. 100/10. No reservations but the wait is worth it every single time.

Stanbury is my favorite restaurant in Raleigh. The food is superbly balanced and always fresh and inventive. Service is fantastic, and I love the eclectic aesthetic. It delivers an amazing experience without any pretentiousness.

WOW. Best food in Raleigh thus far. We tried to go to Stanbury at 5pm on a Saturday last year. That was a bust. You HAVE to be in line by 4:15 to even have a shot at getting your name in the list and being seated by 6. Went on Wednesday night - arriving just before 7 - and our party of 4 was sat outside (with heaters) immediately. Our server, Trudy (99% sure,) was phenomenal. She knew each dish and its history and gave us amazing recommendations on food and wine. My husband and I chose to share 5 small plates for our dinner. Our friends got two apps and the ribeye. We all tried one another’s food. Stupid good. I can’t comment on everything based on small tastes, but my standouts were the lamb and bone marrow. It was my friend’s birthday and they brought a slice of beach pie to the table. It was so refreshing and perfect!

One of the best spots in Raleigh. The food is always absolutely perfectly balanced and cooked. The appetizers and sides are amazing. Can’t recommend the Bibb lettuce enough. Mac and cheese is great. You seriously cannot go wrong. Come with a few people and try lots of things. Great cocktails as well.

Overall a nice dinner experience. Staff was super attentive, great atmosphere, very nostalgic decorations. Dessert was star of the show with the Pear Tartin. Not too sweet, nice crisp on the tartin, ice cream was smooth, perfect amount of crunch. The Wagyu Royale was an oversold meatball. The Au Jus was nice, but couldn’t make up for the dryness. Lacking in salt and overall flavor. Not really enough cheese topped to complement the entire dish. Disappointing for what was expected, but not by any means bad. Pickle Juice cesar was awesome! Perfect addition of something new that added a little salt and tang to a well done cesar. Mac and Cheese was phenomenal! Depth of cheese flavors and melty underneath, with a crispy almost parmesan crisp on top. Wish the noodles were the larger mac style as to not give it a kraft mac and cheese feel. Great flavors and salt levels overall.

My husband brought me here for my birthday last month after I read a lovely blog post about it. The service was great and I enjoyed each of our dishes and they brought out a birthday candle. Fast forward to the night of the Teddy Swims's concert and there was an hour wait at another restaurant. We were able to get into Poole's last minute without a reservation and it made the night even better! I was also able to get a potato side substitution on my entree because squash hurts my stomach.

stumbled into Pooles thinking it was just a little “diner” tucked away in Raleigh. Turns out, I walked straight into a high-end spot that knows exactly what it’s doing. The vibe feels like a mix of old-school comfort and modern flair, with a service team that treats you like they’ve been waiting all week just for you to show up. The menu isn’t your average lineup—it’s built around creativity and ingredients you’re not going to find on every corner. But let’s be real, the showstopper here is the legendary macaroni. Imagine the cheesiest, creamiest dish you’ve ever had, then turn the dial up about three notches. It’s so rich and delicious it almost demands applause after the first bite. That said, it’s definitely heavy, so unless you’ve got bottomless stamina, you’ll probably be boxing some up for later (and trust me, you’ll be glad you did). Pooles surprised me in the best way—unique food, polished service, and that signature mac that basically owns the spotlight. I walked in expecting “diner,” but walked out knowing I’d just eaten at one of Raleigh’s best kept open secrets.

Usually I choose who I review based on the food at the restaurant , but this review is for the amazing service we received. We went on a Tuesday evening around 6:30 and the restaurant was busy. When we ordered, the waitress/server told us our meals would t take about 30-35 minutes. I'm sure you know where this is going. It took over an hour for our food to come out. Since you can see into the kitchen, we could tell something had gone wrong. Throughout our wait the server and the manager were communicative and apologetic. They really did care about our experience. Every restaurant will have an off night, but the way they recovered, means that I will be back another night. Food was pretty good, but even after all of the waiting we still had to send one plate back. So I will reserve my review for food for the next time i visit.

I had a wonderful dinner with 4 guests here. The servers are easily the best in the state of NC - all knowledgeable, humorous, prompt and polite. This is the best service I have experienced in NC!

I loved this place. Food is on the pricier side but my husband and I really enjoyed ourselves. The flank steak was really good, even though I don’t usually go for flank this was cooked very well. The sweet potatoes were also very good. I enjoyed the appetizer as well which was like a tuna kimchi crudo, although I do think they could’ve punched up the kimchi flavor. My husband loved the catfish he got and we both were in love with the mac and cheese. The dessert was also delicious, chocolate hazelnut cheesecake with a toasted marshmallow on top was oh so good. That and the bourbon caramel went together so nice. My advice try to leave room for dessert.

This was our second time here and both times have been 10/10! We got the duck, steak, eggplant, and trout. The steak was paired with a truffle cream type corn that may have been my favorite thing on the table. The eggplant was super crispy and not soggy at all. The trout was light but the sauce it was paired with was the star of the show. They were all absolutely delicious but we all agreed the trout was our favorite. The brownie sundae had an incredible honey peanut butter whip and was so dense and gooey I wanted five. The portions here are perfect that you can enjoy an app, dinner, and dessert and not feel like you need to be rolled out. It was my dad’s birthday and they did a candle for him in the cheesecake. Both my parents said this was a top five meal ever for them!

I can see why this restaurant was on the Michelin Guide for Raleigh. The ambiance when you walk in, is so cozy. However, the food was AMAZING. All the flavors were there. The yellowtail crudo had to be my favorite dish. The rice cake they put on top is to die for, and dipping it in the yellowtail was chefs kiss. The catfish was their special and it was perfectly lightly battered and fried! Cocktails were unique and held lots of flavor. Definitely ask the waitress or waiter about the speakeasy, you’ll need a key to go! The service was 10/10, a great date night

The atmosphere is beautiful and perfect for date night. We enjoyed our time here and the food was a feast for the eyes. It was our first time eating beef tartar and it was delicious but a little too salty. They are pricey !

I get it now. Crawford & Son is that spot—and for good reason. It’s where everyone I know in Raleigh ends up for their special occasions, and after finally going myself, I totally understand why. It’s not flashy. It’s not stuffy. It’s just… effortlessly excellent. The kind of place where the food is Michelin-level but the staff makes you feel like a regular—even if it’s your first visit. The vibe? Elevated, local, and entirely unpretentious. Chef Scott Crawford and his team are true pros—the kind that know they’re the best, so they don’t have to act like it. Every plate is thoughtful, seasonal, and full of flavor (do NOT skip the manchego biscuits). And the energy in the room? Warm, grounded, indie soundtrack in the background, everyone just genuinely enjoying being there. Honestly, I wanted to gatekeep this neighborhood gem. But it’s too good not to share. This is what special occasions should feel like.

We dined here a couple of days ago and had a exceptional dining experience. The food was amazing, the bone marrow beef tartare and the short rib are must-tries. Highly recommend!!

Came to celebrate a Girl Friend's birthday. First time here and it was delicious. My drink the TKO had gin, watermelon, campari and coconut. It was so smooth and delicious...quite possibly dangerous after a few. My favorite drink now. We had a Pork Belly Special, Bone Marrow Tartare and Blue Crab Ditalini to start. All were beautifully and cleanly presented. Biscuits were a good salty and flaky. For entrees, had the Duck Breast, Sea Trout and Denver Steak, all were properly seasoned and cooked. We had all desserts except the sorbet. We were full but had to try them all and they did not disappoint either. Our server did a great job. Super friendly and wished my friend a Happy Birthday. Checking my calendar now to see when I can bring my husband. Can't wait. Also loved Brodeto!!

The food here was so bomb. Everything was rich and succulent in flavors and preparation. Loved the drinks, service, and the food. Hands down.

I've heard about this place from TV and word of mouth. I tried to make a dinner reservation online but the website seemed to block typical dinner hours or their reservation was completely filled up far in advance. In any case, I've decided to try the lounge which opens at 3 and it's first come first serve. This place had great atmosphere. The decoration was unique. Totally southern barnyard feel. We ordered tomahawk ($95) and beef ribs ($40). In many reviews, people complained about their overprices, but considering the crazy inflation of beef prices these days, I thought their price was not unreasonable. However, the taste and quality of steaks were not as good as it looked. The meat was rather tough and bit dry. Unfortunately I cannot give more than 3 stars for that reason. It was a shame. I had a high expectation.

Holiday Cheer! If you want to feel like you stepped into a Hallmark Movie during the Holidays you need to come here. It’s November and so many beautiful Christmas decorations are up. Beautiful building. We had the Chateaubriand cooked to medium. It was excellent! It comes with a salad, your choice of potatoes and another side. Choose one of their lovely wines to go with it. We were so full we couldn’t have dessert. We have tried their Checker pie and it’s amazing. You can always pick up at their store some dessert to go. Service was very good, our server was extremely helpful. Our first time here so we had many questions. The staff overall were very nice. Reservations are hard to come by due to the popularity. So plan at least 4 months in advance. You will not be disappointed.

Awesome vibes- it truly does feel like a barn but they treat you to specular food and great portions. Even with a huge party, we had outstanding service and everything was delicious. Great spot for good meat!

We have a fabulous time every time we visit! I recommend coming early so you can enjoy the bar space out front before your reservation. They have complimentary cheese and crackers and it is a fun space to hang out in all weather. I'm vegetarian, but I get plenty to eat here. They have two pasta choices. All of the staff is helpful and nice! The decorations and many dining rooms are so interesting and they are so fun when they are decorated for Christmas!

THE. BEST. RESTAURANT. The food is amazing, the specialty truffle ribeye is the best. I was never a steak person but this is just too good. The complimentary cherry pepper is also sooooo good with the white cheddar. Wine are good as well. The service is also so good! Isabella is the best!! The vibe is immaculate too and the Christmas decorations are so pretty. Everything is perfect. 10/10 recommend!

Recently my travels took me to the Research Triangle Area so I made plans to eat at the historic Angus Barn. I am so glad I did. They had decorated for the Christmas holidays and what a delightful and most enriching experience I had. The festive spirit of the decorations put me in a warm joyful mood. Everyone was having a wonderful time, I felt as if I was in a Hallmark Movie, but it was better than that because it was real. The food was excellently prepared and tasted delicious and the portions were very generous. Our service was prompt & efficient. The entire dining experience was pleasurable. Eating out is not just about food or fast service it’s about spending time with loved ones, family and friends, and building memories and rekindling that nostalgic magic of days gone by to excite us for what’s ahead in our journey. The Angus Barn is a one of a kind dining experience. They are celebrating their 65th year in business. It’s my favorite place to eat in NC. Make a reservation & you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Spectacular start to the holiday season. Decor was stunning. Our server Melissa was awesome and saw to it that we had a really great evening!