HIFI Agency’s Guide to Raleigh

When clients come to visit HIFI Agency’s home office in Raleigh, North Carolina, we like to show off our beautiful city. We put together this guide showcasing some of the best restaurants, coffee shops, hotels and cocktail hour spots. Whether you’re visiting Raleigh for the first time or if you travel here often, you’ll be prepared to get the best that HIFI’s home has to offer.

Staying in the City

When visiting Raleigh, staying downtown offers something fun for everyone. Raleigh’s downtown area has everything from museums to restaurants and bars, to scenic outdoor trails to neighborhoods full of rich history. There are a few different accommodations that offer guests the best of all that Raleigh has to offer. 

Heights House, located in the Boylan Heights neighborhood downtown, is a historic hotel and venue space. The Heights House offers a unique and charming stay, as well as events such as Music on the Lawn, afternoon tea, and picnics on the lawn. Complimentary Linus bicycles are also available to guests, which makes exploring the nearby downtown area easier. 

The Casso is another hotel option in the downtown area, located near the Warehouse District. This hotel is just steps away from downtown’s many different restaurant and nightlife options. This Casso also offers kid-friendly amenities, a fitness center, and is also pet friendly upon request. 

Raleigh’s Best Eats

It can be difficult to find the “right” place to eat in Raleigh, when there are so many good options for dining. Whether you’re wanting something more casual and light or a full course sit-down meal, Raleigh has some good choices. 

To start your day, check out The Optimist or 321 for a quick breakfast. The Optimist is located in a neighborhood nearby downtown, and 321 is located right in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Both coffee shops offer hot and cold brewed coffee, teas, and rotating baked goods, and The Optimist has a small breakfast and lunch menu available. 

For lunch or dinner, you could enjoy a cold craft beer and a signature pizza from Trophy Brewing. Trophy Brewing has multiple locations, including some in downtown, and offers indoor and outdoor heated seating, a wide selection of craft beers, and a full menu with salads, small plates, pizza and desserts. Trophy also hosts rotating events, like pop up markets, Sunday yoga, and music bingo. Another option near downtown is Second Empire, a restaurant and tavern that was built inside of a restored house from the 1870’s. The historical and charming atmosphere of the house, combined with the tavern’s gourmet cuisine, offers a refined and unique dining experience in Raleigh. For larger groups, Barcelona Wine Bar has a wide selection of charcuterie boards and tapas that makes ordering for the table easier. 

If you’re craving a tasty dessert while downtown, be sure to check out Videri Chocolate Factory. Videri has a wide selection of allergy friendly chocolate that is made fresh inside their very own chocolate factory, which is available for tours and tastings. There is also coffee and soft serve ice cream served. 

Grabbing a Drink

Raleigh has many different bars and breweries that offer a selection of specialty craft cocktails, live music, craft beers, and rooftop open-air patios. If you’re looking for a bar that has some history, The Raleigh Times is decorated with old Raleigh Times newspaper clippings, has a wide option of cocktails and beers, and has a rooftop seating area that has a great view of downtown. Another great choice to grab a drink at is William & Company or Crawford and Son, two cozy cocktail bars in the historic Oakwood District. 

Whether you’re just visiting Raleigh or planning to stick around, the city is lively, unique and never short on things to do. Use this as your guide to getting the most out of Raleigh while you’re here. 

For other articles by HIFI Agency, check out our content here.