I must confess that I suffer from a very inconvenient and inexplicable inability to recall options for sustenance when I become hangry. To alleviate this most bothersome predicament, I have compiled a list of the various restaurants and drinking dens that surround City Market. It is a most unfortunate necessity, but one that may prove useful to those who, like myself, are prone to bouts of ravenous hunger. Luckily, the City Market area offers a surprising variety of culinary delights. From humble coffee shops to dimly lit bars to extravagant restaurants, there is something to satisfy every palate, no matter how particular.

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City Market Area Restaurants

Here is a complete list of restaurants around City Market. Most of the restaurants in this area are open for lunch and on weekends but check before going. And while I have endeavored to highlight those that offer patios and breakfast service, I must acknowledge that I may have missed some details.

Alimentari at Left Bank – Counter-service, deli sandwiches, charcuterie, Thursday night fresh pasta specials, patio

Amorino Gelato – Raleigh – Counter-service, gelato, coffee, patio

Benchwarmers Bagels – Counter-service, breakfast, bagels, pizza on weekends, patio

Big Ed’s – All-day breakfast and lunch

Brewery Bhavana – Beer, Chinese, upscale

Budacai – Counter-service, bubble tea, Vietnamese, patio

bul-box.com – Counter-service, Asian rice bowls, fried chicken sandwiches, patio

Cafe Luna – Italian

Captain Cookie & the Milk Man – Counter-service, ice cream, cookies, ice cream sandwiches, patio

Che Empanadas – Counter-service, empanadas, breakfast, patio

Chhote’s – Counter-service, Indian, patio

City Market Sushi – Sushi

Daijobu – Ramen, sushi hand rolls

Dank Burrito – Counter-service, Mexican, patio

El Rodeo – Mexican

El Toro Loco Taqueria – Counter-service, Mexican

Hady’s – African, (technically outside the bounds of the district but easily walkable)

Mama Crow’s Burger & Salad Shop – Counter-service, burgers, salads, patio

Mazahua Azteca – Mexican

Mofu Shoppe – Asian fusion, openable floor to ceiling windows

Raleigh Popsicle Co – Popsicles

Sir Walter Coffee – Coffee, breakfast, drinks, patio

Sosta Cafe – Coffee, patio, sandwiches, salads, breakfast, lunch, sidewalk patio

Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – Italian, pizza, patio

Woody’s – Beer, drinks, pub grub, sidewalk patio

Yatai – Counter-service or table service, seafood, ramen, sushi, fish tacos, cocktails, patio

City Market Area Coffee Shops

There is no shortage of places to get a good cup of coffee in the City Market district, but if want to explore further, here’s my complete list of coffee shops around Raleigh.

Amorino Gelato – Raleigh – Counter-service, gelato, coffee, patio

Blackbird Books and Coffee – Coffee

Little Native Coffee Co. – Coffee, patio

Sir Walter Coffee – Coffee, breakfast, drinks, patio

Sosta Cafe – Coffee, patio, sandwiches, salads, breakfast, lunch, sidewalk patio

City Market Area Bars

While many of the aforementioned establishments might offer alcoholic beverages alongside their culinary offerings, the following places are primarily dedicated to drinking or have excellent beverage programs. Those listed simply as ‘drinks’ provide a range of beverages, but aren’t known for high quality cocktail creations or carefully selected beer and wine lists.

Brewery Bhavana – Beer, Chinese, upscale

Burial Beer Co. Raleigh Taproom – Beer, sidewalk patio

Halftime Sports Lounge – Drinks

Sir Walter Coffee – Coffee, breakfast, drinks, patio

The Bridge DTR – Drinks, patio

The Davie – Drinks, sidewalk patio

The Hippo – Wine, patio

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop – Beer, drinks

The Raleigh Wine Shop – Wine, patio

Roshambo Beverage Company – Beer, sidewalk patio

Watts & Ward – Cocktails, patio

Wellness Bar at The Current – N/A cocktails for special events

Woody’s – Beer, drinks, pub grub, sidewalk patio

Yatai – Counter-service or table service, seafood, ramen, sushi, fish tacos, cocktails

Where to Park Around City Market

This area offers a mix of free and paid street parking and a few surface parking lots and parking decks. Be sure to read the signage carefully to determine if and when you need to pay. If you’re willing to walk a little further east, you’ll likely be able to find free street parking or more affordable parking lots.

If you’re not driving, you can also take advantage of bikeshares, scooters, rideshares, buses, and more. Here’s more info about getting around downtown.

Where to Stay Around City Market

If you plan to spend the night, Guesthouse Raleigh is the perfectly charming adults-only haven you need. Tucked away on a leafy downtown street, this 19th-century Victorian offers a tranquil escape mere minutes from the bustle of the city. Airy rooms emit a delightful mid-century modern vibe, complete with all the modern conveniences a discerning traveler could desire.

If you’d like something more budget-minded or family friendly, there are also a number of Airbnbs to consider in this area.

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If you’re looking for even more options nearby, here’s my complete list of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops around Fayetteville Street.

Where’s your favorite spot to grab a bite to eat around City Market?