When it comes to planning the perfect Raleigh date night, the Person Street District has it all.

The Person Street District is located just north of downtown Raleigh on the west side of Oakwood. The commercial spaces in this area were all but abandoned ten years ago but a lot of great spots have opened here in recent years. Now it’s almost impossible to find parking in this area.

For the perfect Person Street date night, you should definitely start with a fun activity, get drinks, have a tasty meal, and save room for dessert. I might suggest getting dessert first, since many of the dessert options close fairly early. But don’t tell your mom I said it was okay.

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How to plan a Raleigh date night in the Person Street District

Step 1: A Fun Activity

These fun activities are all perfect for a chilled-out Person Street date night.

Catch a performance at Burning Coal Theatre – 224 Polk St – Get tickets to see a high energy, professional play in a small intimate theater.

Shop Unlikely Professionals – 212 E Franklin St – Craving dapper duds and frothy suds? Unlikely Professionals is a one-stop haven for rugged charm. Pocket squares, playful hats, and beard-pampering potions line the shelves, while at the bar, IPAs sing like bullfrogs, and stouts waltz on the tongue. This ain’t just a men’s store, it’s a leather-scented adventure for anyone who appreciates a good beard oil and a perfectly poured pint. Stop in to explore their curated but seemingly random collections, enjoy an arcade game, or have a drink with good company.

Browse So & So Books – 719 N Person St – This charming independent bookstore features shelves overflowing with stories waiting to be discovered. It’s the perfect place to lose yourself in a good book and savor the aroma of ink and paper, while possibly ignoring your date.

Explore Historic Oakwood – Historic Oakwood’s 20th century Victorians wear sunshine like jewels, their turrets playful winks. Look for styles like Queen Anne, folk Victorian, and Second Empire. Streets brim with friendly laughter, porch swings creak with sweet tea, and history hums a happy tune. And if your limbs itch for a more invigorating jaunt, head east to Oakwood Cemetery, where you’ll find headstones adorned with moss-kissed inscriptions marking the final resting place of Confederate soldiers, local politicians, and other notable figures.

Enjoy Raleigh City Farm – 800 N Blount St – Raleigh City Farm is a nonprofit urban farm nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh. In addition to being a one-acre farm growing a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, it’s a vibrant community hub, a champion of sustainable agriculture, and a delicious source of fresh, local produce. They offer a pay-what-you-can farmstand, a variety of volunteer opportunities, educational workshops, and events. All are welcome to wander through the gardens and reconnect with nature in the heart of the city.

Step 2: Grab Some Drinks

Whether you’re in the mood for fancy cocktails or something more casual, you’ll find plenty of places to grab a drink in the Person Street District.

William and Co – 616 N Person St #1214 – This is a great option if you’re in the mood for delicious cocktails made with fresh ingredients in a cozy spot with a small amount of heated patio seating.

Person Street Bar – 805 N Person St – This is a good option if you are seeking out more of a neighborhood bar vibe. They have craft beer, wine, and cocktails as well as bar games and a huge covered patio.

Pelagic Beer and Wine – 300 Pace St – This is a neighborhood bottle shop with a curated selection of craft beer, wine, and cider for purchase. Think small-batch breweries, independent wineries, and unique styles you won’t find at your usual supermarket. But they also have a cozy tasting room where you can enjoy a glass or two on-site. Check out what the have on tap and enjoy it in their cozy space or on the patio.

Standard Beer + Food – 205 E Franklin St - This is a neighborhood bar and restaurant with a huge amount of covered and uncovered outdoor seating. They have a rotating selection of craft beers brewed onsite, craft cocktails, and natural wines. If you decide to stay for food, expect tacos, elevated bar snacks, salads, and fancy sandwiches.

Wine Authorities – 211 E Franklin St – Wine Authorities is a wine shop and haven for all things grape-related. This is a place where you can find carefully curated wines, from small-batch producers and lesser-known regions to classic favorites. They also have an enomatic machine, allowing you to sample various wines by the taste or glass, perfect for exploring new options.

Step 3: Have Dinner

With plenty of great spots for a bite to eat in the Person Street District, these are some of the best ones for a date night in Raleigh.

Crawford and Son – 618 N Person St – This is a neighborhood restaurant pumping out decadent versions of home cooked classics. Their drink menu isn’t huge but does include what I believe are some of the best mocktails in Raleigh. Order anything that includes vegetables or seafood and you won’t be disappointed.

Jolie – 620 N Person St – Jolie is a lively fine dining French restaurant by acclaimed chef Scott Crawford. Go for the classic French dishes and modern adaptations; stay for the beverages. They have a fairly large enclosed and heated rooftop patio that makes for a fun vibe. Get the gougères to start.

The Station - 701 N Person St – This neighborhood restaurant and bar has a ton of indoor seating and a huge, covered and heated patio (read giant fireplace) so it’s a great place to hang out for while. The food is focused on classic American fare with a Southern twist, so expect burgers, fries, fried green tomatoes, and salads.

Stanbury – 938 N Blount St – This is a hip and rustic restaurant featuring seasonal small plates and entrees created with locally sourced ingredients. Stanbury is possibly the best kept secret in Raleigh. They don’t take reservations so your best bet is showing up right when they open. Order anything or everything. No one will judge you.

Oakwood Pizza Box – 610 N Person St – This is a busy neighborhood spot for New York style and square pizzas. Pro tip: put your name on the waiting list before heading somewhere else for a drink.

(ish) Delicatessen – 702 N Person St - This deli defies labels. It borrows bits and pieces from different culinary cultures, throwing them into a pot and stirring with a ladle of pure creativity. Expect the unexpected, and your taste buds will thank you.

Step 4: Get Dessert

Saving room for something sweet to wrap up your Raleigh date night in the Person Street District? These are the perfect final stops.

Two Roosters – 215 E Franklin St – Two Roosters is a small local ice cream chain with creative new flavours every month. Try an ice cream flight!

Sugar Euphoria – 606 N Person St – Sugar Euphoria is a cake shop and dessert bakery. I haven’t been yet but the cupcakes and fancy cookies look amazing.

Krispy Kreme – 549 N Person St – This doughnut shop is a purveyor of pillowy, sugary circles that are a magical portal to a land of hyperactive pixies and orange-glowing skulls. Go when the neon “Hot Now” sign is lit up in the window.

Where to Park Around Person Street

Unfortunately, it can be very hard to find parking along Person Street. On some parts of Person Street and Blount Street, weekday parking is free but limited to 2 hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday to Friday, but otherwise unlimited. On some of the nearby streets, parking is limited to 1 hour. And on other sections, it’s limited to 2 hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m Monday to Friday, with NO parking outside those hours except by permit.

There is a small lot at Person Street Plaza, but it’s almost always full and is supposed to be for customers only (of which you probably will be one, but it’s worth noting).

I recommend parking further back into Oakwood on some side streets. Alternatively, if you plan to visit Stanbury, you may want to park in that general direction. No matter where you park, make sure you read the signs carefully.

Where to Stay Around Person Street

If you’re visiting from out of town or decide to make a staycation of your Person Street date night, I have no hesitation in recommending the Longleaf Hotel (affiliate). It’s a renovated retro motor lodge with a fantastic lobby and lounge. The rooms are basic but nice and clean and have all the amenities you could want, including Advil!

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Which of these Raleigh spots would you choose for a Person Street date night?

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