Longest standing BBQ joint

• Although the restaurant plans to leave downtown soon, this spot was established in 1938, making it the oldest barbecue joint in Raleigh — and there are no plans to stop smoking anytime soon. Clyde Cooper’s serves up Eastern Carolina-style ‘cue with a vinegar-based sauce and Cheerwine baked beans. The sides are just as tasty as the slow-cooked pork shoulder.
• Pro tip: Keep it classic with the chopped pork sammy tray, complete with slaw, hush puppies, and fresh pork skins.

Branch out award

• ‘Cue with a Latin flair. Eastern Carolina style is tried-and-true, but Lechon breaks barbecue barriers with its slow-roasted pork shoulder and Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken.
• Pro tip: Try the tripleta platter which includes pulled chicken + pork, argentine sausage, lechon rice, and sweet plantains.

Vibes and swine

• This spot opened in 2022 and serves classics alongside inventive bites like the collard green melt, fried oyster crackers, roasted sweet potatoes, and persimmon upside down cake.
• Pro tip: Sit out on the patio with your tray piled high and take in the vibes.

Wait, this is vegan?

• Barbecue should be for everyone, not just meat eaters. Element is 100% vegan and serves plant-based southern + barbecue faves like chik’n and waffles, barbecue nachos, and a classic NC-style barbecue plate.
• Pro. tip: If you’re craving brunch, try the Nojangles supremes or biscuits and mushroom gravy.

• “Woven Strangers” | Tuesday, May 7 | 12-5 p.m. | Arts Access Inc., 444 S. Blount St., Ste. 115B, Raleigh | Free | Check out a collection of dimensional acrylic paintings on wood created by native North Carolina artist Jean Gray Mohs.
• Pink Petals | Tuesday, May 7 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The English Garden, 8820 Gulf Ct., Raleigh | $85 | Pair pink flowers with rosy wines at this unique tasting + flower arranging class.
• Foo Fighters — “Everything Or Nothing At All” | Tuesday, May 7 | 7 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, 3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh | $80-$300+ | You know this rock band from songs like “Best of You” and “Everlong” — see the group here in Raleigh.

• US Open Cup | Wednesday, May 8 | 7 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Dr., Cary | $10 | Watch North Carolina FC take on Phoenix Rising FC in this knockout cup competition.

• Midtown Beach Music Series | Thursday, May 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Midtown Park, 4011 Park at North Hills St., Raleigh | $5 | This beach music series brings island time to Raleigh. This week: Band of Oz.
• Open Mic Night | Thursday, May 9 | 8-9:30 p.m. | ComedyWorx, 3801 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | $7-$8 | Laugh along with some hilarious comedians in the Triangle.
• Kings Patio Party & Networking Social | Thursday, May 9 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Kings Dining & Entertainment, 141 Park @ North Hills St., Raleigh | $0-$10 | Enjoy your first drink free while you eat, play + connect.*

• A family history of cancer
• Unexplained symptoms
• A desire for peace of mind or information to make proactive decisions

• The circular ‘60s Holiday Inn in downtown Raleigh won’t be demolished anytime soon, according to hotel management and a lack of demolition permits. We previously reported on plans for a 20-story mixed-use development to take its place, but developer Tidal Real Estate Partners hasn’t made many moves recently. (Triangle Business Journal)

• Plan outside the box for Mother’s Day and head to Hellbent at Makers Alley this Saturday, May 11 for free mini gel manicures courtesy of Mood Raleigh. Plus, take a discount from Hellbent and neighbor Dose Yoga when you make a purchase at both.

• Lake Wheeler Park will host some of the best rowers in the country during the 2024 ACC Women’s Rowing Championships Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. With nine collegiate teams representing, the event is free for spectators, and regular lake access will resume Sunday, May 19.

• This week is National Hurricane Preparedness Week before hurricane season officially starts in June. Take some time to assemble an emergency kit and make a plan for potential evacuation.

• Your RALtoday Editors here. We care about Raleigh. We also care about the people in it. That’s why every day, we bring you positive, impactful news stories about our city — skipping the political talk, crime coverage, and biased reporting. Support our approach to local news with a one-time donation.

• When exercise just isn’t doing what you want it to do, CoolSculpting at Synergy Face + Body is here to lend a hand. See what the innovative, non-invasive procedure can do in just 35 minutes.*