Raleigh is ~230 years old, and despite the ever-changing + growing nature of the city, institutions like classic local restaurants help keep the city’s old soul alive.
We took a look at some of the still-standing Raleigh restaurants with the oldest founding dates + here’s what we found:
Mecca is located just a few blocks from the NC State Capitol and has long been known to serve NC politicians Southern classics. In 2014, the building housing the restaurant was named as a historic landmark.
The tiny but mighty Roast Grill serves only three things: hot dogs, glass-bottled Coke, and homemade Greek desserts. Oh, and don’t bother asking for ketchup, cheese, mayo, kraut, relish or to pay with a card. They do have chili, slaw made without mayo, mustard + hand-chopped onions. Plus, the iconic “Hot Weiners” sign out front is second to none.
Public Library Pop-Up | 10 a.m. | Dorothea Dix Park | Free | Enjoy story time indoors at the park and borrow + return books from Wake County Public Libraries.
Taylor Swift Karaoke Night | 7 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Company | Free | Make the whole place shimmer with Taylor’s tunes, glitter champagne, and enough fun to last an era.
These businesses that have stood the test of time and stolen the hearts (and loyalty) of locals and visitors alike. | Photo provided by Experience Columbia SC
If you’re like us, you’re a sucker for a bit of nostalgia. The good news: Columbia, SC is full of vintage vibes. Next time you visit, don’t miss these three timeless spots that embody the city’s charm:
Nickelodeon Theatre: Catch an indie flick or cultural screening at this beloved Main Street landmark.
Villa Tronco: Savor authentic Italian dishes at South Carolina’s oldest restaurant, or what we like to call, a family-run treasure.
Art Bar: Experience eclectic nightlife with live music and vibrant decor in the Vista. Plus, it’s a great spot to get a late-night bites.
The conditions are looking just right for an early morning snow on Saturday in the Triangle. While a snow day sounds like fun to us, be aware of possible power outages, black ice, and sleet. (ABC 11)
Trending
Viral NYC bagel shop PopUp Bagels is expanding to NC with a Raleigh location in the works. These bagels are served hot, fresh, and whole with no slicing and has been financially backed by celebs like Paul Rudd and Michael Phelps. (Axios Charlotte)
Sports
As part of the Canes’ celebration + Hall of Fame induction for Eric Staal, 16 Canes alum will hit the ice against the NC State Icepack on Monday, Jan. 13, including head coach Rod Brind’Amour, Justin Williams, and Cam Ward. Tickets are $20 for most seating with first and second row seats at $100 and $75, respectively.
Try This
2025 is the Year of the Snake. Ring in the Lunar New Year at Raleigh Iron Works on Saturday, Feb. 1. Guests can expect local vendors, dragon dances + performances.
Outdoors
More details on the upcoming Neuse River Park coming to north Raleigh have arrived. The new 80-acre park will include river access for kayaking + swimming, hiking trails, a nature play zone, and enhanced amenities. The park will be funded by the 2022 Parks Bond and will be constructed in 2026 through 2028.
Edu
Just how hard is it to get into NC universities and colleges? Duke boasts as the most selective in fiscal year 2023 with a mere 6.8% acceptance rate for its 46,000+ applicants. UNC accepted 18.7%, and NC State accepted just shy of 40%. (Triangle Business Journal)
Asked
Ready to crack some spines with the RALtoday team? Let us know if you’d be interested in reading alongside your City Editors in a quarterly book club.
Eat
Start 2025 with Thrive Market: organic groceries delivered right to your door. (They ban over 1,000 harmful ingredients.) Join here to get 30% off your order plus a free $60 gift.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers offers a personalized, science-backed approach to weight management. Combining medication, expert support, and digital tools, the program helps individuals reach their weight loss goals. With personalized weight loss treatment plans, simple online access, and no hidden fees, it’s a flexible, affordable solution for lasting results. Learn more.*
Category
Traffic
🚗 Let’s ride
Pedal on over to see this car-shaped bike rack. | Photo by RALtoday
While Wade Avenue, Capital Boulevard, and the perennially under-construction 440 might make Raleigh’s traffic feel unbearable, these aren’t even among the worst congested roads in the US — and we’ve got the stats to prove it.
INRIX’s Global Traffic Scorecard ranked Raleigh as the No. 228 most congested city in the world, and Raleighites lost an average of 31 hours to traffic in 2024. Compare that to New York City and Chicago’s 102 hours. This is a 19% increase from 2023 and 22% increase from 2022.
Raleigh doesn’t crack the top 25 in the US, but our neighbors in Charlotte lost 41 hours to traffic last year, putting the Queen City at No. 20.
Are these numbers making anyone else want to try public transit? Hop on a GoRaleigh or GoTriangle bus with no trouble using our handy bus guide. Plus, more transit options are coming to Raleigh soon via Bus Rapid Transit.
The Buy
The Buy
The best two-piece sweatsuit for running errands, work-from-home days, or cozy weekends. We love the knit fabric and the roomy turtleneck design for extra comfort.
If you’re a film buff like me, you might be trying to see movies with Oscars buzz before nominations come out. My go-to spot for those harder-to-catch films is the Chelsea Theater in Chapel Hill. Buzzy movies like “The Brutalist,” “Nickel Boys,” and “Flow” are all coming soon — you’ll see me there. Pro tip: Shake some complimentary za’atar on your popcorn while you’re there.
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