Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Trophy Brewing & Pizza

4.9

4.9 (310)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Raleigh

About the restaurant

A brewery and full service restaurant serving hand-made pizza and more in Downtown Raleigh. We feature Detroit style pizza on Monday and Tuesday from 4pm until they're gone. We have a full bar featuring inventive cocktails, great wine, cider, non-alcoholic options, and more!

We have several areas for private events and larger gatherings. Reach out to our events team for details: events@trophybrewing.com

Top review

ira

Dined on Jul 11, 2025

as usual salads were excellent, the spicy pizza was terrific and farmers pizza was great. Of course the beer on tap - beyond wonderful. great night, cant wait to come back!

It's A Southern Thing Ellis Crossings

4.9

4.9 (65)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Durham

About the restaurant

It's A Southern Thing is our owner's personal love letter to The South. We've proudly served Downtown Durham since 2017 and are thrilled to expand and open up our second location here at Ellis Crossing. Known for our unique take on traditional Southern fair, we welcome you with a laid back atmosphere, Southern hospitality, delicious craft cocktails and thoughtfully created, scratch made dishes. From our best-selling Shrimp and Grits to Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chops, Fried Green Tomatoes, Collard Greens, Chicken and Waffle Skewers and everything in between, you will find familiar flavors presented in an original way. Offering brunch and dinner seven days a week, with extended bar hours and a private dining area for small functions, we invite you to come in, stay a while and let us show you why so many customers love being part of our It's A Southern Thing family.

Top review

Kevin

Dined on May 24, 2025

There were not a lot of servers there, even though it was a weekend. This unfortunately and slowed down food and drink delivery. The food was very good as well as drinks, but the dining experience took a lot longer than we would have liked. I definitely will continue to go there though but getting automatic 15% tip added with just the 2 of us was not appealing when they said only parties of 8 or more had that added on posted on the table.

PLUS Dueling Piano Bar

4.8

4.8 (474)

$30 and under

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

PLUS Dueling Piano Bar is a one-of-a-kind live music venue and nightlife hotspot located in the heart of Glenwood South, Raleigh. Known for its high-energy, all-request dueling piano shows, PLUS offers a fun, interactive experience where the crowd drives the music all night long. Whether you’re celebrating a bachelorette party, birthday, or just looking for the best bar on Glenwood Avenue, PLUS delivers unforgettable entertainment, great drinks, and good vibes every weekend.

Open Friday and Saturday nights, PLUS is the go-to spot for live music in Raleigh, group nights out, and spontaneous singalongs. Reservations are recommended for the best seats in the house!

Top review

Christy

Dined on Jul 11, 2025

A group of us were in town for a conference, and decided to go to Plus Dueling Piano Bar. It was so fun, and everyone who worked there was so nice. They made sure we felt welcome. Even the security guard was friendly. They put on a great show!

P.F. Chang's - Raleigh

4.4

4.4 (260)

$30 and under

Chinese

Raleigh

About the restaurant

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined on Jul 2, 2025

The server's customer service was outstanding. The food served at P.F. Chang's is consistent regardless of the location.

Good Day Good Night

4.4

4.4 (150)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Good Day Good Night, located within The Casso Raleigh, is a distinctive restaurant in the heart of the Warehouse and Glenwood South Districts. Currently open for Breakfast/Brunch and Dinner.
Good Day Good Night is led by chef Devin Bayles and is focused on bringing comforting, delicious food for intimate dinners or family get togethers. Join us for meals and stay all day and evening for drinks, our specialty cocktails are made with fresh juices and unique spirits to provide an experience like none other for all our guests.

Top review

Jalien

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

It was amazing!! Everything was great the food and service.

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Single's Mingle August

The Roof at The Durham

4.3

4.3 (12)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Durham

About the restaurant

The Roof at The Durham is a year-round rooftop bar offering unbeatable panoramic views of downtown Durham and a seasonal menu of craft drinks and shareable plates. There is both a comfortable, air-conditioned indoor bar as well as a covered, open-air deck, perfect for enjoying the skyline.

Reservations are available for tables under the covered portion of the rooftop. Walk-ins are always welcome both inside and on the patio. Groups of 6 or more can reserve our open-air couch pods by calling 919-768-8831.

Kitchen Hours
Tues–Thurs: 5–9:30pm
Fri–Sat: 4–9:30pm
Sun: 1–8pm

Top review

CinnamonVIP

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

We went for a Stargazing event, and it was a good time. The small portions in the snacks were pretty pricey, but the venue is worth it.

Bahama Breeze - Raleigh

4.1

4.1 (749)

$30 and under

Caribbean

Raleigh

About the restaurant

When you're at Bahama Breeze Island Grille, life's one big party. It's an escape from the ordinary and a much-needed excuse for you to let loose. Famous since 1996 for tropical cocktails, live music, and more, the vibe here is always as amazing as that Caribbean-inspired food we're known for. Bahama Breeze offers your favorites: seafood, salads, chicken--all with island flair. From Jerk Chicken Pasta to Seafood Paella, you can enjoy the islands one taste at a time, discovering new flavors along the way. Naturally, we're the perfect spot for all the sunniest moments in life: happy hours with friends, anniversaries, birthdays, date nights and unique culinary experiences. So, when you're ready to raise your glass and move your feet, the party's in full swing and the islands are waiting for you or if you'd rather bring the Island party home, online ordering is a Breeze too!

Top review

Paula

Dined 6 days ago

The food and drinks were wonderful as usual. The calypso drummer was there and I love hearing the music and feeling the vibe of being in the Bahamas.

CO - Raleigh

4.0

4 (741)

$30 and under

Asian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Discover a culinary adventure at CO Raleigh, your go-to spot for modern Asian cuisine in the vibrant North Hills district. Enjoy a feast for the senses where contemporary flavors meet sleek design.

As you enter, you'll find a warm atmosphere filled with natural light and modern décor. The lively chatter of friends and families sharing plates fills the air, while the open kitchen showcases culinary artistry.

CO's menu features a vibrant array of Southeast Asian flavors, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Start with savory dumplings or crispy spring rolls. For seafood lovers, the spicy tuna rice offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Don't miss the pho, a comforting broth rich with aromatic spices and tender meat.

Complement your meal with a selection of craft cocktails and sake, expertly chosen by our knowledgeable staff. Whether you prefer a refreshing gin and tonic or a smooth sake, we have the perfect pairing for your culinary journey.

Top review

vanessa

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Server was attentive and high energy. Was too warm in the restaurant… maybe the a/c is struggling? The wings were delish, the entrees and dessert we had weren’t anything memorable. Was a birthday outing for my daughter that kinda disappointed overall/

Carolina Brewery - Chapel Hill

3.9

3.9 (230)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Since 1995, we have been proudly serving the locals, students and visitors to Chapel Hill. A lot has changed in both our town and the craft beer industry since we opened our doors as the culmination of a business school plan I wrote my senior year at UNC. Today, we celebrate our North Carolina roots with a made-from-scratch menu focused on Carolina foods in a newly renovated building. I hope you enjoy a true Carolina experience here at Carolina Brewery and will look for our award winning beers on your travels throughout the Carolinas.
Cheers,
Robert Poitras
Owner/Founder

Top review

greg

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

We had a great time , service was great staff was friendly. Would go often if I lived in Carolina

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