Hopscotch Music Festival happening next week (Sept. 4th-6th) is about bringing you music that’s good and not mainstream. So yes, there’s a Subway next to King’s Barcade and a McDonalds between Lincoln and Kennedy Theaters, but why settle for mainstream chains when you can find great food locally?
Running around to catch all of your favorite bands around Raleigh is sure to leave us all hungry. So we’ve put together a list of a few local favorites that are on the way to the venues of Hopscotch. Late-night eats (open later than midnight) are marked with two asterisks (**)!
Calavela** – An empanada and tequila bar that’s quick and delicious. Tasty $3 empanadas all night long. Close to: Lincoln Theater, City Plaza, Pour House, Tir Na Nog. (Open until 2am every night)
Berkeley Cafe** – Burger joint and bar on the edge of Nash Square. Its chill atmosphere is a great place for a quick bite to eat. Close to: King’s Barcade, CAM Raleigh. (Open until 2am, Fri/Sat!)
Bida Manda – Sandwiched right between Pour House and Tir na nOg, this Loatian restaurant is a little more pricey than the rest, but it’s well worth it. It’s a place of incredible authentic food, genuinely kind service, and a great story. Close to: Tir na nOg, Pour House, Vintage 21. (Open until midnight, Fri/Sat)
buku – Looking for something a bit less American? This worldly restaurant serves street food from all over the globe. Close to: City Plaza, Lincoln Theater. (Open until midnight, Fri/Sat)
Mecca** – While this place is often mistaken for a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern place, they’ve got great food from all over. Close to: King’s Barcade, Slim’s, The Hive. (Open until 1:00 am Th-Sat!)
Raleigh Times** – Local hotspot bar, central to Downtown Raleigh. Besides drinks, you can grab sandwiches, tacos, and more as well as your typical “bar food." Close to: Slim’s, The Hive, King’s Barcade. (Open until 2:00 am!)
Remedy Diner – Looking for veggie options? This is a go-to spot for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike. Remedy has incredible dishes for all kinds dietary lifestyles, including their "Tempeh Tantrum” that won PETA’s Top 5 Vegan Sandwiches in the USA. Close to: Pour House, Tir na nOg, Vintage 21, The Hive, Slim’s. (Open until midnight, Fri/Sat)
While we could never create a fully comprehensive list (because there are just so many incredible restaurants downtown), we wanted to get you guys started so you don’t get caught at McDonalds. But just because something isn’t listed here, doesn’t mean it’s not good. Don’t be afraid to just walk in to a hole-in-the-wall joint, or anything that looks good! You might just find your new favorite restaurant.
Happy eating!