Definitely stay at the Umstead!

Do as the natives do and take them out for BBQ. The Pit and Clyde Cooper's are good. I'm partial to Q Shack in Durham, but that may be too much of a trek.

I grew up in the area. Angus Barn, if it is still there. Good steaks and a lot of local color due to the unique setting.

OP here. I travel all over the world and will eat anywhere there is good food. I'm rarely at a loss for trying to find a decent restaurant, but Raleigh is throwing some curve balls.

I hate defaulting to a steakhouse, but I think that's what I have to do for this trip. Here is a great Reddit thread on Raleigh steakhouses, which includes a review of the Angus Barn someone above recommended. I'm inclined to pass on the Angus Barn because it's 12 miles outside of town, but I could be persuaded if it really is worth the drive.

Other top contenders are Vinnie's, Oak, and Capital Grille.

https://www.reddit.com/r/raleigh/comments/16ilo1a/a_definitive_guide_to_raleigh_steakhouses/

You may be having too high of a food expectation for Raleigh/Durham. I find that most restaurants are terrible anyway and are overrated.

For those suggesting Eater, etc. -- I've already read every review from Reddit to TravelAdvisor to Eater, etc. Raleigh is just not a foodie town and the reviews are all over the place for each restaurant.

What locals think is a good restaurant is not what the DMV or metropolitan area would think is a good restaurant. I've read too many reviews, which is why I'm asking DCUM for help.

I've decided to stay at the Renaissance in the North Hills because Downtown is not great.

Angus Barn or Hummingbird look good to me depending on if they are meat lovers or eclectic

Downtown is fine. There's a big hotel (Sheraton I think) right downtown, across from the jail (not kidding). From there, you can walk to some downtown restaurants, including bbq places. I liked downtown. Also the area near Hillborogh and Morgan (close to downtown) is starting to get trendy.

Look for events on the main squares downtown. Check with the visitor's bureau. Those can be fun.

You should eat at Angus Barn. It’s a Raleigh institution.

Here’s what it has for Raleigh.

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-raleigh-restaurants

I usually use Eater as a guide for restaurants in us cities.

Anonymous wrote:Raleigh’s downtown isn’t all that impressive. I wouldn’t go out of your way to stay there. We’ve eaten at a handful of restaurants there (Beasley’s, Gravy, a Lebanese place) the restaurants have always been perfectly fine.

Thanks!

I'll stick with my suburban hotel and my chain restaurant dinner plans for a last minute meeting before the 4th of July rush.

Yay me....

Raleigh’s downtown isn’t all that impressive. I wouldn’t go out of your way to stay there. We’ve eaten at a handful of restaurants there (Beasley’s, Gravy, a Lebanese place) the restaurants have always been perfectly fine.

OP here. The lack of response is telling. Oof.

Meeting up with clients in Raleigh next week for a couple of business meetings near North Hills.

I booked a room at the Renaissance in North Hills, but I'm having regrets. Clients are looking to me as the trip planner because they don't know where they should stay either and we are thinking of staying downtown. Good idea? Bad idea?

Same goes for dinner. Raleigh seems to be struggling with good restaurants based on reviews -- they are all over the place!

So, someone who knows what a great hotel and a great dinner spot is supposed to be, please tell me where to stay and where to eat in Raleigh! You'll have my undying appreciation!