10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Raleigh

Raleigh is packed with fun activities for visitors seeking things to do after dinner. Explore the world of nature out on a sunset cruise on the beautiful Lake Jordan. Alternatively, you can delve into the thriving theater scene, which plays host to touring productions and local community talent; stomp your feet at a live music show. Or hit up the city’s hot spots, from underground prohibition-style speakeasys to rooftop cocktail bars.

With so much going on in the state capital of North Carolina, this guide will help you discover some of the best things to do after dinner in Raleigh.

1. The Roof at The Durham

High-rise fun overlooking the city

Good for: Nightlife

The Roof at the Durham is a 30-minute drive northwest from downtown Raleigh and a popular after-hours meeting place thanks to its panoramic views, craft cocktails, and delicious local cuisine. On the menu a thoughtfully curated set of snacks, sharing plates, and sandwiches featuring North Carolina’s finest pasture-raised meats, fresh-caught seafoods, and farmers’ market veggies.

There’s plenty to catch your eye on the drink menu too. The selection runs from local and international beers, domestic and European wines (available for half price every Wednesday!), and specialty cocktails stirred and shaken for your pleasure.

Location: 315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

Open: Wednesday–Thursday from 5 pm to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 5 pm to 12 am, closed Sunday–Tuesday

Phone: +1 919-768-8831

2. Lake Jordan Sunset Cruise

Enjoy unspoiled sunsets

Good for: Nightlife

Jordan Lake is an artificial 13,940-acre lake around 30 miles west of downtown Raleigh, constructed by the US Army Engineer Corp, and a popular sunset cruise destination for visitors. There are many companies offering different lake cruises throughout the day with several launch points along the shoreline.

The unspoiled sunset views over the lake, Jordan Dam, and Cape Fear River make for incredible photographs. Most tours last for 2 hours on shaded pontoon boats offering you the chance to see bald eagles, osprey and herons, turtles, deer, and other aquatic birds and mammals and learn more about the history of the area.

3. RushHour Karting

After-dark adrenalin

Good for: Nightlife

For a fun-filled evening, nothing beats the electrifying excitement of Raleigh’s RushHour Karting. This indoor entertainment venue boasts a 1/3-mile-long track and European-designed karts that reach speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour thanks to their world-class Honda engines.

Zip around doing laps (or participate in an axe throwing contest) before grabbing a table at the RushHour Tavern for ice-cold beers, video games, and bar food with a twist. Try Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog, cheesy mozzarella moons, or build your own burger with a hefty slab of juicy prime Angus beef.

Location: 5335 Raynor Rd, Garner, NC 27529, USA

Open: Monday–Thursday from noon to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 1 am to 9 pm

Phone: +1 919-662-9101

4. Raleigh Little Theatre

Community theater at its best

Good for: Nightlife

Raleigh Little Theatre is a community playhouse near the Isabella Cannon Park that produces around 10 full productions each year and offers theatre classes for adults and youth year-round. Founded in 1936 as part of the nationwide movement of “Little Theaters,” which aimed to provide experimental, non-commercial centers for the dramatic arts, the Raleigh Little Theatre has been a hub in the community for generations.

Enjoy “Movies in the Garden” in the Stephenson Amphitheatre, visit the exquisite on-site rose garden, which is 1 of only 3 accredited rose gardens in North Carolina and has 60 rose beds with fragrant flowers, or join a weekend theater camp and learn new skills!

Location: 301 Pogue St, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

Phone: +1 919-821-4579

5. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh

Hip movies with cool eats and craft brews

Good for: Nightlife

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is close to downtown Raleigh off New Bern Avenue in Oak City, and features new release and classic movies, cocktails, and food served to your seat. This funky cinema chain has freshly prepped food such as house-made pizza, cauliflower bites, decadent shakes, and juicy burgers made using local ingredients.

The Video Vortex bar rents VHS and Blu-ray players with free weekly rentals from their collection of more than 70,000 movies. Sensory-friendly screenings are open to all ages with raised lights, lower sound, and a relaxed talking policy.

Location: 2116-D New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610, USA

Phone: +1 984-444-6620

6. Lincoln Theatre

Dance to local live music

Good for: Nightlife

The Lincoln Theatre is in downtown Raleigh and home to some of the city’s best live music, from bluegrass to metal, from local and national touring artists and DJ performances. Host to regular tribute band acts, some of the talent recently on stage here included an all-woman AC/DC cover band, the Michael Jackson experience, and a reggae-infused tribute to the Grateful Dead.

There is no coat check in the theater so if you’re planning to dance, dress in easy-to-tie-around-you layers.

Location: 126 E Cabarrus St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

Open: Daily from 4 pm to 2 am

Phone: +1 919-821-4111

7. Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Re-live your childhood - but with shots

Good for: Nightlife

Boxcar Bar + Arcade is an arcade bar south of the Depot Historic District with a sizeable arcade games collection and an all-American lineup of 24 craft taps. You’ll find all your old favorite pinball machines, racing games, and arcade games here including Donkey Kong and Dance Dance Revolution.

Check listings for regular contests such as the weekly air hockey tournament, pinball knockout, and Skee-Ball series. Live DJs every Friday and daily drinks specials add to the party vibe at this popular spot.

Location: 330 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

Open: Monday–Thursday from 4 pm to 1 am, Friday from 12 pm to 1 am, Saturday–Sunday from 12 pm to 2 am

Phone: +1 919-803-2796

8. Whiskey Kitchen

Worldwide whiskey, brunch, and BBQ eats

Good for: Nightlife

Whiskey Kitchen is a popular whiskey bar and elevated Southern BBQ joint off Nash Square in the Warehouse District, with a tempting weekend brunch menu and late-night eats. Munch your way through the Carolina classics with a twist such as boiled peanuts with pickled peppers and gluten-free shrimp and grits, and an unmissable Shoo’ Fly Pie with local pecans, molasses, and gooey bourbon caramel.

Home to an impressively comprehensive menu of all things whisk(e)y from American bourbon, rye, and corn, to Canadian, Irish, Japanese, and Scotch; explore through flights or trust your bartender to make a curated selection.

Location: 201 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

Open: Monday from 5 pm to 12 am, Tuesday–Saturday from 11 am to 12am, Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm

Phone: +1 919-803-3181

9. Watts & Ward

Speakeasy vibes in this popular bar

Good for: Nightlife

Watts & Ward is a basement bar serving creative craft cocktails around the corner from the historic Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. Named after temperance legislation from the 1900s which pre-dated prohibition, this hipster bar has a vintage library vibe, complete with cozy leather couches and exposed brick walls.

On the menu, expect classics such as the Manhattan or New York Sour, alongside an ever-changing menu of new creations, zero-proof cocktails, and a thoughtfully created beer and wine list with national and international favorites.

Location: 200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 4 pm to 2 am (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +1 919-896-8016

10. The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

Shop by day and dance by night

Good for: Nightlife

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop is a record shop by day and a live music venue by night, featuring an exciting roster of local and national musical talent. In the daytime, head upstairs to flip through new and used vinyl—new releases are available every Friday. A record store with a difference, the Pour House has its own bar with 5 beers on tap.

After the record shop closes, the live venue opens to play host to visiting bands passing through on tour and the very best local talent from South Carolina. Whether it’s punk, hip hop, folk, Americana, or metal, the Pour House Music Hall welcomes all.

Location: 224 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 12pm to 6 pm and from 7 pm to 12 am, Friday–Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm and from 8 pm to 12 am, Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +1 919-821-1120

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.