The City of Oaks
Benchwarmer's Bagels
"Bagels are the essence of life." - Jordan M. Pappas (pre-Celiac diagnosis)
Iris Coffee Lab
Even if you don't like matcha, you're going to like their matcha.
Tin Roof Teas
Girl, spill the tea. Except don't actually spill the tea it's too good to spill.
Yellow Dog Bread Company
The platonic ideal of a southern bakery.
Oakwood Deli
The underrated and definitive lunch spot for Raleighites in-the-know.
Sam Jones BBQ
Eastern North Carolina BBQ is better than Western North Carolina BBQ. Trust us on this one. Awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in 2025.
Standard Beer + Food
Home to Raleigh's best smash burger and every single one of its feral children.
Botiwalla by Chai Pani
Ever since 2019, we've been patiently waiting for this restaurant to set up shop in Raleigh. Catch us eating chaat and sigri every Tuesday through Saturday night.
Gringo A Go-Go
In a 1940s Esso gas station, we go to pay tribute to the Alvarez family's jalapeño margaritas, queso empanadas, green chilaquiles, and other culinary comforts. Do not miss it.
East End Bistrot
Duck. Fat. Aioli. Fries. Oh. My. God.
Stanbury
Sure, you might have to arrive exactly at 5PM to get a table (sadly, no reservations), but it's really, really, really worth it.
Madre
The tapas scene may have taken over Raleigh, but rest assured these remain undefeated.
Jolie French Bistro
The premier French bistro. You should definitely escar-go.
Escazū Chocolates
Micro-batching chocolates since the big '08.
Bittersweet
Coffee, cocktails, chocolate. 'Nuff said.
William & Company
Located in historic Oakwood, this is our favorite bar to get white girl wasted on mezcal while admiring all of the houses we can't afford to buy.
Person Street Bar
Raleigh's premier sesh spot.
Johnson Street Yacht Club
Do you like '90s dive bars with cheap beer? The smell of old cigarettes? Hella fast slides? Boy do we have a spot for you.
DECO Raleigh
Every time we come here, we leave with a dachshund-themed tchotchke. It's actually becoming a problem.
Raleigh Denim Workshop
Authentic denim jeans, jackets, and trinkets are made right in the back of their store. Jamie geeks out at their vintage sewing machines every time we come in.
State Farmers Market
It's a simple process - come with money, leave with local goodies.
Village District
An absolute icon of Raleigh's dining, shopping, and strolling scene since 1949. And home for Jordan and Jamie since 2020.
Raleigh Iron Works
A newcomer to the dining and shopping scene. There actually isn't a single place here we wouldn't recommend you go to.
Dorthea Dix Park
Deep-rooted history and a world-class adventure playground are built upon the former grounds of North Carolina's first psychiatric hospital. You'd be insane not to check it out.
The J.C. Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University
On a beautiful spring day, one of our small pleasures is to stroll their 10 acres of well-manicured gardens. Take five to meditate among the quiet of the Japanese raked-stone zen garden.
William B. Umstead State Park
Jordan used to hike its 35 miles of trails alone. Now, we go together. It's better that way.
The North Carolina Museum of Art and Ann & Jim Goodnight Museum Park
The outside is as artful as the inside. Jordan's first photograph of Jamie was taken here in front of Bernardo Bellotto's cityscape of Dresden (bonus points if you can find it).
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Sure, Raleigh's history is cool and all, but can we interest you in Late Cretaceous dinosaur eggs?