As the hospitality scene in the City of Oaks has grown and evolved, these classic spots have stood the test of time
We all love to get excited when a new bar or restaurant opens — but as anyone in the hospitality business knows, the true test is if you can convince people to come year after year. That takes a special combination of craveable food (be it a greasy burger, classic barbecue or fine-dining cuisine), a distinct atmosphere and service that makes you want to visit again and again. That’s why we’re celebrating the “30 Over 30,” aka Raleigh bars and restaurants that have been around for 30 or more years. (Some of them date back to, fittingly, the 1930s!) From a fine-dining establishment in a Victorian-era home to a watering hole best for watching college sports, these are Raleigh’s oldest bars and restaurants.
The Mecca Restaurant, est. 1930
Raleigh’s oldest restaurant, the Mecca has been serving up satisfied customers for nearly 100 years. Opened in 1930 by Nick Dombalis, an immigrant from Greece, the restaurant moved to Martin Street in 1937 and has remained there ever since. Ownership has changed hands over the years, passing to Nick’s son, John, his grandson Paul, and finally to the Hatem family in 2018. But don’t worry — in spite of the changing owners, the Mecca’s menu has remained true to the classic diner dishes they offered up 95 years ago. Crowd favorites include their Eastern North Carolina barbecue and their iconic Glorified Jumbo Hamburger, featuring the Mecca’s secret sauce.
13 E. Martin Street; mecca-restaurant.com
Clyde Cooper’s BBQ, est. 1938
Started in 1938 by the original Clyde Cooper himself, this restaurant has since become a legendary institution for Eastern NC-style barbecue. Over the years, Clyde Cooper’s has garnered accolades and attention from Raleighites and non-locals alike, including countless awards for the best barbecue in the Triangle and a 2013 appearance on Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters series. They even catered to U2 in 2009 when the band performed on tour at Carter-Finley Stadium. After 88 years serving downtown Raleigh, they closed briefly this February to move into their new location at Quail Corners Shopping Center — keep an eye out for their expected reopening later this month.
1326 E. Millbrook Road; clydecoopersbbq.com
The Roast Grill, est. 1940
A no-frills, family-owned spot for hot dogs and Greek desserts, the Roast Grill doesn’t offer many of the sides that traditionally come with a hot dog. There’s no relish, no mayo, no fries, no sauerkraut — and don’t even think about asking for ketchup. What they do have, though, is sure to satisfy: charred hot dogs topped with their signature homemade chili and onions, Coke in glass bottles, baklava and free Tootsie Rolls. Freeda Poniros, the daughter of the original owners, ran this hole-in-the-wall joint alongside her son George for many years. Though Freeda passed away in 2024, George is continuing to carry out the Roast Grill’s legacy. Fun fact: it was featured on Man vs. Food in 2014…