With the pandemic, we’ve definitely increased our amount of takeout (like a lot of you). Although I dearly miss sitting inside a restaurant for an hour or two every weekend, it is nice that so many local Raleigh, NC restaurants have awesome takeout menus, for when you feel safer staying in, the weather is bad or when you’re just not feeling like getting out.
Each restaurant on this list is a place we’ve ordered takeout from at least twice since the pandemic hit (in the past year), so they’re all places in our regular rotation.
What’s not to love about supporting local AND eating in your PJs?!
Here are our favorite Downtown Raleigh takeout places:
Benchwarmer’s Bagels (for pizza)
While Benchwarmer’s makes some great bagel sandwiches and other treats in the mornings, on Friday and Saturday nights, they create some of the best, unique pizza around. Their cheese pizza is almost like a marriage of regular pizza and focaccia, highlighting simple, wonderful ingredients on an incredible crust.
Our order: Cheese pizza + side of ranch
Alimentari at Left Bank Butchery
While you’re at the Transfer Co. food hall in downtown Raleigh, check out this Italian butchery/deli. You’ll find lots of prepared foods, meats, pasta, sauces and fresh, delicious sandwiches and stews (among other things). Keep an eye out for their Thursday pasta meal specials, too!
Our order: 3 tigelles (mozzarella and tomato jam and meatball are faves) or meatball sandwich
Capital Club 16
This is one of our favorite spots to eat at on the weekend, so it’s no surprise that it’s on our takeout list. They’ve catered their takeout menu to focus more on sandwiches and salad, but there is still so much to enjoy! They also have weekly specials to look forward to.
Our order: pimento cheese fig crositins, schnitzel sandwich and lucettegrace cookie plate
Oakwood Pizza Box
Pizza was just made for traveling/takeout. And while I would prefer to have this amazing, classic pizza right out of the oven at one of their cozy booths, that’s just not in the cards these days. So, I’ll settle for a takeout treat every once in a while. And they have one of the simplest menus, so you won’t have to stress over choosing.
Our order: house salad and cheese pizza
City Market Sushi
Sushi may seem like an odd choice to travel with, but the quality of City Market Sushi is so good that I don’t even bat an eye. I can’t imagine going for a year without sushi, either, so takeout it is! Everything from here is well seasoned, fresh and makes you feel like you’re eating a healthier to-go meal.
Our order: gyoza, avocado rolls, spicy tuna rolls and unagi dragon roll
State of Beer
With outdoor seating and heaters (and safely spaced indoor seating), this has been a good spot for us when we need to get out of the house and hang out somewhere. Whether you’re eating on the patio, inside or getting takeout, State of Beer is a go-to for their sandwiches (deli and pressed), rotating soup and filling salads. Oh and the beverage options are on point, too.
Our order: pimento cheese spread, soup of the day and hamilton sandwich
Stanbury
If you feel like getting takeout that’s a little more of a flavor adventure and you don’t mind treating yourself and spending a little extra, then Stanbury is a great bet. They have patio seating but also offer creative seasonal dishes for takeout.
Our order: the menu changes every week, so you can’t go wrong (though the fried oysters are some of the best!)
*Note: According to their website, they’re closed temporarily, so check back in to see if they’re serving again.