Uptown Dogs

Step into a dimly lit labyrinth where the walls seem to swallow your secrets and every corner…read morewhispers mood and mystery. This bar is a glorious mess, the music pulses with an offbeat energy while a bartender is running a bar where the mixers seem to have gone on vacation. Better hope you're in the mood for whiskey neat or tequila straight up--because anything else is clearly an improvisation! It's a place where no one cares if the floors are sticky or the décor is a little less. It's chaos, it's charm, it's definitely unapologetic--a refuge for anyone who wants to drink, dance, and just be in the glorious mess of it all. The regulars are more like a family here, they have claimed their seats and built a strong camaraderie. Cheers!

I love this place! We can quickly grab great food just up the street at the corner and then come…read moredown to enjoy a few games of pool in the back room, or enjoy a drink on the very large outdoor patio. The music is always great, a DJ spins on Friday night and if you like a little go go dance action, there is that too on Friday nights! Karaoke is always a hit and the karaoke Djs are both exceptional. If you are looking for some leather, there is a shop directly on site, and run by one awesome human, GO BRUCE! Saturdays are typically themed nights, but also great times! The drinks and service are amazing. Bartenders are always attentive and some of those drinks have more kick than a Missouri mule! Owner is such a good guy! And Victor, the bar back...he has more personality than a prom queen. Love him! Good stuff! Great times! Lots of laughs, and friendly faces!

4.7 mi•Warehouse District

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The best of the best

The Night Rider

5.0(1 review)

Wonderful, accepting bar. I went for karaoke on a Sunday, $3 cover. Pinball and ping pong. Clean…read morerestrooms.

Boxcar Bar + Arcade

4.2(704 reviews)

4.5 mi•Warehouse District

Budget friendly

Outdoor seating

Thank you Vitia for a great experience! Coming from out of town and not knowing where to go this…read morewas a great choice! The beer on tap and specialty cocktails were great! But the service from Vitia was over the top! Thanks for a great day!!

I stopped by Boxcar with a few friends on a Monday and we had a great time! There was hardly…read moreanybody else in there, so we were able to play any of the games we wanted easily. On Mondays their drink special is $5 for any draft, what a steal! We all enjoyed a drink and a few games. I love the decor and vibes in Boxcar, the artwork is really punk and cool looking. My favorite game, The Lucky Duck, was broken (the claw wouldn't extend far enough to reach any ducks). I reported this to a staff member and she let me pick out any 2 ducks I wanted! The Pokemon pinball was fun too, I love the variety of pinball machines.

4.1 mi•Fayetteville Street

Heated, year-round patio

Entrance to Boxcar

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The Green Light

4.1(151 reviews)

Left this place in high spirits!! :) Mysterious and amusing impression as the "entrance" was…read moreunsealed. I won't spoil it for you, but as you walk up the stairs just ask for Green Light instead of Merchant (which is also a great bar!) This bar is more intimate; a bit of a propriety aura with a street view. Different cocktail options than The Merchant, and so our waitress who normally works over there wasn't familiar with any of them but she asked for us. Loved the Porn on Mute (similar to Sex on Beach).

If you're looking for a truly unforgettable cocktail experience in Raleigh, The Green Light is…read morewhere you need to be. Tucked away behind a secret door inside The Architect, this speakeasy hits all the right notes--classy, intimate, and effortlessly cool. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance wraps around you like velvet--dim lighting, rich textures, and just the right touch of mystery. The vibe is perfect for a date night, catching up with friends, or treating yourself to something special.

4.2 mi•Fayetteville Street

Door behind bookcase

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Zenith

3.1(11 reviews)

This dance club/bar pulses with a low, guttural thrum of bass-heavy music that drowns out…read moreconversation, forcing patrons to lean in and shout to be heard. Dim, flickering neon lights cast jagged shadows across the crowded room, glinting off sticky glassware and half-finished drinks. This narrow bars air is thick with sweat, spilled beer, and the bite of cheap liquor, churning into a humid haze that clings to skin and clothing. Bodies press together--dancing, swaying, colliding--feeding the bar's restless energy. Bartenders move like frantic cogs behind the bar, shouting orders and slinging bottles with practiced aggression. Every corner hums with disorder and with all that booze they can't even make an old fashioned. But then again I am the kind of person who treats dance clubs like an over-caffeinated blender, would rather be nursing a good drink somewhere my shoes don't stick to the floor and conversation doesn't require a megaphone. Cheers!

So much fun at Zenith last night. This place used to be Coglin's and I was disappointed when it…read moreclosed. Glad to see a similar establishment opening here. Reminds me of the bars/clubs we frequented in the 90s -- dark with great music and drinks heavy on the liquor. Bartender was friendly and I enjoyed my Blue's Clues and Monster Mash. They were a little sweet but equally strong. They had an impressive beer list as well. I just wish the place was a little bigger with more seating but maybe they're just trying to get everybody on the dance floor! Look forward to going back.

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The Ugly Monkey Party Bar

3.2(50 reviews)

4.4 mi•Glenwood South

I was there for less then 2 minutes. Went in, saw a lady playing pool and said, "hey just want to…read moresay, I like your look and I hope you're winning." And she looked at me like I was a cockroach. Totally rude response. I gave her a thumbs up and got the fuck out of there. I'm 34 and not interested in being around assholes. My recommendation: skip it. This is not a friendly place or even remotely a party bar, it's a place for people to pretend they're having fun for appearances.

Bartender was good and beer was cold and priced well. Don't know what these other bad reviews were…read moretalking about, probably a bunch of people that have never been to a dive bar or small city bar.

Shot wheel

Spin the wheel

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Dealer's Choice

PLUS Dueling Piano Bar

4.4(148 reviews)

4.4 mi•Glenwood South

The parking is a real challenge so either get downtown early or take uber/ lyft . There is no food…read moreoptions here but the music certainly makes up for it. The vibe is fantastic. We love it here. Everything ,the music and the people make for a really great time. The drinks, just ensure to talk out what it is you are expecting. But the live guitar, drums and piano make up for anything gone wrong. You may choose a waitress if you sit down at a large table and the drinks come to you, I can't calculate if it's faster than waiting at the one bar line but it seemed. Check it out. Rumor is that it may be closing...

We love this piano bar and had another great time. Great to go as a couple or group, and there…read moreyoung and old who go here. The musician are talented and fun, front desk staff friendly and servers attentive. We had a great experience and will return next time we visit the area again.

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Check out the awesomeness!

Tin Roof

2.9(128 reviews)

4.4 mi•Glenwood South

Good place for dancing especially on the weekends- not as much for food but they have drinks. The…read moreemployees were helpful especially when getting multiple drink orders and for water when needed. It's loud /hot upstairs- you mostly dance there and there's live music downstairs. We mostly stayed upstairs to dance. The DJ on March 1st was AWESOME. Great transitions from song to song but kept a good mix of older and newer songs. Great DJ wish he would come to Chapel Hill. Downstairs we listen to some songs but it's more of a sway and sing along or hang vibe. Heard a lot more grunge/rock songs than upstairs being more rap/pop. The people here are definitely a younger crowd so if you're 35+ you may feel out of place. Parking on Glenwood is horrid so we ubered to avoid driving. Otherwise you'll pay $20 for parking at a private lot, it's awful

TERRIBLE MUSIC. Switched song every 10 seconds right when it got good…read more Don't come here if you like music

Inside

Chicken & Jack Quesadilla

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Old school PBR...

O'Malley's Pub & Restaurant

4.0(274 reviews)

8.1 mi

O'Malley's is a classic neighborhood Irish Pub in the heart of Raleigh…read more Atmosphere is dark, intimate, and immediately comfortable. Service is friendly and attentive, the menu is extensive...from handhelds to appetizers to Irish classics like Shepherds Pie and Fish n' Chips. The two times I've been here there was a guitarist playing live music, if you're into the kind of thing. Hard to go wrong with a place like O'Malley's. If you're in the area and looking for a good meal or a comfortable watering hole, give them a try!

Service was terrible waited for a Long time the server disappeared and we had to go find the…read morewaiter. The food was mid.

A bar.

Bangers and mash

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Chicken fingers tossed in wing sauce

Lucky B's

3.4(72 reviews)

4.5 mi•North Boylan

Had an awesome time at Lucky B's, playing giant Jenga with friends in such a vibrant, social…read moreatmosphere kept the night full of laughs. The Happy Dad buckets were the perfect touch to keep the good vibes going!

Friday night on a winter night in January: display seems to be full of locals to know that this is…read morethe place to be if you don't have your expectations too damn high. I feel as if a lot of people come to cities expecting a lot, but they seem to just be a very local bar.. service is quick because there was not too many people ( about 50 people here. This place is not too expensive and understands the clientele here. I am from out of town, and I've been playing for dart, live DJ (local) nothing like edm. Felt safe here. I would absolutely recommend stopping by waiting until about 10 o'clock to come through here on the weekend . Hope you have fun.

Pool table

Liquid maruijana and cranberry vodka

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14 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Preston G.

5

8

9

2 years ago

Found this hidden gem recently and have to say the hot dogs here are the best I've had in the Raleigh Area. Huge assortment of all types of hot dogs. This establishment is extremely clean and the Staff here are absolutely incredible. The owner, known as "D", is always smiling, courteous, and receptive to courtesy. He has done an exemplary job of bringing the taste of New York to our wonderful state. If you are looking for a hot dog with some of the best damn homemade chili you've ever had, stop in and grab two or three. I assure you that your taste buds will NOT be disappointed. However, I must warn you, this place will only have you craving more! F I V E S T A R S read more

Tonya S.

0

3

0

3 years ago

Just wanted shout out to the owner and his daughter for treating my sister's and I after our Saturday Christmas Shopping Trip so special. The owner is amazing and there is a Dog for everyone. I am a NC Native and love my Bright leaf Hotdogs but they also have the others which .. I will not mention but the best thing is the owner listen to me as I was explaining an issue I was having with eating ... well ... he served up some TURKEY CHILI on my hotdog that was delicious.. I would have never thought possible!!!! if your in the area .. check them out .. worth the trip for sure. I will be back for sure .. read more

Louis S.

0

2

0

2 years ago

As a transplanted New Yorker, we have been seeking a dog that is a taste of home. In the past 12 years we have found a couple of admirable places that do a fine job and meet the need. Recently we discovered Uptown Dog and feel we have finally hit the nail on the head. Only the highest quality franks are served, it is a taste of Nathans Coney Island. It isn't cheap, quality rarely is, but it is worth every mouth watering bite !! read more

La D.

0

2

0

2 years ago

Stopped by for the first time today, and I'm kicking myself that I haven't come by here sooner. The hot dogs were awesome and the customer service was just as awesome! The buns were soft, the hot dogs were fresh and juicy, the chili and slaw is "banging" and the cookies hit the spot! I would type more but I feel a nap coming on now with that lunch tasting so good! I will definitely be going back to try more items on the menu!!! read more

Nice H.

0

2

8 months ago

No service animals! Read response! Just putting it out there. Informing because it is not on any food page or Google review but the owner posted it on Facebook which is not publicly found or easily accessible of the link on Google. And I would hate for Sombody to get the same treatment out of not knowing. Not a disabled friendly. read more

James B.

176

3

0

3 years ago

We went to uptown dogs for a late lunch, and met D who helped us figure exactly what kind of dogs we wanted. The dogs were amazing and the chili on the Carolina dog was some of the best I've ever had! The hot dogs were so good and the customer service was superb. Can't recommend this place enough! read more

Roselyn R.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Best hot dogs in Raleigh NC!! The service is great & the owners are very engaging and friendly!! Great atmosphere & the music is great!! Awesome restaurant. Highly recommended!! Every time my sister comes in from New Jersey she always INSISTS to go to uptown dogs before she leaves NC!! read more

Walter T.

0

12

0

4 years ago

Straight up hot dogs served as they should. Full bar, nice touch. Dee, the hot dog man, is a great host and makes you feel right at home. Need a dog? You'll find it here. read more

Marcus G.

0

1

0

4 years ago

Great food! Owner was very nice and knowledgeable about the food and his restaurant. 10/10 would recommend and will be visiting again.

Andres V.

0

2

0

4 years ago

I enjoyed a New York dog and a North Carolina dog. The food was delicious the staff was amazing and I will definitely be back there.

Justin P.

0

5

0

2 years ago

Why am I loving these hotdogs... a lil expensive... but I find myself craving them... a must try if you haven't already

Jazzi B.

0

1

0

5 months ago

Fresh and delicious hot dogs, customer service is 10/10.. Great atmosphere and music . Will be back

Edgar S.

0

1

0

4 years ago

Real cool peeps. Nice chill vibe, watch the game, play pool and have a chilli dog. Why not?!

Dwayne S.

0

6

0

3 years ago

Great food great service family friendly and they serve mix drinks cold beer and wine

Uptown Dogs - hotdog - Updated October 2026

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People who viewed Uptown Dogs also viewed

Cloos' Coney Island

4.1

(236 reviews)

Outstanding. Love it The service was great. Good food. Great atmosphere I like to go back again.read more

You know I had to try the dogs. I got a Coney, which is chili, mustard, and onion, and a second one…read morewith slaw added on. Both were great. The casings had a real bite to them, and the chili was exactly how I like it, perfect consistency. I grabbed the cheese fries too. My preference leans more toward a saucy cheese than melted on, but they were still a solid option. The place has that old school feel too. Checkered floors, neon signs, vintage car murals, and a real Detroit Coney Island vibe throughout. Worth a stop.

The Cardinal Bar

4.2

(151 reviews)

The Cardinal Bar came as a surprising addition to Wake Forest. Generally places do not stay open…read morelate. They offer food OR cocktails, not both. Granted the food offering is hotdogs and chips, but if you know that coming in, it works. I had two chilli dogs and they were very good. Grilled to order dogs and buns. DO NOT, do not, try to order two dogs fixed a different way on one paper slip (you order on a paper slip). :-) Full bar, lots of seating both indoor and outdoor. This is a nice open, less crowded part of downtown Wake Forest. We went early because we're early people, but it sounded like it can get busy at night, according to the bartender, who was fun to talk to. You can opt to get a drink then order from Lil Hombre, which offers tacos and the like. Their drink menu looks great so we will try them next time! There are a few games like claw game and a car racing game, so that's fun.

The Cardinal is my go to whenever I want hot dogs. Nothing fancy, it's a local hot dog joint & bar…read morelocated on West St in Raleigh. You basically mark all the toppings you want on a small form and they get it right to you. I always get two dogs and a beer which is just perfect! They don't use the traditional hot dog bun here which makes it unique and adds a different flavor/texture to the hot dog. No complaints! Always a good spot to go for a hot dog!

Wicked Links

4.6

(33 reviews)

Regular dog with coleslaw, chili, and sauerkraut... SO good. There are many toppings and the guy…read morewas so nice. It'll be my new lunch spot. He's outside Lowe's everyday

Just a hot dog cart outside Lowe's hardware in Cary, but very good dogs and brats, some good combo…read moredeals, and friendly service that doesn't prompt you for a tip.

Jim's Ole Time

4.5

(25 reviews)

Great taste, but too messy. Loved the flavors, but the toppings kept falling off. Still, one of the…read morebetter hot dogs I've had!

if one is as into seeking great hot dogs as I am, one goes where ever the trail leads - even to the…read morefront of a Lowe's Home Improvements store in Cary, and this trip was definitely worthwhile.. There Jim Rivers has been setting up his steel hot dog stand for nearly 14 years now, and is there almost everyday beginning at 11:30 - he misses some days because he also sets up at the North Carolina State Fair each year. He steams his weiners - Red Hots (neon red Southern weiner)for $1,50, Nathans All Beef for $2.00, Jalapeno (with the pepper already in the weiner) for $2.50, and a Sausage dog, also for $2.50. His toppings(whatever you want at no additional charge) include mustard, ketchup (ugh!), chili, onions, slaw, mayo (double ugh!), cheese, sauerraut, red onion (foo foo), and relish (we get visitors from the far north). The Red Hot is your basic Southern Chili dog with a weiner of questionable parentage, chile, onions and/or slaw, on a nice, soft bun. This is a very good hot dog. The chili is not home made since the All Knowing, All Seeing Wake County government has decided that only brick and mortar restaurants can prepare such items in their duly and regularly inspected kitchens - this apparently is true even if the rating is not particularly good. Jim uses Patterson's Grand Slam All Beef Chili, which is available in 5 pound tubs or #10 cans. This is very good commercially prepared chili, right up there with Matinee brand used by Allen & Son in Chapel Hill. The Nathan's All Beef hot dog with chili, mustard, and Jim's slaw is an outstanding slaw dog - one of the best I've tried, and I've tried more than a few. The quality of the weiner reals comes thru, and is very well showcased by the soft bun, tasty chili, and not too sweet mayo based slaw. On my next visit, I'll try the Jalapeno dog and the Sausage dog instead of the All Beef - well, probably in addition too it. Jim is friendly and personable, the service is quick, the pricing reasonable - there is no seating available, but sitting in an airconditioned auto munching several dogs ain't at all bad.

The Roast Grill Hot Weiners

4.2

(187 reviews)

9.5 years later, I returned to the Roast Grill!…read more Nothing much has changed, and nothing really needs to. A little more Hurricanes gear, which I didn't need, but what can you do. 3 dogs and a coke for $14. Prices may not be the same, but such is life. I ordered all three dogs with mustard, onions, and slaw, and one also had the chili. I have to admit a few splashes of Texas Pete hot sauce took them over the top. The dogs themselves are great quality, none of the mystery meats that some of these other Carolina dogs have. And I'm glad they didn't load the chili on. Maybe this is not legal to say in the south, but I'm just not a fan of a chili dog with so much chili that the whole thing falls apart. The toppings should complement the dog, not overwhelm it. OK, I digress... The service was tremendous. I chatted with the owners about various topics for a good half hour and they were incredibly hospitable. They even gave me a couple of Tootsie rolls. Even though I can't do chocolate, I was glad to take them as a token of hospitality.

I visited the Roast Grill in January after years of looking down on the building from my former…read moreGannett Fleming office at One Glenwood and wondering what was inside this little Raleigh institution. The Roast Grill feels less like a restaurant and more like a preserved piece of mid-20th-century Americana hidden in plain sight along West Street. The narrow counter, wood-paneled walls, neon beer signs, Coca-Cola memorabilia, handwritten notices, old photographs, Hurricanes tributes, and decades of accumulated objects create an atmosphere that simply cannot be manufactured today. The place reminded me a little of Chicago's famous Billy Goat Tavern--especially the feeling of discovering something authentic tucked beneath an increasingly overbuilt urban streetscape. I ordered two hot dogs all the way with mustard, onions, chili, and slaw--absolutely NO ketchup, of course--along with a Coke in a glass bottle. The chili is legendary and reportedly takes up to three days to prepare. Whether that is folklore or fact, it certainly gives the hot dogs a flavor unlike almost anywhere else in Raleigh. One of my favorite details was the mounted goat wearing a red hat beneath the neon beer signs. It somehow fits perfectly within the visual layering and quirky personality of the interior. Even the traditions remain intact. At the end of the meal, every customer receives a Tootsie Roll. Places like the Roast Grill are becoming increasingly rare. It is not just a hot dog stand--it is a living piece of Raleigh history. If interested, you can view my post in "The Architecture of..." Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Tu51FPtB/

MoJo's Grill

4.1

(106 reviews)

If you're from Chicagoland, this place is going to hit you with instant nostalgia…read more Mojoe's Grill reminds me so much of those independent, Greek-owned fast food spots back home--the kind that do everything from gyros to burgers, and do it right. The gyro here is legit--carved from the spit, flavorful, and exactly what you'd expect if you grew up in the 708/312/630/847. Honestly, it's the closest thing I've found in the area to that classic Chicago fast-food experience. Their burgers and Philly cheesesteaks also look solid, and I'll definitely be working my way through the menu. I'll gladly go out of my way for this place whenever I'm craving a real-deal gyro like I used to get back home. The only thing missing? Throw hot dogs, Italian beef, and pizza puffs on the menu, and I'd swear I never left Chicago.

We love Mojos grill for a quick bite to eat. The staff are super friendly and service is always…read morequick. The food isn't anything spectacular but it's well made and the portions are large. I really like their fries, always well salted. I would definitely recommend it as a place to get a good and quick meal.

The Cardinal Bar

4.6

(8 reviews)

The Cardinal nails the dive bar vibe. Really cool decor, the kind of place that feels real, not…read moremanufactured to look "vintage." You order your hot dog by filling out a little card at the bar, marking exactly what you want on it, then handing it off to the bartender. It's a simple system, but it makes building your dog feel hands-on and just adds to the whole experience. The dogs were solid too, with the outside of the buns toasted for a little extra crunch.

A good friend of mine -- and his dad -- are absolutely obsessed with this place, so naturally it…read morebecame one of our regular "start the night out" spots. Every time I've been, it's had that easy, local-bar energy that makes you want to stay longer than you planned. They usually have some kind of pineapple-infused liquor behind the bar that I never remember what is it. Vodka? Moonshine? A dangerous combination of both? Seriously don't remember, but I do remember that it's delicious. The hot dogs are really the star of the show. Nothing fancy -- just simple, classic, ridiculously good hot dogs that bring people back time and again. I wouldn't quite call it a dive bar, but it definitely has that beloved neighborhood hangout feel. The random signs all over the walls are hilarious, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it's the kind of place that people LOVE.

Sammy's Tap & Grill

3.3

(271 reviews)

Dorian was amazing, food was awesome. Would come back and would recommend to a friendread more

Food was sub par. One of my buddy's wing came and looked to be expired. It was black all on the…read moreinside. Manager was kind of rude and just offered to replace 5 wings and still made him pay for it. Really overpriced as well. Don't recommend

Wingin' It Bar and Grille

3.8

(227 reviews)

Have visited this location several times in past. It's a solid standby when you can't seem to agree…read morewhere else to go. They have expanded over the years and always seem to have a place to sit. There is a bar which is always pretty full. Plenty of monitors around to catch your game, even in dining area. We had a group of 6 and was seated immediately and took care of by Sarrah. We ordered sodas and waters except me, PBR. Elected to start with Nachos as an app. It was ok but seem to be missing a little more cheese. The food order was Fish & Chips, Beef Sliders, Reuben Sandwich, Pimento Bacon Burger and basket of Sweet Potato Fries. Everything came out at once and was medium hot. Sarrah stayed ontop of drink refills and checked in regularly. I do say wish there was a little more pimento cheese on burger, hardly tasted it. Sorry for no pics, too much talking with family. Will be back in future.

This place was great. Was hungry on a late tuesday night and craving some wings and decided to…read moreplace an order here and was pleasantly surprised. We got 18 wings which you can choose 3 sauces for- we chose honey bbq, awesome sauce, and gold rush. We also got a plate of fried shrimp that came with two sides and we chose a side caesar and fries. For apps we got the shrimp and grits fritters. The total was around $55 for all of these items which was good. The shrimp and grits fritters were so good. This was a unique menu item that i've never had anywhere before and each bite was creamy and had a piece of shrimp in it. The fried shrimp was crispy and seasoned great. The side caesar doesn't look like much, but I tossed it in the dressing the next day and had it with some chicken and it was great. It was also a big portion for a side. The fries were perfect as well. The wings were cooked great. We loved the gold rush and honey bbq the most. The only thing I wish was that it was a bit more saucier. I would definitely come back again and it was a great late night find. We called the order in and it was ready within 15 minutes and perfectly warm.

Ruckus Pizza & Bar

4.0

(215 reviews)