Tucked between the historic neighborhoods of Raleigh and the lively Glenwood district, North Person Street is one of the most vibrant streets in downtown Raleigh and the perfect place to shop, hangout, and get something to eat or drink.
Here you can find unique and locally owned businesses tucked into weathered warehouses, as well as craft breweries, hip bars, vintage bottle shops, coffee shops and indie bookstores – and so much more. And best of all, you can find all of this within a few hundred feet of each other – so you can park your car and not have to move it. In this guide, we share all the hidden treasures and wonderful attractions on North Person Street in Raleigh.
Where is North Person Street Raleigh?
Positioned in the northern end of downtown Raleigh, it’s conveniently located adjacent to the historic neighborhoods of Oakwood and Mordecai, two of our favorite Raleigh neighborhoods, and just 1.2 miles from the State Capital Building. And with nearby residential developments such as Blount Street Commons and Elan City Center Apartments, this little slice of downtown Raleigh has a real community neighborhood feel and is bursting with creative spirit.
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Where to Eat & Drink on North Pearson Street
One of the biggest reasons to wander down North Pearson Street is for all the food and drink offerings. There’s a bakery, coffee shop, pizza joint, wine store, and is home to one of the best fine dining restaurants in downtown Raleigh. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink on N. Pearson St.
Yellow Dog Bread Company
For those who want to get their coffee and pastry fix whilst on N Person St, look no further than Yellow Dog Bread Company. This coffee shop is bright and welcoming and offers a full coffee bar plus bakery items and specializes in handmade artisan breads and southern influenced pastries.
There’s plenty of parking or bike racks available, and either hang around or get a coffee to go and wander up and down Person Street or through nearby Mordecai Historic Park or our favorite, Historic Oakwood (see down below). Popular items include their almond croissants, sticky buns and maple bacon scones.
- Address: 219 E Franklin St, Raleigh
- Website: YellowDogBread.com
Standard Beer + Food
Raleigh has no shortage of cool breweries to taste some local craft brews, and Standard Beer + Food has shot up near the top of our list of favorite local breweries. Located in the same complex as Yellow Dog Bread Company and Two Roosters Ice Cream off N Person Street, this hip and contemporary brewery offers 10 beers on tap plus cider and wine.
We love the look of their smart yet casual interior, and with ample outside seating in their beer garden area and family-friendly atmosphere. I can definitely see this brewery becoming one of our regulars and a fun place to go out with family and/or friends!
They offer simple bar food offerings, such as nachos, burgers, fries etc, but they also have an onsite grocery store and butcher with a wide meat selection. If you’re looking for a new neighborhood hangout spot, put Standard Beer + Food on your list of Raleigh breweries to check out next. My beer pick is the Standard Hoppy Blonde.
- Address: 205 E Franklin St, Raleigh
- Website: standardBeerAndFood.com
Oakwood Pizza Box
When you are on the hunt for the best pizzas in Raleigh, Oakwood Pizza Box should appear at the top of the list. Locals in the know and re-locators from New York recommend their pizza over any other in Raleigh, and it’s so good, they say, that their pepperoni pizza is like Grimaldi’s of Brooklyn, NY.
This is real New York-style pizza and a pizza joint run by a New York native. A simple menu with three basic pizza pies; cheese, square, white, each 18″ in diameter, and you can build on those with extra ingredients at $2 each. Or, you can order just a slice of pizza heaven. And they have gluten free bases!
It’s a small pizza joint but with a cozy atmosphere featuring some booths, high-top tables, a checkered-tile floor, and a counter/bar serving coffee and beers. Popular items: The homemade sauce. Their sausage. Their combo special: 18″ pizza + 6 pack of beer.
- Address: 610 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: Oakwoodpizzabox.com
Two Roosters Ice Cream
Two Roosters was founded by a NC State University alum. Initially roaming the streets of Raleigh in a turquoise 1965 Ford truck, it was such a hit they opened brick-and-mortar locations in 2017. Located on Person St near Oakwood and Mordecai, their handcrafted ice cream features seasonal and permanent flavors – often inspired by local events and restaurants.
You can expect unusual creations with quality ingredients. A cute small space, often a life out the door. Popular items include: Earl Grey Lemon Cookie Dough, Blackberry Hibiscus. Coffee Bourbon.
- Address: 215 E Franklin St
- Website: Tworoosters.com
Here are a few more ice cream places to love in Raleigh.
Krispy Kreme Raleigh (the second original store)
In case you don’t know, Krispy Kreme was born and bred in North Carolina, just up the road from Raleigh in Winston-Salem, and the second original store is right here on N Person Street. And you can’t visit the Person Street neighborhood without popping into Krispy Kreme, just ask my kids who still rate their doughnuts over any other in Raleigh, and there are some good ones!
We also did the fun Krispy Kreme Challenge Run from NC State to Krispy Kreme to eat 12 doughnuts. Watch all the fun here:
Crawford & Son
One of the most popular fine dining restaurants in Raleigh is on Person Street, and after our date night there, we certainly know why! The casual and cozy neighborhood restaurant of Crawford & Son serves honest food ranging from the familiar to the unexpected. Known as one of thebest restaurants in Raleigh for outstanding service, ambiance, food presentation, and craft cocktails, we can personally vouch for all of the above – our food, drinks, and the service was amazing!
Rest assured, when you reserve a table here you can expect talented chef Scott Crawford, a five-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef and his team deliver an ever-changing menu dictated by seasonal, local produce and full of flavor! My beef short rib and sticky date pudding were superb!
- Address: 618 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: CrawfordandSonRestaurant.com
William & Company (Wilco Bar)
The Wilco Bar, as affectionately called by the locals, is a cozy, artsy Historic Oakwood neighborhood bar with a strong focus on community and creative cocktails. We love it for its cozy hipster vibe, expertly crafted cocktails with a focus on tequila and mezcal. I’ve enjoyed every one of my seasonal mezcal cocktails from here.
We also love that Wilco is woman-owned and operated. Originally from Mexico, Liliana Ballance moved here at 14 years old, and worked her way up to building one of the best, if not the best cocktail bar in Raleigh, on her own, while raising her son.
- Location: 616 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: https://williamcobar.com
La Veladora
I can’t believe it took me two years to discover that behind the curtain in the Wilco Bar lay this hidden gem. It quickly became my favorite bar in Raleigh. Also owned by Liliana Ballance, this tequila and mezcal bar has a vibe reminiscent of Mexico City.
Not only do I love the ambiance of La Veladora, but their seasonal mezcal cocktails make my list of best in Raleigh. I enjoyed the Desert Bloom made with mezcal, tequila, green prickly pear, lime aleo, lime, marigold tincture, and green chartreuse. Their uniquely crafted cocktails that leave a lasting impression and a vibe that’s immersive and unforgettable.
- Location: Hidden at the back of William & Company
- Website: https://williamcobar.com/la-veladora
Jolie
Jolie is a French-inspired bistro from local chef icon Scott Crawford – right next door to Crawford and Sons. It has a cozy and intimate yet elegant atmosphere. While they do have inside dining, we recommend Its rooftop setting, especially on warm evening. It’s romantic and perfect for date nights. We celebrated Craig’s birthday here. Their mussels were the best I’ve ever had – that broth #drinakble And the duck special was exceptional. You may also love their escargot!
- Location: 620 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: https://restaurantjolie.com/
Person Street Bar
Another local and independent neighborhood bar along the N Person Street corridor is the Person Street Bar. Located in a former warehouse next door to Yellow Dog Bakery, this stylish bar with black paneled walls and a stained wood bar offers cocktails and craft beers on tap, plus a jukebox and covered patio area. Note: Since they serve drinks without serving food, they must have memberships, which can be bought for $5 at the door. Go check out the vibes and listen to some music on their jukebox!
- Address: 805 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: Person-Street.com
Sugar Euphoria
This cake shop in the North Person St district is sure to sweep you off your sweets. Randi from Sugar Euphoria creates cakes that are the centerpiece of life’s most memorable events using natural, locally sourced ingredients. You can also purchase bakery treats such as cupcakes, cookie sandwiches and macarons from her store. She often has unique events (including a Galentine’s Day event) so keep an eye out for those. Sugar Euphoria is a woman and black owned business in Raleigh
- Address: 606 N. Person Street, Raleigh
- Website: https://sugareuphoria.com
Pelagic Beer & Wine
You won’t run out of neat places to grab a drink in the Person Street Raleigh area and Pelagic Beer & Wine is a super cool craft retail beer store and tasting room popular with the locals in the Mordecai/Oakwood community! Founded in 2015 by local North Carolinians, they offer an extensive selection of craft beer, wine and cider to take home or enjoy in their tasting room. We love their community spirit as they only sell beer from independent craft breweries in our state and region!
We loved hanging out here, chatting with Ryan the bartender and a few of the local customers. This would definitely be our local if we lived in Oakwood or Mordecai. Pelagic were voted to have the “Best Retail Beer Selection in Wake County” in the local Indy Week’s 2018 Best of the Triangle competition and currently have 8 beers on tap plus beer and wine in the cooler, and kegs for sale!
Go check out their selection, sample one whilst sitting in their cute outdoor space on Pace St (mere steps from Person Street) or the cozy seating area indoors.
- Address: 300 Pace St, Raleigh
- Website: PelagicBeerAndWine.com
Things to see and do in the N Person St Area
When your belly is full and you feel hydrated, here are a few attractions on North Pearson Street worth checking out…
Mordecai Historic Park
At the northern end of Person Street Raleigh, you’ll find Mordecai Historic Park, once known as the largest plantation in Wake County and home to many interesting pieces of North Carolina history. Here you can see the Mordecai Historic House, the oldest residence in Raleigh still on its original foundation, andthe birthplace of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President.
Start your visit at the Visitor Center (a short walk from the parking area which lines Mimosa Street) to get park information then walk around the beautiful colonial style gardens and see well maintained historic buildings, or take a guided tour to see inside the chapel and main house.
And the quiet Mordecai neighborhood is a lovely neighborhood to take a stroll around as well. Read our guide to the Mordecai Historic Park guided tour with a lot more interesting history!
- Address: 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh
- Website: Raleighnc.gov/places
Explore Historic Oakwood
Oakwood is a historic district that dates all the way back to the 1800’s that rose after the Civil War. We love this neighborhood and can potentially see us living in this area in the future as it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh for its historical value and community feel.
Historic Oakwood is home to magnificent oak trees and a combination of restored Grand Victorians built in the 1800s, to modest bungalows of the 1920s, and newly constructed homes giving you a neighborhood feel whilst being only 1 mile north east of downtown Raleigh.
In addition to their passion for preserving their historic homes, many residents are avid gardeners and their backyards are often hidden gems where homeowners have created beautiful gardens. This is a popular area to live for professionals working in downtown Raleigh, and for families seeking community. Grab a coffee from nearby Yellow Dog Bread Co. and then wander around on foot, or drive the streets slowly.
Hot Tip: one of the fun Christmas events in Raleigh each year is the Oakwood candlelight walking tour! In the Spring they have a fantastic Historic Oakwood Garden tour. Once or twice a month, the historic Merrimom-Wynne House and the All-Saints Chapel host a magical candlelight concert. Read more about the Raleigh candlelight concerts.
Be sure to check out Historic Oakwood Cemetery which has served as a noble resting place for Raleigh residents for more than a century.
Raleigh City Farm
Right next to Standard Beer + Food is the one acre Raleigh City Farm. Founded in 2011, this nonprofit urban farm is committed to growing sustainable food and connecting the community to sustainable agriculture. There’s an apiary, two greenhouses, a compost site and various gardens and the opportunity to get your hands dirty through signing up for a workshop, taking a tour, attending a special event, and volunteering to help maintain the farm site.
- Address: 800 N Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: RaleighCityFarm.org
Where to shop on N Person Street
Dive into the following boutiques and independent stores for a unique shopping experience in Raleigh!
Edge of Urge
Situated in between Two Roosters Ice cream and Standard Beer is the Edge of Urge boutique store for men and women who specialize in handmade and independent designer clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories. One of our favorite local stores in Raleigh.
- Address: 215 E Franklin St #110, Raleigh
- Website: EdgeofUrge.com
Unlikely Professionals
Walk across the street and go down the ramp and inside the old bike repair shop to this part dive bar, part retail store that’s a cool concept and the partner store of Edge of Urge! Unlikely Professionals is a Men’s General Store offering a full selection of clothing, accessories, shoes, and apothecary, plus the full beer and wine bar!
Guys, this is not your average retail experience. Go check it out, browse their offerings, and taste a beer or two. They also have a small outdoor patio area for outdoor drinking!
- Address: 212 E Franklin St, Raleigh
- Website: EdgeofUrge.com/selections/men
So & So Books
If you like supporting small independent local bookstores like we do, pop into So & So who carry a carefully curated selection of the owners favorite titles in all the major genres that you probably won’t find easily elsewhere. We just bought Matthew McConaughey’s new book, Greenlights, here!
- Address: 704 N Person St, Raleigh
Oak City Cycling
Looking to buy or rent a bike to explore on two wheels? Oak City Cycling is a local, independent cycling shop focused on service, outreach and community.With a main focus on steel frame bikes, because steel bikes are strong, lightweight, and durable, plus carbon, aluminum and titanium bikes, these guys sell new and used bikes as well as accessories and components. They also do custom build, service and repairs.
- Address: 707 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: OakCityCycling.com
How to get around N Pearson Street: Cardinal Bike-Share
If you want to explore the Person Street area and the Historic Oakwood and Mordecai on two wheels, Cardinal Bike Share is the local bike-share system in town. Comprising of 300 bikes across 30 stations located in downtown Raleigh, one of their rental stations is right here at 701 N Person Street.
There you have it, a tempting list of reasons to head to the North Person Street Raleigh area next time you’re looking to shop local and get among a community and neighborhood feel. You may also want to catch the bus! Here is our guide forriding the bus in Raleigh
More Neighborhood Guides
Want to explore more of Raleigh’s neighborhoods and thoroughfares? Here are some other helpful guides…
- 48 hour guide to North Hills
- Ultimate Guide to Hillsborough Street (Eat, Drink, Shop, Play)
- Locals Guide to Boylan Heights
- 48 hours in the Warehouse District
- Local’s Guide to Downtown Raleigh
- Things to do in Downtown Cary
- Things to do in Downtown Apex
Let us know whether you explored Pearson Street in the comments section below!
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Love this article on the gems of Raleigh. I found several new spots that I will be visiting and eating my way through. Thank you!
Hey JPR, glad you discovered our article to the North Person Street area, we love this street in Raleigh and are sure you will too!