Guide to Moore Square: There’s moore than meets the eye in Downtown Raleigh

Tucked into the bustling labrynth of streets in downtown Raleigh is Moore Square, a historic neighborhood where past and present waltz together beneath a canopy of oaks.

Centered around Moore Square Park, this thriving one-block radius neighborhood may be small in size, but it’s big on entertainment.

Throughout the year local life bursts into bloom in Moore Square, whether you’re chasing Raleigh’s up and coming foodie scene, looking to dance the night away at a festival, catch late night movies in the park, sip craft cocktails in sophisticated lounges, or shop for boutiques – there’s Moore to love in this neighborhood.

In this guide, we share everything you need to know about Moore Square, what there is to see and do there, and what it’s like to visit.

The History of Moore Square

The Moore Square District is one of the six districts in downtown Raleigh, with the four-acre urban green space being the central focus point.

Over two centuries ago, Moore Square was originally conceived as one of five public green spaces for the City of Raleigh, and after playing a significant role throughout Raleigh’s 225+ year history, the square was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

In 1792, the year Raleigh was founded as North Carolina’s capital city, the General Assembly chose Senator William Christmas, a surveyor, to envision the new capital. He laid out 400 acres of city fabric through 1,000 acres of woodland, in a geometric grid which emulated the plan of Philadelphia. 

Along with Nash Square and Capitol Square, Moore is one of three remaining squares originally planned and is a significant example of early American town planning.

This 4-acre park is bounded by E. Hargett Street to the north, East Martin Street to the south, S. Blount Street to the west, and S. Person Street to the east. 

It has undergone lots of change over the years, including a $12 million renovation in 2019 in which the area was off limits for 18 months during construction. 

Today, you will find two open lawn areas occupying the center with numerous benches and granite seat walls, 30-foot-wide sidewalks on the south edge, a small natural play area and splash pad for children, a pavilion building and restrooms, open green space, and old oak trees lining the perimeter. 

In the immediate district there’s Historic City Market, restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, a kids museum, the GoRaleigh transit station, and high-density residential.

After the renovation in 2019

Thinking back to how Moore Square was pre-renovation, I actually prefer the “old” Moore Square and feel it was a missed opportunity to create something really special. 

I loved how the old square was more densely covered in oak trees (similar to Nash Square). Not only did they provide shade in the warmer months but also a more inviting atmosphere and somewhat spiritual presence. Now it just feels and looks quite bland, almost soulless.

Yes, there is more open space now for events and they have movie nights and pop-up big screens like they did for the World Cup soccer, and markets of course, but unless there is an event happening, I’m just not drawn to go there anymore!

Progress and growth are inevitable, but just because you spend a lot of money and create something new, doesn’t mean it is a better product. I feel they missed the mark and wasted so much potential to create a true gathering space. 

I’m no landscape architect of course, but I’ve visited many places as a traveler and feel I have a decent eye for community spaces and what draws people to return.

I remember saying (along with many others) when the big reveal of the new square happened, “is that it? is this the finished product? is this what took 18-months?”

While I don’t feel the space is utilized to its full potential, the location is still prime real estate in the heart of the city and some of my favorite places to eat and drink in downtown surround its perimeter (see more below). 

As of Sept 2025, we can say Moore Square has improved since we first wrote this Moore Square Guide. We’ve been there a few times over the summer for Hopscotch Festival, First Friday, and our bike rides through the city at the end of Greenway trails (see more about that in our guide to riding the bus in Raleigh). They have some beautiful gardens around the perimeter beside seating areas, which has greatly enhanced its look – maybe not so in winter. Plus, there’s now Lucky Tree Cafe…. read on

Where to Eat and Drink in the Moore Square District

Lucky Tree Cafe

Plus, they now have Lucky Tree Cafe within the park, one of our favorite coffee shops in Raleigh with their original location on Hillsborough St.

Lucky Tree Café in Moore Square has quickly become a downtown gem. Open since mid‑May 2025, this second location extends the art‑filled, cozy tree‑house ambiance of the original spot, with walls adorned by local makers and a warm, welcoming vibe. It’s a haven for lovers of fair‑trade, organic coffee—especially the coconut‑mocha‑nut latte, which hits the perfect balance between nutty coconut and mocha sweetness, paired with a delightful assortment of gluten‑free (often vegan) baked goods. Their muffins are my favorite in the city for being moist and flavourful. (We’re not big fans of their milk-based espresso drinks but do love their Americano and coco mocha!)

Beyond coffee, the café also offers local draft beer, cider, mead—and even THC‑infused beverages, a great find in itself. We discovered this tip recently at the Hopscotch Festival: buy a drink from Lucky Tree and head straight into Moore Square with better prices and a wider selection than inside. I think you can do that for most events and festivals in the square.

Lucky tree also has a selection of locally made artisan products to buy – just another reason to love this addition to Moore Square. In my opinion, it has made it a far better place to spend time.

Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant

My favorite place to go for a Southern breakfast in Raleigh is Big Ed’s in City Market which borders Moore Square. You don’t get more Raleigh, and a taste of Southern comfort food and hospitality, than at Big E’ds.

On the menu is food like what grandma used to make, and a laid-back cafe with funky antiques hanging from the old rafters and memorabilia scattered around.

Popular items include HUGE hot cakes, country ham, aged ribeye steak, sliced pork loin, fried catfish, freshly made hot biscuits, French toast, and double-brewed sweet tea. Read our full review of Big Eds Raleigh here and why I think it’s the best breakfast in Raleigh.

• Address: 220 Wolfe St Raleigh
• Website: Bigedsnc.com

Bida Manda

We spent two weeks traveling through Laos (and lived in Bangkok for six months) and can confidently say that Bida Manda, located on one of Moore Square’s border streets (Blount Street) is hands down our favorite spot for Asian food in Raleigh.

Well renowned for showcasing the culinary traditions of Laos, Bida Manda serves a variety of authentic Lao dishes in a beautiful space with Lao-inspired decor that always takes us back to our time exploring this wonderful Southeast Asian country. 

My recommendations are the Crispy Rice Lettuce Wraps, Crispy Chicken Wings, and the Manda Amphone’s Curry with chicken. Plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options!

• Address: 222 S Blount St, Raleigh
• Website: BidaManda.com

Vic’s Italian Cafe & Pizzeria

One of my favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants for authentic Italian cuisine and New York style pizza, plus they serve a wide variety of delicious pastas and entrees in healthy portions at reasonable prices.

Vic’s is steps away from Big Ed’s in City Market and popular dishes include their specialty pizzas (gluten free bases available), Penne Alla Vodka, Calzones, and the complimentary garlic knots. Grab a seat on the sidewalk in the warmer weather months!

• Address: 331 Blake Street, Raleigh
• Website: Vicsitalianpizzeria.com 

Brewery Bhavana

Walk across the street from Moore Square and you’ll arrive at the most unique of the Raleigh breweries, a four-in-one concept of Beer + Dim Sum + Flowers + Bookstore.

This place has an amazingly stylish interior with great modern lighting and decor, an interesting bookstore and flower shop, and a great marble bar. All this backed up with award-winning beer and amazing food (especially their dim sum).

• Address: 218 S Blount St, Raleigh
• Website: BreweryBhvana.com

Watts & Ward

Watts & Ward is probably my favorite of the bars in Raleigh downtown. This craft cocktail bar was founded upon the underground spirit of 1920s America and the perfect spot for a late night drink. 

The 6,000-square-feet space of seemingly endless cavern, with room after room of leather seating, rustic tables, dim lighting and bookshelves full of history. An inventive cocktail menu and low-key jazz events. 

• Address: 200 S Blount St, Raleigh 
• Website: wattsandward.com

42 & Lawrence (coffee)

One of the top coffee shops in Raleigh is on the corner of Moore Square.

42 & Lawrence is an espresso bar and coffee lab serving specialty espressos, cold-brew coffees, draft lattes, and tasty experiments. Modern and industrial vibe and lots of natural light and glass windows for people watching.

• Address: 134 E Martin St, Raleigh
• Website: 42lawrence.com

City Market Sushi

If you’re seeking a slightly upscale Sushi restaurant in the heart of the city, put City Market Sushi on your list.

The ambiance is on point with decorative art adorning the walls, black and white decor, and modern wooden tables and chairs creating an intimate space perfect for a date night or dinner with friends. 

• Address: 315 Blake St, Raleigh
• Website: citymarketsushi.net

Woody’s at City Market

One of the top sports bars in Raleigh is here. Woody’s is a long running locally owned sports bar and watering hole and popular spot to watch some sports on TV. 

It’s your classic locals’ corner bar with a good selection of craft beer and great lunch specials – many people say they have the best wings in the Triangle – plus signature burgers, subs, salads and other typical bar food.

Events at Moore Square

Moore Square Midweek Farmer’s Market

There are several markets that take place in Moore Square, but the Midweek Market is a farmers market that’s well worth a visit.

It takes place every Wednesday from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. At this market you can shop from local vendors selling fresh, seasonal goods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, dairy, and pastries, as well as original, high-quality crafts.

There’s often live music, children’s activities, and more.

Hopscotch Music Festival

Taking place annually in September, Hopscotch Music Festival is a three-day weekend which has grown exponentially in the last 15 years.

It started in 2010, and has expanded each year – now showcasing 150+ acts, covering 12–15 venues, and drawing praise as “America’s (secretly) best festival” for its genre‑blending lineups that span indie rock, punk, electronic, folk, hip‑hop, experimental.

Around 25 % of performers hail from North Carolina, making it one of the biggest community‑driven music celebrations of the year. Former headliners have been Public Enemy, Panda Bear, Broken Social Scene, and Raleigh’s own The Love Language.

The two main outdoor stages are at City Plaza and Moore Square, but late‑night clubs and local venues also take part in the festival. We attended for the first time this year – September 2025 – and loved it. We really missed those trees of the old Moore Square from its old days, but it really was quite a good venue for the festival. It made it easy for us to pop in and out of the Pour House on its perimeter – another Hopscotch venue.

Outdoor Films at Moore Square by NC Museum of Art

Throughout the summer, the NC Museum of Art in partnership with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance hosts a movie night on Friday nights. They are free for all ages and usually have family-friendly movies on, such as Wicked and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

There’s also food trucks (from 5.30pm) and pre-movie games. See the movie schedule on the event calendar here.

First Friday Market and Movie Night

Get To Know Raleigh put on a free outdoor movie night and vendor market for the First Friday event each month. There’s also live music, free games, and food trucks.

Attractions in the Moore Square District

You can learn more about the history of Moore Square on one of the free history tours every Sunday.

Marbles Kids Museum

Got young kids? What makes this district popular for families is Marbles, a premier kids’ museum and one of the best things to do in Raleigh with kids. There are two levels of kid-focused museum activities with dozens of hands-on exhibits and the state’s only 3D-capable IMAX theater.

Here is our complete guide to Marbles Kids Museum

• Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh
• Website: marbleskidsmuseum.org

Art Space

Artspace is a non-profit visual arts center in City Market that has more than 35 artists working in their studios.

They hold frequent events, exhibitions, and classes and it plays a pivotal role in Raleigh’s First Friday event each month!

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Store

Located across the street from Moore Square on Blount St, at The Pour House you can see a band at one of Raleigh’s favorite live music venues since 1997. Or drop in and buy a record from their upstairs record store and one of the best record stores in Raleigh!

Read our guide to the Pour House Music Hall and Record Shop.

Historic City Market

Browse the historic cobblestone-streets with galleries, restaurants, bars and specialty shops of historic city market. Here you’ll find the above-mentioned Big Ed’s, Vic’s and City Market Sushi. If you’re a pet owner, we use Unleashed, the dog and cat store for all our kitties’ needs. 

Moore Square Visitor Center

Pop in at the visitor center and learn more about the history of Moore Square and the surrounding area. The gift shop showcases local artists and goods.

Things to know before you go

Parking

For parking nearby, you have the Moore Square parking lot and the City Market parking lot. For a complete list of parking options in downtown go here. 

Restrooms

The public restrooms at the square are officially open from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. They are not kept in the best condition to be honest.

Hours

There are no gates, but the Square is officially open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with extended hours during special events.

Final thoughts

abundance of green spaces and tree lined streets. And Moore Square in the heart of downtown Raleigh is one of the spaces that holds fond memories for us since relocating here from Australia in 2004. 

Wherever I travel I seek out green spaces, squares and city parks such as Jackson Square in New Orleans, Washington Square Park in Manhattan, all the gorgeous squares in Savannah, and Hyde Park in my hometown of Sydney, Australia. 

Moore Square is not quite as well-known as some of the aforementioned, but it does have plenty of history.

Since 1792, Moore Square has been a place of gathering, entertainment, and recreation for the locals and its current surroundings are a charming mix of old and new. It’s definitely improving since its recent changes.. let’s hope it keeps getting better.

I have fond memories of the old square and going to beer festivals here, attending markets, listening to live music, or having a picnic under the canopy of the magnificent oak trees.