When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
The Big Easy NC
Why The Big Easy NC is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Big Easy NC located in the vibrant heart of Downtown Raleigh at 222 Fayetteville Street offers a unique and lively atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. This restaurant brings the spirit of New Orleans to Raleigh through its Cajun and Creole-inspired Southern cuisine. Guests can expect specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, po' boys, and a classic burger or crisp salad for those wanting variety. The venue is renowned not only for its flavorful food but also for its upbeat ambiance featuring live music ranging from DJs to cover bands, ensuring an energetic and fun environment. The decor is eclectic and evocative, resembling a lounge of a Voodoo priestess, complete with a stellar vinyl collection. Whether indulging in a signature Hurricane cocktail or enjoying the sounds of live saxophone, The Big Easy NC creates an experience that mixes the laid-back charm of the Crescent City with the dynamic vibe of Fayetteville Street. It is an inviting spot where life and good times blend seamlessly, making it a favored destination for social gatherings and casual dining.
Here's what people think of The Big Easy NC
As of recent, The Big Easy NC holds a 4.1-star rating based on 2596 reviews.
Reviewers generally express positive sentiments about The Big Easy NC, appreciating its authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine and lively atmosphere. Many guests highlight the quality and taste of dishes like the Louisiana Pretzel, gumbo, jambalaya, and The Taste of Louisiana sampler, which includes red beans and rice, jambalaya, gumbo, and fried alligator. The presence of live music, including live saxophone performances, adds to the overall ambiance and enjoyment, making dining here feel like a mini New Orleans experience. Positive reviews often comment on the energetic vibe, friendly service, and the unique decor that enhances the overall dining experience. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention that while the food is enjoyable, it may not fully match the intensity of flavors found in authentic New Orleans cuisine. There may also be occasional remarks about pricing or wait times during busy hours. Despite these critiques, the majority of visitors recommend The Big Easy for its food quality and social atmosphere. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a fun and flavorful place where people come to enjoy good food, spirited drinks, and lively music in a welcoming downtown Raleigh setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Justin Peed
Great place to have dinner. The server was polite and helpful. Kept my glass full. The food was delicious. Tried the alligator bites for the first time and it was good! Seafood gumbo was amazing. It is a bit dark in some areas of the restaurant but it added to the ambience of making it feel a bit more intimate even though there are plenty of people around enjoying dinner. Looking forward to going back.
Joel
This place could definitely use work. First of all, the place smells like a combination of weed and cigarettes; this makes the experience unpleasant. The ribeye and cheeseburger could use a bit more flavor, though the fries were good! I’ll give it that. The bathrooms are falling apart, as seen in the photos and the dining area isn’t in great shape either. Workers were friendly, nothing out of this world. All in all, I didn’t feel too comfortable dining here and probably won’t be back again.
Kirstie Wade
Such a cool place! Nice and moody, awesome theme. They have amazing food and they’ve always been consistent with that.
Majja Simmons
The Big Easy was a lovely, low-key place to relax and vibe! My boyfriend and I went for my birthday dinner and it was delicious! Parking was a little difficult to find but we found one eventually! The restaurant is rather dark but still very nice. Our waitress was very sweet! Our food took little time and was hot when we got it. Pretty pricey but it is worth it. I ordered a cup of the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo and a side house salad. The soup was AMAZINGGGG! Heat index was around an eight when you bite into the sausage haha. He ordered catfish with a side of fries. It was delicious!!! I received a complimentary birthday dessert of beignets. They were hot, fresh, and delicious! We will come back!
Tanisha Reed
The food was so good and filling. I had an issue with not being informed about the gratuity before hand. It wasn't till we went to pay that we saw each person was charged an extra $22. It wasn't a large party of people 8 of us and only 7 order food. Our drinks wasn't being refilled as well. Other than that nice place and the pork chops melt in your mouth.
Justin Peed
Great place to have dinner. The server was polite and helpful. Kept my glass full. The food was delicious. Tried the alligator bites for the first time and it was good! Seafood gumbo was amazing. It is a bit dark in some areas of the restaurant but it added to the ambience of making it feel a bit more intimate even though there are plenty of people around enjoying dinner. Looking forward to going back.
Joel
This place could definitely use work. First of all, the place smells like a combination of weed and cigarettes; this makes the experience unpleasant. The ribeye and cheeseburger could use a bit more flavor, though the fries were good! I’ll give it that. The bathrooms are falling apart, as seen in the photos and the dining area isn’t in great shape either. Workers were friendly, nothing out of this world. All in all, I didn’t feel too comfortable dining here and probably won’t be back again.
Kirstie Wade
Such a cool place! Nice and moody, awesome theme. They have amazing food and they’ve always been consistent with that.
Majja Simmons
The Big Easy was a lovely, low-key place to relax and vibe! My boyfriend and I went for my birthday dinner and it was delicious! Parking was a little difficult to find but we found one eventually! The restaurant is rather dark but still very nice. Our waitress was very sweet! Our food took little time and was hot when we got it. Pretty pricey but it is worth it. I ordered a cup of the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo and a side house salad. The soup was AMAZINGGGG! Heat index was around an eight when you bite into the sausage haha. He ordered catfish with a side of fries. It was delicious!!! I received a complimentary birthday dessert of beignets. They were hot, fresh, and delicious! We will come back!
Tanisha Reed
The food was so good and filling. I had an issue with not being informed about the gratuity before hand. It wasn't till we went to pay that we saw each person was charged an extra $22. It wasn't a large party of people 8 of us and only 7 order food. Our drinks wasn't being refilled as well. Other than that nice place and the pork chops melt in your mouth.
How to reach The Big Easy NC
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Website: None
Why rally at The Big Easy NC with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a fun and memorable meetup is about more than just good food—it’s about the vibe, the atmosphere, and the shared experience that creates lasting memories. The Big Easy NC in downtown Raleigh offers precisely that kind of spirited environment, making it an ideal spot to rally with friends. This restaurant is a unique blend of the vibrant charm of New Orleans and the welcoming spirit of Raleigh, offering a taste of Cajun and Creole culinary delights along with familiar all-American classics. Whether you’re craving the smoky richness of jambalaya, the soulful depth of gumbo, or the crispy satisfaction of their famous wings, there’s something on the menu to satisfy every palate.
Beyond the food, The Big Easy provides a lively ambiance with its vintage-themed interior full of character and warmth, reminiscent of a New Orleans lounge. With live music ranging from DJs who get you dancing to sing-along cover bands, the energy of the place lifts any ordinary outing into a celebration. The lounge’s eclectic decor, including a vinyl collection that nods to musical traditions, creates a cozy yet dynamic backdrop for socializing. Plus, their signature cocktails, like the famous Hurricane Easy and a seasonal array of craft drinks, complement the food and atmosphere, ensuring everyone’s mood is lifted. The combination of great food, drinks, music, and an inviting setting presents The Big Easy NC as the perfect rendezvous for friends wanting to bond over shared tastes and joyful moments.
What activities can you enjoy at The Big Easy NC during a group meetup?
The Big Easy NC is designed to offer an immersive and varied experience that can accommodate different group dynamics and interests, making it perfect for meetups with friends or family. Aside from enjoying authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, there are several activities that enliven your visit. One of the highlights is the live music scene—The Big Easy frequently hosts DJs and cover bands, which means your group can either chill with some background tunes or get up and dance to familiar songs. The music sets a casual and festive tone, ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply unwinding after a busy day.
The cocktail lounge is another significant attraction, providing a creative menu of drinks that includes their famous Hurricane Easy and other seasonal craft cocktails. Sampling these drinks together is not just enjoyable, it encourages conversation and camaraderie. For those interested, The Big Easy also offers access to an impressive selection of local North Carolina beers, adding a regional flavor to your drinking experience. Additionally, their menu features shareable appetizers such as crab dip and wings, which promote a communal dining style perfect for groups. This shared eating experience encourages interaction and makes your gathering feel inclusive and relaxed.
Is The Big Easy NC suitable for large or special groups?
The ambiance and setup at The Big Easy NC make it well-suited for both small groups and larger gatherings, perfect for family reunions, friend meetups, or celebrations. The restaurant’s location downtown on Fayetteville Street is accessible and convenient, close to parking decks, which is a practical consideration for groups arriving from different parts of the city. The interior layout, featuring wooden floors and exposed brick walls, creates an open yet cozy environment that can comfortably accommodate groups without feeling cramped. While the service has been noted as polite and attentive, the relaxed pace of dining encourages savoring the experience without rush, which is ideal for social meals where conversation is key.
Moreover, the live music and lounge areas create zones within the venue where groups can choose to either engage with the entertainment or have quieter moments for talking. This flexibility ensures everyone in your party can find their preferred atmosphere. The pricing is moderate to average, striking a balance between quality and value, which is important for group outings where managing expenses can be a concern. Overall, the environment encourages mixing and mingling, making it a space where groups can come together comfortably for an enjoyable, spirited experience.
What makes the food and drink at The Big Easy NC exceptional for group dining?
The Big Easy NC’s culinary offerings are anchored in authentic Cajun and Creole classics that bring a vibrant and flavorful experience to the table—perfect for groups who appreciate diverse and hearty dishes. Signature Louisiana staples on the menu include jambalaya, étouffée, gumbo, and po'boys, which are all rich in spices and textures that invite sharing and exploration among friends. Alongside these, the restaurant offers crowd-pleasers like fresh salads, burgers, sandwiches, pastas, and especially their renowned wings, providing something for everyone regardless of their taste preferences. The array of dishes encourages a communal dining experience, where plates can be passed around and varieties savored collectively.
The drink program complements the food with creativity, offering not only classic cocktails but also unique inventions like the Hurricane Easy. Seasonal craft cocktails and a strong lineup of local beers provide a breadth of choice to suit any taste or occasion. The focus on Southern hospitality extends to how these items are prepared and presented, emphasizing quality and conviviality. The mixture of bold flavors in the food and vibrant drinks creates an engaging sensory experience, making it easy to celebrate with friends. Whether you’re indulging in spicy seafood or toasting with a finely crafted cocktail, the culinary scene at The Big Easy enhances group bonding and enjoyment.
Why is the atmosphere and location of The Big Easy NC ideal for meetups?
Located at 222 Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, The Big Easy NC stands at the crossroads of convenience and character, making it an ideal destination for friends or family to meet up. This central location means it is easily accessible by car or public transit and close to parking facilities, simplifying logistics for groups coming from different directions. The setting itself boasts a historic and vintage style with exposed brick walls and wooden floors, which lend a warm, inviting personality reminiscent of New Orleans’s casual yet lively spirit. This thoughtful atmosphere helps guests feel like they’ve stepped into a place where fun and relaxation naturally unfold.
In addition to the physical charm, the venue encourages an interactive social experience through its live music and lounge areas. The vibe is casual but energetic, striking a balance between a chill spot for dinner and a lively space for celebrations or post-work gatherings. The eclectic décor, including a notable vinyl record collection, adds to the sense of authenticity and cultural richness that enhances the overall experience. Equipped with a full bar and a menu that bridges Southern and all-American favorites, The Big Easy NC invites guests to savor both comfort and excitement, making it a spirited hub for meetups in Raleigh.
How does The Big Easy NC foster a welcoming and inclusive group environment?
One of the standout aspects of The Big Easy NC is its dedication to genuine Southern hospitality, which shines through in every interaction. From the moment guests arrive, the staff’s polite and friendly demeanor makes everyone feel welcomed, whether they’re first-timers or regulars. This attentiveness, combined with the casual and unpretentious setting, encourages groups to relax and enjoy their time without feeling rushed or out of place. The layout and design promote easy socializing while also allowing space for intimate conversations or group-wide interactions.
Moreover, the diverse menu ensures that dietary preferences and varying tastes within a group are easily accommodated, reducing stress about what to order for everyone. The restaurant’s lively music and drink options appeal to a wide demographic, creating a versatile environment that can suit different moods and occasions. Whether your group is looking for a place to laugh, dance, enjoy a meal, or toast to a special moment, The Big Easy NC’s inclusive vibe supports all these experiences seamlessly. This fosters warmth and connection, making it a prime spot to bring friends or family together.