Wake Forest

north suburb · 27587

Wake Forest is the polite north-of-Raleigh option: a former college town (Wake Forest University decamped to Winston-Salem in 1956) that kept the brick downtown, the magnolias, and the slightly churchy weeknight rhythm. South Main does a credible date stroll past White Street Brewing and the Cotton Company, and the greenways do the rest. The tradeoff is honest: you are 40 minutes from anything in Raleigh proper that closes after eleven, the dating pool skews married-with-stroller, and Capital Boulevard traffic punishes spontaneity. Good for the second date that wants a real conversation. Bad for the first one that wants plausible deniability.

$56,145

median income

$1,544

median rent

The data

Wake Forest by the numbers

Median individual income in Wake Forest is about $56.1k.
● Verified · Census ACS 5-yr, 2019–2023
The median renter in Wake Forest pays about $1,540 a month.
● Verified · Census ACS 5-yr, 2019–2023

On the ground

Local date spots

18 spots · tap a point, label, or class to filter

Class

Budget

Vibe

18 spots across Wake Forest

Wake Forest
Drinks
Gatehouse Tavern
Bar$$$$★ 4.4 · 1,147
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
960 Gateway Commons Cir, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.4★ from 1,147 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Gatehouse Tavern.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 12 AM
Tue11 AM to 12 AM
Wed11 AM to 12 AM
Thu11 AM to 12 AM
Fri11 AM to 12 AM
Sat11 AM to 12 AM
Sun11 AM to 12 AM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Dining
Norse Brewing Company
Restaurant$$$$★ 4.4 · 704
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
203 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.4★ from 704 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Norse Brewing Company.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 8 PM
Tue11 AM to 9 PM
Wed11 AM to 9 PM
Thu11 AM to 10 PM
Fri11 AM to 10 PM
Sat11 AM to 10 PM
Sun10 AM to 8 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Curbside pickup · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · Tourists
Pets
Dogs allowed
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Dining
Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant
Restaurant$$$$★ 4.6 · 510
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Find it
1248 S Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 510 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$$$ · top-end is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$80
Their share$80
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue5 to 9 PM
Wed5 to 9 PM
Thu5 to 9 PM
Fri5 to 10 PM
Sat5 to 10 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Dining
Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum
Tapas restaurant$$$$★ 4.7 · 489
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
110 S White St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 489 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed4:30 to 8:30 PM
Thu4:30 to 8:30 PM
Fri4:30 to 9 PM
Sat4:30 to 9 PM
Sun4 to 8 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · Tourists
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Activity
Strike & Barrel
Bowling alley★ 4.3 · 462
Wheelchair access
Find it
413 S Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.3★ from 462 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Strike & Barrel.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 11 PM
Tue11 AM to 11 PM
Wed11 AM to 11 PM
Thu11 AM to 11 PM
Fri11 AM to 1 AM
Sat11 AM to 1 AM
Sun11 AM to 11 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Dining
Dante's Italiano
Italian restaurant$$$$★ 4.3 · 422
Good for groupsWheelchair access
Find it
13200 Falls of Neuse Rd #117, Raleigh, NC 27614
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.3★ from 422 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Dante's Italiano.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue11 AM to 9 PM
Wed11 AM to 9 PM
Thu11 AM to 9 PM
Fri11 AM to 10 PM
Sat11 AM to 10 PM
Sun11 AM to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Curbside pickup · Delivery · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Drinks
Bud's Tavern
Bar$$$$★ 4.7 · 414
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
823 Youngsville Blvd S, Youngsville, NC 27596
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 414 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Bud's Tavern.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon4 PM to 12 AM
Tue4 PM to 12 AM
Wed4 PM to 12 AM
Thu5 PM to 12 AM
Fri11 AM to 12 AM
Sat11 AM to 2 AM
Sun11 AM to 6 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups
Pets
Dogs allowed
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Dining
The Gramercy Restaurant & Lounge
Restaurant$$$$★ 4.3 · 300
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Find it
1228 Heritage Links Dr Ste 100, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.3★ from 300 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at The Gramercy Restaurant & Lounge.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue4 to 10 PM
Wed11 AM to 10 PM
Thu11 AM to 10 PM
Fri11 AM to 11 PM
Sat11 AM to 11 PM
Sun10 AM to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly · Transgender safespace
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Dining
Milazzos Ristorante
Italian restaurant$$$$★ 4.8 · 244
Good for groupsWheelchair access
Find it
3325 Rogers Rd Ste 109, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.8★ from 244 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Milazzos Ristorante.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue5 to 10 PM
Wed5 to 10 PM
Thu5 to 10 PM
Fri5 to 10 PM
Sat5 to 10 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Drinks
Blackbird Brewery
Brewery★ 4.9 · 204
Wheelchair access
Find it
3608 Rogers Branch Rd #101, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.9★ from 204 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Blackbird Brewery.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon3 to 10 PM
Tue3 to 10 PM
Wed3 to 10 PM
Thu3 to 10 PM
Fri1 to 11 PM
Sat12 to 11 PM
Sun12 to 9 PM
Dining
Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Drinks
Tonic, Bar and Social Club of Wake Forest
Bar$$$$★ 4.7 · 186
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood for groups
Find it
158 S White St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 186 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Tonic, Bar and Social Club of Wake Forest.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue5 to 10 PM
Wed5 to 10 PM
Thu5 to 10 PM
Fri3 PM to 12 AM
Sat3 PM to 12 AM
Sun5 to 10 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly · Transgender safespace
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Dining
Encore Ristorante
Italian restaurant$$$$★ 4.9 · 152
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Find it
11211 Galleria Ave, Raleigh, NC 27614
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.9★ from 152 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Encore Ristorante.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue11 AM to 2:30 PM, 4:30 to 9:30 PM
Wed11 AM to 2:30 PM, 4:30 to 9:30 PM
Thu11 AM to 2:30 PM, 4:30 to 9:30 PM
Fri11 AM to 2:30 PM, 4:30 to 9:30 PM
Sat11 AM to 2:30 PM, 4:30 to 9:30 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly · Transgender safespace
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Activity
Wake Forest Historical Museum
Local history museum★ 4.7 · 126
Wheelchair access
Find it
414 N Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 126 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Wake Forest Historical Museum.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue10 AM to 4 PM
Wed10 AM to 4 PM
Thu10 AM to 4 PM
Fri10 AM to 4 PM
SatClosed
Sun10 AM to 4 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Drinks
Broadsides
Piano bar$$$$★ 4.9 · 124
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Find it
223 S White St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.9★ from 124 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Broadsides.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue5 to 11 PM
Wed5 to 11 PM
Thu5 to 11 PM
Fri12 PM to 12 AM
Sat12 PM to 12 AM
Sun2 to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Takeout
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly
Pets
Dogs allowed
Contact
Site Maps
Wake Forest
Drinks
Unwined on White
Wine bar$$$$★ 4.7 · 93
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
153 S White St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 93 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Unwined on White.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon4 to 9 PM
Tue4 to 9 PM
Wed11:30 AM to 9 PM
Thu11:30 AM to 9 PM
Fri12 to 10 PM
Sat12 to 10 PM
Sun1 to 6 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Drinks
Mackey's Pub
Bar$$$$★ 4.6 · 87
Good for groupsWheelchair access
Find it
2101 S Main St Ste 112, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 87 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Mackey's Pub.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 12 AM
Tue11 AM to 12 AM
Wed11 AM to 12 AM
Thu11 AM to 12 AM
Fri11 AM to 12 AM
Sat11 AM to 12 AM
Sun12 PM to 12 AM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Drinks
Mckenzie's Private Club Bar & Grill
Bar & grill$$$$★ 4.4 · 76
Good for groupsWheelchair access
Find it
12215 Hampton Way #108, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.4★ from 76 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Mckenzie's Private Club Bar & Grill.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon12 to 10 PM
Tue12 to 10 PM
Wed12 to 10 PM
Thu12 to 10 PM
Fri12 to 10 PM
Sat12 to 10 PM
Sun12 to 10 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · Locals
Contact
Call Site Maps
Wake Forest
Drinks
The Cardinal Bar Wake Forest
Bar$$$$★ 4.4 · 65
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
535 S White St Suite 120, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.4★ from 65 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at The Cardinal Bar Wake Forest.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon12 PM to 2 AM
Tue12 PM to 2 AM
Wed12 PM to 2 AM
Thu12 PM to 2 AM
Fri12 PM to 2 AM
Sat12 PM to 2 AM
Sun12 PM to 2 AM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups
Contact
Maps

Wake Forest

Wake Forest by the numbers

Local date spots

Gatehouse Tavern

Norse Brewing Company

Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant

Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum

Strike & Barrel

Dante's Italiano

Bud's Tavern

The Gramercy Restaurant & Lounge

Milazzos Ristorante

Blackbird Brewery

Tonic, Bar and Social Club of Wake Forest

Encore Ristorante

Wake Forest Historical Museum

Broadsides

Unwined on White

Mackey's Pub

Mckenzie's Private Club Bar & Grill

The Cardinal Bar Wake Forest

Reach Wake Forest singles right where they plan dates.