Location: Wake Forest
Top Restaurants in Wake Forest
Top Things to do in Wake Forest
Most Popular Restaurants in Wake Forest
Wake Forest is a town in Franklin and Wake counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina; located almost entirely in Wake County, it lies just north of the state capital, Raleigh. The population was 30,117 at the 2010 census, up from 12,588 at the 2000 census. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the city's population to be 34,752 as of July 1, 2013. In 2007, the town was listed by Forbes magazine as the 20th fastest growing suburb in America, with a 73.2 percent increase in population between 2000 and 2006. Wake Forest was the original home of Wake Forest University for 122 years before it moved to Winston-Salem in 1956.
Things to do in Wake Forest
1. Charlie's Kabob Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Hawaiiheaven - Harrogate, United Kingdom
Charlie's is great for a quick lunch if you want something fresh that doesn't leave you feeling gross. It's extremely casual; food is served on styrofoam plates and most dishes are ready in just a minute. The food was pretty good, but I have really high expectations of this sort of food. I lived overseas for several years and I've had the opportunity to eat some delicious Mediterranean fare. I thought the hummus at Charlie's was very average. The pita triangles that were served with the hummus were not very fresh. My gyro was good.
The ambiance is really casual, so don't go in expecting anything fancy. The service was friendly. The value was spot on for the quality and quantity of their food.
Not sure I'll be hurrying back, but I'm glad this sort of food is being served up in Wake Forest!
2. Brigs at the Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Brigs Restaurants have been providing great quality and great priced breakfast, brunch and lunch fare for over 25 years. Brigs provides Weekday Breakfast Specials starting at only $6.49 from 7 am til 11 am. The entire Brigs menu is available from open until close daily.
Reviewed By Stuart G - Raleigh
Lived here for 11 years and for one reason or another have found myself going to Briggs over the years. After the first 3-4 times, not by my own choice. Visually, the place is very delightful....bright, nice decor. On weekends there is always a long wait. The menu is very compelling-many interesting and different offerings. Fun rotating specials. I've just never found the food that comes to the table up to the (relatively) high prices put on the check. Been there at 30+ times over the years and more often than not the food is served up cold. Mostly tasty, but cold. Yes it's a busy place and yes I worked in restaurants and know that cold food delivery is not the fault of the kitchen but rather the wait staff and management. No mater who is at fault, I've not been pleased. IMHO....there are now many other better options....try First Watch, 15 minutes down Capital.
3. Over The Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Come Discover Over the Falls in Downtown Wake Forest, NC and our Award Winning Specialty Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers, Pizza & Wings. Featuring Daily Specials, Gluten Free Eats & Infused Bourbons. Follow us on Social Media to find out what we are Cooking Up Today! Our Bar Features 12 Craft Draft Beers (11 NC & 1 Western NY), Great Bottled, Can Beer & Wine Selection along with an Extensive Bourbon List, Local Distilled Spirits & Premium Brands that we use to make our Handcrafted Cocktails, Martinis & Mules. We are a non-reservation-based restaurant. All guest are welcome to come dine with us on a first come, first serve basis. If you are planning an event for a large group please keep in mind that our maximum number of seats for one party is 16. For parties of 8 to 16 we recommend coming as early as possible for lunch or dinner to avoid an extended wait. We appreciate your business, and look forward to providing you excellent food & service in the near future. Check out our Daily Specials. Cheers! Outside Cake / Dessert Fee $4 Per Head / Includes Plates, Silverware, Napkins, Knife & Cake Server
Reviewed By BornTooLoose
We had some trouble finding this place, which is at the edge of a shopping center that seems to be undergoing refurbishment. Interesting menu with varied selections, what you might call modern-urban-cliche. We had a Cobb salad that was served on a plate 12 inches across, full to overflowing with avocados, bacon bits, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.--all pretty fresh-tasting. We also had a Turkey sandwich (called "downtowner" for some reason), which we found less than superlative. Communities like Wake Forest in the Raleigh conurbation have dozens of such places, a cut above fast food but some cuts below gourmet dining. The service here is exceptionally polite. Huge flat-screen TV assumes a sports-bar clientele, which we are not, but at least it's not Fox News.
4. Main Street Grille Cafe & Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By Margo Z - Wake Forest, North Carolina
Order at counter from posted menu and food delivered to table. I had the Turkey reuben and DH has a tuna salad on English muffin. Both good, though I thought the reuben a tad greasy. The bread was excellent. I believe they make it right there or get it from local bakery. Lots of food for the price. I could not finish my sandwich.
Issues: parking lot in small strip mall too full as was church parking lot right next door. We had to park 1/2 block away and walk in. Very crowded and slow line to order - might help with second cashier and cash stand. However parking was due to visitors to other businesses also, not much Main Street can do about that. Just we aware of a possible issue.
5. Shuckers Oyster Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By 333kmg333 - Buffalo, New York
We started with hush puppies which were delicious. I also had an ahi tuna appetizer which was good. It wasn’t the best I’ve had but very good. The trout meal was to die for. Absolutely incredible. It was split and partially breaded. It was so good. I would order it again in a heat beat. We waited about 45-55 minutes for a table with 9 people on a Thursday night.
6. Backfins Crab House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By Madeline103119148 - Fayetteville, North Carolina
Backfins Crabhouse has THE BEST SEAFOOD in all of NC.
It seems as though this restaurant is a secret shared only by the locals in Wake Forest. The selections are super fresh, well cooked and served piping hot. Beverages never get less than half full and the wait staff always seems to know when you might need extra sauces.
Prices are reasonable and the portions are very generous.
I will return anytime I am in the Raleigh area.
7. Shortys
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By krwatts - Wake Forest, North Carolina
This is a real hole in the wall so don't go if you are looking for grand atmosphere. Front room is old booths and kitchen type chairs, bar stools at counter and back room w/pool tables & video games. Place has been there more years I think than I am old, 65, and
known for it's red, grilled hot dogs with chili/onions. They have other options but the hot dog is what draws folks in by the dozens everyday except Sundays. Pretty cheap at average of $1.85 if I recall per dog but have burgers, 3 varieties of fries (regular, cheese, chili cheese) and bottled Cokes. Never been disappointed!
8. Leli's Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 93 reviews
Ok so Leli's diner was conceived almost over night. My wife and I where about to launch a food truck ( ciabatta man) when we stumbled upon the location. We where going to pick up our daughter at a friends house and saw the location for lease. We signed within a week and where open 60 days later. Our vision is to provide the freshest, natural, local foods that we can and still keep the guest check reasonable. We are true believers in shopping / dinning at independents. When people ask me about our menu I tell them we serve from scrambled eggs to filet mignon and everything in between. We have an extensive menu and run daily black board specials as highlighted in a very positive review we received from Greg Cox We make everything in house from cracking all our lattes farm egg to making mayo, salad dressings, desserts an so on. This is a passion we have for fresh and good for you food. My wife Sarka (shark-a) is from Czech Republic and has lived here for 13 year working at places like Gregorio's, Briggs and paparazzi will maintaining a cleaning service She learned to back from her mom who was a baker in czech. I have been here for 18 years by the way of Long Island Ny I built babymoon cafe in morrisville which I sold about five years ago and have had a couple other restaurants, delis over the years. This business is in our blood and we will continue to strive to give the best service and products possible We are great full to the wake forest community for the response we have received and look to continue to grow with the community
Reviewed By JacamoJ - Henderson, North Carolina
Fresh food, great staff, clean premises. After several visits, no matter what I ordered, salad, burger, steak, pizza. It was very good. Farm to table at it's best.
9. The Burger Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Pchee72 - Fernandina Beach, Florida
We took our grandchildren out to dinner tonight. Looked for a simple little down to earth place and found it at The Burger Shop in Wake Forest. One of the best burgers I've ever had. Fresh, tasty and delicious. The fries are freshly made and we loved the thin fries and crispness. It's a small place with just a few tables inside and and a row of two person tables outside. Kind of tucked away on a side street next to a clothing shop so be on the lookout. It's a small little town and is within walking distance of parking unless you find a place right outside. The grandkids opted for chicken tenders and fries and were very happy! They also had chocolate milk shakes and loved them! Everything is freshly made to order!
10. Farm Table
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
A restaurant that stays true to the seasonal promise & thrives on the support of local farmers & partners when possible, Farm Table offers menus that let the ingredients speak for themselves. We focus on sourcing responsibly, minimizing waste, and maximizing our local impact and flavors. When available our neighborhood-friendly, farm-to-table concept uses its own fruit & herb garden in a craft approach to seasonal cooking. Inspired by the dining room, Farm Table features local timber and farm tables built by master craftsman and artist Ted Patterson. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors and enjoy locally-inspired flavors. Come on over and have a seat!
Reviewed By Jaysent - Miami
Ate here last night with family. Saturday night and our reservation was surprisingly on time. Open decor makes for noisier than desired dining but the main reason we were there was the food. Chopped salad excellent tasing and good size portion. It has a garlic after taste but it was not detrimental to its taste. My roast chicken was good tasting although a bit overcooked. My wife really enjoyed the scallops over orzo. The macaroni and cheese my grand daughter tried to finish is a signature dish and an excellent value. Our overall take on this restaurant is that it is a good place for a local meal at a fair value. Server was excellent.
