
Irregardless
A Raleigh institution since 1975, Irregardless offers a farm-to-table experience with a globally-inspired menu and a welcoming atmosphere for all diet...

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Irregardless

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Raleigh institution since 1975, Irregardless offers a farm-to-table experience with a globally-inspired menu and a welcoming atmosphere for all diets.
"This funky cafe is a haven for vegan and vegetarian diners, offering hearty options that meat lovers will also enjoy."
Book Ahead for Popular Times
Reservations are recommended for busy periods like brunch to ensure you get a table.
Explore Non-Alcoholic Options
Consider trying a refreshing non-alcoholic spritz for a delightful beverage choice.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American / Global Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Globally-Inspired Fusion with Vegan & GF Options
A long-standing Raleigh favorite offering creative, locally-sourced dishes that cater to diverse palates, including extensive vegan and gluten-free selections.

Vibrant Brunch Scene
Renowned for its weekend brunch with both classic and inventive options, from gluten-free chicken and waffles to tofu scrambles.

Live Music Ambiance
Enjoy a lively atmosphere enhanced by live music, creating a unique and memorable dining experience.
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Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Popular Times
Reservations are recommended for busy periods like brunch to ensure you get a table.
Explore Non-Alcoholic Options
Consider trying a refreshing non-alcoholic spritz for a delightful beverage choice.
Dietary Modifications Available
Don't hesitate to ask for modifications, such as removing cheese from salads, to suit your needs.
Early Seating for Serenity
Opt for an earlier dining time for a more tranquil and quiet meal experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Popular Times
Reservations are recommended for busy periods like brunch to ensure you get a table.
Explore Non-Alcoholic Options
Consider trying a refreshing non-alcoholic spritz for a delightful beverage choice.
Dietary Modifications Available
Don't hesitate to ask for modifications, such as removing cheese from salads, to suit your needs.
Early Seating for Serenity
Opt for an earlier dining time for a more tranquil and quiet meal experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Irregardless is celebrated for its creative, globally-inspired menu with abundant vegetarian and vegan options, complemented by a warm atmosphere and live music. While many praise the accommodating service and unique dishes, some reviews mention inconsistencies in food preparation and occasional service attentiveness.
"This is second time coming here and the food is amazing, the service is amazing. I love the atmosphere. I came for Sunday brunch each time, I got the salmon lox each time. Amazing, would recommend. Our server/bartender Diana was amazing! She was friendly, funny, kind, gorgeous, knowledgeable about the menu and recommendations and she makes a meeean espresso martini (or cold brew martini on their menu). Definitely recommend coming here for brunch or any other meal time!"
D'Ann Pitchford
"Not sure how to word this, but the food matches the decor. It’s comfortable and a little above average. Servers are very nice, food came out incredibly fast.
Nice to see vegan options, especially a tofu scramble.
Tofu scramble: 8/10
Home fries: 10/10 - nicely cooked, the best thing on the plate. Cooked with sumac onions.
Sausage: 2/10 - there are si many good options for vegan sausage, they should switch to a better one.
Hot sauce is house made, and has good heat."
Justin Vizaro
"The restaurant offers a warm ambiance with a charming historic touch that creates a unique dining atmosphere. A highlight of the evening was the live music, played by a talented musician—it really elevated the mood and added to the overall feel of the place.
Service was okay—not particularly attentive, but sufficient.
The garlic hummus was excellent—creamy, rich, and full of flavor. The cauliflower duo was decent, though not especially memorable.
The biggest disappointment was the fried oyster mushroom dish. It had a burnt taste, and the beans served with it were undercooked, making it completely unappetizing—we couldn’t eat it.
Despite the food inconsistencies, the ambiance and live music made the evening pleasant overall."
Sandeep K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Irregardless offers a globally-inspired fusion cuisine with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, featuring a wide array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Yes, Irregardless is well-known for its extensive vegan and gluten-free menu items, catering to various dietary needs.
Yes, Irregardless often features live music, which contributes to its warm and fun atmosphere and elevates the dining experience.
Popular times include brunch on weekends. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours or early seatings.
Reservations are recommended, especially for popular meal times like brunch, to ensure you secure a table.
Many diners rave about creative dishes such as the vegan calamari (made from king oyster mushrooms) and the smoked salmon eggs Benedict.
The restaurant offers a warm, artsy, and eclectic ambiance, often enhanced by live music, making it a unique dining destination.
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5 Best Restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina
Irregardless Café and Catering advertises their offerings as “real food for carnivores, vegans and vegetarians.” That’s right, there’s no separatism going on here. Herbivores and carnivores can all break bread together due to their wide selection of dishes and unique menu items. Meat lovers will want to try the steak frites that are served with the best French fries in Raleigh or Arthur’s Venetian Pesto Penne Chicken – a tribute to one of the owner’s late night concoctions from the 1970’s, while the vegetarians may want to indulge in the vegetable strudel or the zoodle bolognese made with zucchini noodles and garnished with cashew cheese.
Best Brunch in Raleigh Near
Choose your category and find your perfect Raleigh brunch – from eggs and bowls to waffles and pancakes to sandwiches and salads, Irregardless Raleigh is the spot for brunch in the City of Oaks. This funky cafe is a haven for vegan and vegetarian diners, offering hearty options like stuffed omelets, colorful tofu scrambles, and vegan burritos, but they certainly don’t exclude the meat lovers: they’ll find classic options like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, lox brioche, and the famous Irregardless Burger with crispy onions and tomato jam. If brunch is just the start of your day, you’ll find plenty of other things to do in Raleigh.
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11.00am – 2.30pm, 4.30pm – 9.00pm Tuesday – Thursday, 11.00am – 2.30pm, 4.30pm – 10.00pm Friday and Saturday, 10.00am – 2.30pm, 4.30pm – 9.00pm Sunday, Closed Monday. A Raleigh staple since 1975, Irregardless is one of the longest-running Raleigh restaurants and a true farm-to-table experienceoffering everything from meat and seafood dishes to vegan and vegetarian options – something for everyone!. Whether you come for brunch, lunch or dinner, you can enjoy the warm and fun atmosphere, artsy and eclectic decor, live music and home-cooked innovative meals (and good portions).
Where to tuck into a serious weekend breakfast in Raleigh and Durham
For a vegetarian and vegan-friendly brunch that meat lovers will also enjoy, check out Irregardless, which has been serving the Raleigh community since 1975. The vegan burrito is loaded with housemade vegan chorizo, pickled onions, beans, rice, and guacamole, while the Belgian waffle (vegan and gluten-free) is topped with fresh berries, plant-based whipped cream, and maple syrup. The chicken and waffles, brisket hash, steak and eggs, or crab cake benedict are just a few of the carnivore-centric dishes on offer.
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In 1975, it opened smack in the middle of a state capital that ran on red meat and pork, but was strictly vegetarian and — a word rarely heard back then — vegan. It came back after a 1994 fire with reimagined menus (including meat and seafood), but with the same commitment to fresh, healthful cooking. One thing on the menu inspires widespread obsession: lemon tahini salad dressing made with a creamy mixture of tamari, lemon juice, tahini (sesame paste), oil, and some vegetables, whirled in a blender.
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Irregardless is also a long-running Raleigh favorite — it’s been around since 1975 — but that’s about all it has in common with our previous entry; about two-thirds of its menu is vegetarian or vegan. Irregardless was one of the few local spots serving up globally-inspired fusion food before it was a “thing,” and today’s customers can still enjoy exotically-influenced dishes like teriyaki tempeh, red curry udon, and vegan calamari (king oyster mushroom rings are subbed out for squid).
20 of the Best Brunch Spots in Raleigh, N.C.
A true farm-to-table restaurant that has been a staple in the Raleigh restaurant scene for nearly 50 years, Irregardless Cafe is one of the City of Oaks' can't-miss dining spots, in particular for foodies looking for vegan options or that have dietary restrictions. From a seasonal garden frittata (GF) to chicken and waffles (GF + vegan) and a super savory lox brioche sandwich, the brunch menu is a true crowd pleaser. Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-2:30pm
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Irregardless Café was Raleigh's first vegetarian restaurant and has been a staple of the city's restaurant scene for more than 45 years. This eatery offers farm-to-table brunch, lunch and dinner sourced from local farms around the Triangle – the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill region of North Carolina known for its proximity to three major research universities. The menu boasts an impressive seasonal selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
10 Best Brunch Spots in Raleigh in 2024
If you wrote off Irregardless as strictly vegetarian—well, fake news. Hands down one of the top services in town, this OG “real food” Raleigh institution is dishing a brunch worth writing home about. From “eggs and bowls” like shrimp and grits and brisket hash to waffles and pancakes to “sandwiches and such” (hey, lox brioche, avo toast—and, yes, a vegan burrito), this super-fresh Raleigh mainstay is living up to its “real good” MO.
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A local favorite since it opened in 1975, Irregardless was selected for a 2022 Diner’s Choice Award from OpenTable.com and is beloved by its patrons for its creative and mouth-watering menu. For Thanksgiving, Irregardless offers a dine-in menu as well as Thanksgiving Take n’ Bake for those who want the Irregardless flavor experience at home. Some delectable options include Wild Mushroom Pie, Maitake & Polenta, and Eggplant Moussaka.
These Are The 15 Best Restaurants In Raleigh For Vegetarians
With a menu consisting of vegetarian dishes and a few options for the carnivores in your group, Irregardless Café will be one place everyone is sure to enjoy. Not only do they have live music on a regular basis and an extensive list of dishes, they’re also great at keeping their plates new and exciting, switching things up seasonally. Expect to find plenty of Mediterranean food here, along with some Southern inspired cuisine.
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Irregardless Café in Raleigh is a vibrant dining experience where community warmth and culinary artistry converge. The café’s eclectic, bohemian ambiance, filled with live music and local art, sets the stage for a diverse, farm-to-table menu that caters to all dietary preferences. From the velvety vegan bisque to the Moroccan Chicken bathed in aromatic spices, each dish is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Best Lunch In Raleigh, NC
Experience farm-to-table dining at Irregardless Cafe, a longtime favorite among Raleigh locals. Situated in a historic house near downtown Raleigh, this eclectic eatery offers a menu of globally inspired dishes made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. From hearty salads and sandwiches to creative vegetarian entrees, the Cafe has something for every palate, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely and satisfying lunch.
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Irregardless Café is an authentic street food establishment located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since 1975, this award-winning restaurant has been offering a farm-to-table dining experience sourced from their own 'Well Fed Community Garden'. Known for their vegetarian options, Irregardless Café was named one of OpenTable's Top 50 Vegetarian Restaurants in the U.S. and INDYWeek's Best Salad in Wake County in 2019.
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Irregardless Café is a favorite among vegans, vegetarians, and celiacs due to the extensive options for these diets but there’s something for everyone on the menu. Irregardless serves up everything from Chorizo Puffball to Lamb Shank and has dishes inspired by cultures all around the world. Be sure to stop by and try their Spanakopita — it’s been a staple on their menu since they opened in 1975.
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Irregardless Cafe boasts “Fresh Foods Made Simply,” and it’s been recognized numerous times for it’s delicious menu, including enough vegan options for even the pickiest cruelty-free eaters. Vegan brunch at Irregardless is amazing–they start you off with vegan scones, and there are savory and sweet options. I usually have a glass of fresh orange juice with pancakes.
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Why it's Allergy-Friendly:Irregardless Café is a pioneer in accommodating various dietary restrictions. They offer a dedicated gluten-free menu, and their chefs are well-versed in creating dishes that cater to other allergies, including dairy and nuts. With a focus on farm-to-table, their seasonal dishes are not only allergy-friendly but also bursting with flavor.
The best dinner in Raleigh
There’s a tasty restaurant in town that’s made a name for itself as the place to go for an amazing dinner. Irregardless Cafe is located in downtown Raleigh and offers a unique dining experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The menu features a variety of dishes that are all made from scratch, and the chefs take pride in using only the freshest ingredients.
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Welcome to the delightful Irregardless Cafe, where culinary wonders meet cozy elegance, creating a haven for discerning palates and warm gatherings. Nestled in a tranquil spot, this restaurant’s charm captivates from the first glance. Picture a Thanksgiving feast amidst an ambiance that seamlessly blends comfort and sophistication.
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Irregardless Cafe is a long-standing restaurant in Raleigh that has been catering to different dietary needs for over 45 years. They have a separate gluten-free menu with a variety of options, including their popular gluten-free pizza and pasta dishes. They also offer gluten-free bread for their sandwiches and burgers.
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Irregardless Café is an authentic Raleigh experience, offering Farm-to-Table meals sourced from their own ‘Well Fed Garden’. Enjoy live music every night from this restaurant voted Best Brunch and one of OpenTable’s Top 50 vegetarian restaurants in the U.S. Phone Number: (919) 833-8898 Directions Website
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First Course (Choose one) – Black eyed pea falafel: Lemon tahini, tomato salad, fresh herbs (vegan, GF). Roasted butter nut squash salad: Baby greens, dark raisins, roasted pecan, lemon vinaigrette, feta. Roasted garlic hummus: Oyster mushroom salad, fresh herbs, and fried pita (vegan)
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Irregardless is a long-standing café known for its global menu of locally sourced fare and live music. Of all of Raleigh’s restaurants, this one sets the tone for a vibrant dining experience. The menu caters to vegetarians and vegans with a variety of options.
Best Patio Dining in Raleigh
irregardless is a Raleigh staple that has been around since 1975. It serves up a great weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner menu featuring vegetarian and vegan dishes. Their patio is such a lush spot and it is quite lovely in the evenings with the market lights.
Ask Julia: Where Do You Like to Eat in Raleigh?
I don't think it's just for people that are vegan or vegetarian, but they really do cater to that. I got a shepherd's pie that was dairy-free and grain-free (which never happens). And Chris goes there and loves to try something different every time.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Raleigh, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (578 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, International- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 901 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27603- Read more on Tripadvisor
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This pioneering Raleigh cafe is famous for its New Year’s pajama brunch tradition, but its year-round brunch is pretty special as well. Expect the seasons to drive the menu here, where vegetarian dishes took center stage before it was common.
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As one of Raleigh's oldest vegetarian restaurants, Irregardless welcomes well-behaved dogs on their delightful patio. Offering a diverse menu of organic and sustainable dishes, they prioritize healthy eating without compromising taste.
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Serving vegetarian dishes since the seventies, Irregardless was one of the first farm-to-table restaurants in Raleigh. Duck, lamb chops, and steak frites share a menu with veggie fare like spanakopita, eggplant parm, and woodland pie.
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Excellent cuisine, live music, and a can’t go wrong menu make this an ideal date location. You can even go to the Goodnight’s comedy club next door or to Drink Drank Drunk for a beer in’ session.
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For one, it’s filled with stellar local art and music you won’t want to miss. It also offers a ton of vegan brunch options that are delicious for even non-vegans.
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My wife had a fried chicken sandwich which was gluten free and she was in heaven. I had their signature black bean burger and the jalapeno jam was very tasty.
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901 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603Phone: 919-833-8898 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Experience Raleigh (@experience_raleigh)
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This is a great restaurant where you can have dinner together. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Irregardless (@theirregardlessnc)
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Morgan St. | This cafe has been serving plant-forward bites + live music since 1975, and we can’t get enough of dishes like the mushroom vadouvan.
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Irregardless not only has delicious food but also adorns their walls with local artwork and hosts live music nearly every day of the week.
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