This North Carolina Spot Is Officially The Best For Romantic Dining

Walking into a restaurant and instantly feeling your heart skip a beat doesn’t happen often, but when it does, you know you’re somewhere special. The moment I stepped into Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, tucked down at 237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, something just clicked. The buzz in the air, the warm glow, the irresistible smell of comfort food done right, it all set the mood.

This wasn’t just another place to grab dinner. It felt intimate, inviting, and effortlessly charming. Before the first bite even hit the table, it was clear this spot was about more than food.

It became the perfect backdrop for laughter, conversation, and one of the most memorable date nights I’ve had in North Carolina.

Finding Romance At 237 S Wilmington Street

My partner and I had been searching for somewhere special to celebrate our anniversary. After weeks of scrolling through restaurant reviews, we stumbled upon Beasley’s Chicken + Honey at 237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States. The location itself felt magical, nestled right in the heart of downtown.

Walking up to the entrance, I noticed the warm glow spilling onto the sidewalk. The building had this inviting charm that made my stomach flutter with anticipation. Moore Square garage sat conveniently next door, which meant we didn’t have to stress about parking.

Street parking lined Wilmington Street, but we chose the garage for ease. As we approached the door, other couples were already streaming in for their evening. The energy felt electric yet intimate, exactly what we wanted for our special night together.

Downtown Raleigh buzzed around us, but Beasley’s stood out like a beacon. The restaurant’s exterior promised something extraordinary inside. I squeezed my partner’s hand, feeling genuinely excited about what awaited us beyond those doors.

Service That Makes You Feel Special

Our server appeared moments after we sat down, greeting us with genuine warmth. Her name was Emily, and she immediately made us feel like the only table in the room. She asked about our occasion, smiled when we mentioned our anniversary, then offered perfect recommendations.

Throughout the evening, Emily checked in at just the right moments. Never intrusive, always attentive, she seemed to anticipate our needs before we voiced them. When my partner’s water glass dipped below half full, she refilled it without breaking conversation.

Other reviews had mentioned exceptional service, and now I understood why completely. Every staff member we encountered radiated professionalism mixed with Southern hospitality. They weren’t just doing their jobs; they genuinely cared about our experience.

Emily brought out our courses with perfect timing, explaining each dish with enthusiasm. She even noticed when we were taking photos and offered to capture one together. That small gesture meant everything, giving us a keepsake from our special night out.

Chicken And Waffles: The Star Attraction

When Emily set down the chicken and waffles, time seemed to pause briefly. Golden fried chicken breast glistened under the lights, perched atop a waffle so fluffy it looked cloud like. Honey drizzled artfully across the plate, pooling in the waffle’s squares.

My first bite was pure revelation. The chicken’s exterior shattered with satisfying crispness, giving way to impossibly moist meat inside. Seasoning penetrated every layer, savory and perfectly balanced.

The waffle provided sweet contrast, buttery and light.

Honey added another dimension entirely, tying sweet and savory together in harmonious bliss. Each component worked beautifully alone but sang together as an ensemble. I understood immediately why reviewers couldn’t stop talking about this signature dish.

My partner stole a bite from my plate, eyes widening with delight. We laughed, sharing bites back and forth like teenagers discovering something wonderful. Food this good deserved to be experienced together, savored slowly, appreciated fully in every delicious moment.

Carolina Reaper Eggs Benedict: Bold Romance

For brunch lovers seeking adventure, the Carolina Reaper Hot Chicken Eggs Benedict delivers thrills. We returned on Sunday morning specifically to try this legendary dish. The presentation alone commanded attention: fried chicken replacing traditional Canadian bacon, nestled on biscuits.

Hollandaise sauce cascaded over everything, rich and velvety smooth. But the real star was the Carolina Reaper heat, sneaking up gradually. First came flavor, then warmth, finally a building fire that never overwhelmed the dish’s other elements.

My partner and I shared this one, trading bites and reactions. The biscuit base was exceptional, buttery and flaky, soaking up hollandaise beautifully. Chicken maintained its crispy exterior despite the sauce, a testament to expert preparation.

Heat brought us closer together, laughing through watering eyes, reaching for sweet tea simultaneously. Sharing spicy food creates bonding moments unlike anything else. We felt alive, present, completely engaged with each other and the incredible flavors dancing across our tongues.

Pimento Mac And Cheese: Comfort Elevated

Southern comfort food reaches new heights with Beasley’s pimento mac and cheese. I’m typically cautious about pimento cheese, but reviewers raved about this version. One bite explained everything: creamy, tangy, perfectly balanced, nothing overpowering.

Macaroni was cooked precisely al dente, coated in cheese sauce that clung lovingly. Pimento added subtle sharpness and color, elevating standard mac and cheese into something memorable. The texture was velvety smooth, not the dense block some reviewers experienced with takeout.

We ordered this as a side to share, and it disappeared embarrassingly fast. My partner declared it the best mac and cheese ever tasted. I couldn’t argue; every forkful delivered pure satisfaction.

Comfort food like this creates emotional connections. Sharing it across a candlelit table with someone special amplifies that effect exponentially. We found ourselves talking about childhood memories, favorite foods, the simple pleasures that bring joy to everyday life together.

Buttermilk Biscuits: Simple Perfection

Never underestimate the power of a perfectly executed biscuit. Beasley’s buttermilk biscuits arrived warm, their tops golden and slightly crispy. Steam escaped when I broke one open, revealing layers of tender, flaky interior.

Butter melted instantly upon contact, disappearing into those delicate layers. The flavor was pure and simple: rich buttermilk, quality butter, expert technique. Nothing fancy, just fundamentals executed flawlessly.

My partner spread honey across a half, while I enjoyed mine with butter alone. We each savored our choices, then swapped to try the other’s preparation. Such a simple interaction, yet it felt intimate and sweet.

One reviewer mentioned these biscuits were the best part of their meal. I could absolutely understand that sentiment now. Sometimes the simplest things create the most powerful memories.

These biscuits represented Southern hospitality at its finest, unpretentious and genuinely wonderful.

Collard Greens: Tradition On A Plate

Southern sides tell stories, and collard greens carry generations of tradition. Beasley’s version arrived deeply green, glistening with pot liquor. The aroma alone transported me somewhere warm and welcoming.

Flavor was bold yet balanced: savory, slightly smoky, with just enough acidity. Greens were tender without being mushy, maintaining pleasant texture. They paired beautifully with everything else we ordered, cutting through richness.

My partner had never tried collard greens before this meal. Watching someone you love discover new flavors brings unexpected joy. Their eyes lit up with surprise and approval, making me smile.

Some reviewers found these hit or miss depending on personal preference. We landed firmly in the hit category, appreciating the authentic preparation. Sharing cultural food traditions with your partner deepens understanding and connection in beautiful ways.

Fried Green Tomatoes: Tangy Starters

We started one evening with fried green tomatoes, a Southern classic done right. Crispy batter encased firm, tangy tomato slices, each bite offering textural contrast. The accompanying sauce added creamy richness that complemented the tomatoes’ acidity perfectly.

One reviewer mentioned the batter being on the drier side. We didn’t experience that issue; ours were crispy but not dry. Perhaps timing matters, or we simply got lucky with our particular batch.

Sharing appetizers feels inherently romantic to me. Reaching across the table, stealing bites, discussing flavors together. These small interactions build intimacy without requiring grand gestures or expensive theatrics.

The green tomatoes sparked conversation about regional cuisines and travel dreams. Food has this magical ability to transport us mentally while keeping us grounded physically. We sat in Raleigh but talked about future adventures, all inspired by delicious fried vegetables.

Creative Cocktails And Sweet Tea

Beasley’s bar program deserves serious recognition. Creative cocktails featured local ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. My partner ordered something with bourbon and peach; I opted for classic sweet tea.

The cocktail arrived beautifully garnished, tasting as good as it looked. Balanced sweetness, smooth bourbon warmth, fresh peach notes dancing together harmoniously. My sweet tea was perfection: sweet but not cloying, refreshing and authentic.

We clinked glasses, toasting to us and to finding this incredible place. Reviewers mentioned Cheerwine availability, that beloved North Carolina soda. We made mental notes to try it next visit.

Drinks matter more than people sometimes realize. The right beverage elevates food, sets mood, creates moments. Sipping slowly, talking easily, we lost track of time in the best possible way.

The evening stretched beautifully before us.

The Atmosphere That Sets Hearts Racing

Stepping inside felt like entering a different world entirely. Exposed brick walls stretched upward, catching the soft amber lighting that bathed everything in warmth. Reclaimed wood accents added rustic charm, while the open kitchen design let us watch chefs work their magic.

Industrial chic doesn’t usually scream romance, but somehow it worked perfectly here. The space felt modern yet cozy, sophisticated without being stuffy. Conversations hummed around us at a pleasant volume, creating an energetic backdrop without overwhelming intimacy.

We were seated at a small table near the window, perfect for people watching between courses. The stools some reviewers mentioned didn’t bother us; our table had proper chairs. Candlelight danced between us, casting playful shadows across my partner’s face.

Everything about the design encouraged closeness and conversation. The layout made you feel part of something special, not isolated in a corner. I could already tell this place understood what couples needed for memorable evenings together.

The Chef Ashley Christensen Legacy

Knowing James Beard Award winner Ashley Christensen created this restaurant added another layer of appreciation. Her vision shaped everything: the menu, the atmosphere, the commitment to quality. You could feel her influence everywhere.

Farm to table philosophy meant ingredients came from local producers, supporting regional farmers. Everything tasted fresher, more vibrant, more connected to place. This wasn’t just food; it was North Carolina on a plate.

Christensen’s other restaurants dot Raleigh, each with distinct personality. Beasley’s carved its own identity while maintaining her signature excellence. The attention to detail, the seasonal creativity, the unwavering standards.

Learning about the chef behind our meal sparked interesting conversation. We discussed culinary ambition, creative vision, building something meaningful. Great restaurants inspire more than full stomachs; they ignite imagination and appreciation for craftsmanship.

Private Dining For Special Celebrations

Beasley’s offered a private dining room accommodating fifteen to sixty five guests. While we didn’t use it personally, knowing the option existed felt important. Imagine celebrating major milestones here: engagements, anniversaries, intimate weddings.

The private space included a standalone bar, perfect for hosting without interruption. I pictured friends and family gathering, sharing platters of that incredible fried chicken. The thought made me smile.

For couples planning proposals or anniversary parties, this option provided perfect intimacy. You could customize menus, control atmosphere, create exactly the experience you envisioned. Romance thrives in spaces designed for celebration.

We discussed potentially booking it for a future milestone. Maybe our fifth anniversary, or a joint birthday celebration. Having discovered this place felt like uncovering a secret treasure we wanted to share with loved ones eventually.

Weekend Brunch: Morning Magic

Saturday and Sunday brunch at Beasley’s became our new tradition almost immediately. The weekend menu featured creative twists on breakfast classics. Red Bean Rancheros caught my eye, while my partner gravitated toward the chicken biscuit.

Brunch crowds formed early, lines wrapping around the building before opening. We learned to arrive right when doors opened or make reservations for dinner instead. The popularity spoke volumes about quality.

Morning light streamed through windows differently than evening ambiance. The energy felt fresh and hopeful, perfect for lazy weekend mornings together. Coffee flowed freely, conversations meandered pleasantly.

One reviewer mentioned coming a gazillion times and always having better experiences. We understood that sentiment completely now. Each visit revealed new favorite dishes, new reasons to return, new memories created together over exceptional Southern food.

A Bittersweet Farewell Worth Experiencing

Learning Beasley’s would close January 25, 2026 broke my heart a little. After fourteen years serving Raleigh, this beloved institution was saying goodbye. The news made our visits feel even more precious and urgent.

We returned multiple times before the closure, determined to savor every remaining opportunity. Each meal felt tinged with nostalgia, even while creating new memories. Other diners shared similar sentiments, conversations filled with appreciation and sadness.

The staff handled the situation with grace, maintaining excellence until the very end. No cutting corners, no decline in quality, just consistent dedication. That professionalism deserved recognition and respect.

Our final visit approached with mixed emotions. We ordered our favorite dishes one last time, holding hands across the table. Whatever came next for this space, nothing could replace what Beasley’s meant to us.

This restaurant gave us more than meals; it gave us romance, connection, and unforgettable moments together at 237 S Wilmington St.