Located in the heart of Raleigh at 7 S West St, The Roast Grill stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, high-quality cooking. For those navigating the vibrant streets of North Carolina's capital, this establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere that balances tradition with a genuine passion for culinary craft. It is a place where the focus remains steadfastly on the integrity of ingredients and the art of the grill, providing a dining experience that feels both personal and timeless.
Stepping into The Roast Grill, guests are immediately greeted by an environment that prioritizes comfort and authenticity. The space is designed to foster conversation and connection, making it an ideal destination for locals seeking a reliable meal and visitors eager to experience a slice of Raleigh's local culture. By maintaining a commitment to consistent preparation and a warm, hospitable service style, the restaurant has carved out a distinct identity within the local food scene, inviting patrons to slow down and savor the flavors of a well-prepared meal.
What Makes The Roast Grill Unique
Commitment to Quality: Every dish is prepared with a focus on sourcing and technique, ensuring that the natural flavors of the ingredients take center stage without unnecessary embellishment.
A Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant prides itself on creating a space where everyone feels at home, whether they are stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for a relaxed evening meal.
Prime Location: Situated conveniently at 7 S West St, the restaurant is easily accessible to those exploring the downtown Raleigh area, serving as a perfect anchor for a day spent in the city.
Culinary Consistency: By focusing on time-honored grilling methods, the kitchen team ensures that every visit provides a familiar and satisfying experience that keeps guests returning time and again.
The philosophy at The Roast Grill is rooted in the belief that great food does not need to be complicated. Instead, it relies on the harmony between heat, seasoning, and patience. This approach is evident in every aspect of the operation, from the careful selection of produce to the precise management of the grill. It is this dedication to the fundamentals that allows the restaurant to stand out in a competitive landscape, proving that a focus on quality and community is a recipe for lasting success.
Beyond the plate, the restaurant serves as a gathering point for the community. It is a space where the rhythm of the city meets the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Whether you are a long-time resident of Raleigh or just passing through, the team at The Roast Grill invites you to experience their hospitality firsthand. The combination of a central location, a dedicated staff, and a menu that celebrates the essence of grilling makes it a notable stop for anyone who appreciates the value of a straightforward, honest meal served in a friendly setting.
As you plan your next outing in Raleigh, consider the simple pleasures offered at 7 S West St. The Roast Grill continues to uphold its reputation by staying true to its core values, ensuring that every guest leaves with a positive impression. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the unique character that defines our approach to dining, where the focus is always on providing a memorable experience through the simple, powerful medium of fire and food.
Experience Raleigh's Culinary Traditions
In a world that often moves too quickly, The Roast Grill offers a necessary pause. It is a reminder that food is best enjoyed when it is prepared with care and shared in good company. By honoring the traditions of the grill and maintaining a steadfast commitment to the local community, the restaurant remains a vital part of the Raleigh dining landscape. We invite you to visit us and discover why so many have made us a regular part of their routine, finding comfort and satisfaction in the consistent quality we strive to deliver every single day.
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Reviews The Roast Grill
Gwendolyn WTson
22-04-2026
My forever Hotdog spot hands down!!! It's a tight spot but the nostalgic feel when you dine in just make You enjoy the hotdogs the more. You can sit there and 3 dogs before You know it. Nothing has change since my 1st bite, Mr. George, … More
aaron cannon
22-04-2026
Very friendly staff. Delicious hotdogs. Cash only. I didn't have quite enough cash and they served me anyway. Super! I will be back. More
Ethan Aliff
22-04-2026
I love George and his wife! They are welcoming and personable. They know everyone by their name and even know what they order. They have the best hotdogs in town! More
Ryan Armbrust
22-04-2026
Do you have trouble deciding on what to order from a large menu? Then this is the place for you. They’ve got hot dogs. No ketchup. It may not be fancy, but they do one thing and they do it well. I doubt much has changed here for decades, and that’s a good thing. I’m glad I stopped in. Friendly folks and good chili dogs.
Max Wiley
22-04-2026
A must if you want a classic griddle dog with chili and coleslaw. One of the last places to get lunch and a beer for under $15 in downtown Raleigh. I personally don't like ketchup... But if YOU do then this might not be the place for you. 😉🌭 … More
Donald Ledford II
22-04-2026
This is the best place in Raleigh. One of a kind! It’s like walking into a time capsule. Just remember like Clint Eastwood said “ nobody I mean nobody eats ketchup on a hot dog!” George and Kathy are the best! More
James Mapel
22-04-2026
Whole in the wall hot dog stand. Great hot dogs. All the way is mustard, onion, chili and slaw. Nice collection of old n.c.state and carolina hurricanes memorabilia .they only take cash More
Brian Kristof
22-04-2026
I've had people telling me to come here for years and never had a chance to make it, until now. It was definitely worth the wait! These are easily the best hot dogs I've had. … More
Nan W
22-04-2026
You know it's gonna be good when you're standing in line next to a sweet, retired couple that has been consistently eating here for decades. I'm glad I came here right before it opened because the line gets long quick and you want to be … More
Vanessa Grant
22-04-2026
Still amazing! Came here for the first stop of our anniversary day and they are still very friendly with great food! … More
Robert Schreier
22-04-2026
This place is amazing. I'm in town once a year and have been trying to come here for the past 3, but kept missing their open hours. Finally made it this year and it did not disappoint.
You want hot dogs? They got em. Bring cash. The definition of no frills. Great service and atmosphere, friendly staff and owners. So glad I was able to stop in.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Rusty Meador
22-04-2026
This is a true "Hole in the Wall" location, if you weren't aware, you'd miss it. Better not! Good dogs, often a waiting line out the door, there are only 10 seats at the counter and two half tables. It's Hot Dogs, the way the should be, mustard, chili and onions. Slaw is available. 🚫Ketchup. Enjoy the diner, it's a treat. … More
marque1313
22-04-2026
Like taking a step back in time in the best way possible.
One small lunch counter and 2 small tables. No frills hot dogs, a few simple … More
K C
22-04-2026
Updated review since they were open and we came by on our last day.
Definitely recommend stopping by to support them. Good food and service. Simple … More
Charlie Copeland
22-04-2026
Absolute perfect atmosphere for a hot dog joint. I've had better dogs, but I've never had them at a better spot. Dogs were perfectly charred and the chili was great. The slaw wasn't the best I've had but it didn't take anything away from the dog. Service was as sweet as the Tootsie Roll that was handed out at the end. Probably couldn't bring the boy because... NO KETCHUP ALLOWED!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
David Pauley
22-04-2026
Wonderful place to eat hot dogs. Home made chilli and slaw, special ordered mustard like no other, onions are soft and sweet and slightly caramelized. Great fellowship with the owners. First time there and will definitely be back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
2 people
Wait time
No wait
rayvon davis
22-04-2026
Old school hole in the wall. Hot dog joint as it should be Hot dogs were perfect! Ly burnt with mustard slaw, chili and onions
Had to get the homemade baklava and a Coke and a glass bottle to get the full experience
Was treated with a Tootsie roll In the end
Forgot to mention how great the chili flavor was. Was worried that the slaw was not going to be that good but it complimented the dog perfectly
Cash only
A warning to you ketchup lovers. There's no ketchup on site 🤣🤣
Do not. And I mean do not miss an opportunity to get a hot dog here you can. Thank me later
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
HawkeyeHawkins1
22-04-2026
A relic of a bygone time in the best way possible. Patrons of note snipped all over the back wall, the old-fashioned hot dogs cooked right in front of you by the owner and chef. It felt like a mom and pop cooking for the family. "Warm and friendly" doesn't do it justice.
Buddy of mine ordered a bottle of coke and it came with a complimentary pack of Planters peanuts, and all meals are ended with a small, free Tootsie Roll. They take care of you here. You get a sense of community, even if it's your first time.
I ordered two all-the-way hot dogs (mustard, onions, slaw, and chili), and it was the best ten bucks I'd ever spent. Perfectly classic.
They also serve brats, homemade pound cake, and homemade baklava. Those are on the agenda for next time, for sure!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Nick Marian
22-04-2026
One of the best mom n pop places I’ve been to! Great folks! Excellent Weiners! No fuss no kiss kinda place. Loved it!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Philip Triplett
22-04-2026
My first experience at the Roast Grill was back in 1979 when Mrs. Charles ran the Grill, and been going ever since. And the quality of their hotdogs is as great as ever, too. There’s a line of stools along the bar and 2 tables for 2.
It can be packed during lunch hour, and I try to be there when George and Kathy Poniros open at 11:30 Tuesday through Saturday. The regulars are like family, and welcome everyone that comes in. Roast Grill only serves hotdogs (no ketchup!), no fries. And homemade baklava or pound cake for dessert.
Been in business since 1940 and still open, using the same grill from that first day. There are other good hotdog places around, but The Roast Grill will burn them to order the way you like them.
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Loud, but you can still talk
Wait time
No wait
Vegetarian options
No vegetarian options at The RG. Just all beef hotdogs and bratwurst off the grill.
Dietary restrictions
Hotdogs and bratwurst can come with mustard, chili, onions, and slaw. You can pick all or most any combination. Check beforehand if you have dietary restrictions that may affect whether you would find something or need to dine somewhere else. Call in and takeout are absolutely easy if you can’t come in to sit a spell to visit.
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid parking lot, Paid street parking
Parking
Parking can be difficult during typical lunch breaks during the week. Saturday street parking is much easier to find.
Kid-friendliness
My grandchildren love going there with me, and they love the hotdogs and the place.
Wheelchair accessibility
The front door would be a tight squeeze passing through with a wheelchair. The area can at times almost impossible to navigate in a wheelchair.
Reviews The Roast Grill