Manhattan Cafe

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Closed

$

$$

🥐 Café & Bakery

Raleigh

casual-dining

4.6
Urban-chic diner serving cereal-topped donuts, hearty deli sandwiches, with a popular salad bar and vibrant daytime service.

$

$$

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casual-dining

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Manhattan Cafe

Raleigh

$

Discover fresh sandwiches, a vibrant salad bar, and great coffee at Manhattan Cafe, a popular downtown Raleigh lunch destination open weekdays.

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About
4.6
(
513
)

Manhattan Cafe offers a bustling downtown spot with fresh, made-daily sandwiches, paninis, salads, and donuts. The staff's friendly service complements their quick counter-style ordering and ample indoor/outdoor seating, including a well-loved salad bar. Reservations are not accepted, but the fast pace keeps lines moving. Delivery and catering options provide flexibility for busy diners.

What to Expect:

    🕰️ Open weekdays 11 AM to 3 PM for lunch and breakfast fare
    🥪 Popular sandwiches such as Philly cheesesteak on Fridays and fresh mozzarella paninis
    🥗 Extensive salad bar with vegan and vegetarian options
    ☕ Great coffee and freshly made donuts
    👩‍🍳 Friendly, helpful staff with quick service
    🚗 Delivery, takeout, and catering available

Important Information:

    – No reservations accepted; counter service only
    – Located in The Hudson, downtown Raleigh at 320 S Wilmington St
    – Accessibility includes wheelchair ramps, accessible parking, and restrooms
    – Family-friendly with high chairs and a kids’ menu
    – Payment accepts credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments
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📍 Local Insights

🥪 Philly Fridays Draw Crowds: The Philly cheesesteak special on Fridays is a popular highlight, so plan to arrive early to avoid the lunchtime rush.

🥗 Salad Bar Excellence: Regulars rave about the large variety and fresh quality of the salad bar, ideal for vegetarians and those seeking healthy options.

☕ Coffee and Donuts for Breakfast: The cereal-topped donuts and great coffee make it a favorite spot for a morning boost in downtown Raleigh.

🚗 Parking Tips: While street parking can be limited, there is free 2-hour parking nearby and paid garages close to the location for convenience.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

👉 Best For

Lunch, quick bites, healthy options, vegetarian and vegan diners, solo diners

Manhattan Cafe

320 S Wilmington St
,
Raleigh
,
NC
27601

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Manhattan Cafe garners consistent praise for its fresh, flavorful sandwiches, standout salad bar, and friendly, attentive staff. The fast, efficient counter service keeps the bustling downtown crowd satisfied. Though parking can be challenging, diners value the quick service and quality fare. Some note occasional issues with the Philly cheesesteak's meat ratio, but overall, the food quality and atmosphere receive strong approval.
Last updated on
December 9th, 2025

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Watersports Rentals & Experiences

The Selection

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Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Salad Bar; Philly Cheesesteak; Paninis; Donuts; Coffee; Delivery; Catering; Vegan and Vegetarian Options; Freshly Made Sandwiches; Breakfast and Lunch

📆 Best Times to Visit

Weekdays between 11 AM and 1 PM are busiest; plan lunch slightly earlier to avoid lines. Closed on weekends.
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