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Big Cat, Raleigh, NC

Big Cat

4.8 (105)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
1000 Brookside Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604

Make a reservation

A photo of Big Cat restaurant

Big Cat

4.8
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Raleigh

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 39 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for creative cocktails
Anchored on the corner of Brookside Drive at Glascock Street, Big Cat is a multi-concept operation featuring day-to-night offerings for East Mordecai, Oakwood and the surrounding family-centric neighborhoods it will serve. Big Cat will offer table-service dining, a full bar, an ample all-season, covered and heated outdoor patio, a small-footprint market connecting the counter with the bar/tavern, offering a curated wine selection, everyday needs for families, and prepared foods to-go.

Under Kumar’s direction, the kitchen will execute an approachable, fun and adventurous menu; slow roasted, lightly smoked North Carolina heritage chickens, big crunchy salads next to hearty braises in the winter and marinated Mediterranean summer vegetables with grilled lamb or seafood in the summer. A small daytime menu, including sandwiches heartily stuffed with house pickles and global flavors, as well as soft serve, will be available year-round.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Global, International
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Cheetie Kumar

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 105 people are saying

Big Cat reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Best Ambiance

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Innovative

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Neighborhood gem

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Lively

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Contemporary American

  • Raleigh

    Best Ambiance

  • Raleigh

    Innovative

  • Raleigh

    Hot spot

  • Raleigh

    Neighborhood gem

  • Raleigh

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Raleigh

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Big Cat is a vibrant addition to Raleigh, offering "amazing food and atmosphere" with a unique, creative menu. Guests rave about the "friendly and attentive" service and "delicious cocktails." The ambiance is "fun and inviting," making it a perfect neighborhood spot. Expect delightful flavors, especially in their signature dishes and creative cocktails.
105 Reviews
  1. Katharine

    Las Vegas1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    LOVED Big Cat. Atmosphere is fun and lively, staff were so so friendly and the food was awesome!

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  2. Jennifer

    Chicago5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, service and vibes are all immaculate. We had all vegetarian dishes and everything was great - highly recommend the Charred Cabbage - 10/10

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  3. Corie Gold

    Alabama16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service all around! Our server gave excellent recommendations. Food was delicious!! Vanilla ice cream with olive oil and salt was amazing!!

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  4. John

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Creative, unpretentious, delicious, worthwhile—“to be not to seem”—what makes Raleigh RALEIGH.

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  5. Sean

    Raleigh4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    great visit! reminded us of Shuka in the East Village. very nice neighborhood feel.

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  6. chris

    Raleigh14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place to go with friends and hang out for great food and ambience! We will be back.

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  7. Patrick

    Raleigh2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food, service, and vibe. Really unique tastes and dishes. Highly recommend!

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  8. WM

    Raleigh1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best new concept in Raleigh by far!! Staff and food amaze!!

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  9. Jullie Gold

    Raleigh14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service from Liane and the entire team. The food was delicious. The beet tzatzeki was a favorite of the table three focaoccia later. We had pork belly, steak, shrimp and chicken dishes. All was shared a devoured. The wine selection was lovely the Pinot Blanco and Cab. We finished our meal with olive cake and two types of of ice creams. YUM! We loved the vibe did not feel rushed and plan to be back. Can't wait for the market and hope lunch service is coming a few days a week aka weekends please.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Kyle

    Raleigh1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Every bit of it was so good it would be hard to pick a favorite. We split plates and Charbroiled oysters and harissa wings were superb. The grilled broccolini was perhaps the favorite side, along with the stark with homemade a1 and horsey sauce was the most enjoyed entree. Service was also great - very attentive, plates were perfectly coursed out. Definitely going back!

    1 person found this helpful

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Global, International
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Cheetie Kumar

FAQs

Yes, Big Cat is a popular spot for date night. Guests repeatedly praise the fun, quirky cat-themed decor, attentive service, inventive cocktails and a lively yet approachable atmosphere that feels both elevated and casual. The covered, heated patio and well-curated wine and cocktail program make it great for a special evening. Tip: it’s dinner service only (Wed–Sun evenings), so reserve an early table for a quieter experience or aim for a peak-night reservation if you want more energy.

Portions lean toward small plates and sharing-style dishes, with a few larger entrees. Guests often describe ordering multiple small plates to make a full meal, some plates (like the bavette or flank steak) are described as modest (a 5 oz steak listed as a sharing size by guests). A few people felt portions were small for the price, while others were satisfied by ordering a mix of small plates and an entree. Consider sharing and adding a couple of dishes if you want heartier portions.

Family-friendly seating: yes. Big Cat positions itself for family-centric neighborhoods, and guests note there’s a kid’s menu, approachable dishes, and covered outdoor seating that families use. Accessibility details (ramps, wheelchair access) aren’t specified in the available info, so call ahead if you need specific accommodations. The all-season covered patio and a range of table sizes make it easy for families to find a comfortable spot.

The best time depends on your mood: go earlier in the evening or midweek (Wed–Thu) for a quieter meal, and expect a livelier, more energetic scene on weekend evenings. Guests note the dining room can be loud around early dinner rushes (around 7–8 pm) and tends to calm down later. Since Big Cat is open Wed–Sun evenings, choose a weeknight for a more relaxed dinner or a Friday/Saturday for a buzzy night out.

Big Cat offers indoor table-service seating and a roomy, covered, heated outdoor patio that gets a lot of praise. Guests mention desirable tables both inside and outside and a bar/tavern area tied to a small market counter. The restaurant does not list private dining rooms. If you need a particular spot (patio table, bar seating), call ahead to request it.

Big Cat has a playful yet polished neighborhood vibe, quirky cat-themed decor, a breezy, upbeat atmosphere, and an elevated casual energy. Guests repeatedly praise the fun design, welcoming staff, and a balance of lively bar energy with comfortable table dining. It’s described as cool, metro-inspired, and family-friendly, making it great for date nights, neighborhood dinners, or casual celebrations.

Business casual is the stated dress code, but guests generally describe the vibe as relaxed and approachable, think neat, comfortable clothing that suits a neighborhood dinner or date night. With a mix of casual and elevated elements, most people feel comfortable in smart-casual attire; if you have a special occasion, dressing a touch dressier fits the atmosphere.

Yes, the staff is noted for being accommodating. Guests report excellent service handling allergies and special requests (including allergen-free appetizers and thoughtful substitutions). If you have dietary restrictions, seating preferences, or want to request a table or celebrate an occasion, call ahead so the team can prepare. For larger or specific requests, the restaurant will likely want advance notice.

Yes, Big Cat is family-friendly. Guests frequently mention families dining there, the presence of a kid’s menu, and an approachable menu with options that appeal to younger diners. The relaxed, neighborhood-focused atmosphere and covered patio make it comfortable for families. Keep in mind many dishes are small plates meant for sharing, so consider ordering a few items or an entree if you’re feeding younger children.

Big Cat is busiest on weekend evenings (Friday and Saturday), when guests describe a lively, energetic dining room. Early evening rushes (around 7–8 pm) can be loud before the room settles down later in the night. The quietest times are likely midweek (Wednesday/Thursday) or earlier weeknight seatings when the vibe is more relaxed. Since hours are Wed–Sun evenings, plan accordingly for a busier or quieter experience.

For a relaxed visit, aim for a midweek night (Wednesday or Thursday) when the dining room tends to be quieter. If you want buzz and energy, great cocktails and a lively scene, pick a Friday or Saturday evening. Because the restaurant operates Wed–Sun evenings, choose based on the atmosphere you prefer: midweek for calm, weekend for excitement.

Yes, Big Cat has a much-praised, all-season covered and heated outdoor patio. Guests frequently enjoy patio tables and note the space as a major perk, with covered seating that works in cooler weather and adds a pleasant neighborhood dining option. If you prefer a patio table, request it when you book.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
  4. Raleigh
  5. Raleigh

Make a reservation

A photo of Big Cat restaurant

Big Cat

4.8
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Raleigh

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 39 times today
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