Scooters Bar & Grill: Raleigh's Community Hub for Music, Food, and Good Times
Located at 1911 Sego Court in North Raleigh, Scooters Bar & Grill has been bringing the community together since 2000, evolving from its roots as a biker haven into one of the area's most beloved neighborhood gathering spots. What started as a vision to serve the motorcycle community has transformed into a welcoming destination where families, music lovers, and locals alike come together for great food, cold drinks, and live entertainment.
A Legacy of Community Spirit
Originally founded by local restaurateur Jeff Goodwin—who brought over 25 years of restaurant experience to the venture—Scooters was established in partnership with Joe Snow, owner of the neighboring Twin Specialties bike shop. While Goodwin has since retired and the bar is now woman-owned, the venue has maintained its reputation as a warm, inclusive space that honors its heritage while embracing the broader community.
The Music Scene: Where Local Talent Shines
Music is the heartbeat of Scooters, and the venue has established itself as a cornerstone of Raleigh's local music scene. The entertainment calendar runs year-round with different vibes for every night:
Open Mic Fridays: Every Friday night, host Brian Jones welcomes musicians, singers, poets, and performers of all stripes to take the stage. Whether you're a seasoned artist or testing the waters for the first time, the open mic provides a supportive environment where all genres are welcome. Sign-ups begin at 5:30 PM, with performances kicking off at 6:00 PM and running until 9:00 PM.
Saturday Night Live Bands: The energy reaches its peak on Saturday nights when live bands take over from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. From rock covers to original sets, the diverse lineup keeps the crowd dancing and the drinks flowing. Recent posts on their Facebook page mention bands like Rockzilla making regular appearances, building a loyal following among music enthusiasts.
Sunday Acoustic Sessions: During the warmer months (March through September), Sundays feature acoustic sets from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. These more intimate performances create the perfect backdrop for a relaxed afternoon with friends and family.
Best of all? There's no cover charge for any of the live music events, making quality entertainment accessible to everyone.
The Vibe: Laid-Back with an Edge
The atmosphere at Scooters strikes a perfect balance between casual neighborhood bar and energetic entertainment venue. With over 5,000 followers on Facebook and an active Instagram presence at @scooters_raleigh, the venue has built a strong community both online and off. Their social media showcases everything from packed weekend shows to game day gatherings, capturing the authentic, unpretentious spirit that keeps people coming back.
The décor pays homage to its biker roots while remaining family-friendly—a testament to how the venue has successfully evolved to serve multiple demographics. Whether you're rolling up on a Harley or pulling into the parking lot in a minivan, you'll find your place at Scooters.
The Space: Room to Breathe
One of Scooters' standout features is its versatile space designed to accommodate different occasions:
Multi-Level Layout: The venue features both a main level and an upstairs area, providing ample room whether it's a quiet Tuesday or a packed Saturday night.
Outstanding Outdoor Seating: The spacious, covered first-level patio offers a comfortable outdoor dining experience, while the second-level balcony provides elevated views of the parking lot and stage area. During colder months, an enclosed, heated section ensures comfortable outdoor seating year-round—perfect for those who prefer fresh air regardless of the season.
Private Event Space: The upstairs level is available for private events, including birthday parties, game day gatherings, corporate meetings, and more. The space comes equipped with restrooms, arcade games, darts, a pool table, cable TV, and a private balcony. It's an ideal setup for groups looking for a semi-private experience without the stuffiness of a traditional event venue.
Food & Drink: Classic American Comfort
The menu at Scooters keeps things straightforward and satisfying, focusing on the kind of comfort food that pairs perfectly with cold beer and good company:
Signature Dishes: The venue's pride and joy is their slow-smoked ribs, prepared in-house with their special barbecue sauce until they're fall-off-the-bone tender. According to reviews, these ribs are consistently praised as some of the best around.
Wings for Days: As you'd expect from any self-respecting bar and grill, wings are a cornerstone of the menu. Available in mild, medium, hot, or "burn out" heat levels, they're served with celery and your choice of ranch or blue cheese.
All the Classics: The extensive menu covers all the bases—juicy burgers, fish and chips, steamed or fried shrimp, tacos, sandwiches, salads, soups, and even simple pleasures like cheese fries. If you're craving classic American pub food, chances are excellent they have it.
Full Bar with Daily Specials: The full-service bar keeps drinks flowing with daily specials and a solid selection of beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
Partnership with Edit Beer Co.
While Scooters operates as a separate business from the neighboring Edit Beer Co., they've established a partnership that allows guests at Edit to order from Scooters' menu—a win-win for both establishments and a convenient option for beer enthusiasts looking to pair craft brews with substantial food.
Features: Dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, private events, live music, full bar, game day specials
The Bottom Line
Scooters Bar & Grill embodies what makes neighborhood establishments special: it's a place where everyone feels welcome, the food is consistently good, the drinks are cold, and the entertainment is genuine. Whether you're stopping by for lunch during the week, catching open mic on Friday, dancing to live bands on Saturday, or enjoying acoustic tunes on a Sunday afternoon, Scooters delivers that rare combination of quality, value, and community spirit.
In a world of trendy concepts that come and go, Scooters has stayed true to its roots while adapting to serve the community's needs. It's not trying to be something it's not—and that's exactly why it works. This is where you go when you want good food, strong drinks, live music, and the company of people who appreciate the same. As their tagline promises: it's the place for great times, great food, and cold refreshments. Twenty-five years in, they're still delivering on that promise.