When Raleigh opens something new, I’m usually first in line with my camera, curiosity, and just enough skepticism to make things interesting.
So when I got an invite to preview Battle & Birdie a few days before their grand opening on Tuesday, November 11, I grabbed my youngest daughter and said, “Let’s go see what this is all about.”
Located at 7407 Six Forks Road, this new spot bills itself as part restaurant, part arcade, and part creative playground for anyone who still likes to have fun — which, let’s be honest, should be all of us.
I expected something along the lines of a glorified skating rink concession stand with laser tag tacked on the side.
What I got instead?
A genuinely impressive mix of food, fun, and atmosphere that had both me and my daughter walking out saying,
“Okay, we’re coming back.”
🍔 First Impressions: Not Your Average “Game Food”
Let’s start with the food — because it completely threw me for a loop.
Walking upstairs feels like stepping into a lively, colorful loft — a mix of tables, padded booths, and laughter spilling in from the games below.
You can watch people putting or grabbing drinks at the bar while you order straight from a QR code at your table and wait for your food to arrive.
We ordered Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, caprese flatbread, burger sliders with bacon jam, truffle fries, and because we’re us — churros for dessert.
Now, I’ll admit, my expectations for the food were low.
I was bracing for soggy fries and mystery cheese sauce — the kind of snack-bar fare you eat out of obligation, not excitement. But the kitchen here clearly has other plans.
The burger sliders with bacon jam
were a win. That jam gave the sliders a smoky sweetness that made them taste like something you’d find at a sit-down restaurant, not a gaming spot.
The caprese flatbread
was light and flavorful, topped with fresh basil and sweet tomatoes that actually tasted fresh (a small miracle in itself).
As for the truffle fries,
they were fine — not bad, just not memorable compared to everything else. If you’re a truffle purist, you might raise an eyebrow, but for most folks, they’ll do the job.
The Philly cheese steak egg rolls
were my absolute favorite. Crispy on the outside, savory and cheesy inside — they were one of those dishes that make you pause mid-bite just to appreciate what’s happening.
We finished with churros
which were everything you hope a churro will be — golden, crunchy, and dusted with sugar that sticks to your fingers no matter how careful you are. The dipping sauce was the final exclamation point.
Because this was a pre–grand opening, the kitchen was clearly still getting its bearings. Our food took longer than expected to arrive, but that’s par for the course with any brand-new restaurant.
If you plan to go during opening week and want to eat, my advice is to order early. Have someone save the table while the rest of your group plays a round or two — that way, you’re not watching the clock while waiting for your food to appear.
⛳ Mini Golf That Deserves Its Own Applause
After dinner, we didn’t have time for laser tag (I’ll get to that in a minute), but we did manage to play several rounds of mini golf, and it was way more creative than I expected.
Each hole has its own theme, and they really committed to the bit.
My personal favorite was the Witches Brew, where the ball drops into a bubbling cauldron. It’s the kind of thing that makes you laugh even if you completely miss the shot the first time (which, in my case, happened).
Another favorite was the larger-than-life air hockey table hole — it’s playful, unexpected, and pure genius.
There’s also:
a Tic-Tac-Toe hole,
a pirate ship,
a dinosaur park,
a Ferris wheel,
and even a roulette wheel where your golf ball becomes part of the spin.
And much, more!
The course design makes it easy enough to keep things moving, so you’re not standing in line forever waiting for the group ahead of you to finish.
It’s clear they thought through the flow, which I appreciate.
Nobody likes getting stuck behind a family of six trying to line up the perfect putt while your fries go cold upstairs.
🔫 The Two-Story Laser Tag Arena
Even though we didn’t have time to play, the laser tag arena at Battle & Birdie looked incredible. It’s two stories tall, with plenty of hiding spots, ramps, and colorful lighting that gives it that movie-set energy.
From what I could see through the observation window, it’s fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled — the kind of place where parents end up getting way too competitive against their kids. (You know who you are.)
I’ll definitely be back to test it out, and next time, I’m showing no mercy.
📍 The Details: What You Need to Know
📅 Grand Opening: Tuesday, November 11
📍 Address: 7407 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC
🌐 Website: BirdieAndBattle.com
Resources
What Else is There to Do In The Area?
Looking to make a day of it? Here’s some other things you can do when you’re in Raleigh
Where to Stay in Raleigh
Are you visiting Raleigh and need a place to stay? Check out your options here!
Game Over? Not Even Close!
Whether you’re planning a family night, a team-building event, or just looking for fun things to do indoors in Raleigh, Battle & Birdie deserves a spot on your radar.
Between the surprisingly good food, creative mini-golf courses, and that massive two-story laser tag arena, it’s one of the most exciting new additions to Raleigh’s entertainment scene.
Opening day is Tuesday, November 11, at 7407 Six Forks Road, Raleigh NC
and trust me—once you’ve tasted those Philly cheesesteak egg rolls and taken your first swing at the Witches Brew hole, you’ll understand why this place is bound to become one of the top destinations for indoor entertainment in Raleigh, North Carolina.
For hours, pricing, and updates, visit BirdieAndBattle.com
