Glenlake Cafe

4141 Parklake Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612, United States
+1 919-785-1232
$$$ American restaurant , Cafe , Deli
(36 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Glenlake Cafe, a hidden gem nestled at 4141 Parklake Ave, Raleigh, NC. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this charming cafe promises a delightful experience that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left. With a dedication to fresh ingredients and a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, Glenlake Cafe is the perfect spot for food lovers seeking quality on a budget.

As you step inside, you are greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages you to sit back and relax. The cozy decor, paired with the friendly smiles of the staff, creates a place where you feel right at home—perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a moment of solitude with your favorite book.

The menu at Glenlake Cafe is a delightful mélange of flavors, boasting a selection that caters to both the adventurous eater and the comfort food lover alike. Highlights include the flavor-packed lamb gyro, praised by customers like Ken Schult for its superb taste, potentially rivaling any other option in Raleigh. If you're in the mood for something hearty, don't miss the Cuban sandwich with thick, juicy slices of pork, or the Philly Cheesesteak, filled with tender meat and loaded with melty cheese—both of which have earned rave reviews from satisfied diners.

For those seeking fresh options, the cafe's salads are a must-try, offering vibrant colors and crisp textures that will enliven your lunch break. The portions are generous, ensuring that you may even have leftovers to enjoy later—ideal for those whose appetites know no bounds!

One of the standout features of Glenlake Cafe is its efficient order-ahead system, which is particularly essential during the bustling lunch rush. While some patrons have mentioned slight delays in order readiness, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many emphasizing the cafe's commitment to quality and taste. As Tiffany Garrett notes, the food is absolutely delicious, paired with friendly service that enhances your dining experience. It's worth mentioning that during peak times, being patient is key—a small tradeoff for the remarkable cuisine that awaits you.

With customer reviews highlighting the excellence of the meals and the charming ambiance, it’s clear that Glenlake Cafe stands out in Raleigh's vibrant dining scene. Dan Cardella succinctly sums up the experience: “Exceptional food and service, everything a cafe should be and more!!” Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite for lunch or settling in for a leisurely meal, Glenlake Cafe promises to tickle your taste buds and leave you yearning for your next visit.

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

36 Reviews
Ken Schult

21 Aug 2025

Great food at a reasonable price, and the people working there do an excellent job of keeping the takeout line moving. The lamb gyro is as good or better than any I’ve had in Raleigh.

James Campbell

20 Aug 2025

Great food for an outstanding price. Portions are massive and easily can be extended to two meals. They have a great order ahead system too which is recommended around lunch time as they get quite busy. Highly recommend their salads!

M S

20 Aug 2025

Delicious and reasonably priced food, with great friendly service.

Tiffany Garrett

17 Aug 2025

The food is absolutely delicious and the staff is friendly. I just wish they had better timing on online orders. I can order 1hr ahead but my food is never ready. I still have wait sometimes . So don’t expect for it to be ready for pick up at your time

Fran H

14 Jun 2025

Excellent food for great price. Hard to believe the quality of meat in both sandwiches ordered today. I got the Cuban and it had thick slices of pork, tasty and well cooked. My bf really liked his Philly Cheesesteak. The sides were quality as well, with the fruit ripe and refreshing. This will be our go to for lunch!

Dan Cardella

10 Jun 2025

Exceptional food and service, everything a cafe / deli should be and more!!

Wha Tever

30 May 2025

Food is good and fresh. They’re just sooo slow I ordered 25 mins ahead and when I got there it was still not ready so make sure you’re patient. So if you’re on lunch break you’re basically screwed. Be faster ladies I know you can do it. Faster = more tips

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