About

Ruckus, in a word, is what we wanted to create for friends and guests when we opened the doors of our NCSU location in 1999. A place for great food, great music and great times. Affordable, comfortable and delicious are the driving force behind every Ruckus. When you come through the doors of our restaurants, we want you to feel like you are coming over to a friend’s house for a meal (a friend who is REALLY good in the kitchen).

Our NCSU store fits who we were then, fresh out of college and ready to have a good time, great drink specials, the best local music and ridiculously good food. Stop by Ruckus Raleigh for lunch or dinner any day of the week; we’re still serving the best pizza, sandwiches and music around NCSU - 18 years later. 

In 2007, Robert, Ashley, Amy and Ryan were discussing the evolution of Ruckus. We wanted a family friendly place, but it still had to have the vibes of your Favorite College Bar - Just with Better Food, Better Beer, Good Wine and Bigger TVs. Favorite recipes were piling up so we took a leap of faith and opened the Cary store in Tryon Village with amazing food and a fabulous patio. We knew our passion for great food, frosty beverages and good times would attract like-minded folks. It was a good combination, and we have added many new friends to the growing Ruckus family. 

We’ve added stores in Morrisville at Park West, Cary at The Arboretum and Apex in the Costco shopping center on 64. Our little Ruckus Family just keeps growing. We’ve even added Sushi as a game-changer. So now we are Ruckus Pizza, Pasta, Spirits and Sushi and well, just about everything else.

Join us for Date Night, Family night out, The Big Game, Live Music, Cornhole on our great patio, a team dinner, entertaining out of town guests or out of town family - For just about any reason - Rukus is a GREAT Destination for all the things you love.

Ruckus was awarded 6 Cary Magazine Maggy Awards. That’s the most of any restaurant, Ever.  

In November of 2016, we lost our partner and friend Ryan Pilz. It was a shocking loss for the entire Ruckus Family. We were partners for 17 years and we built the brand together. Those that knew him will miss his booming voice, infectious laugh and “Let me tell you a quick joke.”  He will be forever missed and his shoes will never be filled, but as Ryan always said, “Leave the Yellow M&M’s for me.”

From all of us to all of you, enjoy yourselves, and may our house always be too small to hold all our friends