Angus Barn Kicking Booth
📍 Angus Barn Steakhouse, 9401 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27617
Right off Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh—where filet mignon meets roadside folklore—there sits a steakhouse with a surprise tucked behind the trees. The Angus Barn is legendary for its prime rib, its wine cellar, and its unapologetic Southern flair. But if you’ve ever felt the need to kick yourself (metaphorically or otherwise), this spot has an oddly perfect solution.
Introducing: the Angus Barn Kicking Booth. A hand-cranked, leather-booted contraption that delivers humility, laughter, and mild spinal regret—all in the name of fun. It’s nestled discreetly behind the elegant façade of the restaurant, waiting for the kind of traveler who’s just curious enough to wander off-menu.
This handmade booth doesn’t ask questions. It kicks you, politely and comically, reminding everyone that dignity is wildly overrated. You bend over. You crank. You boot yourself back into alignment. It’s self-inflicted punishment—Southern style.
The Backstory
We were staying at Vollmer Farms in Bunn, NC — a Harvest Host stop that turned out to be one of our favorites. Down season meant we had the whole place to ourselves: a bounce pillow, a water balloon slingshot range, downhill wagon racing, a burlap bag slide, and an obstacle course. Zach went down the burlap bag slide twice. Twice.
While wandering around the farm we crossed paths with a particularly loud turkey, and Zach — bless him — felt compelled to observe that “of course, the noisy one is the female.” I informed him he clearly needed a swift kick in the a**. And then I took him to exactly the place for that.
🥩 Wait… This Is Behind a Steakhouse?
Yes, yes it is. Because nothing says “I need a little kick in the pants” like an evening of fine dining followed by backyard shenanigans. The Angus Barn is known for its world-class prime rib, but for the right kind of traveler (that’s you), the true main course is tucked behind the trees out back.
This was not an accident for us, either. The Kicking Booth was already on our list. Zach just decided that if he was going to get kicked later, he might as well earn it. And that comment meant Zach was absolutely going first. You know — that comment. The turkey one.
🥾 History with a Heel
The concept of the Kicking Machine has oddball roots. Some credit Thomas Haywood of Greensboro with the original design, while others say it was simply a gag inspired by vintage cartoons. Either way, it’s said that even President Truman tried one—and who are we to argue with a man brave enough to crank the crank?
The Angus Barn’s version is a lovingly handmade replica. It’s been around long enough that staff barely blink when you ask where it is—they just point you out back with a grin that says, “You’re about to make some choices.”
🤣 The Experience: Part Joy, Part Core Workout
Let’s break down The Angus Barn Kicking Booth:
You lean forward, put your face through the frame, and pray no one’s live-streaming.
The crank turns.
The boots swing.
You are kicked. (Lovingly. Comically. With wild joy.)
Zach went first because if you’re going to make comments about “noisy females,” you get volunteered as tribute. Watching those boots connect while he yelled and I absolutely lost it—I could NOT stop laughing—was worth the entire detour.
And then it was my turn. We both cranked. We both got kicked. There are photos of me mid-air, socks visible, cackling so hard I can’t breathe. It’s the most fun you’ll have with both feet off the ground and your dignity nowhere in sight.
📸 Angus Barn Kicking Booth Photo Gallery: Legends Were Made Here
“I laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe.” —Me, after seeing my own socks mid-air.
💬 Pro Tips for Future Kick-ees
Bring a friend. One to crank, one to film. You can’t do both without lawsuits.
Dress for glory. Crazy socks are a must. Capes are encouraged. Pride is optional.
Embrace the ridiculous. This is not the time for cool. This is the time for airborne foolishness.
Pair it with a Raleigh day. We visited while we were already in the area for other adventures, and the Kicking Booth was the perfect ‘end the day crying with laughter’ stop.
🎉 Final Thoughts: 10/10 Would Get Kicked Again
If you’re wondering whether this counts as cardio, the answer is “only if you scream.” And trust me, I did. With LAUGHTER!
We’ve seen a lot of roadside attractions—giant peaches, haunted outhouses, a taxidermy squirrel parade—but nothing quite prepared us for the moment those boots connected and our dignity took flight. In the best way. It’s ridiculous. It’s brilliant. It’s exactly what we needed.
🧭 Keep Exploring
If the Kicking Booth gave you a chuckle (or launched you into existential sock contemplation), you’re in for more delightfully odd adventures.
Things to Do In North Carolina — From mountain hikes to roadside oddities, this list is packed with escapades. Some are elegant, some are feral, and some involve eating boiled peanuts beside a statue that may or may not be blinking. Yes, we included the Kicking Booth. Yes, we ranked it high.