50 Best Cocktail Bars near Garner

“I loved Shady's! They had great service and an awesome atmosphere. I loved all of the local college/high school decor. This is a great place to come hangout during the week or weekend for a couple of drinks. There are also local food trucks nearby which was very convenient! The staff was very friendly, and everything was fairly priced.“

“Excellent liquor selection and great bartenders!“

“Tamasha is nothing short of incredible. A beautifully appointed restaurant that provides first class service and amazing food. This is truly one of Raleigh's finest.“

“ate at rewind retro bar this evening with my family of 6. We booked through Google and we're greeted immediately upon arrival and taken straight back to our table! everyone was so friendly and the service was fast and efficient. Happy hour was a great addition to our visit time with perfectly priced apps and entrees for everyone. the food was AMAZING! Atmosphere was fun and upbeat. Definately recommend stopping by if you're in the area!“

“This was our first time at Madras. Great food…loved the roasted cauliflower with green goddess dipping sauce. My husband loved the octopus. The outside Wednesday night band was an excellent bonus!!“

“The changing seasonal menu is something to look forward to! Creative Desserts, delicious drinks, you can't go wrong at Bittersweet!“

“its like a hidden gem...great use of space, very personable staff great drink selection & Martini's wished I lived closer“

“Great bartenders and truly unique atmosphere. Very creative cocktail menu.“

“Was looking for a place to chill & have drinks on a Saturday & found this bar on tiktok. Wasn't busy upon arrival but there was a sign that they'd have karaoke so decided too stay. The drinks were great! I had a good time & atmosphere was really chill.“

“Christmas Eve dinner 2025. Everything delicious. Counter seating, so entertaining watching the pace and positive attitudes of those working the line. Roasted oysters, agnolotti divine, NC fish perfect. Staff friendly and, well, just a special evening all together. We have only been twice, but were greeted like regulars.“

“I'm not 30 plus, but I have had 30 plus experiences in this club. I will say, the floor is a lil sticky and I got a toe fungus, but that was my fault for wearing sandals in a middle school. Would recommend to a friend, found a very nice horse here too“

“Food the service the drinks amazing!“

“Lovely atmosphere. The bartender was amazing and created very lovely little drinks for us. Thank you for the experience. we ❤️ steph“

“I would like to say I really enjoyed my Birthday at Nuvo. The music was lit and the vibe was great. If you looking for a nice place to have a great time on the weekends you should go check them out. Thanks to Randy Jone for the invite and the love he showed while me and my family and friends were there.“

“Food and service was excellent 👌“

“First time eating here had delivered for lunch baby bang taco was so good . Salsa and chips- the chips were so fresh salsa soooo good I will order again .“

“Made a reservation here a week ahead for a special occasion and was super excited to try it out. Our reservation was for 8pm and we arrived fifteen minutes early and didn’t get sat until around 8:30-8:45 but Being that I also work in the food industry and it’s Covid times, I didn’t see it as a big deal. I do wish I had snacked before hand though! They did send edamame to our table for the inconvenience once we were finally sat though which was a super nice and unnecessary gesture. Also, the ambience is lovely and super romantic. The best sushi I have ever had. So light and flavorful. We even got some dessert and I have to say the mochi doughnuts were to die for - I wish the chocolate sauce for dipping had been dark chocolate but that’s my personal preference. The only negative thing I have to say is it is a little pricey so it won’t be a regular spot for me personally but definitely a place to check out for special events or date nights.“

“Gussies is my favorite bar! I’ve been in attendance since they opened and it was just great vibes with funky sodas. I’m relocating to CO soon and I am sos ad because I know I won’t a place like this there. So pls come and enjoy the best bar in my honor !“

“She was an exceptional waitress. The whole experience is a vibe!“

“An unforgettable evening at Anthony’s LaPiazza Prime. From the moment we sat down, the ambiance felt rich, intimate, and effortlessly refined.

The espresso martini was smooth — perfectly balanced with just the right depth. The mozzarella caprese was vibrant and luxuriously fresh, letting every ingredient shine. The veal chop was exquisite — tender, flavorful, and cooked to absolute perfection. And the steak? Impeccable. Juicy, beautifully seasoned, and presented with elegance.

Every dish felt intentional and indulgent — truly a 100 out of 10.

What elevated the entire experience even more was the service. Attentive, polished, and genuinely warm without ever being intrusive. It’s rare to find a place that executes both cuisine and hospitality at this level.

Anthony’s LaPiazza Prime is sophistication, romance, and exceptional Italian dining all in one. A place you don’t just visit — you savor.“

“Great food! Amazing staff at the location on Spring Forest. We sat at the bar and Hope was very attentive, always making sure we had all we needed.“

“My girlfriend and I had an amazing first-time experience here! The food and drinks were incredible, and the chocolate orb dessert was especially delicious. Also, Elizabeth was a wonderful server—attentive, friendly, and genuinely made our night special. We’ll definitely be back!“

“Great vibe! Mixologist Jefferson skillfully guided our craft cocktail selections. Impressive knowledge, real ingredients. At his recommendation we grabbed a couple of slices (authentic NY pizza) from Oakwood Pizza Box next door, that did not disappoint!“

“Very good food. I had the elk burger and it was amazing 😋“

“After coming from the abomination place called: Wonderland, we ended up here which is a place we wanted to go all along! The food was absolutely exquisite. Every single bite was mouthwatering. The drinks were delicious, the atmosphere was fun and upbeat. Our waiter was super friendly. I thought his name was Seth, but they all kept making fun of me and nobody corrected me so whoever is out there that I thought was called Seth: you are a great waiter!“

“OMG….this place was delicious!! So glad we found it on a random mommy/daughter get away!
Nick our server was perfection, always on time and made excellent recommendations!
The grilled cheese was a 10, followed by the bruschetta, and the mozzarella caprese panini.
I would most definitely return!“

“Sebastian made us drinks today and they were soo good. He helped me decide on my second drink and it was perfect. Fresco Cocktail.“

“I absolutely loved Foundation, the cocktail bar. First of all, it’s a small, super atmospheric place. They mostly specialize in rum and bourbon. I’m more of a tequila and mezcal fan, and they didn’t really have that, but it honestly wasn’t an issue at all. The bartender recommended a different drink with a similar profile, and I really liked it.

Then I looked through the menu and picked a cocktail with banana liqueur and coffee—and wow, it was something else. I loved it so much that I ended up having three or four of the same cocktail throughout the night.

Highly recommend checking this place out. Since it’s small, we had to wait in line a couple of times, but overall we were super happy with the experience and will definitely be coming back.“

“Wow. Tyler was hands down the BEST server I’ve ever had. Hilarious, and despite a huge rush from the Canes game, we felt as attended to as if we were the only ones in the restaurant. Place is lovely, Oak Smash was great. I cannot stress how much I enjoyed Tyler’s service at Oak. I hope a manager sees this and commends him“

“Nice swanky spot with a modern, sophisticated feel especially in the indoor dining room. The service was great and we definitely enjoyed the ambience. The food was good, nothing mind blowing. We had a pretty good guacamole, and I like that the tortilla chips came in the tortilla shape and you break it up to dip. My tacos were average, but the cliche dish was the winner. The mezcal Manhattan was fantastic. Nice spot, would be great for groups and having fun with friends.“

“We have eaten at The Mill in Old Raleigh a couple of times and have never been disappointed. The daily fish specials are amazing - well balanced flavors and unique ingredients w a lovely presentation. My wife had the steak frites most recently and loved it!! The wait staff is very attentive, Madison was terrific! The entire evening was a pleasure from the starters through dessert. Do not hesitate to give The Mill a try. You will not be disappointed.“

“Great bourbon selection including vintage whiskey. The craft cocktails are amazing! Beautiful and masculine decor!“

“Absolutely love this place and it’s super friendly bar staff. They are a big reason I keep coming back. Really solid mix of drinks, including delta drinks! Only wish that they used their outside space for things like karaoke and live bands.“

“For NCSU graduate lunch- Bill and staff treated us as 🐺family from our first reservation request. Communication was clear and totally invested in making our day perfect. From the delicious food to the custom Wolf Tracks ice cream order and of course the epitome of NCSU landscaping- it was beyond expectations.“

“Great food, cocktails & service!“

“This place is amazing. It’s like a speakeasy with a cool, loung-y area inside, winding hallways, and a torch-and-fire pit outside garden area with dim lit bars and chill cocktails. Great for friends, couples or a date. Highly recommend.“

“Stepping into the cigar bar feels like slipping into a well-dressed time machine that decided to loosen its tie. The air hums with the scent of tobacco, oak, and good decisions made slowly. Plush couches and deep leather chairs form little islands of comfort, perfect for sinking into a conversation that doesn’t need to end soon. Along the walls, humidors stand like treasure chests, keeping their cigars in stately silence. Vintage wood glows everywhere—from the bar’s polished surface to the beams above—each grain steeped in quiet history. Overhead, TVs flicker with old games and new ones alike, while dart boards wait nearby for a little friendly competition between sips of bourbon and curls of smoke.

The bartender slides the Old Fashioned across the bar with the precision of a man who’s been doing it long enough to know that showmanship is for amateurs. No fancy garnish, no chatter—just the soft clink of glass meeting wood and a nod that says this’ll do.

Happiness here isn’t loud or glittery—it’s slow-burning and pleasantly lopsided, like a jazz tune played just slightly off the beat. It seeps in between sips and smoke rings, wrapping itself around you like the worn leather of the chair you’ve claimed for the night. It’s the kind that finds you sitting still, glass half full, smoke curling upward like a satisfied sigh. Cheers!“

“Awesome place! Great staff! Great food! Amazing beer!“

“The atmosphere was romantic and the food was absolutely amazing! My husband had one of the best filets that he has ever had and the homemade pasta was as close as I’ve found to true Italian pasta. Highly recommend for a romantic date night ❤️“

“I've been here twice. Once for an event, and the second just for fun. Both times I've danced my butt off and met the most amazing, good energy, fun people. Dj had all the vibes (all 3 I saw) and I danced so hard my legs were sore!! This is my spot in dt Raleigh.“

“Great Green Bay packer bar!“

“delicious😋 I recommend 10 out of 10!“

“If I could give Press CCC an award I would. One of the best breakfasts I have ever had. Highly recommend the Hash Brown traditional waffles, and Monte Cristo crepe were out of this world. Great atmosphere, prices were average, and the service was incredible. Francesca has to be the sunniest, most positive young lady I have ever met. Even had the opportunity to talk to the manager who was also amazing. Thank you Press for ending our vacation on a high note.“

“The personal pizza is my go to! It comes loaded with toppings, pictured is meatball and Jalapeño. Pretty good and large burger too. Service was great staff very friendly. If you ask for something even if its busy its not a big deal.
Great rotating craft beer selection always got some delicious local beer on tap stuff you dont see everywhere.

Big turn out for Canes games here“

“I have been to 100 Pho restaurants. This was clearly the best pho restaurant I have ever been to. I highly recommend stopping by and ordering pho.“

“Amazing food, friendly customer service... Yuummmmm“

“Service was excellent and very good food!“

“Great bar great atmosphere and staff! Defiantly a staple of any night out in dtr“