50 Best Cocktail Bars near Garner

“It’s a friendly environment, there are darts, pool tables, and weekly events like karaoke every Thursday. It’s nice to come wind down from a long day.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!!“

“Excellent liquor selection and great bartenders!“

“Great ambiance and a really nice place for drinks and appetizers. We ordered the Hummus and Patatas Bravas to start, and both were very good. For drinks, we had the Carajillo Rum Old Fashioned and Noda Radio Haze, and enjoyed both.

For the main course, we tried the Pappardelle Alla Ragu and Bucatini Con Tomate. The entrees were okay, but they didn’t stand out nearly as much as the appetizers and drinks. I was also disappointed with the vegetarian selection—there was basically only one real vegetarian entree option.

Service was okay, while the ambiance was excellent. Overall, a good spot for drinks, appetizers, and atmosphere“

“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.“

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

“Thank you so much for making our anniversary special! The espresso baileys martinis were divine. Shrimp cocktail was great- shrimp were a bit small but cooked well(one was a bit of a moody texture) and the sauces were delicious. Beef Wellington and bone in ribeye were cooked to perfection and delicious. Chocolate cake was amazing- the ice cream on the side paired perfectly with it. This was our second visit and we look forward to returning.“

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

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

“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 .“

“Anthony literally saved the night the other night from a horrible restaurant experience at another restaurant down the street to his prime location in Downtown Raleigh it was a night and day experience, 1000% recommend to anyone who wants a great dining and great food experience.“

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

“I always have a fun time at Killjoy - whether it's packed with little room to walk around or it's a small crowd with space at the bar and on the dance floor! The music is great, and the people are there to chill, sing and dance a little - just a nice vibe. Attractive people, nicely dressed, friendly energy!“

“Me and my coworkers went here for his birthday we all ate the Lamb Burgers the burger was different and very good also Caleb invited us there the the management and staff was amazing it was amazing experience would definitely go again thank you whiskey kitchen again. Sincerely, James“

“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.“

“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!“

“My first time at Wood’s Bar and Lounge loved it…Everyone was welcoming and friendly. Shoutout to the DJ who shouted out PRESSURE~N~STEPPAZ I really appreciate the love as the CEO. I will be back real soon and hopefully have a few of my members with me! Thanks for the love again❣️“

“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.“

“One of my favorite places in town. Ben’s stalwart Gussie’s manages to tick so many seemingly disconnected boxes - great bar, with inventive cocktails. But a comfort food local place. Or maybe a beer geek temple - for those who know good breweries that aren’t trendy but were solid 20 years ago and still frigging are. Someone knows. Yeah Budweiser maybe could be upscaled a little but someone knows Lawson’s and 3 Floyd’s and even tonight’s surprise of Festina Peche from Dogfish Head that’s been awesome for what, 25 years? They regularly find things that I’ve not seen on tap in ages. The food - non beef eaters might need a minute but there’s choices there but the smash burgers are a work of art. Cocktails are inventive and excellent and the staff is awesome. A quibble - it’s a loud room so maybe the music could be a smidge lower so people don’t shout over it and it just gets very loud. But that’s a quibble. It’s comfy, it’s familiar, it’s good. Come here. Except when I want to come here because I want a seat at the bar, ok?“

“Since moving here a year ago from NYC, this was one of the first places we've been coming to once a weekend when we're in Raleigh. It gives us the NYC lounge feel we initially missed. It's good for my night cap before we go home. Good music, drinks and I enjoy their popcorn 😁!“

“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.“

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

“Postino is a nice place for a date night or gathering with friends. It's a lovely atmosphere. The lighting is well done. It can be a bit loud though. The design should have done more for sound control. Most of the food that I have eaten has been tasty. Their boards are fun to share. The shrimp were overcooked, so I don't recommend those. The wine selection is good but a bit overpriced.“

“I honestly don’t know but i live on the same block and it sounds like its happening over there, the parking lot is always packed out and overflowing on pros nights, aka: Thursday and Sunday. A parking lot with huge overflow means a good crowd, and that speaks for its self.
A good crowd on the regular can’t be wrong!“

“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 the service the drinks amazing!“

“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.“

“I am so glad this place opened in the subdivision! great food! great staff!“

“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 ❤️“

“The AM Party at La Mala was an amazing experience from start to finish! The food was fantastic, the drinks were excellent, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. The reggaeton music kept the energy going all day and created the perfect vibe for a great time with friends.

What truly made the experience special was the hospitality. A huge thank you to Jesse, for providing us with a complimentary VIP table. Their attention to guests and commitment to creating a memorable experience really stood out and made us feel genuinely welcomed.

La Mala delivers the complete package: amazing food, great drinks, an incredible atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality. I highly recommend it and can't wait to come back!

Muchas Gracias !!“

“My husband and I stopped in after a dinner out as this spot has been one of our “oh yeah! We haven’t been there in a minute” places and with our most recent visit we were reminded just how wonderful Foundation truly is.

I adore walking down the steps into the cozy
Lounge and I don’t think there has been a time that I’ve walked in that I wasn’t greeted at the door by the bartenders working inviting us to find a spot we’d like.

The staff have always been great at noticing the kind of experience you’d prefer- be it a “chat ‘em up” kinda evening or a lighter touch.

We each tried something off the rotating menu after getting a super customized recommendation - both absolutely stellar! And after chatting further we were also invited to try something a little more curious from off menu (a NY take on “green chartreuse liquor”) mixed into a pina colada that knocked our socks off.

Truly a spot worth checking out both on a weeknight for a more personal feel and during the weekend when the place gets packed. Kyle and the team will take you on an adventure your taste buds won’t forget.“

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

“Great food, cocktails & service!“

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

“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.“

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

“Great Green Bay packer bar!“

“It's lit. Went to the wonderland event on a thurs they had fire local djs and vendors with sick jewelry and rave stuff. Nice mix of bass music from riddin and trap to more upbeat

Went there another time too on a Friday and it was sick, house music that time“

“What's Understood doesn't have to be explained...If you exemplify Masculinity then this is your spot! If you love to grow mentally then this is your spot! Mike & The Cigar Aficionado's behind the bar are Awesome & really good people.“

“The food is amazing! Though I haven’t tried every yet👀 I’m sure it won’t disappoint!“

“Highly recommend for your next event! We used the banquet room for a baby shower today and everything was amazing! Had a delicious crepe bar, charcuterie cups, fruit and an excellent coffee bar! The food was fantastic and everyone raved about it!“

“delicious😋 I recommend 10 out of 10!“

“Great hand crafted cocktails with small bite food options“

“Our bartender, Donovan, is The Best! Awesome service and truly cares for the patrons. Because of him, we WILL be back!!“

“Service was excellent and very good food!“

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

“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.“

“It’s great!! We really enjoyed triangle restaurant week!!!“