50 Best Bars in Raleigh

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

“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!“

“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.“

“Your food truck is parked in a handicap parking space!“

“Lynne is amazing! Make her an owner she is the heart of this restaurant and will come back just for her! Food was amazing as well! Get the lamb burger deconstructed no bun and Pita on the side to make your own Gyros just trust me it’s worth it!“

“Great vibe, friendly staff, nice game selection! Had an awesome time!!“

“Food is always amazing.. Celebrated 11 years sober.. New menu duck and curry cod were to die for.. Chefs speacial for the app was amaizing.. They are soo nice there. Service is so on point on all of Scott's restuarants.. There menu just changed and excited to try all the new stuff...HIGHLY RECOMMEND“

“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.“

“Raleigh Brewing is so incredible. I have been here multiple times and love the atmosphere and beer (my favorite is the Hell Yes Ma’am). My now wife and I decided to have our wedding here. Interacting with Catherine, their event and communications coordinator, was excellent. She was very responsive and willing to answer all of our questions. She also was willing to meet with us multiple times before our event to make sure we were comfortable with everything and to answer any questions we had. We went with the Hoppy Lounge and option to have a private bartender and event staff personnel and that was such an excellent choice! The space was perfect for what we needed and we were able to set up the tables how we wanted. Our bartender, Jenna, and event dedicated staff member, Adam, were so incredible. We were so happy with our experience and will definitely be there again for drinks and any event we want to host in the future.“

“One of the best live music venues in the Triangle. Consistently good bookings. And a record store above it!“

“Great beer and even better vibes. Super cool collection of regulars always down for a fun conversation and very friend bartenders. Solid selection of drinks both on tap and in the fridge. I’ll definitely be making this a regular Raleigh stop in the future!“

“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?“

“Such a cool experience at Boxcar for my first time! I really enjoyed the Mortal Kombat and Jurassic Park games. Some of the machines weren't working and stealing tokens but once staff was notified they tried to fix the issue. I would absolutely return.“

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

“Top notch brewery with a death theme.“

“Have been wanting to try this little spot! Cool spot inside & out back patio area. Drinks were good! Great customer service too! Definitely will be back soon!“

“Dean was the bartender tonight and his vibe made my group stay after the sign put front brought us in. Make sure you tip him well if he's here when you are!! We swung by a bar before and after this and this one is definitely where we kept coming back to!! Drinks were priced reasonably, they had games and snacks. Highly recommend this spot!“

“the best place in Raleigh and the bartender knows how to make drink“

“Great neighborhood gathering place. Harding working staff that makes all feel welcome. A lot of beer to try and good recommendations from the staff and patrons.“

“Transfer Food Hall is THE BEST FOOD SPOT in downtown if you want a laid back location with a variety of options. I had my 30th birthday there and have gone on many date nights. We were so lucky to be welcomed to host a cookie booth as well. Everyone was so kind and helpful. We will be lifelong patrons and I let everyone know how great it is!“

“Super cute spot inside & patio area. Food & drinks were so good! The sandwiches were so flavorful, unique, & delicious! Great customer service too! Definitely will be back soon!“

“Best cupcakes in Raleigh and who knows in the whole state of NC. Such an inviting atmosphere. The german Chocolate cupcakes best ever ! It was so delightful! The cupcakes were moist and tasted gourmet. I loved the topping, not too sweet or overpowering. Chef Erica is 5 stars and so kind My family and I enjoyed everything we had ! Definitely worth trying! Thanks“

“Incredible food: can't decide if the pierogis and sides are the best or the desserts. Such a relaxing and fun atmosphere: you are able to mingle with friends while enjoying your meal at your own pace. Highly recommend for the menu selections (which are creative and delicious - try the smoked trout, mushroom and cheese pierogis, cheese spaetzle, peanut butter and banana pudding...!!) and atmosphere.“

“Great gluten free options.“

“Great place for a daytime drink regardless of season but especially nice for a snow day. The hot cider drink is quite lovely on a cold snowy evening.“

“What an all around amazing night at Second Empire! Our family gathered there to celebrate our son's wedding. The personal service the bride and groom received was way beyond expectations. Everyone made them feel so special! From start to finish, the evening was exceptional. The food was so yummy and there were even options for those in our group, myself included, who were vegan/vegetarian. And it wasn't just a salad. Just ask the server! Ours was well versed in what the chef could prepare for us. The presentation of the food to our party of 13 was also super cool...they brought out all of the entrees at once! Also there is an elevator to help those with mobility issues. Thanks to everyone for helping to make this special day even more special!“

“Football at its best- and that is coming from an English man. Although the owner kev is a gooner fan but hey ho lol. Check it out.“

“This was my favorite dive bar of all time any place. Went there for as many years as they were open. Moved to Las Vegad years ago and this beats any dive bar we have. So many good times with forever friends. Super sad it closed abruptly on Thursday night.“

“Fun atmosphere with a wide range of patrons. Great spot for people watching and a wide variety of drinks. Recommend this spot for anyone looking for a quick drink. Will come here again!“

“Was recommended to photograph a boudoir session here by two girlfriends who had stayed. And I loved it so much I booked my husband & myself the honeymoon suite for a romantic night away! This place is just magical and exquisite. The atmosphere was amazing, the staff was so accommodating and kind, and the cocktails at the cocktail bar were just divine. 10/10 recommend and I cannot wait to come back!“

“Best Bar I’m downtown. Highly recommend!!!!!!“

“Incredible spot. Great staff!!“

“Jason was wonderful. The beer was great, and the company was even better😝“

“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.“

“great place for a cocktail and an awesome craft beer“

“Chill neighborhood dive bar with a pool table and a slide. Knowledgable staff. Highly recommend.“

“Amazing staff, excellent collection of beer and wine, and great event nights.“

“If Rob sees this, or if someone else sees this who knows Rob, please tell Rob I found my debit card and he’s a rock star for helping my husband look so hard! I know you didn’t find it, and I’m sorry for wasting your time, but you helped me retrace my idiot steps until I found it!!

Also the patio is sweet and the beers are delicious and cold and I just really dig this place. 5 stars all around- but especially Rob.“

“Live music 🎶, Great 🍺 🍹and the best Wings in Raleigh, hands down!!! You won’t be disappointed at this place! Come in during the week for some music 🎵 bingo or karaoke 🎤.“

“This bar feels like a velvet-lined hideout that accidentally got trapped in a basement—part neighborhood watering hole, part moody social club, part eccentric aunt’s living room.

The fire-engine-red brick walls bring the drama, while the exposed beams and dangling wires proudly announce, “Yes, we have electricity. No, we’re not showing off.” Vintage rugs sprawl across the concrete floor like they’ve been there long enough to know all the regulars. The leather couches and rolling chairs give it a wonderfully mismatched charm—like a Victorian parlor got into an argument with a dive bar and neither one won.

Dark, cozy, slightly mysterious, and just shabby enough to be cool. This is the kind of place where you walk in for “one drink” and somehow end up three hours later debating philosophy with a stranger named Dave. Cheers!“

“Swanky, comfort, & chic. Love the mug’s & atmosphere. The muffins are amazeballs!“

“Delicious food. I can highly recommend.“

“Great Green Bay packer bar!“

“We were trying to find a nice vibe spot with drinks and hookah while we were visiting Raleigh and District was that spot for sure. It was very cute, laid back and such good vibes. The two ladies that were tending to us on 8/30 from 8:10 until we left were amazing. And the drinks were so good. The first drink I had was the Strawberry Mule, and the second was actually a Green Tea shot. We couldn’t even take it as a shot because it was a lot! Lol. We had such a great time at District. If you are ever in the Raleigh or surrounding areas, go check this place out.“

“Absolutely phenomenal little space
Pool table closed covered patio
Beautiful plants i here they're getting a dart board too? .
The bartenders are hilarious and engaging
From pbr to shots to nice cocktails this place is a gem“

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

“An absolute gem in Raleigh! Boatman Distillery completely blew us away with their unmatched customer service, local spirits, incredible Mediterranean menu and unique atmosphere.

The highlight of our night was definitely the service! Our server, Sophia, was fantastic! From the moment we walked in she was greeting us with genuine warmth. She had an in-depth knowledge of their spirits and menu. As our first time visiting she made us feel right at home. She knows the cocktails and food and will recommend exactly what you are in the mood for (go on a limb and order what is recommended...you won't be disappointed :))

The manager, Darwin was one of a kind; showcasing a level of customer-oriented detail that you rarely see these days...with the top notch service and team it is clear that it all starts at the top. The manager here is the absolute gold standard of hospitality; stepping in to help the staff during a busy rush, and checking in on tables to ensure every single detail was perfect. Darwin provided impeccable recommendations. I highly recommend trying the made-in-house, specialty Navy Gin and homemade tonic (a total game-changer). He clearly has a deep knowledge of their crafted spirits, his attention to detail and customer care did not go unnoticed. The team at Boatman truly make you feel like a VIP as a customer. Beyond food and drinks, the live jazz music created the perfect touch to the overall vibe. The architectural masterpiece and curved entryways provides an aesthetic that makes you forget you're in Raleigh and not in the Mediterranean .

Lastly, had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners tonight, who confirmed the team is just as amazing as the person in charge. You can tell they care deeply about the guest experience, it's obvious they have created a fantastic culture for their team. The staff radiates positive energy, which only happens under great leadership. All around great vibes. We will absolutely be back.“

“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“

“Very nice place. I've been a few times now. Great tables and nice atmosphere.“

“Fabulous food, cocktails and atmosphere!“