50 Best Cocktail Bars in Raleigh

“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!!“

“Awesome!“

“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.“

“Fabulous service at the bartop. Roy's recommendations were impeccable and considerate of dietary restrictions. The food was outstanding and wine pairings complemented well. Highly recommend sourcing from the starters and sides to get the most variety, unless you wish to commit to the steak or full entree. Oysters and acorn squash were a great combo. I appreciated the ability to do a GF dessert (elevated ice cream sundae!) to top off the night. Thank you!!“

“Reese is our favorite bartender. Always a great experience.“

“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 .“

“First time here. Great food and great service. Definitely will be back.“

“Food and mocktail- Thyme drink were delish!“

“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!“

“Despite coming in on a whim on a Saturday at 430, I was able to get seated quickly and the waiter appeared soon after.

The food was served quickly and while I had the chefs board, so nothing was cooked, the crostini was crisp and the baguette nicely warmed. I was getting a bourbon flight so I appreciated that there were 2 types of cheese, breads and meats along with spicy pickled vegetables, a kicking Dijon mustard and a sweet preserve. So all in all nice variety.

My waiter was attentive without being annoying, and despite sitting indoors it wasn't as loud as I thought it would be. The patio looked nice too I just wanted a chair not a bench.

The whiskey/bourbon menu was extensive featuring American, Scottish, Irish and Japanese options. They also have a section, flight and Wednesday discount for NC distillers.

I definitely go back to try something else, both alcohol and food.“

“Excellent liquor selection and great bartenders!“

“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.“

“Great new hangout place, Must see And try“

“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.“

“Food the service the drinks amazing!“

“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“

“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.“

“Great service! The filet mignon tacos were amazing!“

“Food and service was excellent 👌“

“Nothing beats a passionate chef. Tonight was my first experience, and it's only the beginning! The staff was amazing and did not make me feel rushed. 5-star plus. I've never been to a restaurant where all the mussels were open and full of flavor until Northside Bistro. It was impressive and absolutely delicious, and they also serve some of the best cocktails I've ever had!“

“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 !“

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

“Great experience Food was GREAT. Leona and Hampton are the best.“

“The drinks were good as was the atmosphere. This place is a bit small but they accommodated 4 of us without any issues. The service was 50/50, we first were outside upstairs and the service was great, when we went downstairs the service dropped off quite a bit. Nothing terrible but we noticed it. It’s a nice place to have a few drinks and chat.“

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

“Everything was amazing. The old fashioneds are still the best we’ve ever had. And I tell anyone who will listen about the brussel sprouts. We usually come for lunch so we often only get Brussels and sliders but the last two times we tried the featured burger and lemon risotto. The lemon flavor was subtle perfectly balanced and complemented the salmon I added. I am hoping to come back and have it again very soon. The service is always great and one of the main reasons we come back. Everyone has always made us feel welcome and often remember us. We don’t come in enough to be considered regulars but we are always made to feel that way. Be sure to make a reservation. It’s a small restaurant and we always see it fill up fast especially for lunch.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“delicious😋 I recommend 10 out of 10!“

“We really enjoyed our food and will definitely return for more!“

“I found a recommendation for Farina on a Reddit post about Italian restaurants in Raleigh and I am so glad I decided to try it! The food was beyond wonderful with amazing portions and our server, Rachel I. was just as splendid. I can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed our experience and I will definitely recommend Farina to everyone!“

“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.“

“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“

“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 🎤.“

“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 ❤️“

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

“food is kinda mid but the dinning room interior is quite the experience! micheal was our server and he killed it despite it seeming like a very bustling night. several private parties were happening on the saturday we visited which likely contributed to the echoing environment. Overall though we had a great time. The seating is probably one of my favorite things about this place! Highly recommend the moroccan lemon cake and the brussel sprout salad.“

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

“Great live music venue!!!“

“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 🎤.“

“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.“

“Overall Score: 8.3/10 – A spacious and clean bistro with attentive servers, high-quality food, and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing meal.

Atmosphere and Service: 8.5/10 – The bistro offers a large, open interior with unique decor and big TVs that enhance the experience. The outdoor area, though small, is well-maintained and adds to the charm. The staff is very attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The bar area is sleek and inviting, contributing to the overall appeal of the space.

Menu: 7.9/10 – The menu offers a wide range of options and is more extensive than many similar establishments. Adding a few additional choices could make it even more appealing and elevate the dining experience further.

Burger: 8.3/10 – A wonderfully crafted burger with bold flavors and excellent quality. The combination of sauce, cheese, and a perfectly cooked patty makes each bite satisfying and flavorful. The bacon was crispy, the pickles added a nice touch, and the bun was soft and fresh. The fries were crisp and delicious, complementing the burger well. The price was reasonable for the quality and taste.

Margherita Pizza: 8.4/10 – A high-quality pizza with a perfect balance of flavors. The sauce was bold, and the cheese adhered well without sliding off or creating extra grease. The crust was excellent, with just the right amount of crispness despite a slightly soft undercarriage. Each bite was consistent and enjoyable, with a reasonable price for the size and quality.“