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!!“

“This hidden gem exceeded all my expectations. From the moment we walked in, the vibrant atmosphere was intoxicating, filled with colorful décor, and the warmest smiles from the staff. The mezcal selection was top-notch, with options that you don’t typically find, and the cocktails were masterfully crafted. The food was amazing and perfectly cooked. We had empanadas and tacos. It was so good we ordered seconds of both.“

“Awesome!“

“What an incredible dinning experience. The decor is beautiful. Love the dark green velvet booths, very roomy. We had 6 at our table and had plenty of room. Drinks were very tasty, loved how each came in a different glass. We ordered an assortment of small plates, naan, and large plates. Everything was out of this world. I highly recommend. Make sure to make a reservation as they only have 15 tables and only 2 seatings per night.“

“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 .“

“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.“

“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!“

“Love this place, great food and amazing environment“

“Food and mocktail- Thyme drink were delish!“

“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“

“Amazing lounge, throwback music and the signature cocktails are not only good but they are reasonably priced. Top shelf liquors, the furniture and atmosphere are stunning. And a plus was they were not overrun. Plenty of outdoor or lounge seating…“

“Great new hangout place, Must see And try“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“So I loved the fact that they had the choice of outdoor and indoor seating available, but the interior is rather slim. The food is quite good, and the servers were all very friendly. We were surprised to find the place mostly empty though, in spite of the trendy vibe and yummy food. Regardless, we enjoyed this place a lot“

“Food and atmosphere was excellent !“

“Excellent atmosphere and food. The chef knows how to hit the sweet spot of curated quality in a casual setting. The menu evolves with the season and keeps you intrigued even if you’re a regular. Happy Hour, Dinner, or late evening - you can’t miss.“

“I love the burgers here at Burger Village. There is something special about them that makes you come back again and again. The Burgers here are not ordinary but at a different level altogether. I would highly recommend this place. They also have a good collection of the draft beer.“

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

“Very cool Raleigh vibe tucked away in the revitalized Gateway Plaza!! Bar tenders have been awesome every time and they additionally have Blake's Mango Habenaro cider in the menu which is my favorite. A very comfortable and perfect spot for a drink after work. Seems like lots of young professionals think so too.“

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

“This is the first cigar lounge I’ve been to and we had a great time. It’s very laid back. The bartender was great and helped us pick the perfect cigar for newbies. Can’t remember the name but it had a smooth chocolate flavor. Drinks and cigars are reasonably priced.“

“Service was excellent and very good food!“

“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.“

“🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 **A Taste of Europe in Raleigh: Press Coffee Crepes and Cocktails** From the moment you step into Press Coffee Crepes and Cocktails, you're transported to a charming European café. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot to unwind and indulge in some culinary delights. The service at Press is top-notch. The staff are friendly, attentive, and always ready with recommendations. They make you feel like a valued guest, ensuring your experience is nothing short of delightful. Let's talk about the coffee first. Their brews, crafted with precision, are a coffee lover's dream. Whether you prefer a rich espresso or a smooth pour-over, each cup is a testament to their dedication to quality. But the real showstopper? The French-style crepes. These crepes are a work of art—light, airy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet or savory, there's a crepe to satisfy every craving. The ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully chosen, making each bite a memorable experience. Press Coffee Crepes and Cocktails is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates great coffee, exquisite crepes, and outstanding service. It's a little slice of Europe right in the heart of Raleigh, and it's sure to become one of your favorite spots.“

“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.“

“This is time 3rd time visiting. Each visit was just as good as the first. The food was impeccable, the wait staff was friendly and attentive, and the drinks were great!! I just had the best grilled chicken sliders. The chicken breast was juicy, and the bread was very soft. I love the atmosphere too.“

“12/10, highly recommend! Each dish, drink and dessert was EXCELLENT.“

“Great service, cocktails and food!“

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

“I was surprised to find this bar located literally below street level, but once I walked through the doors it made sense. The moody lighting paired with neons, and the jazz-y painting paired with 80s synth pop music never should have all worked together, but it totally did. The staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly, and went out of their way to accommodate us and our questions. And the drinks were delightful after a long day waking around. We loved this spot!“

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

“Enjoyed the food and outdoor seating. Enjoyed watching other people's dogs, glad they are allowed. Don't like that they walk off with your credit card when QR codes are a thing now. Was anxious to leave for a concert but was held hostage waiting for my card to be returned after all other customers were served first. Let me pay at the table. Better for everyone!“

“This is a beautiful hidden gem for lunch in Raleigh. A most beautiful setting with an outstanding chef and impeccable service. Truly remarkable and unforgettable amazing food. I look forward forward to returning often when business takes me to Raleigh. “

“Great food, cocktails & service!“

“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.“

“delicious😋 I recommend 10 out of 10!“

“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 🎤.“

“Awesome vibe for real, patrons were all friendly and amazing 👏“

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

“Very nice place, more on the expensive side. Great atmosphere and service. Came here with a big group of 9 and still had a really pleasant time. I could see this being a place to have business meetings, wine and dine clients or have office parties.
I had the crispy pork belly which was not really crispy at all, so I was a little disappointed, but I shared the salmon with a friend and it was really good. They don't carry many sodas but do have an extensive wine beer and cocktail selection, they also offered to make mocktails. Overall a nice experience.“