50 Best Cocktail Bars in Raleigh

“Excellent liquor selection and great bartenders!“

“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.“

“Awesome!“

“Great new hangout place, Must see And try“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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 .“

“Food and mocktail- Thyme drink were delish!“

“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 !“

“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.“

“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 😋“

“What a great addition to N Raleigh. Possibly the best Indian food in Raleigh. Beautiful presentation, aromatic food, tasty and delicious. Great cocktails and wonderful service. A beautiful restaurant“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“Great food, cocktails & service!“

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

“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.“

“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 🎤.“

“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 ❤️“

“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.“

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

“Great live music venue!!!“

“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!“