50 Best Cocktail Bars in Raleigh

“Excellent liquor selection and great bartenders!“

“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!!“

“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“

“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.“

“Great new hangout place, Must see And try“

“Awesome!“

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

“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 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!“

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

“🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 By far the Best Tacos I have ever had in my life, They where all fresh and the corn is out of this world and the Service is Fantastic ask for Bre this place sir passes 10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Food and service was excellent 👌“

“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 .“

“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 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!“

“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.“

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

“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“

“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.“

“We got there at 9:50. Ordered drinks and asked for menus. We then ordered our food. They came back a few minutes after we ordered and told us the kitchen was closed and then charged us for a lemonade.

That said, I came back again and it was some of the best bar food I’ve had. Also, the staff was really nice.“

“Excellent wine bar and restaurant in the Village District. The bruschetta board is a must. you get to pick multiple flavors and they're all incredible. Great wine selection by the glass at very reasonable prices. The patio is beautiful and perfect for afternoon drinks. The space is bright and inviting. Perfect for a casual lunch or happy hour with friends. The $5 pitchers of wine during happy hour are an insane deal.“

“My girlfriend and I had an amazing first-time experience here! The food and drinks were incredible, and the chocolate orb dessert was especially delicious. Also, Elizabeth was a wonderful server—attentive, friendly, and genuinely made our night special. We’ll definitely be back!“

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

“Food and mocktail- Thyme drink were delish!“

“The service was great. The food was also great. Amazing fries and the burger was among the best I’ve had since moving to NC. The burger with sauce and toppings is basically a very high end Big Mac. The beef was quality and very tender. Check the website to make sure they aren’t closed for an event before going.“

“We visited Anthony’s La Piazza for Easter lunch after church today, and it was easily one of the best dining experiences our family of five has ever had. My husband is Sicilian, and he said the meal tasted exactly like his grandmother used to make with love.
We shared the Lobster ravioli, Veal Parmigiana, tortellini, and lasagna—every single dish was authentic and packed with flavor. The bread was perfect, and we didn't leave a single crumb of the tiramisu or cheesecake! Beyond the food, the drinks were a highlight; I had the absolute best amaretto sour of my life. It was so much fun to dine at a place that bears our family name, Piazza. We felt like guests in a home rather than just customers. If you want authentic Sicilian soul food in Raleigh, this is the place!“

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

“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.“

“Some of, if not, the BEST cocktails you will have in North Carolina let alone Raleigh. Amazing atmosphere, mixologists, and location. Recipe for success and I always look forward to coming when I'm in the Raleigh/Durham area. Several of their cocktails are staples I make (mediocre attempts) at home. 10/10“

“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“

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

“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.“

“Surprised to see this place was pretty empty on a beautiful Saturday around lunch. I could see it being more of a vibe at nighttime. Food and drinks were great, but would’ve loved to have our tacos paced better as they arrived literally one minute after our appetizer. FYI they don’t have high chairs so it’s not really a family friendly place.“

“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.“

“Great food, cocktails & service!“

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

“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!“

“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 ❤️“

“Great hand crafted cocktails with small bite food options“

“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!“

“I've been here twice. Once for an event, and the second just for fun. Both times I've danced my butt off and met the most amazing, good energy, fun people. Dj had all the vibes (all 3 I saw) and I danced so hard my legs were sore!! This is my spot in dt Raleigh.“

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

“Great Green Bay packer bar!“

“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 🎤.“