Great spot for dancing and people watching. Always packed and guaranteed to be a good time!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Max Kirschling
Cornerstone Tavern is a unique and charming bar located on the northern edge of Glenwood South's entertainment district in Raleigh. At first glance, it might surprise you—the exterior looks just like a typical suburban house, and the owners have wisely preserved its original architecture, giving the place a quirky charm. Stepping inside, the interior feels raw and unfinished, having been gutted to accommodate the bar setup, but don't let that deter you. The real magic happens in the backyard. The outdoor space is absolutely stunning, with more than half a dozen gas fire pits scattered across the grounds, surrounded by stools and cozy couches that invite conversation and relaxation.
The transition from the rugged interior to the resplendent backyard is nothing short of remarkable, and it creates a uniquely memorable experience. Both the indoor and outdoor areas have their own bars, and the bartenders were incredibly chill and charismatic, making the night feel effortless. On my Saturday visit, the place got packed by 10 PM, buzzing with energy and friendly patrons, so if you're not into crowds, arriving earlier is a good idea. Whether you're there to relax by the fire pits or enjoy the lively scene, Cornerstone Tavern offers a mix of charm and vibrancy that earns it a solid 5 stars.
Parking: As with all of Glenwood South, good luck with the parking
Kid-friendliness: Don't.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Faith
Don't go here. They charge your card whatever tip they like and you'll have extra charges that weren't even from you.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Avery Brown
This place is so stupid! They wouldn’t let my husband in because they’re racist. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t let somebody in just because of where they’re from. It’s honestly so uncalled for to discriminate against someone because they don’t have a us ID. I bet if he was a UNDERAGED blonde girl they would’ve let him in immediately, as that seems to be their entire demographic.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Destiny Parsons
had to work at this location, the security guys are amazing! they are the best and a beast at their jobs!!! There was a fight. The dude literally was knocked probably 5 feet by one punch , they had him yoked up and thrown out the door. Safe place to be.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
amanda lynch
Horrible experience. Denied entry of my service dog even after admitting that federal law says that they can not deny us access…. Spend your money elsewhere unless you support discrimination against disabled veterans
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Justin McMahon
Let me in at the start of the night. Solid atmosphere. Went back later and they didn’t let me in because of the shorts I was wearing. Don’t see how that warrants kicking me out of the bar. Staff was rude and childish.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Susan
Great music, lots of space with many different vibes, Only down fall was the crowd was so young. Definitely a great place to go for teens to mid 20s. Anyone over 30 is standing out in the crowd here. ?
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
My’Halle M
I’m looking at the reviews wondering why this place is still open. Y’all don’t have to worry abt me EVER going here once I’m of age . SOMEBODY SHUT THIS TRASH PLACE THIS DOWN ?
Great historical raleigh weekend spot, but only spot to increase there thursday beers from $3 to $4, absolutely absurd, will not be coming back, all Thursday beers should be $3, this is why this place is dying
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
alexa stewart
About 9 months ago I attempted to go to this bar to have a night out with my sibling. I am disabled, and utilize disability aids in order to safely manage my disability. One such aid is a fully trained service dog. I am of course very familiar with navigating my surroundings with a service dog, as he has been by my side for years, and we went to this establishment in it’s earliest hours to be there before it got busy. Whole rooms were completely empty and both myself and my dog had protective ear wear. We absolutely would’ve been able to safely and unobtrusively navigate this establishment. However, after waiting in line, the bouncer immediately denied us access on the basis of my dog. I clarified that he is a service dog (although he was covered in gear stating him as such, including a vest, bandana, and leash wrap). However the bouncer still refused us entry, and due to my sibling having a fear of confrontation we left instead of pursuing it further. It is expressly ILLEGAL under both federal law (Americans with Disabilities Act) and North Carolina state law to refuse a service dog and its handler access. I was highly disappointed, and this establishment was the first that has ever fully and illegally denied me access. Do not recommend to any one of a minority group.
Service: 1
Astonish
They won’t let me in with cargo pants on they are two colored, but they let women in wearing similar pants. This place is was cool until they gave me problems like this. Why can a women get in wearing these pants but me being a man cannot? It’s completely unfair and made me waste money on a Uber to get here
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
fondlefiend 32
Trash, first of got greeted by rude bouncer who implied if I did not dress and pointed to a fellow individual dressed with a button up shirt and shorts and sherry's I would not be welcomed back. I responded saying i understand this is my first time and these are joggers not swears there's us difference. So overall not a great impression
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kelly Moore
My female got hit by a man because she didn’t want to talk to him and the bouncers did nothing
Cool hangout spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great spot for dancing and people watching. Always packed and guaranteed to be a good time!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cornerstone Tavern is a unique and charming bar located on the northern edge of Glenwood South's entertainment district in Raleigh. At first glance, it might surprise you—the exterior looks just like a typical suburban house, and the owners have wisely preserved its original architecture, giving the place a quirky charm. Stepping inside, the interior feels raw and unfinished, having been gutted to accommodate the bar setup, but don't let that deter you. The real magic happens in the backyard. The outdoor space is absolutely stunning, with more than half a dozen gas fire pits scattered across the grounds, surrounded by stools and cozy couches that invite conversation and relaxation.
The transition from the rugged interior to the resplendent backyard is nothing short of remarkable, and it creates a uniquely memorable experience. Both the indoor and outdoor areas have their own bars, and the bartenders were incredibly chill and charismatic, making the night feel effortless. On my Saturday visit, the place got packed by 10 PM, buzzing with energy and friendly patrons, so if you're not into crowds, arriving earlier is a good idea. Whether you're there to relax by the fire pits or enjoy the lively scene, Cornerstone Tavern offers a mix of charm and vibrancy that earns it a solid 5 stars.
Parking: As with all of Glenwood South, good luck with the parking
Kid-friendliness: Don't.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Don't go here. They charge your card whatever tip they like and you'll have extra charges that weren't even from you.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This place is so stupid! They wouldn’t let my husband in because they’re racist. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t let somebody in just because of where they’re from. It’s honestly so uncalled for to discriminate against someone because they don’t have a us ID. I bet if he was a UNDERAGED blonde girl they would’ve let him in immediately, as that seems to be their entire demographic.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
had to work at this location, the security guys are amazing! they are the best and a beast at their jobs!!! There was a fight. The dude literally was knocked probably 5 feet by one punch , they had him yoked up and thrown out the door. Safe place to be.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Horrible experience. Denied entry of my service dog even after admitting that federal law says that they can not deny us access…. Spend your money elsewhere unless you support discrimination against disabled veterans
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Let me in at the start of the night. Solid atmosphere. Went back later and they didn’t let me in because of the shorts I was wearing. Don’t see how that warrants kicking me out of the bar. Staff was rude and childish.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Great music, lots of space with many different vibes,
Only down fall was the crowd was so young. Definitely a great place to go for teens to mid 20s.
Anyone over 30 is standing out in the crowd here. ?
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
I’m looking at the reviews wondering why this place is still open. Y’all don’t have to worry abt me EVER going here once I’m of age . SOMEBODY SHUT THIS TRASH PLACE THIS DOWN ?
Restaurantji Recommends
Great historical raleigh weekend spot, but only spot to increase there thursday beers from $3 to $4, absolutely absurd, will not be coming back, all Thursday beers should be $3, this is why this place is dying
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
About 9 months ago I attempted to go to this bar to have a night out with my sibling. I am disabled, and utilize disability aids in order to safely manage my disability. One such aid is a fully trained service dog. I am of course very familiar with navigating my surroundings with a service dog, as he has been by my side for years, and we went to this establishment in it’s earliest hours to be there before it got busy. Whole rooms were completely empty and both myself and my dog had protective ear wear. We absolutely would’ve been able to safely and unobtrusively navigate this establishment.
However, after waiting in line, the bouncer immediately denied us access on the basis of my dog. I clarified that he is a service dog (although he was covered in gear stating him as such, including a vest, bandana, and leash wrap). However the bouncer still refused us entry, and due to my sibling having a fear of confrontation we left instead of pursuing it further.
It is expressly ILLEGAL under both federal law (Americans with Disabilities Act) and North Carolina state law to refuse a service dog and its handler access. I was highly disappointed, and this establishment was the first that has ever fully and illegally denied me access. Do not recommend to any one of a minority group.
Service: 1
They won’t let me in with cargo pants on they are two colored, but they let women in wearing similar pants. This place is was cool until they gave me problems like this. Why can a women get in wearing these pants but me being a man cannot? It’s completely unfair and made me waste money on a Uber to get here
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Trash, first of got greeted by rude bouncer who implied if I did not dress and pointed to a fellow individual dressed with a button up shirt and shorts and sherry's I would not be welcomed back. I responded saying i understand this is my first time and these are joggers not swears there's us difference. So overall not a great impression
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
My female got hit by a man because she didn’t want to talk to him and the bouncers did nothing
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