I almost don't want to review Gallo Pelon because it's such a hidden gem that I want to keep secret. Upstairs from a different Mexican restaurant (same owners? Shared kitchen? No idea!). - Great ambience, bar, table seating, and this adorable courtyard with string lights. Would be a dope first date spot. - food is delish! Small menu but plenty of options for vegetarians too! - drinks are on point. If you love Mezcal, this is your place - so many options and cocktails. If you don't love Mezcal but love tequila - this is still your place! - service is good, the food comes up from downstairs in a little foot elevator in the wall behind the bar
Michael Hardison
Great vibe, and I classic spot. The service was slow on our night, but that happens and the food made up for it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Espolon Anejo, Mole, Street Tacos, Modelo Especial and Espolon Tequila
Veronica De La Rosa - Clark
Definitely a very ample offering of Mezcales, which proves they are indeed a Mezcaleria. Very nice cocktails and a great mezcal innovated Carajillo, rare to find. The food was good, but choices were limited.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scentoria D.
I only ordered the tres Leche cake and I loved it. Great texture. Perfect moisture with the milks. A great combination of flavors with the raspberry syrup drizzle. I only came for dessert.
Ken Thomas
Vibrantly decorated with Mexican folk art. The drink and menu offerings deliver well-crafted and tantalizing unique tastes. Stands well above traditional Mexican restaurant fare. Friendly and welcoming service. Hope to visit again to experience the Mezcal bar upstairs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mole
Christopher Castillo
Carajillo cocktail is way better than a expresso martini! Great atmosphere and definitely coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Justin Cardenas
Try the guac three gueys. Three different kinds of guacamole. The tacos are bomb as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Street Tacos
Jillian Dubuisson
Gorgeous atmosphere (kind of dark and swanky with candles) and decor; delicious, refreshing drinks (including two good mocktail options); super friendly and attentive bartenders and servers. We look forward to coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexis S.
This was my second time dining at Gallo Pelón and it was just as good as the first! The guacamole could have used a little more flavor, but it was good. The tacos were AMAZING! My friend's first reaction to the Torta Corona was "this is the best sandwich I've ever had in my life". The service was amazing. The waiters, waitresses and bartenders were very kind and helpful. The ambiance was impeccable! Beautiful aesthetic and a great place for a night of drinks with friends or a date out on the rooftop!
Maria P.
This place never dissapoints! Wish portions were a bit larger though or that it comes with a side at least. The drinks are amazing, the food is delicious and the dessert is spectacular!
Very cool mezcaleria. Great drinks with unique flavors. Decor is very cool and the bar tenders are great. The patio in the back of the bar feels like an escape from the City. Highly recommended.
Ddan7777
We stopped for lunch at Centro Mexican restaurant, but we saw the sign for Gallo Pelon (actually, it is the same sign as for Centro). So, the waitress working at Centro was kind enough to take us upstairs for a tour of the second floor, which is where Gallo Pelon is located. She explained that the name means, "bald rooster," and that one of the designers of the upstairs restaurant/bar was bald. Anyhow, there are lots of Mexican/Hispanic stuff on the walls, high ceilings, a second stairway back downstairs, and a beautiful outdoor patio. And, of course, a bar.
Martha Abernethy
Just had a delightful drink and nosh at this cute rooftop bar. Craft cocktail was elegant and flavorful and beautifully presented in a coupe. Fish tacos were colorful and tasty. Decor is lively Mexican/Boho. Great find in downtown Raleigh!
Martha A.
Went to this charming place on Friday for a drink and a nosh with a friend. Had a delicious craft cocktail called Afraid of Being Laughed At, a concoction of mezcal, tequila, lemon, and elderflower among other things, and we shared guac and chips and some salmon tacos. The dishes were colorful and well presented, and the decor is lively Mexican boho chic. There is a tiny rooftop bar, covered, where we sat enjoying one of the first warm days of spring. Don't pass this place up!
Michael J. Reilly III
Very cool place to check out. Fun atmosphere, nice servers, and bartenders. Nice selection of tequila and Mezcal based libations. Prefer upstairs bar.
I almost don't want to review Gallo Pelon because it's such a hidden gem that I want to keep secret. Upstairs from a different Mexican restaurant (same owners? Shared kitchen? No idea!). - Great ambience, bar, table seating, and this adorable courtyard with string lights. Would be a dope first date spot. - food is delish! Small menu but plenty of options for vegetarians too! - drinks are on point. If you love Mezcal, this is your place - so many options and cocktails. If you don't love Mezcal but love tequila - this is still your place! - service is good, the food comes up from downstairs in a little foot elevator in the wall behind the bar
Great vibe, and I classic spot. The service was slow on our night, but that happens and the food made up for it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Espolon Anejo, Mole, Street Tacos, Modelo Especial and Espolon Tequila
Definitely a very ample offering of Mezcales, which proves they are indeed a Mezcaleria. Very nice cocktails and a great mezcal innovated Carajillo, rare to find. The food was good, but choices were limited.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I only ordered the tres Leche cake and I loved it. Great texture. Perfect moisture with the milks. A great combination of flavors with the raspberry syrup drizzle. I only came for dessert.
Vibrantly decorated with Mexican folk art. The drink and menu offerings deliver well-crafted and tantalizing unique tastes. Stands well above traditional Mexican restaurant fare. Friendly and welcoming service. Hope to visit again to experience the Mezcal bar upstairs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mole
Carajillo cocktail is way better than a expresso martini! Great atmosphere and definitely coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Try the guac three gueys. Three different kinds of guacamole. The tacos are bomb as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Street Tacos
Gorgeous atmosphere (kind of dark and swanky with candles) and decor; delicious, refreshing drinks (including two good mocktail options); super friendly and attentive bartenders and servers. We look forward to coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was my second time dining at Gallo Pelón and it was just as good as the first! The guacamole could have used a little more flavor, but it was good. The tacos were AMAZING! My friend's first reaction to the Torta Corona was "this is the best sandwich I've ever had in my life". The service was amazing. The waiters, waitresses and bartenders were very kind and helpful. The ambiance was impeccable! Beautiful aesthetic and a great place for a night of drinks with friends or a date out on the rooftop!
This place never dissapoints! Wish portions were a bit larger though or that it comes with a side at least. The drinks are amazing, the food is delicious and the dessert is spectacular!
Restaurantji Recommends
Very cool mezcaleria. Great drinks with unique flavors. Decor is very cool and the bar tenders are great. The patio in the back of the bar feels like an escape from the City. Highly recommended.
We stopped for lunch at Centro Mexican restaurant, but we saw the sign for Gallo Pelon (actually, it is the same sign as for Centro). So, the waitress working at Centro was kind enough to take us upstairs for a tour of the second floor, which is where Gallo Pelon is located. She explained that the name means, "bald rooster," and that one of the designers of the upstairs restaurant/bar was bald. Anyhow, there are lots of Mexican/Hispanic stuff on the walls, high ceilings, a second stairway back downstairs, and a beautiful outdoor patio. And, of course, a bar.
Just had a delightful drink and nosh at this cute rooftop bar. Craft cocktail was elegant and flavorful and beautifully presented in a coupe. Fish tacos were colorful and tasty. Decor is lively Mexican/Boho. Great find in downtown Raleigh!
Went to this charming place on Friday for a drink and a nosh with a friend. Had a delicious craft cocktail called Afraid of Being Laughed At, a concoction of mezcal, tequila, lemon, and elderflower among other things, and we shared guac and chips and some salmon tacos. The dishes were colorful and well presented, and the decor is lively Mexican boho chic. There is a tiny rooftop bar, covered, where we sat enjoying one of the first warm days of spring. Don't pass this place up!
Very cool place to check out. Fun atmosphere, nice servers, and bartenders. Nice selection of tequila and Mezcal based libations. Prefer upstairs bar.