Foundation Bar ★ 4.4
Subterranean Fayetteville Street cocktail bar open since 2009, built on domestic spirits and NC draft beer. Imbibe Magazine recognised its cocktail programme.
DrinkSeasonal domestic-spirits cocktails
FoodLight snacks
Cocktail bars, wine bars, dive bars and gastropubs: drinking in Raleigh for grown-ups.
Where to drink
The Haymaker ★ 4.0
Best known for its Pick-Your-Proof format, letting guests choose the alcohol level of any cocktail. DJ nights, comedy, music bingo; most cocktails under $11.
DrinkPick-Your-Proof cocktail (zero, half, or full alcohol)
FoodSnacks and punch bowls
Dram and Draught ★ 4.2
A Glenwood South bar built around 300-plus world whiskeys and rotating local draught beers. Opened in 2016; wine, mocktails, and THC beverages also available.
DrinkWorld whiskey selection (300+ bottles)
FoodSmall plates
Whiskey Kitchen ★ 4.0
Over 400 whiskeys across bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, and Japanese paired with a full Southern kitchen emphasising local sourcing. NC trout is a standout.
DrinkAmerican rye whiskey programme (400+ selections)
FoodFull Southern kitchen
Raleigh Times Bar ★ 4.1
A 1906 newspaper building now housing one of downtown's better gastropubs. Cicerone-certified staff; strong Belgian beer programme and late kitchen hours.
DrinkBelgian and craft beer programme
FoodAmerican pub fare
Neptunes Parlour ★ 3.9
Downtown subterranean bar open until 02:00 on weekends. DJs, karaoke, arcade games, and pinball; one of the consistently busy late-night options in Raleigh.
DrinkFresh-ingredient cocktails
FoodNone
Raleigh Beer Garden ★ 3.9
A multi-storey Glenwood South institution with one of the world's largest draft selections. The rooftop deck is the draw in good weather; knowledgeable staff.
DrinkExtensive rotating draft selection
FoodBar snacks and small plates
Vitis House ★ 3.9
NC's first WSET wine school doubles as a wine bar with Spanish and Mediterranean cooking. Classes include tastings; the bar is open to class participants.
DrinkSpanish and Mediterranean wine selections
FoodSpanish and Mediterranean food pairings
Trophy Brewing (Five Points) ★ 4.0
The Five Points outpost of Trophy Brewing, serving house ales and wood-fired pizza. The neighbourhood taproom format draws a strong Oakwood residential crowd.
DrinkHouse-brewed ales and lagers
FoodPizza and bar snacks
Brewery Bhavana ★ 4.7
Brewery Bhavana's Belgian farmhouse ales are first-rate. The dim sum kitchen means drinking and eating well happen side by side; Michelin Guide recommended.
DrinkBelgian-inspired farmhouse ales
FoodFull dim sum kitchen
Stanbury ★ 4.5
Walk-in only; seating list from 16:30. Stanbury's bar programme is one of the most respected in the city, designed to complement the seasonal kitchen menu.
DrinkSeasonal craft cocktails
FoodFull seasonal American kitchen
Lynnwood Brewing Concern ★ 4.0
East Raleigh neighbourhood bar with a dog-friendly beer garden and charity pints on Tuesdays. The Czech-style pilsner is among the best pours in the city.
DrinkCzech pilsner
FoodSouthern food from Wilson's Eatery
St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar ★ 4.5
St. Roch's bar is built around oysters and matching cocktails. Half-price oysters from 17:00 to 18:00; NOLA-influenced spirits and Gulf Coast preparations.
DrinkGulf Coast-inspired cocktails
FoodFull oyster and seafood kitchen
Clouds Brewing Taproom ★ 3.7
Following the downtown closure in April 2024, Clouds operates a Thu-Sun taproom in North Hills. The German-inspired lager programme remains the core identity.
DrinkGerman-inspired American craft lagers
FoodNone
Raleigh Brewing Company ★ 4.0
Every beer brewed in honour of Raleigh as the City of Oaks. The Neil Street taproom offers 32 rotating taps; a Study Bar on-site makes it a neighbourhood hub.
Drink32 rotating taps of City of Oaks-themed ales
FoodSnacks
Bars: tours, tastings and classes in Raleigh
2 hours
Raleigh: Sushi Making at a Local Craft Beer Bar
Learn how to make sushi with a hands-on cooking class led by Chef Jenny. Make California and vegetable rolls with fresh ingredients and enjoy your creations.
from$75 Check dates
2 hours
Raleigh: Mystery Paint & Sip Night at a Trendy Wine Bar
Join a fun mystery paint & sip night at a local Raleigh wine bar. Cold drinks, brushes and a surprise painting revealed on the night, no experience needed, just show u...
from$59 Check dates
Guided tour · 3 hours
Raleigh: Downtown Food Tour with 5 Tastings & Secret Dish
Explore downtown Raleigh on a guided food tour with a local guide. Taste Cantonese barbecue pork buns, Lebanese dishes, and more as you learn about the city's history ...
from$105 Check dates