Cocktails, wine bars and dives: drinking in Raleigh for grown-ups.
Cocktail bars, wine bars, dive bars and gastropubs: drinking in Raleigh for grown-ups.
Subterranean Fayetteville Street cocktail bar open since 2009, built on domestic spirits and NC draft beer. Imbibe Magazine recognised its cocktail programme.
Signature drink: Seasonal domestic-spirits cocktails
Food: Light snacks
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.
Signature drink: Pick-Your-Proof cocktail (zero, half, or full alcohol)
Food: Snacks and punch bowls
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.
Signature drink: World whiskey selection (300+ bottles)
Food: Small plates
Over 400 whiskeys across bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, and Japanese paired with a full Southern kitchen emphasising local sourcing. NC trout is a standout.
Signature drink: American rye whiskey programme (400+ selections)
Food: Full Southern kitchen
A 1906 newspaper building now housing one of downtown's better gastropubs. Cicerone-certified staff; strong Belgian beer programme and late kitchen hours.
Signature drink: Belgian and craft beer programme
Food: American pub fare
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.
Signature drink: Fresh-ingredient cocktails
Food: None
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.
Signature drink: Extensive rotating draft selection
Food: Bar snacks and small plates
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.
Signature drink: Spanish and Mediterranean wine selections
Food: Spanish and Mediterranean food pairings
The Five Points outpost of Trophy Brewing, serving house ales and wood-fired pizza. The neighbourhood taproom format draws a strong Oakwood residential crowd.
Signature drink: House-brewed ales and lagers
Food: Pizza and bar snacks
Brewery Bhavana's Belgian farmhouse ales are world-class. The dim sum kitchen means drinking and eating well happen side by side; Michelin Guide recommended.
Signature drink: Belgian-inspired farmhouse ales
Food: Full dim sum kitchen
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.
Signature drink: Seasonal craft cocktails
Food: Full seasonal American kitchen
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.
Signature drink: Czech pilsner
Food: Southern food from Wilson's Eatery
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.
Signature drink: Gulf Coast-inspired cocktails
Food: Full oyster and seafood kitchen
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.
Signature drink: German-inspired American craft lagers
Food: None
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.
Signature drink: 32 rotating taps of City of Oaks-themed ales
Food: Snacks