12 bars in Raleigh, editor-picked for bars open late. Bars serving past 23:00. All bars in Raleigh.

Brewery Bhavana ★ 4.7

218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30-22:00; Fri-Sat 11:30-23:00; Sun 11:30-21:00

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.

Stanbury ★ 4.5

938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604

Hours: Tue-Thu 17:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00

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.

Foundation Bar ★ 4.4

213 Fayetteville St, Suite 010, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Daily 16:00-02:00

Subterranean Fayetteville Street cocktail bar open since 2009, built on domestic spirits and NC draft beer. Imbibe Magazine recognised its cocktail programme.

Dram and Draught ★ 4.2

1 Glenwood Ave, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27603

Hours: Daily 17:00-02:00

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.

Raleigh Times Bar ★ 4.1

14 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:00-23:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-02:00; Sun 11:00-23:00

A 1906 newspaper building now housing one of downtown's better gastropubs. Cicerone-certified staff; strong Belgian beer programme and late kitchen hours.

The Haymaker ★ 4.0

555 Fayetteville St, Suite 115, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Mon-Fri 16:00-02:00; Sat-Sun 12:00-02:00

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.

Whiskey Kitchen ★ 4.0

201 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Mon 17:00-00:00; Tue-Thu 11:00-00:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-02:00; Sun 11:00-00:00

Over 400 whiskeys across bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, and Japanese paired with a full Southern kitchen emphasising local sourcing. NC trout is a standout.

Lynnwood Brewing Concern ★ 4.0

1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604

Hours: Mon-Thu 16:00-23:00; Fri 15:00-00:00; Sat 12:00-00:00; Sun 12:00-22:00

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.

Raleigh Brewing Company ★ 4.0

3709 Neil St, Raleigh, NC 27607

Hours: Mon-Tue 15:00-22:00; Wed 12:00-22:00; Thu-Fri 12:00-23:00; Sat 12:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-19:00

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.

Neptunes Parlour ★ 3.9

14 W Martin St, Lower Level, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Mon-Tue 17:00-00:00; Wed-Sat 17:00-02:00; Sun 17:00-00:00

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.

Raleigh Beer Garden ★ 3.9

614 Glenwood Ave, Suite B, Raleigh, NC 27603

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-02:00; Sat-Sun 10:00-02:00

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.

Clouds Brewing Taproom ★ 3.7

1233 Front St, Raleigh, NC 27609

Hours: Thu 16:30-23:00; Fri 15:00-22:00; Sat 13:00-22:00; Sun 14:00-19:00

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.