8 bars in Raleigh, editor-picked for bars open past midnight friday or saturday. Bars going past midnight on friday or saturday. All bars in Raleigh.
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.
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.