18 cocktail bar rooms in Raleigh we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Raleigh | Cocktail Bar across every city.

Foundation Bar ★ 4.3

Cocktail bar · $$

downtown · 213 Fayetteville St, Suite 010, Raleigh, NC 27601

A pioneering subterranean cocktail bar on Fayetteville Street, open since 2009. Built on domestic spirits and NC draft beer; Imbibe-recognised cocktails.

Foundation Bar ★ 4.4

Cocktail bar · $$

213 Fayetteville St, Suite 010, Raleigh, NC 27601

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

The Haymaker ★ 4.0

Cocktail bar · $$

555 Fayetteville St, Suite 115, Raleigh, NC 27601

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.

Raleigh Times Bar ★ 4.1

Cocktail bar · $$

14 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

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

Neptunes Parlour ★ 3.9

Cocktail bar · $$

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

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

Cocktail bar · $$

614 Glenwood Ave, Suite B, Raleigh, NC 27603

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.

Vitis House ★ 3.9

Cocktail bar · $$

1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Suite 115, Raleigh, NC 27604

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.

Trophy Brewing (Five Points) ★ 4.0

Cocktail bar · $$

207 Bickett Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604

The Five Points outpost of Trophy Brewing, serving house ales and wood-fired pizza. The neighbourhood taproom format draws a strong Oakwood residential crowd.

Brewery Bhavana ★ 4.7

Cocktail bar · $$$

218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

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

Cocktail bar · $$$

938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604

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.

Lynnwood Brewing Concern ★ 4.0

Cocktail bar · $$

1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604

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.

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar ★ 4.5

Cocktail bar · $$$

223 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601

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.

Clouds Brewing Taproom ★ 3.7

Cocktail bar · $$

1233 Front St, Raleigh, NC 27609

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.

Raleigh Brewing Company ★ 4.0

Cocktail bar · $

3709 Neil St, Raleigh, NC 27607

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.

Foundation Bar ★ 4.4

Cocktail bar · $$

213 Fayetteville St, Suite 010, Raleigh, NC 27601

Domestic-spirits-only subterranean cocktail bar on Fayetteville Street, open until 02:00. Crowds thin by midnight; Imbibe-recognised cocktails.

The Haymaker ★ 4.0

Cocktail bar · $$

555 Fayetteville St, Suite 115, Raleigh, NC 27601

Open until 02:00 nightly with DJ sets, comedy, and music bingo. Pick-Your-Proof format suits all guests; most cocktails under $11; punch bowls for groups.

Neptunes Parlour ★ 3.9

Cocktail bar · $$

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

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.

Foundation Bar ★ 4.4

Cocktail bar · $$

213 Fayetteville St, Suite 010, Raleigh, NC 27601