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The Best Restaurants and Bars in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill

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    • The Best Restaurants in Raleigh, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Durham, NC
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  • News
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    • New Restaurants and Bars of the Triangle, 2022 Edition
    • New Restaurants and Bars of the Triangle, 2021
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    • Chapel Hill and Carrboro – Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Durham Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Raleigh Restaurant and Bar Reviews
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    • Food Event Photos
  • About
    • NCTD Blogger- Ron Wen
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The 12 Best Bars and Lounges in Raleigh, NC

Home » The 12 Best Bars and Lounges in Raleigh, NC

Where to grab a beer, cocktail, or glass of wine in Raleigh? Here are 10 of my favorite bars in the Oak City, they are chosen as a great spot for drinks, ambiance, and conversation. Purposely, I’m not including clubs or music venues on this list and in many cases, these bars also may offer a bit of food or plates. But in my opinion, a bar is all about good drink and conversation! If you’re looking for great food in Raleigh, check out my 20 Best Restaurants in Raleigh list. (Updated on 1/13/23)

🍺 Ark Royal Tiki Bar

🚗  410 Glenwood Ave #350, Raleigh, NC 27603

☎  919.321.5148

A colorful and flamboyant place for frozen drinks and cocktails with an island flavor. Great decor and strong service make sure that you’ll have a fun night here!

 

🍺  Botanical Lounge

🚗  419 Glenwood Ave Level 1, Raleigh, NC 27603

☎  919.322.4515

This new bar and lounge is a wonderful space full of stuffed couches and patio seating. Enjoy a house cocktail or small plate before you figure out what to do next!

 

🍺  Boxcar Bar and Arcade

🚗  330 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601

☎  919.803.2796

A fun spot for pinball, arcade games and excellent beer! Boxcar is usually hopping on the weekends with a young crowd but mellows out during week days.

 

🍺  Cuya

🚗 413 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27603

This new bar and lounge is beautifully designed with a mix of textures and colors in its space. Open from 5pm to 2am, Cuya promises a fun, tropical vibe and energy for all.

 

 

🍺  Dram and Draught

🚗  1 Glenwood Ave Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27603

A more upscale and classic bar at the end of Glenwood Avenue, Dram and Draught offers up a more subdued setting for adults and a stiff drink.

 

🍺  Foundation

🚗  213 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601

☎  919.896.6016

This classic Raleigh bar started it all when it comes to cocktails. With its hidden, subterranean location and dark setting, Foundation is the definition of a speak-easy.

 

🍺  The Haymaker

🚗  555 Fayetteville St #115, Raleigh, NC 27601

A great little bar near the Progress Energy Center and all the action in downtown Raleigh. Great decor in a large and open space, off the beaten path for a more chill, in the know crowd.

 

🍺  The Hibernian

🚗  311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

☎  919.833.2258

You can’t find a more Irish bar that the Hibernian! Another old-school bar full of polished woods, rich leather, and beer by the pint. Enjoy a drink and snack out on their wrap-around patio or inside the clubby space.

 

🍺  The Pink Boot

🚗  911 N West St Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27603

A fun, no-frills bar offering up inexpensive drinks, professional bartenders, and local memorabilia! Enjoy this honky tonk bar in a quiet section of downtown Raleigh and don’t miss the disco ball bathroom!

 

🍺  Vita Vite Downtown

🚗  313 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

☎  919.803.3156

A plush and pleasant wine bar located on the edge of the Warehouse District. Enjoy their fireplaces and a glass of bubby, very friend for women.

 

🍺  Watts & Ward

🚗  200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

☎  919.896.8016

A monstrous, underground speak-easy with 3 rooms full of leather and subterfuge! Watts & Ward does cocktails right in an environment built for drinking. Don’t miss their outdoor patio if you need some air.

 

🍺  William & Co.

🚗  616 N Person St #1214, Raleigh, NC 27604

☎  919.335.3165

The coolest bar in the Person Street corridor, enjoy their fruity, lively cocktails built with a lot of spice and care. A bit hipster but care-free, a drink on their sidewalk patio is a nice alternative to sitting inside.

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