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.