• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer

NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

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

  • Home
    • Blog
  • Best Restaurants and Bars
    • The Best Restaurants in Raleigh, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Durham, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Cary – Apex, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Chapel Hill – Carrboro, NC
    • Best Food Specials and Deals in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill
    • The Best Bars and Lounges in Raleigh, NC
    • The Best Bars and Lounges in Durham, NC
  • News
    • Coming Soon to the Triangle – New Restaurants and Bars
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Cary and Morrisville
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Chapel Hill and Carrboro
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Durham
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Raleigh
    • New Restaurants and Bars of the Triangle, 2022 Edition
    • New Restaurants and Bars of the Triangle, 2021
  • Index of Reviews
    • Cary – Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Chapel Hill and Carrboro – Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Durham Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Raleigh Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • NC Video Reviews
    • Travel Reviews
  • Food Photos
    • Food Event Photos
  • About
    • NCTD Blogger- Ron Wen
    • NC Triangle Dining Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • NC Triangle Dining Blog Policy
    • Working with NC Triangle Dining
    • NC Triangle Dining Blog and Social Media Statistics
  • Home
    • Blog
  • Best Restaurants and Bars
    • The Best Restaurants in Raleigh, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Durham, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Cary – Apex, NC
    • The Best Restaurants in Chapel Hill – Carrboro, NC
    • Best Food Specials and Deals in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill
    • The Best Bars and Lounges in Raleigh, NC
    • The Best Bars and Lounges in Durham, NC
  • News
    • Coming Soon to the Triangle – New Restaurants and Bars
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Cary and Morrisville
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Chapel Hill and Carrboro
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Durham
    • New Restaurants and Bars in Raleigh
    • New Restaurants and Bars of the Triangle, 2022 Edition
    • New Restaurants and Bars of the Triangle, 2021
  • Index of Reviews
    • Cary – Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Chapel Hill and Carrboro – Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Durham Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • Raleigh Restaurant and Bar Reviews
    • NC Video Reviews
    • Travel Reviews
  • Food Photos
    • Food Event Photos
  • About
    • NCTD Blogger- Ron Wen
    • NC Triangle Dining Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • NC Triangle Dining Blog Policy
    • Working with NC Triangle Dining
    • NC Triangle Dining Blog and Social Media Statistics

Ark Royal in Raleigh Delivers Tiki Coolness in Abundance to Glenwood South

Home » Restaurant & Bar Reviews » Ark Royal in Raleigh Delivers Tiki Coolness in Abundance to Glenwood South
June 10, 2021 by Ron Wen
Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

As a long-time transplant to the Triangle area, I’ve had a chance to witness its amazing transformation and evolution over the years. And sometimes when I walk into a new place, like Ark Royal Tiki Bar , it brings back memories. As the only tiki bar in Glenwood South, the bright colors and island decor take you to a different place. BUT given I lived in this hood a long time, I saw the old Taqueria Xoco, the old Sauced NY Pizza AND Enoteca Vin where Chef Ashley Christensen got her start. But that’s all ancient history and Ark Royal is bringing a whole new tiki vibe to the area. And it is VERY good.

Cool vibe at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Cool vibe at Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Located a bit off the beaten path, the Ark Royal sits behind the new Pine State Public House at 410 Glenwood and is brought to you by the folks from Watts & Ward. I popped in for a quick visit and was really impressed. Hop up the metal stairs and you’ll find a small, secluded patio up front. Inside is where things take on a whole new dimension. Think lush colors, bamboo, rattan and maritime themes. They’ve done a fantastic job designing the place and their are hints of tiki coolness all around. Each section of this bar and lounge has little details to enjoy: a shark on the wall, a display of old-school clock radios, a plush love seat and wicker baskets overhead as decor are all thoughtful little touches that bring the space to life.

Kitschy island decor at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Kitschy island decor at Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Kitschy island decor at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Kitschy island decor at Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Seating at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Seating at Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

But more importantly the drinks, Ark Royal has a nice selection of tropical drink specialties in the $11 to $13 range along with some beer, wine and sakes. I tried out the Belafonte in homage to 50s Calypso singer, Harry Belafonte and it was wonderful. While I’m not a fan of frozen drinks, this magical potion of Tito’s vodka, coconut rum, pineapple, blue curacao and and coconut cream was just perfect. The well-blended ice made it a perfectly balanced adult slurpee which is refreshing on a warm, summer evening in North Carolina. The staff here is friendly and welcoming although I haven’t seen this place when it gets really busy. They are nicely attired in island-themed shirts without being over the top and seem to have fun here. So a big thumbs-up for the new Ark Royal! I really wasn’t expecting much but I suspect this place will be a lot of fun with friends on the weekends. And don’t miss the neon sign above the bar, it’s the latitude and longitude settings for the center of Ark Royal, that’ll be our little secret…

Tiki bar at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Tiki bar at Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Belafonte frozen cocktail at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Belafonte frozen cocktail at Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Painkiller cocktail at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Painkiller cocktail at Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Patio area at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Patio area at Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Clock radio display at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Clock radio display at Ark Royal in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

 

Ark Royal Tiki Bar

410 Glenwood Avenue, #350

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.322.5148

Location on Google maps

Related

Category: Featured, Raleigh, Restaurant & Bar ReviewsTag: Bars and Lounges, Cocktails, Glenwood South Restaurants
Previous Post:Sam Jones BBQ Arrives in Raleigh Offering Up Top-Notch Barbeque, Ribs, and Sides
Next Post:Barcelona Wine Bar, a High-Energy Celebration of Spanish Tapas

Sidebar

Subscribe to NC Triangle Dining

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

New Reviews!

  • Tesoro in Carrboro for an Intimate and Delicious Taste of Italian Cuisine
  • Dashi, Durham – Doing Japanese Eats and Ramen from Top to Bottom
  • Rush Hour Karting RTP in Morrsville – When You Feel the Need for Electric Speed
  • The BBQ Lab, Raleigh – An Updated Take on the Classic Barbeque Eatery for North Hills

Categories

Inspiration

“Do a little better each day.”

– Thomas Keller, French Laundry

Popular Posts

Copyright © 2023 · NC Triangle Dining Food Blog · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme