Bars and Lounges Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

June 10, 2021 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

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

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

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

Front patio at Ark Royal in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Front patio 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

July 16, 2018 by Ron Wen

Cheers: The Accordion Club in Durham, a Top-Notch Dive Bar

Front of the Accordion Club in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Front of the Accordion Club in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

When it comes to bars, ambiance and the crowd are oh so important to me! Because usually the beer and drinks are pretty similar from place to place, minus a few exceptional spots. So I was super curious when I heard about the Accordion Club. Located off of Geer Street in Durham, I wasn’t sure exactly where it was which made me excited to check it out on a quiet Saturday night! As we walk past the busy Motorco patio on Rigsbee and take a right onto Geer, I spot a dimly lit storefront in the corner of a plaza. Sitting in what used to be a tienda (which apparently had great vegetarian empanadas according to my friend, Susan), Accordion Club offers up few clues to the casual observer. Outside, there’s a small picnic table but the cool art deco doors and glass block front face give some hints about what may lie inside!

Clean retro interior at the Accordion Club in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Clean retro interior at the Accordion Club in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

We duck into the Accordion Club and all I can think is, hmm… Interesting layout with a chill pool table area in front, through some arched entryways into the main bar area. From here, things get a bit more sexy! It’s a great space at the Accordion Club with a brick wall behind the bar, large plate glass mirrors and art deco hanging lamps overhead. Most of the seating is tall captain chairs giving the space a modern, 70’s-ish feel! And the crowd here is good: lively, chatty, 25 – 45 with a good mix of different types, I definitely like the scene. The MTV 80’s music popping overhead just completes the mood for me.

Heading over to the far end of the bar, I’m immediately greeted by the friendly barkeep. A gin and tonic goes in for my drink order and he’s back, lickety-split, “That’ll be $5.00”! Whatttt? $5 for a mixed drink? That’s really inexpensive for Durham and I’m liking the Accordion Club even better now! They don’t have a huge selection of drafts or bottled beers but the choices are solid and cheap. And at the bar, I spy another oddity, a retro hot dog heater! Yep, I had read online that the Accordion Club does some dogs and green chile stew, there are also heaters for cheese sauce and beef chili to top the dogs with. Based upon a short menu, it also looks like they mix it all up to put together some Frito pies for their patrons, cool!

Hot dog! Hot dogs at the Accordion Club in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Hot dog! Hot dogs at the Accordion Club in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

We head back up front, where the Accordion Club has some table console games along with the pool table. We spend the rest of the evening shooting some pool to finish things off with our drinks. And while our pool-playing sort of sucked, the Accordion Club rocks! From the space (modern 70’s vibe) to the drinks, crowd and bartenders, I was pretty impressed all around. And the fact that it’s off the main Rigsbee Avenue drag keeps things very chill here. They even serve delicious breakfast burritos on Sunday mornings to finish off the weekend. So if you live in the neighborhood, definitely give the Accordion Club a try! If I lived in the hood, I could definitely seeing it being my regular bar for a quick drink, great conversation and chili dogs…

The Accordion Club

316 W Geer Street

Durham, NC 27701

Location on Google maps

April 19, 2017 by Ron Wen

First Take: Watts & Ward, a New Speakeasy Bar for Downtown Raleigh

Entryway to Watts & Ward in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Entryway to Watts & Ward in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

As we’re leaving from a dinner at Brewery Bhavana last week, we pass a suited fellow at the front of Watts & Ward. Looks like they are doing a friends and family event and I test the security up front as to what it would take for us to get into this cool new speakeasy. The security man, Jarvis, shakes his head no and reminds us that Watts & Ward will be opening up on Thursday. Lucky me, because their media preview comes a day early, before their grand opening!

Thankfully, Wednesday night rolls around pretty quickly and I head on over to the corner of Hargett and Blount. Located underneath Caffe Luna, just look for the two iron railed gateways around the corner to visit Watts & Ward! Stepping downstairs, I find myself in a narrow hallway with entrances on both sides. Watts & Ward is a BIG speakeasy with over 6,000 square feet of space and three bars. Up front they have a small bar area they call the mud room with the Watts & Ward signage stenciled on the wall. To the left there are two lounge rooms with stuffed couches and chairs to relax in.

Lounge area at Watts & Ward in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Lounge area at Watts & Ward in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Center bar at Watts & Ward in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Center bar at Watts & Ward in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

But I’m immediately drawn to the center bar area which is the showcase of Watts & Ward. It’s a beautiful bar covering the length of the room and has some lovely inlaid woodwork on the face. Metal tractor stool type seats line the front and you’ve got some couches in the center. I grab a menu and scan through it, Watts & Ward offers up cocktails in the $12 range and they all sound pretty interesting. But I’m going to start with my fave, gin and tonic. The lighting at Watts & Ward is perfect for a cozy and/or romantic evening if that’s what you’re looking for. They’re playing a bit of classic pop rock over the speakers but not sure what they’ll do on popular evenings.

Back bar at Watts & Ward in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Back bar at Watts & Ward in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

In terms of comparable speak-easy type bars, I’d say that Watts & Ward is most similar to Circa 1888. Like Circa 1888, it’s got a large cavernous space along with a side patio for some sunshine air. Heading on back to the third set of rooms, I find another nice marble top bar. This space is a bit lighter given its proximity to the patio and it’s paired up with a nice lounge area. A vintage cash register sits in the corner, a reminder of simpler times. The staff is all dressed in black slacks and white shirts, the classic service look.

Antique cash register at Watts & Ward in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Antique cash register at Watts & Ward in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Working to the outside edges of Watts & Ward are all the sitting rooms by the patio. They are a bit tight, full of furniture and chairs so hopefully they will spread things out for a bit of space. I head back to the center bar and grab a Pamlico cocktail: rum, bourbon and pineapple syrup. It’s a solid drink although I probably prefer more classic cocktails in a speak-easy! And I’d guess that given Watts & Ward is run by Niall Hanley from the Hibernian Group, he’ll make sure that the beer, drinks and cocktails are up to snuff.

Back lounge at Watts & Ward in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Back lounge at Watts & Ward in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

My one curious question is how Watts & Ward will do given all the competition in the area. It’s a LOT of space to fill right near Moore Square and you’ve got the Architect, Greenlight Bar, London Bridge Pub and Landmark Tavern right around the corner. Overall I think it’s got a chance to be an excellent bar and meeting spot for downtown Raleigh. I can definitely see an older office crowd here at Watts & Ward. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Watts & Ward

200 S Blount Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.896.8016

Location on Google maps

May 21, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: Vita Vite Bringing Art and Wine Together in One Space

Brick front of Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

While breweries and beer bottle shops have been opening left and right in the Triangle, it always seemed to me that wine seemed to be lagging. Thankfully we recently got a new entry in the Triangle wine scene with Vita Vite in downtown Raleigh! Part art gallery, part wine bar and part retail, Vita Vite is pretty ambitious for what it brings to the neighborhood.

Stuffed seating at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Located on the edge of the Warehouse District on Hargett Street, Vita Vite offers up an interesting combination of art gallery, wine and lounge in one very upscale space. At the front is Vita Vite’s covered patio with stuffed couches for wine drinking. Inside Vita Vite, you’ll find a visually interesting mix of art pieces, large front bar and even a fireplace. And in back you’ll find a small retail area of Southern goods along with more art and seating areas. You can tell immediately that a lot of work and money was put into the interior and decor.

Bar area at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

At the bar, Vita Vite has a smallish list of wines by the glass, some beer and cider along with some fancy mimosas. We grab a couple of glasses and hang out in the front seating area on stuffed chairs. Looking around the space it’s an interesting mix of people. Mostly 30 – 50 year old folks which is about right for a wine bar. It’s definitely a more stylish and mature space that won’t appeal to everyone but in a good way. Apparently there’s also an event space in the back where I think they’ll need to do a good business since off the street traffic can be unreliable. The lovely enclosed patio up front means great lounging for when the weather is nice.

But they are off to a good start at Vita Vite! It’s a great looking space with a lot of color and texture for wine drinking. The addition of some charcuterie and cheese plates to the menu means you also have something to nosh on now at Vita Vite. Definitely certainly check it out next time you’re in the Warehouse District. Vita Vite means life and vine in Italiano and I imagine you could do just that here: slow down your life a bit with a good glass of vino, cheers!

Vita Vite

313 W Hargett Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.803.3156

Location on Google maps

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June 9, 2015 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

The New Doherty’s Irish Pub in Apex!

Doherty's Irish Pub, Apex- NC Triangle Dining — Doherty’s Irish Pub, Apex- NC Triangle Dining

What can you say when you’ve got a local chain that opens up a second location? That’s the story with Doherty’s Irish Pub in Apex. The original Doherty’s is located deep in Cary but I was sort of excited about the new location since it was much closer to work. And since I was impressed with Doherty’s #1, I couldn’t resist a visit to the new Doherty’s in Apex and it met all my expectations which is pretty good news…

Inside of Doherty's Irish Pub in Apex- NC Triangle Dining — Inside of Doherty’s Irish Pub in Apex- NC Triangle Dining

The new Doherty’s in Apex has a lot of similarities to the original which makes sense, why mess up a good formula? Located in a small strip plaza off of Apex Peakway, it’s got a very similar layout to the original. U-shaped bar in main room, casual booths and high-boys, side-room with more of a restaurant feel. Inside there is a pub-like feel if not as pronounced as say, the Hibernian.

Dining side-room at Doherty's Irish Pub in Apex- NC Triangle Dining — Dining side-room at Doherty’s Irish Pub in Apex- NC Triangle Dining

Sitting down we’re immediately greeted and have drink orders taken. The menu looks to be the same, my table mate orders up their popular famous fish and chips, I go with a brisket sandwich. I love Doherty’s Irish egg rolls but pass on the appetizer since it’s a quick lunch! Doherty’s in Apex has only been open a couple of months but it’s already got some customers which is great to see.

Brisket sandwich at Doherty's Irish Pub in Apex- NC Triangle Dining — Brisket sandwich at Doherty’s Irish Pub in Apex- NC Triangle Dining

It doesn’t take long for our food, maybe 10 minutes which is perfect for a quicker lunch service. My brisket sandwich is quite good: tender beef layered with onions, cheddar and horseradish sauce. Paired with some potato chips made in-house, yum! My friend fish and chips look wonderful, served in “newspaper” and with a side of beans, he pronounces it possibly the best fish and chips he’s ever had in his life, high praise. So it looks like the new Doherty’s in Apex hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to its food.

Fish and chips at Doherty's Irish Pub in Apex- NC Triangle Dining — Fish and chips at Doherty’s Irish Pub in Apex- NC Triangle Dining

Over the course of the meal, our drinks are filled quickly and we get asked several times how our meal is. So I’m not sure if they might have sniffed out that I’m a blogger and Yelper but we got a lot of attention over lunch. Fact is, Doherty’s did a great job service-wise which I also experienced in Cary. So the magic formula for Doherty’s lives on in its Apex location. Above-average pub fare with excellent service in a slightly casual, Irish-pub like setting. For a lot of people that will work perfectly, just don’t expect the over the top Irish pub experience you might get in an old-school pub. And that’s plenty good for me if you’ve got your expectations in check. So congratulations Doherty’s on getting your new location up and running so well. Bon appetit and slainte…

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