Bars and Lounges Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

November 14, 2021 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Botanical Lounge and HighGarden Now Open in Raleigh!

Botanical Lounge in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

As we near the end of 2021, there has been a burst of restaurant openings and building activity! One very, interesting and new addition to the bar and lounge scene in Raleigh is over at 419 Glenwood Avenue. Formerly known as Solas, this multi-level venue had lain dormant for a long time given the pandemic. But with the overall economy improving, the space has been renovated and re-opened as three new concepts: Botanical Lounge (Bar and lounge), The Sage (Private events), and HighGarden (Rooftop lounge and events). I’m going to focus on the 1st floor Botanical Lounge in this post and review.

Patio bar at Botanical Lounge in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

If you visit the Botanical Lounge during the day, it comes across as a posh and green space with plenty of open-air, sunlight, and outdoor space. There’s a great mix of rich colors, organic textures, and dark woods at Botanical, making for a fun ambiance. Lit rattan lamps overhead, couches in mint and pinks, along with deep browns in the wood paneling and patio furniture. Botanical is also a large lounging space with lots of seating options indoors or on the wrap-around patio.

Beautiful interior at Botanical Lounge in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Neon sign at Botanical Lounge in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

But at night, Botanical Lounge takes on a much more sultry with its dim lighting and music. Candle lighting behind the bar highlights the space, along with the glimmering lamps overhead. I’d have to say it’s a great spot for a date but I’m guessing it can get super busy on the weekends and a bit noisy. So your mileage may vary!

Botanical Lounge offers a smallish menu of small plates along with its drinks and cocktails, I’ve had a chance to try out the steak tartare and tuna tartare, served on small phyllo cups, tasty little bites. The presentation of the plates is solid at Botanical Lounge with eggs capping the steak tartare and a smear of wasabi sauce for the tuna tartare.

Beef tartare at Botanical Lounge in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Tuna tartare at Botanical Lounge in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

The croquettes are quite good, crispy, hot, and stuffed with potato, jamon, and manchego cheese! And the corn-dogs are a fun and casual option served with ketchup, mustard, and cornichon pickles for fun. Overall the food at Botanical Lounge is in the “good enough” range and a way to soak up and alcohol while you cocktail.

Croquettes at Botanical Lounge in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Corn dogs at Botanical Lounge in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

And up on the rooftop you’ve still got HighGarden, an airy and green space that will be used for events and lounging with a great view of Glenwood South (Picture album below)! Overall I’m pretty happy with what the Hibernian Group has done here. Botanical Lounge and HighGarden are lovely bars and a nice reprieve from the craziness on Glenwood South. And while I probably wouldn’t come here for the food, there’s enough to keep you happy and nibble off the menu. Let’s hear it for the end of 2021 and getting back to normality, next year. New bars and lounges like Botanical will be a big part of that rebirth for the City of Oaks moving forward…

Botanical Lounge, The Sage Room and HighGarden

419 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.322.4515

Location on Google maps

August 1, 2019 by Ron Wen 2 Comments

The Raleigh Times Bar, An Iconic Oak City Eatery

There’s no doubt that a successful restaurant can get stale over time. They get popular, they develop a clientele and then things get taken for granted. They stick with the same menu to keep their regulars happy, they don’t bother re-decorating since that’s what made them successful. Thankfully, the Raleigh Times Bar has not fallen into that trap of success. As one of the first cool spots I visited when I moved into the City of Oaks, the Raleigh Times still has that comfortable feel to it but seems to be broadening its appeal through a larger space, consistently high-quality bar food, and of course, a cool chameleon-like flavor to its ambiance.

Original main bar at Raleigh Times Bar- nctriangledining.com

Original dining room at Raleigh Times Bar- nctriangledining.com

Why do I call the Raleigh Times chameleon-like? Because it works in so many ways for different types of visits. Sit outside on a first date and enjoy the fresh air. Cozy up at the bar with a buddy for a great craft beer and fries. Come in on a busy Sunday morning for some brunch-like eats. Or stumble in after a long night on the town for a nightcap and some late-night snacks. I’ve been here under each of those circumstances and the Raleigh Times always delivers. And with the recent opening of their second floor and patio, I expect even more dining options from the Times!

Antiqued interior of Raleigh Times Bar, NC Triangle Dining

Mural at Raleigh Times Bar, NC Triangle Dining

Given its success over the years, the dining area has expanded down Hargett toward S. Wilmington Street. Adding a second floor area and patio means you have 4 bars to choose from and plenty of space to stretch out in! Just be very specific about where you are seating when meeting up with friends.

2nd main bar at the Raleigh Times, NC Triangle Dining

Roof-top patio at the Raleigh Times, NC Triangle Dining

The most important thing to understand is that the Raleigh Times is self-service seating. Grab any open table, when it gets really busy you might even have to stalk one that has a party about to depart. The Raleigh Times specializes in great beer and bar food, ask for the list of what’s on tap and you’ll find rare and difficult-to-find brews along with PBR’s. The food menu is somewhat small but some favorites include the loaded fries, pork-barbeque nachos along with an assortment of sandwiches and appetizers

Loaded cheese fries Raleigh Times Bar, NC Triangle Dining

Pork nachos at Raleigh Times Bar, NC Triangle Dining

Braised pork burrito at Raleigh Times Bar, nctriangledining.com

One long-time favorite is their braised pork burrito smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese, a spicy bite! And I highly recommend their Cuban sandwich pressed between soft bread and layered with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles, a classic taste combination. The new chicken parm sandwich is also a wonderful bite! Marinara sauce from sister restaurant, the Pizza Times, tops this Italian-American classic.

Cuban sandwich at Raleigh Times Bar, nctriangledining.com

And while the food is decent and the beer list excellent, what I really enjoy about the Raleigh Times is the decor. An old-school Raleigh feel with reminders of what used to be a newspaper press building along with murals paying homage to a different time and place. The lighting is dim and muted, perfect for a casual and fun date. The staff is very efficient and hip, they do a high volume business here so they better be good. While the Raleigh Times may not be the new shiny restaurant on the block, it’s still a solid choice and I’ve never heard anyone complain about a visit here. But what do you expect from a Raleigh icon? Truth is, the Raleigh Times still delivers good food, solid service in cool environs, day in and day out. So a thank you to a Raleigh classic, the Raleigh Times! And of course, bon appetit…

Raleigh Times Bar

14 E Hargett Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.833.0999

Raleigh Times Bar menu

Location on Google maps

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May 10, 2013 by Ron Wen 1 Comment

Best Bars and Cocktails Near the Durham Performing Arts Center – DPAC in Durham

Bar Virgile in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

The Durham Performing Arts Center is a downtown gem and magnet that draws people from all over the Triangle for its line-up of great theatre, drama and music. I’ve written up several posts about great dining and restaurants around DPAC but man (and woman) does not live by food alone! What if you’re up for a quick glass of wine, cocktail or beer, pre or post-show? Well thanks to this booming little area, bars, cocktails and ciders are slowly making a comeback in this neighborhood.

First word cocktail at Bar Virgile in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Bar Virgile is the closest and newest entry in the DPAC bar scene. Dimly and perfectly lit, Bar Virgile feels like you’ve stepped into some small cafe in Paris. There’s definitely an old-school European feel to the place. Medium sized bar with a nice array of bottles on display and small list of beers on tap, they cover all the classics. A small kitchen handles food for the bar and dining room dishing out charcuterie, sandwiches and more for a solid pre-show dinner. Bar Virgile walks the fine line between restaurant and bar really well!

Interior of the Oak House in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Interior of the Oak House in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Next up on Main Street is the new Oak House offering up a selection of coffee, beer and wine in a casual setting! While it’s a more casual setting a solid selection of beers and wine will keep you humming along! And with a very affordable menu, the Oak House is one of the more wallet-friendly drinking options out there near DPAC.

Kingfisher Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Kingfisher Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Next up on the list is Kingfisher on E. Chapel Hill Street! This subterranean bar next the Durham Hotel does a LOT of things right. Cool and sexy ambiance, check. Beautiful ceramic barware, check. Creative and flavorful cocktails, check! With a lot of space, private booths and even a short food menu, you’ll love your visit to Kingfisher before or after a DPAC show.

A newer cocktail choice on Chapel Hill street is the very popular, Alley Twenty Six! Discrete front face, inside the space goes in deeply and you’ll find old-school bartenders behind the long bar. Similar to Foundation or C. Grace, Alley Twenty Six has a short list of seasonal specialty cocktails along with tried and true favorites. They make most of their mixers in-house so there’s some serious love in their drinks. Which is also why they’re at the higher end of the cocktail price range: $10 – $12. The interior is better-lit and more modern than other bars in this categories so don’t expect a dark, speak-easy vibe. But there’s plenty of space to move around in, though I’ve heard it can get super busy and packed.

Bar at Counting House in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Bar at Counting House in Durham – nctriangledining.com

A fun spot to grab a pre-show drink is the super modern and artsy, Counting House! Located in the 21C Museum Hotel, grab a cocktail at the long bar and sure you could hang out there. But the 21C Museum Hotel is exactly that, a hotel AND modern art museum. So stroll around with your cocktail up to the second floor and check out their latest exhibits. Both the cocktail list and art rotates pretty frequently so you’ll always have something new to check out at the Counting House!

The new Pour Taproom in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — The new Pour Taproom in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

New to the DPAC scene is the Pour Taproom in the Unscripted Hotel. This modern beer bar offers a large selection of self-serve brews along with a handful of ciders and wine. Pass your credit card up front for a sensor wrist band, grab a glass and then head on over to the automated taps! With about 50 different choices across a variety of styles, I’m sure you’ll find something to quench your thirst. Wave you band over the sensor pad and you pour as much or as little as you want. You’re charged by the ounce so enjoy! The space at Pour Taphouse is very modern with high ceilings and a lot of wood. It does get a bit loud in here and the crowd is pretty casual but I can see it being a quick pit-stop before or after your DPAC show.

Another option within reasonable walking distance is the West End Wine Bar! Located a bit further west on Main Street, West End is an interesting spot for a beer or glass of vino. Small patio outside, loft on the inside, there’s a lot of space to stretch out here. While West End obviously focuses on wine, but they’ll typically have a couple of beers on tap along with some cocktails on the list. They’ve also got some small plates and pizza’s but West End is really mostly a bar with some lightweight food offerings. While it’s not nearly as interesting as its sister location in Chapel Hill, West End Wine Bar- Durham is perfectly fine for a quick stop and drink before a DPAC show.

Front of the new Bull City Ciderworks in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Front of the new Bull City Ciderworks in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Two final DPAC bars you might want to consider is the new Bull City Ciderworks the Wine Feed on Roxboro Street. It’s perfect if you’re gluten-free and/or not a beer person. Bright, open casual space with a lot of Durham 20 or 30-somethings hanging about! I’ve done most of the ciders that Bull City Ciderworks puts out and they are solid, usually a bit on the sweeter side but a good beverage to cap off the evening.

Cider bar at the new Bull City Ciderworks in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Cider bar at the new Bull City Ciderworks in Durham – nctriangledining.com

The Wine Feed in Durham - nctriangledining.com — The Wine Feed in Durham – nctriangledining.com

On the flip side of the Bull City Ciderworks is the popular Wine Feed! A modern wine bar and wine shop, you can grab an interesting glass of vino here just steps away from DPAC. With a great crew of wine advisors and a small lounge, the Wine Feed is a very comfortable spot to meet up at, before or after your DPAC show.

Given the alcohol laws in NC, true bars are much less common in the Triangle than most other areas I’ve lived in. But thankfully, more and more are popping up and brewery options continue to pop up, frequently. While this list of bars and breweries around DPAC is a bit short, I’m expecting it to grow over time and I’ll be adding entries in when I can! Because a night out at DPAC is a special event so who really wants it to end?! So just enjoy Bar Virgile, The Oak House, Criterion, Alley Twenty Six, Pour Taproom, the Wine Feed and Bull City Ciderworks for their adult beverages. Cause before or after a show at DPAC, a drink may be the perfect way to cap off an evening…

Bar Virgile

105 S. Mangum Street

919.973.3000

Location on Google maps

Kingfisher

321 E Chapel Hill St

Location on Google maps

Alley Twenty Six

320 E Chapel Hill Street

919.213.1267

Location on Google maps

Counting House at the 21C Museum Hotel

111 Corcoran Street

919.956.6760

Pour Taproom

202 N. Corcoran St., #200

919.972.8771

The Oak House

126 W Main Street

919.339.1383

Location on Google maps

Wine Feed Durham

307 S. Roxboro Street

919.748.4115

Bull City Ciderworks

305 S. Roxboro Street

919.237.2357

Location on Google maps

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

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…

Botanical Lounge and HighGarden Now Open in Raleigh!