Reviews of the best bars, lounges and speak-easys in the area

Find the best bars, lounges and speak-easys in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill! Reviews on the best places to grab a drink or cocktail.

April 1, 2020 by Ron Wen

Cheers: The SideBar in Cary For Classy Cocktails and Conversation

SideBar in Cary - nctriangledining.com — SideBar in Cary – nctriangledining.com

Keeping up with my food blog can be a lot of work and I often find myself making special trips to check out a new hot spot in Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. But over the past year or two, I find myself pointing my smartphone map to Cary! Previously known for its chain restaurants and relocated Yankees, new restaurant and food activity in downtown Cary has spun up a lot of excitement for this family-friendly city. And now Cary can also claim a great cocktail bar, the new SideBar on E. Chatham Street. So of course I had to stop in to see what the place was all about…

The scene at SideBar in Cary - nctriangledining.com — The scene at SideBar in Cary – nctriangledining.com

If you’re looking for SideBar, just head on over to the new building next to Bond Brothers Beer. SideBar is located next to one of my pizza faves, Pizzeria Faulisi so now you’ve got THREE good reasons to visit this neighborhood (beer, pizza and cocktails)! And even though Sidebar has only been open for a week or so, the place is buzzing with activity and customers. The decor at SideBar is retro and modern at the same time. Up front and to the right you’ll find a small table and lounge area while to the left, you’ll find a beautiful leather couch wrapping around the corner. Thick, jewel-cut glass lamps sit up above the L-shaped bar while interesting leather and wood Captain’s chairs provide seating. The side-windows at SideBar open to a small courtyard area where you can observe all the action at Bond Brothers Beer.

Busy bar at SideBar in Cary - nctriangledining.com — Busy bar at SideBar in Cary – nctriangledining.com

I’ve had the chance to drop into SideBar for a couple of visits and work through the cocktail menu a bit. There are about 20 or so house and classic cocktails to choose from in the $9 to $12 range. Given the warming weather, I tried two of their lighter drinks: a SideBar Rickey and Pimm’s Cup. Loved the Rickey, it was light on the tongue with a lot of citrus and Kaffir lime. The Pimm’s Cupp was equally well done and served in a tall glass, making for some great sipping!

SideBar Rickey at SideBar in Cary - nctriangledining.com — SideBar Rickey at SideBar in Cary – nctriangledining.com

Pimms Cup at SideBar in Cary - nctriangledining.com — Pimms Cup at SideBar in Cary – nctriangledining.com

Sitting at the bar, I get to chat with Matthew Bettinger, one of the co-owners of SideBar. I’ve known Matt for years from his days at C. Grace. Matt takes cocktails and mixology pretty seriously which is why I have faith that SideBar will become a Cary favorite, soon enough. Along with his partner Jeff and wife, Catherine, SideBar has been a personal vision come to fruition over the past 12 months. And I can tell you it was worth the wait, Cary. Well-made cocktails in a cool and mod setting works well for me and I’m pretty sure you’ll love SideBar!

SideBar

215 E Chatham Street

Cary, NC 27511

919.588.3063

Location on Google maps

June 27, 2015 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria, Raleigh- A Sexy, Hip Spot for Mezcal Cocktails and More

Sign at Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

First Take: Past the entrance to Centro you’ll find a lonely set of stairs leading to the slightly mysterious Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria! Past the noise and energy of this popular restaurant you’ll land at the top next to a hostess kiosk and velvet rope, oooh. What lies beyond that velvet rope? Find out my friend…

Cool interior at Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

From the hostess kiosk, Gallo Pelón doesn’t look like much. Dimly lit, subdued crimson shades on the wall. A small bar in the mid-section opening up to a nice patio bar in back. But it has a really nice feel overall, reminds me of a smaller, prettier Foundation. The space used to be owned by a local Raleigh artist (who moved on to the West coast) and several of his pieces still hang at Gallo Pelón.

Patio at Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

I grab one of the 10 seats at the bar and peruse the menu. Gallo Pelón specializes in mezcal, a smoked agave liquor. Think of it as tequila’s cool cousin. Already popular in other urban areas of the country, Gallo Pelón is the first mezcaleria (as far as we know) in the Southeast. I order up a Baba Looey which has cucumber, lime and guava which should make for a refreshing drink on a warm summer’s day.

Baba Looey at Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

In addition to their great mezcal cocktails, Gallo Pelón also serves up some small plates to snack on while you’re hanging out! The dishes range from chips and quacamole, chicken skewers and even a hot dog. There’s enough here to make for a casual meal or snack but probably not enough for a real dinner.

Perro caliente hot dog at Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

My Baba Looey shows up looking like a snow cone! Dusted with what I’d have to guess is seasoned salt, I take a sip. Very nice, there’s the tropical flavors backed by smoke which makes for a very interesting drink. And it’s strong too, which explains all the ice. It helps take down the edge off the drink and acts as a really nice visual presentation of the drink. The bartenders here at Gallo Pelón are definitely pro’s.

Bar staff at Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Gallo Pelón is already busy, early on a Friday evening with the after work crowd. I finish up my cocktail and head out of the evening impressed! Gallo Pelón has done a great job in bringing an urban and hip vibe to downtown Raleigh. And in a small, sophisticated space. You may not know mezcal yet but you will soon, because I’m pretty sure Gallo Pelón is going to be a big hit in downtown Raleigh…

Gallo Pel ó n Mezcaleria

106 1/2 S. Wilmington Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.835.3593

Location on Google maps

Save

May 8, 2012 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Tropical Cocktails at the Exotic and Kitschy Empress Room

Buddha bar at the Empress Room in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

While S. Glenwood has traditionally been a beer and club-kid sort of culture, the recent opening of C. Grace switched things up with some classy cocktails. Now add the Empress Room into the mix and you’ve got the beginnings of a lounge and cocktail culture in the hood! Owned by the same family as C. Grace, the Empress Room is the newest take on an Asian themed lounge with a twist on tropical cocktails. Located in the space previously used by the Trim-Ivy and Bassment-Pourch, the Empress Room is a far cozier situation than either of those clubs. And I guarantee, you won’t recognize the place if you were a former patron used to grinding it out on the dance-floor…

Entrance at Empress Room in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Bar close-up at Empress Room in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Clamber up the steep stairs in front and the Empress Room doesn’t look like much from the front. But as soon as you open the door and step inside, you’ll be greeted by a huge gong and yes Toto, we’re not in S. Glenwood any more! You’ll notice the huge Buddha statue behind the bar, silhouetted in mood lighting and flowing water. Note the beaded booths decorated in fruity colors and of course, the turquoise blue bar top complete with inscription. Yes, the Empress Room is full of flava and it’s not subtle at all. Some of you will love it, some of you will not. I’m sort of mixed right now but since it just opened up, there’s still room for changes.

Cocktail at Empress Room in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Thankfully the cocktails here are really solid, eight types for the men, eight for the women and named after historical figures in time. With the recipes dreamed up by the bar veteran Matt Bettinger who runs C. Grace downstairs, I had high hopes! I’ve tried out the Nero which is a wonderfully spicy take on the dark and stormy, along with the pina colada-ish Qin Shi Quangdi. Both were really well-done but they seem to take a bit of time given how complicated these cocktails are. Here’s to hoping for quicker bar service once they learn their libations. And while the bar is quite impressive, the ornate booths with Asian accoutrements may be a better spot for a small group. And the patio out front will eventually be a great spot for some cocktails and to people-watch on S. Glenwood.

So hang loose because the Empress has just opened up and I’m sure it’s going to evolve over the first year of its existence. But even now it’s pretty darn good! Think of well mixed, tropical cocktails complete with paper umbrella. Probably not for everyone but for every now and then, kneel down and enjoy the Empress Room. Cause she’s way different than anything else you’ll find on S. Glenwood today, gan bei!

Empress Room

403 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27605

Empress Room on Facebook

Location on Google maps

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 28, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Haymaker Bar in Raleigh for Classy Cocktails and Punch

Invite to the Haymaker bar in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

With all the activity and new restaurants in Durham, it’s sometimes easy to overlook all the new restaurants and bars popping up in Raleigh! One of the newest in the Oak City is Haymaker, brought to you by G. Patel and the Eschelon Restaurant group. I had received an invite and member card in the mail and wanted to see what the place was about. And there were definitely some surprises along the way…

Discrete outside to the Haymaker bar in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

First of all, if you’re looking for Haymaker, it’s a bit tricky. Located on the very southern end of Fayetteville Street, it sits in the new Charter Square building and is not visible from the street. Head past the new b.good down the side of the building and you’ll find the discrete entrance to Haymaker abut 30 yards off the street. The large pane glass windows will give you a peak into the classic and stylish bar inside. Note that Haymaker is open 7 days a week until 2am according to the signage.

Classic bar at the Haymaker in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Beautiful interior at the Haymaker in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Right at the entrance is a small foyer area that displays hints of the interior. I’m thinking of a classic European hunting lodge in my head, early 1900’s. The space is one large open room with a lovely floral mural on the far end, a smattering of four-tops and couches fill the floor space. And the bar! Yes, it’s classic too with black metal stools, white marble top and bottle rack overhead. It reminds me a bit of the Greenlight Bar but with more space at the counter. Haymaker’s menu focuses on cocktails along and are decently priced, under $11 for the majority of drinks. And their specialty drink are the punches, best shared in a group. (Get it? Haymaker? Punches? 🙂 )

Way of the road cocktail at the Haymaker in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

I’ve had the chance to visit Haymaker twice and have tried several of their cocktails which have been smooth, well-mixed and pretty strong. They are spun-up versions of classics and take some time to make but not to worry, it’s worth the time and effort. The crowd at Haymaker is pretty young, probably about 25 to 35 right now but may shift over time. Haymaker’s proximity to the Raleigh Convention Center and Raleigh Memorial Auditorium means I would expect an older crowd on show nights and days. But all in all I am impressed with the place. It has a classic feel without going over the top as a speak-easy. Haymaker has a classic creative feel which is great for sipping on one of their smooth cocktails which is what a bar is all about. Enjoy before the rest of Raleigh finds out because the Haymaker is likely to be a knock-out for the Oak City…

The Haymaker at Charter Square

555 Fayetteville Street, Unit 115

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.424.7759

Location on Google maps

Save

Cheers: The SideBar in Cary For Classy Cocktails and Conversation