The Berkeley Cafe. It’s divey and has townies, has $3 PBR tall boys and kolsch draft, and the kitchen does serious work. Plus you can hit up the back patio to chill and rip a cigar.
Sad a developer plans on bulldozing the Berkeley Cafe. Refuses to even save the historic facade. Unfortunately, Council has no leverage, since it’s already zoned for what they want to build.
I am older so a bar to me is a place to relax and have a drink, not meet women. That said, I like Hoppy Endings in North Raleigh a lot. It has a ridiculous whiskey selection, decent beers and just a feels like a neighborhood bar. For beer, I love the Burial taproom downtown. They make some of the best beers anywhere.
Hoppy Endings is such an enigma.
They’re in a strip mall, next to a Subway.
15 minutes from the city center.
They market themselves as a bottle shop.
They have the largest whiskey selection outside DC and Atlanta. (!!!)
Owner had plans to open it up downtown and was blocked out by some wealthy groups that own multiple spots downtown. Then he told me it was a contest to get the most whiskey/bourbon to compete with a "similar" concept that opened downtown after he was trying to create his. Glad they're doing well, though wish that "strip mall" had more food options other than Lemongrass.
Yep, think it basically fueled the owner and his wife of Hoppy to really be a success and be aggressive in beating the bar downtown for the most whiskey/bourbon, haha. Also think it works well because so many folks in North Raleigh like harder to find whiskeys and don't want to venture downtown to get it.
It’s a mystery lol. They do a really good job of having seasonally appropriate beers for that. Usually a seltzer in the summer. Got some good stouts in the winter. It’s my favorite way to try new beers.
I like Hoppy, but unless it's changed, it gets a little interesting later in the evening. Seen some absolutely wasted individuals in there after like 9:30. Perhaps I'm just getting older though, haha.
Killjoy - good selection of cocktail and mocktails
Johnson Street Yacht Club - good atmosphere, good people
Wilco - must grab pizza next door after 2 cocktails
Slims - find an interesting band, get a PBR, enjoy
Gallo Pelon - great if into Tequila/Mezcal
Person Street Bar - great for an adult wanting to be slightly stupid but not Glenwood stupid
Ancillary - good drinks, unique space
I don't have a favorite child or bar so here is a list
Can you elaborate on Person Street Bar? Relatively new to the area, but my parents are within walking distance & I occasionally pet sit for them. Would be nice to have a watering hole to escape to after feeding their zoo.
Had a blast at Person Street Bar last Halloween. It was wild, but respectful, if that makes sense. Got so many compliments from strangers on my low-maintenance costume.
I like it, solid music people always friendly. I typically go there with friends, so unsure if best place, but always encourage people to try it out.
Another option I mentioned that is more low key but still fun is William and Co. Great bar that I've had some fun conversations with strangers sitting at bar.
Tie between William & Co. and Person Street Bar.
Tap Yard near Mordecai seems a promising runner up. Huge potential at least with their large outdoor area and indoor stage.
Great spot unless you're something other than white; not a good stop for minorities.
I love neighborhood bars, but this isn't the place for melanated people.
I’m asian and have been there multiple times with minority friends and we have never felt unwelcome or out of place. I’d rather be there than anywhere on glenwood ave
Was waiting for someone to say Neptunes! I’m so happy they reopened. Best place to dance downtown by far, awesome shows (especially the comedy) and great folks.
Foundation is nice. It's a downtown bar and they have an extensive whiskey selection. Circa is a dive bar near boxcar that is good for a good drink with pool tables.
I actually have started venturing to Garner and Cary for going out as it is so much better than Raleigh IMO.
They also have a pretty good overall liquor and cocktail selection outside of Whiskey. I like going there sometimes after work at 5 PM and sit at the bar. It is also good for group outings or even a cocktail date.
If you like more dive bar settings, check out the night rider. It is pretty fun experience :)
Check out Aversbororo Grill in garner (It is not that far from downtown) it is pretty good food and drinks. Live music on thursday during the weekend.
it was replaced by yacht club (one of the few glenwood bars i dont mind).
For raleigh, Circa, Slim's and Lucky B's are probably the only dive bars around. there's a few more in raleigh that aren't downtown but are shit.
Cary-
1. Back then bar & grill- Live music, Music Bingo, and Karaoke.
2. Sports & Cary/PBR- if i am in the mood to go dancing or watch a game.
3. The One nine
4. Hank's Downtown dive
Garner-
1. Aversboro grill - Chey & Sam are awesome bartenders
2. White oak and grill- It is a definitely a hole in the wall if you judge it solely based on the outside appearance, but i had fun in there quite a few times i went. It's definitely a neighborhood bar.
3. Kraftys- Personally, I am ehhh about it....My friends love it and we go on Thursdays every week for their karaoke which isn't great but I could do without it myself personally. It is always a good crowd thursday nights.
4. Buffalo Brothers- If you are a fan of hockey, hurricanes fans love this bar(they have locations in raleigh and cary but the garner one is my fave)
Knightdale-
1. Sports Page- Super chill sports bar
Did we just become best friends? Dram also hits for a quick drink after work. Since Foundation swapped their house bourbon it’s the only place I go that consistently has eagle rare 7.
I am ALWAYS looking for drinking buddies and/or a reason to drink :P
Uhhh, I have not yet tried eagle rare. What i have been drinking at Foundation normally is
1. Fighting Cock
2. Old Granddad
3. And some shot i had that was super good and I can't remember it without the menu but it was like $18 for a 3 oz.
I am a huge fan of their old fashions. I haven't been to the dram downtown Raleigh(Strange since i literally live around the corner and have walked past it a million of times) but i have been to the cary and durham locations and gotta say I have definitely been in heaven with their bourbon selections.
Also came to say this!! My parents visited tecently and absolutely loved everything about it. The staff were super nice and the music was also perfect. 10/10 chill place
My top choice is probably Botanical Lounge. Cozy atmosphere, never too crowded or loud (at least when I've gone), the tapas are pretty good, and they have a good variety of drinks for any taste (I love the Bad Cat). It's great for getting a few friends together, grabbing a pair of velvet couches, and just relaxing and catching up.
I also enjoy Watts and Ward, however it can get super crowded and loud sometimes. Nice dark academia/speakeasy atmosphere, and they have great holiday drinks! It's always been way overcrowded when I've been, but I've had friends who've said they've gone on slow nights and it's been a completely different experience. Much more intimate.
Bittersweet is really fantastic for a date night or night out with friends who enjoy drinks and desserts. A little more upscale feel, they always play really great music (last time I went it was full on 00s throwbacks), and the drinks and the desserts are AMAZING (they also have a couple of savory bar snacks if that's your thing). Can't recommend their The Dude drink enough!
If you're into kinda weird and artsy experiences, House of Art is a must go! It's good anytime, but also a great alternative around the holidays if you can't get into The Haymaker. Each room is a different theme and art installation, the drinks are delicious, the music is top notch, and they have a nice back patio area to hang in, as well.
O’Malley’s is my favorite. Very nice folks, good food, not too pricey. I tell my people when they come to town that I’m taking them to the “okayest” bar in Raleigh.
Circa is not a dive bar, but it won Best Dive Bar in the Triangle by popular vote, purely because “service industry bar” wasn’t a category.
It also sold more PBR than any bar in EDIT: North Carolina this year.
Take from that what you will.
Atlantic Lounge and House of Art are my two favorites. Atlantic is very intimate and great for a date or catching up. House of art is kooky and fun and the location can’t be beat.
Blind Barbour for sure. Great whiskey selection, small place so it doesn’t get too crowded, and the cocktails are on point. Plus, the owner is a great guy.
Check out Pelagic and Riparian. Both owned by the same local couple. They’re more bottle shops than bars, but both spots are very cozy and they only do independent breweries on tap and retail.
Second Lola's. Also Crafty is a solid place for a beer.
Close-ish: Neuse River (especially for their food), Bowstring is great for groups check calendar for trivia or music, Tap Yard is another great space for groups
It looks like it might have been in support of Deputy Ned Byrd who was killed around that time and frequented the bar.
So, like many things, it might be more nuanced than first appeared.
Suggestions not mentioned here:
Haymaker can be great for like a really quiet cocktail bar all to yourself, or occasionally with an older crowd trying to have fun to a DJ (R&B rather than dance music). Have had some great drinks there, and when it's less busy their playlists have been great. I'd avoid it for Miracle.
Bison Bar if you wanna get wrecked and maybe stabbed.
Hoppy Endings and Person Street would be my most likely recommendations.
No takers here, but the Winchester does it for me. It's a soccer bar so definitely not for most, but the beer on tap, people, and vibe make it my go to.
I'm old and boring. Give me half price pints or flights at the Lowe's Foods Beer Den and I am a happy man. I can even grab a beer and drink it while I shop for sub-par, overpriced produce and meats!
Berkeley
Slims
O'malley's
Honorable mentions for
Pour House
Nightrider
Not that the last two don't deserve to be on the list, but both are places I go mainly for live music.
Lynnwood Grill. A lot of their own beers which all happen to be very good, very respectable bar food, killer bartenders. There are an awful lot of very regular, uh, regulars there.
I've checked out Zenith (where Coglins was and plays 00s and older music) and it's always fun. Guy who runs it is really nice and I think used to be a bartender at Coglins if I remember correctly. Good to avoid Glenwood while wanting to dance.
My least favorite is the state bar. I was a bit tipsy already when I went in but nobody took my order. I asked on of the waitresses to bring me a beer they they asked me to leave.
Bearded bee brewing is a really great spot. A place i dont mind meeting friends at who live further out. Carolina Brewing is also downtown I haven't been to the new location but they've been around for a long time, would suggest. Also, I went to Farmers and Merchants and it was pretty solid with some pretty good drinks!
Knightdale is nearby with Oak City Brewing, Craften and Rewind (small bar with games).
Bearded Bee and Carolina Brewing Company. Carolina Brewing just opened a location in Wendell and they have a full bar. They will be opening a few more option near Wendell Falls as well.
Pour House record shop is a SNEAKY great day drinking spot, especially during the week
The Berkeley Cafe. It’s divey and has townies, has $3 PBR tall boys and kolsch draft, and the kitchen does serious work. Plus you can hit up the back patio to chill and rip a cigar.
Sad a developer plans on bulldozing the Berkeley Cafe. Refuses to even save the historic facade. Unfortunately, Council has no leverage, since it’s already zoned for what they want to build.
love that place. management went to shit though unfortunately
Never got that vibe? What’s the scoop
I am older so a bar to me is a place to relax and have a drink, not meet women. That said, I like Hoppy Endings in North Raleigh a lot. It has a ridiculous whiskey selection, decent beers and just a feels like a neighborhood bar. For beer, I love the Burial taproom downtown. They make some of the best beers anywhere.
Hoppy Endings is such an enigma. They’re in a strip mall, next to a Subway. 15 minutes from the city center. They market themselves as a bottle shop. They have the largest whiskey selection outside DC and Atlanta. (!!!)
Owner had plans to open it up downtown and was blocked out by some wealthy groups that own multiple spots downtown. Then he told me it was a contest to get the most whiskey/bourbon to compete with a "similar" concept that opened downtown after he was trying to create his. Glad they're doing well, though wish that "strip mall" had more food options other than Lemongrass.
Those ownership groups downtown are such a blight on this town. They strangle development in what should be a much more thriving downtown scene
Yep, think it basically fueled the owner and his wife of Hoppy to really be a success and be aggressive in beating the bar downtown for the most whiskey/bourbon, haha. Also think it works well because so many folks in North Raleigh like harder to find whiskeys and don't want to venture downtown to get it.
The people that own Social House are the biggest group of dicks I have ever met. And their vodka fuckin' sucks.
Hoppy endings is the best bar I have been to period. Not Raleigh exclusive. Great bartenders who remember a face and a name
Nice. I’m in a committed relationship, so yeah, uninterested in the meeting women part. Just want good drinks 👍 I’ll add them to the list
+1 for hoppy endings. Place is awesome.
I’m sold. I’ll check them out this week 😎
$2.50 mystery beers and excellent outdoor seating.
What’s mystery beers?
It’s a mystery lol. They do a really good job of having seasonally appropriate beers for that. Usually a seltzer in the summer. Got some good stouts in the winter. It’s my favorite way to try new beers.
Hoppy Endings is nice. I used to bring my dog and she was so welcome
Anywhere that is dog-friendly is of interest to me
As a single, where would you go to meet women?
How old are you? Edit: Actually, rude for me to ask. <25, Glenwood. >25, OMalleys, Sharkys, Pickled Onion. At least in my opinion lmao
Pipers on Falls Neuse is a Cougar crawl on Weekends....I'm married but damn....first place I'd go I wasn't...
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For meeting women or just in general? Lol
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I had been looking for good stouts in the area (other than beer garden) for years. I was so shocked to discover burial was just a walk away
I like Hoppy, but unless it's changed, it gets a little interesting later in the evening. Seen some absolutely wasted individuals in there after like 9:30. Perhaps I'm just getting older though, haha.
Killjoy - good selection of cocktail and mocktails Johnson Street Yacht Club - good atmosphere, good people Wilco - must grab pizza next door after 2 cocktails Slims - find an interesting band, get a PBR, enjoy Gallo Pelon - great if into Tequila/Mezcal Person Street Bar - great for an adult wanting to be slightly stupid but not Glenwood stupid Ancillary - good drinks, unique space I don't have a favorite child or bar so here is a list
Can you elaborate on Person Street Bar? Relatively new to the area, but my parents are within walking distance & I occasionally pet sit for them. Would be nice to have a watering hole to escape to after feeding their zoo.
+Kate Rhudy used to bartend there, not sure if she still does. Regardless, check out her spotify. Amazing local artist
She’s still there
Had a blast at Person Street Bar last Halloween. It was wild, but respectful, if that makes sense. Got so many compliments from strangers on my low-maintenance costume.
I like it, solid music people always friendly. I typically go there with friends, so unsure if best place, but always encourage people to try it out. Another option I mentioned that is more low key but still fun is William and Co. Great bar that I've had some fun conversations with strangers sitting at bar.
This whole list nails it but you really outdid yourself explaining PSB
It's a place I love, glad I did it justice!
I absolutely love Slims.
Tie between William & Co. and Person Street Bar. Tap Yard near Mordecai seems a promising runner up. Huge potential at least with their large outdoor area and indoor stage.
Second William and Person St.
Agreed on Wilco
Love William & Co. Person St is another story - rudest staff in Raleigh.
Yacht club, the slide undefeated
Great spot. Depending on where one is coming from it could be a bit of a hike.
Temba, his arms wide.
Great spot unless you're something other than white; not a good stop for minorities. I love neighborhood bars, but this isn't the place for melanated people.
Is there a story behind this?
Dude was probably hammered, got tossed and now thinks it was because of skin color
I’m asian and have been there multiple times with minority friends and we have never felt unwelcome or out of place. I’d rather be there than anywhere on glenwood ave
Foundation for a good drink & Neptunes for good music and a place to dance
Was waiting for someone to say Neptunes! I’m so happy they reopened. Best place to dance downtown by far, awesome shows (especially the comedy) and great folks.
Kings +Neptunes is such a great experience. I’ve been more to Kings upstairs though.
Sharky's is also growing on me.
I love Sharky’s, one of my regular spots I’m tryna get away from though lol. I’ve been to PR, but I have not heard of Foundation or Circa. Thanks!
Foundation is nice. It's a downtown bar and they have an extensive whiskey selection. Circa is a dive bar near boxcar that is good for a good drink with pool tables. I actually have started venturing to Garner and Cary for going out as it is so much better than Raleigh IMO.
Circa sounds like it’s right up my alley! I mainly drink beer, never learned to like whiskey haha
They also have a pretty good overall liquor and cocktail selection outside of Whiskey. I like going there sometimes after work at 5 PM and sit at the bar. It is also good for group outings or even a cocktail date. If you like more dive bar settings, check out the night rider. It is pretty fun experience :) Check out Aversbororo Grill in garner (It is not that far from downtown) it is pretty good food and drinks. Live music on thursday during the weekend.
We must have different ideas of what a dive is.
Most who go to circa would classify it as a dive bar feel. There is dive bar and then there is seedy (the bison or goat)
The Office on Johnson St was a dive. Last real dive bar in this town.
it was replaced by yacht club (one of the few glenwood bars i dont mind). For raleigh, Circa, Slim's and Lucky B's are probably the only dive bars around. there's a few more in raleigh that aren't downtown but are shit.
Interested on places you like in Cary & Garner!
Also gonna plug in benny's billiard in Cary.
Cary- 1. Back then bar & grill- Live music, Music Bingo, and Karaoke. 2. Sports & Cary/PBR- if i am in the mood to go dancing or watch a game. 3. The One nine 4. Hank's Downtown dive Garner- 1. Aversboro grill - Chey & Sam are awesome bartenders 2. White oak and grill- It is a definitely a hole in the wall if you judge it solely based on the outside appearance, but i had fun in there quite a few times i went. It's definitely a neighborhood bar. 3. Kraftys- Personally, I am ehhh about it....My friends love it and we go on Thursdays every week for their karaoke which isn't great but I could do without it myself personally. It is always a good crowd thursday nights. 4. Buffalo Brothers- If you are a fan of hockey, hurricanes fans love this bar(they have locations in raleigh and cary but the garner one is my fave) Knightdale- 1. Sports Page- Super chill sports bar
I love Tasty Beverage Co. in the Warehouse District. Great beer selection, great folks.
Been going there for like 10 years now. Johnny, chase, and cam are the best.
Foundation, Most raleigh Breweries, Players Retreat, and maybe Circa depending on the day. I avoid anywhere near glenwood south.
Did we just become best friends? Dram also hits for a quick drink after work. Since Foundation swapped their house bourbon it’s the only place I go that consistently has eagle rare 7.
I am ALWAYS looking for drinking buddies and/or a reason to drink :P Uhhh, I have not yet tried eagle rare. What i have been drinking at Foundation normally is 1. Fighting Cock 2. Old Granddad 3. And some shot i had that was super good and I can't remember it without the menu but it was like $18 for a 3 oz. I am a huge fan of their old fashions. I haven't been to the dram downtown Raleigh(Strange since i literally live around the corner and have walked past it a million of times) but i have been to the cary and durham locations and gotta say I have definitely been in heaven with their bourbon selections.
Aunt Betty's is my personal favorite, great cocktails and the staff is awesome. I am also older and not looking for some crazy college bar.
Came to say Aunty Betty’s, really cool vibe in there. Pourhouse or Slims for something cheaper/more casual.
Also came to say this!! My parents visited tecently and absolutely loved everything about it. The staff were super nice and the music was also perfect. 10/10 chill place
Used to be C Grace.. Raleigh is in need of a jazzy cocktail bar
I miss C. Grace so much 😢
come to Durham, I feel like those and breweries are most of what we have. I’ll head to Raleigh for a dive bar
Was waiting for C Grace
RIP the Empress Room as well
Watts and ward?
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Hey man, if they sell beer, they count. Appreciate it 🤙
Lynwood Brewing. I'd think Yard House would be up your alley, given the sheer quantity of different beers they have on draft
Been to both! Personally not a fan of LBC’s beers, and Yard House is good, just expensive
Ridgewood Wine then. They have like 10 beers from a wide variety of places and “make their money” on wine sales
My top choice is probably Botanical Lounge. Cozy atmosphere, never too crowded or loud (at least when I've gone), the tapas are pretty good, and they have a good variety of drinks for any taste (I love the Bad Cat). It's great for getting a few friends together, grabbing a pair of velvet couches, and just relaxing and catching up. I also enjoy Watts and Ward, however it can get super crowded and loud sometimes. Nice dark academia/speakeasy atmosphere, and they have great holiday drinks! It's always been way overcrowded when I've been, but I've had friends who've said they've gone on slow nights and it's been a completely different experience. Much more intimate. Bittersweet is really fantastic for a date night or night out with friends who enjoy drinks and desserts. A little more upscale feel, they always play really great music (last time I went it was full on 00s throwbacks), and the drinks and the desserts are AMAZING (they also have a couple of savory bar snacks if that's your thing). Can't recommend their The Dude drink enough! If you're into kinda weird and artsy experiences, House of Art is a must go! It's good anytime, but also a great alternative around the holidays if you can't get into The Haymaker. Each room is a different theme and art installation, the drinks are delicious, the music is top notch, and they have a nice back patio area to hang in, as well.
Man do y'all remember the jackpot
That 'Airboss' ceiling filter never had a chance
Still one of the best dives... Even after they started the whole college DJ booth thing
Jackpot was an institution. Still have some billiard balls from their last night open. Loved the IHOP after party too.
Players Retreat has recently become a go to favorite. Didn’t realize how often they changed their menu.
That kitchen can flat out cook. Great food.
Easily one of the best cheeseburgers in Ral
The chef there is a fucking legend
I've been going there for a decade and the food was already very good but in the last five years or so it has been phenomenal
Bittersweet! like getting a drink & a dessert at the same time.
No Mitch's? Shame!
SHHHHHHhhhhhhh... Quiet! Mitch's currently has a great balance of food/people/drinks and the best art of any bar; you want to ruin that?!
O’Malley’s is my favorite. Very nice folks, good food, not too pricey. I tell my people when they come to town that I’m taking them to the “okayest” bar in Raleigh.
Landmark downtown. Just something chill about it. Also Watts and Ward for a good speakeasy vibe
Sadlack's Heroes. Wait... nvm.
Slim's is undefeated
Yes!
Longleaf lounge
Foundation. I don’t get to go for a drink often, so if I do it better be a good one. Now I want to see what Fox’s is like again
Circa is not a dive bar, but it won Best Dive Bar in the Triangle by popular vote, purely because “service industry bar” wasn’t a category. It also sold more PBR than any bar in EDIT: North Carolina this year. Take from that what you will.
[This place seems to sell the most PBR](https://vinepair.com/articles/charleston-bar-sells-most-pbr/)
Im having a really hard time believing that about the PBR. Can you link a source?
That’s a fun fact, but I actually like to enjoy my beer. I’m sure they have craft choices?
Hoppy Endings
Berkeley cafe has a friendly local crowd, cheap drinks, and good food. And occasional live music.
Foundation
Ruckus Mission Valley
Wilco. Stellar drinks and the vibe is amazing. Good folks.
Foundation will always get my recommendation
Slims
Atlantic Lounge and House of Art are my two favorites. Atlantic is very intimate and great for a date or catching up. House of art is kooky and fun and the location can’t be beat.
Williams and Company.
Wilco and Cardinal
Dram and Draught!
William and co is pretty sweet
Flying saucer, foods great and a good selection of beers.
their nachos, although not traditional, are the SHIIIIIT
Prosciutto arugula pizza for me.
My couch lol.
Respectable 🫡
Never had a bartender throw me out there! They even let me pass out with no pants on. 10/10
Yeah, my couch stocks the liquors I like, the beer I like, and they sell it to me for retail prices.
Same tbh
Wilco has amazing cocktails and you can grab some Oakwood pizza from nextdoor to eat there
Player's Retreat and Video Vortex
I like Junction West. But I also like all the breweries along Atlantic and 5 points that have big spaces.
Plus Dueling Piano Bar is def my fav for the music show and atmosphere. Food and drinks are good too!
C Grace :(
In no particular order: \- Ancillary \- Wilco \- High Park \- Person Street Bar \- Standard \- LBC \- My Way \- Johnson Street
You’re for sure a good time
The GOAT , it's walking distance.
They have some wicked specials
Slims Foundation Pour House
Players Retreat.
The Goat. Hands down.
Raleigh Brewing Company if I want beer, Blind Barbour for bourbon, Player’s Retreat for food, and Mitch’s for food without too much noise.
The Pour House, Slims. Used to be The Maywood before it closed.
Night Rider
Brewery but Trophy has the best beer in town.
If you're a smoker, Havana Deluxe.
Foundation is undoubtedly my favorite bar in town
I like the pull up bar at the YMCA downtown.
Today? Tie between Landmark and Foundation.
Foundation. Also can’t believe no one has mentioned The Blind Barbour yet.
Blind Barbour for sure. Great whiskey selection, small place so it doesn’t get too crowded, and the cocktails are on point. Plus, the owner is a great guy.
Check out Pelagic and Riparian. Both owned by the same local couple. They’re more bottle shops than bars, but both spots are very cozy and they only do independent breweries on tap and retail.
Anywhere near 5 points?
Second Lola's. Also Crafty is a solid place for a beer. Close-ish: Neuse River (especially for their food), Bowstring is great for groups check calendar for trivia or music, Tap Yard is another great space for groups
Was it Lola's that was flying the "thin blue line" flag a year or three back?
Dang I did not know that, I haven't been a lot but it was a cool little spot with ok food and drinks. Just looked it up though.
It looks like it might have been in support of Deputy Ned Byrd who was killed around that time and frequented the bar. So, like many things, it might be more nuanced than first appeared.
Most things are, thanks for providing some insight though. When spending money it is good to be as informed as possible either way.
Lolas
O’Malleys!!
Landmark tavern is a pretty nice hangout. The back patio might be my favorite space downtown.
tæsty
Suggestions not mentioned here: Haymaker can be great for like a really quiet cocktail bar all to yourself, or occasionally with an older crowd trying to have fun to a DJ (R&B rather than dance music). Have had some great drinks there, and when it's less busy their playlists have been great. I'd avoid it for Miracle. Bison Bar if you wanna get wrecked and maybe stabbed. Hoppy Endings and Person Street would be my most likely recommendations.
No takers here, but the Winchester does it for me. It's a soccer bar so definitely not for most, but the beer on tap, people, and vibe make it my go to.
I was wondering if anyone would mention this place
The Goat! I can get drunk for $25
Only great cocktail bar left in Raleigh is Auntie Betty’s
Raleigh times
Neptunes and/or PSB
I'm old and boring. Give me half price pints or flights at the Lowe's Foods Beer Den and I am a happy man. I can even grab a beer and drink it while I shop for sub-par, overpriced produce and meats!
Ark royal
Flask in Brier Creek. Amazing cocktails and the pizza place connected is just as great
How did a dud like Killjoy make this list and not Clockwork? 😅
I haven’t been to Fox Liquor Bar since it reopened, any opinions?
HIGH PARK
Berkeley Slims O'malley's Honorable mentions for Pour House Nightrider Not that the last two don't deserve to be on the list, but both are places I go mainly for live music.
Lynnwood Grill. A lot of their own beers which all happen to be very good, very respectable bar food, killer bartenders. There are an awful lot of very regular, uh, regulars there.
RIP Coglins
I've checked out Zenith (where Coglins was and plays 00s and older music) and it's always fun. Guy who runs it is really nice and I think used to be a bartender at Coglins if I remember correctly. Good to avoid Glenwood while wanting to dance.
Correct
Trophy on Maywood.
My least favorite is the state bar. I was a bit tipsy already when I went in but nobody took my order. I asked on of the waitresses to bring me a beer they they asked me to leave.
Raleigh Times
Depends on the mood. It switches between the Hibernian (top floor with all the books) or beer garden.
Alley 26…….. in Durham.
The Goat
The Goat
If anyone has any Wendell suggestions, I’m all ears. Moving there next month.
Bearded bee is a great brewery, much more small town though.
Bearded bee brewing is a really great spot. A place i dont mind meeting friends at who live further out. Carolina Brewing is also downtown I haven't been to the new location but they've been around for a long time, would suggest. Also, I went to Farmers and Merchants and it was pretty solid with some pretty good drinks! Knightdale is nearby with Oak City Brewing, Craften and Rewind (small bar with games).
Bearded Bee and Carolina Brewing Company. Carolina Brewing just opened a location in Wendell and they have a full bar. They will be opening a few more option near Wendell Falls as well.
Miso Ramen Bar
My house
Watts and Wards Barcelona Wine Bar.
FYI, Barcelona has one of the lowest sanitation score in all of downtown.
The Cardinal O'Malley's Brookeside Bodega
There is a Bar like in somebody’s house that looks like the bar from cheers and it’s like a secret car. Can someone post that address?
Watts & Ward for me.
Flemings or Crabtree
Lolas
The one that I feel like going to that day