So you think North Carolina is all about barbecue? Think again.
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New 10 Hours
16 Best Bars in Raleigh 2016
If you're new to Raleigh's bar scene or just need a refresher, check out these best in class.
North Carolina's state capital is home to a vibrant bar scene. These are some of the best bars in Raleigh to try this year.
1. Best Wine Bar – Vinos Finos Tapas and Wine Bar
Just as you expect from any good wine bar, the wine menu at Vinos Finos is extensive, as is the restaurant's beer selection. The focus here, though, is on South American cuisine, wine included. You'll find the finest offerings from Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil served up next to empanadas, lamb stew, and paella.
Vinos Finos Tapas and Wine Bar
8450 Honeycutt Road, Suite 110
(919) 747-9233
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 82 reviews
2. Best Beer Bar – The Raleigh Times Bar
Brews from both local breweries and around the world make this beer bar a go-to place for trying out new dark and golden ales and ciders. Daily specials add to the bar menu of appetizers, sandwiches, and typical bar entrees, like local fish and chips.
14 East Hargett Street
(919) 833-0999
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 426 reviews
3.Best Sports Bar – The Players Retreat
A Raleigh institution since 1951, The Players Retreat remains the city's best place to catch a game with fellow fans. Along with the largest selection of single malt scotch in the state, The Players Retreat serves up a serious menu with fine dining Thursdays through Sundays.
105 Oberlin Road
(919) 755-9589
Yelp: 4 stars, 97 reviews
4. Best Whiskey Bar - Foundation
If you're seeking a bar with a serious whiskey selection, you'll find it at Foundation. It's not just the whiskey served up that makes Foundation the best whiskey bar around. It's what they do with it. Whiskey-based cocktails are distinctive, like the basil smash.
213 Fayetteville Street, Suite 010
(919) 896-6016
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 198 reviews
5. Best After-Work Drink Spot – Bolt Bistro & Bar
If you like some truly fine eats with your after-work drink, Bolt Bistro & Bar is the place to go. Monday through Thursday Happy Hour specials make some of the restaurant's most popular dishes, like lobster gnocchi and flatbreads, a steal.
219 Fayetteville Street
(919) 821-0011
Yelp: 4 stars, 191 reviews
6. Best Dive Bar – Flash House
Source: flickr.com
Dogs are allowed at Flash House. Anything that makes you feel more relaxed. Relaxed is the name of the game at this simple, comfortable bar, serving up bottled beer and cocktails.
Flash House
513 West Peace Street
(919) 615-4757
Yelp: 5 stars, 29 reviews
7. Best Cocktails – C. Grace Cocktail Bar
A serious contender for best live music bar with its nightly jazz and blues performances, C. Grace also comes in tops in cocktails. The menu is limited because every drink is a specialty.
407 Glenwood Avenue
(919) 899-3675
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 167 reviews
8. Best Live Music – Pour House Music Hall
When it comes to Raleigh's best place to grab a concert with your drink, it's simply no contest. Pour House Music Hall has live music every night of the week. Some shows have covers, but many are free.
224 South Blount Street
(919) 821-1120
Yelp: 2.5 stars, 46 reviews
9. Bar with the Best Outdoor Space – Cornerstone Tavern
A decent-sized menu of ales, lagers, stouts, and ciders provides plenty of option in drink, but the star of Cornerstone Tavern is the porch spilling out onto the enclosed patio, which offers substantial space for patrons to get outside right in the heart of downtown.
603 Glenwood Avenue
(919) 809-5560
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 34 reviews
10. Most Expensive and Worth It – Fox Liquor Bar
It's not cheap, but the drinks at Fox Liquor Bar are worth the up-charge for a special night on the town. The gin-based cocktails are some of the best in town, and the highlight. Wine and beer options are more limited.
237 South Wilmington Street
(919) 322-0128
Yelp: 4 stars, 141 reviews
11. Best Local Joint – Landmark Tavern
It's not just a name. The Landmark Tavern truly is a landmark on the Raleigh bar scene. Featuring old-school dark wood and friendly bar staff, the place isn't old (it's been around less than ten years), but it feels as if it's been there forever.
117 East Hargett Street
(919) 821-9865
Yelp: 4 stars, 42 reviews
12. Best Day Drinking Spot – Flying Saucer
Seeking that perfect liquid lunch in Raleigh? There aren't a lot of Raleigh bars open for an afternoon pint. Flying Saucer is a quality exception. Opening at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sunday, pop in for a drink and traditional bar food any time throughout the day.
328 West Morgan Street
(919) 821-7469
Yelp: 4 stars, 305 reviews
13. Best First Date Bar – The Architect Bar
With its classy exterior and gorgeous interior design, any date will be wowed (and wooed) by The Architect, and the main bar isn't even the romantic highlight. Walk up the stairs, go through the bookcase, and you'll be in The Green Light, the much smaller, much quieter candlelit bar hidden inside the main bar.
108 1/2 East Hargett Street
(919) 833- 4949
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 60 reviews
14. Best Juice Bar – Humdinger Juice
Health can come in a bottle. Or, at least, health improvement. Humdinger Juice's organic, cold-pressed juice is made fresh and delivered locally or sold at local stores, including the juice company's own retail spot in North Raleigh.
5024-H Departure Drive
(919) 780-8288
Yelp: 5 stars, 6 reviews
15. Best LGBT Bar – Fifteen
Not a dance or performance club, you won't find any drag shows at Fifteen. What you will find is a classy interior with good, reasonably-priced drinks and space to sit and relax.
317 West Morgan Street
(919) 615-2758
Yelp: 4 stars, 6 reviews
16. Best New Bar – Carolina Ale House
It's a chain, yes, and kid-friendly, which may not be a benefit for many. Raleigh's newest Carolina Ale House location downtown, though, has something truly inspirational - a rooftop location with a view. It's well worth going at least once for that alone.
Carolina Ale House Raleigh-Downtown
500 Glenwood Avenue
(919) 835-2222
Yelp: 2.5 stars, 68 reviews
