Urban Oak Is Now the Tallest Bar in the Triangle

A new rooftop bar/restaurant adds another elevated concept to DTR.

Downtown Raleigh has officially reached new heights. Enter Urban Oak, officially open with the title of the tallest bar/lounge in all the Triangle—and right on, ahem, time, as it joins RM’s Best New Restaurant La Terrazza in the sky. 

Perched atop the brand-new Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, the hot spot not only boasts views for days, but a resortlike vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Raleigh. A staycation-meets-vacation, if you will.

“I can’t stress enough the independent rooftop bar and lounge-restaurant experience,” says Kiel Lombardo, VP of food and beverage for McKibbon Hospitality, who has worked all over the U.S. for Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chefs. “It’s elevated, yes; sophisticated, absolutely; but is it stuffy? No.”

Truly a feast for all the senses, Urban Oak’s intimate yet warm space features a luxe design with local art and elevated decor (see: the giant faux oak tree anchoring the center of the interior, a nod to the lounge’s name and City of Oaks moniker), an ample bar, and two patios—one covered with heaters for year-round vibes, and the other open-air with more loungey soft seating. All of which make for a great perch to enjoy gourmet playful craft cocktails, wine and beer—paired perfectly with scratchmade food executed by executive chef Alex Smith.

With a lean toward attracting young professionals and other adults in search of a sophisticated night out—whether après-work cocktails with colleagues, a quick bite/bev pre- or post-concert, a solo hang, date night or GNO—Urban Oak will also play host to live music and DJs, but rest assured the music won’t be so loud you won’t be able to hear yourself talk. “It was our goal to create the perfect backdrop for our guests to enjoy our gourmet tapas and unique craft cocktail offerings with great ambiance and energy,” maintains CN Hotels partner Karan Patel.

To wit, Lombardo emphasizes the tapas menu leans into that interactive environment, with seasonal small plates perfect for sharing. Think a melon and burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes and a spicy tuna tostada—and if you’re really hungry, a large plates section of more composed dishes like campanelle pasta, grilled hanger steak and fresh striped bass will also be on offer.

“I was a chef for a very long time, so I’m very passionate about the food and beverage side and really providing a unique experience that’s based around fresh ingredients, some being local,” says Lombardo. “We’ll have something for everybody.” urbanoakraleigh.com 

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