Share this Post
Hidden in plain sight, North Raleigh’s newest speakeasy and cocktail escape
North Raleigh just got its first true cocktail bar—and it’s hiding in plain sight. Meet Dry Cleaners Cocktail Bar, a sultry speakeasy tucked inside a former dry cleaners near Hibernian Pub. The aptly named brainchild of Hibernian Hospitality Group’s Niall Hanley officially opened in late October, giving NR dwellers and passersby a swanky spot to sip without heading Downtown.
“The North Raleigh neighborhood really deserves something like this,” says Hanley. “There’s a lot of people here who want to have a cocktail bar experience who don’t want to go Downtown.”
And this one’s a whole vibe—living up to the hype of Hanley’s roster of DTR drinking dens (Aunty Betty’s, Watts & Ward, Botanical Lounge). Think moody noir film-esque dark-gray walls, vibrant red sofas and wingback chairs, and seductive lamps that would make Mad Men’s Don Draper feel right at home.
“We’re trying to capture a nice and elevated vibe—without the pretension that comes along with that,” explains Manager Reese Hailey, formerly of Aunty Betty’s (and People’s Choice winner at our inaugural Cocktail Classic in 2023!). “I want people to feel fancy without being judged about liking what they like—to feel welcomed, and that they have a community here.”
That ethos extends to the cocktail menu—a collaborative lineup of refined yet unfussy libations, both classics-with-a-twist and inventive seasonal sips. And if nothing on that list speaks to you? “Just ask your bartender to whip something up!” says Hailey.
A true speakeasy, Dry Cleaners keeps things discreet—read: no sign—so only those willing to sleuth it out will be able to sidle up to the bar for a ’tail. Pro tip: Look next to the North Raleigh Hibernian. As Hanley spins it: “If you can find it, then you can enjoy it.” Happy hunting!
I do hope with us being here it opens the opportunity for people to expand outside of Downtown Raleigh in the cocktail scene—and also connects the community from Downtown to the rest of Raleigh.” —REESE HAILEY, MANAGER, DRY CLEANERS COCKTAIL BAR
Related Articles
Share this Post