Raleigh’s Best Bars of 2025

By Melissa Howsam & Lauren Kruchten

If there’s one thing Raleigh loves, it’s a good drink. Proof positive? The thousands of votes that poured in for this year’s Best Bars. And after a record-breaking round of voting, we’re ready to spill the results. From immaculate martinis to sticky-floor legends, this year’s picks reflect every side of Raleigh’s pouring prowess: new classics, reinvented legends and the places you keep coming back to—no matter the moment. In essence, it’s Raleigh’s top-shelf bev scene, expertly shaken, unapologetically stirred… and proven where it matters most—at the bar.  See who shook and stirred their way to the top—and which top ’tender is taking home the Golden Shaker. Your mission now? Go toast the winners. Bottoms up!

Best Overall

Gussie’s
There’s bars—and there’s Gussie’s. Maintaining Best Overall with the kind of inevitability that happens only when a place nails both timeless and timely, the midday-to-midnight, no-frills, “new version of an old idea” hit Raleigh squarely in the feels from day one—less a debut and more the return of something we didn’t know was missing. Serving comfort, community and killer cocktails in equal measure, the vibey Warehouse District haunt is a toast to the neighborhood bar of generations past—rooted in namesake co-owner Clayton O’Kane’s great-grandfather. With warm wood, colorful wallpaper and cozy nooks delivering that lived-in feel, it’s comfort without kitsch, cocktails without pretense and a come-as-you-are energy Raleigh can’t get enough of—whether tucking in for a beer and a shot, a seasonal stunner by 2024 Bartender of the Year Kaylah Thomas, or a housemade soda with bangin’ bar bites worth the belly-up alone. Part third place, part clubhouse, part “I’ll have what she’s having,” Gussie’s is the kind of bar that meets you exactly where you are. Raleigh didn’t just find a new fave hang—it found its next institution. Warehouse District, @gussiesraleigh

William & Company
Tucked in a quiet corner of Oakwood, a revolution has been unfolding. Cornering the, well, bar on craft cocktails and vibes, Willco (to those in the know) has been amassing a cult following since its first pour in 2015. The brainchild of mezcal maven Liliana “Lily” Ballance, the cozy 40-seat Latin-leaning cave is at once a love letter to Mexico and Raleigh—and to Ballance’s son, Liam (aka William). Part late-night groove den, part neighborhood living room, the moody, eclectic space hums with candlelight, Latin rhythms, DJ deep cuts, Day of the Dead masks, traditional relics and an unmistakable sense of belonging. Regulars wander in to scan the chalkboard for the night’s creations—or slip into back bar La Veladora, housing a deep bench of rare mezcals, small-batch tequilas and elusive agave spirits curated with near reverence. The electric vibes extend outdoors in the newly bloomed vibrant Mexican-inspired oasis spilling colors, herbs, edible flowers and vibrant pots—like abuela’s garden, but with mezcal. Crafting cocktails with intention—and heart—Willco begs you to “stay up all night and get lit,” and Raleigh is here for it. In spirit(s), it’s a cultural anchor with a point of view—and a community. Seaboard & Person Street District, @willcobar

Best New Bar

Mr. Henry
Matthew Bettinger (SideBar, Hank’s, former C. Grace) knows how to set a mood—and at Mr. Henry, Village District’s first true cocktail bar, the atmosphere is the point. A mod-classic lounge Raleighites instantly swooned over, the space leans into dark wood details, posh green stools, wraparound leather seating and equestrian art—channeling Ralph Lauren’s NYC Polo Bar. Like a classic London pub, it works just as well for a post-work draft Guinness as it does for lingering over refined classics and house cocktails. Polished without being precious, it’s a sanctuary with swagger—and proof Raleigh’s cocktail scene is officially off to the races. Village District, @mrhenrybar

The Bend
A cocktail lounge with the soul of a neighborhood anchor, The Bend gives life to a restored 100-plus-year-old Morgan Street cottage—lending the “bend” a confident new chapter that bridges the Warehouse District and Hillsborough Street Corridor without trying too hard. The brainchild of the Trophy Brewing team, the buzzy newcomer dials things way up from the brand’s brewery roots, centering the room around an uber-sleek circular bar with halo-style overhead shelving that pulls people in for a pour. Warm wood, soft neutrals and glow-up lighting round out the timeless loungey mood… and when patio weather peaks, the fire pit-dotted, light-strewn backyard calls—easy, social and unmistakably Raleigh.Warehouse District, @thebendraleigh

Best Whiskey Bar

Dram & Draught
It’s not about liquor—it’s about lore. At this point, Dram isn’t just winning Best Whiskey Bar—it owns the category. From its earliest days as a repurposed filling station to its rise as the southern anchor of Glenwood South, Dram has been doing some serious whiskey business—and confidently becoming one of Raleigh’s most reliable constants. The room still dazzles—towering shelves of bottles accessed by rolling ladder and a list deep enough to feel encyclopedic—but the real flex is how effortlessly it works for everyone. From sunlit midafternoon to after-dark sips under the bar’s signature green glow—rare pours, seasonal cocktails and go-to drams intoxicate the senses in equal measure. Never intimidating, Dram scores because it never stopped doing what it does best: setting the standard. Glenwood South, @dramanddraught

Foundation
If Raleigh had a film noir-coded underworld, this would be its safe house. Down a set of concrete stairs past that unmistakable red neon gleam, Foundation feels less like a bar and more like a rite of passage—subterranean, brick-walled and steeped in a kind of sexy crimson-lit menace that’s been drawing devotees underground for more than a decade. The lighting stays low, the alt-rock leans reverie, and the whiskey lineup does not play around. It’s where the city’s most serious brown-liquor enthusiasts convene, whether chasing the Whiskey of the Week Fire Sale or settling in for something rare, smoky and reverent. Sinister? A smidge. Seductive? Always. It isn’t just a best whiskey bar—it’s the one that taught the city how to drink it properly. Fayetteville Street District, @foundation_bar

Best Dive Bar

Stella’s
If a dive bar were a girl, she’d be Stella’s—the whimsical, welcoming, unapologetically one-of-a-kind West Street watering hole that feels like an extension of your living room (if it had vintage posters, vinyls and risqué mag cutouts in the bathroom). A year’s worth of parties and pop-ups have dressed the place in its own lovable chaos—topped off with bracelet-making, games, live music and a literal mailbox for your secrets. Add in cheery bartenders with bestie energy, cold affordable cans, a THC bev or pretty-in-pink cocktail, and it’s clear why Stella’s is that girl. Cow-ch or patio perch, the certified good-times bar invites anyone and everyone to take a seat and stay awhile. Smoky Hollow, @stellasonwest

Johnson Street Yacht Club
Giving serious dive bar-meets-dock club energy, JSYC brings a laid-back beachy feel to the heart of the city—no frills, all play, slightly sarcastic and “salty as hell.” Below deck, find standard grungy dive vibes (pool table, quippy bathroom decor, and industry-standby chalkboard specials like Rumple and well drinks). Upstairs shifts full boardwalk mode via umbrella-dotted tables, deck chairs, twinkly lights and fan-fave slushies. The true headliner, though, remains the blue slide connecting top to bottom—hella fast and promising to raise spirits in more ways than one. Glenwood South, @jsyachtclub

Best Cocktail Bar

Gussie’s
The good-ole-time neighborhood bar snagged Best Overall for its come-one, come-all satisfy-any-hankering vibe—but it has clearly cornered the market on cocktails (see: “Old Friends” and “New Friends,” house shooters, and vine juice). It’s precision meets play, classics meet creativity—and why for any reason, season or occasion, you’ll find yourself saying “Let’s go to Gussie’s.” Warehouse District, @gussiesraleigh

William & Company
Willco is best overall for its soul and scene—but the cocktails are the spine. Built on mezcalita Lily Ballance’s deep reverence for her roots, the program leans obsessive in the best way across a litany of Latin liquors (and any spirit you crave)—all poured with intention. From chalkboard originals to back-bar deep cuts, this is where Raleigh drinks with purpose—and stays awhile. Seaboard & Person Street District, @willcobar

Best Rooftop Bar

High Rail
A shift in perspective, Hyatt House Seaboard Station’s rooftop escape pairs panoramic skyline views—rarely seen from this side of the city—with elevated ’tails and globally inspired bites that ignite the senses. A summit of flavor and style, the sophisticated space nods to Raleigh’s industrial heritage while inviting guests to sip, snack and settle in—whether perched at the mod interior horseshoe bar or out on the built-for-all-seasons fireplace-dotted terrace. Seaboard Station, @highrailraleigh

Urban Oak
Raleigh’s tallest rooftop bar earns its bragging rights—and then some. Worth scaling to the top of the Tempo hotel, Urban Oak delivers skyline drama without trying too hard. Original ’tails with cheeky names like Thyme Warp and Not Your Basic B**** are a force to be reckoned with, while the expansive, sophisticated space invites you to linger on your own terms—no matter the mood or moment. See: the open-air light-strung terrace dotted with cozy couches and lush greenery; a covered and heated south patio for cooler nights; and the sleek black-and-gold interior anchored by a faux oak tree that grounds the space. It all comes together high above the city with a vibe that holds steady from golden hour to after-dark, all with unmistakable main-character energy. Warehouse District, @urbanoakraleigh

Best Speakeasy

Watts & Ward

John Wick meets jazz noir burrowed beneath the DTR streets in a booze-soaked moody hideaway with a criminal past and cult following. Founded on the rebel past of the Watts (1903) and Ward (1905) acts that tried—and failed—to crush our state’s free “spirits,” the so-named Watts & Ward layers vintage library leanings with dark, sexy leather-clad seduction, conjuring the ghosts of Raleigh’s past as much as it defines the now. It’s not just a mood—it’s a movement. Prohibition never stood a chance. Moore Square District, @wattsandward

Sous Terre
Time slows—then slips entirely—at Sous Terre (nee Atlantic Lounge), Scott Crawford’s key-entry-only basement bar tucked beneath Jolie and Crawford and Son. Candlelight flickers, the room hums low, and sultry seating frame a divine cocktail menu crafted by Beverage Director Jordan Joseph and executed by a razor-sharp bar team, including 2025 People’s Choice winner Sean McKinney. This jewel box basement doesn’t bother with the basics like G&T. Instead, elevated, inventive pours playing with unique flavors and textures manifest as drinks that arrive composed, linger on the palate and quietly demand just one more round. It’s intimate, indulgent and just elusive enough to feel like a secret you earned. Seaboard & Person Street District, @barsousterre

Best Patio Bar

The Longleaf Lounge
It’s no coincidence The Longleaf has a Michelin Key—but the real magic happens outdoors. Tucked beside the retro-cool motor lodge facade, the patio is Raleigh’s ultimate hidden-in-plain-sight escape: light-strung, fire pit-dotted and layered with lived-in lounge pockets that feel more backyard bougee than hotel bar. Blankets appear when the temperature dips, heaters keep the glow going year-round, and the skyline peeks through just enough to remind you where you are. It’s equal parts cozy and cinematic—the kind of place that turns one “wait, this is a hotel?” cocktail into a long linger and makes time feel optional. For locals, it’s a go-to; for visitors, it’s the reason they wish they were. Capital District, @thelongleaflounge

The Avenue
A hang on The Avenue patio feels less like going out and more like showing up. Equal parts house party, tailgate and neighborhood hang, the Glenwood South staple delivers open-air chaos (the good kind) straight out of Animal House—rowdy in spirit, dialed in where it counts. TVs line the massive turf-dotted patio, while a drink menu runs the gamut from Surfsides and cold beers to coffee shots and a solid roster of spirits. Add fire pits, yard games, billiards, plenty of people-watching and legit specials, and it all plants the patio flag for year-round open-air energy. Day drinking or night drifting, pregaming or game-daying, The Avenue isn’t just an option—it’s the play. Glenwood South, @theavenueraleigh

Best Craft Beer Bar

State of Beer
State of Beer is a state of mind—period. The brainchild of Trophy Brewing, the long-beloved Hillsborough Street anchor has expanded its territory to “the bend” of Morgan—staking its claim on an up-and-coming stretch with a bevy of brews and standalone sippers. Blurring the lines between bottle shop, sando shop and bar, it’s the kind of curated casual hang that proves year after year it’s still the best state to be in. Capital District & Warehouse District, @stateofbeernc

Pelagic Beer & Wine
Small but mighty, Pelagic proves a great craft beer bar can lead with both taste and intention, with a dedication for good that goes far beyond the glass. The cozy, down-to-earth hang keeps its focus tight across a thoughtfully curated selection of craft beer, wine and cider sourced solely from independent producers—many chosen as much for their values as their flavors, with a portion of every pour supporting ocean conservation and environmental nonprofits, without ever tipping preachy. Instead, Pelagic has become a true neighborhood North Star, equally suited for sidewalk sipping, unique bottle/can procuring or community-minded hangs (run club, book club). Feel-good in every sense, it’s craft beer with a purpose—and a place Raleigh is clearly happy to rally around. Seaboard & Person Street District, @pelagicbeer

Best LGBTQ+ Bar

Legends
Legendary doesn’t even begin to cover it. Since opening its doors in 1991, Raleigh’s high-energy sparkle-filled nightclub has become a bona fide institution, rallying DTR’s “Gayborhood”—and setting the standard for both revelry and inclusivity. “Where the party never stops,” the iconic multiroom club stays packed and pulsing with dancing, live shows, and drag performances hyping local talent and top-tier names, from RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Dawn and Xunami Muse to Irene the Alien and Sam Star. Not just here for the party (though they throw one hell of one), Legends provides a place of belonging, self-expression and celebration—where you can be your most authentic self, no matter how you identify. Warehouse District, @legendsraleigh

Flex Nightclub
Blink and you’d miss it—but step inside and Flex hits at full volume: hard to ignore and impossible to resist. A longtime fixture now in its second home, the unassuming nightclub has built its rep on variety—cycling through drag shows, karaoke, dance parties, go-go dancers and rotating theme nights that keep the energy unpredictable and the crowd eclectic. One night you’re throwing dollar bills; the next, you’re getting down with your bad self or flexing your vocal cords—but as long as you’re doing it with pride, you’re exactly where you belong. Because Flex isn’t about posturing—it’s about showing up, letting loose and finding your people, whoever they are. Warehouse District, @flexnightclub

Best Brewery

Trophy Brewing Co.
Born on West Morgan with a humble 14 seats, Trophy Brewing has since spilled into a full-on bottle revolution. On any given Saturday—or Monday or Wednesday, etc.—the brew master’s constellation of hangs from Morgan and Maywood to The Bend and brand-new Trophy Five Points calls locals to shed the hustle, unwind and settle in for a little affair with a Trophy Wife (or whatever you fancy). The quintessential essence of Cheers of Raleigh’s craft scene, every day spent drinking a Trophy feels like a 70s-and-sunny Fleetwood Mac B-side—chill, nostalgic, undeniably vibey… and always golden. Multiple locations, @trophybrewing

Crank Arm Brewing
Crank Arm doesn’t chase trends—it grinds them down. Housed in an industrial warehouse space, the longtime brewer has built its calling on beer, bikes and unpolished authenticity. The concrete floors have stories, the patio feels forever in session, and the crowd rolls refreshingly real—from Lycra-clad post-ride regulars to locals who just know where the good stuff lives. The beer lineup stays rock-solid, backed by weird-in-the-best-way can art that is less “Road Hazard” and more “Gettin’ Rad” for an energy that never feels manufactured. It’s not shiny. It’s not trendy. It’s just a hardworking brewery outlasting an ever-churning scene—still standing, still pouring, still winning. Warehouse District, @crankarmbrew

Best Live Entertainment Bar

Moon Room
It’s the kind of late-night lair Nicole Kidman would’ve headlined had Moulin Rouge materialized in Smoky Hollow. Behind the velvet curtain, you’ll find Raleigh’s newest nocturnal obsession: a cabaret-cosmic escape where the vibes go dark and moody, the jazz is live, the vinyl spins deep and the mood is pure reverie. Quietly resurrecting the sultry spirit of C. Grace with near-nightly jam sessions, weekend sets and DJs spinning deep cuts, Moon Room is a cocktail-drenched haunt for long-stretching nights and a little moonlit-mischief that’s downright transportive. In essence, Raleigh’s most celestial soundtrack made tangible. Smoky Hollow, @m_o_o_n_r_o_o_m

Tap Yard
What once felt like a playground dream has settled into something far better: a bona fide community hub that actually works. Tap Yard’s sprawling 1-acre beer garden doubles as a neighborhood bar and music venue—where live tunes anchor the energy and set the stage for everything else to orbit effortlessly around it. The lineup loads a steady stream of local acts, while the massive outdoor space keeps the vibe loose—basically everything a backyard hang should be with TVs, games galore and room to roam for the kiddos (human and canine), except with food trucks… and none of the cleanup. Tap Yard proves that when the vibe’s right, the concept is humble and the space is generous, the crowd follows. East Mordecai/Oakwood, @tapyardraleigh

Best Wine Bar

The Hippo Wine Bar & Shop
Wine without pretense is uncorked at North South Hospitality’s friendly neighborhood vino haven. Revamped early last year, The Hippo leans into intimate seating, greenery and natural textures—think handmade tile and West Africa-inspired patterns—creating a space that feels instantly inviting. From the team behind Gussie’s and led by manager Undra Lovelace, the Moore Square mainstay doubles as a place to discover your next favorite bottle (seriously, just tell Lovelace what you like and trust the process) or settle in for your go-to glass. Add snacks, wine classes and pop-up vinyl sessions, and one pour is all it takes to feel right at home. Moore Square District, @hippowinebar

Vita Vite
Where wine bar meets art gallery, Vita Vite has long known how to fill Raleigh’s glass—creating sweet moments that intoxicate long after the bottle runs dry. While its Downtown den recently shuttered, the polished North Hills outpost carries the torch, serving as a natural gathering place for intimate date nights, casual happy hours, solo wind-downs and lingering afternoons alike—whether sprawled on homey couches or perched on the terrace overlooking Midtown Park. Wherever you land, the ritual remains: wine first, followed closely with a build-your-own charcuterie board that turns grazing itself into an art form. In the end, it’s exactly what a great wine bar should be—unfussy, social and quietly satisfying. Call it a perfectly paired indulgence—so good, you almost forgot this was the whole point. Midtown, @vitaviteraleigh

Best Restaurant Bar

Madre
Mother may I, indeed. Whether it’s the dripping candlewax, the sultry low-lit mood or the quietly seductive energy, Madre is the rare restaurant you’d happily post up to solely for a sip at the bar—and often do. Yes, the small plates land—but it’s those perfectly dialed pours that set the tempo. The bar pulses with a mature buzzy ease: packed but never cluttered, convivial without chaos, electric without being exhausting. Call it a hip happy hour at your mom’s house—if your mom had a statement double-tier canopy light, a killer spirits lineup and a knack for hosting the city’s most stylish regulars. Smoky Hollow, @madreraleigh 

Whiskey Kitchen
It’s not all whiskey business at Whiskey Kitchen—but let’s start there. With a stunning bar and deep bench of hundreds of whiskeys, the Nash Square-fronting staple sets the tone fast. And the always-buzzy bar puts the massive bottle collection front and center—never mind the classic and house specialties spotlighting not just top-shelf pours, but seasonal flavors and house concoctions. Add in Southern-leaning dishes like the cult-fave buttermilk and sweet tea-marinated chicken sando and you’ve got yourself a cure-all for hunger, thirst and any occasion that ails you. Warehouse District, @whiskey.kitchen

Best Bar Food

My Way Tavern
When you want things your way, your best bet is My Way—and the tavern does exactly what it promises. A Glenwood South staple since 2010, the easygoing spot has mastered the art of feeding whatever kind of night you’re having—or recovering from. The menu runs deep on comfort classics done right—think all-American faves like wings, nachos, burgers, sammies, loaded spuds, and unapologetically decadent mac and cheese… even grilled salmon and chicken Parm if you’re in the mood for something a little more elevated. Add 22 brews on tap, daily specials, late-night bites and TV-lined indoor-outdoor setup, and you’ve got a bar where the food isn’t an afterthought—it’s the reason you stay for another round. Glenwood South, @mywayraleigh

Standard Beer + Food
There’s nothing standard about this hip locale that nails the elusive balance between casual and considered—across food, drink, atmosphere and service—without ever tipping into try-hard territory. Inside, the mod light-filled interior buzzes; outside, the backyard beer garden keeps things social. And redefining your standard bar fare, the kitchen delivers, from craveable skirt steak tacos and shareable starters (spicy tuna tartare, crab and artichoke dip) to a smash burger ranking best in town. The sips follow suit: well-executed, approachable and just playful enough with frozen concoctions that feel smart instead of gimmicky. Consistent, buzzy and reliably good, Standard has mastered what so many bars chase—and few land. Seaboard & Person Street District, @standard_beerfood

Best Burbs Bar

SideBar
SideBar doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not—and that’s exactly why it works. Striking the sweet spot between neighborhood watering hole and polished cocktail bar, Matthew Bettinger’s (Hank’s, Mr. Henry) perennial pourhouse consistently delivers. The drinks are the headline, where an inventive menu blends classics and house specialties, backed by beer, wine, thoughtful NA selects, and a reliable beer-and-shot pairing. Add cozy corners, a striking bar and eye-catching attention to detail, and the Cary heavyweight becomes the rare come-as-you-are spot that’s everything you need it to be for any occasion—or no occasion at all. Cary, @sidebarnc

Dram & Draught 
At this point, it’s instinct. Dram doesn’t just travel well—it translates. The Fenton foray has claimed Best Suburbs Bar every year since opening, proving what made the bar iconic works just as seamlessly beyond city limits. The formula remains undefeated: towering shelves, a whiskey list deep enough to feel scholarly, immaculately dialed seasonal sips and a space that knows how to flex. Inside, the signature bibliotheque sets the tone; outside, patio and rooftop perches turn a short commute into an all-night affair. It’s polished without being pretentious, serious about spirits without feeling stiff—and, if you’re not in Cary, worth the drive every single time. Cary, @dramanddraughtcary

Carolina Ale House
Catching a game at Ale House just hits different. A go-to long before the first whistle and long after the final buzzer, the sports-bar staple has outlasted trends, bandwagons and whatever rebuild your team is in. With sports memorabilia plastered on the walls, bar fare built for game day, and a crowd that rides every high and low, it’s as reliable as the seventh-inning stretch and as current as tonight’s score. A place that stays undefeated in all its scrappy, no-frills glory, Ale House is where wins get loud, losses get litigated and game-day spills way beyond the grid iron—like the real MVP it is. Multiple locations, @carolinaalehouse

The Side Door
She’s not just a side chick—she’s the main character. Low-lit and quietly confident, The Side Door delivers a polished cocktail experience without Downtown fuss. The menu holds itself to a high standard, built on fresh ingredients and from-scratch juices and syrups that keep the focus squarely on the drinks. Tucked beside V Pizza, the refined refuge pairs modest digs and live music with an effortless neighborhood ease—plus the undeniable perk of grabbing a pie next door—checking all the boxes for exactly the kind of spot you want on repeat. Cary, @thesidedoornc