After a neck-in-neck round of voting, we unveil the best bars in Raleigh across all categories—including Best Overall + Best Burbs.
Raleigh’s 2025 Best Bartender
Meet your 2025 Best Bartender. Willco’s Nolan Ruhmke grabs the coveted crown from last year’s winning mixologist Kaylah Thomas of Gussie’s.
Rosebud Breathes New Life Into DTR
Hospitality vets Patrick Shanahan and Robby Opperman are set to open new cocktail bar Rosebud in the former Fox Liquor Bar space Downtown.
The Goat Returns
Western Boulevard dive bar The Goat has reopened—same vibe with a fresh coat of paint and new decor.
Boatman Distillery Launching First Spirits
After a year-plus of R&D, Boatman Spirits Co. is debuting its first spirits in February: a vodka and two gins.
Sunflower’s Café Set to Reopen
Beloved Raleigh icon Sunflower’s Café will reopen in 2026 at Rockway, bringing its fresh salads, sandwiches and signature warmth back Downtown.
Vivian Howard Lands in Raleigh
Vivian Howard has officially joined the Raleigh culinary scene with her
tasty new snack menu at St. Pierre Wine Shop + Bar.
Raleigh’s Latest F&B News
From openings and closings to new menus and more, here’s all the latest food and beverage news in Raleigh.
The Latest Bars & Restaurants to Open in Raleigh
A slew of new restaurants, bars and coffee shops have opened in Raleigh in the past month. Here’s where to eat and drink around town.
Meet Your People’s Choice Bartender
Discover Il Matrimonio—the award-winning old-fashioned riff from Sous Terre’s Sean McKinney, crowned Raleigh’s top cocktail at the Cocktail Classic.