Like the SNL Five-Timers Club (IYKYK), the exclusive cast of Raleigh restaurants and bars claiming 25+ years of business is an elite one to which only few can claim membership. And, this May, Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant’s Glenwood South outpost will join the ranks as it celebrates 25 (!) years as one of the most popular pubs in town to put down a pint or a plate of bangers and mash.
“Raleigh has changed immensely in 25 years,” says owner Niall Hanley, nodding to a city with decidedly “nothing” at the turn of the millennium. “Glenwood has changed immensely in 25 years. We were very lucky and were received really well by the great people of Raleigh—and it worked.”
A lightning rod for the entertainment district, Hibernian bowed just months after—and across Glenwood South from—Sullivan’s Steakhouse, thanks to an ad that popped up on Hanley’s screen. “I said, ‘OK, well, if they’re spending money on steaks, they’re gonna spend money on pints,’” he recalls, betting Sullivan’s diners would swing by for a brew before or after dinner. The rest, as they say, is history.
Whether it was luck of the Irish or pure savvy—or even the Guinness talking—either way, Hanley was right on the money. “It was the first pub that was really in the Triangle,” he recounts. “There was nothing like it before—and people were enamored by it.”
Now, 25 years later, the sparks are still flying—after overcoming literal sparks from a devastating fire about a decade ago, not to mention surviving a pandemic—and have firmly cemented Hibernian’s (and Hanley’s) rising star in the Raleigh hospitality community.
But reaching this milestone channels elements of a leprechaun finding gold at the end of the rainbow, especially in a city where closures can feel a bit like a revolving door. Hanley credits his loyal staff and building ownership as the secret to the pub’s staying power. “A pub is a pub is a pub,” he surmises. “But it was always the staff and the hospitality that made Hibernian. I’m proud of [Hibernian],” he admits. “But, more so, it’s about the people who have worked there over the years.”
For Hanley, that hospitality started at the bar, where he himself spent five years early on. “That was the most enjoyable thing for me,” he emphasizes, “just meeting people, shooting the shit and having conversations, you know?”
It’s no surprise, then, that the Hibernian mastermind can rattle off a number of regulars who’ve been around as long as the woodwork, like the infamous Thursday night crew (you know who you are, he says) posting up since day one. And he’s quick to point out the countless couples who have met at Hibernian along the way.
As for the next 25 years? Hanley says he’s excited about where Raleigh and Glenwood South are headed—and has no plans on leaving anytime soon. “I think we’re very lucky to have a district like Glenwood,” he says, “and I think it’s only going to get better.”
In the meantime, prime your liver and stay tuned for a massive summer celebration like no other, with live music and, if we’re, ahem, lucky, a side-street closure for an Irish-worthy blowout. After all, a benchmark this huge calls for one hell of a party to match. hibernianpub.com
Timing is everything, and change is inevitable. So while Raleighites were distraught over the announcement of beloved nee-2017 Glenwood South restaurant Cortez’s closure, owner Charlie Ibarra realized it was time for a fresh start. And, luckily for him, former Oro executive chef Kevin Ruiz was also ready to carve a new chapter.
Cuya Cocina Latina debuted at Charleston Wine + Food with snacks like grilled prawns in the shell with citrus and oregano marinade, roasted garlic and saffron mojo, and plantain dust. Photo by Maria Lopez
The dynamic duo, who maintained their connection after working together at Cortez, are joining forces once again to open Cuya Cocina Latina in the now-closed space (upstairs Cuya Bar will remain unchanged). Anticipated to open in April after an interior/exterior reno, the concept will cater to Raleigh’s changing population, as both Ibarra and Ruiz have noticed an influx of people from not only around the country, but from other parts of the Caribbean and Latin America—specifically Puerto Rico, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.
“It’s made me think there’s not a lot of restaurants that cater to them in our city right now—and definitely not in Downtown,” observes Ibarra. “With Glenwood South an evolving street, I just thought, as much as I love Cortez, it was time to make a change—and I didn’t think this new direction made sense with the Cortez name and what Cortez was doing.”
Fittingly, the interiors will complement the cultures through warm earthy tones, patina elements, colorful tiles, greenery and wood textures, altogether crafting an intimate yet lively vibe. Think “Abuela’s house, but modernized,” dubs Ibarra. The chef’s kiss? A retractable all-season pergola slated for this summer, transforming the patio into a weatherproof oasis.
The menu will likewise reflect those cultures in dishes such as ceviche, Cortez-throwback char-grilled oysters, Peruvian steak dish lomo saltado, lobster mofongo, and esquites-style corn ribs. Empanadas will also star, pulling from myriad influences—think Caribbean-inspired and a Mexican-ode quesabirria version—and additionally appear on the late-night menu (10pm to midnight).
The uberpopular Cortez smashburger will also remain, alongside reimagined takes on octopus and gambas—the popular menu item Raleighites begged to stay, shares Ibarra. For its part, the bar program will also play to Pan-Latin cultures via Caribbean rums, such Mexican agave spirits as tequila and mezcal, and South American potables as Peruvian pisco and Colombian aguardiente. Those bold flavors come to life in fresh, vibrant handcrafted cocktails—much like at upstairs bar Cuya—from mojitos and piña coladas to pisco sours and frozen cocktails (one with agave and one with rum).
Exterior Pergola Rendering; courtesy of Cuya Cocina Latina
“We’re really trying to bring everything together,” says Ruiz. “Cuya is now one living thing with two different sides to it. We want it to be thought of as two places—like ‘I just finished dinner and now I want to go grab some cocktails upstairs.’
In essence, Ibarra and Ruiz’s new Cuya Cocina Latina proves that sometimes a positive shift can unlock a world of new flavors and opportunities. You just have to get on board. @cuyacocina
Precautions for Raleigh’s party district are on the mind for many.
On the heels of a car being weaponized to murder and maim dozens on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, precautions for Raleigh’s own party district are now front of mind.
It’s something that caused outgoing Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson pause from day one. “When I arrived here, I would go down to Glenwood South and the hairs on the back of my neck would stand up,” she shares. “I was like, this is an incident getting ready to happen—a tragedy will happen down here if we don’t put in some controls.”
She describes the chaotic scene: traffic everywhere, pedestrians overflowing into the street, cruising cars. … “At any moment, somebody could’ve fired shots—anything could happen—and there’s nowhere for people to go. The egress is horrible, and emerging vehicles wouldn’t be able to get into Glenwood South. It was a complete mess.”
To add to the chaos, she recalls escalating district stabbings and noise complaints. “By October 2021, I made the decision in speaking with the city manager to pull officers and assign them to Glenwood South.” And they’re still there three-plus years later. Upping the ante, she says parking-deck patrols, traffic-pattern changes and cars with blue lights have had a huge impact on preventing cruising and crime. While the police presence has all but returned the party district to a protected playground (complete with plenty of noise drama), having to keep officers there every weekend is taxing on RPD.
Regarding any public pushback, she protests: “To those who think the increase is too much police presence, I say, our officers, while there, are not enforcing. We’re not out trying to search and violate people’s rights in any way. Officers are there for presence, for visibility, so people can feel safe. To have conversations with patrons… and to help the area—not to make it a police state where we’re arresting.”
Raleigh is once again asking nightlife establishments to keep it down. Just one year after the previous update, City Council amended noise ordinance rules in January.
Known as the “Turn Down the Sound” ordinance, the amendments require those who receive citations to lower their volume immediately—and amplify the city’s authority. If the offenders don’t comply, the City can now issue a second citation promptly, doubling the fine—and all noise citation appeals go directly to the city manager, giving full discretion to the city, rather than the legal system.
Also once cited, establishments must move all amplified sound inside for 24 hours. Met with widespread outrage from district bargoers, the public outcry from bar owners in Glenwood South has been far louder—and lawsuits against the city are imminent.
“RPD and our attorney’s office shared general concerns about the inability to enforce the ordinance due to the prior penalties,” elaborates At-Large Councilmember Jonathan Melton. “The attorney gave us a few options to consider, and we approved moving forward with the options [earlier this year].”
*Includes establishments with 12 or more complaints; data provided by RPD
According to the N&O, an attorney representing some nightlife establishments affected called the updates “constitutionally dubious” and says it “effectively shutters” businesses, resulting in the loss of tax revenue for the city.
In terms of the city’s motivation for making the modifications: RPD reported 346 total noise complaints at 37 locations in Glenwood South last year alone. A whopping 288 of those were targeted to just eight locales, and only two bars—Cornerstone Tavern and The Village Nightlife Complex—were allegedly responsible for 172, just about half of the total complaints.
While speculation is swirling surrounding the city’s perceived attempt to gain control of a few problem children with these ordinance updates, Melton tells Raleigh Magazine this wasn’t targeted—and it wasn’t aimed only at Glenwood South. So, although allegedly not directed at specific repeat offenders, the updates clearly give the city far more authority—and at least potentially force the entertainment district to tread a little lighter.
Treat yo’self this fall atDTR’s The Self Care Marketplace, a one-stop shop with everything you didn’t know you needed until you walk in—think all things self care, from candles, plants and soap to wellness classes and beyond. @theselfcaremarketplacenc
Prepare to get ~lit~ via McCormick Gifts + Candle Studio, now open at Crabtree, complete with candle-making experiences and custom gifts. @mccormickcreation
Sleigh bells ring. … Following the September closure of Village District’s Antique Emporium, downstairs neighbor Cheshire Cat will be moving in this month with a year-round Christmas-themed room (!). @cheshirecatgallery
Raleigh has officially joined the “proper-length shorts revolution.” Find Chubbies’ signature bright and bold short-shorts unfurled at its first NC store at Crabtree. @chubbies
Looking to avoid those cold-weather blues? Beem Light Sauna will soon bow in Glenwood South, specializing in light therapy for those wanting to live a radiantly healthy life. So *hot*! @beem.raleigh.nc
There’s no such thing as too much bling. Ranch 🤝 rodeo styles descend on Fenton this fall c/o Texas-based top jewelry retailer Kendra Scott. @kendrascott
Ready to ~change~ the way you think about style, Copper Penny reps its curated collection of designer threads with an edgy mix of sweet and heat—NTM shoes and accessories—in its new Village District digs. @copperpennyraleigh
What good fortune! A little slice of Asia is hitting Hillsborough Street early next year as Ebisu Life Store serves up everything from stationery and snacks to skincare and stylings for home—all imported from Japan. @ebisulifestore_nc
We’re all ears! New kid on the Village District block Rowan taps an *ear-resistible* piercing experience by licensed nurses—with hypoallergenic jewelry to boot. @heyrowan
