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North Raleigh’s First Cocktail Bar

North Raleigh’s First Cocktail Bar

by | Oct 28, 2025 | Eat, November 2025

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.

DRY CLEANERS SPEAKEASY
Sean Junqueira

“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

Takin’ You to The Dry Cleaners Cocktail Bar

Takin’ You to The Dry Cleaners Cocktail Bar

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Eat, March 2025

If the thought of doing a load of laundry or steaming your clothes makes you want a drink, you’re in luck. If, that is, you know where to go. Set to bow this spring is The Dry Cleaners, North Raleigh’s first speakeasy.

No, it won’t actually be a functioning dry cleaners—but the name is a nod to what occupied the space at one point, says Niall Hanley, owner of the Hibernian Hospitality Group and the man behind the new concept.

“The North Raleigh neighborhood really deserves something like this,” he says, citing the lack of bars, let alone more upscale spots, in the area. “There’s a lot of people [in North Raleigh] who want to have a cocktail bar experience who don’t want to go Downtown.”

And Hibernian, notes Hanley, has had a powerhouse presence in North Raleigh for years with “amazing clientele,” and opening a speakeasy cocktail bar nearby just makes sense. Plus, this isn’t his first rodeo—er, speakeasy—either. 

The brains behind the likes of Hibernian Pub, Morgan Street Food Hall, Aunty Betty’s, Peggy’s, Watts & Ward and Hop Shots—to name but a few—is well versed at creating unexpected entrances for his spots, like his new Charlotte concept SYN, where patrons find their way into the bar through an unmarked large walk-in cooler. Whether or not The Dry Cleaners will have a similar deceiving entry point patrons will just have to wait and figure out.  

“If you can find it, then you can enjoy it,” Hanley smiles, but giving the hint that the spot will be in close proximity to the North Raleigh Hibernian.

For now, Hanley is still masterminding how to throw Raleighites off the scent, but you can expect plush seating and a dark moody vibe alongside elevated classic cocktails a la Aunt Betty’s or Watts & Ward. “I just want people to discover it and think, ‘Wow, this is really cool,’” he says. Time to take you to the (dry) cleaners—in the best way.