Breakfast is a meal. Brunch is a culture. But it hasn’t always been that way. We dig into why brunch’s star rose to such epic heights—plus the best bloodys & brunch patios in town.
Brunch is serious business. Literally. On any given Sunday (or Saturday) you see waitlists and rez lists long enough to make you think you’re waiting for a taste of the Last Supper.
But it hasn’t always been that way. Locally, a bloody and some scramble used to be as easy as posting up at Hibernian for their once-famous brunch buffet—and the toughest breakfast ticket in town was Waffle House at 2am after a night out (to ward off the hangover, natch).
Now, what used to be a simple excuse to day drink during its come-up has arguably propelled to one of the most booming and iconic pasttimes in cultural and dining history.
More than just a meal, it’s an experience. And while brunch is not new—and it’s not just a millennial movement (though no one’s denying that gen loves to get avocado toast-ed. Who doesn’t?), a deep dive into its history tells us the concept of mixing spirits and brekky are new-ish (relatively speaking).
“During the pandemic people started hunkering down at home more with early bedtimes. Brunch offers an early-to-bed option with all the fun of a dinner experience but without the formalities—and all before sundown.”
Coleen Speaks, chef/owner, Hummingbird
Expert Farha Ternikar breaks down our complicated relationship with the century-plus old repast in Brunch: A History. Originally a boy’s club—literally—brunch circa 1900s was designated as a meal for college men (at that time, women weren’t attending en masse) who woke up late. Then, enter Prohibition—clearly stifling the spirit of brunch, as people discreetly imbibed in their homes (hence the juices in mimosas and bloodys as cloaks for the alcohol). Pause for a nod to our great-grandparents for keeping the dream of morning ’tails alive.
Post-Prohibition, especially around the “fringe” ’60s & ’70s when protests were more popular than pancakes, brunch was more of a counterculture movement—not so trendy in restaurants as much as a way to entertain at home.
But IHOP changed all that. And Denny’s. And the like. In addition to giving us big hair and parachute pants, the ’80s brought pancakes to the masses—and moved the meal from metropolises like NYC into the suburbs, where IHOP became all the rage.
From the bowels of private dens and restaurant chains fueling a movement into the belly of established kitchens, we’ve since fed on brunch’s epic rise in popularity—and watched (and noshed) as it secured its spot in American mainstream culture. A shift from scramble and hash and buffets to thoughtful breakfast fare if you will.
But that shift wasn’t overnight. It was slow and steady—and then, arguably of late, all at once, thanks to a cultural shift bookended by a pandemic (read desperate return to society and out-of-home dining), church that became more flexible as it moved online, and updated liquor local laws that allow you to imbibe that bloody in the Bible Belt before noon—a cure for that eggsistential crisis if you will. As a result, our money is on both the business and the iconolatry of brunch soaring to new epic heights.
Says Hummingbird owner Coleen Speaks: “For Hummingbird, brunch has become the breadwinner! Brunch has always been solid, but over the last six to eight months it has doubled in volume.” She adds: “Many restaurants stopped doing lunch during COVID, and brunch offers people that fix that they can’t find during the week anymore.”
No doubt a luxury of time and money—as well as a social driver—from that first 1900s bite, today’s brunch is more than a stereotype. It’s a bonding ritual. It’s an impassioned pastime. And it’s been credited for reviving the art of conversation.
It’s not a fad. And it’s not just fodder for your Instagram feed (though double-tap on). And, yes, the stereotypes exist in all their hilarity, but our deep desire to press pause, gather with our people and decompress over drinks is real—and as bottomless as those mimosas. And it isn’t going anywhere.
Alfresco Affairs
THE TRIFECTA: Great cocktails, great food and great patios
Wye Hill
Go for the chef-driven brekky selects, stay for the skyline vistas (find a better view, we’ll wait). Resting brunch face commence. Reservations recommended, wyehill.com Served: Sat. & Sun. Our pick: Shakshuka
Rosewater
Rosewater
Relationship status: it’s caffeinated (and spirited). And romance is def in the air on Rosewater’s enchanting garden patio with its lush greenery surrounds and climbing roses. But you won’t need that excuse… as your full attention will be on chef Brian Jenzer’s beautiful, mouthwatering (and healthy) brunch menu—think breakfast risotto, fine herb omelet and tartines. Do it for the ’Gram—and your belly, of course. Reservations recommended, rosewaterraleigh.com Served: Sun. Our pick: Steak & eggs
Plates Neighborhood Kitchen
If your love for brunch is bottomless, meet us on the patio at Plates—where head chef David Mitchell dishes up an ever-evolving cast of globally inspired locally produced brunch selects five days a week alongside a full-service coffee shop. Ah, the perfect blend. Reservations recommended, plateskitchen.com Served: Wed.–Sun. Our pick: Brunch quesadilla
Young Hearts Distilling
Turn down for brunch at Trophy Brewing Co.’s DTR distillery serving a full program of farm-to-table bites, which pair well with its program of perf potables. Used primarily for private events, the roof space overlooking Wilmington Street is fair game for brunch dining—making it a must-reserve Sunday seat. Reservations recommended, trophybrewing.com Served: Sun. Our pick: Biscuits & “sausage” gravy (VG)
Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar
Tapas for brunch? Brilliant. You’re gonna wanna squad up for the renowned regional juggernaut’s brunch tapas so that you can try everything—from the savory olive oil pancakes to the wild mushroom scramble to the gambas and grits. Best paired with the guava-lavender-lemon mimosa. Fizz the season! Reservations recommended, barcelonawinebar.com Served: Sat. & Sun. Our pick: Potato tortilla
Clouds Brewing, Chorizo Benedict
Clouds Brewing
You’ll be on cloud nine after a leisurely brunch at Clouds thanks to its German-inspired eats + classic hearty brunch dishes (NTM brunch drinks and bloody bar!) Brunchin’ is a habit. Reservations recommended, cloudsbrewing.com Served: Sat. & Sun. Our pick: Chorizo Benedict
Relish
Taters gonna tate—and tots are on order at this Northwest Raleigh brunch staple, paired with pretty much anything from the scrumptious Southern-inspired craft kitchen menu. First come, first served; join waitlist ahead, relishraleigh.com Served: Sat. & Sun. Our pick: Mama’s chicken biscuit
Mandolin
Happy hollandaise indeed from this longtime local fave where sublime herb and flower box surrounds serve as a the perf serene backdrop for NC-style elevated brunch selects (think farm-fresh eggs sourced straight from chef Sean Fowler’s own Mandolin Farm (!) to scratch-made buttermilk biscuits, local Tepuy Donuts and more). Reservations recommended, mandolinraleigh.com Served: Sun. Our pick: Johnston Co. country ham Benedict
St. Roch
Mary Smokes When She Drinks—just one of the buzzy beguiling beverages (an aptly named bloody) that brings us back to St. Roch again and again. And don’t even get us started on that best-in-class Nawlins-inspired cuisine. But, the epitome? Those in-the-know request the hidden back patio—aka a primo secluded spot for noshing on 2022 James Beard Foundation semifinalist chef Sunny Gerhart’s bold Cajun brunch dishes. A sweet escape, if you will. Reservations recommended, strochraleigh.com Served: Sat. & Sun. Our pick: Bolo ’n Grits
Humble Pie
No matter how you slice it, brunch on Humble Pie’s patio overlooking the ever-burgeoning Warehouse District has easily been one of the best seats in town since its humble beginnings in 1989. Period. Reservations recommended, humblepierestaurant.com Served: Sun. Our pick: Huevos Rancheros
Whiskey Kitchen
No Champagne, no gain. Grab your brunch buddies and head to WK for a “mimosa party”—aka a bottle of bubbles and orange juice—plus hearty brunch plates out on one of the best patios in town. And like mimosas, our love for it is bottomless. Reservations recommended, whiskey.kitchen Served: Sat. & Sun. Our pick: Nash Square Breakfast Sandwich
Hummingbird (Chair8 Media)
Hummingbird
She’s got eggs and she knows how to use them. Chef/owner Coleen Speaks is easily serving up some of brunch’s best bites in town at Dock 1053 with a cocktail program that you’re gonna wanna mimosey on over for. Reservations recommended, hummingbirdraleigh.com Served: Sat. & Sun. Our pick: Chicken & waffle
While the whole may be greater than the sum of its parts, it’s the little things that go into Tazza’s bloodys that make them oh-so-delicious. Think roasted cherry tomatoes, spicy pickles, Cholula and Worcestershire. @tazzakitchen
Bacon and bloodys—name a better duo, we’ll wait. The RTB Bloody Mary is the perf pre-brunchin’ drink/snack, thanks to its house-pickled green beans, pepperoncini and candied bacon toppings. @raleightimesbar
Clouds’ famous bloody mary bar is returning for your sipping pleasure May 1 (!)—and so to celebrate you’re gonna wanna go all out with your brunch bev toppings… bring on the toppers (pickles, celery, olives—oh, my!), mixers and allll the hot sauces. @cloudsbrewingraleigh
Sunday, bloody Sunday (and Saturday!). Venture to The Station every weekend for $6 bloody marys, made with a house bloody mix and garnished with bacon, olives, lemons and lime. @stationraleigh
With the perfect ratio of spice, tomato juice and vodka, Humble Pie’s bloody is the ideal way to ward off the Sunday Scaries or beat a hangover. Hair of the dog, anyone? @humblepieraleigh
St. Roch’s smoky spin on the classic bloody mary is just what you need to wake you up after a long night (or, er, early morning). Dubbed Mary Smokes When She Drinks, it’s made up of smoked tomato, Worcestershire, hot sauce, lemon and vodka. @strochraleigh
7 egg-cellent eggs Benedicts in Raleigh to celebrate National Eggs Benedict Day.
Scrambling to find a primo eggs Benedict in Raleigh? We’ve gotcha covered with these seven egg-stra-special Bennys at popular brunch spots around town in honor of National Eggs Benedict Day, Saturday, April 16. So whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up at the crack of dawn or a leisurely 2pm brekky staple, these restos are sure to eggs-cite. (All yolks aside, make those rezos stat!)
Mornings got you feeling a little crabby? Let the early birds have the worm and indulge in a fried green tomato and crab Benny on Plates’ greenery-filled patio that’ll (hopefully) save you from the morning grouch—and maybe a hangover. (Plates menu is ever-evolving so get it when it’s on offer!)
Happy hollandaise indeed as Midtown Grille takes it back to the basics with its classic country Benedict with your choice of smoked salmon or country ham, garlic spinach, and hollandaise. Enjoy that side of home fries too—because brunch calories don’t count.
Farm to table to belly. Poached eggs (from chef Sean Fowler’s Mandolin farm!) and Johnston County Country Ham are the star in this breakfast staple. It doesn’t get much better than that!
You can’t go wrong with any of Famous Toastery’s Benedicts (despite the name, the Bennys are equally deserving of a nod), but the avocado Benedict—made up of a split avocado baked with Cajun seasoning and topped with two eggs, melted pepper jack cheese and pico de gallo—is sure to fill that pit in your stomach come brunch time.
Regardless if you’re a meat-eater or a pescetarian, you can enjoy National Eggs Benedict Day at Irregardless, thanks to its brisket Benedict and salmon Benedict—both of which are topped with poached eggs and hollandaise. How eggs-quisite!
Going green never tasted so good. … Order up NOFO’s fried green tomato Benedict with pimento cheese, smoked bacon jam, two poached eggs and tomato relish on a buttermilk biscuit (!) for your daily dose of veggies. Still counts, right?
Choose your fighter: the veggie Benedict (served with spinach and Piménton hollandaise) or the serrano Benedict (with pan tomate and hollandaise). Either way, it’s a brunch win.
From yoga classes, art and culture events to beer dinners and brunch, there’s plenty of fun things to do in Raleigh this week!
Through 2/13 ART
Celebrate Black History Month via thisBurning Coal Theatre Company’s upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning classic comedy by Yasmina Reza featuring an all-Black cast. burningcoal.org
Through 2/27 Dix Park Pop-Up Museum
Immerse yourself in the layered history of Dix Park and profiles of NC Black architects and builders via two inspiring history exhibits, Plantation to Parkand We Built This, respectively, at Dix Park’s first-ever Pop-up Museum. dixpark.org
Through 1/30 Astronomy Days
The Raleigh Astronomy Club is here to help you see the big picture—of the universe! The club’s virtual Astronomy Days at the science museum explores everything from rockets, exoplanets and telescopes to crafts and activities. naturalsciences.org
Through 3/1 Breathe, Back to Life
Get a behind-the-scenes look at artist JP Jermaine Powell’s influences, global travel experiences and relationship with his local community through this 28-piece exhibit featuring JP’s artwork and photography at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com
1/27 American Spiritual Ensemble
In the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, let the soul-stirring voices of American Spiritual Ensemble move you as they evoke the power, faith and beauty of the American Negro spiritual via NC State LIVE’s popular spring program, open to the public. live.arts.ncsu.edu
1/27 Lonerider at Five Points Beer Dinner
You know what they say, beauty is in the eye of the beer holder! Head to Lonerider at Five Points to enjoy a four-course dinner curated by Lonerider’s executive chef Ron West Jr. loneriderbeer.com
1/28–29
Gianmarco Sorsei
Be prepared to laugh out loud when NY-based comedian and actor Gianmarco Soresi (his first comedy special, Shelf Life, was nominated for three NY Emmy Awards) takes the stage at Goodnights Comedy Club. goodnightscomedy.com
1/28, 30 La Bohème
Have yet to live out your bohemian life fantasies? Lucky for you, it’s not too late to follow your dreams vicariously through Giacomo Puccini’s story of young love and loss in Paris presented by NC Opera. ncopera.org
1/29 Black People, Green Planet: Environmental Justice.
Virtually immerse yourself in African American culture through the NC Museum of History and NC African American Heritage’s 21st annual cultural celebration. nc-aacc.com
Namaste in the flow through Soul Yoga—whose mission is to “introduce a fresh experience to the yoga scene through vibrant, energetic classes that are hip yet soulful”—at CAM. camraleigh.org
1/30 Brunch at Killjoy
Beat the Sunday scaries with $3 mimosas at Killjoy! The popular DTR bar is launching brunch on Jan. 30, which—in addition to the $3 mimosas—will include $13 Champagne bottles, a live DJ and small plates. killjoycocktail.com
2/2 NC State vs. Syracuse
Time to beat the cute out of those ’cuties… gopack.com
2/2 Tequila Tasting
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor? Hey, what doesn’t tequila makes you stronger, so muscle up to Midtown Grille’s tasting. themidtowngrille.com
From cutting-edge cocktail bars to 30-year-old dives (and even a secret speakeasy!), Raleigh touts hundreds of spots to tip one back—including some of the best craft breweries in the country. More than 500 readers weighed in, and we downed a few pints ourselves exploring the city’s Top 50 bars.See if you agree.
Overall Top 5 Bars
The Architect Bar & Social House
This space, originally built in 1922, was brought back to life, revealing hidden windows, wood floors and exposed brick. But the real find here is The Green Light—the bar within the bar—hidden behind a typical bookcase. If the “green light” is on, this gem is open, a cozy spot with a speakeasy vibe, featuring specialty cocktails by candlelight. Architectbar.com, 108 E. Hargett St., 919-833-4949.
Person Street Bar
We love the jukebox and neon lights behind the bar, which give this place a cool, yet hipster feel. Somehow it all works so well with the natural wood on the ceiling and leather barstools. Chic meets rustic; who knew? There’s also an outdoor patio with tons of seating and a game room in back with pool and arcade games. No food served so membership is required: $5 at the door. Person-street.com, 805 N. Person St., 919-977-5952.
Player’s Retreat
PR has been pouring pints for nearly 65 years—for college students and tenured professors and everybody in between (though it helps if you’re a Wolfpack). It serves a mean burger and, in October, former Coquette chef Beth Littlejohn began preparing fine dining dishes Thursday through Sunday (whaaaat?). theplayersretreat.net, 105 Oberlin Road, 919-755-9589.
Landmark Tavern
It’s all about the bartenders here (our favorite is Gary) who remember your name and will create something just for you. A good selection of beers on tap and the general round-up of liquor, not to mention plenty of seating and an outdoor patio open year round. The last call you’ll hear here is “Bartender, make me a drink!” 117 E. Hargett, 919-821-9865.
Raleigh Times
As the former home of the newspaper of the same name, you’ve got a 100-year-old building and some really unique beer selections. Cool history blends with a rooftop deck and legendary Fried Pickles. It’s been a good combo since 2006. Raleightimesbar.com, 14 E. Hargett St., 919-833-0999.
6 Best Craft Beer Bars
Clouds Brewing
One of the only “downpours” in the state (other than Asheville). Start a tab and pour your own before committing. Techies will like using RFID technology to track what they’re pouring. Cloudsbrewing.com, 126 N. West St., 919-307-8335.
Raleigh Beer Garden
Just open this year, there are more taps here than anywhere in the world. Literally. RBG claimed a title in the Guinness Book of World Records (366 taps) to prove it. Great three-story venue in Glenwood South (and a cool big-screen digital beer menu), but be prepared to deal with crowds; no reservations accepted Fridays through Sundays. Theraleighbeergarden.com, 614 Glenwood Ave., 919-324-3415.
Tyler’s Taproom
A fully loaded outside bar, good seating and great views, not to mention 80 taps, keep folks coming back. Tylerstaproom.com, 18 Seaboard Ave.,
919-322-0906.
Flying Saucer
Put a plate on the wall—if you can. You only have to taste 200 beers to get your own brass plate, but 50 tastes earn a free pint. It’s a fun atmosphere, expansive both inside and out. Your UFO membership will earn perks too. Beerknurd.com., 328 Morgan St., 919-821-7401.
Yard House
Located in North Hills, this hip after-work spot (or late-night) caters to professionals, featuring two Happy Hours—one from 3-6 p.m. and one from 10-close. “Chalkboard” specials are popular but may rotate quickly in the same day. Some good food offerings here, especially late-night; try the $5 Vampire Taco or the $6 Ham and Pineapple Pizza. Yardhouse.com, 4208 Six Forks Road, 919-881-2590.
Bottle Revolution
Grab a single from the cooler and enjoy the outdoor patio with plenty of seating—or the indoor area with none (but lots of lean-tos). Ten taps on draft. Now two locations in Raleigh. Bottlerevolution.com, 4025 Lake Boone Trail and 7713 Lead Mine Road; 919-885-4677 and 919-526-7262, respectively.
6 Best Game Day Bars
Carolina Ale House
A new rooftop bar (with inside and outside seating) offers a a glass roof and a view of downtown Raleigh. Family-friendly, you’ll find kids’ specials on burgers and craft beer specials for the grown-ups. Carolinaalehouse.com, 500 Glenwood Ave., 919-835-2222.
Brickhouse
A popular NC State game-watching spot, usually packed with college students and loaded with TVs is tucked behind Ben & Jerry’s across from Meredith College in the old Playmakers spot. Brickhouse-nc.com, 3801 Hillsborough St., 919-829-3666.
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe
Soon to move to the old Natty Greene’s location, Tobacco Road tries to elevate its food, including orrechiette pasta, shrimp and grits and mussels steamed in penny beer. For panoramic game viewing, snag the high-top tables. tobaccoroadsportscafe.com, 222 Glenwood Ave., 919-832-3688.
Lynnwood Grill
A neighborhood bar for those living around Lake Lynn and Glenwood; lounging recliners and a rooftop bar attract bar-goers from all over the city. Get there early for the best seat with over 30 TVs. Lynnwoodgrill.com, 4821 Grove Barton Road, 919-785-0043.
Village Draft House
When you want to watch the game but have the family in tow (for better or worse), the left side features bar seating (with the best views of the game), and the right offers tables and booths. At least 100 beers on tap here (40 from N.C.). Villagedrafthouse.com, 428 Daniels St., Cameron Village, 919-833-1373.
Pickled Onion
Lots of regulars here, typically in their mid-40s and 50s. TVs are everywhere (like some places would hang artwork), so you can see the game no matter where you land. It’s not unusual for the owners to pull up a stool. Thepickledonion.com, 7901 Falls of Neuse Road, 919-848-4161.
5 Best Music Bars
Pour House
A Raleigh mainstay, equal parts grunge, dust and live rock bands (daily), you’ll find a good collection of alternative rock from local bands. Thepourhousemusichall.com, 224 Blount St., 919-821-1120.
C Grace
Velvet sofas, crystal chandeliers and low (really low) lights make this feel like a 1920s New Orleans Jazz lounge. You might find a full stage of jazz musicians on the horns or a lone singer on the piano. Cgracebar.com, 407 Glenwood Ave., 919-899-3675.
Coglin’s Raleigh
Totally 80s and 90s dance music. Like, totally. Fridays and Saturdays are packed and the dance floor stays that way most nights, but the music selection and scene is hitting a nerve in Raleigh. Stay for the midnight slow dance to feel like you’re back at your high school prom. Coglins.com, 226 Fayetteville St., 919-794-7304.
Lincoln Theater
The worst seat in the house is still a good seat to see a variety of live bands—from national acts to local bands on the rise. The Lincoln is large enough to accommodate a good crowd but small enough to feel like “we’re all in this together.” Two bars, one on each level. You might snag a stool on the upper level, but otherwise you’ll be standing. Lincolntheatre.com, 126 E. Cabarrus St., 919-821-4111.
Tir na Nog
You’ll find a big variety here—from local bands to bagpipes and traditional Irish dancing (Friday nights) and Irish jam sessions on Sundays. And sometime it’s just a DJ. But most find it all goes well with a Guinness and traditional Irish fare like Cottage Pie or a menu staple like Beer Can Chicken. Tnnirishpub.com, 218 S. Blount St., 919-833-7795.
4 Best LGBT Bars
Borough
Loud and crazy on the weekends, quiet and quaint during the week. Grab dinner (there are some great vegan and vegetarian options) and drinks, including a few creative cocktails. Theboroughraleigh.com, 317 W. Morgan St., 919-832-8433.
Legends
There’s a cover charge and sometimes it can be tough to find a parking spot, but Raleigh’s oldest established gay and lesbian bar rarely disappoints with its dance floor, ever-evolving drag shows and newly done outdoor patios. Legends-club.com, 330 W. Hargett St., 919-831-8888.
Flex Nightclub
A dive gay bar with cheap beer ($3 for most, cash only) and free karaoke on Sundays—very laid-back and unpretentious. Check out the Trailer Park Trash drag show on Thursdays at least once. Flex-club.com, 2 S. West St., 919-832-8855.
Fifteen
Used to be the Warhol. The scene starts out a little slow but ends up loud and crowded; live DJs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and also a grand piano for shows. Fifteenraleigh.com, 317 W. Morgan St., 919-615-2758.
4 Best Wine Bars
Wine Feed
Owned by two guys named Phillip who know their wine and present it in a clean, modern environment that’s not overdone. Take their advice, but we like a certain Moscato you might want to ask about. Thewinefeed.com, 602 Glenwood Ave., 919-374-0036.
Vinos Finos
Featuring one of the biggest selections of South American wine in Raleigh, often joining forces with live jazz or food pairings, including Argentine empanadas and tapas. Vinosfinosypicadas.com, 8540 Honeycutt Road, 919-747-9233.
Mosaic Wine Bar
Wine tastings, ethnic dance nights and, yeah, hookahs, all accompanied by trains passing in the distance, which make you feel like an extra in an indie movie. Mosaicwinelounge.com, 517 W. Jones St., 919-829-5886.
Ridgewood Wine & Beer Co.
Relaxed and casual, with a few beer taps for the non-wine drinkers, enjoy a great selection and a wide range of prices, including some very affordable. The complimentary Saturday afternoon wine tasting (4 to 6 p.m.) is always a good idea. Ridgewoodwineandbeer.com, 1214 Ridge Road, 919-832-5232.
5 Best Food Bars
Trophy Brewing
Get your elbows out; this place is usually crazy crowded. You’ll fight for a parking space, wait for a table. Totally worth it. Order a growler from this nano-brewery, and then order one of Trophy’s phenomenal pies. The Brooklyn White is our favorite. Delish. Trophybrewing.com, 827 W. Morgan St., 919-803-4849.
Hibernian
Traditional Irish fare like Corned Beef & Cabbage, Fish and Chips and Shepherd’s Pie in a dark-paneled pub that feels right out of Dublin. Hibernianpub.com, Two locations: 311 Glenwood St. and 8021 Falls of Neuse Road, 919-833-2258 and 919-803-0290, respectively.
Busy Bee
Famous for its Sunday Beer Brunch, pairing brunch classics with flavorful brews. Other must haves: the loaded tater tots and fried green tomatoes. Busybeeraleigh.com, 225 S. Wilmington St., 919-424-7817.
Sawmill Tap Room
The burgers and pickle chips get high marks, but we especially love The Brueben, a brat covered in corned beef, swiss, sauerkraut and spicy mustard on a pretzel roll. Sawmilltaproom.com, 7701 Lead Mine Road, 919-845-7889.
The Oxford
A late night menu that’s not Waffle House. Forget the smothered and covered hashbrowns, try the $5 Spiced Boiled Peanuts, homemade pimento cheese or Sloppy Joe Sliders. The regular menu offers everything from Pork Belly Sliders to Quail Eggs. A unique spin on English pub grub. Oxfordraleigh.com, 319 Fayetteville St., 919-832-6622.
5 Best Whiskey/Lounge
Angus Barn
The Wild Turkey Lounge: Dark wood paneling, leather club chairs and a gun collection present the largest private collection of whiskeys in the world (at least that’s the rumor). A collection of more than 600 decanters will give you something to talk about. Angusbarn.com/wlounge.htm,
9401 Glenwood Ave., 919-781-2444.
Foundation
Head down the stairs to a spot that holds just about 50 people and feels a little like your uncle’s basement—in a good way. If you don’t know anyone, you will soon; the long wooden tables encourage mingling. Easygoing and low key. Foundationnc.com, 213 Fayetteville St.,
919-896-6016.
Fox’s Liquor Bar
More upscale than Foundation, nicer dress is expected and the atmosphere here is more buttoned up. Servers take orders from one of several conversation areas, with bartenders chipping ice from a block the old fashioned way. ac-restaurants.com/fox/
Midtown Grille
A great place for bartender confessions or advice, the staff here tops you off with a smile while imparting some impressive knowledge about different whiskeys and bourbons. Themidtowngrille.com, 4421 Six Forks Road, 919-782-9463.
Margaux’s
Lauded largely for inventive American and European cuisine, Margaux’s is a staple on the cocktail scene; it’s selection of whiskeys and bourbons doesn’t disappoint. Margauxsrestaurant.com, 8110 Creedmoor Road, 919-846-9846.
4 Best Dive Bars
Slim’s Downtown Distillery
Reminiscent of a 90s bar; check out some garage rock, and if you like the beer before the Craft Era, it’s a great place to gofor Miller Highlife, Budweiser and PBR. Bands hoping for a chance to gain traction grab the stage at Slim’s, which holds just about 100 people so you’ll always be pretty close to the stage. Pool upstairs and a patio out back.Slimsraleigh.com, 227 S. Wilmington St., 919-833-6657.
The Goat
Go on Sunday nights when it’s “Bartender’s Choice.” You could end up with a Summer Ale in November or a dented Pabst Blue Ribbon that rolled to the back of the cooler; all are just a buck. There are dollar bills lining the ceiling, too, so if you’re short on cash… 5111 Western Blvd, 919-233-4143.
Black Flower Bar
Not only does it look like a garage sale, the staff has totally adopted the same attitude.They are abrupt, salty, almost rude—whichtotally goes with the whole vibe.You won’t find a more divey dive in Raleigh. Blackflowerbar.com, 517 W. Peace St.,919-900-0147.
Deep South
Throw a rock and you’ll hit the Red Hat Amphitheater. You’ll be surprised to find a great variety of live music. Big names pop in occasionally and many, like Joan Jett, have signed posters or scrawled song lyrics on the red walls. Not a lot of food options here, just chips and salsa or sandwich delivery. Deepsouththebar.com, 430 S. Dawson St. 919-833-1255.
6 Best Suburb Bars
Pharmacy Bottle
It’s about time a place like this came to Cary. Located downtown and fairly new, Pharmacy Bottle has a good selection of beers (and wines and ciders), including Uinta and Founders as well as Fullsteam’s Igor. Pet-friendly and you can bring outside food IN. A rare find indeed. Pharmacybottlebeverage.com, 120 E. Chatham St., Cary, 919-234-1098.
Ruckus Pizza
It’s not often you find a bar serving pizza and sushi (try the Shark Bites), but Ruckus Pizza in Morrisville does it well. Combine that with a good all-around drink selection and trivia nights, and this neighborhood watering hole hits the spot. Ruckuspizza.com, 1101 Market Center Dr., Morrisville, 919-388-3500.
World of Beer
Normally we wouldn’t rank a chain in this spot, but this sports bar does a good job with its beer selection—offering NC craft beers and as well as a variety from microbreweries across the nation. Worldofbeer.com, 2036 Renaissance Park Place, Cary, 919-234-0088
My Way Tavern
The “go-to” spot in Holly Springs. It’s laid-back, and you’re fine to go grubby, but you’ll likely see someone you know (fair warning). It’s loud, with a fair amount of brews on tap, most from N.C. The horseshoe bar, made with reclaimed wood, sets the stage and gets folks talking. Mywaytavern.com, 301 Center St., Holly Springs, 919-285-2412.
Bass Lake Draft House
More taps here—34—and a big following on game day. Eats are good, with lunch specials under $7. We recommend the Vineyard Chicken Salad. Basslakedrafthouse.com, 124 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs, 919-567-3251.
Doherty’s Irish Pub
Owner Michael Doherty, born in Ireland, is often barside, pouring pints and serving up Fish & Chips or brisket sliders. Lots of regulars in this pub with a clean and simple design. Dohertysirishpubnc.com, 5490 Apex Peakway, Apex, 919-387-4100.
Local Breweries
Although they only sell their own brews, we just had to include a few of Raleigh’s innovative craft breweries.
Raleigh Brewing
There’s always a good group milling about playing trivia or partaking in one of the regular food trucks (no food served here, fyi).You’ll find a crowd of mixed ages playing board games or cornhole and sipping tasty brews; we like the Blatherskite Scottish Ale paired with Monopoly. Raleighbrewingcompany.com, 3709 Neil St., 919-400-9086.
Crank Arm
It’s all about bikes (the pedal kind) and beer. Check out board games, Jenga and a cool slot-machine-like sculpture made with bike parts. Seating out front and an open concept inside. Crankarmbrewing.com, 319 W. Davie St., 919-324-3529.
Lone Rider
A warehouse with exposed brick and picnic tables creates a relaxed vibe, and the lack of TVs encourages conversation. Food trucks make frequent appearances. Our faves are Shotgun Betty and Sweet Josie.loneriderbeer.com, 8816 Gulf Ct. (919) 442-8004.
Nickelpoint
Located in Five Points, brewing European beers as well as small batches; dogs allowed outside, activities like darts and cornhole. Nickelpointbrewing.com, 506 Pershing Road, 919-916-5961.
Player’s Retreat
Landmark Tavern
Raleigh Times
5 Best Music Bars
4 Best Wine Bars
5 Best Food Bars
5 Best Whiskey/Lounge
4 Best Dive Bars
Raleigh Brewing 
Lone Rider