Late-night bar food, cheap yet delicious drinks, and all-around good vibes abound at Le Dive.
The best dive bars have something for everyone. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at DTR’s Le Dive, sandwiched between Neptunes and Kings in the former Garland-turned-Umbrella Dry Bar space Downtown.
Think cheap beer, fairly priced refreshing cocktails, dirty yet elevated late-night bar food, TVs, games, a photobooth, and ample loungey seating—just the kind of place you’d find The Big Lebowski and his gang of misfits in, minus the bowling. Not to mention that all-are-welcome neighborhood bar vibe that invites you in for any reason or no reason at all to settle in and make yourself comfortable.
Operating in pop-up mode for the last couple of months with all-the-rage bangin’ bites from MOdega’s Mosby Dru Ray, the already hot spot’s official grand opening is March 1. And, in good news for those who’ve become obsessed with what Ray’s churning out of that kitchen, the “people’s princess” isn’t going anywhere. Find her slicing and dicing as Le Dive’s head chef with the same nostalgic, fun and mouthwatering food patrons are already demanding on the reg.
“I connected with them on their whole vision for the space and their whole vibe,” says Ray. “It really just lined up very perfectly with what I want to do, which is food that’s fun and makes people happy and feel good.”
Described as “delicious, not pretentious” by Martin—and catering to foodies while at the same time approachable and accessible—Ray’s fare is the perfect balance of nostalgic and mind-blowing. And it’s exactly what you want after a night of drinking. On the permanent menu, expect such dishes as pickle fritto misto and tender tots (a chicken app of tater tots and popcorn chicken with pickled celery and homemade Buffalo sauce), sandwiches, salads, and desserts like snack packs and Dunkaroos.
“I’m taking things that are usually fancy and stuffy or maybe only seen at a certain type of restaurant and turning them on their head,” maintains Ray. The Northeast-born, former Lawrence Barbecue chef’s cult-classic Philly cheesesteak, for example—which incidentally got her started in kitchens—will be a menu fixture. “The reason the MOdega even started was because of the same reason [Le Dive] did: There’s no late-night food options [locally], nobody who’s doing real good bodega bites—and it was something I missed most about being back home.”
Further feeding that late-night crowd till an unprecedented 2am will be hot dogs, walking tacos, cold-cut sandwiches and the like out of Le Dive’s walk-up window. And you won’t want to sleep on Sunday brunch either, though you can sleep in given it doesn’t start until 11am.
When it comes to drinks, it’s a bar after all. And in line with its MO, there’s something for everyone—from sub-$15 cocktails by GM Paul Schatzle like a spicy marg and herbaceous French 75 to $5 cans of Miller Lite and draft PBR. Even glasses of vino and espresso martinis on draft. “It’s important for people to know I’ve been grinding my ass off for 15 years to get to the point to have this,” says Martin. “We just want to give people food and booze in a fun atmosphere.” @le.dive.bar
Despite new dining and drinking destinations aplenty, a plethora of OGs still hold a soft spot in our hearts—from iconic jazz clubs and hidden gems to hot spots from Hillsborough Street’s glory days. We take your brain down memory lane to test your smarts on some standout Raleigh restaurants and bars. Let the nostalgia commence!
1. Gimme something good! Ryan Adams formed the first version of rock band Whiskeytown in 1994 at which Raleigh restaurant and makeshift music venue?
a. The Comet Lounge b. The Brewery c. Sadlack’s Heroes d. Berkeley Cafe
2. Which fan-fave Hillsborough Street bar devastated locals when it shuttered—and never reopened as promised? a. East Village Grill b. Pantana Bob’s c. The Rockford d. The Green Monkey
3. Here’s to Raleigh restaurant history! What was the first dining/drinking establishment to open on Glenwood South? a. Hibernian Pub b. Cafe Helios c. Mellow Mushroom d. The Rockford
5. To the horror of live music lovers, Hillsborough Street’s iconic The Brewery was demolished in 2011. Which of these bands graced the space during its run? a. Paramore b. Panic! At The Disco c. Phish d. All of the above
6. What famous musician found fame after performing at jazz club Frog and Nightgown in the ’60s—then ended up living in Raleigh for over a decade while working for former Gov. Terry Sanford? a. Betty Carter b. Carol Sloane c. Peggy Lee d. Julie London
7. “I actually saw him read a book without pictures once!” At what local go-to were scenes from the 1988 rom-com Bull Durham filmed? a. Players Retreat b. Winston’s Grille c. Piccola Italia d. Mitch’s Tavern
8. He’s truly living the American dream. During a stop in NC earlier this year, what Raleigh spot did President Joe Biden nosh at with Gov. Roy Cooper? a. Second Empire b. Char-Grill c. Cook Out d. A Place at the Table
9. ~Feline~ fine! Which former live music club was housed in a DTR building boasting a mural of a cat sporting a blazer and a top hat? a. Crowley’s b. The Rialto c. C. Grace d. Neptunes
A veritable spirited playground, Raleigh has no shortage of bars for boozy occasions—and quite the range, from high (rooftop recesses and luxurious lounges) to low (underground hooch havens and divey dens of debauchery) to the most modern of cocktail “meeting houses.” And, rightfully so, Raleigh remains the life of the party, attracting thirsty revelers statewide for all passions, purposes and poisons—think the craftiest of cocktails, sommelier selects, a Glenwood South romp or cheap shot at a dive. And answering the burning question of where to grab a drink for the mood of the moment is our annual Best Bars across a range of categories. This year, y’all called the shots in record numbers, with many too-close-to-calls coming down to the wire, including our superheated race for Best Bartender. Here, your 2023 class of Best Bars, from OG heavyweights to newcomers shaking up the scene. Consider this your new bar bible or bucket list. Cheers!
Dram & Draught | Photo by Kyle Ketchel
Best Overall
Dram & Draught ☀️ From the moment the OG garage door rolled up on this whiskey-dense watering hole, Raleigh was all in. Already etching itself in our city’s lifeblood, the six-time Best Overall winner (now with seven locations under its belt) has earned a spot on our Best Bars list every year since inception thanks to its edgy-meets-welcoming vibe, in-the-know friendly bartenders, vast whiskey selection and seasonal cocktails that never miss (NTM beer, wine and mocktails to boot). But the best thing about this true neighborhood bar is it stays humble, remaining a mainstay for all imbibers and occasions—whether for a solo beer and a shot after work, a round of pre-dinner cocktails with friends, a work outing or a date night. We think it’s safe to say Dram is a true Raleigh treasure—and we’ve certainly struck gold that it calls the City of Oaks home. Glenwood South, @dramanddraught
Aunty Betty’s ☀️ At first blush, this art- and greenery-soaked “low-key AF” establishment is a bar with a food hall in its closet—but it’s so much more than that. Through an unassuming door, the tucked-away drinking den dubbed for owner Niall Hanley’s Irish aunt is a welcoming mecca for gin, absinthe and cocktail lovers with a hankering for a well-done bev in a colorful-yet-moody atmosphere. It’s funky. It’s eccentric. It’s homey. It’s the kind of place you’d find the cooling agent in your G&T sawed from a flawless 30-pound block of ice via a sawzall and large serrated knife… or a $8 Negroni on Negroni Night that’s equally as good—if not better—than the $15 one you’d find at a stuffy cocktail bar. Precisely what makes Betty our fave aunt. Warehouse District, @auntybettysbar
William & Company ☀️ Willco is a vibe. Period. At once cozy yet cool and moody yet energized, the space gets its hip factor from comfy couches, pink neon signs, Mexican relics, local art for sale on the walls, Latin music in the background, colorful metal tables out front (the place to be when the weather’s nice)—and just a general feeling of camaraderie. You’ll rub shoulders with industry folks, couples on date night, groups of friends unwinding, and regulars who post up at the bar and know everyone’s name. You might dance to a lively local DJ or opt to tuck into a corner and observe. You will absolutely peruse the chalkboard menu for whatever specials the bartenders have dreamt up for the night, or ask for a shot of their favorite tequila (or mezcal at back bar La Veladora). And after a drink or two, you’ll find there’s no place you’d rather be. Seaboard & Person Street District, @willcobar
One part whiskey bar, one part Southern kitchen. Whiskey Kitchen is a hip destination for inventive, regionally-inspired dishes, craft cocktails and an extensive selection of over 300 whiskies from around the world. (Brian Strickland, courtesy of Visit Raleigh)
Best Whiskey Bar
Dram & Draught ☀️ Maybe it’s the binder full of 300+ whiskeys, or the Lex Luthor-esque ladder bartenders climb for that high-end “registered lubrication”—or, TBH, any of the seasonal craft cocktails—but this transcendent tippling haven is already so ingrained in Raleigh’s identity it’s become a go-to, whether you’re 25 or 80, looking for a lowkey outing with friends or to get down on one knee. Talk about legendary. Glenwood South, @dramanddraught You’ll find us drinking:If you’re not drinking an Old-Fashioned, you’re doing it wrong
Whiskey Kitchen ☀️🍽 If you need some whiskey glasses to shield the truth a la Morgan Wallen, this ~600+ massive whiskey collection at the hands of talented ’tenders mixing up a master class on the daily is a good place to start—and the craft spirits and savory Southern fare a fine finish. In essence, the alfresco-esque open-air sleek wooden barroom with roll-up garage door and year-round umbrella-dotted light-strung patio always stack up Shaq height. Warehouse District, @whiskey.kitchen You’ll find us drinking: Whiskey sour
Foundation ☀️ Lowering the bar (in the best way possible) is this dank too-cool-for-school unassuming underground drinking den where a semihidden stairway aglow in a distinct vibey red light gives way to exposed brick—only to uncover the “goodliest drinks under the cope of heaven.” Letting go of your inhibitions never felt—or tasted—so good. Fayetteville Street District, @foundation_bar You’ll find us drinking: Anything with bourbon, honestly
Best Cocktail Bar
Aunty Betty’s ☀️ If you had an Aunty Betty, she’d be an eclectic booze hound—and this would be her living room, complete with colorful murals and crafty spins on gin, cocktails (that Negroni though), anime-themed drinks, ’tinis and the like… worthy of, well, a perennial Best Bars flex. Warehouse District, @auntybettysbar You’ll find us drinking: A good ’ol G&T
Flask Cocktail Bar ☀️🍽 Not all cool cocktail concepts are Downtown—and Flask can forward the receipts. Proximal regulars and the North Raleigh curious swap the DTR buzz for the night to wash away reality in this trendy V Pizza-adjacent sister spot that could just as easily be mistaken for a craft bar in Manhattan. Northwest Raleigh, @flaskcocktailbar You’ll find us drinking: There’s always a ”Time and Place” for tequila and mezcal
Killjoy ☀️ Killjoys, ahem, meet their match via NA mocktails, low-ABV sippers + plenty of seasonal cocktails and crafted shots. So, whether drinking a lot, a little, none at all or going damp on occasion, it’s always just right. NTM ’Gram-worthy surrounds, leather couches, swanky intimate spaces and a verdant covered patio promise a fit for Goldilocks in any mood. Smoky Hollow, @killjoycocktail You’ll find us drinking: Espresso martinis. Always.
Best Craft Beer Bar
Raleigh Beer Garden ☀️🍽 🎶 We see your German beer garden and raise you this three-time Guinness World Records holder. With quite the garden variety—read: 380+ beers on tap (ciders, sours, saisons, meads and the like)—the sprawling three floors of themed bars (NC, international, etc.), expansive back patio and game-dotted “event field,” NTM bar food galore, continues to dominate the ranks of finest U.S. beer gardens. Czech mate! Glenwood South, @raleighbeergarden You’ll find us drinking: One of the local draft taps on the first-floor NC bar
Flying Saucer ☀️🍽 If these plate-adorned walls could talk, they’d spill decades of tea—er, beer, which the crafty sip spot’s been slinging by the pint since before craft beer was a catchphrase. And those plates? They belong to “Beerknurds” with a lot of sip equity (aka imbibers who drank 200 different brews). So, for beer enthusiasts, like kissing the ring. Warehouse District, @flyingsaucerraleigh You’ll find us drinking: Anything from the tap wall
House of Hops ☀️ Raleigh is a beer destination—and sitting squarely at the intersection of craft and draft, House of Hops is a must-stop. A never-ending tailgate (cornhole! pong!) fit for tots and waggly tales to boot, the hundreds-deep bottles and cans + smart rotating sips so sated hops heads’ thirst that the family affair expanded its footprint across town—because life is, indeed, a highway. Midtown East & Northwest Raleigh, @houseofhops_raleigh You’ll find us drinking: Seasonal selects + NA for that zero-proof life
Raleigh, N.C. is no stranger to mouth-watering brews and offers up numerous local hotspots dedicated to the craft. (Brian Strickland, courtesy of Visit Raleigh)
Best Brewery
Trophy Brewing Co. ☀️🍽 In a golden age of craft brewing, Trophy tapped the local brewery scene with just 14 seats on Morgan. Today, that mammoth pizza-pub paradise is just one of its ever-growing brain trust of buzzy locales (see p. 20) that serve as welcoming hoppy havens for come-as-you-are locals looking to kick back. So, the ~trophyworthy~ brews were predestined really. … Hold my crown! Warehouse District, @trophybrewing You’ll find us drinking: Trophy Wife—natch
Crank Arm Brewing ☀️ Backpedaling every thought you ever had about a “biker” bar, Raleigh’s most active brewery gives cycologists a community, and those who haven’t ridden since they got keys a stomping—er, drinking—grounds. From the fitting crank arm logo to the relaxed warehousey environs to the funky can art (s/o local design firm Saturday’s Gravy), it turns your basic brewery into an equal-opp haze craze. Warehouse District, @crankarmbrew You’ll find us drinking: White Wall Wheat—and a cocktail for our “I don’t drink beer” tagalong
Clouds Brewing ☀️🍽 Whether uptown in the taproom or Downtown hunkered down sipping your way through 30 taps, you’re no doubt getting lost in the purple haze—aka the lavender glow emitting from the adjacent “powerhouse” or that craft beer afterglow (same, same)… especially out on the sun-soaked patio. Either way, the “German beer capital of the Triangle” with its always-fire stocks of sudsy sips’ll always keep your head in the clouds. Midtown East & Smoky Hollow, @cloudsbrewingtaproom; @cloudsbrewingraleigh You’ll find us drinking: Clouds Accumülation amber lager or a bloody from the bloody mary bar
Best Restaurant Bar
Madre ☀️🍽 Madre is the moment—and its bar, the Hollow hang. Sure the small plates are orbital, but so is the bar with its menagerie of minglers who go adulting here—think buzzing standing room, but not in the annoying cheap liquor + so loud you can’t hear kinda way. More like, just stepped into a hip happy-hour hang at your mom’s house—especially if your ma has an alluring double-tiered canopy light (a flex!). Smoky Hollow, @madreraleigh You’ll find us drinking: A Madre margarita
Vidrio 🍽 If this elevated ’Grammable resto were an art museum, its bar would be the underrated exhibit only the real connoisseurs know about. A work of art itself (peep hanging wood rods and metal caged lamps), the dedicated colorful cocktail corner is a truly inviting space to sip and stay awhile, where thirsty imbibers go to see and be seen nightly—whether waiting for a table or as the main event. Glenwood South, @vidrioraleigh You’ll find us drinking: A glass (or two or three) of wine on tap
Coquette Brasserie ☀️🍽 Less the stuffy pinkies-out stereotype and more ooh la la, Urban Food Group’s French-inspired restaurant/bar knows the cultural significance of wine (and spirits)—which is why a seat here feels like a romantic boozy stopover in Versailles… and why its bar is always abuzz and easily as wooworthy as any Parisian cafe. Midtown, @coquetteraleigh You’ll find us drinking:Champs, natch
Best Bar Food
My Way Tavern ☀️🍽 This neighborhood tavern always hits no matter the hankering. From the loaded mac and cheeses to the bangin’ wings and burgers—served your way or their way—the consistently killer bar food is the perf pairing for a drinking sesh, esp. on game days thanks to the football specials. Consider it a touchdown—and then some. Glenwood South, @mywayraleigh You’ll find us drinking: An NC sour
The Raleigh Times ☀️🍽🎶 Those Times nachos have what could only be considered a cult following—and if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, it’s about time you do. You could eat them on the roof, you can eat them in a booth, you could eat them at the upstairs bar, or you could eat them on the streetery facing your car. All make for a palatable perch to dig in—and toast up. Fayetteville Street District, @raleightimesbar You’ll find us drinking: A rare Belgian craft beer—or a bloody come brunch
Hibernian ☀️🍽🎶 The Glenwood South multilevel mainstay is more than a perennial packed pub. It’s also where the real ones know to hunker down for a true taste of Ireland—and where we’d send the other Niall (Horan) if he blew through town for a gamut of “did I just wake up in Dublin” dishes. Seriously—shepherd’s pie, fish ’n chips, and bangers and mash so authentically divine even Horan would break into “Heaven.” Glenwood South, @hibernianpub You’ll find us drinking: Guinness, duh
Best Bottle Shop
State of Beer ☀️🍽 Our fave state? State of Beer, obv. Yet another grand-slam concept from the Trophy team, DTR’s bottle shop not only boasts “99 bottles of beer on the wall,” but also a curated neighborhood vibe—see its brick-lined walls, outdoor seating (dogs welcome!) and its cozy yet warehousey feel—that invites kicking back with a cold one and staying awhile. Capital District, @stateofbeernc You’ll find us drinking:Trophy Husband
Roshambo ☀️ Friendly welcoming surrounds and a couple brewskis will woo you into feeling like you’re cracking cold ones in the neighbor’s garage. Sure you can’t just stumble next door home, but regulars know the crafty hole-in-the-wall is too cool to just get a couple of bevs to-go, tempting a drink or two at the bar and a game of foosball. Moore Square District, @roshambobevco You’ll find us drinking: Whatever cool new label the bartender recs
Pelagic Beer & Wine ☀️ Beach bum would-be’s and eco-activists alike can find camaraderie—or drown their sorrows—in a sea of best-in-class brews. Its name a nod to the “open sea” because pro-Earth, Person Street’s cozy neighborhood nook finds you just as likely to stumble on your next effervescent obsession as to make mems on the aqua-chair dotted sidewalk or inside the apropos brick-walled bottle shop on the other side of that ever-so-apt aqua door. Seaboard & Person Street District, @pelagicbeer You’ll find us drinking: Don’t Be Mean to People: A Golden Rule Saison
Best LGBTQ+ Bar
Legends ☀️ Life’s always a ~drag~ at this legendary LGBTQ+ party palace where #LegendsHasIt “the hottest women in Raleigh might just be men.” Complete with neon lights, pulsing music, drag shows, primo outdoor space, game room, Raleigh’s first gay-twist speakeasy The Tuck and more, the sprawling nightclub complex remains the go-to for dancing queens and thirst traps aplenty. Slay, queen! Warehouse District, @legendsraleigh You’ll find us drinking: Trouble Mondays specials
Ruby Deluxe ☀️🎶 Glitz and glam await at this “cute ‘n’ queer” glimmering and electric underground sparkle space feat. theme nights on fleek (karaoke, drag events and costume contests) and a cozy stage for all the drama to drag on. After all, every evening is an extravaganza when embracing who you are—and having a grand time doing it. Fayetteville Street District, @rubydeluxeraleigh You’ll find us drinking: Ruby red cosmo
Flex Nightclub Sparkle and seedy collide in this divey music-pumping basement Gayborhood bar fit for queens and bears alike flexing cheap drinks and all kinds of spicy theme-night fetishes—from go-go boys and bear/leather events to drag and karaoke so popular it tunes up three times a week. Warehouse District, @flexnightclub You’ll find us drinking: Bud Light rainbow can
Best Dive Bar
Circa 1888 ☀️ The love child of a speakeasy, cocktail lounge and dive bar, Circa is a mood. With the longest bar in Raleigh (humble brag), its OG billiards and ’80s high-low vibes are equally fit for The Big Lebowski or a Tarantino cameo (read: plush red banquettes and hidden side patio)—and always a go-to for thirsty in-the-know regulars. Warehouse District, @circa1888raleigh You’ll find us drinking: A classic mixed bev, like a rum and coke
The Cardinal ☀️🍽 It’s the little things at this Jason Howard OG hole-in-the-wall that make it so special: the sarcastic plastic signs throughout the lived-in walls (see: “The customer isn’t always right.”), the cheap well drinks and canned beers/seltzers, the laid-back bartenders, and—of course—the famous signature hot dogs. So while The Cardinal is nothing fancy, you’ll ~relish~ every experience there. Smoky Hollow, @thecardinalbar You’ll find us drinking:Pepperoncini shots
Johnson Street Yacht Club ☀️ “We’ve got booze. We’ve got a slide. We take credit cards, but we don’t take no shit.” … It’s the kind of MO you’d want from any dive bar—but Yacht Club takes it next-level. For the best of both worlds, there’s the hip rooftop experience with a hella fast slide (mandatory) into the divey bottom bar at the ready—and pool for the players. Glenwood South, @jsyachtclub You’ll find us drinking: A frozen drink to numb that sore bottom
Best Wine Bar
Vita Vite ☀️🍽 No one does girl dinner like Vita Vite. Read: a bottle of vino and a build-your-own cheese and charcuterie board split among your crew—or boo—and enjoyed either on a cozy couch in the art-filled interior or out on the sun-filled patio at either location (pro tip: The mezzanine at the Midtown outpost is ideal for people-watching). Wined, dined and feeling fine, indeed. Midtown & Warehouse District, @vitaviteraleigh You’ll find us drinking: Whatever sparkling rosé is gracing the menu
Barcelona Wine Bar ☀️🍽 Moody yet welcoming. Idyllic yet elevated. Fancy yet unfussy. … This rustic warehouse-chic bustling bodega beneath The Dillon channels the culture of Spain while touting a vibey setting for vino from one of the largest Spanish wine programs in the U.S.—whether tucked away inside or out on the lush picture-perfect patio dropped straight from a Disney movie. Warehouse District, @barcelonawinebar You’ll find us drinking: A pitcher of red sangria
The Raleigh Wine Shop ☀️ Vast selects of “real wines made by real people from around the world” remain a constant draw for local oenophiles looking for refreshing sips without a trip to wine country. And because wine tasting is a marathon, not a sprint, locals know to swap the miles and settle in for a glass or two of rotating varietals at the bar, in the lounge or perched outside—and take home a bottle to boot. Moore Square District, @raleighwineshop You’ll find us drinking: Whatever’s at that WineStation vending machine
Best Speakeasy
Watts & Ward ☀️🎶 Turns out secrets do make friends. A tunnel back in time to the Roaring ’20s, this Mad Men-meets-Gatsby cavernous hooch haven invites tipplers to tuck underground, literally, for brilliant booze-forward bevs on sultry leather banquettes against live jazz in its dimly lit coveted cocktail coves—or retreat to the above-ground light-strung side yard for a quick Euro stopover. Moore Square District, @wattsandward You’ll find us drinking: Whatever riffs Best Bartender Kelly Lynch recommends
Fox Liquor Bar 🍽 Named after her dad, Ashley Christensen’s legendary basement bar is, well, like the basement bar you never knew you needed but always wished you had. Reopened in May, the dim yet playful subterranean den was welcomed back like an old friend who got a slight face-lift. Same attitude, new look via art upgrades, shuffleboard table, and treasured staples from AC’s Beasley’s and Chuck’s. “Well-loved and lived-in,” indeed. Moore Square District, @foxliquorbar You’ll find us drinking: A Foxy 75
The Merchant 🍽 Some secrets are just not worth keeping. Hidden in plain sight above sister spot Virgil’s, Local Icon’s dark, exclusive, sinister spot serves sex appeal, skulls and “Fear & Loathing” in equal measure. Dramatic before it was de rigueur, wafts of smoke scream “mad scientist” against striking chandeliers and bold decor that more than keep the spirit(s) alive. Fayetteville Street District, @themerchantnc You’ll find us drinking: Smoke & Daggers
#RIP The Atlantic Lounge Divey 🤝 dissenters in this former Jason Howard 25+ underground literal key club (read: only open to key holders) that has served as the subterranean soul of Raleigh for “villains” and “heroes” alike. Locking the door on the concept Dec. 31, 2023, the barrage of votes that poured in in front of that announcement pay fitting tribute to the classic speakeasy. The Atlantic Lounge was the moment. Pour one out for Mr. Rogers (insiders know). You’ll find us drinking: Our tears
Best Game Day Bar
Players Retreat☀️🍽 Get up, it’s game day! Raleigh’s oldest bar and about the closest thing to a tailgate shy of packin’ coolers and kickin’ dirt down the road at Carter-Finley, PR packs the house on the regular for its nostalgic decor, kegs of kindness, winning menu and fan-fave TV-dotted patio. Aw, baby, we’re howling for you. Hillsborough Street Corridor, @theplayersretreat You’ll find us drinking: NCSU x R&D Brewing’s Riviera Mexican-style lager, natch
The Davie☀️ When you think of sports bars, The Davie doesn’t come screaming to mind—but if you’ve ever been to a game suite, well, the mood is pretty damn close. A bar with plenty of TVs & drinks—the obvious baseline—and (sometimes) snacks fueling the fire, it’s where fans go to either cheers their team or drink their sorrows after an L (or both). Fayetteville Street District, @thedavieraleigh You’ll find us drinking: From the serious collection of good hard-to-find whiskeys
Woody’s Sports Tavern☀️🍽🎶 OG fangirl fixation found. Whether posting up for the game or as a wingman (ahem, “best damn wings in the Triangle”), this City Market mainstay has had its game face on since it blew the first whistle in 1993, cornering the market on entertainment from the classic game day romp to weekly live music, trivia, music bingo and damn fine grub for a, well, winning combo. Moore Square District, @woodyscitymarket You’ll find us drinking: Fireball—if you know, you know
Best Live Music Bar
Neptunes 🎶 Down the dark and dusty steps below Kings is a subterranean drinking den doubling as an entertainment venue that feels at once grungy and like the coolest house party you’ve ever been invited to. The red string lights littering the ceiling set the scene for concerts, comedy shows, DJ sets, karaoke nights or just a cold bev, while the close quarters encourage convos with strangers. Always a memorable experience. Fayetteville Street District, @neptunes.parlour You’ll find us drinking: Espresso martinis on draft
The Pour House🎶 More music venue than traditional bar—and a legend in its own right—it’s the kind of beer-soaked emo-meets-genre-bending divey underground Kat Stratford would have retreated to in 10 Things I Hate About You (or any alt ’90s movie) for a bottle of High Life to get drunk on music—or scout obscure vinyls in the daytime record shop. Moore Square District, @thepourhouse You’ll find us drinking: Well drinks
Clockwork☀️🍽🎶 Dropped straight out of a Stanley Kubrick hallucination (iykyk), the trippy grogshop extends the revelatory release from reality with regular timeless tunes that transcend via ample liquid courage—not to mention the viral mind-bending bathroom hall (s/o Clockwork Orange). It’s a party—but like one you actually want to go to. Glenwood South, @clockwork919 You’ll find us drinking: Fire & Dandy—a Clockwork Classic
JME Photography
Best Patio Bar
The Avenue☀️🍽🎶 Let’s hang out in the backyard—but make it a bar! … At the corner of Hillsborough and Glenwood is an outdoor oasis where the faux grass is always greener. An adult playground perf for sipping and playing (Jenga, pinball, pool!) or catching the game, this DTR drinkery keeps patio vibes going all yearlong (hello, heaters and tent!) and is now sating appetites with its recently debuted food menu. Glenwood South, @theavenueraleigh You’ll find us drinking: High Noons
Wye Hill☀️🍽 From the vantage point atop the hill at the Boylan Wye railroad junction sits a brewery + patio paradise. Heaters and winter warmers (alcohol blanket, anyone?) warm you against the cold-weather chill, while fans and misters beat the summer heat, making this the prime alfresco year-round perch for the best damn views of DTR bar none. Bonus: Wye’s “damn delightful” eats and drinks. Warehouse District, @wyehill You’ll find us drinking: Magnificent S.O.B. seltzer—or whatever’s in season
The Longleaf Lounge ☀️🍽🎶 There’s hotel bars and then there’s this mot0r lodge-turned-midcentury mod looker of a lounge with light-strung fire pit-dotted patio that lives in our heads rent-free year-round, where homey patio-furnished pockets ooze backyard feels that make for a solid place to surrender for sweet escape for locals and vacationers alike. Capital District, @thelongleaflounge You’ll find us drinking: A Hugo Spritz under a blanket
Best Rooftop Bar
Highgarden☀️🍽
Perched high above the bustling strip and serving supreme skyline views, the cozy couch-dotted rooftop lounge with lush greenery surrounds feels at once Secret Garden and like an East Village rooftop escape. Glenwood South, @highgardenraleigh You’ll find us drinking:A G&T cocktail tree
Level7 ☀️🍽🎶 Behind the elevator doors at level 7—literally, floor 7—atop the swank AC Hotel North Hills is a golden hour worth toasting to. A solid cast of sophisticated sips give way to stunning views that promise to put reality in the rearview. Midtown, @level7rooftopbar You’ll find us drinking: Midtown margaritas
The Willard☀️🍽🎶 Cozy meets upscale at this sky-high dreamy drinking destination with two outdoor terraces serving equal parts crystalline skyscraper views and the ideal oasis to flex for business deals, date night or, say, a proposal by the dual-sided fireplace. Glenwood South, @thewillardraleigh You’ll find us drinking: Willard barrel-aged Negroni
Best New Bar
Tap Yard☀️🍽🎶 What feels like it could only be the brilliant notion of a fever dream is in fact too real thanks to the city’s first massive fam- and Fido-friendly all-are-welcome 1-acre beer garden meets neighborhood bar and music venue, checking the box on every whim and fancy from live music and TVs to yard games and food trucks—even speed dating—and Raleigh is clearly here for it. East Mordecai/Oakwood, @tapyardraleigh You’ll find us drinking: Cherry Bounce
Peggy’s The typical girl next door got a sultry makeover via Peggy’s, Aunty Betty’s sister bar tucked into the corner of Hibernian Pub that will drive you wild—in a good way. Her gorgeous light-filled interior, with just the right amount of spunk from bright orange couches and moody lighting, will have you returning time and time again. Glenwood South, @peggysatthepub You’ll find us drinking: An expertly crafted ’tail or the sake in a juice box (!)
Best Burbs Bar
SideBar ☀️🎶 OK, yes, Cary is playing its cool card—and the “drinks + company” here have Raleighites crossing the border on the regular. But the perf balance of friendly bartenders and casual neighborhood-feel + divine cocktails clearly makes it less of a side piece and more of a main squeeze—never failing to disappoint for any occasion. Cary, @sidebarnc You’ll find us drinking: Long Story Short bourbon cocktail
Dram & Draught Fenton☀️🍽 Forget shopping. Dram is easily the most spirited spot in Fenton. The sixth sibling of Dram’s seven boozy offspring (with reach from Raleigh to Charlotte), the chic two-story Cary powerhouse entices with small bites and a rooftop ideal for people-watching. Cary, @dramanddraughtcary You’ll find us drinking: D&D G&T with Conniption Kinship
The Side Door Craft Cocktails🍽🎶 Answering the call for “I need a side door,” this new-this-year refined refuge tucked adjacent to V Pizza—and from the team at Flask—is anything but a side character. With its dark and moody interior and specialty craft cocktails, the literal side-door sultry sanctuary makes for the sweetest escape from everything from the Sunday scaries to that full inbox or errands list. Cary, @thesidedoornc You’ll find us drinking: The Bee’s Tits
These Raleigh DJs are hitting all the right notes around town.
With just the drop of a beat, DJ Jermainia (aka Jermaine Landon) is able to get a whole crowd of people moving and grooving on the dance floor on any given night at his main “residencies”: Clockwork, Five Star and Neptunes.
The self-dubbed “vibe distributor” is just one of Raleigh’s several DJs bringing the high energy to local hot spots—and if these upbeat spinsters are making an appearance, you know it’s gonna be a party (!).
While Raleigh’s DJ scene is by no means new, it has had a sort of renaissance over the past couple years, due largely to the pandemic. Not only did many music lovers take up DJing during the shutdowns, but “bars realized, as they started to reopen, they needed entertainment all the time,” says DJ Jermainia.
DJ Miss Ashley (aka Ashley Dyson) was one of the people who took up DJing during the pandemic—and she maintains it’s no easy feat. “Some people say, ‘Everyone is a DJ’—and many people are or dabble in it—but not many can curate the party, vibe, or keep up the momentum of the DJ lifestyle. It takes a lot of work to find the space, promote, negotiate your terms with the spaces, build up the momentum for parties, put yourself out there, etc.” But, hey, if you can hit all the right beats…
Meanwhile, DJ Micky Slicks (aka Tu Micky Nguyen), who you’ll commonly find spinning tracks at Neptunes, Clockwork and Cuya, has been on the scene since 2015 and says the “DJ scene in Raleigh is always here going strong.” To wit, find DJs select nights at spots like Willco and La Veladora, Split, Tin Roof, and The Architect—to name but a few.
“DJs do a good job of setting the soundtrack for the night, setting the mood, bringing people in, providing energy,” adds DJ Jermainia. “So you can go out every day of the week now and see a DJ, from Monday to Sunday—and really good ones too.”
One particularly lit event to see a volume of Raleigh’s best spin masters is the monthly Day Party at Junction West running through October. Raleigh’s “feel-good party” gathers a host of local DJs to set the mood for a Sunday Funday like no other, complete with drinks, eats and vendors (be sure to mark your cals for the next installments, July 23 and Aug. 27!). … Bright lights, louder tunes and an overall immaculate vibe are just one spin away. Listen up!
The Ultimate Summer Playlist
We asked four of Raleigh’s resident DJs their top summer jams—making for an unbeatable summer playlist that’ll def get you the aux.
DJ Jermainia’s picks
“Regulate – Extended Mix” by Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Redlight “SUMMER RENAISSANCE” by Beyoncé “Eat Your Man” by Dom Dolla (feat. Nelly Furtado)
DJ Micky Slicks’ picks
“Shay Lia” by TAKUTÁ “KAYTRAMINÉ” by Sossaup “Jarreau Vandal” by No More (feat. Gayance) “Mina Nawe” by Soa Mattrix and Mashudu (feat. Happy Jazzman & Emotionz DJ) “Jorja Smith” by Little Things
Miss Ashley’s picks
“Escapade Escapade” by Cascandy “Tzu-Mani” by Aldo Cadiz and Andre Butano “Femme” by Desiree “Trambolla” by Andre Galluzzi & Dana Ruh “Guaja” by LevyM (feat. Emmanuel Jal, Nyaruach & Benjy)
DJ k.ward
“Little Things” by Jorja Smith “Float (DJ MoMa Amapiano Remix)” by Janelle Monáe “Son Shine” by Sault “Dominoes” by Jungle “Sossaup” by KAYTRAMINÉ
Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler bringing bold Middle Eastern eats to Five Points.
Photos by Baxter Miller
Bring on the next delicious chapter! Slated to open this spring—and bringing a culinary respite to the Five Points district—is Ajja (the Hindi/Urdu word for “come over”), the newest concept from star chef Cheetie Kumar and partner Paul Siler. Located adjacent to Anisette Sweet Shop and feat. a sprawling covered patio and outdoor bar with DTR views for days, Ajja will serve up equal parts inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare.
Raleigh Magazine chatted with Kumar about the resto, the inspo and what might be next for that Garland space.
What inspired you to make the move to Five Points?
Our operation at Martin Street was three spaces with three businesses Paul and I operated—two of which have finally reopened for the first time since the pandemic in the last few months. Neptunes is being operated by Martin and Erin Wheeler, and we are excited to pass the baton to them. It’s also been so amazing to see Kings evolving into a community space with several stewards guiding its next steps. With Garland, we needed a new start.
Any plans for the OG Garland space?
Once things are more settled, we will figure out what’s next for that space. We still hold the lease on the building. (Stay tuned!)
Why the leap to Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine?
Garland explored many regions of Asia, including the Middle East. With Ajja, we are excited to focus on just the region of West Asia and beyond. That part of the world has a rich story to tell about spices and the migration of foodways. With Ajja’s menu, we will continue to work with NC growers, farmers and purveyors in a vibrant indoor/outdoor neighborhood restaurant.
Why Five Points?
Five Points provided a great real estate opportunity that revealed itself early during the pandemic and we had to take it.
The inspo for Ajja?
Like many of my chef peers, I draw inspiration from all restaurants and great dining experiences.
How is your new spot upping the ante on the Raleigh restaurant scene?
Ajja’s intimate building footprint, paired with an expansive outdoor seating area, will be a surprise and delight. The outdoor space will have a great impact on the restaurant itself and help inform the vibe of the overall experience. And people might not realize that the outdoor space offers an amazing view of Downtown—we are less than 2 miles away with a clear shot of the skyline.
