COCKTAIL BARS RALEIGH

The Merchant is a restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Raleigh located at 108 1/2 East Hargett Street. Operating as a 21+ establishment with hours extending to midnight on weekdays and 2 AM on Friday-Saturday, the venue combines dining and beverage service with table reservations available through their booking system. The bar maintains professional operations with an active social media presence and offers gift cards, catering services, and an established reputation as part of the local hospitality scene.

The Green Light is a cocktail bar located at 108½ E. Hargett Street in Raleigh's downtown area. The venue is a full-service establishment offering reservations, a carefully curated menu, and special events programming. With a dedicated focus on cocktails, The Green Light serves as a neighborhood destination for craft drinks and special occasions, featuring gift card options and a welcoming environment for both casual and celebratory gatherings.

Killjoy is a colorful, accessible cocktail bar located at 116 N. West Street in downtown Raleigh, where all drinks receive exquisite attention regardless of whether they contain spirits or not. The venue features an inclusive approach with both classic cocktails and creative non-alcoholic options, including a dedicated mocktail menu, and bartenders engage guests through conversation or an interactive order pad system. Named 2020 Raleigh Magazine Best Cocktail Bar Overall, Killjoy offers small plates by Chef Jake Wood, welcomes dogs on the patio, and provides full accessibility including wheelchair access, garnering recognition for its spirit-free program.

Peace & Saint is an elevated craft cocktail lounge in downtown Raleigh inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, combining a full bar with a specialized shisha café experience. Located at 616 Saint Marys Street, the venue features vibrant murals by local artists and drinks garnished with fresh flowers and rose-shaped ice cubes, showcasing both visual creativity and mixological skill. The skilled bartenders craft impressive cocktails on a carefully curated menu, while the lounge offers wine and beer selections alongside premium hookah experiences. Open Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours, Peace & Saint creates an inviting atmosphere where craft cocktails meet cultural ambiance.

Watts & Ward is a Prohibition-themed cocktail lounge in downtown Raleigh, drawing inspiration from the 1920s–1930s alcohol prohibition era in its design and ambiance. The establishment offers craft cocktails within an immersive historical atmosphere, appealing to guests seeking period-appropriate mixology and ambiance. Located in Raleigh's vibrant cocktail scene, Watts & Ward provides an upscale yet approachable environment for enjoying classic and creative drinks.

Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria is North Carolina's first specialized mezcal bar, located at 106 S Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh above Centro restaurant. The cozy venue features distinctive Mexican folk art decor and an enclosed rooftop patio with ambient string lighting, offering six to eight four-top tables. The curated selection of exotic mezcals and craft cocktails showcases fruity and spicy flavor profiles, exemplified by drinks combining habanero blanco with guava and strawberry cordial. The kitchen serves Central and South American small plates including creative guacamole variations and thoughtfully-prepared dishes. Staffed by knowledgeable bartenders providing friendly service, Gallo Pelón establishes itself as an essential destination for mezcal enthusiasts and those seeking authentic regional cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Bittersweet is a terribly wonderful cocktail and dessert lounge in downtown Raleigh, earning recognition as a James Beard Foundation Semifinalist in 2024. Located at 16 E. Martin Street, the lounge combines craft cocktails with dessert offerings, featuring signature drinks, coffee cocktails, and an extensive gin selection with premium tonic pairings. The sophisticated venue operates Wednesday through Sunday and does not accept reservations, creating an accessible yet refined atmosphere where guests can explore imaginative flavor combinations.

The Blind Barbour is a hidden gem craft cocktail bar nestled in Raleigh's Sunset Hills neighborhood, housed in an unassuming strip mall that conceals a vintage-chic speakeasy experience. With nearly 200 whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches on hand, the bar combines an impressive spirit selection with a creative cocktail menu featuring house specialties like The Pear Shape and Tom Yum cocktail. Knowledgeable bartenders craft expertly made drinks in an intimate setting complemented by local beers and wines, making it a destination for both whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail lovers.