42 Favorite Places to Drink in Raleigh (Voted by Locals!)

In Raleigh, the city may be known for its innovation and oak trees, but if you ask the locals where the best places to drink are, you’ll want to pull up a barstool and grab a notepad and pen.

Raleigh is not short of incredible craft coffee shops, stylish cocktail bars, cozy breweries, and dingy dive bars, offering everything from cheap-but-cheerful pours to signature craft sips.

Raleigh’s drinking scene is a mix of old faithfuls and fresh flavors, with so many new places to drink opening up seemingly every week.

So, we reached out to our Raleigh community to ask them where they vote as the best place to drink, so no matter what you’re craving, you can quench your thirst…

Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur, a beer enthusiast, or just someone looking for a perfect spot to unwind, this guide to Raleigh’s top places to drink has something for everyone.

The locals’ favorite Coffee Shops

Below are some of the locals’ favorite coffee shops, which also include some of our own personal favs. If you’re new here, you should know we’re Aussies, and we’re well-known coffee snobs in Australia, so we think we know what makes a great cuppa Joe. The following are total happy boomerangs for us.

1. Parallax Coffee Lab
   Location: 18 E 3rd St, Wendell
   Description: A small-town gem offering expertly brewed coffee and a cozy, community-focused atmosphere.
   Why it’s liked: A favorite for its high-quality coffee and welcoming vibe in the heart of Wendell. We can tell owner Kenneth understands the art of coffee & community, a wisdom he gained from years of traveling the world. Read more in our guide to Wendell.
2. Boulted Bread
   Location: 328 Dupont Cir, Raleigh
   Description: A local bakery known for its artisanal bread and dreamy, unique coffee offerings.
   Why it’s liked: Renowned for their one-of-a-kind tahini latte, which is nothing short of heavenly. I want more. I also really enjoy their new space in Boylan Heights that offers room to sit and chat.
3. Iris Coffee Lab
   Location: 725 Tucker St, Raleigh
   Description: A specialty coffee shop with a focus on creative, seasonal drinks inspired by international flavors.
   Why it’s liked: Loved for its seasonal offerings like the Bananas Foster Flat White and Sweet Potato Latte, making it arguably the best in the Triangle. I also recently had one of their seasonal matchas for the first time and I fell in love!
4. Press Coffee & Crepes
   Location: 400 Hillsborough St suite 108, Raleigh
   Description: A quaint café known for its expertly made coffee and delicious crepes.
   Why it’s liked: Home to the best flat white in the city, providing a perfect balance of richness and smoothness. I usually order two when we dine here for brunch. #imstarvedforgoodcoffee Here is our review of Press Coffee & Crepes.
5. Little Native Coffee Co
   Location: 702 N Person St, Raleigh
   Description: A cozy coffee spot with an intimate atmosphere and attention to detail in every cup.
   Why it’s liked: Revered for its flat white, making it a close second to Press for the city’s best. This was my Dad’s favorite coffee shop on his three week visit. Here’s the other Best of Raleigh that we showed them.
6. Fount Coffee + Kitchen
   Location: 10954 Chapel Hill Rd, Morrisville
   Description: A sleek, modern café that serves top-notch coffee alongside a completely gluten-free menu.
   Why it’s liked: Impresses even Australians with its exceptional coffee, 100% gluten-free food, and the best coffee cake ever. A true standout in the Triangle. Here are more reasons we love Fount Coffee.
7. Geluna Gelato
   Location: 101 E Chatham St, Cary
   Description: A delightful gelato shop that also serves exceptional coffee, including Australian-style flat whites, in a cozy, welcoming space.
   Why it’s liked: Don’t let the name gelato fool you into thinking this place just sells delicious icy treats. This is a hidden coffee gem in the Triangle, known for its perfectly crafted flat whites. Bonus: You can enjoy authentic gelato while you’re there!

Here are even more coffee shops in Raleigh to love.

The locals’ favorite classic & historic bars

Well-known institutions for decades or more, these are some of the GOAT bars that the Raleigh community cherishes…

8. Landmark Tavern
   Location: 117 E Hargett St, Raleigh
   Description: A well-established spot with a timeless bar atmosphere in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
   Why it’s liked: Known for its traditional bar atmosphere and longstanding presence in the community. This is one of our good friends – and longtime local – favorite bars in Raleigh. We go here every year for his birthday drinks.
9. Berkeley Cafe
   Location: 428 S Dawson St, Raleigh
   Description: A cozy, historic spot with a laid-back vibe and a connection to Raleigh’s history. It moved locations this year, but still has its legendary vibe.
   Why it’s liked: Loved for its ambiance and sense of community, especially on live music nights. Their sandwiches always receive rave reviews, especially their Reuben. Perfect to catch a drink before or after a show at Red Hat.

The locals’ favorite for craft cocktails & whiskey

10. Foundation
    Location: 213 Fayetteville St, Raleigh
    Description: A cozy underground bar specializing in handcrafted craft cocktails and local spirits, with a relaxed and intimate vibe.
    Why it’s liked: Recognized for exceptional craft cocktails like Old Fashioned and whiskey sours.
11. The Blind Barbour (our pick)
    Location: 3055 Medlin Dr, Raleigh
    Description: A neighborhood bar in West Raleigh with an impressive whiskey selection and a comfortable atmosphere.
    Why it’s liked: Praised for its intimate setting and top-notch whiskey selection. One of my favorite, unique cocktails was had here – the Tom Yum cocktail – tastes just like a Tom Yum, which is a Thai soup.
12. Hoppy Endings
    Location: 8320 Litchford Rd, Raleigh
    Description: A North Raleigh neighborhood bar celebrated for its impressive whiskey selection and laid-back atmosphere.
    Why it’s liked: Renowned for friendly service, an impressive bottle shop selection of beers is dwarfed by the majestic wall of bourbons and other liquors (they claim to have the largest whiskey collection in southeast US!!)
13. Brewery Bhavana
    Location: 218 S Blount St, Raleigh
    Description: A unique combination of a brewery, dim sum restaurant, and flower shop, featuring creative brews and artistic cocktails.
    Why it’s liked: Known for its high-end cocktails and artistic ambiance. Bhavana says they “guide travelers to new places with their drink program; cocktails with unique flavor combinations and ingredients (black vinegar, roasted corn, Szechuan pepper), classic Belgian brews soured in oak, wine fermented in Roman-style amphorae high on the slopes of volcanic Mt Etna.“
14. Whiskey Kitchen
    Location: 201 W Martin St, Raleigh
    Description: A modern urban bar offering a diverse whiskey selection and an open-air patio.
    Why it’s liked: Combines excellent whiskey options with a modern, urban setting. (and one of my favorite meals for this year was the pork chop at Whiskey Kitchen, featured in our best places to eat in Raleigh this year. )
15. True Food Kitchen (our pick)
    Location: 4104 Center at North Hills St #100, Raleigh
    Description: A health-focused restaurant in North Hills with a vibrant atmosphere, offering dishes and drinks made with fresh, pure ingredients.
    Why it’s liked: Though primarily a restaurant, it’s celebrated for its expertly crafted, refreshing cocktails that are both heavenly and health-conscious. They are my favorite cocktails of the year. It’s a crime not to order the Crime of Passion cocktail.
16. The Davie
    Location: 444 Blount St. Raleigh
    Description: A modern bar with a sleek vibe, offering an extensive drink menu and lively social scene.
    Why it’s liked: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and top-notch cocktails.
17. Sous Terre Cocktail Lounge
    Location: 620 N. Person St Ste. 01 Raleigh NC
    Description: New to N Person St this year is Scott Crawford’s new basement cocktail lounge offering a sophisticated drink menu and a romantic, dark atmosphere.
    Why it’s liked: Praised for its sexy vibe, well-curated cocktails, and ideal setting for a cozy date night.
18. Moonlight Liquor Lounge
    Location: 509 E Broad St, Fuquay Varina
    Description: A hidden gem offering a fantastic drink menu in a chic and welcoming atmosphere.
    Why it’s liked: Known for its great vibes and expertly crafted cocktails that make it a standout in Fuquay-Varina.

Discover more cocktail bars in Raleigh.

The locals’ favorite speakeasy-style bars

19. La Veladora (our pick)
    Location: Hidden at the back of William & Company, 616 N Person St
    Description: A tequila and mezcal bar tucked away behind another local favorite, offering a vibe reminiscent of Mexico City.
    Why it’s liked: Known for its uniquely crafted cocktails that leave a lasting impression and a vibe that’s immersive and unforgettable. their seasonal mezcal cocktails make my list of best in Raleigh Most recently I enjoyed the Desert Bloom made with mezcal, tequila, green prickly pear, lime aleo, lime, marigold tincture, and green chartreuse. This is my favorite bar for this year!
20. The Parlor at Trig Modern (our pick)
    Location: Inside Trig Modern, 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh
    Description: A speakeasy-style bar hidden within a mid-century modern furniture store, offering a unique blend of drinks and design.
    Why it’s liked: Renowned for its elegant, sophisticated, and well-crafted cocktails. Guests can sip their drinks while exploring fine furnishings—cocktail in hand, as encouraged! The Paw Paw Bourbon smashed topped with homemade bourbon sorbet is outstanding!
21. William and Company (Wilco)
    Location: 616 N Person St, Raleigh
    Description: A cozy, artsy Historic Oakwood neighborhood bar with a strong focus on community and creative cocktails.
    Why it’s liked: Celebrated for its cozy hipster vibe, expertly crafted cocktails with a focus on tequila and mezcal. I’ve enjoyed every one of my seasonal mezcal cocktails from here. We visit whenever we’re in the Historic Oakwood | North Person St area.
22. Watts and Ward
    Location: 136 E Hargett St, Raleigh
    Description: A sprawling speakeasy-style bar with Prohibition-era charm, offering craft cocktails in an atmospheric setting.
    Why it’s liked: Loved for its Prohibition-era vibe and expansive space.
23. Bird’s Nest Speakeasy at Blackbird Brewery
    Location: 3608 Rogers Branch Rd #103, Wake Forest
    Description: A cozy speakeasy tucked inside Blackbird Brewery, offering intimate seating and carefully crafted drinks.
    Why it’s liked: Loved for its cute, comfy vibes and hidden speakeasy charm.

The locals’ favorite breweries & beer-centric spots

24. Bearded Bee Brewing Company (our pick)
    Location: 20 E Campen St, Wendell
    Description: Housed in a charmingly restored old livery stable, this brewery exudes a unique and sophisticated “Queen Bee” aura.
    Why it’s liked: Known for its excellent brews, food trucks, live music, and welcoming community atmosphere, making it a favorite gathering spot in Wendell. IMO it’s the most aesthetically pleasing brewery in the Triangle, They also have make delicious seltzer! Write Claw and Truly be gone!
25. Crank Arm Brewing (our pick)
    Location: 319 W Davie St, Raleigh
    Description: A vibrant brewery offering award-winning craft beers and hosting fun community events, with a convenient location near Red Hat Amphitheater.
    Why it’s liked: Loved for its exceptional beers, plus they have a seltzer, a non-alcoholic beer, liquor, wine, a non-alcoholic slushie, and kombucha. They have a lively atmosphere, and it’s the perfect spot to hang before or after shows at Red Hat Amphitheater. Read more in our Crank Arm Brewery review.
26. Carolina Brewing Company (Wendell) (also in Holly Springs)
    Location: 5 N Main St, Wendell
    Description: A brewery offering an extensive beer selection, a great bourbon collection, and a welcoming atmosphere.
    Why it’s liked: Lauded for its beer selection, bourbon offerings, great atmosphere, and welcoming staff. This has been a much loved local brewery since 1995.
27. Compass Rose Brewery
    Location: 3201 Northside Dr, Raleigh
    Description: A popular local brewery featuring a laid-back vibe and rotating beer options influenced by the international travels of the owners.
    Why it’s liked: It has a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere, live music, community events, and its award-winning IPA Tidal Break.
28. Blackbird Brewery (Wake Forest)
    Location: 3608 Rogers Branch Rd #101, Wake Forest
    Description: A destination for beer enthusiasts with a focus on locally crafted brews.
    Why it’s liked: A go-to spot for craft beer lovers who love a variety of (globally inspired) beers. I love their mission, “Our time on the planet is short. Take nothing for granted. Keep your glass and your life filled with the best the world has to offer.”
29. Raleigh Beer Garden
    Location: 614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
    Description: Holds the Guinness World Record for the most beers on tap, featuring a lively beer garden atmosphere.
    Why it’s liked: Whatever you feel like drinking, whether it’s international, domestic, or local beer, you’ll find it here. The expansive beer garden is much loved!
30. The Brass Tap
    Location: 16 N West St, Raleigh
    Description: A new craft beer bar in Downtown Raleigh with a wide selection on tap and delicious menu items. They also now seem to be the home for Liverpool soccer fans to watch the games.
    Why it’s liked: Offers a wide variety of beers on tap and standout menu items like Bang Bang shrimp.
31. East Bower Cider Co.
    Location: 536 N Blount St, Raleigh
    Description: So not a brewery exactly, but a place dedicated to pints of goodness. This cider house (Raleigh’s first) offers a variety of small-batch, flavorful ciders in a casual, friendly setting. They also have local beers on tap.
    Why it’s liked: Everything they have is delicious, making it a must-visit for cider enthusiasts.

Discover more breweries in Raleigh to love and here are some family friendly breweries in Raleigh

The locals’ all-time favorites

32. O’Malley’s Pub
    Location: 5228 Hollyridge Dr, Raleigh
    Description: A cozy Irish pub serving traditional fare and draft beers in a friendly atmosphere.
    Why it’s liked: For its Irish pub charm, featuring a classic Irish breakfast and Guinness.
33. Libations 317
    Location: 317 W Morgan St, Raleigh
    Description: A welcoming neighborhood bar with a great drink selection and friendly staff.
    Why it’s liked: Loved for its warm, neighborhood-bar feel that’s  LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar, has great drinks, and comfy lounges and board games to enjoy!
34. Gussie’s (our pick)
    Location: 927 W Morgan St Suite 116, Raleigh
    Description: A cozy neighborhood spot where the warm atmosphere makes everyone feel at home.
    Why it’s liked: Known for its friendly, familiar vibe where “everyone knows your name.” If you want a non-alcoholic drink, their homemade ginger ale and orange creamsicle are delicious!
35. Vault Craft Beer (our pick)
    Location: 518 W South St, Raleigh
    Description: A relaxed craft beer bar with a rotating selection of local and regional brews, set in a cozy environment.
    Why it’s liked: Loved for its welcoming atmosphere and sense of community, making it a neighborhood favorite. We popped in here the other day for one drink and stayed for a few more as everyone was so friendly!
36. RBF Champagne Bar (our pick)
    Location: 210 E Chatham St, Cary
    Description: A chic and empowering space focused on celebrating women, serving a variety of champagnes and sparkling wines.
    Why it’s liked: Unique for its mission to empower women and its stylish, celebratory vibe. We take all our visiting friends here – and I had my birthday drinks at RBF this year. Everyone loved it! It’s in our 2 day sophisticated itinerary for Raleigh
37. Albatross Bar (our pick)
    Location: 140 E Chatham St, Cary
    Description: A golf simulator bar in Downtown Cary with a curated menu of gourmet hotdogs, smash burgers and beverages
    Why it’s liked: Laid back bar for golf and sports lovers – or anyone really. I had to include it on this list as their Old Fashioned is the best I’ve ever had. Their tater tots with three dipping sauces pairs perfectly with it.
38. The Hibernian (our pick)
    Location: 311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
    Description: A classic Irish pub with a lively vibe and a focus on traditional drinks and hearty fare.
    Why it’s liked: The Irish Coffee made by manager Keith is legendary, delivering a perfect blend of warmth and flavor.
39. Pelagic Beer & Wine
    Location: 300 Pace St, Raleigh
    Description: A neighborhood craft beer and wine shop with a cozy vibe and an ever-changing selection of unique beverages.
    Why it’s liked: A favorite for its rotating selection and inviting community feel. See more things to enjoy on N Person St.
40. Hunky Dory
    Location: 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Ste. 114
    Description: A record store and bar hybrid offering a curated collection of drinks and vinyl records. They also have locations in Downtown Cary and Durham (the original)
    Why it’s liked: Loved for its unique combination of great music, non-alcoholic beers, and laid-back vibes. You can’t get much better than vinyls and craft brews!
41. Tasty Beverage Co.
    Location: 327 W Davie St, Raleigh
    Description: Raleigh’s first bottle shop is always a neighborhood favorite in the Warehouse District. A specialty beer store and bar offering an impressive selection of craft beers and ciders.
    Why it’s liked: Perfect for craft beer lovers seeking rare finds and a laid-back drinking experience.
42. Natural Science Bar
    Location: 2409 Crabtree Blvd suite 126
    Description: A unique bar experience combining science-themed décor with delicious cocktails and an educational twist.
    Why it’s liked: A favorite for its one-of-a-kind setting and innovative drink offerings.

Final thoughts

Raleigh’s drinking scene offers a little something for everyone, from craft cocktail havens to welcoming neighborhood breweries. Thanks to our Facebook and Instagram community—and our own experiences—this list showcases the best places to raise a glass in the City of Oaks..

Whether you’re seeking expertly crafted cocktails, a relaxed beer garden vibe, or a sparkling champagne toast, we hope these picks help you discover your next favorite spot to sip and savor this year. Cheers! 🍻🥂

Have a bar, brewery, or coffee shop you loved discovering this year? Share with us in the comments below. 👇

For more drinking options, you may also like these sports bars in Raleigh, places to find the best bar food in Raleigh, and these awesome wine bars in Raleigh.