Raleigh
Raleigh

Raleigh Local Bars


Raleigh local bars draw eclectic crowds depending on the night and time, and can fill up with local NC State students taking study breaks, professors or young professionals discussing the latest news, or locals clad in Wranglers chain-smoking Marlboros after work. What gives these bars flavor is the unique blend of Southern charm and dive bar décor – necessities to all local bars include dart boards, pool tables and video game screens, but more inventive decorating highlights include the Goat Bar’s assorted knickacks, like the storied groundhog clad in sunglasses. Local bars are often the best indicator of daily life in a major city, and Raleigh’s unique blend of charming dive bars and neighborhood favorites are indicative of the city’s Southern hospitality.

18 Seaboard

18 Seaboard Ave., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.861.4318
Raleigh's 18 Seaboard is a contemporary American bistro offering gourmet seafood options in a trendy dining atmosphere, complete with a second floor bar and mezzanine. Chef Proprietor Jason Smith aims to satisfy both the casual diner and the food enthusiast, and with his work in both big city markets like New York City and locations as remote as Antarctica, he has mastered his trade and returned to his native North Carolina. Menus offer both small and large plate options with a variety of specialty sauces to accent fresh-caught fish and marinated steaks. House cocktails like the 18 Seaboard Pom-Tonic and Mandarin Mojito add finishing touches to the meal. For a dining experience that offers traditional dishes with Raleigh's North Carolina flair, make a reservation at Raleigh's 18 Seaboard.

42nd Street Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill

508 W. Jones St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.831.2811
Started in 1931 as a grocery store turned oyster bar, the 42nd Street Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill has evolved into a Raleigh legend. After prohibition ended, the restaurant became the first in the city to serve draft beer in frosted mugs and patrons have continued to frequent 42nd Street for the last seven decades to experience the delicious combination of fresh seafood and cold beer. Happy Hour is every Monday-Friday from 5-7pm, with oysters and clams on the half shell for only 50 cents. Live music spices up the restaurant on weekend nights, turning the restaurant into a nightlife hangout. The 42nd Street Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill is a Raleigh standby, upholding its reputation with an array of cocktails and seafood options.

Amra's

106 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.828.8488
Amra's, located in Raleigh's Glenwood South, exudes class and luxury with its selection of fine cigars and spirits, upscale décor and excellent live jazz. The 22-foot ceilings give the club an open feel that helps the jazz seem even smoother. Amra's has a reputation, and understandably so, for having the best bartenders in Raleigh. Don't hesitate to ask them about their selection of fine cigars, liquors or anything else that might come to mind. The owners, Brian and Alex Amra, created this classy jazz club to help bring the sophistication of 1930s nightlife back to Raleigh, and they've done it with an abundance of style.

Blinco's

6711 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.785.5060
Voted "Best Place to Watch the Game" by NBC 17 viewers in Raleigh, Blinco's sports bar combines standard pub fare and draft beers with an impressive selection of big screen TV's to catch the big game. Blinco's serves food all night, and for the especially hungry or adventurous palate, the famed Garbage Plate is a challenge, boasting a five-ounce cheeseburger or two hot dogs served over home fries, baked beans and macaroni salad topped with hot sauce. The four-sided bar allows patrons to watch a centrally located TV and cheer on the home team – the Stanley Cup even made an appearance after the Hurricanes won the title as a tribute to Raleigh's loyal fans at Blinco's.

Blue Martini

116 North West Street, Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.899.6464
Blue Martini is an ideal destination for the Raleigh after-work crowd looking to relax with a stiff drink and smooth jazz. Located in the heart of Powerhouse Square, the Blue Martini gives patrons the opportunity for people watching from the patio bar above street level while enjoying a classy cocktail. With a variety of tapas and over 50 house martinis to choose from, Blue Martini offers patrons a comfortable environment to relax with friends. Drink specials are offered daily and the Blue Martini's mix of jazz music and signature cocktails make it a Raleigh hot spot after 5pm Monday through Friday as well as on weekends.

Bogart's American Grill

510 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.832.1122
Featuring an array of all-American cuisine, Bogart's American Grill is a retro-inspired classic with a full menu of steaks and flavor-infused martinis. Bogart's is Raleigh's only 360-degree bar and is a great place for people watching or gazing out onto the city. During dinner hours, classic black-and-white Humphrey Bogart films play inside the restaurant. On nice days, the porch is open for outdoor dining over the Glenwood South neighborhood, perfect for enjoying the weather while sipping one of 16 flavor-infused vodkas inside specialty martinis like the Casablanca. With live music several nights a week and a menu of American classics, Bogart's American Grill is a casual Raleigh hangout with great martinis and a laid-back atmosphere.

Borough

317 West Morgan St. #117, Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.832.8433
At Raleigh's Borough, hipster patrons can choose to munch on adventurous appetizers, such as broiled oysters and matzo ball soup, or save their stomachs for monthly eating contests featuring foods like mashed potatoes and gravy. To wash down either, Borough has an array of specialty house cocktails as well as a range of beers on draft or in bottles and nearly a dozen house wines. Wednesday night is Poker Night at Borough, and regulars tally points from week to week hoping to improve their place in league standings. Borough is a hip Raleigh neighborhood bar with weekly events that attract a group of laid-back regulars and half-price appetizers from 4pm to 7pm for those curious to join the crowd.

Carolina Ale House

4512 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.431.0001
Raleigh's Carolina Ale House is a great destination for a drink and an after-work snack. With over 30 beers on tap and countless more in bottles, sports fans can grab a pint and relax on a stool in front of Monday Night Football on the big-screen or try their hand at pool. A full menu, including hot wings voted by fans as the best in the area, is available from opening until last call. The Carolina Ale House is a classic pub with a great selection of beers and Raleigh's fans enjoy its relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day at the office or watching football on a Sunday afternoon.

East End Martini Bar

201 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Tel. 919.929.0024
Chapel Hill's East End Martini Bar provides an upscale atmosphere that sets it apart from the countless college bars and pubs in the Chapel Hill area. The bar is members only and caters to mostly a clientele of classy young professionals, so dress to impress while sipping one of 101 signature martini drinks. A small food menu offers oysters and seafood to accompany the stiff cocktails and the basement also boasts a 25-cent bottomless Bud Light draft special to provide a nice contrast between beverages. Grab a booth with friends or mingle at the bar – Raleigh's East End Martini Bar is a place to be seen and is great to catch a drink after work or get dolled up on a Saturday night for a bar that is decorated with more than college memorabilia.

East Village Grill and Bar

1 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.821.9985
The East Village Grill and Bar is a typical college joint filled with students downing $1.50 pints of Coors Light and grabbing burgers in school colored apparel before football games. Located near Raleigh's NC State University, the crowd is young and rowdy, but the food and drinks are a great value. Grab a bucket of five beers and get the sixth free, and during nice days enjoy them on the large deck outside with classmates or friends. When looking for a quick spot to grab dinner after class or before a big game, Raleigh's East Village Grill and Bar is a fun and easy option with a laid-back crowd and plenty of happy hour specials.

Ess Lounge

327 W. Davie St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.829.5482
Raleigh's hot, young single crowd heads to Ess Lounge for drinks and dancing in an atmosphere reminiscent of big city nightlife. Women clad in sexy cocktail dresses and dangling earrings, fit men looking to impress are the norm, along with pricy drinks. But even the well-dressed college crowd looks forward to Wednesday nights, when Bud Lights are $1.50 and Ess shots just $2. Thursday night is all about the ladies, with no cover and great drink specials like half-price martinis and bottles of wine. After loosening up at the bar, patrons head to the back dance floor to get down – DJs spin a variety of hip-hop and electronica tunes. With a trendy vibe and great drink specials on weeknights, Ess Lounge is a destination for singles looking to paint the town red.

Five Star Restaurant

511 W. Hargett St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.833.3311
Guests enter Raleigh's chic Five Star Restaurant through an unmarked door and this secretive mystique continues inside. The transformed tobacco warehouse interior has become an urban destination suited for late night dining before the restaurant morphs into a dance club. The décor matches the trendy vibe—dark walls and dim lighting create a decidedly exclusive ambiance. The menu serves traditional Chinese fare such as Crispy Sesame Beef and Hot and Sour Soup, which is served with a crunchy shell to be cracked and eaten with the soup. Also offered are in-house specials such as teriyaki grilled filet mignon. After dinner on weekends, DJs spin hip-hop and techno favorites, making Five Star an ideal Raleigh destination for a date or dinner with a group of friends. Note: forks cost 75 cents, so struggle with the chopsticks to avoid looking out of place.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

328 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.821.7468
For the true beer enthusiast, Raleigh's Flying Saucer Draught Emporium provides the ultimate challenge—sample 200 of the bar's beers, including a wide variety of domestic, imported and layered beers from the traditional to the most exotic. The challenge winners earn a plate on the wall engraved with their name and bragging rights for life. On Mondays, all pints are $2.50 and are perfectly suited for enjoying a dinner of standard but well-made American fare such as burgers and sandwiches. The Flying Saucer is a destination for beer drinkers looking to broaden their horizons from the standard selection available at most Raleigh bars and with a laid-back dining atmosphere, patrons will enjoy returning often to sample everything on both the food and drink menus.

Goat Bar

5111 Western Rd., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.233.4143
A characteristic of any good dive bar is its ability to draw unpredictable crowds, and Raleigh's Goat Bar is no different. On any given night or time of day, the majority of patrons in the small bar could be hippies, college students, locals or any combination of the above plus newcomers who have stumbled in looking for a quick, stiff cocktail. Décor is minimal, but a favorite tacky wall hanging is a groundhog with sunglasses. With diverse crowds, cheap drinks and friendly bartenders, the Goat Bar is a Raleigh favorite for an after-work drink or start to a Saturday night.

Hell

157 1/2 E. Rosemary St., Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Tel. 919.929.9666
Chapel Hill's portal to the underworld is aptly decorated with red walls and pool tables accented with rubber skeletons and rats, creating an eerie vibe. In Hell, drinks are cheap, not to mention strong, and locals congregate with old friends in a no-frills setting with loud music and unique drinks like Crime & Punishment and The Devil's Elbow. Tunes blast loudly from the jukebox as regulars crowd around the pool table and video game stations. For those in search of a unique neighborhood dive, Hell is an obvious destination and tempting place to indulge in your favorite deadly sins.

Hi5

510 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.834.4335
Where else but at Raleigh's Hi5 is every item on the menu, from hot wings to Kobe beef burgers just $5? It seems like a shockingly low price for dinner, but with over 250 choices of beers to wash it down, Hi5 offers a low-budget yet high-energy hangout for sports fans. Come Sunday or Monday nights to enjoy tournaments in Raleigh's only Vegas-style game room or drop in for the big game – each table has a personal flat-screen TV. After the game, head to the dance floor and enjoy DJs spinning tunes in two rooms. With a great selection of world beers both on tap and in bottles, Hi5 is a dinner destination in Raleigh that will satisfy hungry stomachs without breaking the bank.

Humble Pie

317 S. Harrington St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.829.9222
Raleigh's Humble Pie creates a laid-back atmosphere for casual dining with an assortment of inventive tapas and an impressive yet reasonably priced wine list. Favorites include the sautéed red snapper with avocado aioli and oven-roasted mahi mahi with smoked Gouda potatoes au gratin. Seafood dishes take center stage among the menu's 36 offerings. On the first and third Tuesday of every month, a local wine expert hosts tastings – and guests can sample glasses at reduced prices while trying new dishes. Sunday brunch is another favorite at Humble Pie, and the restaurant is open only during the mid-day, offering traditional favorites such as huevos rancheros as well as inventive variations of local Raleigh favorites such as shrimp and grits.

Irregardless Café

901 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC, 27603
Since 1975, Irregardless Café has aimed and succeeded to be a place where Raleigh residents and guests can enjoy fresh, local cuisine in a casual, homelike atmosphere. Jazz musicians provide a backdrop for dinner each night and dance bands spice up the restaurant on Saturdays. For those celebrating a special occasion, Irregardless pulls out all the stops by offering guests a free bottle of wine for birthdays and anniversaries. This Raleigh favorite stays open on holidays and provides catering services for weddings or off-site functions. Known primarily as a vegetarian restaurant in the past, Irregardless now offers options for omnivores, such as the crab cake melt and salmon Florentine. Irregardless Café is a Raleigh restaurant staple, voted "the place to eat in Raleigh," by the New York Times and confirmed by years of loyal customers.

Lantern

423 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Tel. 919.969.8846
Named one of America's 50 best restaurants by Gourmet magazine, Chapel Hill's Lantern is a modern Asian bistro with an impressive wine list and specialty house cocktails. Chefs will pair a selection such as Vietnamese-style crab with an accompanying wine, and three-course seasonal tastings are also available. Enjoy a drink while waiting for a table in the hotel bar's chic lounge, or come in past 10pm with friends for drinks and appetizers from the late night menu, which features snacks such as dumplings and soup. Snag a table in the back, decorated with red lanterns, for an especially intimate drinking and dining experience in the heart of Chapel Hill.

Lucky B's Around the Corner

609 Tucker St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.833.1310
Lucky B's Around the Corner is the quintessential Raleigh neighborhood bar. Locals gather here to have a good time and shoot some pool. Lucky B's even has free pool all night on Mondays and great drink specials Sunday through Thursday. Lucky B's is definitely Glenwood South's most popular billiards bar and it can get pretty crowded, but this just gives more chances to mingle with new people. This Raleigh billiards bar has a loyal group of regulars, but newcomers are always warmly welcomed.

Mosaic Wine Lounge

517 W. Jones St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.412.4260
Each night, Mosaic Wine Lounge located in the heart of Raleigh, turns from a sophisticated wine lounge into a Moroccan-themed nightclub. To gear up for a night of dancing, Mosaic has an excellent selection of wines and beers from around the world and signature house cocktails. Then, when the dance, lounge, trance, Euro and world beat music starts bumping, patrons are ready to hit the dance floor. For those wanting to hold an incredible private party in Raleigh, Mosaic Wine Lounge can be reserved for large groups.

Porter's Tavern

2412 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.821.2133
Porter's Tavern blends upscale dining with a welcoming atmosphere, where even the most casually dressed can enjoy gourmet meals ranging from the traditional house-made fettuccine, jambalaya and inventive fried green tomato sandwich with pepper chutney to the chef's specialty, duck lasagna. NC State students can enjoy a break from diets of ramen and pizza by opting for a dinner on the town without having to get dressed up. Couples enjoy the extensive wine list and vibe that fuses upscale cuisine with an easygoing, unpretentious environment.  The bar is a hot spot for the after-work crowd as well as students and young professionals due to its reasonably priced specialties including mojitos and homemade sangria.  For a night out in Raleigh with great food and a relaxed yet classic environment, Porter's is an ideal destination.

Primp Salon Bar

410 N. West St. #101, Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.821.9885
Raleigh's only salon bar, the Primp Salon Bar, combines the ultimate in relaxation by offering both cocktails and full-service spa and salon treatments. Clients are invited to enjoy drinks like Cosmos and glasses of wine while getting their nails done. Some patrons opt for a stiffer drink like a Dirty Martini before beginning a Brazilian wax or "Primp My Ride" bikini wax. The after-work crowd is invited to rest their tired feet with pedicures and $5 martinis – a great way to unwind after a long day. Combining a hip, urban environment with cocktails and spa treatments, Primp Salon Bar meets the needs of Raleigh women—and men—in a one-stop-shop.

Riviera Mediterranean Resto & Lounge

135 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.834.7480
Raleigh's Riviera Lounge combines authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a lounge atmosphere and an array of signature cocktails. The exotic menu items are prepared in an open kitchen and include favorites like butternut squash bisque and mozzarella stuffed portabella. The restaurant is an ideal location for a business lunch or a great place to catch drinks and small plates with friends after work. Tuesday nights feature specials on signature Stoli cocktails, such as the Lemon Drop Martini and The Metropolitan, for just $5. Wednesdays feature salsa dancing, hosted by a DJ—both experts and beginners are welcome. The menu changes seasonally at the Riviera, and the combination of experimental dishes and tasty drinks make the restaurant one of Raleigh's best destinations for date nights or for relaxing after work.

Sammy's Tap and Grill

2235 Avent Ferry Rd., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.755.3880
Sammy's Tap and Grill is a haven for NC State students and Philadelphia Steelers fans – all games from both teams draw crowds from all around the Raleigh area looking to cheer their teams on while enjoying standard beer and pub fare in the comforts of a sports bar atmosphere. With 45 televisions and 4 satellite dishes, Sammy's keeps fans up-to-date with scores and highlights from every game. The bartending staff also has a reputation for being among the friendliest around, and patrons appreciate the welcoming atmosphere as well as the $2 pints. Catering services are also available for guests wishing to accommodate large parties, which can be held on-site or anywhere in the Raleigh area, bringing the spirit of Sammy's Tap and Grill to any special event.

Skybox Grill and Bar

3415 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.878.4917
Located inside the North Raleigh Hilton, the Skybox Grill and Bar is a favorite hangout of local sports fans. Boasting huge HDTV and plasma screens as well as individual speakers at each table, the Skybox showcases ESPN College GameDay and NFL Sunday Ticket packages so fans won't miss a game. If a favorite team isn't playing, check out the live entertainment Monday through Thursday nights or try a game of pool. Offering an impressive menu as part of the Hilton, the Skybox Grill and Bar offers standard pub food such as build-your-own burgers while also offering premium steaks and a large wine list to complement the selection of beers available on tap or in bottles. Combining the casual atmosphere of a sports bar with the menu of a great hotel restaurant, the Raleigh Skybox Grill and Bar has the best of both worlds.

Sullivan's Steakhouse

414 Glenwood Ave., The Creamery, Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.833.2888
It's really hard to go wrong at Sullivan's Steakhouse, located in Raleigh's fashionable Creamery entertainment area. Sullivan's is a 1940s-style steakhouse that is home to live jazz and always cover-free. Raleigh locals contend that Sullivan's serves the city's best steaks, but the menu offers much more. Fresh king crab legs, scallops and Maine lobster are all available. A night at this great steakhouse wouldn't be complete without sampling at least one of the 3,000 wines or something from the inventory of bourbon, single malt scotch or cognac. With its delicious food, plentiful cocktails and live jazz—Sullivan's Steakhouse in Raleigh serves up a winning combination.

Talulla's

456 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Tel. 919.933.1177
A blend of Middle Eastern culinary delights from nations such as Turkey, Greece and Lebanon, Chapel Hill's Talulla restaurant offers patrons a cozy Bohemian dining experience with throw pillows and wall hangings to accent the interior. Small plate fare reigns the menu, so come by for a late dinner with friends and enjoy sharing appetizers before the restaurant transforms into a late-night bhangra club with DJs playing house favorites. On Friday and Saturday nights the party continues until 2:30am with a full bar serving specialty drinks like pomegranate mojitos and the Apricot Sunshine, a mixture of Turkish apricots and Drambuie. Talulla's is a romantic Chapel Hill dinner destination as well as a fun spot to grab a quick dinner with friends before dancing the night away.

The Brewery

3009 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.38.6788
Since 1983, The Brewery has brought an impressive group of local and national touring acts to Raleigh. This popular Raleigh venue books shows at least five nights every week. The Brewery is an all ages members-only venue serving up music ranging from bluegrass to death metal and the club holds only 300 guests, so every seat in the house is guaranteed a great view. Although briefly closing its doors in 2004, The Brewery is back under new ownership and committed to bringing Raleigh the best live music.

The Duck and Dumpling

222 S. Blount St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.838.0085
Capitalizing on Raleigh's market for small plate Asian bistro fare, The Duck and Dumpling is a trendy eatery with a delicious blend of modern and traditional Chinese and Vietnamese fare. The latest restaurant project from master chef David Mao, this bistro is a decorated with modern art and a soft red glow emanating from lights in the floating ceilings. Mao's signature half-fried dumplings are a permanent fix to the menu, which is comprised of just one page of choices and includes favorites such as lemongrass chicken served with cool noodles. Cocktails include a variety of signature martinis and sake-tinis designed to match the flavors of the food. The Duck and Dumpling provides upscale Asian dining in Raleigh for a lunch on the go or special occasion dinners, and Mao's 25 years of experience in the industry is evident in the delectable cuisine.

The G Loft

737 9th St., Durham, North Carolina; Tel. 919.286.4131
Similar to those you might expect to find in New York or L.A., Durham's G Loft on Ninth Street is a posh, cozy lounge with upscale cocktails, velvet drapes and Buddha statues. Cocktails are on the pricey side but are made with brands like Ketel One and Grey Goose. The atmosphere at this Durham lounge beckons an equally ritzy clientele. Grab a cocktail downstairs, then head up to the loft and relax on leather couches amid an assortment of comfortable pillows. Durham's G Loft gives patrons a glamorous hangout and a range of high-end cocktails without leaving town.

The George

410 Glenwood Ave. #101, Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.828.9082
The George, located in downtown Raleigh's trendy Glenwood district, combines the art and culture of a wine bar with an array of inventive tapas dishes and specialty cocktails that will satisfy any palate. Local jewelry, vintage movies, documentaries and works of art are showcased alongside the impressive selection of 35 wines, all of which are half price by the bottle on Mondays. With great prices on tapas, including the fresh spring rolls with passion fruit dipping sauce or fresh meat and cheese plates, friends can share small plates while immersing themselves in the Raleigh art scene. Each Tuesday, patrons are invited to a free wine, beer or cocktail tasting including specialty cocktails like the margarita-esque Martha Washington. The George combines the flavors of a tapas bar with a showcase of Raleigh's best new artists, creating a relaxed vibe for the cultured crowd looking for a classier bar experience.

The Grape

403 Daniels St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.833.2669
The Grape provides Raleigh wine enthusiasts with a low-key, accessible atmosphere for tasting and purchasing wine. Over 120 varieties are available by the glass in the wine bar or for purchase in the retail store. With a motto reading "your taste is all that counts," patrons are able to sample wines both in the bar and at the store before committing to buy. Wines are classified on a scale of 1-10 by taste and color, ranking fruity whites at 1 and special-occasion reds at 10. Ladies enjoy $5 glasses of wine and appetizers on Thursday nights. On weekends, live music creates a laid-back vibe that suits a fancy glass or two while enjoying the Raleigh nightlife.

The Longbranch

600 Creekside Dr., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.829.1125
There is something for everyone at Raleigh's The Longbranch—four different areas each feature their own unique music, from country to the best of the '70s to top 40 hits to swing. Each area has bars, pool tables and, of course, dance floors. The Longbranch seems to always top Raleigh's "Best Of" nightlife lists and with so much to offer, this doesn't really surprise anyone. Those who aren't confident on the dance floor shouldn't worry—The Longbranch has dance lessons most nights of the week. Visitors to Raleigh should make sure to visit The Longbranch, but be prepared to be up dancing all night.

The Office

310 S. West St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.828.9994
Head to The Office for a night out in Raleigh that feels like a night in New York or L.A. Well-dressed smooth talkers sip martinis on the dance floor while VIPs relax with chocolate strawberries on black leather couches. The club has a velvet rope at the entrance, so dress to the nines to match the ritzy vibe inside. This Raleigh hotspot features three dance rooms, which play mixes including hip-hop, rap, reggae and Top 40 hits. Guest DJs such as MTV's DJ Skribble keep the dance floor hopping. Specialty martinis are nicknamed after companies in The Triangle and have names like the popular "Don't Tell Nortel" cocktail. Raleigh residents looking for a big-city club atmosphere enjoy The Office for its dance music and posh setting. The Office caters to a crowd of silk-shirted men and scantily clad women looking to get down on the dance floor.

The Pour House

224 S. Blount St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.821.1120
The Pour House provides downtown Raleigh's Moore Square Art District with the two "Bs" that make going to bars worthwhile for live music fans: bands and beer. With over 30 of the latter on tap and shows booked most every night of the week, The Pour House gives patrons the best parts of music venues and neighborhood bars—live music, a relaxed pub atmosphere, free pool on weeknights and a well-stocked bar. Sample one of the beers on tap and enjoy a Raleigh local band at the Pour House or come for a showcase and sample several. Although state law mandates the club limit itself to members only, memberships are only a dollar and on Thirsty Thursdays, so are cans of PBR.

The Raleigh Times Bar

14 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.833.0999
Over 50 select Belgian beers are available at The Raleigh Times Bar, along with upscale pub grub and classic cocktails. This popular Raleigh bar occupies a historical building that dates back to 1906. The kitchen is open until 2am nightly, making it one of the best places in Raleigh for late night dining. The menu features sandwiches, salads and classic bar favorites—chicken wings, loaded fries and sausages. The Raleigh Times Bar even has chicken-fried pickles. Mmm fried pickles. Although this food all sounds pretty typical of any bar, pretty much everything on the menu created by renowned chef Ashley Christensen is made to order from scratch. The guacamole uses crushed to order avocadoes, the beef for burgers is ground fresh on site and the mayo is even homemade. Combine great food with great beer and you get Raleigh's premier pub: The Raleigh Times Bar.

The Red Room

510 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.835.1322
Raleigh's only tapas restaurant, The Red Room, offers a trendy relaxed atmosphere with a cornucopia of appetizers and cocktails. These tasty treats are served amid red and black furniture, which gives the lounge a sexy vibe. The Red Room also has music every night, including DJs spinning lounge favorites and salsa bands that encourage dancing. Order a round of appetizers with friends—the chorizo and paprika flatbread is a favorite—and sip a signature cocktail, all of which are colored red to match the ambiance of the bar itself. Dress to impress: The Red Room is a hot spot for hip Raleigh singles.

The Rockford

320 1/2 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.821.9020
The Rockford is a hip hideaway in Raleigh and one of the Glenwood area's first trendy restaurants, giving it a classic vintage feel. The laid-back tavern atmosphere and strong drinks draw a crowd that appreciates an old-school vibe and an eclectic yet affordable menu. Try the popular ABC sandwich, loaded with apples, bacon and cheddar or the crab cake sandwich. For vegetarians, the garden burger or house salad with blue cheese and Granny Smith apples will satisfy the palate. Loyal customers rave that The Rockford is one of Raleigh's best kept secrets, but with its great mix of drinks and satisfying dishes, the secret won't be kept from the city for long.

The Sirens Lounge

1803 W. Markham Ave., Durham, North Carolina; Tel. 919.416.6684
Located in the midst of Durham's Ninth Street, a popular hub of shops and restaurants, the Sirens Lounge offers an upscale lounge atmosphere for after work or weekend crowds. Drink specials are offered most nights of the week and include the tempting half-price wine Wednesdays and $1 draft Thursdays. Although Sirens is technically a members-only club due to state law, memberships are only $1. Plus members can get unlimited guest passes to bring an entire entourage in for free. Students, hipsters and young professionals mix at Durham's Sirens Lounge, and an assortment of plush couches and booths make the lounge a perfect place to grab either a chic martini or draft beer while relaxing with friends or making new ones on the dance floor.

Tir Na Nog Irish Pub & Restaurant

218 S. Blount St., Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.833.7795
Tir Na Nog Irish Pub and Restaurant is a true taste of the Emerald Isle in Raleigh, with a traditional, family-friendly pub atmosphere by day and a crowds of Guinness-pint-wielding bar regulars.  On nights and weekends, Irish music and dancing give the bar a lively feel and after a few drinks, it will be hard not to join in.  Wednesday nights combine an impressive variety of Irish, Scottish and American whiskeys with a pub quiz, creating a uniquely Irish brand of trivia fun.  Traditional pub food favorites such as bangers and mash rule the lunch and dinner menus, but on weekends, brunch is served and includes a make-your-own Bloody Mary station to kill the previous night's hangover before catching a bad case of the "Irish flu." 

Upper Deck Sports Pub

329 N. Harrison Ave. #1, Cary, North Carolina 27513; Tel. 919.460.3771
Cary's locally owned Upper Deck Sports Pub is an ideal destination for Raleigh sports fans. With 26 televisions, including a huge HDTV, all games on both local cable and Direct TV are broadcasted. A large selection of draft, domestic and imported beers are available to accompany the game. Fans of Monday Night Football rejoice – pints of both Budweiser and Bud Light are just $2 on Monday nights, which also feature the weekly Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. Saturday night karaoke at Upper Deck is also a big hit and for those too timid to grab a microphone, there are specials on shots to generate a little liquid courage. If shots aren't enough to get up on stage, other fun options exist such as a large selection of darts and video games or simply cheering on the performers. With drink specials and events each night of the week, Upper Deck Sports pub is a quintessential neighborhood watering hole for the casual, fun-loving crowd.

Zely & Ritz

301 Glenwood Ave. #100, Raleigh, North Carolina; Tel. 919.828.0018
Zely & Ritz offers a full menu of tapas and small plates that feature fresh, organic Raleigh produce that combine the culinary delights of chef Sarig Agasi. Meat used in the restaurant comes from Coon Rock Farm and is pasture raised, antibiotic and hormone-free and the produce is certified organic.  For a meal patrons can feel good about eating, start with a plate of local, artisan cheese and pears poached in red wine, then move on to the freshwater prawns marinated in local cider, served with shrimp and tarragon sauce.  To accent a meal, Zely & Ritz offers a large wine selection, organic beers and specialty cocktails like the Thai Basil Martini, made with local lemongrass water.  Both dinner and cocktails are served until late most nights, making Zely & Ritz an ideal destination for the environmentally conscious diner looking for a satisfying meal in Raleigh's Glenwood neighborhood.
—Raleigh bar and club reviews by Laura Hayes & David Backes