Looking for a fun spot to spend a night on the town in Raleigh, N.C.? These bars, all with unique features and their own character, are some of the most popular, most loved-by-locals and sometimes most hidden-from-visitors places to grab a drink.
 

Rooftops

 

Highgarden
Catch a fantastic view of the Raleigh skyline when you head up to Highgarden, a completely open-air rooftop lounge and event space sitting high above the Glenwood South entertainment district. Settle into beautifully appointed cabanas surrounded by greenery that makes the entire space feel like a lush getaway in the middle of the city. Visitors can also enjoy delicious small bites from a menu featuring tapas-style selections as well as cheese and meat plate combinations. Where drinks are concerned, Highgarden offers wine, craft cocktails, draft beer and a full champagne bar (of course!).

 

The Willard Rooftop Lounge
Say hello to a rooftop experience that is several stories above and beyond the ordinary. The Willard, located atop the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, is the place to be for a meaningful and memorable night out. Come settle in with two heated outdoor terraces and an indoor dining space boasting spectacular views of downtown. Finely crafted cocktails and Spanish-inspired small plates serve as perfect complements to the scenery and will certainly send your tastebuds soaring. 

 

Raleigh Times Bar
Named for the city newspaper that formerly occupied this historic space (the Raleigh Times was published from 1912 to 1989), the Raleigh Times Bar has been an anchor in the downtown Raleigh nightlife scene since it opened in 2006. In 2012, the space was renovated and expanded to add more private event space plus a rooftop patio. A great beer selection and a killer view of a busy part of downtown make the rooftop here one of the most coveted spots around on a nice weather day.

 

Carolina Ale House
Opened in early 2015, the Carolina Ale House on Glenwood Ave. in downtown Raleigh takes things to a new level. Radiant-heated floors and a retractable roofing system make the patio areas of this sports bar truly one of a kind. It's a big space, too, with a capacity for more than 400 in total. An observation deck up top, televisions on every wall and nearly 100 beers on tap make this an awesome spot for big groups.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Raleigh Beer Garden
Among the world record-holders for largest selection of draft beer (the current number is nearly 400 beers on tap), Raleigh Beer Garden is a massive 8,500-square-foot venue with tons of outdoor space. A back garden patio and a rooftop bar are as much of a draw as the beer selection itself. Grab one of 144 N.C.-made beers (plus a beer battered pretzel) from the first-floor bar, then find the perfect bench or booth outdoors to enjoy it.

 

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Level7
Perfect for groups big and small, Level7 is a 5,100-square-foot eclectic space sitting atop the AC Hotel by Marriott Raleigh North Hills that's open to the public seven days a week, serving tapas-style small bites, local craft beers, samplings from small-batch distillers, its own signature cocktail creations plus a selection of Spanish wines on tap as part of a European-inspired experience overlooking the neighborhood.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hibernian Restaurant & Pub
A traditional Irish pub, Hibernian has been catering to all walks of life since opening on Glenwood Ave. more than 20 years ago. Dark wood interiors and cozy nooks surrounded by bookshelves create a host of unique booths and tables to be discovered inside. Upstairs, you'll find floor-to-ceiling windows that open up onto a large, wraparound deck with one of the best views in the city.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Taverna Agora
Serving authentic Greek cuisine (with the culture and hospitality to match), Taverna Agora's modern rooftop is the perfect gathering spot for friends and family. Share a number of small plates (plus a couple bottles of wine) at dinner time or take in a Sun. brunch in the open air.

 

10th & Terrace
Located atop the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown, 10th & Terrace promises bar-goers one of the most unique views in the city. The 10th-floor rooftop deck overlooks the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts—where theater, opera, ballet and other live entertainment takes place year-round—plus a sea of green space surrounding it (they don't call Raleigh a "city in a park" for no reason). Lots of comfortable seating, a small plates menu that changes seasonally and a local beer and craft cocktail list make this an immediate hit for hotel guests and other visitors to downtown Raleigh.

 

Lynnwood Grill
For great food, craft beer and fun times, swing by Lynnwood Grill to hang out on the fantastic rooftop patio. While not as towering as some of the locations on this list, its rooftop bar does the job of providing a relaxing atmosphere where you can meet up with friends and family and catch up on quality time. Best of all, visitors can relish the pleasure of dining on primo dishes from appetizers to specialty pizzas while sipping on house-brewed craft beer from Lynnwood’s ever-growing line-up.

 

Unwined on White
Historic downtown Wake Forest makes a stunning panorama from the rooftop oasis that is Unwined on White. In fact, it’s the only rooftop escape in the town where folks can socialize, sip on a glass of wine or a craft beer and on occasion listen to live music. You might even want to pop over for an open-air yoga class. Yes, Unwined on White is also a yoga studio which means meditation and relaxation are also on the menu for a fabulously, super chill hang.

 

Tin Roof Raleigh
Contrary to the B-52’s Love Shack, this Tin Roof is anything but rusted. It can be funky or bluesy or even folksy depending on the live musical talent appearing there almost nightly. Smack dab in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Tin Roof stands out with its brightly lit neon sign anchoring a rooftop space with colorful patio umbrellas and plenty of seating. The live music joint is all about giving musicians a place to play and music lovers a place to hang. The eclectic vibe here attracts a community of regulars who enjoy not only terrific tunes, but also the joint’s “Better Than Bar Food” with standouts like Nashville hot chicken, famous quesadillas and more.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hidden Bars


The Green Light
The definition of hidden, The Green Light is literally tucked away behind a secret bookshelf inside The Architect Bar & Social House. It's a small, dimly lit room with a 1920s speakeasy feel—the bar is clad with reclaimed wood, and vinyl records play in the corner. This is the spot to disappear, sit, relax and enjoy a serious cocktail. But don't just take our word for it—Thrillist has named it one of the "21 Best Secret Bars in the World."

 

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Mitch's Tavern 
Tucked away atop an easy-to-miss staircase, Mitch's Tavern has been a staple of Raleigh—and the community at North Carolina State University—for decades. As a student, Mitch Hazouri, owner of the tavern for more than 44 years now, used to frequent the Jolly Knave nightclub that previously occupied the second-floor space on Hillsborough St. The cozy space, filled with dark wood finishes along the bar and the booths, certainly has a unique look and feel—in fact, that's why the producers for the 1988 film "Bull Durham" chose Mitch's to shoot bar scenes for the movie. The food menu, full of dishes ready to warm you up, makes Mitch's a go-to spot during the cold weather months. Spring for the house-made soups, chili or slow-cooked gumbo. In the warmer months, a couple balconies with just a few tables overlooking bustling Hillsborough St. are prime spots for a dinner or a night out.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria
Home to some of Raleigh's best cocktails and a focus on mezcal (not a smoky tequila—it's a pit-smoked agave spirit from Mexico), Gallo Pelón can be found above its sister restaurant Centro in downtown Raleigh. You'll climb the stairs to the left just inside the Centro door and find a bar with a few seats and tables and shelves packed tightly with spirits. A small outdoor space, with mural-painted walls and hanging lights, makes for perfect date nights.

 

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The Merchant
Perched above Virgil’s Cocktails and Cocina on Salisbury St., The Merchant is a modern-day speakeasy with an air of mystery and intrigue. Getting in may appear simple enough, but many miss the secret door that leads to this sultry, moody lounge space and bar with a major metropolitan vibe. Dimly lit chandeliers and wall sconces set a laid-back tone that’s only enhanced by velvety booths, dark wood armchairs and marble tabletops. Saddle up to a full bar for a curated lineup of classic and adventurous cocktails as well as a bar bites menu that’s a true chef’s kiss.

 

Atlantic Gardening Bar
Disguised as a nursery and greenhouse, this hidden bar is where fun afternoons and evenings truly bloom. In truth, Atlantic Gardening is super legit, having been named among America's best garden centers numerous times over the last 40 years or so. Not only can you get lost in the lush greenery of the decadent, sprawling outdoor nursery, you also can enjoy a delightful sip from the Garden Bar while doing so. Just make your way over to the custom-built bar customized with garden tool beer taps serving up locally brewed beers. You can enjoy cider, mimosas or a glass of wine as well, making it super easy to get both your drink and your greenery on.

 

Aunty Betty’s Gin & Absinthe Bar
You’ll find this Irish and American gin and absinthe-focused bar tucked away inside Morgan Street Food Hall. A concept dreamt up by the folks behind Hibernian Hospitality Group, Aunty Betty’s is quick to note that this is no speakeasy, just an extremely low-key spot with dope décor, mood lighting and creative use of color and artwork. Come through to lounge in plush high-back chairs while sipping drinks ranging from beer and wine to martinis, craft cocktails and expertly-made gin and tonics. 


 

Underground Bars


Watts and Ward
This sprawling craft cocktail bar from Ireland native and Hibernian Hospitality owner Niall Hanley is 6,000 square feet of 1920s American underground spirit. Located beneath Caffé Luna and directly across from Moore Square, Watts & Ward is a seemingly endless cavern, with room after room of leather seating, vintage artwork, rustic tables, dim lighting and bookshelves full of history. Tons of seating options, including big booths that are great for groups, an inventive cocktail menu and low-key jazz events all mean you'll need to carve out some time to swing by this speakeasy on a night out. Tip: Sign up for the $1 membership in advance on their website.

 

Foundation
Peak down a set of stairs off downtown Raleigh's Fayetteville St. and you'll be able to just barely catch a glimpse of a red neon sign lit up that reads "Foundation"—that's how you know you're in the right spot. This basement bar, where house-made colas and syrups are mixed into seasonal drinks, has blazed a path and opened doors for others in modern-day Raleigh's cocktail scene.

 

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Fox Liquor Bar
This subterranean drinking den, featuring classic and contemporary cocktails, is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winner chef Ashley Christensen. Down a flight of stairs just around the corner from one of Christensen's iconic Raleigh eating spots (Beasley's Chicken + Honey), you'll find friendly service, a laid-back vibe, strong drinks and lots of comfortable, dark leather seating. A great date spot or place for small groups.

 

Header photo of The Willard Rooftop Lounge by Baxter Miller

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