Raleigh Nightlife

Raleigh Nightlife

North Carolina’s capital city offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene for people of all ages. Downtown Raleigh is the epicenter of activity, featuring a mix of trendy bars, live music venues, and dance clubs. Visitors can enjoy craft cocktails at stylish lounges, listen to live performances by popular bands, or dance the night away at energetic clubs.  Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated night out or a casual evening with friends, Raleigh nightlife is unmatched.

Friends enjoying Raleigh nightlife at a brewery with food.

Fox Liquor Bar

237 South Wilmington St. (Entrance on E Martin St.) 

The Fox Liquor Bar refers to itself as a subterranean drinking den that features classic & contemporary cocktails. Attendees can expect signature cocktails, a variety of wines and craft beers plus light fare including sliders, dips and sweet treats, all in an upscale environment. Fox Liquor Bar is open from 4 pm to midnight Wednesday through Saturday. 

The Big Easy

222 Fayetteville St. 

Looking for a fun date night in downtown Raleigh? The Big Easy won’t disappoint with its delicious menu and lively atmosphere. This restaurant and bar combines Cajun culture and cuisine with Raleigh’s southern hospitality. They have an extensive lunch and dinner menu with Louisiana favorites, and their drink menu features specialty cocktails, local brews and vintage wines. The Big Easy also hosts live music, karaoke, and Raleigh brunches weekly. Enjoy these cool vibes from 11 am to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 11 am to 2 am on Friday and Saturday.  

FOUNDATION Raleigh

213 Fayetteville St. 

This low-key underground bar in Raleigh offers inventive cocktails, local craft beer and industrial decor. A great stop along the Fayetteville Street bar crawl, FOUNDATION offers outdoor seating, and amazing cocktails served by bartenders with their own individual flairs. FOUNDATION is open from 4 pm to 2 am daily. 

Bittersweet

16 E Martin St. 

While many Raleigh residents turn to Bittersweet for their caffeine fix as one of the best coffee shops in Raleigh, they’re also pouring up some of the most creative cocktails and specialty drinks in town. Their menu features seasonal and coffee cocktails, creative shots, bottles of beer, bubbly, and wine. Bittersweet also serves delicious desserts and sweet treats. Bittersweet is open from 4 pm to 11 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 4 pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 2 pm to 10 pm on Sunday. Bittersweet is closed on Monday and Tuesday. 

Boxcar Bar + Arcade

330 W Davie St. 

Located in the famous downtown Warehouse District, Boxcar Bar + Arcade blends two popular pastimes: a well-stocked bar filled with classic and modern arcade games. The full bar, year-round patio space, and live music stage make Boxcar one of Raleigh’s most popular bars. From craft beer enthusiasts to 80s game lovers, everyone can find fun at Boxcar! Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Raleigh is open from 4 pm to 1 am Monday through Thursday, noon to 2 am Friday and Saturday, and noon to 1 am on Sunday. 

Slim’s Raleigh

227 S Wilmington St.

Looking for a local bar with great live music? Slim’s has been hosting a stage for local and upcoming bands since 1999. It’s safe to say that you can enjoy live music almost any night of the week at this staple Raleigh institution. Alongside music, there’s local craft beer and cocktails served in an intimate setting. Slim’s also has an outdoor patio and an upstairs lounge with a pool table. Slim’s Raleigh is open from 4:30 pm to 2 am Monday through Friday and 1 pm to 2 am Saturday through Sunday.  

The Raleigh Times

14 E Hargett St. 

The Raleigh Times is a themed bar set in a refurbished newspaper building. It features over 100 years of newspaper clippings from Raleigh papers, capturing the rich history of the Capital City. Of course, visitors can expect a vast drink selection including vintage beers and specialty cocktails, plus an impressive food menu that features elements from other Raleigh shining stars, like pulled pork bbq from The Pit. The Raleigh Times Bar is open from Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 am.    

Watts & Ward 

200 S Blount St. 

Walking through the doors of Watts & Ward is like leaving Raleigh’s modern cityscape and stepping back in time to the Prohibition Era. This unique Raleigh venue embodies the underground speakeasies that once operated below the streets of the city – even back then, the party couldn’t be stopped in Raleigh! Today, Watts & Ward is home to unique craft beer, cocktails and wine varietals. Watts & Ward is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 pm to 2 am, 2 pm to midnight on Sunday, and closed on Monday. 

The Green Light

108 ½ E Hargett St. 

This traditional Raleigh speakeasy is only accessible through a secret bookcase door. A local Raleigh nightlife favorite, The Green Light bar was formerly the office of an architect. Today, this intimate bar has vintage vibes and serves signature cocktails and brews. You can visit this Raleigh hidden gem from 5 pm to midnight Monday through Thursday, 5 pm to 2 am on Friday and Saturday, and closed on Sunday.  

The Architect Bar and Social House

108 ½ E Hargett St., with The Green Light

The Architect Bar and Social House is a laid-back but sophisticated bar in Raleigh. With plenty of comfortable seating, pool tables, and an expertly-manned bar, The Architect is a staple part of Raleigh’s nightlife. This hip and brick-lined spot also houses The Green Light, a fun Raleigh speakeasy, behind a secret bookcase door. The Architect is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 pm to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am. 

The Ugly Monkey Party Bar

400 W Morgan St., Suite 102

The Ugly Monkey Party Bar is downtown Raleigh’s answer when you need a wild night out. With incredible drink specials, a lively atmosphere, and welcoming regulars, The Ugly Monkey is one of the best places in Raleigh to have a good time. From karaoke and Thirsty Thursdays to free pool Mondays and huge holiday celebrations, The Ugly Monkey Party Bar keeps the party going Monday through Thursday from 5 pm to 2 am, Friday and Sunday from 4 pm to 2 am, and Saturday from 2 pm to 2 am. 

The Haymaker

555 Fayetteville St., Suite 115

The Haymaker is an intimate cocktail bar in the Fayetteville St. district featuring interesting, off-beat decor and exciting cocktails like ‘Bad Guys Wear Black’ and ‘Sing Like a Bee’, you won’t want to skip this venue. The Haymaker is open from 5 pm to midnight on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 5 pm to 1 am Thursday through Saturday. The Haymaker is closed on Sunday and Monday. 

Brewery Bhavana

218 S Blount St

Enjoy one of Raleigh’s most luxe nightlife venues – Brewery Bhavana! All of Brewery Bhavana’s taps are filled by their private production brews. Alongside its wide selection of beers, Brewery Bhavana serves Asian-inspired cuisine and features an adjacent book and flower shop for guests to peruse. No wonder locals call Brewery Bhavana one of the best breweries in Raleigh. Experience Bhavana from 11:30 am to 10 pm Monday through Thursday, 11:30 am to 11 pm Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 am to 9 pm on Sunday. 

Looking for a place to stay that matches the ambiance of our favorite upscale Raleigh nightlife? Check out our luxe Raleigh hotel rooms and suites with a view. Our on-site restaurant is the perfect place for a nightcap after a night on the town.