Fullsteam brewery serves classic and innovative beers crafted with locally farmed ingredients, including sweet potatoes, basil and grapes used in experimental recipes. The industrial, spacious brewery has plenty of room for groups, the occasional live band, arcade games, darts, and ping pong tables. Although Fullsteam does not serve food of its own, visitors are welcome to bring their own, or take advantage of the rotating cast of food trucks that park just outside the bar on most days.
Located beneath King’s Royal Barcade, Neptune's Parlour is a hip underground bar that offers DJs, pinball, ping pong and arcade games. It also boasts a menu of local craft beers from mostly small North Carolina Brewers, seasonal cocktails and the very popular shot of the week. On weekends the bar is packed with dancers, and on some nights live acts play in front of the brick-walled stage. Neptune’s adds subterranean character to downtown Raleigh’s bar scene, off–or under–the beaten path.
Alley Twenty Six is sophisticated cocktail and wine bar serving charcuterie and small plates in stylish surroundings. Locals come to the bar for the relaxing, dimly-lit atmosphere, classic cocktails, and nicely curated wine list. Attention to detail and flavor sets Ally Twenty Six apart from other contemporary cocktail bars. The team here creates one of a kind homemade syrups and tonics: think zesty cinchona bark and lemongrass syrup. The bar, which faces East Chapel Street, has a little outdoor seating on 26 Alley, from which it takes its name.
The Raleigh Times is housed in a restored century-old building, and celebrates local history with news clippings and images clipped to its walls. Stepping into the bar is like stepping into Raleigh’s past, when papers were hawked on street corners and watering holes were only for whiskey. The Times’ menu features creative takes on classic pub fare, and an extensive beer selection with a focus on Belgian ales. The second-floor deck seating has the best views of downtown Raleigh.
Flex is a warm-hearted, no-nonsense nightclub and gay bar housed inside a brick warehouse near downtown Raleigh. The club hosts weekly themed events, concerts, karaoke nights, drag races and dance parties. Flex has the feel of a well-kept neighborhood dive bar, clean with endearing roughness around the edges. Locals visit Flex for inexpensive drinks, friendly bartenders, lively weekly events and the overall welcoming style and ambiance. The patio here is a great place to catch an evening breeze, and respite from the party indoors.
Legends is a LGBT dance club and bar featuring multiple dance floors, pool tables, dart boards, arcade games and an outdoor patio. The club is organized into several rooms with different themes, including a college dorm room and sleek ultra-lounge. Drag shows and talent contests are held at the performance theater called “Spotlight”. The club’s calendar is full of themed nights, parties and dances. Although the bar caters to the local LGBT community, it opens its halls and doors to anyone regardless of their orientation.
Sharp Nine Gallery is the right place to go to if you are interested in jazz. Located in Durham, NC, the venue organizes various music programs and classes and aims to educate the crowd on jazz culture. They are also available for concerts and other music events.
Situated in Durham's City Center, Littler serves modern American cuisine in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. The dining hall is sandwiched between a series of rustic exposed brick walls and features an arrangement of well-spaced tables, wall-mounted artwork and a constellation of interconnected lightbulbs that illuminate the entire space. The menu is compact and includes specialties like the NC Flounder, Braised Pork Shank, and the Grilled Octopus. Don't forget to savor the signature Black Forest Cake Roulade for dessert.
Stanbury is a fun and inviting bar located in Capital Park, Raleigh, where delectable and exciting New-American cuisine dishes are prepared to perfection along with a wide range of cocktails expertly concocted by the mixologist. Enjoy fine-dining items like the Grilled Romaine, Seared Scallops, Grilled Quail, Crispy Pig Head and Roasted Marrow. The extensive variety of white and red wines compliments the delicious food at this restaurant perfectly, however if wine is not for you, you can always ask the bartender to prepare a drink especially for you.
Celebrate traditional tapas style dining at Humble Pie. It consists of shareable bite sized servings of hummus, tostadas, BBQ shrimp, sea scallops and calamari that are spiced in authentic Spanish condiments. The house-made sangria is a pleasant accompaniment to the meal as one converses with friends. Jazz music fills the dining space adding to the fun mood and the helpful staff make the experience all the more special. Chef Andy Cordova has succeeded in creating a place for himself in the dining circles of Raleigh with this gem of a place.
Inspired by chef-owner, Sunny Gerhart's New Orleans roots, St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar is a haven for those who love the crust bivalve. From raw to roasted, they are served with superb accompaniments that take them a notch higher than any other oyster bar in the area. They also have clams and regional seafood in their menu. Louisiana influenced dishes such as the gumbo and hushpuppies served with Louisiana crawfish tails are some of the other features in the menu. Happy hours add to the popularity of this place. If you don't have a reservation, then make a beeline before the peak hours to a taste of their food.
A family-friendly Italian restaurant, Bella Monica is great for those who want to enjoy a hearty Italian meal in casual environs. The artwork adorned walls, peppy music and fine Italian wines sets the mood for a pleasant dining experience. The simple, homestyle food follows traditional recipes and is a delight to the taste buds. Shrimp Napoli, Pomodoro Bruschetta and Portobello & Sundried Tomato Lasagne are just some of the decadent delicacies on offer. Besides the array of Italian delicacies,flatbread and pizzas, the restaurant also serves up great gluten-free fare. While you are eating the great food, don’t forget to save room for one of the desserts. The Cannoli and Affogato are particularly delicious. A separate kid’s menu and smaller portions for children are also provided. If you are craving good ol’ Italian food, a meal at Bella Monica won’t disappoint.