Top Rated Nightlife in Raleigh/Durham

C. Grace is refined, a little mysterious, and darkly fun. The bar and Jazz venue is driven by live music and commitment to elegant, creative cocktails. These are mixed with just a few, strong ingredients, and have names that recall Jazz lounge Americana, like Kelly’s Grace, Hemingway, and New York Sour. Damask curtains and dim lighting add to the sultry mood here. C. Grace is a one Raleigh’s most rarefied bars, though membership is only a dollar. Performing musicians are mostly local but rotate regularly.

Vinos Finos is a departure from run-of-the-mill drinking and dining experiences. Located inside European-themed Lafayette Village, the wine bar is designed to sample tapas-style dishes and world-class wines. The staff here is more than happy to help with wine selection and pairings. Dark woods, leather furniture, and warm colors make the interiors feel like an old-world wine shop. Vinos Finos encourages patrons to converse, and the intimate, colorful setting is doubly suited for first dates or casual business meetings.

Solas is a luxurious dance club and lounge bar on three levels. Visitors can enjoy classic cocktails and small plates on a first-floor open-air patio or the rooftop deck, which has a motorized awning and offers fine views of Glenwood South downtown district. The lounges and bar rooms are secondary to the second floor’s glass-bottom dance floor, however, which is usually crowded with revelers on weekends. Solas has private rooms and first-rate VIP service, and caters to corporate events, weddings and private parties.

Noir is an upscale lounge bar and dance club near downtown Raleigh boasting sultry lighting, crystal chandeliers, exposed brick and plush velvet seating. The club has a vintage, ornate feel, and bills itself as an old-school European venue. The bar itself is a large room with a dance floor between lounge-seating and a beautiful black counter. In between cocktails and dancing at Noir, you can enjoy the club's front patio, which is a great vantage point for people watching.

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.

Covering an area of 3000 square feet (278.71 square meters), the Roof at The Durham Hotel offers patrons an expansive space for drinking, dancing and socializing. Not only can you enjoy stunning views of the city skyline but the great music and the buzzing atmosphere add to the popularity of this lounge. While you take in the lovely atmosphere, call for one of their signature cocktails, wines or a mug of beer. The lounge also has a menu of appetizers to tide you over in case you are feeling a bit famish. Events are also held every night adding to the charm of this place and considering how popular the lounge is, reservations are highly recommended.