Best Bars in Raleigh

Real videos of Bars in Raleigh — 9 places, filmed by creators on the ground.

Ranked venues

La Buena Vida
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$VibrantCasualSocialDiverse menuCocktail offeringsIndoor/outdoor seating
About the venue
La Buena Vida in Raleigh focuses on offering a vibrant atmosphere with a diverse menu that includes classic Mexican dishes and refreshing cocktails. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for casual dining or celebrations. It attracts a mix of locals and visitors looking to enjoy flavorful meals in a lively setting.
What the videos show
The video depicts a hand holding a lighter to ignite a wooden skewer attached to a purple drink glass filled with ice. The camera then pans to show another person at a bar counter with a red drink before returning to the purple drink being held.
4516 Falls of Neuse Rd
@Wadeqjones
Dram & Draught
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$$SophisticatedRelaxedStylish400+ whiskeysTastingsKnowledgeable staff
About the venue
Dram & Draught offers a curated selection of whiskey in the heart of Raleigh, establishing itself as a go-to spot for whiskey enthusiasts since 2017. The bar showcases over 400 labels, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide patrons through tastings and pairings. The space combines a chic lounge atmosphere with rustic elements, enhancing the experience. Frequent events like whiskey tastings attract a diverse crowd of both locals and visitors.
What the videos show
The video opens with a close-up of a table at a bar where two drinks are placed, one yellowish-white and the other purple, both served over ice. A menu lies open between them. The camera then pans leftward, revealing more patrons seated at the bar and shelves behind the counter displaying various bottles of alcohol. The overall atmosphere is lively and social.
1 Glenwood Ave Suite 101
@Rogers_WRLD
Oro
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$$StylishFreshEnergeticLocally sourcedSeasonal menuCocktail selection
About the venue
Oro, located on E Martin St in Raleigh, North Carolina, offers a diverse menu focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner, its setting is stylish yet relaxed, perfect for casual dining or special occasions. Signature dishes include creative sushi rolls and unique entrees that change seasonally. Oro also features an impressive cocktail menu, making it a favorite among local food enthusiasts.
What the videos show
The video depicts a cocktail being prepared and poured into a glass with ice, set against a blurred background of a restaurant.
18 E Martin St
@evrybodyloveski
The Ugly Monkey Party Bar
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$LivelyVibrantEnergeticLive musicDiverse drinksBar games
About the venue
The Ugly Monkey Party Bar in Raleigh offers a lively venue known for its diverse drink selection and entertainment options. With a laid-back atmosphere, patrons can enjoy dancing, live music, and games throughout the week. The bar is popular with young adults looking for a vibrant night out, offering a variety of cocktails, beers, and bar snacks. It's a go-to spot for those looking to socialize and unwind in a fun environment.
What the videos show
The video opens with a view of the Ugly Monkey bar's neon sign at night, followed by a man walking towards the entrance. Inside the bar, the camera captures a beer bottle on the counter, a colorful wheel game, and a pool table. A woman is seen drinking from a glass filled with amber liquid.
400 W Morgan St
@katherinejoest
A Toda Madre Mexican Kitchen
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What the videos show
The video opens with a bold, playful statement: 'the type of shit i'm on you wouldn't understand the type of skits i'm on' at 00:02–00:06, immediately establishing a confident, irreverent tone. This is followed by a visually striking close-up of a wooden tray displaying four vibrant, uniquely garnished cocktails. The first is a bright blue drink with a red straw, the second an orange cocktail adorned with a purple flower, the third a deep red drink with a green straw, and the fourth an orange-hued cocktail featuring a pineapple slice and a green straw. The tray is labeled 'A Touch of Mad,' and the words 'HAPPY HOUR' appear in a whimsical, stylized font at the bottom of the screen. The setting suggests a trendy bar or lounge environment, likely during a promotional or themed happy hour event. The focus is on the aesthetic appeal of the drinks, with rich colors, creative garnishes, and a cohesive visual design that emphasizes fun and indulgence. There is no human presence, no background activity, and no indication of a specific venue beyond the tray and text, but the overall presentation strongly implies a social, nightlife setting where such drinks would be served and enjoyed.
Triangle Town Center
@Ayodave
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
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$CasualFestiveInvitingTraditional dishesHappy hourFamily-friendly
About the venue
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, situated at 1028 Oberlin Rd Ste 220 in Raleigh, North Carolina, offers a menu filled with traditional Mexican dishes and drinks. Known for its friendly service and vibrant decor, it caters to families and groups looking for a casual dining experience. Signature items include enchiladas and fajitas, which are popular among regulars. The restaurant often hosts happy hour specials, making it a lively gathering place for locals.
What the videos show
The video showcases a tiki glass filled with an orange-colored drink, garnished with pineapple chunks, blackberries, and cherries. The drink is placed on a dark wooden table, and the background features a stone wall with plants and lights, with a blurred aquarium visible.
1028 Oberlin Rd Ste 220
@UnwindingWithSharrice
Carajillo’s mexican kitchen 2
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ColorfulCasualAuthenticAuthentic dishesColorful decorHearty meals
About the venue
Carajillo’s Mexican Kitchen 2, located at 6675 Falls of Neuse Rd in Raleigh, focuses on delivering authentic Mexican flavors in a casual dining atmosphere. The menu features staple dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and specialty salsas, prepared with fresh ingredients. The establishment offers a colorful setting, making it a popular choice for families and friends looking to enjoy a hearty meal together. Established in 2020, it provides a taste of Mexico in the heart of Raleigh.
What the videos show
The video showcases a cocktail garnished with pineapple and orange slices, set against a backdrop of a mural featuring masked figures. The table includes a red cup of Coca-Cola, a small bowl of salsa, and a basket of tortilla chips. The camera remains focused on the drink, with subtle movements indicating interaction with the food items.
6675 Falls of Neuse Rd
@Missmillzz
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
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$$$TrendyInnovativeCasualSushi burgersMixed cuisineOutdoor seating
About the venue
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, located on Six Forks Rd in Raleigh, is a unique fusion restaurant known for its combination of sushi and burgers. Since its opening in 2016, it has offered creative dishes such as the 'Burgushi', a sushi-burger mashup. The stylish decor includes both indoor and patio seating, catering to both casual diners and those looking for a more upscale experience. Its innovative menu attracts both burger lovers and sushi enthusiasts alike.
What the videos show
The video captures a pink cocktail garnished with purple orchid petals on a wooden table at an outdoor restaurant during nighttime. A woman with long braids and wearing a leopard print top smiles as she looks to her right, seated at the same table.
4208 Six Forks Rd Ste 100
@At.The.W
Pearl and Peril
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ChicStylishTrendyCraft cocktailsCocktail classesSmall plates
About the venue
Pearl and Peril is a chic cocktail bar situated on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina, offering an extensive selection of craft cocktails and small plates. Opened in 2020, the venue features a refined, stylish interior, with a focus on mixology and unique flavor profiles. The bar hosts regular events and cocktail classes, attracting cocktail enthusiasts and locals looking for a unique night out. Signature drinks include the 'Pearl Gimlet' and seasonal spritzes, complemented by a rotating snack menu.
What the videos show
The video captures a brief scene in a dimly lit bar or restaurant, where a man with short hair and a beard is sitting next to another person, looking at his phone. The camera pans to show two women sitting together, one of whom is drinking. The man smiles slightly before returning to his phone.
322 Glenwood Ave
@mhcmike