We surveyed local food industry folks: here are their go-to spots to crab a casual beer, easy mixed drink and maybe a snack or two. 
by Addie Ladner and Henry Thomas

Looking for a new-to-you place for a casual night out with friends? In our annual survey of hospitality folks — where we ask them where they eat and drink in their off-hours — these longtime bars and under-the-radar watering holes came up again and again. Here’s our vetted list of the classic spots where both pros and long time locals prefer to spend their evenings. 

The Cardinal Bar

Its tagline “spirits and everybody” pretty much sums it up: this no-frills bar is welcoming to all. Tucked off of Peace Street, its big glass garage door is open to the covered deck most of the year, and it attracts a seasoned crowd of regulars who are loyal to its long-serving bartenders. The Cardinal offers the full gamut of beer and spirits, but what it might be best known for are its hot dogs, the only item on the menu (and always a welcome late-night snack). 
713 N. West Street | @thecardinalbar

Crafty Beer Shop

Crafty Beer Shop has a rotation of fourteen taps that include drinks sourced around the globe, such as west and east coast-style IPAs and piña colada cider. Also, try out the canned and bottled drinks they offer, like Weapon X IPA with superhero inspired can-art or Lost Abbey’s Bible Stories, with notes of espresso mocha and Belgian candy. The cozy neighborhood bar is the perfect vibe for a night out with friends playing trivia or music bingo. The bar also provides custom 6-packs to take home or gift to someone. 
8450 Honeycutt Road | craftylafayette.com

High Park

“Can’t beat a shot and wings at High Park,” says Lindsay Rice, owner of Vita Vite. Try out their High Park wings, a spicy and citrusy buffalo wing, topped with Cajun seasoning. And for drinks the bar is known to have something for everybody, including green tea shots, margaritas, and craft beers. Pool, darts, customizable cocktails, and a rotation of beers on tap, what’s not to like? Come in for free pool Monday nights from 6 – 8 p.m.
625 E. Whitaker Mill Road | highparkbarandgrill.com

Mitch’s Tavern

Right across from NC State’s main campus is Mitch’s Tavern. Entering the original stone facade and climbing this bar’s creaky, narrow wooden stairs is a right of passage for college students and sports fans alike. The tavern’s classic interior was actually featured in the 1988 Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon movie Bull Durham. While at Mitch’s Tavern be sure to try their ruben or gumbo in addition to the selection of drink specials the bar offers, such as $3 on wells and Bull Durham Lites on Wednesdays or $4 margarita Tuesdays. 
2426 Hillsborough Street | mitchstavernraleigh.com

Players Retreat

Just down the road from Mitch’s “the PR,” as it’s known, is longtime Raleigh favorite, for the Wolf Pack crowd. “I order the chicken wings and a Caesar salad,” says Lauren Ivey, the former executive chef of Death and Taxes who’s now co-executive chef at Olivero in Wilmington. Surrounded by vintage sports paraphernalia and photography covering the walls of this bar, Players Retreat is the perfect place to watch a game and crack open a cold one. 
105 Oberlin Road | playersretreat.com

Person Street Bar

On the outskirts of downtown sits this no-frills bar that’s perfect for anything from watching a game with friends to grabbing a drink after work to post-downtown-wedding antics. The sprawling bar space, cozy seating and covered outdoor space can easily accommodate groups of all sizes, and they’ll pull out the big screens for major sports games and other noteworthy events. “Love this place, it’s a great vibe! The owners are some of the best people in town,” says David Meeker of Trophy Brewing. 
805 N. Person Street | @personstreetbar

Raleigh Times Bar

A nearly 20 year old institution, The Raleigh Times bar’s iconic setting attracts long-time locals, college students and visitors alike. It’s expanded multiple times (now has rooftop bar!) since it’s inception but the historic building built that dates back to the early 1900s that inspired its namesake is just as iconic as the bar itself with its exposed brick walls and nods to the city’s history. It prides itself on its varied events and craft beer program which pairs perfectly with a classic but fun bar menu. Locals especially love the Times Nachos and the Far East Reuben. 14 E Hargett Street | raleightimesbar.com

Roshambo

Roshambo serves just about anything you could want: beer, wine by the bottle (for a small corking fee), cider, even sake! The bar also has the occasional food truck, such as Blu Lotus Thai or Taquería La Capital. With pet-friendly accommodations, an impressive array of arcade games, and an annualholiday market, this is one to definitely check out.
231 S. East Street | roshambobevco.com

Slim’s

Visit Slim’s Downtown Distillery, Raleigh’s oldest music venue. The floors may be sticky and the staff occasionally surly, but it’s hard to find another bar with this much character. At Slim’s you can find an array of live events taking place regularly, such as comedy open-mic nights and concerts by various local musicians. And with the venue only seating 100, you’re guaranteed an intimate audience experience close to the stage! 

227 S. Wilmington Street | slimsraleigh.com

William & Co

William & Company — or, as most people call it, “Willco’‘ — is populated by lived-in sofas, lots of plants and eclectic local artwork. The Oakwood lounge and bar attracts an equally eclectic clientele of cool kids mixed with chi-chi folks grabbing dinner at one of Scott Crawford’s restaurants next door. Enjoy an impressive selection of tequila and mezcal, and unique flavor combinations like Willco’s Black Star, made with lemon, cinnamon, ginger syrup and apple butter. The fun doesn’t stop there with Willco’s back bar, La Veladora, which doubles as a vinyl DJ sound lounge. Liz Grandchamp of Grandchamp Hospitality names William and Co as her go-to bar for happy hour. 
616 N. Person Street | williamcobar.com

Woody’s at City Market

Three decades in, Woody’s knows how to create a classic sports bar experience. With a loyal client base and award-winning food, it’s no wonder this bar has expanded to three locations. While visiting, try one of Woody’s signature burgers, selections of wing rubs or daily drink specials. Liz Porcelli of Raleigh Wine Shop picks Woody’s as her go-to dive for wings. 
205 Wolfe Street | woodysportstavern.com

Wolfe & Porter

Whether you’re looking to have lunch at its rotation of food trucks, see live music performed on its outdoor stage or attend an event at the sophisticated Celler space, Wolfe & Porter (formerly D3) can fit most any occasion. The main floor’s comfortable, almost diner feel of checkered floors and leather blue booths is juxtaposed with the more sophisticated and dark-toned cellar beneath. The bar has regular drink specials, such as $5 seltzers on Thursdays and “Frozen Fridays” with $8 frozen cocktails. “My favorite, always and forever,” says Larz Robinson, the owner of Pine State Coffee.
905 W. Morgan Street | wolfeandporter.com

This story was originally published on October 24, 2024 on waltermagazine.com