Raleigh–Durham, NCCocktails

Raleigh Magazine praises Gussie's for combining thoughtful cocktails with an easy neighborhood-bar atmosphere. The Morgan Street room favors comfort and conversation over ceremony, while the drinks remain carefully built. Start with a house cocktail that matches your preferred spirit, then use the food menu to turn the stop into a longer evening.

Raleigh Magazine describes William & Company as an intimate, Latin-leaning bar with a deep mezcal selection. The Person Street space keeps the focus on a compact cocktail list and direct interaction with the bartender. Choose a mezcal drink or ask for a recommendation based on the agave flavors you already enjoy.

Raleigh Magazine includes Watts & Ward for its speakeasy-style basement setting, where brick, leather seating, vintage art, and low light create the mood. The large underground rooms can handle groups without losing their sense of escape from downtown. Pick a spirit-forward classic and explore the connected seating areas beneath Blount Street.

Raleigh Magazine points to Foundation as a downtown cocktail room grounded in brick, reclaimed wood, and North Carolina spirits. The subterranean bar is compact and deliberately unfussy, with the drinks carrying most of the detail. Ask about a whiskey-forward house cocktail or a seasonal preparation built around a local bottle.

INDY Week and Axios Raleigh name The Velvet Hippo in Durham bar coverage, noting both its cocktails and rooftop setting. The Orange Street lounge offers indoor seating and an open-air view above downtown, with nonalcoholic choices receiving real attention beside the full drinks list. Visit near sunset and choose from either side of the menu.