This bar is beyond beautiful. From the furniture to the wallpaper to the paint on the walls...to the lighting overhead....and the staff. This is a shining example of a bar done right. Non pretentious, inviting, smiling bartenders. An accommodating bartender?? WHAT! They were awesome. This is my new favorite bar in Raleigh. Go now. read more

The bar was really nice--I liked the geometric shapes-and-stripes decor throughout the place as well as the reflective backsplash to the bar. It was definitely a 70s throwback in a way that worked! Seriously, the interior was very cozy and loungelike. There were tables along the wall, a lot of seating at the bar itself, and mini lounges in the front and back. I would come back for a beer or a glass of wine in a heartbeat. They also had an interesting looking cocktail list. The food, on the other hand, wasn't awful but didn't match up to the otherwise cool bar scene. I ordered the fried cauliflower appetizer (which the menu dubbed as amazing) and a half portion of the lobster ravioli special. Well--the lobster ravioli and sauce tasted like it came from Trader Joe's. Which isn't bad (hey--I get Trader Joe's ravioli all the time). I just don't want to go to a restaurant and pay $8 for four pieces of it in a seemingly store-bought cream sauce. It wasn't bad, but I wouldn't get it again. The fried cauliflower was quite good. Just as you'd expect a fried vegetable to be. The lemon tahini also tasted store bought--but good. It was definitely an appetizer plate--I brought 3/4 of mine home, so I'd avoid ordering it as an individual. All in all, a bit disappointed for the $35 I spent on two appetizers + 2 beers, including tax and tip. I liked the bar scene at Clockwork a lot, but I probably wouldn't order dinner there regularly--maybe an appetizer or pizza to share while sitting at the bar. read more

While its website gives me a headache and does it no justice, Clockwork is a nicely decorated, comfortable lounge that serves some awesome food. Why has nobody told me about this place? I had the Fresh House Handmade Gnocchi topped with a basil pesto cream sauce and served with fresh, local tomatoes and basil toast delizioso; and The Triple Dip which included white bean hummus, Kalamata olive tapenade, Ajvar (Roasted red peppers, eggplant, garlic & olive oil) and was served with Pita bread. The handmade gnocchi were delicious. Not too firm, not mushy. Just right. The basil pesto cream sauce was fantastic. It had an unmistakable nutty undercurrent that went perfectly with the cheese/cream/basil base. It was served with fresh tomatoes and basil that sat atop little toasted ovals, not unlike bruschetta. I ate it all. The triple dip was a flavor party! The white bean hummus was some of the best I have had. Creamy and tasteful, just the right amount of oil. The Kalamata olive tapenade, although meant to be consumed as a dip, was eaten with a spoon from my plate. And the Ajvar was superb. The peppers were roasted perfectly so that the flavor was meaningful and present but not overbearing. This was an incredibly pleasant surprise. I thought I was going to a funky bar to have bar food, and I was served locally sourced, fresh, handmade cuisine. I love it when this happens! read more

Went for drinks on a Thursday night. The cocktails were unique and delicious. I got the cocktail with jalapeño in it, can't remember the name. The atmosphere was superb, the lighting and music were perfect. I enjoyed the decor and overall vibe of the place. Service was great. My new favorite place downtown, for sure. read more

Clockwork - Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Totally packed, as in I can't move or even push myself through to the bar for a drink. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, if that's your scene. If you have seen the movie A Clockwork Orange, I hope you're not expecting anything like the Korova Milkbar here. But if you want to feel like Alex DeLarge for an evening, I guess this could be your type of setting, as it takes some inspiration from A Clockwork Orange. read more

Love this swanky little place on Glenwood! The interior of Clockwork is a wonderful mix of eccentric decor, bold colors and posh vibes. The bartenders here really know how to make their cocktails, the same which can't be said of many other places in the area. This seems to be a great date spot as I've seen numerous couples here and one of my friends has personally taken a date here as well. The music can be very clubby and loud on when I've been on weekends, though there isn't really a dance floor or area, which is a bit of a shame. Also, the front section of this bar also pulls up like a garage, so it's great for some fresh air on those cool autumn days and gives this place a little bit of fresh air. I wish they did a chiller jazz night, I feel like this would be the perfect venue for that. read more

This place was full of wannabe's. The thirst was real when we walked in on Saturday night. PACKED. TO. THE. GILLS. Strike 1. We normally would turn right around and walk out but I had heard how cool this place was so I remained open minded. It had all your usual, thirsty types: girls in hooker boots and mini skirts on a freezing Saturday night, ugly guys with money blowing cash on glasses of champs for girls who will never sleep with them, and, without sounding crass, lots of foreigners. I don't know how else to say that, really. We ordered a couple vodka sodas and the bartender measured my bf's vodka and shorted him pretty majorly. Strike 2. At this point, we decided this isn't our scene. Maybe it's because we were here so late and all the class had left the building, I don't know, but it just seemed lame. We waited and waited and waited for the bartender to close us out but he was so swamped and uninterested, we just left. Strike 3. Not our scene. Pass. read more

Over the past year this place has took a turn for the worse. The food has dropped in quality. The drinks while never great are now below average. Mixed drinks are overpriced and beer selection ulis poor. The crowd has turned from professional 30s and now skews toward the college crowd. The place still looks cool tho. read more

Clockwork - Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Clockwork is one of my favorite bars on Glenwood South in the summer time. There aren't many open air bars, so it's pretty nice if you come early enough to get seated in the front while the garage door is raised. I overheard something about them having to close the door after 11 by some regulations, but it's great while it's open. The only thing I don't like about this bar is the volume of the music. The music itself is actually pretty good, but the volume is generally loud enough to make having a conversation difficult. I find myself leaning in, shouting, and cupping my ear just to hear what a person one foot away is trying to say. I go to bars to socialize with friends and meet new people, not just to listen to music. Otherwise, the prices are reasonable, it's always easy to get a drink, and the bathrooms rarely have lines. I may try to stick to weekdays when the music isn't so loud, but still one of my favorites. read more

Today is review day for me it seems. BIG FAN of Clockwork. Been there twice and love it. My buddy Jason has been talking it up for a while. We know the owner from Mosquito (he knows him better than I), but the guy is simply the nicest. He is always at his bar, just chatting it up with the patrons...many of which he knows already because he's just that type of guy around Raleigh. No matter how well I speak of Clockwork, this guy is the reason why places like this work in Raleigh. The spot's decor is dope! The wall paper, ceiling, functioning garage door (for warmer weather I imagine), the bar with art deco-esque mannequins, the furniture, even the bathroom details! I'm a stickler for details, and this place has got it in spades. All this, and it still feels warm and inviting. Furthermore, the lighting and music are just right. My buddy said it and I agree...good music at a level just high enough so you can hear and enjoy it, but at a level that I can still easily enjoy a normal volume conversation with someone around me. Perfect. I think this is why the clientele are so cool...just people out trying to enjoy quality company and conversation with each other or the staff. It's had a solid crowd both times I've been, but not crowdED...which is key for me. Also, haven't tried the food, but I heard the pizzas are tasty. Maybe next time! The staff are helpful and pleasant. The bartenders are unique, relatively knowledgeable, and my type of cool. Their skill behind the bar is definitely above par with very balanced cocktails (I've tried a few cocktails and they were good! However, I usually stick to my standard Rusty Nail or bourbon neat). The prices are reasonable as well. It's new and will no doubt get more popular, but I secretly hope not too popular so we can continue to have our little cool spot off Glenwood to ourselves for as long as possible ;o). Highly recommended! read more

I have been here twice now. The inside is lots of hip patterns with a tapas bar type atmosphere. The front opens when weather permits, so the tables there are a great place to sit on a cool day. For food, I can't get enough of the fried cauliflower....and I normally hate cauliflower. The flatbreads are great, and the meatloaf sandwich is indulgent. The drinks weren't as strong on the flavors as some places I like. The specials are incredible, and will not disappoint. Overall, this is a cool place with good music, a very nice and creative owner, and a good vibe. Great place for a gathering. read more

I LOVE the intimate tables situated in the front of the glass paned garage door. During warm weather, the garage door is raised creating a very open and welcoming vibe. The interior decor is also very entertaining and visually stimulating. Unfortunately though, Clockwork doesn't offer enough for me to become a regular. Although the cocktail menu offers a few interesting options, they are rather expensive. After ordering a few cocktails, I opted to switch to beer but their selection was pathetic. I attempted to order three of the beers on their disappointing beer menu, and each was "out of stock." read more

I would give this place a five, but it gets a four from how you pay for drinks. The music is great 80's tunes, nice decor, the owner is actively on the floor checking with people he knows. The bartenders are very quick at taking your order even on a busy Saturday night. But here is my issue, they do not have drink prices that round on a even dollar like most places. Ordered a few drinks and the bill was $22.30 I gave them $25.00 cash and got back $1.00 in change. Not that 1.70 is a big deal, but doing that for a full night is a nice bag of money for bartenders. To me it is the principal, fix your prices, or provide the correct change. Do they do that for charge customers?? On a second round that was $12.52 they gave me back $7.00 on a twenty. Yes I know it is small change in the scheme of things but on a weekend that is a nice bonus. I still have been back only for music decor and crowds just never pay xash. read more

Great experience food and service. I'd recommend the arugula and prosciutto pizza. I had never been but will definitely be back

This is a pretty cool little spot but it's pretty easy to miss if your not looking for it. I've only been here for drinks so I can't comment on the food but they're mixed drinks were delicious and refreshing! They have really awesome patterns on the walls and in the bathrooms that are pretty trippy... especially after a few drinks . This place has more of a divey feel to it and the DJs are usually just playing the standard popular music. read more

Clockwork is one of my new favorite places on Glenwood Ave. The decor is so fun and funky that makes a very entertaining environment. I have not had their food but I am looking forward trying it! But one thing I can attest to is their drinks and they are delicious! I have been to Clockwork during the week and on the weekend. The weekdays are very nice and quiet with only a handful of people. During the weekends this bar is a vibrant scene. It can get a bit loud between all the people and the music, but it is a fun bar with people of all ages. read more

You can't ask for a more unique bar. It's vibrant wallpapers, statues, furniture, and lighting make this bar one of a kind. The atmosphere is just one of the great things here. The drinks and food are amazing too. The bartenders don't just "pour" drinks... they do it well. You will get a good, strong, well made drink. And let me tell you about the massive nachos.... please order when hungry! The tacos and meatloaf sandwiches are to die for too! The only downfall is the waitresses are sometimes not very attentive, its been hit or miss. Go and check it out! read more

This place is great for a casual drink and dinner! Our server Kelly (also the manger) was amazing. She had a slip up with one of our orders and corrected it immediately and then to make up for it gave us some lemon drop shots. All and all a great experience! We loved it. :) read more

The food here is sub par and the service is lacking. Prior to COVID we had a reservation scheduled and after our party of 6 arrived, they told us they didn't have a table for us and we couldn't eat there. Can't make this up... it's a cool place to go out drinking, but for a restaurant it's a HARD no. read more

I've been spoiled in which I've always been able to grab a seat right by the sidewalk viewing the street, and feel the breeze of the upcoming crisp autumn nights as I enjoy my drink. I don't venture here on weekends, but Sundays are the best to grab a drink and catch up with friends. The interior design takes you back to the '60s or '70s where you get a mixed feel of the library den, cigar room, and psychedelic Austin Powers. Don't ask how they managed that, but it works. And lastly, the cocktail concoctions are borderline strong yet sippable and delightful. read more

Went here randomly because c Grace (a block up and over) was closed. Never knew Clockwork was there!!! Love the decor instantly. The music seemed to be controlled from the bartender's cell phone. And his taste in music is AWESOME! Lots of songs you'd expect, given the mid-century/70's vibe of the place. I didn't catch his name before we left, but he was awesome. Great energy, music selections (he played House of the rising sun and hotel California and I was hooked on clockwork after that.), super knowledgeable on the bar, and mixed our drinks with finesse. The Bliss o Bliss was my fav drink! It tastes like a vacation. He made mine with a little simple syrup and it was delicious. We also tried some of the food. TRY the Tri Me pizza. It sounds weird, but it's so good! We tried the fried ravioli too- it was good, but I wouldn't get it again. Too many different textures going on at once for me. read more

Neat Bar with a pretty extensive menu. The mod 70s decor just oozes cool. The food menu is pretty extensive, providing something for everyone. The fried ravioli is a "must-have" if you visit - you will not be disappointed. The front of the bar opens into the street for a cool patio experience without having to sit on the sidewalk. Cocktails are a pretty decent pour and well made. Try the Oscar Niemeyer Caipirinha!!! You won't be disappointed. read more

I liked the decor of the bar. It has glass/window garage door, lots of seating, and some vintage-y looking chairs looking out the bar though said garage door. We got there on a Friday evening around 1800 and it was relatively empty. The waitress was nice and served us the drinks requested- they had a variety of drinks and our favorite was a grapefruit bear drink- tasted like straight grapefruit juice. The thing that really put me off about this place was 1. the smell. It REAKED of some sort of cheap cologne or incense- SOOOOO potent. 2. the furniture that I raved about at the beginning. Sitting on said vintage-y looking chairs, you realize they are just dingy and disgusting. The colors are not just faded but the fabric on the seats are actually stained with what, only god knows. It's actually so gross that you start to wonder if maybe they douse the entire bar with that nauseating smell so that you can't smell how disgusting those chairs actually are. read more

Clockwork - Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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One of my favorite places to grab a drink. Food is good too and on Friday I love the music. Dope R&B vibe.

Stopped by Clockwork for a drink and an appetizer before we went downtown for First Friday events. It was still a bit early so it wasn't very busy yet and had no problem getting a seat. The decor was hip with a hint of Alice in Wonderland. The service was very attentive and on top of anything we needed. The music wasn't too lout to have a conversation which was a plus in my book. Again, it was early in the evening so I'm not sure if that changes later. We tried the chicken arepas. I wouldn't say they are something that would be on one's 'diet menu' but there were darn good. They were corn based so they were gluten-free as well. I also tried my luck with Fernando's Hideaway cocktail. Best described as a sweet, fruity mix between Manhattan and old fashion. That may not sound that great but I wasn't disappointed. Nice place just off of Glenwood Ave. Worth a stop in. I'll be back to explore the menu and cocktail list further. read more

A very cool, but oh-so-crowded bar. I would love to check out all of the designs of the room (the hall leading to the bathroom was hypnotizing) but the night we came in it was super crowded so we just stuck to our spots, worried we'd lose them! I enjoyed my drink, it was strong but had lots of fresh fruit, though for the price ($9) i'd much me somewhere slightly quieter with more room to breathe. Maybe i'll try back on a weekday! read more

The drinks are great! It's a really eclectic atmosphere. It's definitely a cool place to check out. It's a little off the main road. They have a really neat 70's decor. read more

I went there a week ago two friends and we had a lovely time. The decor was hypnotic and made you feel like Alice down the rabbit hole (especially the bathroom). We had arrived around 7:30pm and it was packed with patrons in various groups. In short: Food: excellent (try the pizzas!) I found the prices written as clock times as cute and clever. Drinks: tasty and they have awesome names (my fav was the "Tango in Paris". The Service: Meh; I think if you want better service go after 8pm when the dinner crowd is gone. read more

Recently opened up off Glenwood South district, this small, but big addition to the neigborhood. The decor is 60s inspired with a hint of Clockwork Orange movie influence. They offer flatbreads/pizza and served on a wood cutting board. This isn't a place to come for the food. It's a bar that's been decorated in a great funky way. I'll remember that on my next visit. read more

Clockwork - Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Chic, cool, hip, epic vibe with incredible music and the nicest owner you will ever meet! Don't miss this bar if you are visiting Raleigh! It's on the top bars to see before you die list! http://www.buzzfeed.com/jonmichaelpoff/bars-in-america-you-should-drink-at-before-you-die read more

Clockwork - Wallpaper on the ceiling! Gorgeous! - Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Three stars only because the bar part is awesome. They changed their food menu and it's not great. They took off all of the good things and put more "bar" food on. Bring back the meatloaf sandwich and I'll up my rating back to 5 stars! read more

The pizza here is good. It's a good place to hang out and catch up with friends. The decor is stands from the hipster places you find in this area. read more

A group of my girlfriends and I recently went for dinner on a Saturday night and we were a bit disappointed with the service. It was packed but our server was super annoyed anytime we asked for more drinks. She even rolled her eyes when we told her we were ready to order. She hardly checked on us and just looked overall uninterested in our business. This hasn't been my experience every time I have been but was just overall disappointing during this visit since we were celebrating some good news. One of my friends is pregnant & when she tried to order a shirley temple she was told there was no grenedine. Instead of offering up other options for a mocktail, the server just provided water. Aside from that, this bar is one of the most unique ones in Raleigh! I love the Alice in Wonderland/Mad Hatter feel with the trippy bathroom walls, wallpaper, melted candle wax and funky couches. The food is really good! Their pizzas are excellent and the prices aren't bad. Definitely a fan! read more

Best bar in Raleigh! Didn't know they had awesome food too. Good for date night or group dinner and cocktails

Great atmosphere trendy yet intimate. Love the inside outside open cafe. Wood grill pizza was my favorite of the night. The drinks were delicious as well. read more

This is hands down the best bar in Glenwood south and quite possibly Raleigh. Not only is a perfect mix of 60's mod and 80's music but the drinks are well made and the entire front of the bar is removable! (garage door...) read more

I stopped into Clockwork right after work on a Friday for a drink and was not dissapointed. The place was fairly empty when we arrived but was pretty bustling by around 7. The beer was cold and reasonably priced (especially for the neighborhood), the bartenders were awesome, and we loved the 80s tunes. As other reviewers have noted, the decor is funky and awesome. We didn't try any food but the pizza menu looks quite tasty. Beware.. the black and white striped hallway leading to the bathroom might leave you a little dazed and confused even after just one or two drinks :) read more

Thought I would upgrade my rating for Clockwork after a few more visits. I can see the appeal of Clockwork. Seems to be a popular place to meetup and have a few drinks. Doesn't really get crowded until late night, so if you go around 9:00 or so you can get a seat at the bar or a nearby table. Bartenders are friendly and helpful and they have an intriguing list of mixed drinks to choose from as well as shooters and beer/wine. Love it when they cranks the 80's tunes also! read more

This place has been my fav spot and I think they have the best blueberry mojito! The reason for my one star is when I went there last weekend, I had a bill of $30 and left 20% tip totaling $36. Well guess what I check my credit card statement today they charged me $40 instead and I have a nice handwriting so not possible to mix up the numbers. Good thing I saved my receipt. Sorry but not worth ruining your reputation over $4. My advise save your receipts or count your cash. Very disappointed..... read more

This place looks absolutely amazing. It's a nice small cozy place and makes you feel right at home. The decor kinda has a 60 - 70's theme. Whoever did the decor did an amazing job. I am looking forward to trying there food, so when i do maybe I will change my score to 5 stars. Drinks are amazing and staff are very helpful and laid back. Looking forward to this place being one of the hottest places on Glenwood! read more