Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Gussie's

    4.7 (34 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    Order Gussie's Takeout or Delivery

    Gussie's Photos

    GUSSIE'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Gussie's

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Animal Fries
    Kristine S.

    Our group needed at spot to grab beer and dinner before a Canes game. My brother-in-law suggested Gussie's. He heard how good their double double smash burgers were and we didn't need anymore convincing to give them a try. We visited on a Monday evening so they weren't too busy. Ordering was super easy, right at the bar. Bartenders were helpful and friendly. All 4 of us in our group ordered the double double smash burger and shared a couple baskets of animal fries. Our order came out quickly. Burgers were hefty, cheesy, and juicy. The potato bun was soft and pillowy. The animal sauce was great on the burger as well as the fries. Fries were cooked well. Everyone was happy with their meal. It's definitely a spot I would return to if given the chance.

    Ted G.

    Welcome to the Village District's unofficial headquarters for 'I swear I'm only having one drink.' A sprawling sports bar stuffed with plenty of tv's, it features warm wood tones, brown cushy chairs that practically dare you to stand back up, and green booths cozy enough to make you forget you were supposed to root for the other team. The bar itself wraps around the pub like it's giving everyone a big, boozy hug--because nothing says 'community' like arguing over whose team is worse while sharing an order of wings. Take a seat at the wraparound bar, elbows on polished wood, watching the bartender sprint through a cocktail obstacle course--shakers flying, bottles clinking, garnishes disappearing like they owe someone money. They give you that quick 'I see you, please don't leave me' nod before vanishing into another flurry of drink orders. You will wait, amused, slightly thirsty, and oddly entertained, like you've purchased front-row seats to the Olympic finals of Controlled Chaos Bartending. Eventually, your drink arrives--triumphantly--carried by a bartender who looks like they've just survived a small, citrus-scented war. They serve a decent old fashioned--no craft ice, no pretentious sphere the size of a baby planet, no fog machine theatrics. Just a classic tumbler filled with honest-to-goodness clinking cubes that melt at a perfectly normal, respectable pace. Settle in for your second drink, fully expecting it to materialize any minute--only to discover you've entered the Slow-Motion Beverage Dimension. Minutes stretch. The bartender whips past you like a stressed-out comet, offering apologetic half-smiles and 'one sec!' gestures that stopped meaning 'one sec' roughly ten minutes ago. Eventually--eventually--your drink arrives, and it tastes just a little better for the journey. Overall, it's a lively, chaotic Village District adventure--cozy seats, nonstop sports, a friendly bar that hugs the room, and a service pace that keeps you guessing. Cheers!

    Pimento cheese sando and INCREDIBLE shrimp and grits
    Bradley J.

    The rating is well deserved, great service, great drinks, great food. I'm from out of town and was looking for a neighborhood restaurant bar. Home run

    Animal Fries
    Adam Z.

    Great food, friendly staff and ownership, and a really warm and inviting ambiance. I got their double burger and animal fries and they hit their mark for sure! Inspired by in and out but better. Their plain fries are thick and crispy with the addition animal fries, cheese, and grilled onions definitely 10/10. I've tried their brussel sprouts and meat balls which were also terrific!

    Broccolini
    Joey C.

    Gussies advertise themselves "You're new favorite local spot" and they hit the nail on the head with it. This place is a nice, cozy bar with a friendly atmosphere and a timeless ambiance. Their food hit the spot as well. While I only got three appetizers, they were all hits. The broccolini was well balanced with the almonds, garlic, and sauce. The fries were simple but were solid to say the least (and their house sauce was incredible) and the meatballs were full of flavor and got me excited to go back and try more. The service was quick and friendly as well. Despite the bar being full on a busy Saturday night, we didn't have to wait long at all. I will say, given the size of the bar, I wouldn't go there with more than 6 people max, but it's great for a small meet up or a nice easy date night! Highly recommended if you want to find a new favorite bar

    Drink menu, May 2025.
    Chip R.

    Bottom line: A great meal at Gussie's! The Pesto Pappardella hit the spot and my friend enjoyed his double smash burger as well. Friendly positive service at the bar for ordering. I like this place! The Deets: I stopped by Gussie's one Sunday afternoon with a bud to grab some quick but solid eats while we were walking around enjoying a bit of DTR. I had never got to come by here so I was all for it. Upon entering there is a fair amount of seating both inside and outside, with table and bar seating available on the inside. At this time of day, we got our menus from the bartender and took them to a table to check them out. We did not even go for apps/starters and just went in for our meal choices, giving them to the bartender (menu states to order at the bar). With the great variety the food menu provided, I went with the Pesto Pappardella (spring pea pesto cream sauce, pappardelle pasta, local oyster mushrooms, haricot verts, and crispy prosciutto) while my bud went with Double Double Smash Burger (2 sirloin-brisket patties, American cheese, iceberg, caramelized onion, tomato, pickles, animal sauce on a potato bun). I got my pasta dish and it was perfectly sized/portioned (not a massive bowl but just the size needed). The taste? Wonderful, actually much more delicious than I had anticipated and I enjoyed it all. Equally, my friend devoured his double smash burger with delight. He shared his fries and they were great. Throughout the visit, the bartender was very positive, friendly, and helpful. When you ask for the check, your bill is delivered within an old book, of which ours was the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries, nice touch. I'm glad we decided to duck into Gussie's on Morgan St in DTR and I hope to get to enjoy another visit soon!

    fried pickles, strawberry cider
    Emily G.

    Cool bar vibe. Went on a Friday night around 7pm and it was pretty busy. All seating is first come first serve, but people were mozing in and out. They do serve food, our group ordered fried pickles and a couple cocktails. The drinks are definitely on the pricey side, and the overall vibe was a bit loud, but definitely would return.

    Holly K.

    What a cool spot! I loved the vibe as soon as I walked in. They have tables all around, but at least where I was seated you have to order at the bar and then they bring it to you. They also have a good number of patio tables as well. I tried out their orange cream homemade soda and it was freaking delicious. If you are looking for something non-alchoholic and refreshing, highly recommend giving that a try. For dinner I went with the bangers and mash. This is one of my favorite dishes to get when it's on the menu. It was tasty, but a little under seasoned, and I could have used a vat of that delicious gravy. My friend got the smashburger and that was spot on. I would definitely dig into that the next time I head in. I'd also give the animal fries a try next time. The servers/bartender were all friendly and I loved how they give you your receipt in an old book. Parking can get a little annoying over here, you either get super lucky or takes you a minute so plan ahead. Looking forward to heading in again.

    Gussies' bar
    Hayley P.

    Fun and funky are the two best words describe this place! My friend and I stopped in for some champagne, and while there we were enticed by the delicious smells of the onion rings. With such a great atmosphere and staff, as well as a cool theme (think Nancy Drew), it's a must for a quick drink or a full meal.

    Olivia W.

    Such a fun spot! I got the Superfoods salad and it was great! I love the atmosphere inside. The pickle cocktail was very refreshing!

    Smash burger
    Candi M.

    Love the interior of Gussie's. They did an awesome job with the finishes. You order everything at the bar and they bring it out to you. Had a delicious tiki drink and a hazy IPA from a friendly bartender. We tried their twist on a caprese salad with pesto and walnuts, the smash burger which my husband loved, and the turkey melt which came out hot and delicious. The table server was also on point and refilled waters and cleared our table. Lovely that we can walk to this location and enjoy creative drinks and tasty bites. Only complaint was the faint sewer smell that seems to permeate this area!

    Amaro Nonino

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ted G.
    5000
    643
    2565

    8 months ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 2
    Love this 11
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Adam Z.
    386
    420
    1792

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Holly K.
    3303
    2009
    7352

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 6
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great drinks and food... love the ambience, made me feel like I was in a different city

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rebecca R.
    258
    34
    24

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Great burgers, fries and drinks. Homemade orange cream soda was a nice surprise. We really enjoyed eating here will be back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Thanks, Tom!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cody V.
    37
    21
    0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vance D.

    Vance D.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Gussie's

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Cocktail Bars 837 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    FOUNDATION

    FOUNDATION

    4.5
    (332 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    This is a whiskey lover's dream and one of Raleigh's most unique drinking destinations. It's quite…read moreliterally underground as it's in a basement. With little signage the space feels like a natural speakeasy. It's unpolished enough to feel a little sleazy, yet polished enough to never feel dirty. In other words, it has character, and plenty of it. The bartenders were fantastic: knowledgeable, talented, and happy to chat about the spirits behind the bar. Whether you're a serious whiskey enthusiast or just looking for a well-made cocktail, you're in good hands. Being open later than most Raleigh bars makes Foundation one of the city's go-to late-night options, but that shouldn't overshadow what it really is........a great bar at any hour. The atmosphere, the drinks, and the people behind the bar make this a place worth seeking out whether it's your first stop of the evening or your last.

    Came here before dinner and had a great time. Even though it's a speakeasy, it was pretty easy to…read morefind. The menu leans heavily toward whiskey and bourbon, with lots of solid options. I had their basil smash, which was refreshing, and the Manhattan--bold with a warm, spicy profile. Pleasant surprise to see Michter's as the special of the night, and it was excellent with smooth caramel and vanilla notes. Service started off a little hands-off since we ordered at the bar, but picked up toward the end when staff came by to check in. Drinks were high quality without being overpriced, and the vibe is relaxed--not at all pretentious. You can definitely come casual. If we had more time, we would've stayed longer or come back for another round.

    Photos
    South side
    South side
    Foundation old fashioned
    Foundation old fashioned
    Bar

    See all

    Bar
    Bittersweet

    Bittersweet

    4.4
    (481 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Bittersweet has amazing desserts and drinks. I've been several times and each time I enjoy what…read moreI've had. A solid go-to is their s'mores sundae which is sooo good! The chocolate brownie is thick and rich, but not too sweet, and the marshmallow cream is divine, especially with the ice cream. A lot of their drinks and gin based, which I'm not the biggest fan of, but I always find something I can enjoy. The service is great and relatively quick, and everyone I've met there is kind and willing to help. The inside is a bit small, so smaller crowds are better and it does tend to get crowded later in the evening and on weekends. The outside street sitting area is nice too and hopefully will be fully fixed soon. Overall a great places to stop for drinks and desserts after a nice meal! And the menu rotates seasonally so you'll always have the chance to try something new!

    My wife and I stopped into Bittersweet last night for dessert, and the whole experience was…read moreexcellent. As soon as we walked in, we met Brandon, and he immediately made the night better. We were honestly a little overwhelmed by all the options, but he gave us an extremely thoughtful and knowledgeable walk-through of the menu, helped us narrow down drinks, and absolutely crushed the recommendations. The desserts were great, the drinks were even better, but Brandon was easily the highlight of our experience. He was kind, helpful, sharp, and clearly knew exactly what he was talking about. Five stars all around. We'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Chai espresso martini
    Chai espresso martini
    Derby Pie and Gin n Tonic
    Derby Pie and Gin n Tonic
    Pecan pie

    See all

    Pecan pie
    Cuya

    Cuya

    4.5
    (28 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    I've driven past Cuya Cafe more times than I can count, and now I'm wondering why it took me so…read morelong to go inside. The vibe? 10/10. The drinks? 10/10. The food? Unlike anything I've had before. And somehow they managed to be stylish, delicious, AND fast. The only thing that took some time was us deciding what to order because there were so many amazing things on the menu! Raleigh, add this one to your list immediately & honestly...this may be the best fried chicken in Raleigh! CUYA Cafe

    This place was absolutely amazing. All I can say is, we made a lot of happy noises while eating,…read moreand there were plenty of "oh my God" moments at the table. From the staff to the manager to the food, everything was on point. The food truly speaks for itself. They serve small plates, which we love because it gives you the chance to try different things and experience a variety of flavors. We started with the fried pork belly on tostones. It was perfectly seasoned, topped with avocado, and every bite just melted in your mouth. Next, we had the tamarind sticky ribs with a tamarind mango barbecue sauce. This was a perfect example of how simplicity can create complex flavors. The ribs were cooked just right -- not completely falling off the bone, but tender enough that when you bit into them, the meat pulled apart so easily. They were juicy, full of flavor, and had just the right touch of spice from the chili flakes. Then we moved on to the mini arepas, and oh my God. They had slow-cooked pork, guava barbecue sauce, and fried papas on top. The arepa itself was crispy on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside. The savory pork paired with the sweetness of the guava barbecue sauce was incredible, and the crunch from the fried papas took it to another level. Now, I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but my wife does not. I wanted dessert, and we were leaning toward the tres leches, but our waitress highly recommended the bread pudding. I am not usually a fan of bread pudding at all, but her recommendations had been on point all night, so I decided to trust her. I am so glad we did. They take a Mexican bolillo, soak it overnight in tres leches, then pan-sear it to create this crispy caramelized outside while keeping the inside warm, soft, and sweet. It is topped with crema and toasted coconut, then they pour warm guava syrup over it and serve it with a scoop of coconut sorbet. The layers of flavor in that dessert were unreal. Honestly, it may have been the best dessert we have ever had. And remember, my wife is not big on sweets -- she usually only takes one bite of dessert, but this time she tried to eat over half of it. Lol. I highly recommend this place. The food, the service, the drinks, and the atmosphere were all amazing. And after dinner, you can even head upstairs to work off the food with salsa lessons and a dance club. This is definitely a spot worth checking out! Este lugar fue absolutamente increíble. Lo único que puedo decir es que hicimos muchos sonidos de felicidad mientras comíamos, y hubo muchos momentos de "¡Dios mío!" en la mesa. Desde el personal, hasta el gerente, hasta la comida, todo estuvo excelente. La comida realmente habla por sí sola. Sirven platos pequeños, algo que nos encanta porque te da la oportunidad de probar diferentes cosas y experimentar una variedad de sabores. Comenzamos con el pork belly frito sobre tostones. Estaba perfectamente sazonado, cubierto con aguacate, y cada bocado simplemente se derretía en la boca. Después probamos las costillitas pegajosas de tamarindo con una salsa barbecue de tamarindo y mango. Este plato fue un ejemplo perfecto de cómo la simplicidad puede crear sabores complejos. Las costillas estaban cocinadas en su punto: no se caían completamente del hueso, pero estaban tan tiernas que al morderlas, la carne se desprendía fácilmente. Estaban jugosas, llenas de sabor y con el toque perfecto de picante gracias a las hojuelas de chile. Luego pasamos a las mini arepas, y ¡Dios mío! Tenían cerdo cocinado lentamente, salsa barbecue de guayaba y papitas fritas encima. La arepa estaba crujiente por fuera, calientita y esponjosa por dentro. El sabor salado del cerdo combinado con la dulzura de la salsa barbecue de guayaba fue increíble, y el crujiente de las papitas fritas lo llevó a otro nivel. Ahora, a mí me gustan mucho los dulces, pero a mi esposa no tanto. Yo quería pedir postre, y estábamos pensando en el tres leches, pero nuestra mesera nos recomendó mucho el budín de pan. Normalmente no soy fanático del budín de pan, pero sus recomendaciones habían sido excelentes toda la noche, así que decidí confiar en ella. Me alegra muchísimo haberlo hecho. Toman un bolillo mexicano, lo remojan durante la noche en tres leches y luego lo sellan en sartén para crear una capa exterior crujiente y caramelizada, mientras que el interior se mantiene calientito, suave y dulce. Lo sirven con crema y coco tostado, luego le vierten encima un jarabe tibio de guayaba y lo acompañan con una bola de sorbete de coco. Las capas de sabor en ese postre fueron irreales. Honestamente, puede que haya sido el mejor postre que hemos probado en nuestra vida. Y recuerden, mi esposa no es muy amante de los dulces; normalmente solo prueba un bocado del postre, pero esta vez intentó comerse más de la mitad. Jajaja.

    Photos
    Cuya
    Très lèche
    Très lèche
    Seasonal cocktail

    See all

    Seasonal cocktail
    Whiskey Kitchen

    Whiskey Kitchen

    4.0
    (789 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    If bourbon and whiskey choices were a personality trait, The Whiskey Kitchen would definitely have…read morecommitment issues...because the selection is massive. Seriously, if you can't find a pour you like here, you may just need water instead. Started with the biscuits topped with crackling and house-made preserves, and honestly, that combo alone made me question why I don't eat more biscuits in life. Sweet, salty, buttery chaos in the best way. For the main, I went with the pork chop and greens. The chop leaned a little overcooked for me personally, but the sauce helped bring things back together and added good flavor. The greens had a nice little kick of heat, but I kept waiting for that deep smoky ham hock flavor to show up like an old Southern grandma entering the kitchen... and it never quite arrived. Overall though? Still a solid meal, strong whiskey program, cool atmosphere, and definitely worth checking out if you're in Raleigh looking for a bourbon-forward dinner spot. Travelin_Broke approved with a slight side-eye from the greens.

    I like the environment and the wait staff is always phenomenal, however this last time I couldn't…read moreeat my favorite thing on the menu (lamb burger) like so many other they amped the spice up. I originally thought it was the sauce which the waitress voluntarily remade but no the current chef is apparently fallen into the current dining trope of spicy is better to the point. I gave my burger to someone else at the table to eat. That said everyone else enjoyed their meals and as always, no complaints on the drinks but... I won't be the one selecting/suggesting it when we're going out to each going forward.

    Photos
    Whiskey Flights
    Whiskey Flights
    Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken
    Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken
    The Botanist and Paper Plane

    See all

    The Botanist and Paper Plane

    Gussie's - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...