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    La Mala

    4.5 (25 reviews)
    Open • 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    La Mala Photos

    LA MALA ATMOSPHERE

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    Birria Tacos
    Shakira W.

    It was a great evening to randomly pick a restaurant to try out of pure hunger while on the move for late night eats. This place did not disappoint in the later hours. I am a HUGE fan of Birria tacos and they delivered with bursts of flavor, tender meat, and freshness. No crumb was left behind. I washed it all down with my old faithful Old Fashioned drink. My server was equally present and impressed lol I was finally able to soak in the ambiance after devouring my meal and notice how beautiful the restaurant was. It was dimly lit and perfect to help wind down the rest of the night. I plan to return and t try other dishes on the menu.

    Anna W.

    Super pretty vibes, amazing drinks and food. Wonderful attentive friendly service. We got four different dishes to share. Everything was delicious but the loaded fries were absolutely outstanding.

    Steak quesadilla
    Markie'Sha J.

    Everything was AMAZING!! The customer service was great. Our waitress was hands-on and consistent with making us feel welcome. I will be back to try brunch.

    Watermelon Margarita
    Sahib G.

    Great place to get some good craft cocktail. I got the watermelon margarita and it was refreshing and delicious. I also got the tilapia civche which was pretty decent. I would definitely go back for the cocktails. They have a drink which is served in a barrel glass and it looks really good.

    Churros
    Samantha R.

    I walked into La Santa at almost 10pm on a Thursday night and their kitchen was closed. But, the staff quickly suggested a quick 4 minute walk to their sister restaurant, La Mala, which was still open. 4 minutes later, I was hands deep into some authentic Mexican tacos. We shared the carnitas and asada tacos, both outstanding. Since we were celebrating a birthday, they treated us to churros but we also had the option of birthday shots. The churros came with caramel, chocolate, and dulce de leche, and were perfectly crispy and sugary. The ambiance, a little sexy and a little dim, a great spot for a late night adventure or a romantic date night!

    Nicole L.

    The food and drinks were soo good and worth going but it is definitely on the more expensive side. They also have very cool displays for drinks and food so it made for a fun environment. The server was very attentive, a Thursday night and there were about 3 other tables eating dinner. Worth trying for the amazing food!

    All the vibes
    Marissa M.

    La Mala is a beautiful Tulum inspired trendy cocktail bar and Mexican restaurant with a new sister location Downtown Raleigh. It offers a chic ambiance with mood lighting, ideal for an intimate dinner or date night. While in the area attending an event, I stumbled upon its new location on N West St. I found convenient street parking nearby. I dined with an acquaintance after having drinks at Killjoy next door arriving prior to closing, at 10. Famished, we decided to try tacos for our meal. Service was excellent. Staff were very welcoming and helpful with recommendations. We ordered the steak and carnitas tacos. Both were very flavorful. We did not try any of the craft cocktails. Expect price points of $16-20 per cocktail. I plan to return for brunch this fall to sample the Margaritas. The ambiance here is desirable and they have a lovely patio. They also have a beautiful private dining room with a sliding door for special occasions. The pink mood lighting is so beautiful!

    La Mala
    Kellie D.

    Started with the La Mala margarita. On point -- worth the steep $20 price point. Then we shared the Vallatarso ceviche with shrimp and octopus. Very flavorful with homemade tortillas and mixed with salsa. Lastly I tried the La Enomorafa margarita wihiich was beautiful but sadly not as delicious as the La Mala. Too sweet. Overall a great spot with excellent service, lovely tables nicely placed apart (too close together is my pet peeve.). Look forward to going back.

    Eviee R.

    Jeff was amazing, he is a great security guard. They also played all my fav sonf on Saturday night. Leo is an amazing owner, he always take care of all his customers & is always attentive. This was a great place to have a girls night

    Ron W.

    La Mala Raleigh is now open in Glenwood South! This sister bar/restaurant/lounge from the folks at La Santa offers a large and sultry space with a nice list of cocktails, beer and small plates. The space used to be Clouds Brewing but you wouldn't recognize it at all. La Mala offers a lot of seating options along with a large U-shaped bar and side patio. Overall it's quite nice and will be back to try some food but a good option off the beaten path for a drink and a snack.

    Max G.

    Max with Offline - All I can say is... WOW. As one of the first 1,000 members of Offline Raleigh, I had the chance to attend a private try-before-they-open event at Lamala (from the amazing folks behind La Santa), and let me tell you--it did not disappoint! The service? Impeccable. The food? I gotta say it... so effin' good! The drinks? Whew! Get the signature "La Mala" -- trust me, it'll get the job done with just one. Here's what we tried: * Quesobirria Tacos - You get three with consomé, and the FLAVOR was hitting. * Mexican Fries - Absolutely incredible. Honestly, they could be a full meal by themselves. * Mexican Pizza - My friend raved about it, especially the sauce that took it to another level. * Carne Tacos - Packed with flavor, tender, and juicy. The ambiance is perfect -- super cute with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food came out fast, and our server Cindy was fantastic -- quick, personable, and on top of everything. Long story short: Lamala is going to be a HIT in Raleigh. I'm already planning my next visit. If you're looking for great vibes, killer drinks, and tapas that deliver serious flavor -- run, don't walk.

    Filipp N.

    Checked out La Mala in Raleigh over the weekend and had a really great experience. We're actually big fans of the La Mala in Durham and have been there a bunch of times--even hit up La Santa, their sister restaurant. So we were excited to finally try the Raleigh location. The place is beautiful--way more spacious than the one in Durham. The outdoor area is especially nice, with some cool, Tulum-style tables that give it a really chill vibe. Menu-wise, it's the same as the Durham spot, so nothing new there. For drinks, we ordered the Gold Digger and the Old Fashioned Mexican. In Durham, the Old Fashioned usually comes with one big ice cube, but here it was more like crushed ice. Honestly, it made the drink feel a little watered down--just didn't hit as hard as it normally does. But overall, it was a great visit, and I'd definitely recommend checking it out!

    La Mala Margarita

    Atmosphere is really nice. Decorated nicely and welcoming. The food was pretty good. I had the octopus tacos with chorizo. Wish it had more octopus in it but they were tasty. I asked for the hot sauce which was slapping. The guacamole and tostada were average and could have used more flavor. The bartender was very friendly and very helpful. Definitely worth checking out and looks like a good date spot.

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    1 year ago

    Nice restaurant with one of the best quesadillas I've had. Server could have been better but I would go back just for that quesadilla.

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    FOUNDATION - Seasonal menu and famous Appletini which is not to be missed!!

    FOUNDATION

    4.4(332 reviews)
    0.5 mi•Fayetteville Street
    •$$

    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.

    Foundation Bar offers a uniquely cool vibe, tucked away in a basement location that makes it easy…read moreto miss if you aren't looking for it. The interior features rotating art hung on the walls--which adds a great aesthetic and is even available for purchase if you fall in love with a piece. The drink menu is impressively extensive, and the bartenders certainly don't skimp on the pours; if you aren't a frequent drinker, one strong cocktail will definitely be plenty. The staff is consistently polite and welcoming, and the overall atmosphere makes for a solid night out. The only notable drawbacks are the lack of a food menu, not even offering small bites, and a noticeable smoke odor inside that might bother non-smokers. Still, it's a great spot for drinks and atmosphere.

    Photos
    FOUNDATION - South side

    South side

    FOUNDATION - Foundation old fashioned

    Foundation old fashioned

    FOUNDATION - Bar

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    Bittersweet - Bubbles and cupcake special

    Bittersweet

    4.4(484 reviews)
    0.5 mi•Fayetteville Street
    •$$

    What a fabulous dessert shop! Perfect place to grab an after dinner cocktail and dessert and…read moreconveniently located near St Roch Oyster Bar which is where we had dinner. Service was top notch with friendly folks greeting you the moment you enter the doors. Our bartender was so sweet and so welcoming. Had me a $10 Paloma cocktail that was just right and went to town on dessert. Everything was just delicious. Fresh made whip cream, perfectly balanced sweetness with the desserts and cute atmosphere. Loved my first time here and it won't be my last!

    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!

    Photos
    Bittersweet - Chai espresso martini

    Chai espresso martini

    Bittersweet - Derby Pie and Gin n Tonic

    Derby Pie and Gin n Tonic

    Bittersweet - Pecan pie

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    Cuya - Très lèche

    Cuya

    4.6(37 reviews)
    0.2 mi•North Boylan

    I can't say enough about Cuya! From the amazing food and secret hits (they have pastelón! Iykyk),…read moreto the excellent drinks, and gorgeous vibe - I can't say enough! But the hospitality took it over the top- our wonderful server was so friendly and kind and on her game. And the owner as well. He is so gracious and warm and just out there with his guests! It was a very relaxed chic vibe with music and low light and then he went around to every table to ask if they had interest in watching the World Cup game (England v Norway). Luckily everyone said yes and then the vibe was all heart and all love. We stayed for HOURS & didn't want to go. lol. This was our first time in RTP, and as New York foodie snobs, we were blown away by the food scene and overall vibe. LOVE Cuya & really dig RTP!

    I really enjoyed my visit here for brunch. I didn't realize from the outside how much seating is…read moreinside this restaurant; they have a front area that has bright lighting, but they also have a back area that's a little bit more moody and sexy. Our server Maria was amazing, she gave us great recommendations and was very nice and accommodating. Actually, everyone was accommodating. I had a strawberry coconut Mojito to start, which was good, but maybe just a tad more bitter than I like. But I did love how creamy it was. For my meal I ordered the breakfast sandwich and added bacon. It was really really good. I also tasted the grits and wow, they may have been the best grits I've ever had. I believe the chef added garlic and it really kicked the flavor up a notch. All in all had an amazing experience here and I couldn't recommend it more.

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    Cuya
    Cuya - La Tripleta Sandwich

    La Tripleta Sandwich

    Cuya - Seasonal cocktail

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    Seasonal cocktail

    Whiskey Kitchen - Cracklin' Biscuits

    Whiskey Kitchen

    4.0(802 reviews)
    0.4 mi•Warehouse District
    •$$

    Whiskey kitchen !!!!! Wowzers !!…read more Let me tell you this place is 10/10! The food , the drinks and the service.. I wish I could come daily as it definitely is a great spot. One part whiskey bar and one part southern kitchen this is a win in downtown Raleigh! Known for their small plates and shareable, they do have entree and main dishes along with a great selection of whiskey. The shrimp and grits were alittle to saucy for me but my nephew had no problem finishing it for me lol. We will definitely be back!

    My boyfriend and I dined here for a date night and I had really hoped for better. The first thing I…read morenoticed upon arriving was how dead it was, especially considering we went on a Friday night at 6:30PM. My boyfriend is a huge whiskey drinker and had been wanting to visit here for a while. He had heard that the best Old Fashioned were here (he said that it was not that great), and while they did have bougie cocktails, I settled for a margarita. Our server was very attentive and friendly. The atmosphere and decor were great! I am a plant person, so I loved seeing all of the plants. I love the open concept and exposed ceiling. But the food......was displeasing and unappetizing. I ordered the lamp burger, and while I ordered it as well done, I did not know that it would be presented overcooked with a charred outside. If you know lamb, this caused the meat to be extremely dry. The burger itself was very bland and lacked much flavor. My boyfriend ordered the Fireman's Chicken and by the looks of it when it came out, someone should have called the fire department while it was cooking! It was so burnt it was black. The only flavor present was charred meat and it was the most dried out chicken we have ever had (unfortunately I tried it). The collard greens were bitter with little flavor and the black-eyed peas still had crunch to where they weren't cooked all the way. To say all this, to have a $100 bill was HIGHLY unappreciated as it was one of the worst meals we have had in a LONG time. I definitely could see why they were not busy. The food was cooked terrible. And I will note that it isn't that I am picky, the couple next to us barely ate their meal and looked just as dissatisfied as we were. We would NOT recommend!

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    Whiskey Kitchen - Whiskey Flights

    Whiskey Flights

    Whiskey Kitchen - Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken

    Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken

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    The Crunkleton - Wagyu Flat Iron

    The Crunkleton

    4.2(89 reviews)
    0.3 mi•Glenwood South
    •$$$

    I was excited to finally be able to visit The Crunkleton after hearing good reviews about the…read morerestaurant. We came when the restaurant opened during the week so we were seated right away and it wasn't crowded. There are several tables and spaces to sit inside of the restaurant. Our server, Ariel, was friendly & very attentive during our visit. The manager, Ravi, was also great. We both got a steak and I got the Mac & cheese for my side. The Mac & cheese was very cheesy as it contained multiple cheeses. We enjoyed it. My steak was also prepared well and was tender. The fries were served hot. It did take a little while for our food to be brought out to us but it was worth the wait.

    We came to The Crunkleton for dinner and made reservations online ahead of time, which I definitely…read morerecommend since this place seems to stay busy. We started with the mussels cooked with chorizo sausage. They had good flavor, although I personally would have preferred the mussels without the sausage flavor. For our entrée, we had the Steak & Fries. The fries were cooked perfectly and had great flavor, especially with the cheese. We also ordered a side of Mac & Cheese, which is made with baked shell pasta, rich, cheesy, and really good. The restaurant itself is fairly small and intimate, with the full bar and open kitchen all in the same room as the dining tables. I really liked the warm, lively atmosphere, although it can feel a little crowded when they're busy. Overall, good food, a cozy atmosphere, and a fun dinner spot in Raleigh. I'd definitely recommend making a reservation before coming, especially for dinner.

    Photos
    The Crunkleton - Interior

    Interior

    The Crunkleton - Charred Brussels Sprouts & Duck Fat Potatotes

    Charred Brussels Sprouts & Duck Fat Potatotes

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    Barrel Aged Vieux Carre

    La Mala - pizza - Updated October 2026

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