This is absolutely a hidden gem amongst bars. It's in an inconspicuous abandoned looking shopping…read morecenter off the beaten path, but they make some of the best cocktails in the city. They have a very extensive inventory of bourbons including all the high-end ones you would want. The bartenders making amazing recipes including my partners favorite, Tom Yum, taste just like the soup. I can often enjoy a whiskey sour with no issue and use the menu to try something different. They don't serve food, so it's a good place to come after dinner. The ambiance is simple, a wooden bar and now that they have expanded, they have some tables as well. This past trip was the most crowded I've ever seen it in there, but the service was still quick and attentive. This bar is a staple for me.

Style, perfection, grace, uniqueness - and well, I'll just say it - what fine establishment this is…read moreand what a treat to visit. For those that follow me on Yelp for brewery reviews, cocktail bar reviews are few and far between. So if I make a point of making a visit, it really is special. Great selection of product (I guess) but what I appreciate is the care and attention each glass is prepared by the bar keep. They are very friendly and knowledgeable - which is good for me, b/c I ask a lot of questions! Service is careful, but does crawl if the house is full, it really is tiny inside - did you know there was a back door, patio area? I particularly like the absence of having to yell at my table mates - it makes this barbour more sophisticated in this respect.Everything, right down to the outside marquee is subtle - and we like leaving the madding crowd far away...

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.

Great drinks the selection of great beverages and staff was a delight. The vibes and atmosphere…read morehere is wonderful. I had the Krupnikas flip and the coquito both were smooth and have a great flavorful punchy

Beignets, beignets, beignets!…read more This place is perfect for a girls night, date night, friends night, solo night... honestly any night! I came here for drinks and dessert with friends, and the star of the show was definitely the beignets. As someone who has visited New Orleans and tried the real deal, I thought I knew what good beignets tasted like. Turns out, I did not have to travel that far after all! The beignets here are like a cross between a classic beignet and a croissant. Light, fluffy, and just the right amount of indulgent. I will definitely be back to check out more of the menu, but no matter what, I am saving room for the... say it with me... beignets!!

Wanted to try something new, and, since I liked the reviews for this place, I figured I'll give it…read morea shot. The ambiance is classy but laid back. The Service was outstanding thanks to Hayley. Her recommendations for pairing the drinks with the food were flawless, and each drink was prepared like a work of art. I started with the raw oysters, paired with a glass of Rose, which I loved. They switched from the Halibut with Fennel to Mahi with Forbidden Rice. The rice is black and inky and potent and extraordinary, but it overwhelmed the fish completely. Still greatful I got to experience it, but I would pair it with something more gamy like lamb or goat. The Pecan pie with warm salted caramel ice cream was nothing short of a spiritual experience, and Hayley's recommendation to pair it with Rum Flip was perfect. Yes, I Ubered. Overall, this one is going to be a frequent hangout.

Was visiting for a concert and am so happy I checked out William & Company. I was with 6 other…read morepeople and we were able to snag the soft seating at the front (space to the left when you walk in). I enjoyed my slushie but then moved on to tequila soda - my classic. All staff was super nice and drinks, bar service was quick and empty glasses were picked up quickly while we were just yapping. Added touch is the Krispy Kreme that's across the street (make sure you share with the staff!)

Ok i loved this place! Honestly it was exactly what i needed! Great vibes. Fantastic drinks! And…read morejust a vibe you don't want to miss. Easy seating. You don't want to miss out on this spot for sure!

Postino was amazing!! Highly recommend the bruschetta board. The sweet n spicy pepper jam & goat…read morecheese was to die for. Bo, our server, was also absolutely amazing and so sweet! Overall, great experience for a girls night or date night!

One of our favorite casual date night spots! There is a wide variety of different dishes on the…read moremenu, but we loved the bruschetta boards. We tried 8 different ones, and all were excellent! The pesto and salami one was my favorite. The inside of the restaurant is pretty dimly lit, but we didn't mind and it helped create a cozy atmosphere. The outdoor patio looked nice and could be a good option for daytime. Our waitress was very attentive and let us know about the seasonal specials. They have a board and wine deal on weekday nights that we're looking to try next. Would definitely recommend for a fun night out in the Village District with friends or a date!

This place was amazing and that is all thanks to Bryn. She fixed a drink that was curated by…read moreherself called the "Japanese Maple". It was AMAZING to say the least. The customer service was great the vibe was amazing. If you are in the area please check out this spot you won't regret it. Now for the owners add this drink to the permanent menu, it is a killer! I hope you all enjoy.

Left this place in high spirits!! :) Mysterious and amusing impression as the "entrance" was…read moreunsealed. I won't spoil it for you, but as you walk up the stairs just ask for Green Light instead of Merchant (which is also a great bar!) This bar is more intimate; a bit of a propriety aura with a street view. Different cocktail options than The Merchant, and so our waitress who normally works over there wasn't familiar with any of them but she asked for us. Loved the Porn on Mute (similar to Sex on Beach).

I always enjoy coming here. It's easy to just order at the bar and sit wherever you want. You can…read morefind college students with laptops or people enjoying cocktails. It's not very large, but also not small and they have outdoor seating. The prices are fair. I ordered a cocktail, appetizer, smash burger and dessert well for under $50. The food drink and food came out fast and was delicious! It was hot and fresh. The drink was perfect. Well balanced and well portioned. The Brussels sprouts were so good! Flavorful and nice texture and the burger was delicious. Great size and served with a side of pork cracklings. You would need to upgrade for a bit extra to get a more traditional side. I will definitely be back here over and over.

This is my first time dining at Gussie's in downtown Raleigh, and it did not disappoint. Parking…read morewas easy with a paid lot right across the street and if you're lucky, you might even snag a spot directly in front. The moment you walk in, you're transported back in time with retro arthritics, great music, and the option to order right at the bar and sit wherever you'd like. I ordered the Turkey Burger, and this was no ordinary Turkey Burger, the first bite was an absolute win, packed with flavor. I also tried the Pickle Poppers, which were delicious. To finish, I had the Apple Crumble Pie, and it instantly took me back to grandma's house in the best way. If you're looking for a cool vibe, friendly staff, and seriously good food, Gussie's is the place to go. Until next time

Reopened under new ownership and it is a must try! Creative and unique cocktails that are…read moreexcellent with or without alcohol! The vibe inside is perfect for a drink with friends or a date before or after dinner or just to catch up and hang out. Can't wait to go back and try a few more drinks!

I came here to experience a night out on the town all the way from Brooklyn, NY. I didn't realize…read moreuntil after when I looked on the business page that it had Brooklyn decor. Since I visited the day after Christmas there was still holiday decor up. The did play a small selection of NY based music which I did appreciate which music from other regions which I also enjoyed. What I didn't enjoy too much was my drink. I was trying to order a drink fro the festive list but one of the ingredients weren't available so I decided to just get a vodka and cranberry which tasted a little watered down. I'll probably try a second visit when come back in town.

Wow! I said I'd come back but I didn't realize it had been 8 years!…read more My husband Dan H and I had a great lunch with some friends today. We all shared an order of fries for the table, which were amazing. Then I got the grain bowl with shrimp, and everything was perfectly prepared and delicious. My husband enjoyed his biscuits and gravy with fried chicken- so tender and decedent. Our friends enjoyed their meal, too, and enjoyed the apple custard for dessert. The mocktails were also delicious- I loved one with hibiscus and ginger. So nice to have a bunch of mocktail options! The ambiance was just as great as it was 8 years ago- spacious and light. The server was great, and let us linger for a few hours without hovering. Hope to be back sooner than another 8 years from now!

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.

This is your typical cocktail bar located in an old building. There are multiple places like this…read morein downtown Raleigh, nothing really stands out about this one. They no longer serve food like they did in their old location. Essentially this is like the Architect 2.0. I don't think they changed anything from the previous ownership. Even the Green Light bar is still there. If you want some expensive cocktails in a nice atmosphere, this is as good as any other cocktail bar in downtown Raleigh.

Changed. I always…read morerave about this place. Especially with Smoke and dagger. Unfortunately there was a significant change when I came back to a new location. Not a good change. Venue: larger venue compared to their original former venue. Similar speakeasy vibe. Love the ambience, NY speakeasy feel. Drinks : ordered the famous smoke and dagger. Also espresso martini. Smoke and dagger does not taste the same. Looks similar but some elements missing. Drinks feel like it was not shaken enough. Drink was very sour without balance. Just was not the same. Came in a smoke box like before. Brought family members after bragging about this place and had not much to say. Espresso martini was very bitter. Service: the lady that served us not personable. Maybe she was not having a good. The place I was looking so much forward to end up in disappointment.