First time here. Been wanting to come for a while and so glad I did. I arrived and it was already…read morepacked at 530 on Saturday. Outdoor seating looked really nice. Wish it wasn't 100 out. Good reason to come back. Started with prickly pear margarita with mescal. Yum! Had a white wine after. It was ok. My friend and I shared 4 bruschetta's- smoked salmon and pesto, artichoke, caprese, and apple, Brie and fig. Favs were smoked salmon and apple and Brie. The fries were amazing. Salmon board was good too. The bread on the board was much better than the bruschetta. Ambiance is great. Service as well. Will be back!

Absolutely love Postino! This is my go to lunch spot with coworkers. We've been numerous times…read moreand are never disappointed. My go to meal is the half panini and tomato soup. Their roast beef panini is on par with Portillo's a long standing Chicago beef restaurant (IYKYK). I've NEVER had a beef sandwich that was better than Portillo's but Postino you managed to take a hometown classic and elevate it to a point beyond my expectations - if you get this sandwich I recommend getting it on the ciabatta bread versus focaccia. Let's not overlook the tomato soup - it's so rich and flavorful. For a lighter lunch my go to is the tuna panini with broccoli salad. They are known for their boards, I've not had the bruschetta yet but it looks delicious. My favorite board is the hummus. One thing I hate is when a restaurant gives you a big bowl of hummus and not enough pita. That is not the case here, you'll get pita, toasted bread, and a variety of vegetables to scoop up the velvety humus covered in cherry tomatoes, red onion and feta. For date night enjoy a Violet Femme a gin cocktail that tastes as lovely as it looks. The service here is top notch! Everyone is fantastic. I'll have to come back to this review to note the serves names we've had because they have all been exceptional. Now let's talk about the vibe! Postino's nailed the indoor/outdoor feel. Plenty of windows that are open on nice days, plants galore and the decor gives you a cool like rockstar but classy feel. 5 stars doesn't feel like enough.

GNO at Barcelona was exactly what we needed!…read more The food was incredible with so many different flavors to try, the ambiance was perfect for catching up with my girls, and our server was absolutely amazing from start to finish. Great service really makes the experience, and they did not disappoint. Already looking forward to our next girls' night!

CRAZY LOUD ...like impossible to hear clients and friends just two seats away…read more Very good interior design aesthetically; high energy vibes; packed to the gills. Food ranged from very good to 'disappointing': Lamb, meatballs, carrots, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, lobster bisque, fish balls, steak, empanadas, mushrooms, sheep cheese, bread, croquetas, pork belly. We would skip the pork belly (flavor was off), carrots (meh), bisque ( very very meh). Drinks were fine. Pours were less than fine on the wine (def NOT 6 ounces). For the Red Sangria be prepared for STRONG elderflower flavor (which I like but family members found off-putting.) Service was Ok.... Friendly, helpful. Add +30-60 minutes to your schedule (or more with a bigger group or on a Saturday night. We were there 2 hours for party of 5). We did not get all of our food but when asked they "re-fired" and brought to us. We asked for pepper which never came. We asked for another round of bread which never came. Not my favorite tapas restaurant in Raleigh but solid nonetheless.

Cute little wine bar downtown that closes on the early side (10pm Tues/Wed/Thurs, 11pm Fri/Sat, 7pm…read moreSun) but nice for an early evening sip. It's got modern, slightly rustic vibes, lit brightly for the art gallery in the back room. There's a good amount of seating and it's not completely filled with the undergrad crowd like other bars in the area. I see they host a book club and if I lived in Raleigh, I'd be all over that-- this is the perfect atmosphere! They have a nice bubbles by the glass selection (4 options, including a Lambrusco), which is really impressive since so many wine bars give you one, two at most. Vegan options on the menu include hummus, olives and pickles. I was planning to eat there, but time got away from me and they do a strict closing time, so maybe next time.

One of my favorite after-work haunts. Very little beats sitting on a swing with a good friend, a…read morebowl of cheese crackers, and a generous pour of wine. I particularly love the work of independent artists hung around the interior! We're having our holiday party here this year and I'm super excited for it - didn't even know this was also an event space.

My sister and I went to Vinos Finos recently on a Friday around 4:30 and had a stellar experience…read more Somehow I had lived in North Raleigh for MANY years and never tried this place, and I'm so glad we did! The space is cozy, not too big, and lovely. Everyone we interacted with was incredibly friendly & attentive. We even got to meet the Chef and let him know how amazing his curated and creative dishes were! We sat at the bar and were able to be seated right away. We each opted for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon (or two). On to the food! The menu is extensive but not overwhelming. Plenty of delicious and appealing options of small plates to share, but also a few larger ones. We started with the Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers & Truffled Deviled Eggs. Both of these were amazing. The Peppers melt in your mouth and had so much flavor. The Deviled Eggs had the perfect amount of truffle flavor and were perfectly cooked. Next we opted for the Baguette of the day - this one was served with Salami, Burrata, and Arugula. The bread was perfectly crispy and all of the toppings fresh and delicious; this was a perfect combination! Lastly, it was between the Lamb Sliders Trio and the Paella! I really wanted to try the Paella, but my sister and I decided that we would try something a bit lighter and the Sliders looked so elevated, unique, and delicious. They sure did deliver! Served with fresh Goat Cheese, Guacamole, Fresh Jalapeño, Caramelized Onions, and Sriracha, which we got on the side. This dish was absolutely amazing! So different. You wouldn't think to put those flavors together, but it was so great and we would hands-down get it again! All of the food at Vinos Finos was delicious, fun, and fresh. I love how the Chef puts together various flavors that you wouldn't expect. We cannot wait to go back!

I stumbled upon this cute, quaint wine bar when searching for a bite to eat on a Sunday evening. I…read moreloved the coziness of it and it was just what I needed to "wine" down before the begins. My servers were really nice and attentive to me, with a good balance of providing my space to enjoy some "me" time I came for. The wine flights are what caught my eye so I tried the one with white wines. I love that they have so many options for them. Plenty of tapas to choose from too, and the sliders and olives paired perfectly with my wine selection. It's cool that you can tell it's a neighborhood gem, because it sees like they had some Sunday regulars which is nice in a city that's growing so quickly and can easily to lose that neighborly feeling.

Interesting. Was looking for a new spot to celebrate with some friends. Yelped around and found…read morethis place. But still had to look for it. LOL. It's where Sur La Table is...near The Captain and Cookie joint. Went in for early dinner. Empty. But if you do the same. Don't be alarmed. The folks were dining on European time...bumpin at 7pm. So cool! We got a flight of light wines and all were different and pretty decent. I got a pasta dish and really liked the blackened chicken. I'd just be happy to have it on its own. I think the decor could have some softer furnishings to break up the hard angles and lean into the cozy vibe a bit more. Lots of angles and metal. I'd pop in some soft ivory stools at the bar end for a really lux vibe. Hostess and server were nice. Efficient. Definitely a place to keep on rotation.

Foxcroft is located in the North Hills area. Once we arrived we were seated right away. I loved the…read moredecor in the restaurant with multiple wine bottles on display. The business was clean and there is also a bar inside. The restaurant has a large selection of wines and offers flights for purchase. The restaurant had some people dining in but they were not overly packed. Initially our server was pleasant and attentive. I got a blood orange sparkling water. It was ok. I ordered the whipped ricotta for an appetizer to share and a burger with fries for my entree. The whipped ricotta was ok. It would taste better with some sort of seasoning in it. My fries were served hot but needed some salt. I asked for my burger to be cooked well done but I was brought a burnt burger. I took one bite but it was too overcooked. I then requested that my server have my burger be cooked medium well so I didn't get another burnt burger. When my burger was brought back out, our server had me cut into my burger to make sure it was to my liking. The preparation was better but it was bland and tasted like there wasn't any seasoning on it. After this our server wasn't as attentive anymore. For dessert we got the donuts. They were served warm and I enjoyed them with the cherry sauce. I did not like the chocolate sauce that was served with the donuts.

Hey Guys we went to Dram and Draught for a drink making Class. We were the pilot class. To say it…read morewas a success would be an understatement. We had so much fun. We were early so we stopped by the bar for a quick shot, Tequila of Course. Rhett got us straight. This Respasado was nice and smooth. Next off to class. We picked our seats and played out for us was a jigger, Shaker, t- mixing spoon, strainer and a mixing glass, a nice one. We also had a recipe card. We got to make 3 drinks( and drink them). We also learned about the brand that was sponsoring the event. This was amazing for the first time being held, the ladies for nice and friendly, the bar has inside and outside seating. The bathrooms are nice and clean. I think we all hung around a bit to finish our drinks. They were very strong! Not light on alcohols at All! I came home and made my own Oleo! Thanks Dram and Draught!

Stopped by Dram & Draught for a cocktail while visiting Raleigh on a quiet Saturday afternoon, and…read moreI'm glad we did. Right when I walked in, the vibe hit. Classy but chill, the kind of place that feels welcoming whether you're on a solo drink mission or meeting up with friends. The space isn't loud or chaotic, which made it perfect for a relaxed drink and conversation. It felt like a local hidden gem rather than a tourist trap, and that's always a plus when you're exploring a new city. The service was great from start to finish. The bartenders were friendly, attentive, and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they do! They gave recommendations, and took the time to chat and help them pick something perfect. Of course, I had to go with the espresso martini, because if a spot has it on the menu, I'm trying it. And wow, this one was good. Smooth, balanced, and truly the kind of cocktail that makes you forget you're basically drinking dessert. Not too sweet, with that rich coffee flavor front and center. Easily one of the better espresso martinis I've had in a while. Even though it was a quiet afternoon, the energy didn't feel slow or empty, just comfortable. It was obvious this place would be equally great on a livelier night, too. This is definitely a great cocktail bar that's worth a stop if you're in Raleigh. Friendly bartenders, excellent drinks, and a vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town!

Our experience at Wolfe & Porter was interesting to say the least with the second round of drinks…read morethat we ordered and a bartender change but the issue was addressed after the fact by Management. I was not a fan of the beer selection but the cocktails were tasty. We tried the Broken Dream, Wolfe of Morgan St., Last Word and Captains Daughter. Check out their social media pages and/or website for events. Cheers!

Quaint little cocktail bar in an area of West Raleigh I don't frequent much! It can be easy to miss…read moreif you aren't keeping an eye out. We came here for their Christmas pop-up; 8 cocktails for the Christmas menu, not including their wine options. They were all delicious! I recommend the Polar Pear :) The bartender was friendly, and made sure to serve everyone to the best of his ability. Not overly crowded which was nice. Proper ambient lighting as well.

I found Stellar in Raleigh through Offline, and I'm so glad we gave it a try! The vibe is really…read morecute and quaint, and I especially loved the bar area. Our server was PHENOMENAL. We actually told her, "Whatever they're paying you, they need to pay you more!" Only at the end did she casually mention that her dad owns the restaurant, which made the whole interaction even better. She gave us incredible service without ever leading with that. Now the FOOD! Don't let the menu fool you. At first glance, it's a little different and may not immediately jump out as somewhere you'd go specifically for the food--but EVERYTHING we had was delicious. There were six of us, and naturally, we all tasted each other's food . I genuinely couldn't pick a bad dish. But those sliders?! I would come back, order two of those appetizers as my meal, and be perfectly happy. They were THAT good! Portions were fair, drinks were great, and my Old Fashioned--one of my go-to cocktails--was excellent. Overall, great food, amazing service, good drinks, and a really nice atmosphere. Stellar was definitely a pleasant surprise, and I'd absolutely go back. Highly recommend checking it out!

Stellar was a great discovery, and I hope that more people make the same visit soon. It is a…read moreclassy, yet still cozy wine bar/restaurant. The staff were all so incredibly kind and gracious during our entire meal. I am usually not one to order chicken when I dine out, but omg, I'm so glad I went against my instincts and ordered the smoked chicken dish. It was INCREDIBLE. The barbecue sauce on there was liquid gold, and the chicken was so tender. I am still thinking about that chicken days later. The basque cheesecake also was a nice cap to the meal though I wish it would have had some kind of sauce or drizzle option to it to add a bit more moisture. Overall highly recommend checking out Stellar for a nice, welcoming, and chill dining experience.

I came to Niche on a whim. I was having a bad day; a bad week really. Personal and…read moreprofessional-wise. I was just tired of shitty people and I wanted to go to a place that felt good. I just don't think I expected what I got. Upon entering, I was received by a small very warm and beautifully lit bar that simply felt special. I looked over the available wine and asked the gentleman at the corner seat if the seat next to him was taken. Little did I know that the gracious gentleman who kindly offered me the seat was none other than the proprietor of Niche, Mr. Ted Powell and that's when my night really started as Ted graciously regaled me with amazing stories between the pause on the songs played by the band. What a vibrant spirit this man has. If you go here, you have to meet Ted. From telling me about how he acquired the place, his daughter, Budstock, Maverick Rose Music Hour, and sharing details of each nights events at Niche, he made my first visit (just me myself and I) a beautiful one. He couldn't stop talking about how wonderful a mixologist Andy is. Don't get it twisted. This man is more than a bartender. He's a diplomatic mixologist who knows how to let patrons know, in the most respectful but boundary maintaining way, how to behave. I saw him in action and it was a beautiful thing to see him basically offer up a dose of kindness with a dash of "you better check yourself before you wreck yourself." If a place could be described by one word, Niche's word would be KINDNESS. I felt like I was taken care of. Thank you Ted and Andy for being so kind on my first visit and turning my night around. I look forward to future visits. This place is most definitely a must visit when in North Carolina!

Andy is such a pleasure to have!! For both those who adore wine and don't wanna drink it at all -…read moreandy works to find you something you'll adore. I truly love the comforting atmosphere, and have truly never felt anything but safe and welcome.

Came here for a work dinner, and it was the PERFECT spot. Great ambiance. Not too crowded…read more Excellent service. Upscale spot without being too pricey. It was fun doing shared plates across everyone. I don't think I could recommend a more solid spot for a corporate group dinner in downtown Raleigh. Everyone greatly enjoyed and the food was tasty all around.

We chose this high-end restaurant for a special evening celebrating both an anniversary and a…read morebirthday. There were eight of us, several of whom traveled nearly an hour to be together. Unfortunately, what should have been a memorable evening became one of the most chaotic dining experiences I have ever had. To be very clear: the food was excellent. The appetizers and entrées were delicious. This review is entirely about the service and overall execution, which was extremely disappointing. My sister-in-law and two friends arrived before I did. Approximately 20 minutes after I arrived, my sister-in-law still had not received her glass of wine, while the other two had finally received their drinks. She was then told that the wine she originally ordered was unavailable--approximately 20 minutes after placing the order. She chose another wine and ultimately waited about 45 minutes after arriving to receive her first drink. Our appetizers were also delivered sporadically. The first arrived after about 25 minutes, with the others coming roughly 10 minutes later. Our remaining drinks took another 20-25 minutes, and at one point two guests still hadn't received theirs and had to remind the staff what they had ordered. I spoke directly with a manager at that point because I wanted to make sure he understood how the evening had started. Given the repeated delays, we decided to order bottles of wine rather than continue waiting 20+ minutes for individual drinks. I told the manager exactly which three bottles we wanted and even pointed them out on the menu when he asked. Five minutes later, our waitress came back with a pen and paper and asked us to write down the exact wines we wanted from the cellar. At that point, I was honestly flabbergasted. When the wine finally arrived, one bottle was placed on the table unopened. The waitress attempted to open another, apparently hurt herself, and walked away without explaining what had happened. I later learned she had injured herself and genuinely felt bad about that, but the lack of communication left us very confused. She eventually returned with one opened bottle--but we had no wine glasses. One of our guests had to ask for them. We requested one for everyone, but two were missing. We had to ask again, and the wine still wasn't poured. When I asked about the other two bottles, I was told she couldn't open them and was waiting for someone else to do it. We had ordered three bottles for eight people and could only actually drink from one. Again, the food was fantastic, which made the service issues even more frustrating. At the end of the meal, I asked to have the bill divided into three checks. We were told their policy doesn't allow customized checks for parties larger than seven. Normally, I would have accepted that. However, given everything that had happened, I asked if they could accommodate us. I wasn't asking for eight separate checks--just for the drinks and appetizers to be divided among three checks so my husband and I could cover my sister-in-law, who had only had one drink. They eventually accommodated the request, but not without considerable frustration. They then offered complimentary desserts because of the problems. We declined dessert and asked instead to have two drinks comped, which they did. Unfortunately, there was one final issue. We were given QR codes to pay our checks and added 18-20% tips, despite everything that had happened, because we knew many of the problems weren't necessarily our waitress's fault. When we received the printed checks afterward, we discovered that gratuity had already been added to all three checks. It had not been clearly indicated on the bills we paid, so we had unknowingly tipped twice. We had to get the manager involved yet again to have the duplicate gratuity corrected. To say the evening was a cluster**** would be an understatement. I worked in fine dining in my twenties and frequently dine at high-end establishments. I understand that busy nights happen, mistakes happen, and not every issue is within a server's control. But this was not one isolated mistake--it was a continuous breakdown in communication, timing, coordination, and attention to detail. What makes this particularly disappointing is that eight people made a significant effort to travel to celebrate an anniversary and birthday together. We came expecting a special evening. The food was worthy of the restaurant. The service was not. I sincerely hope this was an unusually bad night, because with food this good, the restaurant has the potential to deliver an exceptional experience. But at this price point and for a high-end establishment, the level of disorganization we experienced was simply unacceptable.