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    SideBar

    4.5 (108 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    SideBar Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - SideBar

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    Reviews With Photos

    Clover Club (left) & Long Story Short (right)
    Holly H.

    Enjoyed the vibe of this bar. Even in a complex of many other stores/restaurants, it still felt like a modern speakeasy. Definitely recommend for a pre or post dinner drink. They also have Malort! Which I always love to discover:) Bartenders were quick as well. Clover Club - sweet and tart Long Story Short - bitter but easy to drink

    The bar
    Yolanda Y.

    Perfect place for people who are into moody and cozy bar vibe! It is dark with candlelights, plushy leather chairs and light music. The space isn't very large and most seatings are arranged in parallel due to the long, narrow layout, so it may not be ideal for groups larger than 5-6 people, but it's perfect for a date night/small group friends' intimate gathering. The drink menu is impressive, featuring a mix of unique, creative options and classic cocktails. We tried a drink with MSG and a classic Pimm's Cup--both were expertly crafted :) The bartender was friendly and helpful as he shared the inspiration and flavor profiles of the original MSG drink. Can't wait to try more seasonal/original drinks from Sidebar! Ambiance: 4/5 Drink: 4/5 Service: 5/5

    Old Fashioned
    Chandra J.

    Allison and Jane and all of the servers here are nothing short of amazing! Every time I walk in, I feel like I am at a game, and it makes me not want to leave! Such a wonderful and chill spot to go to after hours. The staff know what they are doing and they are so kind and considerate. Literally, I haven't had a bad experience here since checking them out of our over a year ago. Cary needs a chill full service bar, and this across the street from RBF makes sense. I really enjoy coming here, speaking with the bartenders, and just having a chill and relaxing time. They are so receptive when you want to make a change, and they have such great suggestions! I will continue to come here and recommend that others come here too. It is such a positive and welcoming vibe! Literally cannot wait to come here again as I am sitting here!

    Falan E.

    Recent visit: 8/4/23 My all-time favorite go-to bar since 2020. I love Sidebar for the Classy Cocktails and Professional Adults vibe. I enjoy the dark intimate space for a nightcap. The staff is always welcoming and accommodating with my special drink orders. I enjoy ordering Gin Tom Collins with no sugar. One of my best guilt-free cocktails with simple ingredients.

    Drew S.

    Bartender really knows what she's doing. I told her I needed something for a hangover, and she fixed me a drink called a Primms, who has Prem liquor and Moonbird gin. It is awesome!

    This is their sad excuse for an old fashion. Terrible! Avoid this place at all cost, find another bar.
    Tim E.

    Terrible cocktail making and they argue with you about how a cocktail is normally. I ordered an old fashioned and it wasn't muddled or even a full cocktail for the price.

    Carolina's gold
    Cindy G.

    My friend brought me here for a birthday drink on a Friday night. Staff was very friendly and attentive and it was a very comfortable and cozy setting. Bar was very clean and there was a variety of comfortable seating, Nice variety, cocktails, beer and wine and reasonably priced.

    Whiskey sour
    Sweta S.

    A cute, fancy cocktail bar in downtown Cary! I came here last year, maybe on the weekend, there was no seating available. They suggested sitting outside in the middle of December with no outdoor heaters. So, we went elsewhere. They should invest in some outdoor heaters for more busy days during the Fall and Winter. I finally was able to get a drink here this past week! The drinks are well-thought out and refreshing. My favorite was the Whisky sour. Interestingly, there was some egg whites in this drink(which you cannot taste). Their drinks were strong but not overtly alcoholic tasting! The service was good, but there was only one server. She seemed a bit stretched. I would definitely recommend this place for some post-work drinks!

    Mariner
    Lexie P.

    I went here on a Saturday night. It was so good. I had to return the following week. Friendly bartenders great vibes. Cocktails and drinks only no food is served but it's a great time.

    Brittany B.

    Super cute divey bar with reasonably priced cocktails, Simple but full menu, and cute vibe! We had reservations for dinner next door and grabbed a quick drink here prior. We were able to grab a few stools at the bar and each ordered a dirty Tito's martini extra dirty. I was impressed that while making the beverage the bartender had ice in our cups to chill it. The drinks were strong and good. If we had more time I'd be interested in exploring some of their other cocktails and I'd absolutely be interested in returning! My only critique is parking is a DISASTER in downtown Cary. If you're planning on going to any bar or restaurant in this area, come with a ton of patience to try to find parking!

    People drinking
    Jordan V.

    We love SIDEBAR. Servers were great. Drinks were great. Vibes were fantastic. Highly recommend coming here. No wait at all

    Menu
    Eric B.

    OK. For the locals--I'm from Austin, TX visiting so hit up Nickel City in Austin on Google Maps to see how this all relates. SideBar is a rare gem in that it focuses on well-made cocktails in a serene setting while also offering a nice selection of cheap, yet high-end microbrews. It's all about options, and here it's about the vibe and atmosphere. All 3 bartenders were sociable, attentive, and adept at mixing a drink. Liam started me off and I ran his ear a bit as I immediately thought of Nickel City in Austin, and being away from my wife watchin' my sister's pets and attending to my parents, it was great to get out and chat. SideBar is that place you go to before dinner elsewhere to kill time when your date is important, or it's that place after dinner to kerp things going. It's the place you go to with friends when you want to chat it up and not be distracted by sports TV's. You can mix crowds as there are stellar microbrews or just plain PBR or Miller available. It's just that oddity that straddles different worlds. You can bring in food from outside, use nearby places, or just skip the munchies, but what's missing is a food truck attached that is separate yet exists for the bar to submit orders and payments to on a seamless tab--that's where Austin's Nickel City takes this place to another level--but hey, this is Cary,NC, and there's nothing that competes. 5 stars.

    Why is Sally so Dangerous Cocktail

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    3 years ago

    Love everything about SideBar. Ambience, service and cocktails are top notch. I've never been disappointed.

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Very nice atmosphere. We got the old fashioned's. They were delicious Will go back again for sure

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Fantastic cocktail bar. Good vibes, amazing drinks, and fantastic service. Highly recommend!!!

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Easy review - amazing cocktails. Make reservations so you don't have to wait! Can sit at the bar or outside.

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    9 years ago

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