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!

Tapas tapas and more tapas! One better than the other. We did run into a huge problem though,…read moreexplained in more detail below. Wife and I started our quick little anniversary getaway here, and they nailed it. The place itself is gorgeous. Huge patio with greenery, baller bar area in the middle of the upscale open space, which gives a modern and chic vibe. That problem I mentioned? Deciding what we were going to order off of the amazingly stacked tapas menu. One sounded better than the other, plates coming out to the left and right of us...we were deer in headlights not knowing what to do, words didn't come out when our friendly and knowledgeable server came by. As far as problems go at a restaurant, I guess it could have been worse. With helpful guidance and knowing our love for anything foodie related, we just started picking one by one after a few sips of our well balanced cocktails (another large menu with anything and everything for fellow cocktail lovers out there). Had to go with a meat and charcuterie board first. A decadent manchego, a creamy French that was smooth and tangy, plus a 20 month cured ham that was salty and smoky. Honestly everything that came out after was a 10/10. From the wild mushrooms, Wagyu carpaccio and bone marrow, to the pork belly, corn bunuelos and steak paillard...everything was cooked to perfection with amazing spices and sauces that complemented each dish perfectly. (See pics and captions for more details) These chefs and mixologists know what they're doing here. 2 managers came by our table to make sure everything was going well. Top notch service, top shelf food and drink, modern and upscale decor and vibe. A perfect concoction for a special night out with family or friends.

I like Barcelona Wine Bar mainly because they are open late so you can have a nice meal after 9 pm…read more The bar is the highlight as they make good crafted cocktails and they do have an extensive wine list. The ambiance is dark and nice for couples or friends. The booths at the bar are not the most comfortable, so I prefer a table. The tapas are those you find at a traditional Spanish tapas place. The papas being amongst the most popular are a good staple. The charcuterie is also very nice. The other tapas can be hit or miss depending on what is seasonally offered. On this visit, I wanted Brussels sprouts but they were no longer on the menu and the lamb was not a bone in lamb but rather ground meatballs. Not bad, just not what I expected. It's not a place I seek out to come, but it's solid food and drinks that fills a need when I want a late bite.

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.

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.

We had a great evening with friends enjoying the perfect weather, great friends, delicious food and…read morewine. Our service was terrific too. Highly recommend this place.

We were back at Foxcroft Food & Wine this weekend. A second, third, or fourth trip is usually a…read moregood sign. The North Hills spot ( 4421 Six Forks Road in Raleigh, beside Total Wine) feels settled in the best way. Comfortable, Welcoming, Cozy. We started slowly. A wine flight. Truffle fries with truffle aioli, parmesan, oregano. Marinated olives layered with citrus and herbs. Nothing too over the top, but generous and satisfying. The kinds of plates you keep reaching for without realizing it. For dinner, we had the the NY Strip (North Carolina pasture-raised Angus with Diane sauce and a French onion potato gratin). And the roasted whole fish (with hazelnut gremolata, citrus beurre blanc, and confit sunchoke). Both cooked to perfection, nothing missing, and absolutely delicious. What stuck with us the most htough, the service. Ben and Oscar were sharp, attentive, and present without being overbearing. They made the evening feel even more incredible. Some places try hard to impress - Foxcroft Food & Wine just delivers (time and time again).

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!

Beautifully decorated upstairs and downstairs. The bartender we had really knew her stuff and all…read morethe cocktails were very tasty. We had rented out the bottom space for a Christmas party and it was perfect. Such a ln old comfy bar feel downstairs which leads out to a wide open outdoor space with a fire pit, stage, and you can even see the busta rhymes mural at the back. Upstairs is very nice and lively and a little more modern even with the extra Christmas decorations. Great chill spot or but also great for events. I recommend getting Gussies next door to cater since they're so close and make taste food!

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.

It's my first time here... Thursday night, Jazz night! This place is fabulous! It's very warm and…read morewelcoming. This is what you call a No judgement, hang out at home kind of vibe. The people were all very down to earth. It's Pet-friendly here so you never know who you're going to meet. We were fortunate to meet Bud! He loves the ladies. They have a bucket of dog treats at the bar for the fur babies. The entertainment was great. We enjoyed 2 different females on the mic with beautiful voices. Drinks: you name it! Note -- there is no drink menu. They have a very large selection of wine, beer, and liquor... take your pick. There isn't any food served here either. But the owner lets you bring your own meals and snacks with you. And let's Shout out to the tapster-- Liisa! She had me try pickled okra for the first time. She is the best!!

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!

I went to their first brunch weekend and it was awesome. The shutters were open because the weather…read morewas nice and the restaurant is beautiful. I bet they get walk ins on nice days. I dare you not to get the Pistachio Baklava French Toast. It's so freaking good and even kiddos liked it. The Benedict is also a classic and the burrata app is one of the best I've had. I can't wait to try the lamb hash and dive into their big cocktail menu. The table behind me had a cool shareable cocktail bowl. Great place to bring friends, it's one of the best looking restaurants in town.

I was taken away by the glass art !! thankfully I was sat right in front of it and being honest the…read moreArt was the only reason I picked this restaurant but was amaze on how Amazing the food was. We spent around $140 before tip for 2. Keep in mind this is not a typical Mediterranean restaurant came in asking for rice LOL they don't serve rice. The whole restaurant has an uplifting vibe. The guy who served us was very polite and attentive. We'll be back!

Nice wine bar in the North Hills area. Parking was a bit tricky until we realized a parking deck…read morewas nearby. This place certainly is trying to be fancy, especially with their prices. However, the atmosphere is fairly low key, although there were a lot of people here dressed up (business parties?). The tapas were not my thing. I actually hate tapas and sharing small plates. It's never enough food. We had calamari/goat cheese/margherita flat bread. The calamari was sub par and the goat cheese was too small a portion. The flatbread was good. My meal, pan seared scallops, was a really good. The scallops were huge! Loved the garlic mashed potatoes! Would highly recommend! Service was quick. The only downside I had was the massive gout in my toe the following day from eating all those large scallops. If you are prone to gout, be weary of the scallops!

A Tier. A great spot for out-of-towners…read more Napa serves as a great luxury dining option while skipping the traffic in North Hills. The ambiance was pleasant, new and modern look. Typically restaurants that have open main dining areas cause a lot of noise which can make it difficult for polite conversation, but I won't knock that against them. Service was pleasant and attentive. The server admitted the kitchen was running behind and gave us a free bread basket and kept our drinks full. The portions were well sized. What prevents this restaurant from being "S Tier" is that there's nothing unique or exceptional about the restaurant. It is exactly what you'd expect but nothing more. Parking was easy with the parking garage nearby. I would certainly return and recommend to others.