Words I would associate with Watts and Ward are: sophisticated, trendy, and spacious. There's a great variety of drinks that you don't see at other establishments. The interior is dimly lit, so much so that I had to use the flashlight on my cellphone in order to read the menu. read more

Husbands brought me here and I am in love. Venue: It has a little speak easy feel. 3 indoor bar in different section with its unique feel and one outside (outdoor patio). Drinks: we had the Manhattan and penicillin. Fresh and high quality ingredients. Love the craft cocktails made by skillful mixologist. Service; friendly bar tenders and staffs. Will be coming back! read more

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Came on a Sunday, and found it to be lightly packed. We easily found a place to sit, talk and enjoy our drinks. There's a house band, which provides lively music that makes for a nice ambience. Bartenders were friendly and attentive, the drinks were nice, and it's easy to get tipsy real soon, so be careful! All in all, a nice experience, I'd come again. read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I think I might've come on the wrong night but the atmosphere was there for me to have a better time I'll say. I went on a Sunday and there was only one bar top open when I think this place has four total. It was super busy so I'm not sure why they were only working drinks from one bar top. What I can say is that the two bartenders were super efficient, getting to everyone as quickly as they could. My friend and I sat outside because it was way too loud inside. Outside has a nice set up with chairs and couches. I'm willing to go again for a better experience. Just feels like something was off the night I went. read more

A fun bar that is decorated so well for the holiday season. There are plenty of different seating areas and an outside bar and lounge area. The house classic drink, Moonrider was light and refreshing but they need some work on their holiday cocktails, so I would skip these until they have the recipes down. Overall an amazing Saturday night spot. read more

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I absolutely love the vibes at Watts & Ward! The cost for a membership/to get in is only $2 and they link it with your drivers license. The decor is beautiful and makes me think of the prohibition era. Service is great, the staff walks around to take your order, so you don't have to wait at the bar. Drinks: We had an Old Fashioned and an Espresso Martini. Drinks were pretty pricy. They were fine and taste like a standard Old Fashioned and Espresso Martini. The price feels with the ambiance of the venue. read more

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This speakeasy is hands down the coolest little spot I've been to. Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh you'll find it nestled across from a park and next to a personal favorite restaurant of mine, Brewery Bhavana. This place is massive. It's great for a girl's night out, solo sips, and a small group of friends. They have several rooms and three bars total where a wide variety of drinks can be ordered that are delicious! The staff was nice and attentive. Prices for cocktails are a little high but you're paying for the experience on top of the drinks so keep that in mind. I love how dark and cozy it feels and my book loving heart adored the library decor. Pictures do not do this place justice and why I didn't take very many. This is a must visit if you're in the city. Parking is available at a nearby lot and parking garage. read more

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The atmosphere of this place is so cool! Me and some friends stopped in for some drinks and had a great time. The setup is so cozy and inviting, while transporting you back into the 1920's. It's pretty large with lots of seating but it can be hard to find a seat when it's busy. The lines for drinks can also get long as well. I honestly loved going just for the atmosphere and recommend it if you want a cozy spot to grab a drink with friends. read more

Watts & Ward - Outside patio - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I had a wonderful time visiting this hidden gem this past weekend! my brother took me as a surprise, and I had no idea what to expect when we began to descend the stairs into what seemed like a basement. The interior was extremely cozy, adorned with Christmas decorations and moody lighting. Every place we sat had comfortable seating. I ordered a Strawberry Lemon Drop and really enjoyed it. I absolutely will be returning. read more

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Head to Watts and Ward in Downtown Raleigh for speakeasy vibes , amazing cocktails and stellar service I had the ESPRESSO MARTINI and AUTUMN MULE. Both were prepared using fresh ingredients and flair by the most skilled bartenders. The MOONRIDER is a well balanced cocktail that sparks delight as well as rosemary as a garnish. My friend and I agreed that all their latest cocktails were crafted to perfection! We went on a Tuesday night and discovered Tiana of Moonrise Mystics was there for Tarot Tuesdays, which added to a fun evening of cocktails & conversation in a chill setting. read more

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Nice ambience. Plenty of seating around the property. Cool little hidden bar in Raleigh downtown.

The term "speakeasy" is thought to come from the way customers would have to speak quietly ("easily") to avoid drawing attention when ordering a drink. Many speakeasies had secret codes or passwords to get in, and their locations were kept hush-hush to evade the police and government agents known as "Prohibition agents." This underground speakeasy feels like stepping into a hidden world, away from the noisy hustle and bustle of the outside, the air inside dim, with soft lighting casting shadows on the vintage decor. The hardness of the exposed brick walls immediately softened by the leather and velvet couches and chairs spread throughout. Sit at one of the MANY intimate sitting rooms or belly up to one of the elegant bars, either way there is plenty of room with an endless supply of rebellious drinks. luckily absent of any bootlegged alcohol. Watts and Ward clearly hit the nail on the head with the crafted blend of luxury and intrigue--sleek, glamorous, and secretive mood. Cheers! read more

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$2 entry fee for the year because, NC??? -- take my money! I live for a speakeasy moment and Watts & Ward more than delivered. The cocktails are crafty and the vibe is right. It's giving a vintage underground lounge aesthetic that I loved. The service was fast and friendly, and it was perfectly un-busy for Sunday Funday. They made a mean "Brown Derby" and old fashioned for the hubs and I. We stuck with those two choices for our entire visit. This is the place for groups and a great time. Cheers! read more

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Watts and Ward had its pros and cons. I'll start with the cons: There is not music of interest that you can sit back and enjoy. It's very large, so finding places to have some quiet/intimate conversations is hard. Pros: They have multiple bars so I rarely have to wait long for a drink. If you wait a few moments, you can usually grab somewhere to sit. This place is where I go when I'm with a larger group because I know we can be accommodated. There isn't really much service - you're expected to go to the bars and order your drinks. I consider it a staple. It's not the place I'm going to go to over and over, but it's a solid choice when folks are visiting or other places are too crowded. read more

After dinner, decided to walk around to explore a bit on this crisp August evening to help my food digest. Stumbled upon a line that drew my curiosity. Watts & Wards is easy to miss or pass by if not paying attention. Though if you are alert /aware, this is a cool hidden gem. There's a small membership fee to gain entrance. The vibes are cool. You'll go under ground to lead into an oasis of good music, cool & chill people and bar stations placed strategically throughout. This was absolutely a happy accidental find. Met 2 other new visitors and chatted a bit before heading out. I'd definitely return. Unika B. & Co. read more

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If you're looking for one of Raleigh's best hidden gems, Watts & Ward is the spot. The moment you walk in, you're transported -- rich atmosphere, vintage decor, and the kind of craft cocktails that remind you why you went out in the first place. What really makes it special for me, though, is the patio. It's a perfect place to unwind after a long day -- ideal setting to enjoy a cigar while keeping the conversation going. read more

My fiancé and I were in Raleigh for an event and decided to stop by Watts & Ward for drinks. This basement speakeasy has several distinct rooms and an outdoor patio, each with its own unique charm. Our favorite spot was probably the Library, but the patio also had a great vibe. I'd recommend starting with a drink inside and making your way out. I ordered the Grape Gatsby, a brilliant creation by our bartender, Jess--it was absolutely delicious. Coming from NYC, I can be a bit of a cocktail snob, but this one did not disappoint. Menus are available via QR codes, and there's a $2 per person entry fee that covers membership for the year. Plenty of street parking and garages nearby. read more

Watts and ward is the ultimate speakeasy vibe. The venue has several rooms and multiple bars. The service was great and so are the cocktails! We visited during the week and there was live jazz in the open courtyard. All round good experience. read more

B made our experience absolutely stellar!! We err served amazing drinks with a stellar personality & atmosphere on the side - I will be looking for B the next time I order a drink here. -A read more

Great speakeasy. You buy a membership for a couple of bucks and go downstairs. The atmosphere is chill and inviting. The service was a bit slow, but we could have easily approached the bar since the line was short. The drink list was longer than I expected, and everything was good. read more

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They scan your ID and take your picture without permission, and the company that they use to do it collects far more info on you than is reasonable. Not cool. read more

Great atmosphere. Drinks are good. If you haven't been, you should go, but don't buy into the "it's the best bar in Raleigh."

Nice ambiance great spot to chill with friends or a date however the bar selection is limited you would think it would have a better selection or bartenders who can make more creative drinks or even a simple lemon drop. It gives speak easy vibes which is the best thing being served here. read more

Came here recently for a birthday celebration and had a wonderful time! We had a reserved section and small bites from Bontanical Gardens to complement the flow of cocktails. The favorite of the group was the le fleur cocktail-- it's delicious if you like repasado! The ambiance of this bar is so cute. Plenty of seating (indoors and outside). Great for a night out with friends or your partner. It's located right in Moore square so it's convenient to other restaurants and bars as well. Worth checking out if you're in the area! read more

Poor old fashion, tender said "I don't like dark liquor", and sure enough shouldn't have ordered the old fashion.

Cool theme bar. Interesting cocktails and friendly staff. Great ambiance. Would definitely recommend this bar to visitors

Such a neat place with many nooks and crannies to get together with friends. Upscale cocktail bar with wonderfully crafted drinks! Yum

Came in on a weekend evening and don't have to wait in a line. Service was just ok, inside was dark and moody. Drinks were decent but felt pretty basic for the price point. Was a nice place to try when in the area but am not rushing to come back. read more

Groovy spot but my drinks were terrible. My wife and i were visiting from out of town so maybe it was an off night but our drinks were so watered down we questioned if there was alcohol in them. read more

Fun place, you do have to pay a $2 fee to get in but then you have free entrance for a year. The ambiance is so cool and very vibey. The drinks are good but service did take awhile they were busy on a Friday night. The music is great and nice to sit on a sofa while enjoying drinks and company with good friends. read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Randomly ran into this Gem! I would have expected a lot more reviews. On a Friday night there was a small line and a modest cover. However, I can tell you it is well worth it. The space is huge with multiple bars inside and out. I think I counted 4 atleast. There is a space for everyone's vibe. Dark lounges, vibrant bars and a green outdoor space with string lights. All the seating is open. Plus you can start a tab at any bar then order from any bar or server that walks up to you. It is all connected and you aren't leaving your card - love this system! A great spot to go out! read more

Went out with friends to this super cool underground speakeasy! Once they check your ID at the door you can head down the stairs to the seemingly plain entryway. Step inside and you're greeted by a neon sign that points you to the inside of the bar. Almost immediately the place transforms into an old timely prohibition era bar that has comfy old couches and some tables and chairs set up. Feel free to either order from the bar immediately or have a seat and scan the QR codes provided on the table for the menus! They don't serve food, so I'd recommend getting your dinner in before if you plan on bar hopping or it could be a nice place to stop for a few drinks before eating! To drink I had the Cactus Garden which has agave & pineapple in it! It was very light and refreshing and probably my favorite drink here! I also had an espresso martini which was also pretty delicious! I like it when my espresso martinis are more espresso forward and not so creamy. I am so excited that I was able to check this place out, and I would highly recommend it to any speakeasy lovers! read more

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The manager Frank is amazing! He's the reason we stayed and would consider returning. The bartenders and manager Michael were less than stellar. I feel bad for Frank that he has to deal with a team so inconsiderate and rude to patrons, but maybe this will prompt them to turn their attitudes around to people giving them business. read more

Came here on a weekday night with some friends and I must say the sidewalk entrance looks a little shady for a first timer. Once you're in you're transformed to a cozy and charming underground bar. I think this is what a speakeasy would look like. The staff was attentive and friendly and the drinks were on point. We were told they have live entertainment which would add to the great vibes. Definitely on the go to list of bars. read more

I was in the area visiting family and my uncle said that we HAD to go to Watts & Ward - and boy, was he right. I absolutely loved this spot and would come back again every time I'm in Raleigh. Four bars in one... Speakeasy-esque and all of the options for anyone looking to hang out and have a good time. I could not get over the size of this space and how cool of a vibe it was. Our cocktails were delicious and I felt that we didn't have to wait too long considering how busy it was. I loved the options to hang out either inside or outside - we had great weather so we took advantage of the outdoor seating. The atmosphere was just the best -- I wish we could've come back again for a brunch vibe but the post-dinner treat was awesome. Come check it out - you won't be disappointed! read more

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This is for sure one of the biggest and coolest bars I've ever been to, but I was not crazy about the fact that I had to pay to enter. The drinks were good and the bartenders were great, but it was Saturday night and very busy, so my friends and I spent a good bit of time waiting around (for a table, to order, for drinks, to pay, etc). I think the atmosphere and decor made it worth checking out, but if I have to pay to enter every time then I probably won't be back. read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

By far the coolest spot we've been to ever! We went two nights back to back. $2 membership fee that is good for a year and the bartenders whip up some of the best cocktails I've ever had. It's such a cozy classy spot and the ambiance is such a vibe. You absolutely have to check it out! Their outdoor seating is also such a great spot and their heaters really keep you warm! read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

If you're looking for a true speakeasy experience, watts & ward is your spot. It's found in the heart of downtown Raleigh, on a quaint little corner. You will need to pay a dollar to enter unless you have a membership, which is worth it! Once you have a membership, you will get in for free for the year and you will have one guest be able to enter with you. You will venture down a stairwell and enter into the amazing bar which is Full of lush couches, booths, and additional bar seating. The are multiple separate rooms that make up the venue and they have a separate bar. There is also a lush outdoor space that is wonderful to enjoy during the warmer months. Now to the drinks! Watts & Ward is a true cocktail bar with bartenders and mixologists who make getting a cocktail an experience. I love any cocktail with smoked herbs and they make an amazing drink with smoke rosemary that I could have every evening. They also have a little something for everyone and the bartenders do a great job recommending cocktails based on your taste preferences. If you do not drink alcohol, they have great mocktails too. You won't feel like an afterthought, these are creatively put together as well. I enjoy coming with friends to chat or on a date night but my favorite times to go are Thursday nights when they have live music. They also do quite a few pop up events, so sometimes you can catch a comedy show, a tarot reader, or even a burlesque show. read more

This is the third time I have had the pleasure of existing in this wonderful speak easy bar. The vibe sends you back in time to the roaring 20s. Underground phenomenon. The mixology here is off the charts. Although they were out of a drink I would have loved to try. The two drinks I did have were unforgettable. read more

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I visited Watts & Ward for the first time Sunday evening after 6 pm. The staff at the entrance was welcoming. Watts & Ward is downstairs in a basement-like space. Cute space with vintage aesthetics which is very nice and comfortable with plenty of seating. The overall aesthetics of the space and comfortability is a 4*. A few things on the patio seemed out of place but overall a nice space. This particular evening the bartender in The Mud Room demeanor was not friendly, or enthusiastic. That individual didn't demonstrate good customer service warranting anything over an overall 3* based on my experience. Even the person cleaning off the table didn't engage any. I had a Hendricks mule, not in a mule cup. The lemon and ginger were overpowering - way too much carbonation. I like that I get more bang for my buck in the tall glass but as a courtesy, the bartender could share they don't carry the copper mules. This would've leveled up the experience. For me, a copper mule cup is necessary for a proper Moscow Mule. Customer service usually inspires me to return places but in this case, it's the space and others who have enjoyed themselves. I hope to return for the comedy night in the future, hopefully, a better experience. read more