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!

I came here with a date and it was a great way to try out a bunch of different things and chat over…read moresome drinks. The wait time was really long, but the place was nice and although it was busy, we were able to get our food and drinks. We did put our name down for a table, but they never called our name, thankfully, we already had a space at the bar so not sure why our names weren't eventually pinged for a seat Either way it was good, the parking deck right next to the building makes it very convenient as well. Unfortunately, every bit of parking is paid parking, which is really frustrating but that's kind of just how most downtown places are gonna be I guess It is pretty darn pricey, most of the drinks were above $10 easily.

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.

Been there twice over a few months for a mid day nosh. Have been VERY pleased with the service,…read moremenu and atmosphere. We've sat outside for an impromptu lunch of a the pear and serrano flatbread, small meat/cheese plate ( LOVE the honeycomb and caperberries!) and sipped a pretty damned phenomenal Espresso Martini while the Bride enjoyed a Bloody Mary. Don't hesitate to explore the menu...it's all solid. We, of course, ventured inside and perused the wine...walking out with a Nebbiolo that was amazing. All in all, FOXCROFT is a bit of a gem. Great service, fun menu and delicious. Eat with gusto.

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.

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!

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.

Incredible dining experience in every way. Entrance is extravagant, it's like walking in to a…read moredifferent world. Staff were very welcoming right away. We had a private party in a room right off the main entrance. There's a beautiful wine gallery right outside the room. Your eyes are drawn in every direction, there are so many colors and textures in all the decor! The private room was gorgeous! We were all able to sit around a large table, see each other and talk freely amongst each other. Our server was incredible. She stayed on top of everything, we were never without. Food menu is amazing, drink options seemed endless. Cannot say enough good things about this experience.

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!

The vibe of this wine bar is 10/10--beautiful, cozy, and exactly the kind of atmosphere you want…read morefor a night out. Unfortunately, the service left a lot to be desired. We sat in the bar area and had the bartender as our server, and from the moment we were seated, it felt like we were an inconvenience. It took multiple check-ins from three different servers just to get the few things we requested, which made the experience feel unnecessarily difficult. The food was okay overall, but the whipped goat cheese was absolutely a 10/10 and definitely the highlight of the meal. One thing that was disappointing was being charged an additional $3 for more bread because the initial serving simply wasn't enough for the dish. I hope for a much more welcoming and attentive experience next time.