Raleigh · Wake County, NC

Nightlife in Raleigh

Scout analyzed 122 Raleigh places and surfaced the ones that actually fit nightlife.

Places analyzed

122

Matches

Typical spend

$70

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Best neighborhoods for nightlife

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Downtown

7 matching spots

North Boylan

3 matching spots

North Hills

2 matching spots

Southwest Raleigh

1 matching spots

North Raleigh

1 matching spots

Glenwood

1 matching spots

Scout-verified spots

Downtown

Lincoln Theatre

This is a good spot for an evening of live music, typically following a dinner out. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $25-75 per person, including tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Watts & Ward

Watts & Ward is a good spot for evening cocktails, whether as a date night opener or a late-night cap. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $30-75 per person for drinks and a small bite.

CocktailsFoodRelaxed

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Southwest Raleigh

Chapel of Bones

Chapel of Bones is a live music venue in Raleigh, suitable for an evening out to catch a show. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit and expect to spend $15-50 per person on drinks and cover.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$15–$50 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

North Raleigh

Saints & Scholars Pub

Saints & Scholars Pub is a good spot for a casual dinner or drinks with friends, especially if you enjoy live music or a dog-friendly patio. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

This venue is ideal for an evening out to catch live music, pairing well with a dinner beforehand. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $25-$75 per person on drinks and cover.

CocktailsLive musicShopping

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Downtown

Kings

Kings is a downtown Raleigh spot for live music, comedy, and themed nights, best for an evening out with friends or a date. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $20-50 per person on tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

North Hills

The Ritz

The Ritz is a large indoor live music venue suitable for catching a band. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $35-100 per person, primarily on tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicShopping

$35–$100 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

North Boylan

Tin Roof

Tin Roof is suitable for an evening out, particularly when seeking live music or a lively bar scene. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for drinks and some food, often for a visit lasting 1-2 hours.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Downtown

High Rail Raleigh

High Rail is a rooftop lounge suitable for an evening drink or light meal, offering city views. Expect to spend $35-75 per person for drinks and appetizers.

FoodCocktailsViews

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

10th and Terrace

10th and Terrace is a downtown rooftop bar suitable for an evening drink or a light bite before or after dinner. Expect to spend $30-$70 per person for drinks and appetizers during a 1.5-hour visit.

CocktailsFoodViews

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

North Boylan

Botanical Lounge

Botanical Lounge is suitable for an evening drink or two, potentially paired with dinner nearby. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $30-$70 per person on drinks and light bites.

CocktailsFoodRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Glenwood

Raleigh Beer Garden

This spot is good for a casual gathering with friends or a relaxed date, especially if you enjoy craft beer. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person on drinks and pub fare.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

RushHour Karting

RushHour Karting is a good option for an active group outing or family event, combining go-karting, arcade games, and a sports bar. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $35-$75 per person, making it an engaging anchor for a weekend afternoon or evening.

FoodCocktailsSports

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

City Center

The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

The Velvet Hippo is a good spot for evening drinks and conversation, possibly as a pre-dinner stop or a relaxed end to a night out. Expect to spend $30-75 per person for drinks and light snacks over 1.5-2 hours.

CocktailsViewsRelaxed

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

North Boylan

The Willard Rooftop Lounge

The Willard is suitable for an upscale evening drink with views, often pairing well with a dinner beforehand. Expect to spend $30-70 per person over 1-2 hours.

CocktailsViewsRomantic

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

North Hills

Level7 Rooftop

Level7 is a sophisticated rooftop bar in North Hills, suitable for a date night or girls' night. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying cocktails and small bites, typically costing $35-$75 per person.

FoodCocktailsViews

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

The Raleigh Times

The Raleigh Times is a casual spot for pub food and drinks, good for kicking off or winding down a downtown outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person for a meal and a few drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking