By Jessica Stringer and Amanda MacLaren | Photo by John Michael Simpson
Wake County
Ava Rooftop Bar
Escape to this elevated (get it?) outdoor oasis atop Sports & Social at Fenton in Cary. With its chic, contemporary seating areas, it’s easy to settle in and relax with a refreshing craft cocktail – like the Ava margarita or a strawberry basil mojito – plus wine and Mediterranean-inspired small plates to share while grooving to local DJs. If you’re looking for an exclusive experience, reservations are accepted for VIP booths beginning at 9 p.m. each night.
Dram & Draught
Offering more than 300 whiskeys from around the globe, hand-crafted cocktails, draft beer and wines from the old world and new, Dram & Draught is the perfect place to grab a drink in a laid-back setting. The bar and lounge has locations across the state, bringing its neighborhood feel to Cary, Durham, Raleigh, Greensboro, Wilmington and Winston-Salem.
Relish in a favorite classic drink like an old fashioned or a 100 Year Cigar, or try something seasonal – the friendly bartenders are happy to help steer you toward something you’ll love!
High Rail
Take in the Raleigh skyline at High Rail, a rooftop bar atop Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown at Seaboard Station. The spot offers stunning views, creative cocktails and a global-meets-local menu.
Dive into shareable bites like grilled shrimp tacos and coastal-inspired crab dip made with Red Oak Brewery’s Amber Lager. Sip on craft cocktails like the “Sunset Murder Mystery,” which includes a bite of Escazú Chocolates, or the “Kinship Water Lily,” made with Durham Distillery’s Kinship Conniption Gin.
Durham County
Alley Twenty Six
Shannon Healy can certainly pour a perfect Manhattan or whip up a heavenly strawberry daiquiri. The bartender of more than two decades and owner of Alley Twenty Six is a master of his craft, but he says his true talent lies in being a good listener. Find a bar stool, pick your poison and – whether you ask for a top-shelf whiskey or something fruity and devilishly sweet – he’ll deliver.
Alley’s upscale atmosphere is built on a foundation of genuine hospitality. Chef Carrie Schleiffer, who made her debut at Alley in 2016, delivers on that front by pairing elevated, yet-familiar American favorites that celebrate local ingredients with the established bar program.
The most popular dish on the menu remains the “Alley Burger,” inspired by hearty bacon cheeseburgers but dressed to the nines with black truffle cheddar, house-made bacon jam and an eight-ounce chuck-and-brisket patty that’s ground in their kitchen. They also produce, package and sell their own extensive line of cocktail syrups. Grab a bottle before you leave!
Apéritif
Located in Durham’s University Hill, Apéritif features an extensive menu of both signature and seasonal cocktails, along with beer and wine, complemented by small plate offerings like charcuterie, canapés and baguette sandwiches. But for the true experience, you’ll want to pair your cocktail with one of its fantastic desserts.
Try the signature ApĂ©ritif cocktail – made with Aperol and Citadelle gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, grapefruit bitters, egg white and garnished with an orange peel – alongside a “Raspberry Beret,” a dark chocolate and Grand Marnier mousse dome filled with raspberry jam and served atop a brownie.
The Waiting Room
This Durham spot offers its patrons – whether they are there for a quick drink before dinner elsewhere or cozying up on a date – a chance to feel at home, no matter how long they choose to stay. The Waiting Room offers a menu of small bites designed to tide you over. The mini key lime pies pair beautifully with “Lovers Rock” – a signature cocktail made with hibiscus infused gin, sweet vermouth, lemon, simple syrup and Ginger’s Revenge hibiscus lavender ginger beer.
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