Date Night Spots in the Triangle - The Triangle Weekender

Eat & Drink

Date Night Spots in the Triangle

Invite your friends out for a night on the town with creative sips and bites in Wake, Durham and Orange counties

Photos by John Michael Simpson

Wake County

The Bend Bar

One of Raleigh’s newest cocktail destinations, The Bend Bar has quickly earned a following for its stylish atmosphere, inventive drinks and welcoming neighborhood feel. The intimate space is the brainchild of the Trophy Brewing team, and blends modern design with warm hospitality. Behind the unique horseshoe-shaped bar, creative seasonal cocktails share the menu with expertly crafted classics, while a selection of shareable bites keeps guests lingering well into the evening. Whether you’re looking to kick off a night downtown or settle in for a leisurely round of drinks, The Bend offers a fresh addition to Raleigh’s after-hours scene that’s worth seeking out.

Date Night spots in Raleigh — *The Bend Bar. Photo by Juli Leonard*

Raleigh Beer Garden

With hundreds of beers on tap, Raleigh Beer Garden has become a bucket-list stop for craft beer lovers, with hundreds of beers on tap. The sprawling Glenwood South destination offers multiple indoor and outdoor bars, rooftop seating and an extensive selection of domestic and international brews, along with cocktails and elevated pub fare. Travelers can now grab a pint before takeoff at Raleigh Beer Garden’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport location, which opened in December 2025. Find local libations and a taste of the Triangle in Terminal 2.

Where to grab a drink in Raleigh — *Raleigh Beer Garden*

Durham County

High Dive & Saint Mars

where to grab a drink in Durham — *Saint Mars. Photo by Forrest Mason*

Start your evening at Saint Mars, a cozy-yet-mysterious cocktail bar tucked underground in the basement of sister restaurant Bar Virgile. The moody library vibe accompanies its refocused intent as a chill listening room – think dark hardwoods, plush velvet and suede seating, stiff sippers, Bar Virgile snacks and actual vinyl! When you’re ready to shift gears, cross the street to High Dive, an approachable hangout with affordable drinks and a relaxed atmosphere – a place where patrons can pick a song on the jukebox, unwind over a drink and connect through classic games like pool, darts, foosball and pinball. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated first drink or a lively finale to the evening, this downtown duo – dreamed up by owners Nellie Vail and Daniel Sartain – delivers the best of both worlds without ever leaving the block.

The Old North Bar

The night doesn’t have to end when you leave a show at Motorco or wrap up a night of games at Boxcar. Walk over to The Old North Bar for a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere with inventive cocktails and late-night bites. The dim lighting, exposed brick and vintage decor create an inviting setting for lingering conversations over expertly balanced drinks. Snack on elevated bar favorites while sipping a seasonal creation or a perfectly executed classic cocktail. Equal parts neighborhood bar and hidden gem, Old North feels like the kind of place you’ll want to introduce to friends – while secretly hoping it stays under the radar.

Orange County

The Crunkleton

Where to grab a drink in Chapel Hill NC — *The Crunkleton*

Part upscale cocktail lounge, part neighborhood gathering place, The Crunkleton has earned a reputation for one of the Triangle’s most impressive whiskey collections alongside expertly executed classic cocktails. While the drinks draw enthusiasts from across the region, the kitchen is equally deserving of attention. Order a perfectly cooked burger, steak frites or one of the seasonal small plates before settling in with an Old Fashioned or house specialty. The warm wood interiors, leather seating and timeless atmosphere make it just as well suited for date night as a celebratory evening with friends.

Good Fortune

Stepping through Good Fortune’s moon gate entrance feels like crossing into another city. Inspired by a beloved Los Angeles cocktail bar, the intimate West Franklin Street hideaway combines moody lighting, thoughtful design and inventive cocktails into one of Chapel Hill’s most transportive experiences. Signature drinks like the floral Moonlight Martini and the tropical, spice-kissed Four Sisters showcase the bar’s creative approach while complementing an Asian-inspired menu of shareable plates and late-night eats. Whether you’re tucked into a cozy corner booth or mingling with fellow patrons, Good Fortune captures the kind of sophisticated, spontaneous nightlife often associated with larger cities in the heart of Chapel Hill.