Bars, Pubs and Clubs

A note on bars in Raleigh. North Carolina has a long history of alcohol prohibition. There are still counties in North Carolina where alcohol cannot be sold. Besides creating a great history in the art of moonshine, this has also led to some unusual remnant laws.

There are no liquor stores in North Carolina. Except for beer and wine, alcohol must be bought at state alcoholic beverage control stores (ABC Stores). For Raleigh, a bar must either have most of its sales be food or it must be a private membership club. This is not a good thing for tourism, as a stranger must find someone to let them be their guest. However, most memberships are quick, cheap (often $1) and non-exclusive.

Additionally, restaurant/bar combinations are most prevalent.

The Berkeley Cafe	Warehouse District	Also serves food. Has been mostly taken over by a techno/hip hop club culture. Old pleasant building. Also known for open mike.
The Jackpot	NCSU	Many of the finest aspects of a dive bar. Serves an around 30 crowd. Not pretentious like a club. Disasterous pool tables. Likely to be playing old punk.
Snookers	NCSU	Very nice pool tables. Good atmosphere. Leagues take up many tables on many nights.
Champions	West Raleigh	Appear to be taking over pool halls in Raleigh. Have Mission Valley and former Rack 'em up West.
The Flying Saucer	Warehouse District	Young professional bar famous for its many flavors on tap.
The Brewery	NCSU	Dark and dirty small show live music club. See also Musical Venues.
Legends	Warehouse District	Most popular gay club. Hosts long running drag show.
Flex	Warehouse District	Somewhat risque gay club!
East Village	NCSU	Big porch overlooking Hillsborough St. Popular with fraternity crowd.
Arthur's Top of the Tower	Glenwood South	Restaurant bar at top of Clarion. Exceptional view of downtown.
Tir Na Nog	Downtown Central	Irish themed bar and restaurant. Not sure how Irish shrimp and grits is though.
Harrison's Bar and Grill	Cary	Popular sports pub. Same owners as similar Saw Mill Tap Room and Village Draft House.
Havana Deluxe	Glenwood South	Cigars and Martinis.
The Office	Warehouse District	Nice clothes nightclub for young professionals