Have a drink in one of Raleigh’s unusual bars

Have you ever thought “That’s an odd place for a bar.” Well in Raleigh, there is no such thing as odd for these spots around town.

A cozy, vintage-style saloon bar decorated with American flags, fairy lights, and retro memorabilia. A "Saloon" sign glows brightly above the counter.

You never know when (or where) you’re gonna find a bar in Raleigh.

The curious mind often leads to good finds. While researching for an article, I came across this Reddit thread asking: “Bars in unusual places?” — posted by none other than a Raleighite — and I knew I had to dive in.

Get ready to fill your glass as I take you on a journey through bars where you’d least expect to find them around Oak City.

No place for a bar? Drink again.

Unlikely Professionals | Triple threat — a general store, workshop, and neighborhood bar can all be found within the doors of this Person Street Plaza shop. Bonus: A second location just opened in the North Hills Innovation District.

Teeter’s Taproom | Next time you get your weekly groceries from Harris Teeter at Brier Creek, relax with a pint of beer or glass of wine — just do it before hitting the freezer sections.

RAL | Garden Bar

Not only can you sip and shop inside the gardening center but you can also hang out at one of the tables.

Photo via RALtoday

Atlantic Gardening | Seeds are sprouting + taps are spouting at this garden center’s bar that’s been around since 2018 (a first of its kind for a plant store).

Oak City Cycling | Whether you’re there for repairs, to shop, or to meet up with fellow cyclists, you can snag one of the beer offerings.

Bonus: For our riders who prefer a different kind of brew — check out the coffee menu at The Bike Library.

People gather at an outdoor circular bar under a large, modern wooden canopy with abundant natural light. Casual, lively atmosphere.

Expansions + a new name for the Social District could be approved in an Aug. 28 Council meeting — taking effect in the winter of 2026.

Photo via Downtown Cary Park

Downtown Cary Park | A walk drink in the park? Don’t mind if we do. You can head to The Bark Park before or after hitting up the dog park or take your beverages + explore the Social District.

Setting historical bar standards

The Station at Person Street | Hibernian Hospitality Group created this Oakwood neighborhood bar + restaurant out of the remnants of an Amoco gas station.

Bonus: The Dry Cleaners Bar is Hibernian’s upcoming concept, bringing a speakeasy to North Raleigh.

Raleigh Times Bar | In 1906, a building was constructed to house The Raleigh Times newspaper — now, it’s known for serving up brews, cocktails, and food. Bonus: See how they honored history through the transformation.

More from RALtoday
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or are zero-proof curious, these places provide drinks that still enables fun during Dry January.
The City of Oaks is preparing for a jam-packed year. There are plenty more, but we’ve compiled 26 of the biggest Raleigh events to attend this year — don’t miss them.
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.
Sponsored
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
For the first time since 1990, you can back the Pack in the NCAA men’s soccer finals — and it’s all happening in Cary.
If you’re a fan of real trees over artificial, this list is for you. We’re highlighting 10 local spots to pick up Christmas trees in Raleigh, including home delivery options, pre-flocked trees, and NC-famous Fraser firs.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.