Support Us Button Widget

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
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill — AKA the tropical holiday event of the year — is back through Dec. 28.
Whether you’re shortening on time or need to impress the in-laws, our com-pie-lation of local bakeries will help you find the perfect sweet treat.
Get ready to dash for drumsticks — there are seven turkey trots to get you up and moving on Thanksgiving Day around the City of Oaks.
Take the stress out of prepping and planning on Thanksgiving with these 13 restaurants + eateries offering takeout and dine-in seasonal feasts.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
Explore all 308 acres of Dorothea Dix Park and its top landmarks, history, and more.
Owner Steve Malik announced North Carolina FC would attempt to become part of the USL Division One, but the team will discontinue until their bid is potentially accepted. Plus, NCFC needs a 15,000 occupancy venue to join USL Division One.
Nineteen Raleigh + Triangle restaurants have been named to the esteemed Michelin Guide after its first foray into the American South. Here’s what we love at these spots — and what the Michelin inspectors might have, too.
There’s plenty of new faces representing the Wolfpack this basketball season. Here’s what you need to know before you root for NC State this season.
Instead of throwing your pumpkins away, consider donating them to local farms through Pumpkins for Pigs.