I'm just a girl, standing in front of a cocktail, asking it to be a donut
You and I both know it - Raleigh simply excels at more than just stellar barbeque and sweet tea. When the Semper Fidelis plays and the Carolina sun sets, we locals find delight in unique adult sips that come with fascinating historical ties. In our city's dramatically lit speakeasies and prohibition-style bars, one can truly appreciate the rich cocktail culture.
From hidden entrances to authentic cocktail recipes, there's a delicious echo of the Prohibition era right here in the heart of Raleigh. If you’re a tippler like myself, come along on this journey with me. I promise - you'll find yourself sipping bliss in the form of well-crafted cocktails, and steeping your thoughts in the dramatically illuminated history of the Prohibition era.
Fox Liquor Bar
Tucked beneath the hustle and bustle of downtown Raleigh's city life, Fox Liquor Bar transports you back in time. As you descend down the unsuspecting staircase into this low-lit basement bar, there's a sense of sneaking into a clandestine rendezvous of the 1920s.
Fox Liquor bar does an excellent job of balancing modern elements with Prohibition-style ambiance. Powerful home-made concoctions are their specialty, demonstrating a deep understanding of the artistry behind well-crafted cocktails. The bartender’s slight of hand turns every glass into an eldritch potion, complete with a tasteful garnishing cherry on top. Don't miss their celebrated Ramos Gin Fizz - it's a frothy delight that leaves your tongue tingling.
C. Grace
Stepping into C. Grace feels like getting a warm hug from the past. This bar doesn’t just serve cocktails, it serves stories. With its grand, red velvet drapes, vintage chandeliers, and old-world charm, C. Grace is not just a Prohibition-era bar but a timepiece that reflects the soul of Raleigh. Their classic cocktails like the Aviation, mixed with just the right proportion of gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette and a dash of lemon juice, create an air of timeless Raleigh, one sip at a time.
You haven't lived until you've tried their marquee drink, the oddly named Bees Knees cocktail. This honeyed gin concoction was named so because in the Roaring Twenties, "bee's knees" was slang for the best. And let me tell you, this cocktail lives up to its history. It's sweet, it's tart, it's got a hint of a buzz - everything a top-notch Prohibition cocktail must carry.
The Haymaker
A little more on the swanky side, The Haymaker is where Raleigh’s cocktail lovers rendezvous after work hours. Weekends find bustling crowds gathered under its geometrically modern chandeliers, with classy twinkling lights cascading down the wall. Its quirky yet elegant design includes a life-size golden boxer glove - a nod to boxing’s golden era, which also coincided with Prohibition times.
The Haymaker believes in keeping bartender craftsmanship alive. Go ahead, ask the bartender to concoct a "Bartender's Choice" tailored to your preferences, and be prepared to be wowed. If you're more of a scroll-through-the-menu kind of patron, their signature- The Haymaker Old Fashioned, is an unrivaled crowd puller.
Watts & Ward
Tucked quietly beneath the streets of downtown Raleigh, Watts & Ward draws you in with its richly textured ambiance. Dark wood paneling, vintage looking furniture, and scattered curiosities lend a distinctly warm hue to the whole place.
Watts & Ward’s cocktail menu, like their aesthetic, is classic, thoughtful, and charming. I cannot recommend enough their classic Mint Julep, a cocktail that instantly transports you to a sun-dappled porch back in the '20s. And if you've got a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Martini's blend of chocolate vodka, crème de cacao, and fresh cream is a must-try.
To sum it up, Raleigh’s Prohibition-era bars are more than just establishments to sip cocktails in. They are visceral experiences that let you relish history, frozen in an old-fashioned glass, stirred with craftsmanship, and garnished with soul. So next time you find yourself yearning for a night out, remember these speakeasy-style bars. Step in, order your whiskey neat or your cocktail jazzed up, and soak in the Raleigh magic as you time-travel back to the golden sass of the Prohibition era.
After all, in Raleigh, we don't just drink to quench thirst, we drink to the grandeur of our history, the beauty of our hometown, and the unforgettable stories that make every cocktail so much more than just a drink.
So here's to Raleigh and her Prohibition-era Favorites. May they continue to serve stories and cocktails alike!
