I've been here 2-3 times now and the whiskey selection is always great and so is the service. This…read moreis an excellent hidden neighborhood gem!

This is absolutely a hidden gem amongst bars. It's in an inconspicuous abandoned looking shopping…read morecenter off the beaten path, but they make some of the best cocktails in the city. They have a very extensive inventory of bourbons including all the high-end ones you would want. The bartenders making amazing recipes including my partners favorite, Tom Yum, taste just like the soup. I can often enjoy a whiskey sour with no issue and use the menu to try something different. They don't serve food, so it's a good place to come after dinner. The ambiance is simple, a wooden bar and now that they have expanded, they have some tables as well. This past trip was the most crowded I've ever seen it in there, but the service was still quick and attentive. This bar is a staple for me.

Great service and great spot to unwind!!!Always stop here for a stick when in Raleigh!!!!!read more

Stepping into the cigar bar feels like slipping into a well-dressed time machine that decided to…read moreloosen its tie. The air hums with the scent of tobacco, oak, and good decisions made slowly. Plush couches and deep leather chairs form little islands of comfort, perfect for sinking into a conversation that doesn't need to end soon. Along the walls, humidors stand like treasure chests, keeping their cigars in stately silence. Vintage wood glows everywhere--from the bar's polished surface to the beams above--each grain steeped in quiet history. Overhead, TVs flicker with old games and new ones alike, while dart boards wait nearby for a little friendly competition between sips of bourbon and curls of smoke. The bartender slides the Old Fashioned across the bar with the precision of a man who's been doing it long enough to know that showmanship is for amateurs. No fancy garnish, no chatter--just the soft clink of glass meeting wood and a nod that says this'll do. Happiness here isn't loud or glittery--it's slow-burning and pleasantly lopsided, like a jazz tune played just slightly off the beat. It seeps in between sips and smoke rings, wrapping itself around you like the worn leather of the chair you've claimed for the night. It's the kind that finds you sitting still, glass half full, smoke curling upward like a satisfied sigh. Cheers!

Whiskey Kitchen was a great experience all around. Starting with friendly service and an awesome…read moreespresso martini, I had a lamb burger per the bartenders recommendation and it did not disappoint. I didn't dive into the whiskey collection but given the quality of the drinks and meal, I'll be back for a second run.

If bourbon and whiskey choices were a personality trait, The Whiskey Kitchen would definitely have…read morecommitment issues...because the selection is massive. Seriously, if you can't find a pour you like here, you may just need water instead. Started with the biscuits topped with crackling and house-made preserves, and honestly, that combo alone made me question why I don't eat more biscuits in life. Sweet, salty, buttery chaos in the best way. For the main, I went with the pork chop and greens. The chop leaned a little overcooked for me personally, but the sauce helped bring things back together and added good flavor. The greens had a nice little kick of heat, but I kept waiting for that deep smoky ham hock flavor to show up like an old Southern grandma entering the kitchen... and it never quite arrived. Overall though? Still a solid meal, strong whiskey program, cool atmosphere, and definitely worth checking out if you're in Raleigh looking for a bourbon-forward dinner spot. Travelin_Broke approved with a slight side-eye from the greens.

This is a whiskey lover's dream and one of Raleigh's most unique drinking destinations. It's quite…read moreliterally underground as it's in a basement. With little signage the space feels like a natural speakeasy. It's unpolished enough to feel a little sleazy, yet polished enough to never feel dirty. In other words, it has character, and plenty of it. The bartenders were fantastic: knowledgeable, talented, and happy to chat about the spirits behind the bar. Whether you're a serious whiskey enthusiast or just looking for a well-made cocktail, you're in good hands. Being open later than most Raleigh bars makes Foundation one of the city's go-to late-night options, but that shouldn't overshadow what it really is........a great bar at any hour. The atmosphere, the drinks, and the people behind the bar make this a place worth seeking out whether it's your first stop of the evening or your last.

Updating my review: Initially I really liked this bar however I went again on a Friday night and…read morehad a different experience to where I may not return. It was me and one other person and it took about 15 minutes for our waiter to come to our table to take our order or even speak to us (shockingly this same waiter took a couples order sitting at the table next to us even though they arrived way later). We understood that it was slightly busy since it's a Friday night however it would've been better to at least take our order or bring us water in the meantime while also letting us know we had to wait that long. I grew very impatient and ultimately wanted to leave the establishment altogether at this point. Once we got our drinks (I ordered The Middle Child) they were both way too strong to even take a sip. As a cocktail bar, the drinks shouldn't taste like straight rubbing alcohol. I couldn't even finish my drink because it tasted so bad.

Being from Texas, it should say something that my favorite cigar place is Ansteads near…read moreFayetteville, NC. The atmosphere is upscale, the bar is awesome, and every person working here is friendly and knowledgeable. I wish I could frequent Ansteads, but I only get to come here a few time a year. If you are in the area you owe it to yourself to drop by.

What a fantastic place to relax and unwind. Awesome atmosphere. There is ample comfortable…read moreseating, bar with terrific spirits and staff is beyond accommodating. Doc, Eric and Josh were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I broke code by working but it was an amazing place to work. But don't work!! Enjoy a great cigar or three, great conversation with a friend or just relax by yourself. I would recommend a visit anytime you are in town. Enjoy!!

If you're looking for a place that will make you a good, strong classic cocktail this is it. They…read morehave a rotation seasonal menu but don't expect the theatrics. It will be delicious and balanced.

Came here on new year's eve with some friends! The ambiance is great. Nicely lit and the bar is big…read moreand beautiful. We all ordered the seasonal holiday drinks and were pleased. Service was good. At first we had to sit outside because inside was full, but tables opened up quickly. Nice place to dress up and get flavorful drinks!

The drinks are good.... But we haven't had a good customer experience in getting those drinks…read more The id check lady outside was lovely but after that it went down hill. When walked in and the two bartenders were busy, no big deal, we grabbed menu on the empty side of the bar. We were set and good to go and just waiting to order. In the meantime another lady comes up to the counter and then shortly after them two friends. Both bartenders were ready for orders at the same time and they prioritized the newest guests to approach the bar, there was no greeting, no asking who was next, nothing... which if it was a huge bustling bar I would understand but when we walked up there was only two other two at the bar... both of which they were helping so it was very clear we were next. For the price of the drinks Id settle for at least friendly customer service. It's a shame since it's a really cute spot and dirt bag right next door has great staff.

The liquor side of the house. Great cocktails and awesome bartenders. Ryenne was super helpful…read moreagain and offered great tips on drinks.

We had an extremely memorable experience at Alley Twenty Six, in large part to our amazing server,…read moreAnthony! We made a reservation for a Saturday night dinner and he made sure we were well taken care of all night. We started the night with their James Bears award winning cocktails, and every drink we ordered was a hit! Spiced strawberry mule, Sunset Sipper, and the table favorite: Earl Please. The latter two drinks were mocktails and they were still standouts! As for the food, the Alley burger was perfectly cooked: juicy patty paired with truffle cheese and simple toppings that really highlighted the burger itself. And shoestring fries are always a good choice with a delicious burger. Ricotta gnocchi was also very good. As our server Anthony said, let's get this burger nominated!

We hav been here twice and gotten a burger each time. Foie burger is the way to go. Hands down one…read moreof the best burgers I've had. The "wings" were absolutely killer with the perfect sweet and spicy flavor and that dipping sauce with them is out of this world. I would get the burrata again too, the only miss was the gnocchi and I say that but I ate every bite... so it's old a miss compared to everything else. Service was top notch and the drinks are delicious. I want to go get a drink at the funky little ally window one night. Go here! Get the burger! You will not regret it