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    Slim's Downtown Distillery

    3.7 (40 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars, Music Venues
    Closed 4:30 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Slim's Downtown Distillery Photos

    SLIM'S DOWNTOWN DISTILLERY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Loud
    Divey
    Hipster

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    Reviews With Photos

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    Brad G.

    When I think of how to best describe Slim's, I keep coming back to the bar equivalent of your favorite old pair of jeans. They might be a little too tight and smell like an ashtray, but they're perfectly worn-in, you love the way you feel in them, and every time you step into them a million nostalgic stories come to mind. Like those old jeans, Slim's has seen a lot in its day. It's one of those places that can rightfully be called a Raleigh landmark. Hidden away in a Wilmington Street storefront, you might never know this place exists, but its stage has seen the likes of Raleigh's most heralded artists as well as the occasional national act (Butch Walker can ALWAYS be found here after his shows in town). Walking in the door greets you with the smell of smoke, the sight of walls covered with rock memorabilia and alcohol swag, and the sounds of eclectic rock tunes from either the jukebox or the tiny backroom stage. The crowd can range from college-age punks to emo kids to middle-age locals to aging hipsters, and I've never been when I haven't been chatted up by most everyone at the bar. The bar service is great, the drink prices are cheap, and even when crowded it's no harder to move around than most other venues in the area. If you're around the bar at last call, you'll want to order a PBR in a can...it's a bit of a tradition among the Slim's crowd. Take a look down the bar and you'll see that familiar red, white, and blue can in front of most every patron, signaling the end of one more great night at this time-tested downtown hangout. Slim's is a delightfully cramped, smoky, unintentionally hip and low-key oasis in the sea of downtown Raleigh. If you're a Raleigh native who's never been, I recommend you make your way there ASAP - and if you're new to the area, now's a great time to get your first dose of a Raleigh tradition.

    Ken H.

    Came here based on a friends recommendation and it was everything he said. Divey, but cool as hell. Local bands playing on a Wednesday night. Great beers - including canned versions of Natty Bo and Schlitz. Great atmosphere and service.

    If you are looking for an amazing "Grape Panty Poop" shot, come to Slims and talk to Alison !

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Locals only. No music requests. Shut up and drink. Everybody's having a great time. Mind erasers.

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    18 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Slims is great if you want a dark place to have a drink. It's mellow. I hear it has music too... just not on a Tues night.

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    9 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Exactly what I was looking for. Dive bar but waaaaaaay less filthy. The bartender is great company. Love love love this place!

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    7 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Worst spaghetti I've ever had. Technically I never had it, because no one ever took my order. Ridiculous.

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    10 years ago

    This is one of the best dive bars in Raleigh. Its a great place to hide and be anonymous after a long day at work.

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Slim's Downtown Distillery

    Review Highlights - Slim's Downtown Distillery

    Slim's is a delightfully cramped, smoky, unintentionally hip and low-key oasis in the sea of downtown Raleigh.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Zan is the best bartender I've ever had, everyone needs to come here to chill and get your drink…read moreon. Made my friends birthday the best experience ever, would hang out with him socially given the chance

    Want to go to a nice place to unwind after a long day? Don't go here! If you don't trust me, check…read morethe other 20 one-star reviews describing the poor and discriminatory service provided by Chris Pope. Chris is a racist and demeaning bartender. I have been going to this establishment for several years, but I am now forced to avoid it on Thursdays (when Chris Pope works) because he is unreasonably rude and insulting. Even his own co-bartender begged him to, "not be an a--hole tonight," before the two of them fought in the back. It is incredibly disappointing and hurtful, and, frankly, it raises serious concerns about the bar's negligent--or, based on the copious negative reviews, reckless--retention of this employee. Zog's, an otherwise fine establishment, opens itself up to needless liability due to Chris' inability to perform his role without aggressive and embarrassing theatrics. Several other bartenders have called him out on his unacceptable service, including Daniel, but they all refuse to report it because they are afraid of the consequences. (If Daniel were the sole bartender, Zog's would likely have nothing except five-star reviews.) No one wants to work with him, and no one wants to attend this bar. Numbers are dwindling, and other patrons universally acknowledge that they, too, avoid Zog's solely because of Chris. I am keen on taking this further and will not relinquish my efforts until Chris Pope is let go. Zog's is a great establishment that is being ruined by his presence. For those disappointed by this result, Four Corners is a great bar just up the street! I would suggest going there, where the bartenders are courteous. I genuinely hope management takes these concerns seriously, because Zog's could be a great spot-just not on Thursdays.

    Photos
    A collage of Zog's environment; colorful, inviting, & cray
    A collage of Zog's environment; colorful, inviting, & cray
    Get funky with Christmas lights.
    Get funky with Christmas lights.
    Live music monthly! Here's our Hip Hop Rap Round Robin.

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    Live music monthly! Here's our Hip Hop Rap Round Robin.

    Slim's Downtown Distillery - divebars - Updated June 2026

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