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    The Blind Barbour

    4.9 (80 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    The Blind Barbour Photos

    THE BLIND BARBOUR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Intimate
    Classy
    Quiet

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    Recommended Reviews - The Blind Barbour

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    Menu
    Chris H.

    What a cool and eclectic cocktail bar parked away in an non disclosed neighborhood shopping center. When we went by, I thought it was closed because it was so dark. The bar is really cool and they have an extensive menu of Bourbons and Whiskies. They do have specialty cocktails as well as wine and beer on tap. If I remember right the bartender said they have "at cost" bourbon bottle openings on the first Monday of the month, which is pretty neat (no pun intended). It's a nice spot to hangout and grab an after dinner drink. Definitely check them out on Instagram!

    Bar area
    Kim P.

    Stopped in later on a Monday for a post dinner cocktail. This place is located in a mostly abandoned shopping center in what felt like a neighborhood, so that threw me off a bit. Walking in, it's like being transported to classy speakeasy in a big city. It wasn't crowded at all, so we were greeted by the bartender and he was really attentive. We looked over the extensive menu and selected cocktails. I had You're Killing Me Smalls, and it was really good. There's a little sweetness but not overwhelming. I wish I lived closer! Would love to work my way through the extensive bourbon menu.

    The Citizen Kane- beautiful and delicious!
    Tania M.

    The Blind Barbour is one of the only places still standing in that area, but that just gives everyone who visits more room to park;) The atmosphere is great. You could come here to catch up with friends or have date night drinks. Our bartender was awesome. Very knowledgeable. Answered any and all questions we had. The cocktails we ordered were delicious! We are already looking forward to coming back to check out some of their other signature drinks. Cheers!

    a menu for a drink
    Vaughn C.

    Do not be fooled by the exterior... this bar is amazing. Like amazzzzzzzing drinks. Great convo at the bar, great selection of high end bourbon/ whiskey. Bartender is on point, drinks are super quality. Everything you want in a bar and more.

    Stephanie J.

    The Blind Barbour ranks in the top 3 of my favorite cocktail bars around the area. The cocktails here are fantastic, my personal favorite's are the Porch Swing (this was the first visit) and the City of SmOAK (my most recent visit). The bartenders are always knowledgeable and friendly. This spot is a must visit.

    El Coyote
    Lana L.

    So glad my friend discovered this place and brought us. All I have to say is... Great music + beautiful bar area + lovely atmosphere + tall wooden booths that allow for some privacy + well made drinks + cool bartenders = 5 stars for me. My El Coyote (El Jimador Tequila, Green Chartreuse, cinnamon, strawberry preserves, lime) was great. I took my time sipping it over two and a half hours. Will be back very soon! Taste | 5 Atmosphere | 5 Presentation | 4 Service | 5 OVERALL | 5

    Basil. Hayden. Yum.
    Alison D.

    YES. And thank you. After my friend and I weren't quite ready for our girls' night to end, I sat in my car thinking to myself, "I really want to go have a whiskey but I don't want to go to a loud downtown bar." Thanks to Yelp, I found The Blind Barbour and it was exactly what I would have created in my mind if I could have imagined a perfect place to enjoy an hour of whiskey and easy conversation (rather than shouting over music and Millennials). Our bartender was knowledgeable, not pushy, not snobby, and had the best accent. He chatted with us a bit, and also left us alone. He's got the fine art of tending bar mastered. Friendly, but not all up in your business. While we were there, there was a pretty steady (but small) stream of people stopping in to enjoy drinks and company. Everyone seemed nice and laid-back, and not into "the scene", whatever that is. Basically, if you want a loud, bustling bar full of pretty people trying to impress one another, don't go here. If you are a normal human being 'of a certain age' and you enjoy a good variety of Bourbon and Whiskey, whether a novice or whiskey expert, this is your place.

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    2 days ago

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

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Really great and broad selections of bourbon. Knowledgeable bartenders. And amazing cocktails.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Smalls is the only reason I came tonight. Never get rid of him. Wonderful experience as always

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Incredible drinks!! The bar tender is knowledgeable and funny and it a classic, dark wood speak easy feel.

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great vibe here. Low key, fantastic bourbon list. Overall super cool place to hang out.

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Unsure how this place is not as well-known, but it is A true neighborhood bar with top right cocktails and an amazing bourbon selection.

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    4 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Really unique place with a cool vibe and great selection of bourbon. I will definitely return.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Blind Barbour

    Do they have wine?

    We do have wine. We have several reds, whites, sparkling, and rose!

    View All 3 Questions

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    Whiskey Kitchen

    Whiskey Kitchen

    4.0
    (790 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Whiskey Flights
    Whiskey Flights
    Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken
    Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken
    The Botanist and Paper Plane

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    The Botanist and Paper Plane
    The Oak - Raleigh

    The Oak - Raleigh

    4.2
    (574 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$

    What a lovely restaurant - we will be back, soon! Our server Mary Beth provided outstanding service…read more- personal, tuned-in but not hovering. The food was perfection. I had the flounder tacos, which were fresh, flavorful, beautifully seasoned but not hot or overly spicy and included fresh corn, slaw and magic. My husband had a summer vegetable risotto with pan seared salmon and he raved about it. We each had the classic old fashioned with the restaurant's signature bourbon and we shared an exquisite peach and bourbon bread pudding for dessert which was surprisingly light, but a large enough portion for us to take some home in a to-go box. The vibe is beautiful. The owner Hali stopped by to chat with us and the host, John, was a pure delight. Relaxing evening, great ambiance and service and delicious food. Obviously - highly recommend!

    Stopped by for an early lunch with my son, just after opening…read more The interior is nice, clean, and has a cool, darker vibe, but I will say it feels more suited for a later meal or evening setting. If it's a beautiful day, I'd definitely recommend sitting outside instead. Still, the inside has a cozy, laid-back feel that works well. Shoutout to Qua, who was both the hostess and our server. She was welcoming, attentive, and handled everything smoothly, even as a few more parties came in while she was the only one serving at the time. One thing I really appreciated was that she let us know upfront what items were out of stock before we even looked at the menu. That level of transparency is huge and makes the experience so much better. My son ordered a slider with fries from the kids' menu. It comes with just one slider, so I ordered a second, definitely the right call. He enjoyed it, and the fries were cooked well, just a little on the salty side for our taste (ketchup helped balance that out). I had the shrimp tacos. It's packed and perfect portion for lunch. The shrimp, pineapple slaw, and chipotle mayo was a nice mix. The restaurant was clean (including the bathrooms). The location is also a plus, super close to the Art Museum, which makes it a great stop before or after visiting. Overall enjoyable, and I'd come back, especially to try more of the menu and the drinks.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Bourbon slider , Mac and cheese and unsweetened tea
    Bourbon slider , Mac and cheese and unsweetened tea
    Whiskey sour and Eighty Six but made with bourbon

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    Whiskey sour and Eighty Six but made with bourbon
    FOUNDATION

    FOUNDATION

    4.4
    (332 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    South side
    South side
    Foundation old fashioned
    Foundation old fashioned
    Bar

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    Bar
    Dram and Draught

    Dram and Draught

    4.2
    (112 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Stopped by Dram & Draught for a cocktail while visiting Raleigh on a quiet Saturday afternoon, and…read moreI'm glad we did. Right when I walked in, the vibe hit. Classy but chill, the kind of place that feels welcoming whether you're on a solo drink mission or meeting up with friends. The space isn't loud or chaotic, which made it perfect for a relaxed drink and conversation. It felt like a local hidden gem rather than a tourist trap, and that's always a plus when you're exploring a new city. The service was great from start to finish. The bartenders were friendly, attentive, and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they do! They gave recommendations, and took the time to chat and help them pick something perfect. Of course, I had to go with the espresso martini, because if a spot has it on the menu, I'm trying it. And wow, this one was good. Smooth, balanced, and truly the kind of cocktail that makes you forget you're basically drinking dessert. Not too sweet, with that rich coffee flavor front and center. Easily one of the better espresso martinis I've had in a while. Even though it was a quiet afternoon, the energy didn't feel slow or empty, just comfortable. It was obvious this place would be equally great on a livelier night, too. This is definitely a great cocktail bar that's worth a stop if you're in Raleigh. Friendly bartenders, excellent drinks, and a vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town!

    Hey Guys we went to Dram and Draught for a drink making Class. We were the pilot class. To say it…read morewas a success would be an understatement. We had so much fun. We were early so we stopped by the bar for a quick shot, Tequila of Course. Rhett got us straight. This Respasado was nice and smooth. Next off to class. We picked our seats and played out for us was a jigger, Shaker, t- mixing spoon, strainer and a mixing glass, a nice one. We also had a recipe card. We got to make 3 drinks( and drink them). We also learned about the brand that was sponsoring the event. This was amazing for the first time being held, the ladies for nice and friendly, the bar has inside and outside seating. The bathrooms are nice and clean. I think we all hung around a bit to finish our drinks. They were very strong! Not light on alcohols at All! I came home and made my own Oleo! Thanks Dram and Draught!

    Photos
    Dram and Draught
    Dram and Draught
    D&D Old Fashioned

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    D&D Old Fashioned
    Havana Deluxe

    Havana Deluxe

    4.3
    (86 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    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!

    Definitely recommend! No food but excellent service! The ambiance inside is cool , it reminds me of…read morea club house . Parking in the area is relatively slim but I'd go again!

    Photos
    Havana Deluxe
    Havana Deluxe
    Havana Deluxe

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    The Blind Barbour - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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