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    The Willard Rooftop Lounge

    3.4 (131 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    The Willard Rooftop Lounge Photos

    THE WILLARD ROOFTOP LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE

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    Touristy
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    Intimate
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - The Willard Rooftop Lounge

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    Cran-ma Got Run Over By A Reindeer and an Old Fashioned
    Joy R.

    Super cool rooftop experience while staying at the AC hotel. Amber was THE best. She was so attentive and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. Seasonal, festive drinks with light bites in a beautiful space was the order of the afternoon of celebrating our NCSU graduate. Definitely check this spot out. We will be back...probably later tonight after our celebratory dinner.

    Charcuterie Spinach and Artichoke dip Short rib flatbread
    Erica I.

    I went here for dinner with some friends, and had a very nice time. It was super easy to make a reservation, and there's a very easy parking lot (free on the weekends) a couple blocks away. We ordered the spinach artichoke dip, the charcuterie board, and the short rib flatbread. Everything was very decent- The flatbread was my favorite, with a very flavorful and generous serving of short rib. The dip was tasty, no complaints there. But the charcuterie was enormous and fun to graze on, but I was missing some outstanding cheeses or meats. Probably the best bang for your buck with this one, but it fell a little flat for me. The only thing I didn't love was the service. They tried to seat us outside on some couches without a real table, and it was very much drizzling on us. When we asked to move inside, they were not very happy. We ended up sitting at a very small table, which was perfectly fine since we were dry. Other than that, the inside was lovely with a beautiful view of the city. I imagine that when it's nice out, it would be a LOVELY rooftop dinner space.

    Kailah D.

    As soon as I entered I was greeted by the employees. Everyone was kind. This was my first time at The Willard as I've always wanted to go. Both the inside and the rooftop were really cute and the view of Raleigh was very nice at sunset. We shared the pretzels and the chicken bites with lemon pepper with sweet thai chili sauce on the side and I ordered the Banana, Please drink. We ordered the food and drinks based on our server's recommendation. Everything was delicious!

    Charcuterie
    Annie J.

    The Willard is located on the rooftop of the AC Hotel in downtown Raleigh. When we visited, seating was limited, so I'd highly recommend making a reservation if you don't want to wait. We sat outdoors, which was lovely, though the space felt a little tight. The staff were friendly and attentive. I tried a few of their cocktails but I preferred the wine. Overall, The Willard is a great spot for drinks with a view, especially during sunset. Just plan ahead for seating.

    Glass of their Jacques Bardelot Brut Champagne.

    Beautiful views and good service. I had the short rib flatbread and it was delicious.

    crowd and view

    Elevated Snacking at The Willard ​Let's be honest: half the appeal of a rooftop bar is enjoying the skyline views, and the other half is hoping the food actually lives up to the altitude. At The Willard, it absolutely does. ​The Vibe The atmosphere strikes that elusive balance between a chic lounge and a genuinely comfortable hangout. The DJ deserves a serious nod for spinning a backdrop of tunes that perfectly match the sunset--energetic enough to keep the night moving, but chill enough that you don't have to shout over the bass to recount the highlights of your latest mixed doubles victory. ​The Spread ​The Cheese Plate: An absolute thrill ride of dairy. The offerings are genuinely exciting, featuring sharp, creamy, and funky selections that make you feel infinitely more sophisticated than you actually are. ​Cheeseburger Sliders: Perfectly executed, juicy little bites of classic comfort. They deliver exactly what you want from a burger, minus the heavy commitment of a full-sized bun. ​Chicken Caprese Sliders: The elegant cousin to the beef sliders. Fresh, flavorful, and a masterclass in packing maximum taste into minimum real estate. They are the perfect, highly snackable refuel after organizing a massive midday park takeover with the posse. ​The Finale ​Petite Fours: Do not skip these. These delicious little squares are bite-sized perfection. Plus, why commit to one giant slice of cake when you can eat a handful of tiny masterpieces and convince yourself it's a "light" dessert? ​If you're looking for stellar views, killer tunes, and a menu that doesn't miss, The Willard is exactly where you want to drop your paddle and raise a glass.

    Ashleigh F.

    The Willard is located downtown inside of the AC hotel. There is outdoor seating where you can take in the nice views of the city. It was a little chilly outside so we dined inside. Once I was seated I was greeted right away. The staff was initially pleasant. I got the wagyu burger with fries. Our food was brought out quickly. The burger was really good & the fries were also good and served hot. While dining I wasn't provided with a refill on my water or wasn't asked if I wanted one. After we were finishing our meal, our server came over & just gave us our bill without asking if we wanted it & if we wanted anything else. The restaurant was not busy at all or they were not closing anytime soon.

    Ted G.

    What is the draw of a rooftop bar on a nice day that becomes such an attraction? Being out on an open rooftop overlooking the city, surrounded by comfortable chairs and excellent drinks is what brought me to the Willard and being as impressed as I was, I will return. The staff are great and the Old Fashioned's are excellent! Cheers!!

    pancetta and manchego croquetas
    Sydney H.

    We came here during Triangle restaurant week and enjoyed our dinner. The Willard is located at the top of AC hotel in downtown raleigh. We had a reservation for a friday night and made the reservation 2 days before. My husband and I both ordered the croquetas to start. We were very suprised we how much we got (6 pieces per person). They came out nice and hot and had a garlic aioli to dip. The cheese was perfectly melty and so tasty. For our entree we order the BBQ bacon pretzel burger, which wa sour favorite because of how flavorful it was. The bureaus burger was good, but the bun didn't seem toasted and the overall burger did not come out hot. We ended our night with the churro cheesecake which was so delicious! We also ordered the chocolate torte, but had it to go. it was topped with candied pecans, and the torte was very rich, but also delicious. We left with some leftovers and overall enjoyed our meal! All of our food came out pretty fast as well

    Black is the new berry

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Don't walk too quickly past this gem, take the elevator up and have amazing sites and amazing food and drinks. Have a BLAST, it's worth it!

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    4 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    Sandra B.

    Thank you for the 5 stars Rishika!

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Service was not great, food was terrible, drinks were ok. The only good thing I can say about this place is that the view is amazing

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    Page 2 of 4

    Ask the Community - The Willard Rooftop Lounge

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    4.3(85 reviews)
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    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!

    Looking for a good cigar - run here!! Mine was sweet and tasty!…read more Drinks were mixed perfectly!! I had 3- Long Island iced teas. Comfortable chairs however, get could use a facelift. Excellent service !! There was only one bartender and he handled the entire business. At one time there were about 19-20 people there. Bathrooms were clean!! 2 stalls per gender. Huge collection of cigars to choose from. Tip: This is a hockey bar so if hockey is playing then it's on tv. Period?? So no NFL draft but it was all good. Bar Rules!

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    FOUNDATION - Seasonal menu and famous Appletini which is not to be missed!!

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    4.4(332 reviews)
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    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.

    Foundation Bar offers a uniquely cool vibe, tucked away in a basement location that makes it easy…read moreto miss if you aren't looking for it. The interior features rotating art hung on the walls--which adds a great aesthetic and is even available for purchase if you fall in love with a piece. The drink menu is impressively extensive, and the bartenders certainly don't skimp on the pours; if you aren't a frequent drinker, one strong cocktail will definitely be plenty. The staff is consistently polite and welcoming, and the overall atmosphere makes for a solid night out. The only notable drawbacks are the lack of a food menu, not even offering small bites, and a noticeable smoke odor inside that might bother non-smokers. Still, it's a great spot for drinks and atmosphere.

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    Bar

    The Willard Rooftop Lounge - cocktailbars - Updated September 2026

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