We came here for a pre-wedding welcome party. They had a lot of unique cocktails. One came with charred rosemary that they charred in front of you at the bar which was a fun spectacle. The food was also very good with the sliders being a favorite. As we were leaving, the line was around the corner so apparently this really is the place to be in Raleigh. read more

Stopped by on a Friday night with a friend, who really enjoys coming to Watts & Ward. However this experience fell a bit flat for me. First off Friday is BUSY, which isn't surprisedly however you have to pay to get into a place when there's basically no seating room left and it took almost an hour to get drinks from the bar. There was only 2 bartenders working and there was no rhyme or reason of who got to order first. You basically just have to push and shove to get to the front, which is ehhh. Once you get your drinks (which you should just order everything you want at once), the drinks weren't even good!! I will the decor inside was very nice - very lounge, jazz bar vibe. But I probably won't be back again unless it's during the week when it's so crowded and the bartenders have time to craft a good cocktail. read more

I simply loved the vibe, ambiance, service, drinks, music, EVERYTHING about this bar. We had an incredible evening. The interior design is amazing and ample of seating spaces to enjoy a tasty drink. read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Great intimate spot for a date night but can also be a good place to bring your friends! There is a $2 membership fee at the door that is good for a year. Lots of seating areas, but it's quite popular so it can get crowded. The drinks are always good and reasonably priced. read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Great cocktails and service. Vibe is cool only taking off a star because I'm morally against paying $2/ per person to enter a bar that has less than 10 people inside. read more

Watts & Ward - Fluer de melon - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Horrible overpriced drinks at the rear bar last night in addition to my credit card information being stolen! Fraud alerts galore the next morning. NEVER again and enough said!! Stay away unless you enjoy bad drinks and credit card fraud! read more

Love the speak easy vibes and the bartenders are awesome! The outside patio has great vibes on Thursday nights.

One of my favorite speakeasies in NC! If you're every close to Raleigh, W&W is a great spot. You walk downstairs into this gorgeous old building that is decorated to a T. Every table makes you feel like you're in a private setting as it's quiet and cozy. Their cocktails are also of the highest quality using the best sprints and ingredients. I got a few classic cocktails little a dirty martini and a few of the ones on their menu. Everything was perfectly balanced. Absolutely check them out! read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Watts & Ward is a unique 1920's themed speakeasy style bar located on S. Blount St Downtown Raleigh. Situated in the basement of the Montague building, it features 4 bars: The Mud Room, Main Bar, Patio & Library. I have visited twice now and enjoy the grown & sexy vibe and diverse mature crowd here. They play all the classic throw back jams also. The staff whom I've interacted with appear to enjoy their place of work and take pride in that. I visited recently on a Sunday when service was slower during the holiday and this evening for comedy night. The comedians were from all walks of life and talented. Izzy Burger of Wilmington being my favorite of the night. The service was excellent tonight, the bartenders were very friendly and bar service was offered while seated. I've ordered the Far East Ricky with Tanqueray Gin, Lime, Cucumber, Mint with an Egg White and the Penicillin with Johnnie Walker Red Label, Ginger, Honey, Lemon, Islay Scotch. I enjoyed both. I really enjoy how the Prohibition and Roaring 20's vibe is carried throughout the venue. It makes you feel like you flew off a page of the Great Gatsby. This venue is huge and features a beautiful garden patio. I look forward to returning for the live Jazz night, patio and more comedy. read more

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Came here for drinks after dinner, and unfortunately this felt very chaotic and confusing. There are three or four different rooms, including an outdoor patio. It just seems like they're still deciding on what the vibe should be here. Doorman charges $20 a head to get in just a heads up. Drinks were just ok. Not very memorable read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Limited drink menu, but the space is unbeatable. So many rooms and nooks to sit and enjoy a cocktail. Lovely outdoor space as well! read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Great atmosphere although it can take awhile to get drinks. This is a good spot to bring out of town guests.

Mixed bag with the bartenders. Some poured horrendously foamy, watered down beer and would make fun of you with their coworkers. Some would shoo you away by invading your space if you were just hanging out at the bar. read more

Very cool spot. I love the dark and chill environment, leather couches, & yummy cocktails. Definitely a place to go with a group of close friends or it's a great place for a date night. I love intimate atmosphere. It's a vibe. read more

One of the largest speakeasy's but still is intimate ! Cool underground basement location ,nice Decor and vibe . Was busy but fast service from Charloleta ? read more

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Our 1st speak easy and we've done speak easy in the past and this one wasn't as welcoming, bar services wasn't good, music was bland, I wouldn't recommend it unless you need some place to gather. Drinks were non par, watered dwn...i don't recommend... read more

Really cool spot Highly recommend Great vibe and service .................. Love the back bar .. read more

I came here with my cousin and my aunt at around 5:30 p.m. on a Friday evening. That early, the bar was pretty empty. I ordered a French 75-7-6, which was good. I'd never been to a speakeasy-style bar before, but it was a lot like I had expected: very dim lighting, swanky furniture, and fancy drinks. Overall, a fun choice on a night out once in a while. read more

We had a wonderful time here, it almost feels like you know a little secret when you first show the bouncer your ID an d start walking down stairs. The drinks are perfect, and the vibes are so laid back. There a couple of rooms that feel more secluded, booths for more space, but primarily mostly couches to keep that chill energy while you sip on an amazing drink and catch up with your people, or even do some work like I did. Highly recommend Watts & Ward! read more

Watts & Ward - The left drink is the daddy issues drink, the one on the right was requested.:) - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Each of the cocktails are freshly made. Every single one I've tried has been delicious. The atmosphere is amazing!

I visited Watts & Ward and went to the bar and spoke with "High Maintenance" Bartender Johnny and had him make me a drink not On the menu but a Johnny whiskey special and he made a Final Word with Bullett Rye Wiskey the drink was well balanced with a sweet taste on the back end. The atmosphere is sexy but the bartender are soso. I would go back for the cuteness but the cocktails are suspect. But remember I'm a boozy drinker. But overall Johnny the bartender gets a lot 4/5 for being save and I don't even do boys...lol. read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Great venue, music, and service! Went here for my wedding reception after party and everybody had a fantastic time! Great jazz on certain nights, especially some C grace is gone. :( read more

A genuine speakeasy. Cool vibe, great service. Several nooks for privacy. Cool R&B band. read more

Watts & Ward - It's a true speakeasy in a cool basement location but also has an attached outdoor bar and stage. Try the Bow&Arrow cocktail. - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

This was a fun stop on our night in Raleigh! This is a club and you have to join but once you join you're in forever. So the fun bouncer/host at the door checked our ID's (yes even us 50 plus people) and then we paid our club dues! The vibe in this place is very cool! It feels like a prohibition era hidden bar. It's in the basement and the furniture is all ancient, antique, whatever word you want to use. They have a good selection at the bar, I know this because Hubby orders unusual bourbons. There are a couple of walk up bars and also some staff walking around for orders. We waited for about 10 minutes, then the gentleman went to the bar to order. Of course, no sooner had they ordered then the gal came to see if we needed anything. So, us non-alcoholic beverage people ordered from her. The group near us was really LOUD, so we meandered around the rooms and find a quiet nook. We enjoyed our drinks and the great people watching. Stop in for a drink if you're in Raleigh, it's worth the price of membership to see the cool bar and seating areas. read more

Watts & Ward - Bar area - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Excellent service and the drinks are all unique and crafted with care. I was super surprised to find out my drink (New York Sour) would be made with egg whites! The taste was wonderful. Inside of the establishment has a very nice ambiance. Low lighting and lots of couches. What I enjoyed the most is how the inside was split up in sections so it's not just one huge room with lots of couches. The outside courtyard was amazing as well. Strings of cafe lights along with more couches and fire pits made it very cozy. I do wish there were more seating options or even high top cocktail tables place around the area so if it's busy you could sit your drink down. That would not deter me from coming again, though. Can't wait to come back!! read more

Husband & I had SUCH a great time here on a Friday night! The vibes & mood are on point! read more

Watts & Ward - Drinks - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Outstanding! Great ambiance, lots of different nooks & crannies to tuck away in and enjoy craft cocktails & convo. Also large spaces for socializing in groups. More than one bar, which is great for its size, and also means you get your drinks quickly, despite the technical skill and detail involved in making some of their cocktails. The bartenders are magicians, every drink myself and my friends had was top notch. Excellent, highly recommended! read more

The live jazz on Valentines provided in adequate seating for those that purchased tickets for listening to the live jazz most were relegated to other rooms where you could not hear the live jazz it should have been orchestrated to have it broadcast throughout the venue not just the one section therefore many who paid did not have the benefit of hearing the live music Just saying it could have been done differently so all who paid could hear ;-) read more

Cool place, great selection, amazing ambience. This is an incredibly well-kept secret downtown.

Watts & Ward is one of my favorite places to get drinks in downtown Raleigh. They feature three different bars, each with an amazing ambiance. If you prefer being outside, they have a plenty of outside seating on their patio which also features live music once a week. Enough about the ambiance, they have a huge selection of cocktails that are perfectly crafted by their staff. Watts & Ward is only of those places where you will amazing cocktails complemented by a great ambiance. read more

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Wow what a cool place. It has the Speakasy feel with all the wood, turn of the century furniture & leather decor. This place is huge. There were so many different crooks & crannies in this place. Definitely a millennial crowd but plenty of spots for any ages to hang out and get interesting drinks. The drinks can be pricey but then The bartenders take their time to craft beautiful drinks. I don't know how I have missed this place before but I highly recommend this bar for something unique in Raleigh. read more

Watts & Ward - Amaretto sour. Bartenders are making Art with their drinks! - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Our favorite bar in Raleigh! It is so nice, spacious, I never have to wait in line for a bathroom or drink, and the drinks are delicious.

Finally had an opportunity to check out this slick speakeasy! Find it around the corner from Caffe Luna. One dollar and an id to the guy at the top of the stairs will get you an instant membership. (If you're wondering why the membership is necessary to access a bar, know that it's a NC legal thing when a bar doesn't serve food...sigh, NC still has a way to go with some things). But you only have to pay the dollar once, then your id is linked to a membership and you can bring a couple guests with you next time. So...down the stairs you go (and quite the stairs they are...concrete, a bit narrow, I can only imagine how fun they could be after a few too many!), and into a hallway, and another hallway. Then rooms and bars and comfy couches, booths and well...it's a big place that's perfect for any size party. Very comfortable atmosphere! The two of us landed in a booth. Note: don't be in a hurry if you go here, as it gets really busy. Allow time for service (they will want you to put a card on file), drinks to be made...takes awhile...then getting the check can take some time. Wine choices are limited (only one chardonnay, for instance, decent pour for $10) Signature cocktails are $12. My wine plus Husband's Old Fashioned with Basil Hayden was $27. read more

Watts & Ward - Old Fashioned & Chardonnay - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

So we were in Raleigh bored looking for somewhere to go. Came across Watts&Ward and it was Super cozy loungy vibes with beautiful leather Chesterfield sofas everywhere. It Gives very NY speakeasy read more

If you're looking for a cool, chill vibe this is your place. Drinks are yummy. Service is attentive. The place itself is cozy or open - up to you. Also, perfect balance of busy without being crowded. I'll definitely be back... again! read more

Visited this last Sunday night around midnight. We were in Raleigh for the long weekend and kept on walking by this place. The vibes were really cool so we had to make sure we visited our last night in town. They have a nice "underground" section and also an outdoor space. Cocktails were good and the bouncer was friendly. You have to have cash to get in the first time. You pay $1 for an annual membership that is linked to your ID. If we were ever back in the area, we will definitely visit again. read more

Watts & Ward - Mojito, Carolina Lily - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Delightful cocktails in a beautiful setting. Highly recommend! The enclosed yard is a really nice area to relax and enjoy.

Cool speakeasy vibes. Definitely take the time to walk around the halls, it's actually a decently sized place with a good outdoor space. My Moonrider (tequila) was a little too sweet and maybe had a spritz of alcohol in it at best. However the Far Harbor was very good and tasty. read more

Horrible bartenders-- didn't even know how to make classic cocktails. My French 75 tasted like cheap Prosecco and lemon juice.

Great little place to have a cocktail. We came here at 4:30 on a Monday and there was only a few other people in the place. There is ample seating throughout so if you had a bigger group you could definitely find a way to be comfortable. The noise also wasn't there so it was easy to talk with friends over a drink (though that could be just the time of day and day itself). The decor is really relaxing with the dark lighting and plush couches and wood accents. Cocktail was wonderful as well I didn't like having to pay a dollar to get in the door. That's so old school and not in a good way. It's a bar, not a tennis club. Other than that great place to catch a drink after hours! read more

Watts & Ward - Speakeasies Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina