I was here with a friend last weekend to pop in during a hot afternoon weekend day. All I wanted was a soft drink. The walls and doors were pulled back and the entire restaurant was completely open air as was the patio which looked amazing! I got into a terrible argument with the hostess who insisted I put a mask on to walk 25 feet to the bar to order a to-go beverage. I reminded her repeatedly that I was outdoors, the restaurant was completely open to the air with no wall, and technically, it was almost like being outdoors. She assured that I would never return there again! read more

It was our first time visiting Raleigh, and we had heard great things about the Whiskey Kitchen. We made our way over there for dinner after exploring the city throughout the day. When we got there, the hostess told us that there was a wait. She seemed very aloof and didn't seem engaging at all. We weren't sure if we wanted to wait, so we asked if we could just go to the bar. To our dismay, the hostess said that we weren't allowed to do that... we were very thrown off by that. She ended up telling us that the wait was only 30 minutes, so we put our names on the waitlist. She then proceeded to tell us that we could go to the bar to grab a drink while we waited... this made no sense to us that we only could get a drink at the bar if we put our name on the waitlist. When we went to the bar, the bartender was very unfriendly. We asked him for recommendations on the drink menu, and he didn't greet us with the friendliest response. He didn't welcome us or give us a friendly smile after we told him it was our first time there. I did end up ordering the Paper Plane, which was very tasty. We finally got a text message that our table was ready. At our table, I ordered a local IPA (Noda Fusion), which was really good. I highly recommend it if you like hazy IPAs. I got the Shrimp On the Rocks as my appetizer. Although it was a little small for the price, it was very tasty and had a great presentation. Two of my friends and I all ordered the Fried Chicken Sandwich, which was very tasty. The crispiness of it was so good, and their homemade ranch was a great addition to it. I am giving this place a one star because of the next situation that happened. My friend got sick and caught herself from throwing up at the table. She has internal stomach issues, and this can happen from time to time. She didn't think she would make it to the bathroom, so she ran outside around the corner. Our waitress, Robin, came over to let us know that her manager saw our friend throwing up outside and said that we had to leave... we were very angry and disappointed at this. 1) The manager didn't come over to tell us this themselves. 2) No one even asked to see if our friend was okay or if she she needed anything. 3) This was a medical issue that she has and not some drunken escapade. Robin acklowedged that she, herself, thought that we were fine and didn't understand why the manager made this decision. I am adamant and confident in not going back to this place. It seems poorly managed, and most of the employees seem unfriendly and unwilling to make it a great experience for the customers. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE the lamb burger. So incredibly good. I don't recall the pricing being too absurd; maybe 16$? It was a very good size portion and the atmosphere of the restaurant is great. Will definitely be going back! read more

I came here on Sunday with my friends and my pup! Luckily there is outdoor seating so you can bring your dog. I ordered the chicken sandwich and fries. The fries were good but the chicken was not. I split half with my friend so I could try the burger as well. And I was not a fan of the burger either. The drinks are good but outside of the patio option and drinks, I wouldn't come here for food. The staff was nice and helpful as well! read more

Chicken sandwich was mediocre but the Farmers cheese appetizer was solid. Cool venue but we were disappointed with the food overall.

The cauliflower app was absolutely amazing. The ambiance of the restaurant was great as well. Our entrees were good but nothing crazy. Overall, great place read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I walked in used the bathroom waited 5 mins for someone to take my order. When the guy came to me he ask was I outside m. There was no hostess. He said the kitchen just closed. However as I walked out two guys were ordering. I'm new to town and a Yelper! I take dining very seriously. So I never had the opportunity to try the food. Not sure if I would come back. That experience left a bad taste in my mouth . read more

Great food, good drink options. It's an open and airy indoor space and we love the mural inside that brings the urban feeling we crave downtown (where we also live) inside. Their outdoor patio is set with a ton of umbrellas and picnic tables and is usually happening, especially on weekends. They have a great brunch menu and good menu for lunch and dinner as well. Tip: I love Bloody Mary drinks on Sundays but theirs isn't my favorite. Go for a beer or whiskey drink instead. read more

Went here for a work event and got the shrimp and grits. The grits were nice and creamy, the amount of shrimp was satisfactory and the bourbon tomato gravy made it a craveable dish. The service was pretty slow but our waiter was bogged down by the amount of work groups that were there, so I can see why it took a bit longer for everything than it might usually take. Will have to go again to try the whiskey flights and see how their old fashioned is. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Shrimp n' Grits - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

This would be my place if I lived in this area! I couldn't stop looking around and desiring to take pictures; so many Istagramable spots, this place is gorgeous. I would like the decorated to be in charge of my future addition. The mural is beautiful and very intriguing, so make sure you look long and intently as you never know what you might find. We came here for an app and drink before a rehearsal dinner, or we would have eaten and drunk way more. The bartenders are more like a mixologist. We like sitting at the bar, and it is massive, so no worries about not finding a seat. They have tables indoors and outside along with one of my favorite things, a fire element!!! I am not sure what you call the item that holds the wood as it is a fresh piece of art, but it was lovely with benches and fantastic landscaping all around it. The glassware is gorgeous (see my pics). I love it when places take time to find an appropriate glass for their lovely drinks. I follow the Keto lifestyle most of the time, but when I am on vaca or in a mood, I do not. Tonight I was not following Keto, which is why I had an old fashioned, and I was so happy I did as it was phenomenal. My hubby drinks the Scofflaw was very tasty too. We only snacked on the Cracklin' Biscuits and boy were they oh so good. I loved the layered biscuits as a kid and was "famous" for eating them layer by layer. I took myself back to childhood, separated the biscuits into many layers, used that butter, and spread out the crackles, whereas my hubby gobbled down his and was very jealous of all my food. As we left we took a moment to warm ourselves by the fire element. read more

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Stopped here for appetizers since we were waiting for our table at another restaurant. A private event had just ended indoors (you can reserve the venue for private events!) So there were a lot of open tables and we were seated immediately. Our server quickly brought us waters and gave us the menu run down. In the end we ordered the fried brussel sprouts and farmers cheese. The brussel sprouts were crispy and had a delicious sweet sauce on them. Also the dish had pickled onions mixed in which gave a nice contrast to the sauce. The farmers cheese came with a poached duck egg on top of the cheese that also had basic seasoning. Personally my favorite was the farmers cheese but my fiance loved the brussel sprouts. I'd order both again. We didn't try any drinks but heard a lot of good things. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Very good time to eat here seems to be at lunch time. It was busy, but not crowded as it is in the evening. There were 9 of us, and we were seated promptly. I had the brisket sandwich with fries Others had the meatloaf sandwich or the fried chicken sandwich. They all looked so good. There are plenty of fair-type fries and a large sandwich. I took half of that home. Everything was very good. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Brisket sandwich and fries. - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Really great food and nice place to chill, chat, and chew on a fall afternoon. The bay doors were open so the whole place was nice and cool and breezy. The food was excellent. I was nursing a hangover and everything hit the spot. The broccoli is omg and the shrimp with their special cocktail sauce were delectable. I opted for the BLT which was solid. A nice hearty sandwich, but not too heavy if you know what I mean. Oktoberfest for my recovery beer and everything was smooth sailing. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Shrimp on the Rocks - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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My husband and I came late for dinner and sat on the patio. Great atmosphere and staff! Food was a little lackluster to us, I got the shrimp and grits and it was swimming in a tomato sauce that wasn't all that tasty and spicy in my opinion. Instead of trying to get it down and be stuck eating TUMS all night, I switched it to the lamb burger, it was just ok, My husband got the Brasstown Burger and again it was just ok. I love that this place stays open late but if your palate is used to seasoned food then you may want to ask for salt. I really wanted to like the food more, I'm glad we tried it BUT may not come back. read more

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This is such a great place for so many reasons. I've been here several times for drinks, a bridal shower and most recently for dinner. We started with a few whiskey drinks (how can you not?) - both the Cooper's Cocktail and the Old Fashioned were both just as tasty as you'd expect. We then ordered the Chef's Board as an appetizer. This was A LOT of food and could easily serve 3-4 people, but I have no shame for my love of cheese and we were happy to share between just the two of us. It was served with the usual suspects - some kind of bleu cheese, a sharp white cheddar, some prosciutto and salami. I like when the server/food runner tells you what everything is, but it was all delicious regardless. For dinner, I got the Smoked Mushroom Risotto. It was soooo creamy and delicious, especially with the addition of the poached egg on top. I ate about 4 bites and had to box the rest, but it was just as good the next day! My friend got the Blended Buck burger - full disclosure he's a chef so probably pickier than most - and he said it was awesome but "not James Beard-worthy." I tried it and thought it was really flavorful and worth ordering if you want something a little different. I absolutely love this open, airy downtown Raleigh restaurant! Make sure you pay attention to parking so you don't get a ticket like me (looking at you N&O lot with your tricky signage). Also, this place can get a little loud, so probably not the best spot for your first Tinder date or grandma's 90th birthday :) read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Smoked Mushroom Risotto - divine both the night of and the next day! - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Came here for lunch on a weekday with coworkers and had a great time. The space is very clean and hip. The seating style is mostly tables and benches with a few couch/round table situations. It was a seat yourself style so we grabbed a booth that looked like it would comfortably fit 4 people, but there were set ups that looked like they fit 8 or more. I ordered the turkey wrap lunch special. It came with shoestring fries. They have other lunch specials - all $10. Our server was very attentive and came back to refill waters often. She even asked if we were in a rush because it was a work lunch which I really appreciated. I will definitely be back. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Turkey wrap - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Go for the atmosphere and drinks, skip the food. Went for our first date night since getting vaccinated and we were super excited to try Whiskey Kitchen. The place is gorgeous and the big garage door wall was open to a beautiful summer evening in Raleigh. Great. It was a Thursday night and not overwhelmingly busy. Waited about 10 minutes at our table to get our order in. A cocktail for my partner and a whiskey and beer for me. We ordered our food as well since it seemed service wasn't going to be great. 20 minutes passed before my partners cocktail arrived. Another 5 minutes for my pour of whiskey. That's right, 25 minutes to pour a whiskey. Then our appetizer arrived along with my partners meal (at the same time). I reminded our server about my beer, he said he forgot and brought it a minute later. We finish the appetizer and split my partners entree by the time my entree arrived 15 minutes later (brought out by a line cook). Mine was lukewarm so it seemed like it had been sitting. Didn't see our waiter again until we were almost finished. The food was mediocre though it carried a price tag that claimed otherwise. My $24 pork chop was dry and under seasoned. It was over cooked which is forgivable given its pork and some places are weird about that, but honestly it was a flawed recipe. They need to brine these ahead of time. No steak knife was present so we used the dull butter knives. On finally seeing our server we asked for steak knives and he brought a single knife over. The Brussels sprouts appetizer were tasty because they were fresh, but uninspired and under seasoned. My partners meal was perhaps the most egregious: a terrible fried chicken sandwich. We are in the golden age of chicken sandwiches, doubly so in Raleigh. This was overcooked, dry, almost no seasoning, not very flavorful chicken, and my god the biggest, mealiest bun ever. We threw the bun away. Maybe if we had added ketchup or any condiment it would be better but no chance to ask anyone for such a thing. I don't write bad reviews often but Whiskey Kitchen was supremely disappointing. We won't be coming back or recommending it. read more

First let me start out by saying that this place is awesome and unique. The selection of whiskey and bourbon is awesome and they seem to be able to accommodate the palate for all drinkers. The corn bread and boiled peanuts were awesome appetizers. I had the fried chicken sandwich and my wife had the shrimp and grits. Both were really good! The collards greens were the best in my opinion. So now the reason that I took away a star... I don't think I've ever been to a place as nice as this and highly rated that DOESN'T have high chairs. Could we have put him in his stroller? Yes. However, we want our baby to be comfortable while eating as well. If they get high chairs in there for smaller children then it will be 5 stars. read more

My husband recommended this place to me multiple times. I honestly remember looking at their menu and wasn't impressed. I think it had to do with what I was in the mood for that day.This last time I was looking for a Brunch spot. Well, the menu definitely stood out to me for brunch. We went there and the atmosphere was inviting. It was just nice enough to sit outdoors but we opted to sit inside. The host was pleasant and he was very welcoming. He even checked on us throughout or brunch to see how we liked everything. Our waitress was just as welcoming, knowledgable, and polite. She made some great selections and we felt comfortable and relaxed. I hate being rushed when I am out enjoying myself. A carafe of cranmossa was definitely on the menu for today. We started off with the broccoli. It was so delish. We even liked the beet dressing. I am a huge aioli fan and they had some so I did add some of the to the side as well. For my main course I had the veggie scramble with a side of bacon. My friend had the shrimp n grits. I had to try hers as well. Everything was flavorful and delicious. Sadly they were out of the peanuts. The one thing my husband wanted me to bring home for him. read more

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Visited Whiskey Kitchen to grab some cocktails! The atmosphere is amazing, it's a place you can hang out in for hours! The cocktails were delicious and very reasonably priced :) read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Old fashioned - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Whiskey Kitchen is a great place for any Whiskey-Lover in Raleigh. The restaurant is truly unique in all aspects from the food selection to the atmosphere. Service is always top-notch at any place in the restaurant, which is a rarity as service can be slow at other restaurants when you do not sit at the bar. They finally brought back The Botanist. Now, this drink is where its at!! I am usually not a gin fan but... So delicious! A few years ago there was a debate between Popeyes and Chickfila over who had the best Chicken Sandwhich but that distinction lies with Whiskey Kitchen - hands down, no questions asked. Worth paying to park, and worth a wait if there is one. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - The fried chicken sandwich. - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Great drinks, excellent food, and service was on point (Cedric). The outdoor space was great for our family

Went here last week before our concert. About 5-ish and the place was not very busy, but had a party of 50 coming at 6. Let me say up front, that I'm not a whiskey drinker, but I ordered a "flight" of Japanese whiskey for my husband and I to sample. This really is a bar first and foremost which also serves food. There were a couple of tables next to us that ordered the hummus plate and the farmer's cheese appetizer. They looked pretty good. My husband ordered the fried chicken sandwich with fries and I ordered the catfish which came with a tasty slightly spicy Japanese sauce over coleslaw. It was the biggest and thickest catfish I had ever seen which I doubt was really catfish. All the food tasted very good including the desserts, the pot de crème and the shoofly pie. I would order the shoofly pie again, but not the pot de crème. The restaurant was beautiful and spacious. The whiskey flight was OK. The last one had debris in it and they replaced it. The worst part was our waitress. She was not attentive at all and made a point to look away from us when she passed our table. She also said they had coke products which would be not typical of restaurants in the Carolinas, so I ordered a Coke but it tasted like Pepsi. She replaced it with tea for me, but I thought I would have to whistle at her to get a refill. I would try this restaurant again maybe? I give props to the staff because the kitchen wreaks of cooked collards. I would not be able to work there. read more

Great atmosphere, amazing drinks, and amazing food. These are legit the best fries I've ever had . Try them with the bbq honey mustard sauce. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Fries - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I had been to Whiskey Kitchen before to drink, but I had an opportunity to try their food last week and I was pleasantly surprised! We both ordered the smoked chicken, it was the best chicken I've had in a long time! So tender and juicy. We also ordered the cornbread which was really good! I looked at what other people ordered and it all looked delicious. The prices aren't terrible either. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Came here while passing by, celebrating my friends birthday. The place is very spacious, for a Friday night seemed quiet. The bartender greeted us and was very attentive. The drinks menu is ridiculous! Check out the Japan whiskey. Wow. I had a beer though, however in my defense it is a seasonal release from wicked weed. Watermelon and dragonfruit. Check it out, it's a good vibe. And again, the bartender exhibited excellent customer service. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Current - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I'd been dying to go to Whiskey Kitchen, and my first experience was just okay. Wait staff was very friendly so that side of things was 5/5, but the fried chicken sandwich didn't meet my expectations. I'd seen a lot of other Yelpers reviews/photos so I was really excited to try it. It felt like it was missing something. It wasn't super flavorful and the sauce on it was good, but needed more. The place felt pricey, but I guess it's normal Raleigh prices. I love the aesthetic of the inside and outside. read more

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At the epicenter Raleigh NC. Whiskey Kitchen is this nice upscale not over the top but amazing beautiful well designed menu that touches a little bit of North Carolina and it's Southern roots. Great vibe, excellent service with all so caring and knowledgeable to answer your questions. Seating is wonderful indoor and a beautiful day outdoor. Server wearing gloves and mask Covid protocol as well Hand Sanitizer. If you like pull pork, and southern comfort food but in a more creatively way this is a very nice spot I recommend read more

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My husband and I are new to the area and had a staycation in DT Raleigh. So glad I found this place on Yelp. The food and drinks are delicious! I had the Poinsettia and a burger. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Irish Coffee and Poinsettia - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I've driven by Whiskey Kitchen multiple times and always note how popular it is (before and during Covid). Finally tried it out for the first time last night and I get it now. The spacious building, the wait staff, the food, the price point, etc. I'll be going back again and again and again :) I will leave you with this wisdom: get the Brussels sprouts regardless of whether or not you're a Brussels sprouts person. It doesn't matter. They're bonkers delicious. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Brussels of the Year - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Walked in. Two thirds of the restaurant is empty. But I can't get a table for 45+ minutes. Also I can't sit at the bar. I can sit at a table outside in the cold tho! Yeah no. Also, they don't take reservations. And their phone system is down for maintenance. So how are all the empty tables spoken for? There is literally nobody waiting for a table to open up in the front of the place. Ok bye. read more

SO GOOD. I love everything. Their cocktails are amazing and smooth. The fried chicken salad is delicious and omg their. Salad. Is. Six fresh. And their "peppercorn beet dresssing" is the best ranch I've ever had. Go here. It's fun and chill and delicious. Oh and the staff is awesome and kind and caring and good- Especially our server Greg! And there is parking all over but we parked caddy corner for just $5, which was totally worth it for the convenience! read more

I had the fried chicken sandwich & share fries. The Sandwich was great, and the fries were good. My server Dawn was very pleasant and the atmosphere was cool too. read more

Drinks: 6/10 Food: 2/10 Service & Atmosphere: 9/10 Drinks were... drinks. Nothing to complain about with a dirty martini and prohibition style old fashioned. Fried Brussel Sprouts were good, but I've never had bad fried Brussel sprouts at a restaurant before. Chicken Sandwich was dry as all hell. No sauce or anything. Just tasted like the fried outside. Pickles on sandwich tasted like straight vinegar, and the fresh fries SUCKED. I looked at the kitchen line, and there has been the same bowl of fries under the heat lamp for 30+ minutes now. No wonder they are soggy and gross. It's 9:30PM and there's 1 ticket on the board, so there's no reason to have a bowl of fries when the restaurant is slow and not selling them fast. As for the Cranberry Salad, there was absolutely no toppings (It says there is goat cheese, sweet potato, and pepitas) but there is barely any to be found. The lettuce isn't really cut so I cut it myself. read more

This place has some "funky ass ketchup" says my girlfriend Hahahaha! We ordered the Lamb Burger (Tomato, shepherd's blend cheese, vesta aioli, basil, mint) and Fried Chicken Sandwich (Buttermilk & sweet tea thigh, sweet mustard bbq sauce, bread & butter pickles, brioche bun) both with sides of shoestring fries (aka McDonald's shaped fries but way better LOL) Both burgers are hella delicious! We kept switching every other bite in order to savor each flavor. Their sours are pretty good too. D9 Whiskers on Kittens (Wild Sour 5%) andWestbrook Lemon Cucumber Gose (5% fruit gose). I thought the gose was way better then the wild sour but the wild sour tasted similar to apple juice. Bottom line: don't settle for one sandwich, GET TWO. Oh yeah. Pro tip: get the vesta aioli to dunk yo fried stuff in, super gooooood read more

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Only 4 stars because of the atmosphere and the cocktails. Outside of that the food is subpar. We had the fried chicken sandwich and the mozzarella salad with fried chicken. The chicken was overfried and tasteless; the best part of the salad was the mozzarella otherwise flavorless. The fries and the biscuits were the only things worth eating. read more

Whiskey Kitchen is a newer addition to the Downtown Raleigh scene. The venue is beautiful, with a ton of space both inside and outside. Drink selections are truly immense, and fans of sour beers need to make sure to try the Bond Brothers Strawberry Guava Sorcery. I tried the Skate Sandwich, because believe it or not, skate rays aren't simply things you step on at the beach. I might be in love with this sandwich. The fish was battered with the perfect amount of breading, and it was fried to perfection. I might have to go order another one right now. There's not too much else to say. Whiskey Kitchen is a terrific venue featuring great drink selections and good food. I like this place. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Skate Sandwich - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

It's a shame we couldn't make this our inaugural post-vaccination dinner out. I went to reserve a spot on the patio but both the website and the phone number all say you cannot reserve outdoor space. Yet when we got there we are told that they have overbooked the indoors and there's a 2.5 hour wait. Then one of the hosts said we should have made a reservation. If you're going to seat reservations outside if they ask, just let people know you take reservations for outside. If not, then how on earth is it going to take 2.5 hours to seat 3 parties first come first serve when there are 2 open tables? read more

Downtown Raleigh restaurant, with a large open indoor space (looks like a large converted garage) and plenty of outdoor seating. Pretty good crowd on a weekday. This place doesn't take reservations and people seat themselves, which I'd heard causes a little bit of chaos when it really gets crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. Most of the menu is whiskeys, and they have a lot of them as you'd expect. I'm not a big whiskey drinker so have yet to try any. I had their beer and bourbon cocktail, and it was alright. They also have some southern style pub fare. The fried cauliflower was pretty good, and a pretty good-sized serving. The Carolina stew was tasty and hearty. Overall, seems like a decent place to grab a bite and drink some whiskeys. read more

Whiskey Kitchen - Anticlockwise from top: fried cauliflower, Carolina stew, and Beer & Loathing cocktail - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I will support this business over and over again. Everyone is so kind and I love that they do not require masks instead of continuing to push wearing them despite the gov pulling back the ex order like some other restaurants downtown. Plus they have amazing food. You have to try the lamb burger. It melts in your mouth. read more