Bars in Raleigh

10th and Terrace is a rooftop bar on the tenth floor of a downtown Raleigh building, best suited to groups looking for a skyline setting over a destination drinks program. Booking is easy and walk-ins are generally feasible. Go for the view and the group-friendly format; for serious cocktails, Raleigh has stronger options.

13 Tacos and Taps is a low-key north Raleigh neighborhood spot built around a simple format: tacos and a tap list, with a casual room that suits regulars more than destination diners. Booking is easy and walk-ins are generally available. Go if you want a reliable, unpretentious local option without the production of a downtown night out.

Angus Barn is Raleigh's go-to celebratory steakhouse — a barn-style dining room with a wood-smoke atmosphere, a nationally recognized wine program, and a crowd that skews toward anniversaries and business dinners. Worth the higher price point if atmosphere and occasion dining matter to you. Easiest to book on weeknights; weekends fill fast.

Bida Manda is one of Raleigh's most distinctive dinner options, bringing Laotian cooking to a setting that works well for dates and celebrations. The outdoor terrace is a genuine draw, and it's easy to book by downtown standards. If you want something with more character than a standard New American restaurant, this is the right call.