8 Favorite Glenwood Bars

Who doesn’t love bar hopping downtown? We certainly have spent our fair share of nights living it up on Glenwood South. From cocktail bars to dance to music venues and everything in between, Glenwood really has it all. Check out some of our favorite Glenwood bars!

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? @thearkroyal

1. The Ark Royal

Need a mini vacay, but can’t get away? Step into a tropical paradise at The Ark Royal. This fun, vibrant tiki room will transport you to your happy place as soon as you walk through the door. We’re a big fan of the Belafonte No. 1, a tasty tropical frozen drink that tastes straight out of the Caribbean. Plus be sure to wear a cute fit, because the insta photo potential here is a 10/10.

Hours & Location

? 410 Glenwood Ave. #350

Visit website

? @clockwork919

2. Clockwork

Tucked around the corner is Clockwork! This bar—complete with mod deco vibes—is serving up craft cocktails and tasty snacks. Our go to drink is the Last Tango in Paris with gin (but is still very tasty with vodka)! And you have to have something to eat when you’re bar crawling down Glenwood! From tacos to pizza to charcuterie, Clockwork has something that will hit the spot.

Hours & Location

? 519 W North St

Visit website

? @pluspianobar

3. PLUS Dueling Piano Bar

In the mood for live music? Head over to PLUS! You won’t believe how big of a space is hidden right in plain sight. PLUS is the largest dueling piano bar in the US—yup, you read that correctly—and is jamming out every weekend! This is the perfect place to come eat, drink, sing, and dance the night away!

Hours & Location

? 510 Glenwood Ave

Visit website

? @killjoycocktail

4. Killjoy Cocktail

Okay, so not technically Glenwood bars, but it’s close enough that Killjoy needed a mention. Home to creative, seasonal cocktails and mocktails Killjoy is a must do when heading downtown for the night. Be sure to make a reservation because it gets busy especially on the weekends! Plus their cocktail names are hilarious like Get Figgy Wit It and Pear Necessities! It just makes you want to try their drinks even more!

Hours & Location

? 116 N West St

Visit website

? @wearewonderland_

5. Wonderland Tapas and Cocktails

The vibes at Wonderland are electric. Start with queso fondido—trust us—and then scan the cocktails list to pick your drink of choice. We’re obsessed with the Thank You Come Again #chinesetakeout and once you order it you’ll see why… The drinks here are not only tasty but perfect for posing for photo with! Definitely go all out with your outfit when you head over to Wonderland, your Insta game will thank you later!

Hours & Location

? 222 Glenwood Ave

Visit website

? @tinroofraleighnc

6. Tin Roof

It’s fish bowl time! Tin Roof is serving up tasty drinks, including fish bowls perfect for two (or one after a rough day)! Always check out their events calendar to what’s happening; Tin Roof always has something fun going on! The cool thing about Tin Roof, is you can start your night is a chill sports bar atmosphere and come back later for full on concert vibes!

Hours & Location

? 300 Glenwood Ave

Visit website

? @milkbar.nc

7. Milk Bar

Looking to dance? Milk Bar is a great place for classic cocktails—like the trusty vodka sprite—and moving to the beat. Grab a spot on the ledge by the garage doors for the indoor/outdoor feel perfect for crisp Fall nights, because it gets hot in some of those bars!

Hours & Location

? 410-101 Glenwood Ave

Visit website

? @botanicalraleigh

8. Botanical Lounge

Go check out Glenwood’s newest addition the Botanical Lounge! Boasting a menu of small plates and creative cocktails (like the iconic gin and tonic tree), Botanical Lounge will quickly make onto your list of must dos. Whether you like snacking on corn dogs, croquettes, lobster nuggets, or caviar Botanical Lounge has your late night bites covered. Plus be sure you’re looking cute because this bar is so Insta-worthy!

Hours & Location

? 419 Glenwood Ave

Visit website

Be sure to tag us in your Glenwood bars South adventures @StuffToDoInRaleigh and use #stufftodoinraleigh to be featured on our page! And if you’re looking for other fun things to do, check the UNATION app and our City Guide.

Our Favorite Glenwood Bars

1. The Ark Royal

2. Clockwork

3. PLUS Dueling Piano Bar

4. Killjoy Cocktail

5. Wonderland Tapas and Cocktails

6. Tin Roof

7. Milk Bar

8. Botanical Lounge

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Curated by

Anna Brescia

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Our Favorite Glenwood Bars

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Curated by

Anna Brescia