The Nightlife is a Great Life

The Entertainment and Nightlife Scene

With the expansive and diverse cultural and entertainment offerings of Downtown Raleigh, including the symphony, opera, live theatre, music and movies in the park, sports events, museums, IMAX® Theatre, First Fridays, Raleigh Wide Open, Artsplosure — to name just a few — can there be any other entertainment options available?

From the alternative to the quirky, from the subdued to the outrageously energetic, clubs, restaurants, and other venues in Downtown offer everything from a quiet highball in an elegant bar, to the raucous sounds of live rock ‘n roll. Patrons should note that while some clubs are private and require a membership to participate in the fun, many offer those memberships for a nominal fee or even free of charge.

Those desiring a relaxing night on the town may choose to escape and unwind at one of Raleigh’s quieter nightspots. Descend the stairs to Havana Deluxe and find your way to a comfortable seat on one of the bar’s couches. Select a cigar from the humidor, order a martini, and relax as you enjoy your stogie, or engage in a friendly game of darts or backgammon. Find yourself stepping back in time into the charm, sophistication and understated elegance of a 1930’s jazz bar at Amra’s, presenting live music each Wednesday through Saturday night. Or slip into The Bar at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, open until 2 a.m. for a latenight snack. April & George Art Bar & Wine Gallery combines fine wine and fine art, exhibiting the works of a different artist each month. Kulture provides free WiFi Internet and a full espresso bar and “music you don’t have to yell over.”

For a more neighborhoodbar atmosphere, visit The Borough and check out the standings from Wednesday night poker. The Raleigh Times Bar offers up 50 Belgian beers, and Stool Pigeons Coop and Grill features hand-tossed pizza, burgers, and spirits. Visitors to the Flying Saucer Draft Emporium will find no less than 81 beers on draft.

The martini seems to be all the rage as the center theme of many nightspots, though not in the same form one might have sipped in earlier Raleigh times. For a different twist on the classic, check out the Tini’s and Toes Party every Thursday at Primp Salonbar. Or sample tapas while sipping a cocktail at Blue Martini.

Need a good laugh after a long day at the office? Grab a seat and an opportunity to see stars and rising stars at nationally recognized Charlie Goodnight’s, the top comedy club in the country. Make it a complete evening with dinner at The Grille at Goodnight’s, and enjoy fresh food prepared over an open mesquite wood flame. And ComedyWorx presents professional team-onteam improv, where teams compete for points based on audience responses and suggestions — why, you may even find yourself on the field with the teams.

And music lovers will find no shortage of options, from blues to zydeco. In addition to traditional Irish music sessions, where patrons can bring their own instruments and sit in and play, Tir na nOg Irish Pub schedules a variety of live bands, both local and from across the pond. The Pour House presents a full schedule of live music, with an accent on folk and bluegrass, and Dueling Piano Players take to the rock ‘n roll keyboards at Rum Runners. Zydeco Downtown provides jazz aficionados with yet another place to take in the cool sounds of the night. And Yancy’s is serving up entertainment seven nights a week, including local, regional, and national bands offering R&B, beach music, and of course, zydeco. Whatever your tastes in live music, chances are one of Downtown Raleigh’s clubs is serving it up in style.

In addition to live music venues, Downtown is host to a number of hot spots with state-of-the-art dance floors, sound systems, and DJs mixing everything from hip-hop and top 40 to world beat music. The Office, complete with patio, pool, and waterfall, occupies a former blacksmith shop and Logans Coal Warehouse from the late 1800s. Dance to the music of the London, Paris, and Miami scenes at Mosaic Wine Lounge, a nightclub fashioned after the boutiques and bazaars of converted 15th century Moroccan palaces. Or discover the culture of the islands in the reggae-themed Club Ital Lion.

Many of Downtown’s nightspots also host special events during the week, including karaoke nights, singles mixers, talent shows — even speed dating. Or book your own party in one of the many private clubs. And should you happen to find that you’re just not in the mood for one spot’s offerings on a particular evening, Downtown Raleigh’s pedestrian-friendly streets and diverse selection of activities encourage you to step out and discover what’s happening just down the block.