5 Actual Hidden Gem Bars in Raleigh

The term "Hidden Gem" gets thrown around a bit too much, so I thought I would take a stab at a list of five Raleigh Bars that you truly may not know about.

Author

Mason @ TRI
June 20, 2025

First, thanks for stopping by, I just want to share one thing first:

I write a pretty cool (at least my readers think so) newsletter called The Raleighwood Inbox, that features all the best events in and around the Raleigh area. If this sounds up your alley, consider subscribing today. It’s totally free as well.

— Mason @ The Raleighwood Inbox

The Blind Barbour

What: Cocktail & Whiskey Bar

About: With a fairly unassuming exterior, you may not think twice if you passed by but I would urge you to reconsider. This cocktail and whiskey bar, started in 2016 and is one of the best spots for new special whiskey releases, classic cocktails, and liquor tastings.

If you’re reading the newsletter, you know they also do live music at times too. Plus, if you’re really falling in love with the place (we get it), they are also available for private bookings, just contact them over at: [email protected]

Locals Tip: Just north of Wade Ave, west of Five Points, this bar really has a great location. The parking lot they are in is usually open enough to drive over easily but it’s a super manageable ride share coming from most or Raleigh as well.

Unlikely Professionals

Where: 212 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC 27604 — look for the telephone booth across from the Standard.

What: A General Store, Beer, & Wine Bar (Yes, all in one!)

About: This is one of those places that just does not feel like it should work but oh, man does it ever. You’ll find a good mix of craft beer & wine, and just enough decor to make it feel like your cool friend's basement bar (but one that actually had a budget).

Even more exciting is with their success as of late (though the hidden gem status might be outdated soon) they are opening a second store in North Hills, coming as early as this summer.

Check out their Instagram below and visit their shop to see some pretty rad merchandise.

Locals Tip: Parking over near Oakwood can be tricky. First tip, just get there 15 minutes early to whatever you’re planning on as you may have to take a lap to find spots.

The parallel spots on Person St. leading up to Oakwood (before the Krispy Kreme light) sometimes has easy spots if you don’t mind walking a block or two. At times you can sneak in a spot over by The Standard or on the corner of E Franklin / N. Person.

Usually, you will have to head a block or two back into the neighborhood and find street parking, just pay attention to the signs and don’t block driveways and you will be good to go. I’ve been over there ~50 times and almost always find a spot within 10-15 minutes.

(psst, the above all applies to the next venue on our list as well)

Sous Terre

Where: 620 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604 (the door is really more on Pace St.)

What: Underground Cocktail Lounge w/ Keyed Entry

About: As one Google Review points out, “this is where your favorite bartender’s, favorite bartender works at”.

Sous Terre itself literally translate to “underground” in French, so just remember that and you should have no trouble finding your way back there. I would recommend a drink but their selection changes (by design), so keep coming back to try something new.

They have a “membership” in the form of a physical key. To get one of these keys, you will need to inquire above ground at Crawford and Sons or Jolie (the price is $40-50).

That key will gain you access to around back to this unassuming external door, seen below. Take the stairs down, use the key at the bottom, and find yourself in a world of unique and hand crafted cocktails (every one we’ve had has been incredible).

The black door on the white wall around the side of the building on Pace St.

Locals Tip: The key is an awesome idea, but split it between friends.

We hand the key off each time we go in our friend circle and it’s a nice social way to still partake in their concept while feeling like you have a reason to go back and use the key.

Usually whoever has it takes the lead on planning for the night, has us all there, and at the end of the night, they hand it off to keep the cycle going.

Website: Seems no website, check their Instagram below.

Schoolkids Records

What: Vinyl Record Shop, Music Venue, & Hidden Bar.

About: If you’ve been here a while you probably know this exists, but did you know (or remember) that they have a bar too?

Between local bands filming performances there, vinyl spinning all day, live shows, and over a dozen local and craft beers, with 6 taps to sit and enjoy — this location is really such a vibe to relax and chill out at. Their history is quite impressive as well and even if you aren’t feeling the bar scene for the day, there’s always something going on.

Locals Tip: Go on a night with a show, you’ll get a local music vibe that is hard to find anywhere else in town — events list for the location here.

Hoppy Endings

What: Neighborhood bar, Bottle-shop, & Largest Whisky bar in the Southeast.

About: If you don’t know where to go, you might miss this bar. It’s tucked away in Litchford Village up in North Raleigh and as of last time I was there (early 2025), they had 7 full length shelves, stacked 3-4 bottles deep of every type of whiskey imaginable.

The shelves actually line the entire building and the entire right side of the shop is a bottle shop as well (seen below). It might be the single largest stock of alcohol in one location that is not an ABC store or warehouse in Raleigh.

Check out their socials below for game days, live music, new bottles, & more.

Locals Tip: A lot of these drinks hit harder than you might think. Their menu has got be at least 20 pages long (no, seriously, its HUGE) and its filled with an insane selection, many of these aged longer than you’ve likely had a chance to experience locally.

Prep a ride-share for this one because it really is a great spot to settle in for an afternoon (or late night). They also play local sports, we go there often for the Canes games as well.

Website: No website but they operate off Facebook & Instagram (below).

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