Jake Neurer
There’ll be a $2 entry fee collected by the bouncer before heading downstairs. He didn’t seem to know whether to charge us (2 people) $2 or $6 each…Sometimes misleading since they also mention an annual membership fee, which seemed to be systemless.
Once you get downstairs, they have a wicked layout and speakeasy atmosphere. Exposed brick, dimly lit, and various leather chairs/couches/loveseats to choose from all throughout. Multiple rooms and bars to enjoy depending on the ambiance you & your party are looking for. Not to mention, for Downtown Raleigh, their back patio (w/ a bar) is HUGE. Strapped with sunbrellas and patio furniture.
Ordered a few cocktails while we were there: Espresso Martini ($16) – Wheatley Vodka, Illy Cold Brew, Kamora, Orgeat. Standard E.M w/o lacking originality. Rotational “It’s Not Just Water” – Mezcal drink with a dehydrated lime garnish. The title wasn’t far off as this cocktail tasted watered down and soft. All while the service wasn’t rude, the bartender was essentially silent without dialogue.
It’s not all doom and gloom. Aside from the awkward cover fee, deadpan service, and lackluster Mezcal drink – I’m over the moon for outdoor and indoor layout. I’d take company there just for the comfortability of space and ability to converse easily. Atmosphere alone is probably W&W’s best quality. Had one of these 3 factors been absent, I’d rate them 4.5⭐ (rounded up to 5 for Google).
… moreBrett
Very popular underground cocktail lounge, with superb aesthetics and a very interesting cocktail menu. It is surprisingly spacious and has a dark ambiance which is perfect for dates. Longer cocktail list than most places. $2 entry fee which I respect. The only problem is ordering a cocktail is very inefficient, you better be willing to wait in line for like 20 minutes before telling The mixologist your order, the process takes forever and the cocktails are quite small and slightly bland. Still, I would give this place a shot just for the reputation!
… moreEmma Erehart
They don’t have food, but the drinks are awesome! My friends and I went the other day – make sure you have your IDs with you obvi – and we got the seasonal red velvet espresso martini, vanilla espresso martini, and I had them special make me a gimlet & it was sooo delicious —- 10/10 would recommend
… moreJennifer Compean
Went on a Tuesday night before dinner. Drinks were delicious and service was great. We found our own private nook but there are so many seating areas to choose from for small or large groups.
… moreAli H
Really cool underground speakeasy bar. They charges us a $2 per person entry for a “one year membership”. Never seen that before but it wasn’t much so we didn’t mind.
Once you’re inside it’s an amazing place. Lots of cool spots to drink, great for date night like we were on. It’s very low lighting and the seats were comfortable. Drinks can take awhile to get but over all we liked the experience and would go back.
… moreSherman
I wanted to give a shoutout to an employee there Lavant, this gentleman was very kind and patient. I was having urgent issues and couldn’t find the restroom beause there are so many rooms and even though he was carrying ice to fill somewhere, he took the time out to guide me to the bathroom so I didn’t have any accidents! Thanks so much and it’s the way he made me feel as I wasn’t a burden that makes me want to come back. I had a great time overall and the theater room was one of my favorites.
… moreC_R_E_A_M Dollar Dollar Bill Yall
After dinner, decided to walk around to explore a bit on this crisp August evening to help my food digest. Stumbled upon a line that drew my curiosity. Watts & Wards is easy to miss or pass by if not paying attention. Though if you are alert /aware, this is a cool hidden gem. There’s a small membership fee to gain entrance. The vibes are cool. You’ll go under ground to lead into an oasis of good music, cool & chill people and bar stations placed strategically throughout. This was absolutely a happy accidental find. Met 2 other new visitors and chatted a bit before heading out. I’d definitely return.
Unika B. & Co.
… moreHannah K Elliott
Lavant made our night. He was personable, attentive, and seemed to really care which is rare. He took the time to recommend a drink based on what we like and he wasn’t even behind the bar. We ended up getting the moonrider and it was spot on. Great energy, great conversation and smooth service all around.
… moreKathleen Ballard
First time checking out this spacious below-ground speakeasy and we loved it! Easy free parking in the garage a block away. On a Friday night at 10pm the long line almost turned us away, but it moved fast so don’t be too alarmed! $2 “membership” cover to get in and drinks were priced as expected. Drink lines at each of their bars will take time to get through, as well as finding a seat for your group, but that’s par for the course here and lends well to making friends. Excited to go back!
… moreCalli
Employee Lavant was so amazing! He managed to keep me company during my visit while efficiently washing dishes. With his great humor and smile, he made the overall vibe 10x better! He will definitely be a wonderful bartender one day!
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