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Best Cocktail Bars In The North Carolina Piedmont

Best Cocktail Bars In The North Carolina Piedmont - The Crunkleton
The Crunkleton - Charlotte, NC

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Welcome to our guide to the best cocktail bars in the North Carolina Piedmont! If you’re in the mood for expertly crafted libations and stylish ambiance, you’re in for a treat. 

From classic cocktails to innovative concoctions, this region offers a variety of bars to suit every cocktail enthusiast’s palate.

City Cocktails

 

In Charlotte, cocktail lovers can enjoy sophisticated sips at spots like The Crunkleton in Elizabeth. 

Known for its extensive selection of spirits and skilled bartenders, The Crunkleton offers classic cocktails and creative twists in an elegant setting. 

For a more intimate experience, head to Dot Dot Dot in Dilworth, a speakeasy-style bar serving up handcrafted cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.

Venture to Raleigh-Durham and the Triangle region for more cocktail-centric destinations. Visit Foundation in Raleigh, a sleek cocktail bar known for its inventive drinks and stylish decor. 

Alternatively, check out Alley Twenty-Six in Durham for a cozy spot to enjoy classic cocktails and seasonal creations made with house-made ingredients.

Outskirts

 

In Greensboro and Winston-Salem, cocktail enthusiasts can explore a variety of bars offering unique libations. Stop by Bar Pina in Greensboro for tropical-inspired cocktails and vibrant decor reminiscent of a beachside oasis. 

For a taste of old-school glamour, head to Tate’s Craft Cocktails in Winston-Salem, where you can enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a chic, retro setting.

For a memorable cocktail experience in the Pinehurst & Sandhills area, visit Drum & Quill Public House in Pinehurst. 

Set in a historic building, Drum & Quill offers a cozy atmosphere and a selection of classic and contemporary cocktails made with top-shelf spirits.

RankNC's Top Picks

The North Carolina Piedmont region has a vibrant cocktail culture, with various bars and lounges serving expertly crafted libations to suit every taste.

From classic cocktails to innovative creations, these establishments offer a sophisticated atmosphere for enjoying drinks with friends or savoring a quiet evening out.

Let’s explore the best cocktail bars within the Charlotte area, Raleigh-Durham & the Triangle, Greensboro & Winston-Salem, and the Pinehurst & Sandhills areas.

1. The Crunkleton

Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Area)

Step into old-world elegance at The Crunkleton in Charlotte. With its extensive selection of spirits and classic cocktails in an intimate setting, this upscale cocktail bar offers a refined atmosphere for enjoying expertly crafted libations.

Best Cocktail Bars In The North Carolina Piedmont - The Crunkleton Top Shelf
Best Cocktail Bars In The North Carolina Piedmont - The Crunkleton Top Shelf

2. Foundation

Raleigh, NC (Raleigh-Durham & the Triangle)

Experience cocktail mastery at Foundation in Raleigh. Known for its inventive drinks and knowledgeable bartenders, this cozy speakeasy-style bar offers a rotating menu of creative cocktails made with premium spirits and house-made ingredients.

3. South End Cocktail Lounge

Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Area)

Sip and socialize at the South End Cocktail Lounge in Charlotte. With its sleek and stylish decor, live music, and handcrafted cocktails, this trendy lounge offers a vibrant atmosphere for enjoying drinks with friends or unwinding after a long day.

4. The Other Room

Greensboro, NC (Greensboro & Winston-Salem)

Discover hidden gems at The Other Room in Greensboro. Tucked away behind a secret door, this speakeasy-style cocktail bar offers a cozy and intimate setting for expertly crafted cocktails made with precision and care.

5. SideBar

Cary, NC (Raleigh-Durham & The Triangle)

Unwind with a cocktail at SideBar in Cary. With its sophisticated ambiance and extensive selection of spirits, this stylish cocktail bar offers a refined setting for enjoying classic and contemporary libations in the heart of Downtown Cary.

Best Cocktail Bars In The North Carolina Piedmont - SideBar
SideBar in Cary, NC

6. Dot Dot Dot

Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Area)

Step back in time at Dot Dot Dot in Charlotte. Housed in a historic building, this upscale cocktail bar offers a menu of classic cocktails and an extensive selection of rare and vintage spirits, perfect for discerning palates.

7. Watts & Ward

Raleigh, NC (Raleigh-Durham & The Triangle)

Transport yourself to the Prohibition era at Watts & Ward in Raleigh. With its vintage decor, handcrafted cocktails, and speakeasy vibe, this underground bar offers a unique and immersive experience for cocktail enthusiasts.

Best Cocktail Bars In The North Carolina Piedmont - Watts & Ward Cocktail
Watts & Ward - Raleigh, NC

8. The Katharine Brasserie & Bar

Winston-Salem, NC (Greensboro & Winston-Salem)

Indulge in French-inspired cocktails at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar in Winston-Salem. With its sophisticated ambiance and curated selection of spirits, this stylish bar offers a taste of Parisian elegance in the heart of the Piedmont.

9. The Cellar at Duckworth’s

Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Area)

Experience craft cocktails at The Cellar at Duckworth’s in Charlotte. Located in a historic building, this cozy bar offers an extensive selection of spirits and expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for a night out in the Queen City.

The Cellar at Duckworth's
The Cellar at Duckworth's

Conclusion

From classic speakeasies to stylish lounges, the North Carolina Piedmont region offers many options for cocktail lovers.

Whether you’re seeking a classic Old Fashioned, an innovative craft cocktail, or a rare and vintage spirit, these top cocktail bars promise an unforgettable journey through the world of mixology.

So, gather your friends, raise a glass, and toast to the vibrant cocktail culture of the Piedmont. Cheers!

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The Doirons

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