What's the best bar in The Triangle?

By Stacy Rounds

June 18, 2024

In the Triangle area, with its ever-evolving tapestry of breweries, cocktail bars, and quaint dives, the quest for the best drinks takes on an almost mythical allure. There’s a veritable treasure trove of places where one can whet their whistle in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and everywhere in between. And who better to navigate this sea of sippable delights than the local aficionados and intrepid bar hoppers of our community?

We’re launching a readers’ poll to uncover the best places to drink across The Triangle. Whether it’s that local dive where the bartenders know your order, the brewery that crafts your favorite hoppy concoction, or the restaurant with the sweetest sip of iced tea, we want to hear from you. Your insights and votes will help fellow drinkers discover new haunts and shine a spotlight on those establishments that truly stand out from the crowd. So grab your favorite drink, pull up a stool (virtual or otherwise), and dive into our survey below. Voting ends June 28!

</p> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h2>What is the best sports bar in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area?</h2> <ul> <li>106 Main</li> <li>The Blue Horn Lounge</li> <li>The Boot Room</li> <li>Boxcar Bar + Arcade</li> <li>Bralie’s Sports Bar</li> <li>The Casual Pint – Chapel Hill</li> <li>The Crunkleton</li> <li>DJ’s Dive</li> <li>The Gathering Place</li> <li>The London Bridge Pub</li> <li>My Way Tavern</li> <li>The Northside District</li> <li>Pi Bar Grill & Games</li> <li>Zog’s Pool</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>Who has the best wine program in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area?</h3> <ul> <li>Apéritif</li> <li>Atlas Cocktail Bar</li> <li>Bin 54 Steak & Cellar</li> <li>Brunello Wine Bar</li> <li>The Crunkleton</li> <li>Glasshalfull</li> <li>Killer Queen</li> <li>Rocks + Acid Wine Shop</li> <li>Rougarou (Imbibe)</li> <li>Vinos Finos Tapas and Wine Bar</li> <li>West End Wine Bar of Durham</li> <li>winestore. Chapel Hill</li> <li>ZincHouse Winery & Brewery</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>Where can you find the best coffee in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area?</h3> <ul> <li>1922</li> <li>B3 Coffee</li> <li>Bean Traders</li> <li>Caffè Driade</li> <li>Fount Coffee + Kitchen</li> <li>Friends Cafe</li> <li>Guglhupf Restaurant</li> <li>Joe Van Gogh</li> <li>La Vita Dolce</li> <li>The Meantime Coffee Co.</li> <li>The Oak House Durham</li> <li>Perennial</li> <li>Saturni Fusion Bistro & Coffee Lounge – Chapel Hill</li> <li>Whisk & Rye</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>What is your favorite dive bar in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area?</h3> <ul> <li>The Blue Horn Lounge</li> <li>The Cardinal Bar</li> <li>The Cave</li> <li>Circa 1888</li> <li>DJ’s Dive</li> <li>Dead Mule Club</li> <li>The Northside District</li> <li>The Kraken</li> <li>Mitch’s Tavern</li> <li>Rubies on Five Points</li> <li>Zog’s Pool</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>Who serves up the best iced tea in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area?</h3> <ul> <li>Bojangles</li> <li>Carolina Cafe</li> <li>Cook Out</li> <li>McCallister’s</li> <li>Sam Jones BBQ</li> <li>Smithfield’s BBQ</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>What is the best brewery in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area?</h3> <ul> <li>Burial</li> <li>DSSOLVR Durham</li> <li>Durty Bull Brewing Company</li> <li>Edit Beer</li> <li>Fullsteam</li> <li>Funguys</li> <li>Gizmo</li> <li>The Glass Jug Beer Lab – Downtown Durham</li> <li>Hi-Wire Brewing</li> <li>Lonerider Brewing Company</li> <li>New Anthem</li> <li>Ponysaurus Brewing Co</li> <li>Proximity Brewing Company</li> <li>Raleigh Brewing at the Arboretum</li> <li>Starpoint Brewing</li> <li>Tobacco Wood Brewing</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>What is the best bourbon bar in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area?</h3> <ul> <li>The Blind Barbour</li> <li>The Crunkelton</li> <li>Dram & Draught</li> <li>Foundation</li> <li>Hoppy Endings</li> <li>The Oak</li> <li>Relish</li> <li>Watts & Ward</li> <li>Whiskey Kitchen</li> </ul> </section> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>

Author

Stacy Rounds

Stacy Rounds is a writer and growth producer for Cardinal & Pine. Prior to joining the team, Stacy has worked as a writer, editor, and engagement specialist covering topics ranging from local history, disability advocacy, recreation, and food hotspots to relationships and mental health.

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