The Raleigh Times Bar

The Raleigh Times Bar

A Downtown Landmark with a Storied Past

Tucked into the heart of downtown Raleigh at 14 E. Hargett Street, The Raleigh Times Bar occupies one of the city’s most characterful old buildings — the early-1900s home of the newspaper that gave the bar its name. Exposed brick, pressed-tin ceilings, and framed clippings from the original Raleigh Times paper line the walls, turning an ordinary night out into a stroll through local history. Since opening in 2006 as part of the family of independent, locally owned Empire Eats restaurants, it has grown into a genuine neighborhood institution — the kind of place where downtown office workers, college students, concertgoers, and out-of-town visitors all end up elbow to elbow at the same worn wooden bar. More than a watering hole, it helped anchor the revival of Hargett Street and remains one of the most reliable gathering spots in the city center.

Creative Takes on Classic Bar Fare

The kitchen describes its food as handcrafted, creative takes on classic bar fare, and that is exactly what arrives at the table. The undisputed star is The Raleigh Times Burger, an award-winning eight-ounce patty hand-formed from chuck that is ground in-house every single day and cooked to order — a benchmark by which many Raleigh burgers are still measured. Beyond the burger, the menu roams happily across American comfort favorites and globally inspired plates: loaded Times Nachos piled high with Eastern North Carolina barbecue pork, chicken tinga, or black beans; Peruvian-style grilled wings; mix-and-match street tacos; beer-battered cod; salmon fried rice; and shrimp and grits. Portions are generous and priced for a casual outing, making it easy to graze through a few plates over the course of an evening.

An Extensive Beer and Cocktail Program

Drinks are where The Raleigh Times truly sets itself apart. The bar is celebrated for one of the deepest Belgian beer selections in the Triangle, poured alongside a rotating lineup of regional microbrews, craft drafts, and an inventive cocktail and wine list. Whether you are a devoted beer enthusiast hunting a rare Trappist ale or you simply want a cold local lager on a warm Raleigh afternoon, the staff know their list inside and out and are glad to steer you toward something new. It is a bar that takes its beverages seriously while keeping the mood loose, friendly, and unpretentious.

The Rooftop and the Atmosphere

Climb the stairs and you will find one of downtown Raleigh’s favorite open-air perches: a rooftop bar and patio overlooking Hargett Street and the surrounding skyline. On mild evenings it fills quickly with people angling for a seat under the sky, making it a prime spot for sunset drinks or a lively weekend scene. Back downstairs, the historic barroom stays warm and buzzy throughout the year, and the venue regularly hosts live music, art nights, and community events. It is also a proud participant in Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week, giving regulars and newcomers alike another reason to check in with whatever is happening on any given night.

Planning Your Visit

The Raleigh Times Bar is open daily from 11:00 a.m., serving lunch straight through to late night — until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and all the way to 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bar does not take reservations, so seating is first come, first served; arriving early is a smart move on weekends and during downtown events, though larger groups can inquire about private dining. Its central location puts it within an easy walk of the Fayetteville Street district, City Market, and many downtown hotels, with on-street and garage parking close by. For full menus, event listings, and private-event details, visit raleightimesbar.com or call (919) 833-0999. However you arrive, expect the easy, convivial energy that has made this historic corner a downtown Raleigh favorite for the better part of two decades.