Festive Food & Drinks in Downtown Raleigh
Whether you’re elevating your holiday get-togethers with locally-made treats or grabbing festive drinks while you’re out-and-about Downtown, ‘tis the season to eat and drink to your heart’s delight.
If you're a Downtown Raleigh restaurant, bar, or cafe and would like to be added to this guide, email communications@downtownraleigh.org.
This is not a comprehensive list of downtown establishments with holiday food and specials. Check back for updates/additions as the month goes on.
10th & Terrace | 616 S Salisbury St.
Dance of the Sugarplum Spritz
Indulge in holiday cheer with 10th & Terrace's limited-edition cocktail menu. Not to mention, the rooftop bar boasts an impressive view of the Performing Arts Center and Downtown Christmas Tree!
Bittersweet | 16 E Martin St.
Boozy Hot Chocolate
Bittersweet is a festive holiday spot with cozy vibes, boozy hot chocolate, and indulgent treats like derby pie, s'mores sundae, and espresso martinis (a specialty of theirs). Perfect for a warm night out with friends or a seasonal dessert date.
Blackbird Books & Coffee | 323 Blake St.
Festive Winter Drinks
Enjoy seasonal drinks like their Peppermint Mocha Latte made with Videri dark chocolate, or the Linzer Cookie Latte, while browsing their curated selection of books, unique gifts from indie artists, and cozy coffee treats—all under one roof.
Carolina Ale House | 500 Glenwood Ave
Christmas Pop-Up
Carolina Ale House has decked the halls of their restaurant with Christmas decor from head to toe! The perfect spot to enjoy wings, a cocktail, or a holiday party.
Clockwork | 519 W. North St.
Nutcracker Pop-up Bar
Glenwood South lounge Clockwork transforms for the holiday season into a Christmas-thermed bar with live music/DJs, classic movies on the projector (with freshly popped popcorn), and Christmas themed cocktails.
The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery | 104 Glenwood Ave
Christmas Cookies
Impress your guests and Santa Claus himself with artistically-decorated, custom cookies adorned with festive designs.
Element Gastropub | 421 Fayetteville St.
Claus-mapolitan
Element's new holiday cocktails are inspired by one of the four elements: earth, wind, fire, or water.
Escazú Chocolates | 936 N Blount St.
Holiday Confections
Escazú is selling a variety of unique holiday-themed chocolates and hot-chocolate drinks.
The Flavor Hills | 319 Fayetteville St.
Coquito Navidad
Warm up with a creamy coconut-rum coquito for a sip of tropical winter from the limited-time Winter Cocktail Creations menu.
The Haymaker | 555 Fayetteville St.
Miracle at The Haymaker Pop-Up
Stop by The Haymaker to get into the spirit with their floor-to-ceiling Christmas decorations and Miracle menu with over 10 finely-crafted cocktails in festive cups.
Irregardless | 901 W Morgan St.
Christmas Take & Bake
Let Irregardless take care of the Christmas Eve cooking with classic, à la carte sides and mains so you can spend the holiday relaxing.
Layered Croissanterie | 911 N West St.
December Specials
These made-from-scratch, inventive pastries taste as good as they look. Try the gingerbread croissant cup or eggnog cream-filled brioche doughnut.
North Street Beer Station | 521 W North St.
Disco Candyland Pop-Up
Boogie into Christmas and the New Year at a funky, groovy, and “Holiday Disco Party” themed bar right here in Raleigh.
Killjoy | 116 N West St.
Miracle at Killjoy Pop-Up
Relax with a festive cocktail in a over-the-top, immersive atmosphere down to the decorations and drinks.
Sir Walter Coffee & Kitchen | 145 E Davie St. & 555 Fayetteville St.
Jack's Frosted Cold Brew
Sir Walter Coffee's iconic winter menu of coffee and cocktails is here to enjoy at both of their Downtown Raleigh locations.
St. Nicks Christmas House at House of Art | 306 E Hargett St.
St. Nick's Christmas Pop-Up
Take a trip to the North Pole in the middle of Downtown Raleigh and warm yourself up with some over-the-top, Christmas cocktails.
Sugar Euphoria | 606 N Person St.
Custom Christmas-Themed Vintage Cakes
Whether you’re hosting or gifting, a custom Christmas-themed vintage cake is the centerpiece of the season. Think buttercream swirls, festive colors, and that timeless elegance perfect for any holiday table.
Two Roosters Ice Cream | 215 E Franklin St.
Gingerbread People Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream isn't just a summer treat! These individually decorated gingerbread cookies are filled with vanilla ice cream and promise to satisfy no matter the weather.
Videri Chocolate Factory | 327 W Davie St.
Peppermint Crunch Dark Chocolate
Each year, Videri rolls out the red carpet for their signature holiday bar that tastes like it came straight from the North Pole.
The Willard Rooftop Lounge | 9 Glenwood Ave
Christmas Day Buffet
Celebrate Christmas Day at The Willard Rooftop and savor a delicious buffet of holiday favorites. Enjoy ham, roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, cornbread stuffing, and more, all while taking in the stunning skyline views of Downtown Raleigh.
Wonderland Tapas & Cocktails | 222 Glenwood Ave
Christmas Pop-Up
This pop-up will feature over-the-top Christmas decorations, festive lights, and themed cocktails along with a toy-drive and Christmas-theme events.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing | 201 S Boylan Ave
Sippin' Santa Pop-Up
Popular Christmas pop-up, Sippin’ Santa, is back at Wye Hill Kitchen + Brewing this year with campy and holiday-themed cocktails.
The Yard Milkshake Bar | 704 Seaboard Station Dr.
Yuletide Christmas Specials
Indulge in The Yard Milkshake Bar’s Christmas specials, featuring over-the-top holiday-themed milkshakes.
Yellow Dog Bread Company | 219 E Franklin St.
Christmas Mini Cookies
Both children and adults will love these adorably decorated frosted Christmas cookies, 18 included in one bag.
Family in town and looking for where to go eat? Try Downtown Raleigh restaurants like El Toro Loco Taqueria, Curry in a Hurry, Biscuit Belly, Woody's at City Market, and many more!