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Top 25 places to drink in the Triangle



Cocktails – Crawford & Son

Did your favorite watering hole make it into the top 25? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list! 

Topping this year’s best places to drink list is House of Hops, Raleigh’s favorite beer bar. 

Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 25 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.

#1 House of Hops (Raleigh)

Photo by business on Yelp

What they’re known for: This family-owned craft beer shop carries over 300 beers with over 20 rotating drafts. Have a 32 or 64 oz growler? Bring it and they’ll fill it up for you!

The staff is incredible, and the beer selection is excellent– whether draft, bottle or can, they’ve got something for you.

Martha h. on yelp

#2 Asali Desserts & Cafe (Cary)

Photo by Matthew H. on Yelp

What they’re known for: Baristas are true latte artists here! While you can’t go wrong with a classic latte, their blooming teas are not to be missed. Asali also takes reservations for a beautiful high tea experience.

You can order lattes with glitter! GLITTER! Talk about a pick-me-up. You can’t have a bad day with glitter in your latte.

Toya t. on yelp

#3 Cha House (Chapel Hill)

Photo by Michelle L. on Yelp

What they’re known For: The specialty milk and fruit teas at are beloved among locals, and for good reason. Their premium teas and signature brown sugar boba set them apart from the rest.

I’ve gone here a number of times (revealing the exact number would expose my boba obsession) and the quality and service is consistent.

Caroline y. on yelp

#4 Iza Whiskey & Eats (Carrboro)

Photo by AJ P. on Yelp

What they’re known For: As its name suggests, Iza Whiskey & Eats has an impressive lineup of whiskeys and is the go-to spot for a whiskey flight.

Probably the best whiskey selection in the area.  Sushi is amazingly good too!  The owner is passionate about his business and it shows in the quality of the food.

Matthew c. on yelp

#5 Escazú Chocolates (Raleigh)

Photo by Elise H. on Yelp

What they’re known For: Forget the boxed hot chocolate mixes at the market and run to Escazú for the hot chocolate or mocha of your dreams.

So you might know or have heard about this place for their chocolate, or even their hot chocolate, but I know this place as my absolute favorite place to grab a mocha in the Triangle.

Ashley M. on Yelp

#6 Ugly Mug Bean and Brew (Garner)

Photo by Billie W. on Yelp

What they’re known For: Enjoy handcrafted espresso beverages with quirky names, made with local Cup-A-Joe coffee, in a unique, family-owned cafe.

While it is 25 [minutes] from my house, I think I found a coffee place to call my own. They have a great drink menu with fun names like the ‘Funky Monkey,’ ‘Mr. Wonderful,’ and ‘Bitter Brit.’

Joelle C. on yelp

#7 Lucettegrace (Raleigh)

Photo by Beverly F. on Yelp

What they’re known For: Lucettegrace, named after the chef-owner’s two daughters, is known for their exceptionally Instagrammable and tasty pastries, macarons, and lineup of espresso beverages. Not a fan of coffee? Opt for their Lebanese iced tea!

Gorgeous coffee, both in appearance and taste. I had a vanilla latte that had me imagining being back in France.

Kathi M. on yelp

#8 Meeple’s Brew (Morrisville)

Photo by Dr. Damini S. on Yelp

What they’re known For: Meeple’s Brew is the first board game cafe in Morrisville and is known for their craft coffees and fun atmosphere. Their menu items carry clever names like the “Tic Tac Toreo” milkshake and the “Cards Against Hummus” sandwich.

I’m currently in shock because I might be drinking the best cappuccino I’ve ever had. The texture is perfect, the layering is perfect, and the coffee itself is just good. Holy smokes what a drink!

kenneth s. on yelp

#9 13 Tacos & Taps (Raleigh)

Photo by Janet R. on Yelp

What they’re known For: Other than being home to some of the best fusion tacos in Raleigh, 13 Tacos and Taps is a great spot to enjoy a local craft beer on tap or an expertly-crafted margarita!

The mango margarita was so fresh and on point, I had to return to the restaurant for a second time this week. Friendly service too!

Jeanne e. on yelp

#10 Pints Ice Cream (Fuquay-Varina)

Photo by Stephanie J. on Yelp

What they’re known For: Pints is a business sure to please the whole family. They’re known for their creative, rotating menu featuring local ice cream, brews, and boozy milkshakes.

Love when a business, especially a food one, comes up with a unique idea that stands out from the rest. For this business, it is combining 2 very popular food items…. ice cream and beer. Not just serving them individually, but actually MIXING them together.

Eddie p. on yelp

#11 The Raleigh Wine Shop (Raleigh)

#12 Aversboro Coffee (Garner)

#13 Boba Baba (Cary)

#14 Mr. A’s Beignets (Apex)

#15 C Grace (Raleigh)

#16 Juicekeys (Raleigh)

#17 Milk Lab (Durham)

#18 Fount Coffee + Kitchen (Morrisville)

#19 The Wine Feed (Raleigh)

#20 Anise Pho (Raleigh)

#21 The Cortez (Raleigh)

#22 Tasty Beverage Company (Raleigh)

#23 Raleigh Raw (Raleigh)

#24 Crawford & Son (Raleigh)

#25 Bottles & Cans (Morrisville)


Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Drink in the Triangle area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the coffee & tea, cideries, bubble tea, brewpubs, breweries, beer, wine & spirits, meaderies, kombucha, juice bars & smoothies, tea rooms, wineries, bars, beer gardens, coffee shops, beer hall, wine tasting rooms, and distilleries category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Triangle. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of June 1, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of June 1, 2022.

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