Nightlife

After Dark

Watts & Ward

About Watts & Ward

Watts & Ward is a distinctive basement cocktail bar in Raleigh, NC, designed for relaxed evenings, memorable drinks, and inviting conversation. Its vintage library vibe, tufted couches, and carefully prepared artisanal drinks create a setting that feels both cozy and refined.

Whether you are meeting friends, enjoying a romantic night out, or looking for a trendy and upmarket place to unwind, Watts & Ward offers a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating and attentive table service.

The bar features a broad selection of beer, cocktails, wine, and spirits, complemented by food and options for dancing. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeaway, delivery, and on-site services, making it easy to choose the experience that best fits the occasion.

Fast service, a great beer selection, an impressive cocktail offering, and a well-regarded wine list add to the appeal, while live music and live performances bring additional energy to selected visits. Reservations are accepted, and payment is convenient with credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Rated 4.60 out of 5 based on 1,459 reviews, Watts & Ward has earned strong recognition from its customers. Accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible toilet, and restroom facilities are available.

Located at 200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States, Watts & Ward is a convenient choice for a polished yet comfortable nightlife experience. For more information or to make arrangements, call +1 919-896-8016.

★★★★★ 4.60 rating (1459 reviews)
Watts & Ward
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Real Reviews

Live Music

Top DJs and live acts

Craft Cocktails

Premium drink menu

VIP Service

Exclusive experiences

Events

Themed nights weekly

Your Night Awaits

Premium Bar

Craft cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and an extensive wine list crafted by expert mixologists.

Dance Floor

State-of-the-art sound system and lighting that transforms every night into magic.

VIP Lounge

Exclusive bottle service and private areas for those seeking a more intimate experience.

Watts & Ward

Where Nights Come Alive

Whether it's a night out with friends, a celebration, or simply letting loose, we're here to make it unforgettable.

World-Class DJs
Premium Sound
Signature Cocktails
VIP Experience

What People Say

Reviews from our guests

Lost in the Mountains !!!

Lost in the Mountains !!!

2 years ago

Watts & Ward is Dope!! The bartender was killing it all night, he made us a few original drinks based off of ingredients we like while putting on a show. Solid drink menu and all the service was exceptional. We moved around a bit to check out the different areas. Once we sat in an old library, once we at at the bar. Another time we enjoyed music from a couch, awesome pace to hear some live music. Wonderful and unique atmosphere, nice soft lighting. They did a great job making it feel like your stepping back into the early 1900s. Definitely hit this place up again the next time we’re in Raleigh NC.

Bella Waifu

Bella Waifu

6 months ago

Enjoyed their Valentine's Pop-Up!! One of my favorite OG downtown raleigh spots!!

Eduardo Hernández-López

Eduardo Hernández-López

3 months ago

Date night last night with the missus. Excellent service from Lucy and Fidel. They handled a rowdy crowd extremely well and went on to make one of the best martinis we’ve ever had. Ambiance was electric and a perfect setting to a perfect night. Cant recommend this place enough.

Jennifer Compean

Jennifer Compean

9 months ago

Went on a Tuesday night before dinner. Drinks were delicious and service was great. We found our own private nook but there are so many seating areas to choose from for small or large groups.

C_R_E_A_M Dollar Dollar Bill Yall

C_R_E_A_M Dollar Dollar Bill Yall

year ago

After 🥘 dinner, decided to walk around to explore a bit on this crisp August evening to help my food digest. Stumbled upon a line that drew my curiosity. Watts & Wards is easy to miss or pass by if not paying attention. Though if you are alert /aware, this is a cool hidden gem. There’s a small membership fee to gain entrance. The vibes are cool. You’ll go under ground to lead into an oasis of good 🎶 music, cool 😎 & chill people and bar stations placed strategically throughout. This was absolutely a happy 😊 accidental find. Met 2 other new visitors and chatted a bit before heading out. I’d definitely return. Unika B. & Co.

Briana McLean

Briana McLean

year ago

Really cool vibes here!! They check your ID at the top of the stairs entrance and then you go down and into the place. Wall down a hallway. It really does have speakeasy feels. One of the seating areas has blue velvet seating. The other has leather and wood. Very swanky. Bar service and drink menu were great. Perfect place for a drink before or after dinner.

Lucy Driver

Lucy Driver

month ago

Love watts and ward! This has been a staple for me to bring friends and family when visiting Raleigh. Our server Yasmin, and bartender Sandra, were amazing! Yasmin was so very attentive and helpful when ordering drinks, and Sandra made the best cocktails!

King Kirk

King Kirk

month ago

Wife and I first time going. It was such a VIBE... I definitely recommend to those who's in the downtown raleigh area to stop by. Coming from Texas we have these all over but this one in particular was somewhat I could see myself going to often.

Emma Erehart

Emma Erehart

6 months ago

They don't have food, but the drinks are awesome! My friends and I went the other day - make sure you have your IDs with you obvi - and we got the seasonal red velvet espresso martini, vanilla espresso martini, and I had them special make me a gimlet & it was sooo delicious ---- 10/10 would recommend

Christian Wan

Christian Wan

4 months ago

I had a fantastic experience at Watts & Ward. The speakeasy-style ambiance gives it a unique, cozy charm that’s perfect for unwinding. The cocktail menu is impressive, with expertly crafted drinks that are both creative and smooth. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and makes great recommendations based on your taste. Whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet evening, the vibe here is relaxed yet upscale. It’s definitely one of Raleigh’s hidden gems and a must-visit for cocktail lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Watts & Ward

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • On-site services
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
  • Takeaway

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great wine list
  • Live music
  • Live performances

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Dancing
  • Food
  • Spirits
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upmarket

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking garage
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking

Find Us

Ready to experience the best night out? We're waiting for you.

Location

200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States

Hours

Closed · Wednesday 4 PM-2 AM
Thursday 4 PM-2 AM
Friday 4 PM-2 AM
Saturday 4 PM-2 AM
Sunday 2 PM-12 AM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 4 PM-2 AM
Wednesday 4 PM-2 AM
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