May the going out continue...

Alright guys, the time has come where my last blog is due and I hang up my going out hat. NOTT! I will still be going out and maybe even continue blogging, who knows. I hope that this blog has had some insight to how easy it is to find something going on in downtown Raleigh. The people of Raleigh are very fortunate to have such a cultured and exciting downtown where there is always something to do. There is no excuse for people not to experience the fun of a night on the town in downtown Raleigh. Even though I am not going to being posting regularly now,  does not mean that there aren't many other sources to keep you posted on events and hot spots of your area. With the media sources we have today it takes a matter of seconds to research a cool place for you and friends to go that night. Try something new and take advice from others. If someone is telling you they had the best time of their lives at a certain bar, venture out and check it out for your self. Downtown Raleigh has so much to offer and filled with so many places to experience on your own. I truly recommend frequently visiting livingsocial.com. This website inspired me to write many of my blogs and constantly updating about upcoming local events. I also hope I was able to help promote some of my favorite places of downtown Raleigh. Every thing I said was the truth and wish the best of luck to all of you. Thanks for following me and who knows, I could be back.

The Best of Bottle Service.

Before I let you in on all the hot spots for bottle service in downtown Raleigh I should first educate you on what a bottle service in North Carolina includes. North Carolina alcohol laws are what you call unique. Our laws regarding alcohol differ in many ways from other states and can be confusing to most out of towners. If you were to purchase a bottle at a night club in New York or Las Vegas you would be provided a section, mixers, glasses, and handed over your choice of liquor. In North Carolina you are provided the same things except your bottle of liquor also comes with a lock box and a key that only your waitress has access to.

This may be strange to people who have had bottle service in other states, but here in NC the law is that no one that is consuming alcohol or is not employed by the night club can touch the bottle. If this law is broken then it could possibly result in outrageous fines and/or the removal of the establishment's ABC licenses.

Though this is not what most people have in mind when purchasing a bottle of liquor, there are many positives that come along with this law. When you purchase a bottle at a night club in NC your are treated as a complete VIP. You will be provided your own private section for you and your friends, free entry, all the necessary drink mixers and garnishes, and your own cocktail waitress providing you with top of the line service.

Because, your waitress is responsible for the key to the lock box, she will always be present to assist her quests in anyway she can. She will make sure you always have a full drink and can monitor your bottle and who is consuming it. There are 25 shots in a bottle allowing  your waitress to make you drinks, shots, or whatever you would like with the purchased bottle. She is there to make sure your are treated well and that you and your guest have a fantastic time. A few places in downtown Raleigh that offer bottle service is Solas located off of Glenwood South, Mirage located off of West Street, and Spy Bar located off of Davie Street.

Solas has been one of the longest standing nightclubs in downtown Raleigh. They have a great reputation for consistency of volume and a upscale atmosphere. They offer high end private sections that will allow you to party in class. 21 year old Alex O'Brien said, "My parents rented out a section at Solas for my 21st Birthday and we had a great time! Though we had fun I wasn't exactly thrilled about our service from our waitress. My parents paid $500 for our section and bottle of vodka and I feel that the waitress was a little rude. She seemed annoyed with my questions about our bottle decision and seemed frustrated when we asked her for anything. When we decided to just order drinks from the bar she reprimanded us from not ordering from her."

As a fellow cocktail waitress I can imagine this waitress' frustration about a party of "beginner" drinkers, but as a waitress you can not let these emotions show. Regardless of a parties age or knowledge of alcohol, they paid to be treated as VIP's and that is what they should be treated as. One bad experience can spread a bad reputation easier than a positive experience. As unfortunate as that is, it is the truth of this industry and everyone must be treated as gold.

   

Spy Bar is a nightclub in the upcoming ware house district that is really making its way on the map. Spy is a perfect blend in everything you are looking for in a nightclub. It is a great mix of people and has a enthusiastic staff. Spy Bar has on going awesome specials and providing the best VIP packages for Birthdays. It is by far the most economic bottle service around town. The waitresses are friendly and knowledgeable and will gladly answer questions that you may have. Promotional manager, Jackie Crump says, "We have insane specials on our bottles and sections going on right now and the word is really spreading on what a great time Spy Bar is. We make sure that everyone is treated as VIP and love to see returning customers."

If you are interested in setting up your very own VIP party I truly recommend calling Spy Bar and take advantage of the crazy Birthday packages going on. It is a great way to celebrate your Birthday and makes an awesome surprise for a friends Birthday. Jackie will take great care of you and will guarantee that you have a great experience. http://spyraleigh.com/

First Friday.

                                                

Raleigh is known to be the most artistic and cultured in the Region. Every first Friday of each month bars and restaurants around downtown Raleigh host new art, incredible specials, and fun filled events. Look for the blue and white "First Friday" flags out side of venues to know if they are involved in the First Friday festivities. If you spot one of these flags it is a sure sign of artistic fun that first Friday.

 This event has grown larger in size over the years and more venues are taking part. At places like Isaac Hunter's Oak City Tavern off of Fayetteville street, they host new art from a featured artist and have the art hanging for the remainder of the month for purchase and admiration. They also will have catered appetizers and as always, great drink specials. First Friday events start around 6:30 and can continue all night depending on the location. First Friday is a great example of amazing downtown Raleigh. It captures the artistic atmosphere and encourages creativity.

 If you have not wondered the streets on a First Friday before then I strongly encourage you to do so. You can experience all the fun that downtown has to offer while viewing the talent of Raleigh's finest artists. Student at WPU Nikki George says, "I have never been to a First Friday but it is something that I plan on attending after hearing about it."

The next First Friday is this upcoming Friday the 6th, so do your self a favor and catch the hype of downtown Raleigh. http://www.goliveworkplay.com/raleigh/downtown/events/8713-first-friday-in-downtown-raleigh

Empanadas Done Right!

Now, I know I only like to blog positive reviews on places in downtown Raleigh but I swear I'm telling you the truth! That being said, I will inform you on one of my favorite places downtown. There is not a night that goes by while I am working and someone asks, "Where is a good place where we can get food this late?" My response is always the same, Calavera.

Calavera Empanada and Tequila Bar located on the corner of S. Blount and Davie Street provides you with unique, mouth watering empanadas and very tasty alcoholic beverages. After traveling in Central America over the summer, I was skeptical on trying an empanada made in America. I thought that it could never relate to "the real thing", I was very wrong.


Not only did it compare but it was better than an actual Costa Rican empanada. I have had all of the empanadas on the menu and there is not one that I did not like. The meat is flavorful and the crust is baked to perfection. Not to mention my favorite of all, The King of Kong. The King of Kong is a dessert empanada made with bananas and Nutella. It is the best combination of taste I have ever experienced. The empanadas are very well complimented by a cold refreshing Margarita or Mojito made by the very friendly bartender. The authentic atmosphere is fantastic along with an amazing staff. The whole staff is extremely helpful and will guarantee your visit to be a positive one. 

I will also recommend you checking out Salsa night which is held on Sunday nights. There is a professional instructor to get you on your feet and find the Latin within you. It is also okay if you are not into dancing, because the Salsa dancing makes for a great atmosphere while your enjoying your meal and beverages.

 Calavera is not only a great place to grab some awesome food and drinks late night, but they have an incredible patio where you are able to enjoy the beautiful Raleigh weather during the day. Check out Calavera Empanada and Tequila Bar at http://www.calaveraraleigh.com/ or follow them on twitter @calaveraraleigh

Wait, you said shopping and drinking?

What if there was a place that you could shop while sipping on a cocktail? Good news, there is. Dapper Style house is a unique clothing store that also is a bar. Or is it a Bar with a clothing store? Either way it is the best way to shop or drink. Dapper Style house is located on W. Morgan Street in the one and only down town Raleigh.

Dapper provides top of line clothing and accessories for men and women. The fashion line is unique, stylish, and the drinks are amazing. It is the only place in Raleigh where your bartender is also your personal stylist. The staff is extremely helpful and enthusiastic, making it quite difficult not to leave with a few items and a buzz.

They always have amazing specials going on every day. Thursday's you can sip and shop on $3 mimosas and $3 well drinks, which is a deal hard to find anywhere else. This place makes the ideal girls outing or the perfect place to sucker your boyfriend in to shopping after a few drinks. NC State student, Austen Oats says, "This place is like every girls dream, sipping on a cocktail and shopping! My friends and I love it, even my friends boyfriend enjoys coming here."



Fellas if you need a little more convincing, every Saturday night is $3 beer night. All draughts and bottles are just $3. With a beer in your hand, it makes everything manly, right?

If you don't feel like drinking and shopping is the best idea then at least check this place out for one or the other, you will not be disappointed. For hours of operation and more details on Dapper Style House check them out at http://www.dapperstylehouse.com/

Painting DOWN town Raleigh Green.

This Saturday is the O' so famous St. Patrick's Day. This is one of the wildest and greenest days of the year. Down town Raleigh will be turning on the green early Saturday. Bars will be opening early and people will be drunkenly roaming the streets decked out in their green Irish gear.

Of course most people feel the need to hang around Irish pubs to be festive, but there are many options of events on this day. My best advice.... do the hop around. You should not spend this day in one place! Every bar in downtown Raleigh plans for this day months and months ahead, trying to offer the best St.Patty's day festivities. If all of bars are going over and beyond then why not check them all out? Get a ride down town, hop out and then start walking to bar to bar. The streets will be filled with fun festivities and plenty of people in green. Start at one end of down town and make you way to the other.

 One place for sure to put in your route is Spy Bar located on W. Davie street, beside the Pit.  Spy is opening their doors at 2pm and will be swarmed with an attractive staff decked out in the wildest St. Patty's day costumes. They will be giving out prizes to the best dressed St. Patty's day patrons and not to mention awesome Irish drink specials. The party will go on until 2 am so you have all day to pop in and check out the awesome party. http://www.goliveworkplay.com/raleigh/downtown/events/9599-lingerie-leprechauns

Cheers to Downtown Cocktails!

Over the years Martini bars have had a bit of trouble making it in downtown Raleigh. Though the idea of a classy Martini lounge is nice, for one reason or another they end in an abrupt closing. So where can you be guaranteed a classy night on the town, enjoying freshly made martinis and cocktails? A couple of places that have been around downtown Raleigh a while and seem to be a great choice would be Sullivan's Steak house and Cashmere. Conveniently located right beside each other on South Glenwood these two places, I guarantee will provide you with a tasty beverage.

Sullivan's is known for many of its amazing dishes but provides awesome cocktails keeping the regulars coming back for more. Every Thursday night is five dollar Martini night. Ask Pete, the bartender to make you a 'chocola tini' and you will not regret it. All of their hand shaken martini's are absolutely delicious. They also provide a half price bar menu Thursday nights as well. It is a great night to enjoy high quality drinks and appetizers without going broke. Customer, Autumn Burwell says, "I really enjoy coming here on Thursday's nights, I always see a lot of people I know and I love choosing from all the different five dollar Martinis."http://sullivansteakhouse.com/

Neighbor to Sullivan's, Cashmere, also holds a five dollar Martini night on Thursday, making a great night to be able to bar hop back and fourth and enjoy the best of both worlds. Cashmere also has five dollar Fresh fruit Mojitos every Wednesday night. Though it may not be a easy night for the bartender, constantly muddling mint and fruit, it is a great atmosphere for the customers and the cocktails are fantastic. Cashmere also is a great place to hang around late night and enjoy dancing with friends to some of the hottest tracks from some of Raleigh's most talented D.J's. http://www.cashmereraleigh.com/specials.htm

This one is for my Winos.

So if you are not a beer drinker than I am sorry about last week. If you like wine than you are in luck. This week I had the awful task of trying a couple of wine spots out, I know poor me. My first choice was a favorite of mine, Sushi O Bistro and Sushi Bar located on S. Glenwood Avenue.


 Not only is this one of my favorite spots to order sushi or Pho but I love the awesome selection of half price bottles of wine every Sunday and Tuesday night. Customer Autumn Burwell says, I come here almost every Tuesday night for girls night. Its a perfect dinner and the selections of half price bottles of wine are amazing."

Whether you are a red or white wine drinker Sushi O's wine menu will please anyone. The service is amazing, every server I have had has been extremely helpful and friendly. Sushi O definitely has me always coming back for more, even though the Wednesday morning hangover may disagree. http://mtfujinc.com/SushiO/SushiO-S.html



 Another great place worth checking out is Mosiac Wine Lounge located on W. Jones street. Mosiac has an awesome atmosphere all the time. I have never had a negative experience here and really enjoy their carefully selected choices of wine.
Wednesday nights is their absolute all about wine night.
Beginning at 7:30 every Wednesday night you are able to enjoy six tastings of different wines while enjoying Dj Keith and Guest and great service as well.

You do not need to be an expert on wine you just need to simply have an opinion of taste. They also provide catered food for only five dollars if you need something to go along with all of the wine. If you find a wine that you like you can order it for half price. Every Wednesday night is also half price bottles of wine. Mosiac is a great place to enjoy a bottle of wine with a group of friends and maybe even hang around late night to get your dance on. http://www.mosaicwinelounge.com/

Mmmmmm Beer...

North Carolina is starting to really make a name for itself in the beer world. North Carolina is home to many famous breweries making it easy for local bars and restaurants to provide quality craft beer on tap all the time. Within five miles of each other, many of the these places are located... Yea you guessed it downtown. Breweries such as Natty Greene's Pub and Bar located on W. Jones Street and Boylan Bridge Brewpub located on S. Boylan Avenue are both breweries that brew all of their beer in house and offer a hearty menu as well.

Natty Greene's opened its second location here in downtown Raleigh about two years ago after a successful start in downtown Greensboro. Natty Greene's has at least 12 craft beers on tap to choose from including the very popular Buck Shot Amber Ale. What I noticed about the brews at Natty Greene's is that they don't over do it on the hops. Some breweries have a hard time making it amateur friendly and the beer will be quite bitter. Natty Greene's has a smooth taste to all of their beers and creates the perfect combination for all types of beer drinkers. Not to mention the homemade potato chips and Ranch dressing make a perfect addition to any beer choice. http://www.nattygreenes.com/content/natty-greenes-pub-brewing-co-raleigh

Boylan Bridge Brewpub began about three years ago by owner Andrew Leager who originally brewed beer for a hobby. When he decided a Brewpub would make a great addition to downtown Raleigh he built the brewery and Restaurant above his wood shop, which is still located beneath the restaurant. Boylan Bridge always has eight hand crafted beers on tap all the time. You can't always be guaranteed your beer of choice will be on tap because with only eight taps the brews are switched out frequently. Employee Sarah Wilkinson says, "The Endless Summer Ale is almost always on tap as it is the most popular beer. The Endless Summer is the lightest beer we have on the menu and is ordered often by new craft beer drinkers."

Though the Summer Ale is their lightest beer on tap it still has no comparison to a watered down bud light, it is full of taste and has a hint of bitterness. My personal favorite is one of their seasonal brews, the Trainspotter Scottish Ale. The Scottish Ale has the perfect mixture of Carmel malt creating a memorable after taste making you anxious for another sip. Any choice of beer goes perfectly with their famous hand battered onion rings. You can enjoy all of these beers by ordering a flight which is a sample of all eight beers and absorb all the different tastes while enjoying the best out door seating in Raleigh.http://www.boylanbridge.com/index.shtml

If you are looking for a wide variety of beer selections and not strictly house brews, you might want to check out the newly opened Tyler's Restaurant and Taproom located in Seaboard Station. With more beer than you can even count, you are bound to find a favorite craft beer here. They are constantly putting new brews on tap and make it a priority to have the best beer they can find. They also have quality, mouth watering burgers that you have no choice but to eat it all.http://www.tylerstaproom.com/

Home is where the PARTY is...

Cab fares, traffic, and finding parking are a just a few things that makes going out downtown Raleigh irritating. Living downtown Raleigh, going out is only a few steps away. Raleigh provides many upscale Downtown condo and apartment complexes in the center of all the action. There has been continuous construction over the years in mass production of downtown living. Some of these luxury condos can run pretty pricy but for the most part can be affordable.  With the positives always comes negatives as well.

West is located on North Street.  The condos are very high end and include many extravagant ammenienities such as, roof top pool, top of line fitness facility, and a "club room". What this doesn't include in the ad is the description of it being above to very noisy night clubs, Mirage and Still Life.
 http://www.westatnorth.com/

 Employee at Still Life that requests to remain anynonoumous says, "I hear that these apartments (West) are really nice. Honestly though I wouldnt want to live here. We got so many compliants from residents about it being loud. It got to the point where the club decided it would be easier and cheaper to just relocate." 

At a evening out on the town I also recall this being an issue.

When entering Still Life I happened to notice a couple of large signs posted about "Respecting the residents and keeping the noise down." I thought to myself, "is this a high school house party?"

Trying to keep drunken clubbers quiet is like trying to make a heard of elephants walk softly. Though this employee wishes to remain anonymous, it is no secret that living above two night clubs will be noisy and the night clubs are not at fault.

712 Tucker

                                                  

Other downtown condos such as 712 Tucker, located on Tucker Street and The Hue located on West Hargett are two high end condos that are centrally located in downtown but does not have the problem of loud night clubs. After reading a few reviwes online I discovered that The Hue was not popular amongst the people but 712 Tucker was widely liked. The Hue resident, Jerrad Bement says, "I have never had a problem with The Hue, I mainly like it because its location. I love being able to walk to just about anywhere downtown."   

The Hue

Best advice for downtown living, ask around before signing a lease. You will never know what to expect, and you do not want to find out when it is too late.                                                          

Eating Krispy Kreme Guilt Free!

It's that time again, get in your stretches and practice you doughnut consumption. The annual Krispy Kreme challenge is here. For you not familiar with this unique event then you must be living under a rock, no only kidding.  Day: The 2012 Krispy Kreme Challenge

The Krispy Kreme challenge is an annual event hosted by NC State University. All benefits are donated to the North Carolina Childrens Hospital. The challenge is for a great cause and has increased in popularity nation wide. The challenge itself is as hard as it sounds, it is around a five mile run from the NC State bell tower to the Krispy Kreme on Peace Street (2.5 miles). The event has grown so popular the route of the run had to be re-designed this year in-order for more running room for the participants. Once the runner reaches Krispy Kreme they are provided with a dozen warm mouth watering Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. You must eat all 12 donuts before you continue the run back to the NC State bell tower, using the same route as it took to arrive to  Krispy Kreme (2.5 miles). As if running 5 miles and eating 12 donuts isn't enough, you must complete this in less than 1 hour. http://www.krispykremechallenge.com/uncategorized/race_route_2012

I know, you must be thinking how the heck do you not throw-up? The answer is, most do. This is a very tough and unique challenge. The most important part of this challenge is not stuffing your face with sweet, delicious, fried dough nor completing a very strenuous run. The most important part is that all proceeds are being donated to the North Carolina Childrens Hospital. Krispy Kreme employee, Delicia says, "The most important reason people do this challenge is for the cause, and it is nice to see what they are willing to do just to be able to help."http://www.krispykremechallenge.com/where-the-money-goes



This challenge is not only an awesome event to take part in but to observe as well. Delicia says, "I really enjoy working on the event day, it is very interesting. A lot of people are in crazy costumes and it is really funny to watch." 



The challenge begins at 8:30 am this saturday, February 4th. The last day to pick up your packet to participate is Friday, February 3rd at the Krispy Kreme located on Peace Street. http://www.krispykremechallenge.com/news-blog/packet-pick-up-information


Also, if you are not able to participate please feel free to donate to the North Carolinas Children Hospital and receive a Krispy Kreme Challege T-shirt, every donation is greatly appreciated.
http://www.krispykremechallenge.com/donate

Who needs a Valentine any way?

Since my first week as a Peace College student I learned quickly working in the downtown bar industry was not only the quickest way to earn cash but the easiest way to know the low down on downtown. Valentines day is one of the biggest bar nights during the year. Whether you are candle light with your "honey bunny" or drinking away your sorrows over another lonely Valentine's Day. 


Downtown Raleigh is more than willing to cater to what you want to make out of Valentine's Day this year. If you are team "Love Stinks" then start your night out early by hitting up Trashy Trivia at Woody's on Blount St.. Starting at 6:30 p.m.. Woody's has awesome daily specials and appetizers to die for. Tourist, Tammy Southerland says, "Wings from Woody's can gladly replace a man for me on Valentine's Day."
http://goliveworkplay.com/raleigh/downtown/events/8935-trashy-tuesday-and-trivia

 If you are looking for some awesome local brews to wash down those wings head on over to Brew Masters off of W. Martin St.. Brew Masters will be having $3-$4 NC taps all night. Brew Masters carries quality brewed beer and are true supporters of local breweries. http://goliveworkplay.com/raleigh/downtown/events/8946-tarheel-tuesdays


If you haven't had enough after the beer make sure you check out Spy Bar right around the corner on Davie St.. Spy Bar host their Covert Bass night every Tuesday night. General Manger, Josh Vitale says, "its a bass bumping, fist pumping all around good time." 



http://goliveworkplay.com/raleigh/downtown/events/7671-spy-raleigh-covert-bass

There are plenty of options for you not to sit and sulk at home. Go out and take advantage of the fantastic downtown settings of Raleigh and who knows maybe you can meet someone while you are at it.


For more information on the Low DOWN on DOWN town Raleigh follow me on twitter @DTlowDOWN