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The Willard, Raleigh, NC

The Willard

4.4
4.4
608 Reviews
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Great for outdoor dining
The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh's Best Rooftop Bar of 2022 & 2023, offers signature craft cocktails and inspired bites with stunning views of downtown Raleigh.

The centerpiece of The Willard is the Large Terrace with panoramic views of the Raleigh skyline and dual-sided fireplace surrounded by comfortable, yet modern, seating. Heaters make our outdoor spaces comfortable year-round. Inside, a 22-seat bar is the focal point of the dining room, while Skyview Boardroom offers a unique dining experience for 6-12 guests.

The Willard’s cocktail menu playfully leans into Raleigh’s nickname as the City of Oaks, offering signature craft cocktails aged in oak barrels and cocktails where smoke is a key ingredient.

The seasonal food menu, crafted by Chef Kyle Teears, includes shareables like papas bravas and charcuterie, as well as salads, Flatbreads, and entrees like the Lamb Burger and Steak Frites.
Located on the 7th floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown in the Glenwood South district.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Lounge, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 16:00–23:00 Fri 16:00–00:00 Sat 12:00–00:00 Sun 12:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (919) 803-5200
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Kyle Teears
  • Catering
    Catering customized to your needs is available from the kitchen of Executive Chef Kyle Teears.
  • Private party facilities
    At the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, the entire 7th floor is dedicated to food and beverage service. With multiple function spaces available for booking alone or in combination, special occasions unfold against the stunning backdrop of downtown Raleigh's skyline, making memories that last a lifetime!
  • Private party contact
    Leslie Hoagland: (984) 272-4486
  • Area
    Raleigh
  • Cross Street
    Hillsborough St
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • California Disaster Relief at The Willard Rooftop

    23 Jan 2025 - 30 Apr 2025
    The Willard Rooftop, located atop the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, is proud to announce a burger campaign dedicated to supporting those affected by recent disasters in California. From now until April 30th, every burger sold at The Willard Rooftop will contribute $1 to The American Red Cross and the World Central Kitchen. Portobello Burger: marinated mushroom, herb aioli, tomato, balsamic glaze, mozzarella, baby kale, brioche bun Slowik Burger: two 4-oz. wagyu patties, seared onions, american cheese, lettuce, tomato, iykyk sauce, brioche bun Lamb Burger*: ground lamb, bravas aioli, boursin cheese, fig jam, mint-basil “lettuce,” brioche bun
    California Disaster Relief at The Willard Rooftop photo
  • Community & Cocktails: Music & Philanthropy

    20 Mar 2025 only
    Gather your gals and pals for a new monthly evening of community, music, and philanthropy at The Willard Rooftop. Enjoy a live playlist of upbeat and empowering tunes from Raleigh's own DJ Skylan as you sip on drink and food specials like $12 Espresso Martinis, $8 Pimento Jars and $4 Papas Bravas. Take in The Willard’s extraordinary views of the Oak City skyline and connect with friends old and new. This event supports Girls Geared For Greatness, a foundation designed to empower and inspire girls ages 7 to 18 through meaningful and unique training and development opportunities, workshops, and seminars.
    Community & Cocktails: Music & Philanthropy photo
  • Cocktails & Cuisine

    US$55.00 per person

    Prepaid

    29 Mar 2025 only
    14:00
    This month, learn to craft stunning drinks at our Cocktails & Cuisine Class: Mastering the Daiquiri at The Willard Rooftop on Saturday, March 29, at 2pm. Our skilled bartenders will demonstrate how to make three delicious and elevated spins on the classic cocktail, the daiquiri. You’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor paired with food, such as Blackened Mahi with Mango Salsa, Fruit Salad with Blood Orange and Honey Dressing, and more, all while you take in the spectacular views from The Willard Rooftop.
    Cocktails & Cuisine photo

Private dining

What 608 people are saying

The Willard reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for scenic views

  • Raleigh

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Raleigh

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Willard offers a stunning atmosphere with "amazing ambience" and breathtaking views, making it a perfect spot for drinks. The rooftop and outdoor seating are highlights, providing "beautiful Raleigh skyline" vistas. While service varies, standout staff members and "delicious food" enhance the experience. Ideal for cocktails and scenic enjoyment.

608 Reviews
  1. Joy VIP

    Raleigh10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Brunch at The Willard offered a great menu selection, though we were disappointed that the jazz performance was cancelled. The waitstaff were exceptionally friendly and attentive throughout our meal. The manager personally greeted guests and interacted with everyone, adding a warm touch to the dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Angela

    Raleigh4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Although the atmosphere and views were amazing, the service and food was very average. Our food during brunch came out luke warm and several times we had empty water glasses and cocktails. Not sure I would return just for the view.

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  3. Carlie

    Raleigh1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    First time at the lounge. To be from out of town, our expectations were not met (especially since we shared we were celebrating my husbands birthday). Once sat, we were told that over half the items on the menu were sold out. Even the cocktail we ordered was diluted with ice (I’m guessing due to the alcohol shortage since they were out of everything else). Without the ambience of a great view, I probably would’ve shared my experience with the server to share with management. I believe in first impressions for everything, but I am willing to give them another shot (maybe just not on a holiday weekend).

    1 person found this helpful

  4. Elle VIP

    Charlotte3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a fun place with a fantastic view of the city. It has an upscale lounge vibe with great lighting. You can be inside or outside. The servers are attentive, kind polite. A class act. I had the lamb burger and it was delicious. The drinks were fun. We would definitely visit again. 

    Is this helpful?

  5. Rose

    Greater Boston3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Our waiter was great so fast the food came out quick and was good the vibe was just weird and the seating was not great also they put two people at a section that could hold eight or more people and then they waste the area all night which just seems counterproductive and not good when you’re a party of eight with a reservation waiting and they’re just having coffee or drinks also the lights were too bright and need to condense the space on one end or add more seating

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  6. Ronte VIP

    Charlotte6 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    The service was very slow. The portion sizes were small. The food was good though. The view of downtown is nice.

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  7. carole

    Raleigh23 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on 14 February 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Had Valentine’s Day reservations made weeks ahead. Arrived to be told no tables. No silverware with food. Two,people served 20 minutes before other two people. Desert served before entree! Waiters sloppy ill kept. Embarrassed in front out of of state visitors. A total zero experience.

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  8. Mara

    Raleigh2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 14 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful time here, as always. Nick was our server for the second time we’ve been here and we will always ask for him! He was a great server and made our celebration even better!

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  9. Stephene

    Raleigh1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    This is a bar - it shouldn’t be advertising as a restaurant. Worst flatbread I’ve ever had, burnt Salad what drowning in dressing. They were out of everything.

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  10. Bob VIP

    Hawaii11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 7 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Once we figured out the parking options, we shared a terrific service and fine food at this charming rooftop restaurant. Small plates are excellent ... shared three of them with intriguing cocktails. Service was prompt but not rushed. We will certainly be back. Thanks for a wonderful experience.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Willard is rated 4.4 stars by 608 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Willard

9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603-1797

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Hillsborough St
  • Area
    Raleigh
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 16:00–23:00 Fri 16:00–00:00 Sat 12:00–00:00 Sun 12:00–21:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Lounge, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Kyle Teears
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (919) 803-5200
  • Catering
    Catering customized to your needs is available from the kitchen of Executive Chef Kyle Teears.
  • Private party facilities
    At the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, the entire 7th floor is dedicated to food and beverage service. With multiple function spaces available for booking alone or in combination, special occasions unfold against the stunning backdrop of downtown Raleigh's skyline, making memories that last a lifetime!
  • Private party contact
    Leslie Hoagland: (984) 272-4486
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  • Cookie Preferences
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