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The Willard, Raleigh, NC

The Willard

4.4
4.4
602 Reviews
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.
  • 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 Cherokee Trout and Steak Frites.
Located on the 7th floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown in the Glenwood South district.
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Lounge, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • 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
  • Neighborhood
    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

    Jan 23, 2025 - Apr 30, 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
  • Stargazing with Raleigh Astronomy Club

    Feb 19, 2025 only
    Join us on Wednesday, February 19th from 6:30-9pm for an evening of stargazing at The Willard along with our friends from Raleigh Astronomy Club! This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars. Sip on specially crafted cocktails inspired by the cosmos and mingle with astronomy enthusiasts. RAC will be there with telescopes and knowledgeable astronomers to guide your exploration and answer any celestial questions you may have. The Willard’s full menu of small plates and handcrafted cocktails will be available for purchase throughout the event. This event is free and open to all, so gather your friends and join us for an unforgettable stargazing experience!
    Stargazing with Raleigh Astronomy Club Photo
  • Cocktails & Cuisine

    $55.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 22, 2025 only
    2:00 PM
    This month, learn to craft stunning drinks at our Cocktails & Cuisine Class: Elevated Classics at The Willard Rooftop on Saturday, February 22nd Our skilled bartenders will demonstrate how to make three delicious and elevated spins on classic cocktails, and then you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor paired with food, all while you take in the spectacular views from The Willard Rooftop. Class sizes are limited so purchase tickets now for $55 per person. We are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions at this event.
    Cocktails & Cuisine Photo

What 602 people are saying

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

    Romantic

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for scenic views

  • Raleigh

    Great for brunch

  • Raleigh

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Raleigh

    Romantic

  • Raleigh

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Willard offers a "beautiful atmosphere" with "great views" and "excellent service." Guests praise its rooftop lounge, describing it as "the best in Raleigh." The food is often "amazing," though experiences can vary. Friendly staff enhance the dining experience with "perfectly crafted drinks," making it a popular spot for celebrations and casual outings alike.

602 Reviews
  1. Rose

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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

    Is this helpful?

  2. Ronte

    VIP

    Charlotte

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  3. carole

    Raleigh

    23 reviews

    1.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Mara

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    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!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Bob

    VIP

    Hawaii

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 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?

  6. Robyn

    Raleigh

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food & great service with a view of the city!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Shelly

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the experience with my longtime bestie. 10/10

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  8. Craig

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice ambience, polite staff and great food. Will definitely return!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jamesa

    County Durham

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    I went to the Willard to celebrate my husband's 35th birthday. It had a nice ambience and vibe. It was also very clean. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The drinks were just okay but the one appetizer we ordered was undercooked. I would return again because I do believe that all restaurants have bad days.

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  10. Ivelina

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 2, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing. The cocktails we had were tasting weird. Especially the Ginger one, it had expired milk aftertaste. We asked to change it, and unfortunately, we were charged for all 3 drinks. Overall, it was a nice atmosphere and friendly staff.

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

The Willard is rated 4.4 stars by 602 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
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
  • Neighborhood
    Raleigh
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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