The Anchor is a bar in Raleigh, NC. Open: Mon–Thu 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Fri 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM; Sat 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM; Sun 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM. Average rating is 4.4 stars from 309 reviews. Website: http://www.anchorraleigh.com/.
The Anchor
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A bar counter showcasing whiskey bottles and a decorative buffalo statue. — The Anchor
4.4 309 reviews Today 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Drop Anchor. Downtown Raleigh's Cocktail Home Base.

Over 100 signature and classic cocktails, local craft beer, and genuine hospitality on Fayetteville Street since 2015.

About Us

Some bars feel like they were designed by committee. The Anchor feels like it was built by someone who actually drinks. Since opening in January 2015, this shotgun-style, nautical-themed neighborhood spot on Fayetteville Street has been the kind of place downtown Raleigh keeps coming back to, at least once a week if you're doing it right.

The bar runs deep on options. A selection of over 100 cocktails, spanning originals and classics, sits alongside local craft beer and a wide spirits lineup. The staff knows their craft and treats regulars like regulars from the very first visit. That combination of genuine warmth and real bartending skill is what turns a good night out into one you're still talking about the next morning.

The Anchor holds its own as a destination in its own right, and it also shines as the perfect cap to a night that started with dinner at one of the surrounding spots. It is independently owned, community-rooted, and open every single day of the week.

What We Offer

The Anchor is first and foremost a craft cocktail bar, built around a menu of more than 100 signature and classic cocktails. Whether you lean toward something stirred and spirit-forward or bright and citrus-driven, the depth of the cocktail list means you can visit repeatedly without running out of new ground to cover. Local craft beer and an extensive spirits selection round out the options for every kind of drinker.

Beyond the bar program, The Anchor is available for private events and private dining, making it a compelling option for groups who want a distinctive downtown Raleigh setting. The nautical atmosphere and intimate shotgun layout create a natural backdrop for celebrations, gatherings, and after-work functions that actually feel special rather than generic.

Why Choose Us

Open since January 2015, The Anchor has been a downtown Raleigh anchor for nearly a decade of great nights out.
More than 100 signature and classic cocktails give you serious range, from bold originals to timeless standards.
Independently owned and locally rooted, this is a neighborhood bar that genuinely cares about its community.
Rated 4.4 out of 5 across over 300 reviews, with bartenders consistently praised for warmth and craft.
Open seven days a week, with late-night hours on Friday and Saturday until 2 AM for when the night runs long.
Available for private events and private dining, offering a one-of-a-kind nautical setting in downtown.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“Our new favorite bar! Great service, specials and prices. Their wings and nachos are our favorite!!! Been coming here at least once a week since we found it.”

— Savanah Bradley

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"Great bar that’s really fun to hang out in, especially after having dinner at one of the surrounding places to eat. Great staff and a nice place to support a young owner."
— Kevin Taylor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 months ago
"Kristian at Anchor Bar is truly exceptional — the kind of bartender who turns a great night into an unforgettable one. From the moment you sit down, she welcomes you with genuine warmth and a smile that instantly makes you feel at home. She’s incredibly friendly and kind, taking the time to connect with guests in a way that feels natural and sincere. Beyond her wonderful personality, Kristian is impressively efficient and sharp. She keeps the bar running smoothly, even when it’s busy, without ever making you feel rushed or overlooked. Her attention to detail, quick thinking, and deep knowledge of the menu make every drink perfectly crafted and every recommendation spot-on. It’s rare to find someone who balances professionalism, intelligence, and such heartfelt hospitality so effortlessly. Kristian is a huge part of what makes Anchor Bar special — if you get the chance to be served by her, you’re in for an outstanding experience. Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"
— JP
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Our new favorite bar! Great service, specials and prices. Their wings and nachos are our favorite!!! Been coming here at least once a week since we found it."
— Savanah Bradley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 years ago
"I am so glad I popped into this craft cocktail bar on my trip exploring Raleigh. What a cool spot, the lights strung outside immediately caught my eye and had me cross the street to come in. The music was so fun and being greeted by the bartender as soon as we sat let me know I was in the right spot. Fantastic energy, delicious cocktails, bumping music, and great food recommendations at nearby restaurants (this is a bar only). We had such a nice time chatting with Kyle and cannot wait to be back!"
— Vanessa L.
⭐⭐
6 months ago
"Being from NY and having gone to the OG Anchor Bar countless times, I was so excited for this spot to open. The wings were OK to good. Not extraordinary. The original is awesome and I never expected it to compare. But this place is awful. Its comparable to when Pizza Hut tried to make a bar version of their brand. A flop. First, ten wings here are $17. They offer 1 oz of blue cheese, requiring you to pay $.59 for a second half full ramekin. So for me, the value is awful. The restaurant is decorated with a few, neatly and non-charismatically lined up photos of NY sports teams - whoever decorated the place spent 45 minutes and $500 on Amazon to buy everything from the host stand, all the way back to the prison-simple bathrooms. I was there on a Friday night, the bar was half full, the restaurant was less than 1/4 full and the staff seemed to be rushing around like they had been in the weeds for hours. $40 for two beers and 10 wings. I really hate that its such a poor representation of what is such a great, iconic place in NY. I doubt it will last a year. I’m sorely disappointed. If they were wise, they would spend a lot of time trying to give it some character and reconsider the value."
— Greg

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is The Anchor located?

The Anchor is at 207 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601, right in downtown Raleigh's main corridor, convenient to surrounding restaurants and entertainment.

What are The Anchor's hours?

The Anchor is open Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Saturday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM. That's seven days a week.

What kind of drinks does The Anchor serve?

The Anchor is a craft cocktail bar with over 100 signature and classic cocktails on the menu. They also offer local craft beer, wine, and a wide selection of spirits.

Can I book The Anchor for a private event?

Yes. The Anchor offers private events and private dining. The nautical-themed, shotgun-style space makes for a distinctive downtown Raleigh venue for groups and special occasions. Visit anchorraleigh.com for more details.

Is The Anchor a good spot to stop by after dinner nearby?

Absolutely. The Anchor's location on Fayetteville Street puts it steps from a variety of dining options, and many guests make it their go-to follow-up stop after dinner in the area.

How long has The Anchor been open?

The Anchor has been serving downtown Raleigh since January 2015, making it one of the more established independent cocktail bars in the area.

Where can I find more information or connect with The Anchor online?

You can find more at anchorraleigh.com. The Anchor is located at 207 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens 12:00 PM
Monday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday Today 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

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