When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Why Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is a prominent and beloved chain of restaurants and bars known for its massive selection of draft beers, making it an exceptional venue for friends to gather and enjoy quality time together. With locations across multiple states, including Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri, it has built a strong reputation as a go-to destination for beer enthusiasts and casual patrons alike. One of the standout features of Flying Saucer is its extraordinary beer menu, offering more than 100 beers on tap, which caters to every palette from craft brews to classic favorites. The venue provides a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that combines an interesting, quirky décor—such as charger plates with names and quotes displayed on the ceiling—with both indoor and spacious patio seating options, perfect for enjoying pleasant weather or city views. Moreover, the menu features delicious food items that complement the beer selection, such as soft pretzels, sausage platters, flavorful burgers, and wings, all served hot and fresh. Customers particularly appreciate the venue's friendly and attentive service, which creates a comfortable environment for casual hangouts, date nights, or lively group celebrations. The venue often hosts live music events, trivia nights, and other social happenings, adding to its appeal as a vibrant community gathering spot. These elements collectively make Flying Saucer Draught Emporium a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy a memorable experience.
Here's what people think of Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
As of recent, Flying Saucer Draught Emporium holds a 4.5-star rating based on 2651 reviews.
Overall, Flying Saucer Draught Emporium enjoys a highly positive reputation among its patrons, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 2,600 reviews. Reviewers frequently praise the bar’s extensive and diverse draft beer selection, which is often highlighted as the best aspect of the experience. Customers appreciate the opportunity to sample unique and high-quality brews, including specialty options like coffee stout, adding to the venue's appeal as a craft beer destination. Positive reviews also mention the tasty menu options, especially items like the Duke burger, sausage platter, soft pretzels, and wings, which are noted for their flavor and freshness. The atmosphere receives commendation for being both neat and interesting, with a cool and quirky ambiance that features distinctive décor, enhancing the overall experience. Service is another frequently highlighted positive, with patrons reporting friendly, knowledgeable, and accurate servers who contribute to a welcoming environment. Additionally, the availability of indoor and outdoor seating accommodates different preferences and occasions, including casual lunches, night outs with friends, or special celebrations. On the other hand, some less favorable reviews indicate that food quality can occasionally be inconsistent, with some dishes described as "good but not exceptional." A few reviewers noted variability in service speed and attentiveness, especially during busy periods, which can affect the overall experience. However, these criticisms appear to be in the minority compared to the volume of positive feedback. In conclusion, the reviews portray Flying Saucer Draught Emporium as a popular and well-regarded establishment that excels primarily due to its unparalleled beer selection, enjoyable atmosphere, and solid food offerings, with only occasional drawbacks mostly related to food and service consistency.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
E Jordan
Ate here with my Offline credit. Cool spot especially if you’re a beer drinker. Definitely has a pub vibe inside. I ate outside since the weather was nice. It’s giving out door picnic in the city. The I ordered a cocktail recommended by my server. It was quite tasty. My server was attentive without being over bearing. She even made sure a customer’s dog had water. I ordered the Beerfeaster knowing I wouldn’t finish I by myself. The whole plate was full of hot fresh food including the pretzels and baguette.
Nancy W
I was visiting so wanted to try this local location. My first time here but I knew what to expect. The food is always good and so many choices of beer that it can be tough to decide on just one. I love their Cobb salad and the brat pretzel was excellent. Kinda dark inside as the only windows are in the front of the building but bars usually are. Service was a bit slower than expected as there weren't many people at lunch time. I noticed a few employees just talking at the end of the bar when they could have been helping the one fellow waiting on the tables. Other than that I enjoyed popping into another location of the best beer pub around!
Suqdeep Patani
Very extensive beer selection. Found pricing on standard and craft beer to be reasonable. Venue is large with plenty of table seating and a long bar. Service was great although the person assigned to me seemed to be a new-hire and a bit confused. Food, on the other hand, is overpriced and not that great. Chicken sandwich was plain and not great at all. Not much diced chicken and cost $15.50. German potato salad side was actually good and did taste homemade. The 10-piece wing bowl was absurdly oversalted and only had 6 true wings, the rest were anemic, mini-me wings that were hidden at the bottom. Overpriced at $17. Beer float with ice-cream was excellent and only $8. Will only return for beer in the future. Save your money and eat elsewhere.
Tim Busekrus
Cool bar and loved the decor. Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. The Barleywine was not good however—it was only my second time trying Barleywine (first was at a dive bar in NYC, and it was the best alcoholic drink I had ever had). The Barleywine here was not sweet nor sour and tasted much more like a double IPA. Not sure if there are a lot of variations of Barleywine, but it did not come close to the drink I had in NYC. Would definitely come back and order something different, but the Barleywine wasn’t even really drinkable. We left after a few sips.
Noelia Bautista
I went on a Sunday afternoon, and there were plenty of tables available. I ordered an Old Fashioned, and I didn’t like that the first time the presentation was well done, but the second time I ordered it, the presentation changed—for example, it didn’t come with the double cherry or the orange slice. The service was a bit annoying because they kept insisting on offering us more and more drinks, as if we couldn’t stay there without having our glasses full. We had the loaded rocket tots, they weren’t bad, but not something I would order again.
How to reach Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
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Why Flying Saucer Draught Emporium may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Flying Saucer Draught Emporium with your friends? This vibrant and energetic establishment offers an unmatched gathering place where beer lovers and social groups can come together to unwind, share laughter, and create memorable experiences. Its extensive draft beer selection, boasting hundreds of global and local varieties, means every friend’s taste is catered to with care, whether they favor robust stouts, crisp lagers, or innovative IPAs. The atmosphere is uniquely inviting: industrial-chic with exciting details like quirky charger plates with names and quotes on the ceiling, creating engaging conversation starters and a fun ambiance that appeals to both casual visitors and avid beer enthusiasts. Beyond just a drink, Flying Saucer offers hearty, flavorful food options—from soft pretzels that are often described as “must-try” to gourmet burgers and succulent wings—that complement the brews perfectly. These attributes make it not only a spot for casual meetups but also a vibrant hub for celebrations, casual dates, or weekend hangouts. The friendly and knowledgeable staff ensures attentive service, enhancing the comfort and engagement of every group. For anyone looking to rally their friends somewhere lively but welcoming, Flying Saucer Draught Emporium hits the mark with its blend of excellent beers, tasty food, and a social, upbeat vibe.
What activities can you enjoy at Flying Saucer Draught Emporium?
Flying Saucer isn’t just a bar; it’s a dynamic venue offering a variety of activities and experiences tailored for groups. Primarily, it excels in the beer tasting experience. With hundreds of draft beers available, you and your friends can dive into a tasting adventure—sampling rare craft brews or international favorites to find new personal top picks. Many locations enable sampling multiple beers by the flight, encouraging exploration with minimal commitment. The knowledgeable bartenders also enhance the experience by providing recommendations based on group preferences and even letting patrons sample brews before ordering. Beyond beer tasting, the Emporium’s menu supports shared plates and hearty meals, perfect for group dining. Signature dishes like the Duke burger, sausage platters, and wings provide satisfying flavors that pair well with the drink selection. The environment itself invites hanging out—plenty of indoor seating and some outdoor patios allow for different vibes, whether you prefer people-watching in the sunshine or a cozy indoor hangout. For those who enjoy trivia or live events, certain Flying Saucer locations organize regular trivia nights and viewing parties, providing entertainment that elevates a social meetup into a lively event. Collectively, these activities make Flying Saucer an ideal place for groups seeking not only great drinks but also engaging social interactions and good food in a welcoming atmosphere.
Why is Flying Saucer Draught Emporium ideal for a group meetup?
The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is purpose-built to accommodate groups with varied tastes and social dynamics, making it a perfect meetup venue. Its large, spacious interior includes a variety of seating arrangements that can fit small friend circles or larger gatherings comfortably without feeling cramped. The design balances a bustling energy with intimate nook spaces where conversations flow easily. The beer selection’s breadth means every attendee in your party can find something they enjoy, reducing compromise and enhancing satisfaction. The staff’s expertise and attentiveness ensure smooth service even during busy periods, meaning groups won’t have to fight for attention or feel neglected. Additionally, the food menu is designed for sharing and satisfies diverse appetites, which is vital for groups with different food preferences or dietary needs. More so, the Energy City location has outdoor seating to enjoy good weather, facilitating an open-air environment that’s great for lively group conversations or casual relaxation. Special touches like personalized charger plates hanging from the ceiling add a unique character, sparking conversation and camaraderie. All these elements combine into a welcoming, fun, and hassle-free setting, making Flying Saucer an outstanding venue choice for catching up with friends or celebrating special occasions.
What food and drink options make this venue stand out?
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium distinguishes itself with a comprehensive and thoughtfully curated menu that pairs perfectly with its extensive beer selection. The cornerstone is undoubtedly their vast draft beer lineup, which includes close to 200 varieties spanning local craft brews, international favorites, and hard-to-find specialty batches. This diversity ensures every beer lover in your group will find something appealing, which is rare in most venues. On the food side, Flying Saucer complements their drinks with hearty comfort dishes like the famous soft pretzels, which have become a fan favorite for their soft texture and perfect seasoning. The Duke burger is another standout, praised for being juicy, flavorful, and piping hot, making it an excellent choice for satisfying hunger between drinks. Other selections like sausage platters and wings offer sharing-friendly options that are great for group dining, balancing flavors that appeal broadly. For those who prefer something lighter or different, the menu includes sandwiches and salads, ensuring variety. Additionally, the coffee stout beer is a popular specialty that combines rich, roasted coffee flavors with stout beer—a unique blend that adventurous tasters will appreciate. Altogether, the food and drink options create a well-rounded menu experience that keeps guests coming back, whether they come for lunch, dinner, or late-night drinks.
What kind of atmosphere and service can guests expect?
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium offers a lively yet approachable atmosphere that strikes a perfect balance for group meetups. The décor merges industrial and eclectic elements, featuring exposed brick walls, unique lighting, and intriguing charger plates with names and quotes on the ceiling, which capture guests’ curiosity and add a playful vibe to the surroundings. This distinctive environment fosters a sense of community and fun, encouraging guests to relax and interact. The venue also has a reputation for friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive staff who elevate the overall experience by helping groups navigate the vast beer selection and ensuring food and drink orders are promptly and accurately served. Positive reviews consistently highlight the bartenders’ expertise and willingness to provide tailored beer recommendations or allow samples before committing to a full glass—an approach that makes guests feel valued and well-cared-for. Furthermore, the availability of both indoor and patio seating lets groups choose their preferred atmosphere, from intimate indoors to airy, sunshine-filled outdoor tables perfect for day gatherings. The combination of engaging décor, warm service, multiple seating options, and a curated beer and food list sets the Flying Saucer apart as an ideal destination for communal relaxation and celebration.
How does Flying Saucer Draught Emporium support special occasions and group events?
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium recognizes the importance of making group celebrations and special occasions memorable, and it delivers with dedicated support for events. The spacious layout naturally lends itself to hosting parties, reunions, or even informal business meetups, with flexible seating that can be arranged to accommodate various group sizes and needs. The versatile menu caters well for events, offering shareable food platters and a wide range of drink options that ensure every guest’s preferences are met without hassle. Additionally, the staff’s proactive and responsive service helps events run smoothly, with the ability to handle large orders accurately and efficiently. Some locations offer event hosting amenities, such as reservable areas or private event spaces, which allow groups to enjoy privacy as needed. Furthermore, the eclectic and unique interior design adds a fun and distinctive backdrop for photos and social sharing, making celebrations feel special and engaging. Whether it's a casual gathering to catch up with friends, a birthday, or an informal work event, Flying Saucer Draught Emporium’s combination of atmosphere, food, drink, and attentive service creates a welcoming environment where group occasions can thrive.