When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar
Why Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar in Midtown Raleigh offers a vibrant mix of upscale dining and welcoming hospitality, making it an excellent place for friends to meet and enjoy a memorable meal together. This restaurant celebrates both traditional Southern comfort foods and modern culinary trends, crafting dishes that are rich, hearty, and nostalgically indulgent. Their menu boasts new Southern cuisine, taking classic favorites and refreshing them with contemporary ingredients while preserving the heart and warmth of the originals. Beyond the food, Relish stands out for its extensive bourbon collection, pairing perfectly with Southern-inspired meals. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet inviting, delivering an upscale experience without a stuffy price tag. Guests can enjoy a range of meal options from brunch to late-night dining, along with accommodating a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. With a full bar, outdoor seating, and attentive service, it’s a fantastic destination to relax, indulge, and socialize with friends in a lively yet comfortable setting.
Here's what people think of Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar
As of recent, Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar holds a 4.5-star rating based on 3568 reviews.
Customers consistently praise Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar for its delicious food and excellent service. Positive reviews often highlight the flavorful Southern-inspired dishes and the broad, impressive bourbon selection that enhances the dining experience. Many reviewers appreciate the attentive and friendly staff who provide top-notch service, contributing to a welcoming environment. The diverse menu options, including vegan and gluten-free choices, receive frequent commendations, making it accessible for different tastes and dietary needs. On the other hand, some negative remarks mention occasional wait times and higher prices compared to casual spots, though most agree the quality justifies the cost. A few reviewers note variability in dish consistency, but these experiences appear to be exceptions rather than the rule. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive reviews underline Relish as a beloved Raleigh dining destination, especially for those seeking authentic Southern flavors paired with expertly crafted bourbons in an inviting atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Heather Millsaps
The restaurant floor and booth seats need updating but the decor is cute. The waitstaff was really slow and there was hardly anyone else there as it was between 4-5. We noticed several waitstaff just hanging out. The fried pimento cheese was good. The country fried steak was just okay. My friend said the bbq was good but not amazing. I feel like with a little effort this could be much better and looks like it has been in the past.
Mary Scordos
First impression was incredible! Huge Old Fashioned fan so this place truly was exciting. The Browned butter Old fashioned was incredible but cannot forget the French Toast Pudding! Highly recommend checking this place out, if able.
Elise Tuz
Wow, excellent place. The atmosphere itself is AWESOME because it has a homey type feel! I also loved the little store that was towards the entrance inside, that was so cute. The only thing I didn’t like was that I felt like the service was a tad slow. Sure, it’s a hopping place, but us hungry southerners like our food quick! It was totally worth the wait because the food was fricken DELICIOUS!!! It tasted healthy, wholesome and homemade. I got the Mac & Cheese Skillet and it was hit at first but it was so yummy! I totally recommend this place 💕
Tai Wong
Relish is such a great spot for brunch! The atmosphere is welcoming, with a fun Southern vibe that feels both modern and homey. I love their option of indoor and outdoor seating, while providing options to set at the bar as well. The staff is always friendly and attentive—they make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The food is absolutely amazing. Their Biscuit and Gravy is always a great choice, as well as their Tater tots. The tots are always cooked to perfection with a great crunch. I also got the Chipotle BLT wrap, and that was a hit as well. You can really tell they care about quality and creativity in their dishes. They also have a great selection of bourbon and craft cocktails, which pairs perfectly with the comfort food. (A spicy Bloody Mary is a great addition to your brunch for anyone who enjoys them.) Whether you're going for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Relish delivers every time.
0ViciousV0
The food and service are amazing. Friendly staff and a very cozy atmosphere with low lighting in the evenings. The bar is awesome and they make really good drinks. Can't reccommend it enough! Absolutely try the pimento cheese fritters and the sweet potato fries. The grilled salmon plate was fresh and tasted great. Also the banana pudding is some of the best I've had.
Heather Millsaps
The restaurant floor and booth seats need updating but the decor is cute. The waitstaff was really slow and there was hardly anyone else there as it was between 4-5. We noticed several waitstaff just hanging out. The fried pimento cheese was good. The country fried steak was just okay. My friend said the bbq was good but not amazing. I feel like with a little effort this could be much better and looks like it has been in the past.
Mary Scordos
First impression was incredible! Huge Old Fashioned fan so this place truly was exciting. The Browned butter Old fashioned was incredible but cannot forget the French Toast Pudding! Highly recommend checking this place out, if able.
Elise Tuz
Wow, excellent place. The atmosphere itself is AWESOME because it has a homey type feel! I also loved the little store that was towards the entrance inside, that was so cute. The only thing I didn’t like was that I felt like the service was a tad slow. Sure, it’s a hopping place, but us hungry southerners like our food quick! It was totally worth the wait because the food was fricken DELICIOUS!!! It tasted healthy, wholesome and homemade. I got the Mac & Cheese Skillet and it was hit at first but it was so yummy! I totally recommend this place 💕
Tai Wong
Relish is such a great spot for brunch! The atmosphere is welcoming, with a fun Southern vibe that feels both modern and homey. I love their option of indoor and outdoor seating, while providing options to set at the bar as well. The staff is always friendly and attentive—they make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The food is absolutely amazing. Their Biscuit and Gravy is always a great choice, as well as their Tater tots. The tots are always cooked to perfection with a great crunch. I also got the Chipotle BLT wrap, and that was a hit as well. You can really tell they care about quality and creativity in their dishes. They also have a great selection of bourbon and craft cocktails, which pairs perfectly with the comfort food. (A spicy Bloody Mary is a great addition to your brunch for anyone who enjoys them.) Whether you're going for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Relish delivers every time.
0ViciousV0
The food and service are amazing. Friendly staff and a very cozy atmosphere with low lighting in the evenings. The bar is awesome and they make really good drinks. Can't reccommend it enough! Absolutely try the pimento cheese fritters and the sweet potato fries. The grilled salmon plate was fresh and tasted great. Also the banana pudding is some of the best I've had.
Heather Millsaps
The restaurant floor and booth seats need updating but the decor is cute. The waitstaff was really slow and there was hardly anyone else there as it was between 4-5. We noticed several waitstaff just hanging out. The fried pimento cheese was good. The country fried steak was just okay. My friend said the bbq was good but not amazing. I feel like with a little effort this could be much better and looks like it has been in the past.
Mary Scordos
First impression was incredible! Huge Old Fashioned fan so this place truly was exciting. The Browned butter Old fashioned was incredible but cannot forget the French Toast Pudding! Highly recommend checking this place out, if able.
Elise Tuz
Wow, excellent place. The atmosphere itself is AWESOME because it has a homey type feel! I also loved the little store that was towards the entrance inside, that was so cute. The only thing I didn’t like was that I felt like the service was a tad slow. Sure, it’s a hopping place, but us hungry southerners like our food quick! It was totally worth the wait because the food was fricken DELICIOUS!!! It tasted healthy, wholesome and homemade. I got the Mac & Cheese Skillet and it was hit at first but it was so yummy! I totally recommend this place 💕
Tai Wong
Relish is such a great spot for brunch! The atmosphere is welcoming, with a fun Southern vibe that feels both modern and homey. I love their option of indoor and outdoor seating, while providing options to set at the bar as well. The staff is always friendly and attentive—they make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The food is absolutely amazing. Their Biscuit and Gravy is always a great choice, as well as their Tater tots. The tots are always cooked to perfection with a great crunch. I also got the Chipotle BLT wrap, and that was a hit as well. You can really tell they care about quality and creativity in their dishes. They also have a great selection of bourbon and craft cocktails, which pairs perfectly with the comfort food. (A spicy Bloody Mary is a great addition to your brunch for anyone who enjoys them.) Whether you're going for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Relish delivers every time.
0ViciousV0
The food and service are amazing. Friendly staff and a very cozy atmosphere with low lighting in the evenings. The bar is awesome and they make really good drinks. Can't reccommend it enough! Absolutely try the pimento cheese fritters and the sweet potato fries. The grilled salmon plate was fresh and tasted great. Also the banana pudding is some of the best I've had.
Heather Millsaps
The restaurant floor and booth seats need updating but the decor is cute. The waitstaff was really slow and there was hardly anyone else there as it was between 4-5. We noticed several waitstaff just hanging out. The fried pimento cheese was good. The country fried steak was just okay. My friend said the bbq was good but not amazing. I feel like with a little effort this could be much better and looks like it has been in the past.
Mary Scordos
First impression was incredible! Huge Old Fashioned fan so this place truly was exciting. The Browned butter Old fashioned was incredible but cannot forget the French Toast Pudding! Highly recommend checking this place out, if able.
Elise Tuz
Wow, excellent place. The atmosphere itself is AWESOME because it has a homey type feel! I also loved the little store that was towards the entrance inside, that was so cute. The only thing I didn’t like was that I felt like the service was a tad slow. Sure, it’s a hopping place, but us hungry southerners like our food quick! It was totally worth the wait because the food was fricken DELICIOUS!!! It tasted healthy, wholesome and homemade. I got the Mac & Cheese Skillet and it was hit at first but it was so yummy! I totally recommend this place 💕
Tai Wong
Relish is such a great spot for brunch! The atmosphere is welcoming, with a fun Southern vibe that feels both modern and homey. I love their option of indoor and outdoor seating, while providing options to set at the bar as well. The staff is always friendly and attentive—they make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The food is absolutely amazing. Their Biscuit and Gravy is always a great choice, as well as their Tater tots. The tots are always cooked to perfection with a great crunch. I also got the Chipotle BLT wrap, and that was a hit as well. You can really tell they care about quality and creativity in their dishes. They also have a great selection of bourbon and craft cocktails, which pairs perfectly with the comfort food. (A spicy Bloody Mary is a great addition to your brunch for anyone who enjoys them.) Whether you're going for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Relish delivers every time.
0ViciousV0
The food and service are amazing. Friendly staff and a very cozy atmosphere with low lighting in the evenings. The bar is awesome and they make really good drinks. Can't reccommend it enough! Absolutely try the pimento cheese fritters and the sweet potato fries. The grilled salmon plate was fresh and tasted great. Also the banana pudding is some of the best I've had.
Heather Millsaps
The restaurant floor and booth seats need updating but the decor is cute. The waitstaff was really slow and there was hardly anyone else there as it was between 4-5. We noticed several waitstaff just hanging out. The fried pimento cheese was good. The country fried steak was just okay. My friend said the bbq was good but not amazing. I feel like with a little effort this could be much better and looks like it has been in the past.
Mary Scordos
First impression was incredible! Huge Old Fashioned fan so this place truly was exciting. The Browned butter Old fashioned was incredible but cannot forget the French Toast Pudding! Highly recommend checking this place out, if able.
Elise Tuz
Wow, excellent place. The atmosphere itself is AWESOME because it has a homey type feel! I also loved the little store that was towards the entrance inside, that was so cute. The only thing I didn’t like was that I felt like the service was a tad slow. Sure, it’s a hopping place, but us hungry southerners like our food quick! It was totally worth the wait because the food was fricken DELICIOUS!!! It tasted healthy, wholesome and homemade. I got the Mac & Cheese Skillet and it was hit at first but it was so yummy! I totally recommend this place 💕
Tai Wong
Relish is such a great spot for brunch! The atmosphere is welcoming, with a fun Southern vibe that feels both modern and homey. I love their option of indoor and outdoor seating, while providing options to set at the bar as well. The staff is always friendly and attentive—they make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The food is absolutely amazing. Their Biscuit and Gravy is always a great choice, as well as their Tater tots. The tots are always cooked to perfection with a great crunch. I also got the Chipotle BLT wrap, and that was a hit as well. You can really tell they care about quality and creativity in their dishes. They also have a great selection of bourbon and craft cocktails, which pairs perfectly with the comfort food. (A spicy Bloody Mary is a great addition to your brunch for anyone who enjoys them.) Whether you're going for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Relish delivers every time.
0ViciousV0
The food and service are amazing. Friendly staff and a very cozy atmosphere with low lighting in the evenings. The bar is awesome and they make really good drinks. Can't reccommend it enough! Absolutely try the pimento cheese fritters and the sweet potato fries. The grilled salmon plate was fresh and tasted great. Also the banana pudding is some of the best I've had.
How to reach Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar
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Why Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar with your friends? Because this establishment masterfully blends the warmth of Southern comfort food with an upscale yet unpretentious atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for social gatherings. The inviting ambiance, accentuated by soft lighting that casts a romantic glow on every table, fosters intimate conversations and lively exchanges alike. At Relish, you are not just sharing a meal; you’re participating in an experience that celebrates friendship through thoughtfully crafted dishes and an extensive bourbon selection. Whether catching up after a long week or marking a special occasion, this vibrant and cozy setting encourages genuine connection and communal enjoyment. Their menu, rooted in updated Southern classics, offers a comforting yet adventurous culinary journey that appeals to a wide range of tastes, ensuring every guest finds something irresistible. The approachable pricing combined with attentive service makes Relish as welcoming for a casual hangout as it is for a celebratory night out, providing a versatile and memorable destination to rally your friends and family.
What makes Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar perfect for group meetups? The venue provides a variety of activities and features that cater to groups looking to share quality time. Firstly, the food itself sparks conversation, boasting Southern-inspired comfort dishes with modern twists that everyone can enjoy and discuss. Since the menu encourages sharing, with plates designed to be hearty and indulgent, it naturally fosters a communal eating style. Their brunch offerings on weekends start early and continue through mid-afternoon, ideal for relaxed daytime gatherings. Coupled with an impressive collection of bourbons and craft cocktails, the bar serves as a convivial hub where friends can explore new flavors and toast to good times. The cozy yet spacious layout accommodates groups comfortably, allowing for both lively discussions and quieter moments. Additionally, the staff is reputed to offer excellent service, making the experience smooth and enjoyable, essential for group events. All these elements combined make Relish a fantastic locale for everything from casual meetups to more structured social events.
What kind of food and drinks can you share with your group at Relish? The menu at Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar is a celebration of the "new Southern" style, where traditional recipes are refreshed with current ingredients to create rich, hearty, and savory dishes that bring people together. Starters like fried green tomatoes with cheese offer crisp textures and familiar flavors that are perfect for sharing and sparking dialogue over the table. The heartier dishes, such as adult mac and cheese or the Mediterranean cheese sandwich, provide satisfying options that suit various palates, food preferences, and dietary needs within a group. The focus on comfort food means everything is designed to be nostalgic yet novel, making it ideal for sharing plates as diners explore different tastes. On the beverage front, Relish boasts a vast bourbon collection, complemented by a curated list of craft cocktails and other whiskeys to delight every bourbon enthusiast in the group. This extensive drink menu encourages tasting and conversation, providing an engaging dimension to your meetup. Whether you seek a robust bourbon flight or a smooth, refreshing cocktail, you’ll find the perfect complement to your meal.
Why is the atmosphere at Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar ideal for a memorable get-together? The ambience combines warmth, sophistication, and approachability, making it a versatile setting for gatherings of all kinds. Each table is beautifully accentuated with intimate lighting that casts a romantic and inviting glow, creating a relaxed environment without pretense. This design encourages both energetic conversations and quieter moments of connection among friends or family. The décor balances modern elegance with rustic charm, reflecting the culinary philosophy of blending tradition with trend. Moreover, the staff’s attentiveness and friendliness add a layer of comfort that helps everyone feel at home, enhancing the group’s overall experience. The location in midtown Raleigh provides easy accessibility while still feeling like an escape from the everyday hustle. Whether your gathering is a casual brunch, an evening bourbon tasting, or a special celebration, the setting at Relish naturally elevates the occasion.
Are there any special features or events that Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar offers for groups? Relish stands out with not only its food and drink offerings but also for its commitment to creating an engaging experience for groups. The restaurant frequently updates its menu to incorporate new culinary trends alongside Southern classics, giving return visitors plenty to explore each time they meet. Its weekend brunch, available Saturday and Sunday mornings into early afternoons, is a prized feature, perfect for daytime gatherings that want to balance great food with a relaxed vibe. The cocktail bar, with its extensive bourbon selection, sometimes hosts tasting events which can be ideal for groups to learn and enjoy together. Also, the space is designed to accommodate various group sizes comfortably without feeling crowded, an essential aspect for gatherings where conversation and ease are priorities. Combined with its reasonable pricing and excellent customer service record, these features contribute to making Relish a dependable choice for hosting memorable group events.
How accessible is Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar for your group’s convenience? Located at 5625 Creedmoor Road in midtown Raleigh, Relish is easily reachable for locals and visitors alike. The area's central location ensures straightforward travel whether your group is coming by car or ride-share, minimizing logistical hassle—an important consideration for larger meetups. Parking is typically available nearby, which adds to the convenience. The restaurant’s hours accommodate various scheduling needs, with weekday service from 11 AM to 9 PM and extended weekend hours that include brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, making it flexible for both lunch and dinner gatherings. Whether you’re planning a midday brunch with friends or a late evening gathering to savor cocktails and comfort food, Relish’s accessibility and schedule support your group’s timing preferences. This ease of access complements the welcoming atmosphere, making organizing a meetup smooth and stress-free.
What do reviewers say about the experience of gathering at Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar? The consistent 4.5-star rating from over 3,500 reviewers highlights a strong track record of delivering a satisfying experience for patrons, many of whom visit in groups. Guests frequently praise the combination of great food and good service, emphasizing how these elements come together to enhance social dining. Reviews often mention the friendliness of staff and the quality of the southern-inspired cuisine, which is described as both delicious and comforting. Some reviews highlight the perfect balance of quality and affordability, underscoring why it remains a popular group destination. While a few reviewers note occasional variability in service or food preferences, the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive, particularly for those looking to enjoy a relaxed and tasty meal with others. The atmosphere, the menu, and the bourbon bar all contribute to why many recommend Relish for friendly gatherings and family meetups.
What makes the social dynamic at Relish special for friends and family? The combination of delicious comfort food and an extensive bourbon selection plays a crucial role in shaping the social experience. Food inherently brings people together, and Relish’s focus on hearty Southern classics, modernized to appeal universally, nurtures a warm, inclusive vibe that encourages sharing and conversation. The drink menu serves as both a complement and a conversation starter, with craft cocktails and bourbon flights sparking interest and discovery among friends. This dynamic environment is further enhanced by the intimate lighting and tasteful decor that make every table feel like a cozy corner of a cherished gathering space. For families, the menu’s approachable pricing and diverse options mean that everyone from kids to adults can find something enjoyable. This blend of thoughtful culinary offerings and welcoming ambiance makes Relish an unparalleled venue to build memories and deepen connections with loved ones.