When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Solas
Why Solas is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Solas is a well-known nightclub located in Raleigh, NC, offering a lively and engaging atmosphere for those looking to meet up with friends and enjoy a night out. With a blend of entertainment, music, and a vibrant club scene, Solas provides a social hub where patrons can gather to experience a dynamic nightlife. The venue boasts a fun and easygoing environment, making it suitable for various types of social gatherings, from casual meetups to celebratory events. The staff is noted for their supportiveness and professionalism, contributing to an overall positive experience. Besides the energetic dance floor and lively ambiance, the club includes amenities such as a full bar and diverse entertainment options. Despite being situated in an area that some consider less safe, Solas remains a popular choice for those seeking nightlife excitement in Raleigh. The venue cultivates a community feel among its employees, fostering good coworker relationships and a team-oriented atmosphere that often translates to quality service for guests. Whether you're looking to dance, enjoy cocktails, or socialize, Solas offers a multi-faceted nightspot that appeals to a broad demographic, making it an excellent place to connect with friends and meet new people.
Here's what people think of Solas
As of recent, Solas holds a 3.9-star rating based on 925 reviews.
Reviews for Solas reflect a mixed yet generally favorable picture of the venue, with an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 925 reviews. Positive feedback frequently highlights the fun and lively atmosphere, the supportive and friendly staff, and the opportunity to work or socialize in an engaging, upbeat environment. Guests appreciate the music, entertainment, and the quality interactions with bartenders and servers who contribute to the enjoyable club experience. Employees often describe the workplace as manageable and enjoyable, praising the camaraderie and teamwork among coworkers, along with fixed hours and decent tips. However, some negative reviews mention concerns such as the nightclub’s location in a less safe area and occasional management shortcomings, including communication issues and resource availability like radios for staff. A few employees also note internal drama between management and kitchen staff, which affected the working environment. Despite these drawbacks, many reviews conclude that Solas remains a popular and vibrant venue worth visiting or working at, especially for those who appreciate a high-energy club setting with diverse clientele and entertainment. This balance of pros and cons suggests that while there may be challenges, the overall experience is satisfying for most patrons and employees alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nicole Rochelle
My friend’s cousin had a birthday celebration here in the upstairs lounge, we had karaoke set up. There was in-house music that we were dancing to between sets and having a great time, the owner was present along with his puppy and everyone was super chill, and all of the bartenders were lovely
David Ryan
The place feels dirty once you’re inside, but I’ll take my chances during happy hour when draft beers are $6 and mixed drinks are $8. It wasn’t very busy, I sat at the bar and there is a small TV. If you want to go somewhere dark and quiet with friendly bartenders then this place is for you.
Natalia Hanson
On Wednesdays, there are nice Latin parties in the back room with a beginner's lessons and social dancing afterward. The bar reservations system should be updated. Four emails and eight texts from Google Assistant and still, we could not get the reservation booked
shawn shawn
They employ a very dangerous bouncer here. Around 12:20AM I was having a conversation with my friend outside (not in front of the bar itself, to the side) and the bouncer, bald African American male in his 40s, came over and told us to move, becoming physical when I refused and asked for an explanation. He is not emotionally stable and will end up hurting or killing someone. A serious liability for the bar itself, and also for anyone looking for a safe place to have a good time. EDIT: I would like to ask the owner to post a link to the security footage regarding the incident. They claim I was not respectful towards their neighbors, which is blatantly false. My friend and I were having a conversation at a normal level, 2-4 feet in front of their ‘neighbors’ door. On the sidewalk. Just so you know, your bouncer threw a balled up napkin at my face. Don’t be delusional in thinking that was anything remotely related to helping your “neighbors”. Your bouncer was power tripping and upset when I didn’t act afraid of him. Their aggressive emotionally unhinged/underdeveloped security guard, ONLY hit me after he got backup from the equally emotionally & physically challenged bouncer at the establishment next door (got his courage when it was a 2v1 since my friend wasn’t stepping in) He has no legal right to touch someone on the sidewalk, no matter what. Especially if they are not being violent. The owners here have shown their blatant disregard for the health and lives of other people. For the public that they want to get money from. I am a person. I have a mother, I have sisters, I have close friends. Their bouncer could very easily have killed me if he threw a punch at me (which he seems likely to do if he encounters a person of lesser physical stature). What if he got lucky, and ended up knocking me out? My head hit the concrete? I do not drink alcohol, I wasn’t high, I was having a conversation with my friend. Kevin, post the tapes. Or you know what, text me a link to the footage. I’d love to show the cops, and a lawyer, given your bouncer physically touched me. Message me privately, I’ll send you my phone number.
Mike Matute
Went on a regular weekend with friends. The DJ playing was fantastic, only complaint was that the drinks were inconsistent when we order the same one 4x. Overall atmosphere is calm on one side and very lively on the other. Not bad but nothing exceptional
How to reach Solas
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Website: None
Why Solas may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Solas with your friends?
Meeting up with friends or family at Solas offers a unique blend of social energy, ambiance, and diverse entertainment options that make it an ideal spot for group gatherings. Despite a mixed rating of 3.9 out of 5 from over 900 reviews, Solas stands out as a venue that combines nightlife excitement with the space and vibe conducive to creating memorable experiences. If you and your friends are looking for a place where you can talk, dance, and enjoy drinks in an urban setting, Solas offers a lively atmosphere that encourages camaraderie and celebration. The venue typically operates late into the night, allowing for extended hangouts that fit various group plans, from casual drinks to more vibrant parties. This flexibility and the mix of entertainment attract diverse crowds, making Solas a dynamic place to connect and unwind together.
When planning a meetup, especially with a larger group, it is vital to find a place that caters well to social interaction without feeling overcrowded or inaccessible. At Solas, the arrangements and environment are designed to encourage group enjoyment, whether your gathering is intimate or more robust. Furthermore, its location in a bustling urban area contributes to its accessibility and the option to extend your outing to nearby venues if you want to keep the fun going. These factors make Solas a compelling choice for those seeking a venue that supports group dynamics in a vibrant setting.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Solas?
At Solas, entertainment is primarily centered around its nightclub and bar environment, which caters to guests looking for a mix of music, dancing, and socializing. The space is designed to support a lively club scene with a music selection that often spans popular genres suited to different tastes, encouraging a fun and energetic dance floor. This makes it especially great for groups who enjoy moving to the beat and participating in a communal party atmosphere. Alongside dancing, the venue offers a bar stocked with a variety of cocktails, beers, and other drinks, allowing guests to enjoy craft beverages or classic choices while chatting by the bar or at tables.
The social aspect of Solas is a major draw, with friendly staff reported by some patrons, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for groups. Whether you want to share a few drinks after work or celebrate a special occasion, the bar provides a setting that supports extended conversations and mingling. The operating hours, typically from afternoon well into the early morning, provide ample time to settle in, enjoy snacks or beverages, and fully engage in the nightlife.
Moreover, the venue's layout includes areas for sitting as well as standing and dancing, offering versatility depending on your group's mood and size. Having options to move between a relaxing seat and an energetic dance floor means Solas can accommodate different preferences within the same group, enhancing the overall enjoyment and cohesion of your meetup.
Why is Solas perfect for a group meetup?
Solas’s appeal for group meetups lies in its blend of social, spatial, and service elements that cater to group needs. First, the venue’s size and design accommodate both smaller groups and larger ones without feeling cramped, which is essential for comfort and ease of interaction. The mix of seating and open spaces allows groups to gather closely for conversation or spread out for dancing and entertainment, facilitating multiple activities simultaneously within one venue.
Second, Solas offers an energetic and inclusive atmosphere that encourages groups to relax and bond over good music and drinks. The staff, reported by some to be supportive and friendly, help create a vibe that makes guests feel welcomed and appreciated, which enhances the experience of spending quality time together.
Third, the timing and location of Solas add to its suitability for group events. Being open late supports gatherings that start in the evening and continue into the night, which is common for social meetups. The urban setting means groups can plan their entire night around this hub, with options to visit nearby eateries or other attractions before or after the gathering, making it easier to coordinate complex group plans.
Lastly, the diversity of guests and the welcoming space make Solas a place where different group types—whether friends catching up, birthday parties, or casual family gatherings—can feel comfortable and enjoy their time. This versatility combined with a vibrant nightlife setting underscores why Solas is a great choice for your next group outing.
What should groups expect about the environment and customer service at Solas?
While Solas offers a fun environment and lively social scene, prospective visitors should be aware that experiences can vary, especially regarding customer service and management. Reviews indicate that while many staff are friendly and helpful, some guests have reported occasional issues with management and safety concerns due to staff behavior, particularly interactions involving security personnel. These reports emphasize the importance of being mindful of your surroundings and perhaps having a clear plan for group safety during your visit.
The venue is known for its urban nightlife vibe, which naturally includes a mix of customer types, some more challenging to manage than others. Groups that enjoy energetic and dynamic environments will likely appreciate this aspect, but it could be less appealing to those seeking a quieter, more controlled atmosphere. It is advisable for groups to stay together and communicate openly to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable during the meetup.
Despite these challenges, many patrons praise the teamwork among employees and the bar’s ability to keep the energy high, which contributes to memorable nights. Being aware of these dynamics helps groups set expectations and prepare for an enjoyable visit while maintaining awareness of their well-being.
How does the nightlife experience at Solas compare to other similar venues?
Solas situates itself as a typical urban nightclub and bar catering primarily to a nightlife-loving crowd that values music, energy, and social interaction. Compared to other venues, Solas provides an equivalent variety of music and dancing opportunities but is distinguished by its longer operating hours and the inclusiveness of various group sizes. The vibe here tends to be more casual and accessible than some exclusive or upscale clubs, which can appeal to a broader audience looking for an authentic city nightlife experience.
However, the venue's relatively average review rating suggests there are areas for improvement, particularly in customer relations and atmosphere inclusiveness. While some competitors may offer smoother service or more polished environments, Solas’s strengths lie in its community feel and the ability to accommodate friend groups looking to have fun without overly formal constraints. It also typically presents a more budget-friendly option than high-end nightclubs, making it more accessible for a wider range of guests.
Groups familiar with nightlife scenes will find Solas delivers comparable entertainment value but should balance it against reports of occasional management or safety concerns. Overall, it fills a niche for those wanting an energetic, straightforward night out among peers in a dependable, established venue.
What tips should I consider when planning my meetup at Solas?
When organizing a meetup at Solas, planning ahead will help maximize your group’s enjoyment and minimize potential disruptions. Given the urban nightclub setting, it is wise to ensure clear communication among your group about meeting points and safety, as busy environments can sometimes fragment groups. Reserving space if possible or arriving early can help secure seating or a comfortable area for conversation before the venue gets crowded.
Take advantage of the drink options and music to set a festive tone, but always monitor your group's alcohol consumption to keep everyone safe. It’s also recommended to stay informed about any recent reviews or feedback on service quality and staff behavior to anticipate the atmosphere you’ll encounter.
Considering Solas’s long hours, plan your timing based on your group’s energy and preferences—those who want an early evening catch-up can arrive soon after opening, and night owls can enjoy the late-night scene. Additionally, coordinate transportation options in advance to ensure safe travel to and from the venue, especially since late hours can limit public transit availability.
By preparing for the venue’s environment and leveraging its entertainment and social features, your group can enjoy a memorable and fun gathering at Solas.