When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
The Avenue Raleigh
Why The Avenue Raleigh is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Avenue Raleigh stands out as a vibrant and welcoming bar located in the heart of Raleigh’s lively Glenwood South Entertainment District. It serves as an excellent spot for friends to meet up and enjoy a variety of activities together. The venue offers a carefully curated selection of craft beers and delicious cocktails, appealing to diverse tastes. In addition to quality drinks, The Avenue provides engaging entertainment options including pool tables and multiple screens to catch favorite games, fostering a playful and social atmosphere. A spacious patio area enhances the experience by allowing guests to relax outdoors in a comfortable setting, perfect for casual conversations and enjoying the urban vibe. Their extended operating hours throughout the week—from afternoons into the early morning—provide ample opportunities for both weekday gatherings and weekend celebrations. Strategically situated amidst a cluster of other bars, restaurants, and shops within Glenwood South, The Avenue offers guests not only an enjoyable destination itself but also an ideal starting point for a full night out. This combination of quality beverages, fun activities, and a prime location makes The Avenue Raleigh an exceptional venue for socializing and entertainment.
Here's what people think of The Avenue Raleigh
As of recent, The Avenue Raleigh holds a 4-star rating based on 171 reviews.
User reviews of The Avenue Raleigh reveal a general appreciation for the inviting atmosphere and the variety of drink options. Positive feedback often highlights the friendly staff, lively ambiance, and the enjoyable mix of craft beers and cocktails. Many patrons appreciate the availability of pool tables and the ability to watch sports games in a relaxed environment, which adds to the venue’s appeal for groups looking to have a fun and casual night out. The spacious patio is also frequently mentioned as a pleasant feature, especially during warmer months. On the other hand, some negative reviews note occasional overcrowding during peak hours, leading to noise and waiting times for service. A few customers have mentioned that the seating can sometimes feel limited and that the noise level might hamper conversation. There are also remarks about slow service during busy periods. Despite these concerns, the overall consensus remains that The Avenue is a solid choice for a night out in Raleigh, with the positives outweighing the drawbacks. The venue’s consistent efforts to provide a friendly environment coupled with diverse drink and entertainment options support its favorable community reputation.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Steven Nealy
We just had the most amazing experience at the Avenue! Unfortunately we forgot our bartender’s name, he was shorter with short curly hair and a big smile, really enthusiastic. He made us the best Lemon Drop shots and even sugared the rim and cut the lemons tinier for us. We’ll definitely be back. If you see this bartender make sure to order his famous shot!
Byron Ethan Agapay
We highly recommend planning an event at The Avenue! We initially did not plan to have a wedding welcome party, but we entertained the idea and looked for some venues. Since we were already planning a whole wedding, finding something that was easy and accommodating was an absolute necessity. Enter: The Avenue. When we met with Alexis, she walked us through where the event would be held and how it would be sectioned off, and answered all of the questions that we had. She assured us that they would take care of as many things as we didn’t want to take care of (in fact, they did MORE!). We booked with them after browsing their event page and opted for a semi-open bar with a limit, and barbecue pork sandwiches for food. Alexis made sure that our event was PERFECT. On top of being very communicative and helpful, she asked us to send photos so that they could be playing on loop throughout our event, made sure that we had signage for our event, and even coordinated with a photographer to snag some photos of us and our guests that they sent within a week. Our guests had A LOT of fun, and many of them said what a perfect venue for a welcome party! Oh, they also accommodated some of our family who wanted to give speeches, which they happily turned the music down and gave us a microphone so we can hear them. This was the PERFECT event space for an amazing weekend. The Avenue really set the standard for being the perfect venue for any event! P.S. The team that catered our event, Chris with Souther Sons BBQ & Catering, knocked it out of the park. They made sure to have some food for a few of our diet-restricted guests, and were so nice! The food was delicious and only added to the great space!
Shaniece
Came here for a Birthday Celebration, the atmosphere was super fun and chill ..! The games they have there are fun . The service there was amazing. It’s a really good place to chill and hang out with friends or a nice date with your significant other I would definitely go back. Parking was easy to say it was down town but it’s a great place!!!!
Sol Luna
Starting with the food I will say it’s a little over priced but really good for a place you would expect good food from! 99.9% of the bartenders are friendly and work quickly with a great rotation. Sometimes it can be a bit crowded for me but I love that I can go there and relax outside on a nice evening (endless hour door seating) or even bring a deck of cards to play. Ave is 10/10. Jason and MJ are my top fav bartenders!
Sarah Tolbert
the people working here are absolute horrible people. there was nobody in the bar and they still acted like they couldn’t be bothered to serve us. we tried to order a shot ski and they said they weren’t doing it. when we asked why, because we saw the shot skis on top of their coolers and nobody was in the bar, another server easily agreed to a ski. she asked if we had a tab open and who was paying for it, I said my cousin who would be right back because she walked 5 feet away in the empty bar to grab my grandma for the ski. the bartender had absolutely no patience, even though nobody else was attempting to order at the empty bar, and immediately poured the shots out and said they weren’t going to do it. again …. there’s nobody else in the bar. we decided to leave after this because they didn’t deserve one more dime from us (we had only been there maybe 5 minutes when this interaction occurred). they then threw my cousin’s check at him and got in my cousin’s face, aggressively, and then the male bouncer got in my girl cousin’s face. a 6 foot plus man intentionally SCARING a young female due to confusion.. very scary. they sucked in every way. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. No wonder the bar was completely empty on a Saturday night.
Steven Nealy
We just had the most amazing experience at the Avenue! Unfortunately we forgot our bartender’s name, he was shorter with short curly hair and a big smile, really enthusiastic. He made us the best Lemon Drop shots and even sugared the rim and cut the lemons tinier for us. We’ll definitely be back. If you see this bartender make sure to order his famous shot!
Byron Ethan Agapay
We highly recommend planning an event at The Avenue! We initially did not plan to have a wedding welcome party, but we entertained the idea and looked for some venues. Since we were already planning a whole wedding, finding something that was easy and accommodating was an absolute necessity. Enter: The Avenue. When we met with Alexis, she walked us through where the event would be held and how it would be sectioned off, and answered all of the questions that we had. She assured us that they would take care of as many things as we didn’t want to take care of (in fact, they did MORE!). We booked with them after browsing their event page and opted for a semi-open bar with a limit, and barbecue pork sandwiches for food. Alexis made sure that our event was PERFECT. On top of being very communicative and helpful, she asked us to send photos so that they could be playing on loop throughout our event, made sure that we had signage for our event, and even coordinated with a photographer to snag some photos of us and our guests that they sent within a week. Our guests had A LOT of fun, and many of them said what a perfect venue for a welcome party! Oh, they also accommodated some of our family who wanted to give speeches, which they happily turned the music down and gave us a microphone so we can hear them. This was the PERFECT event space for an amazing weekend. The Avenue really set the standard for being the perfect venue for any event! P.S. The team that catered our event, Chris with Souther Sons BBQ & Catering, knocked it out of the park. They made sure to have some food for a few of our diet-restricted guests, and were so nice! The food was delicious and only added to the great space!
Shaniece
Came here for a Birthday Celebration, the atmosphere was super fun and chill ..! The games they have there are fun . The service there was amazing. It’s a really good place to chill and hang out with friends or a nice date with your significant other I would definitely go back. Parking was easy to say it was down town but it’s a great place!!!!
Sol Luna
Starting with the food I will say it’s a little over priced but really good for a place you would expect good food from! 99.9% of the bartenders are friendly and work quickly with a great rotation. Sometimes it can be a bit crowded for me but I love that I can go there and relax outside on a nice evening (endless hour door seating) or even bring a deck of cards to play. Ave is 10/10. Jason and MJ are my top fav bartenders!
Sarah Tolbert
the people working here are absolute horrible people. there was nobody in the bar and they still acted like they couldn’t be bothered to serve us. we tried to order a shot ski and they said they weren’t doing it. when we asked why, because we saw the shot skis on top of their coolers and nobody was in the bar, another server easily agreed to a ski. she asked if we had a tab open and who was paying for it, I said my cousin who would be right back because she walked 5 feet away in the empty bar to grab my grandma for the ski. the bartender had absolutely no patience, even though nobody else was attempting to order at the empty bar, and immediately poured the shots out and said they weren’t going to do it. again …. there’s nobody else in the bar. we decided to leave after this because they didn’t deserve one more dime from us (we had only been there maybe 5 minutes when this interaction occurred). they then threw my cousin’s check at him and got in my cousin’s face, aggressively, and then the male bouncer got in my girl cousin’s face. a 6 foot plus man intentionally SCARING a young female due to confusion.. very scary. they sucked in every way. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. No wonder the bar was completely empty on a Saturday night.
How to reach The Avenue Raleigh
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Website: None
Why The Avenue Raleigh may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Avenue Raleigh with your friends? If you're looking for a vibrant, cozy, and energetic spot that perfectly blends nightlife excitement with a welcoming social atmosphere, The Avenue Raleigh is an outstanding choice. Located in the heart of Raleigh’s lively Glenwood South Entertainment District, this bar offers the ideal setting for friends or family to unwind, celebrate, or just enjoy each other’s company. The Avenue’s thoughtfully designed space—with a spacious patio and well-appointed interior—creates a warm and inviting environment that encourages conversation and connection. Whether your group is into savoring craft beers, enjoying expertly mixed cocktails, or playing games like pool, The Avenue caters to diverse tastes and moods. Its late open hours mean your gathering can easily extend late into the night, making it well-suited for a casual meet-up, a birthday party, or even a next-level reunion. The Avenue’s solid reputation, reflected in its consistent 4.0 rating from over 170 reviews, attests to the quality experience it delivers. Friendly staff, a curated drink menu, and a prime location within an entertainment hub make it a perfect rallying point for social groups aiming to make memorable moments together.
What makes The Avenue Raleigh perfect for group meetups?
One of the biggest perks of The Avenue Raleigh is its welcoming, group-friendly atmosphere that is designed to accommodate groups of varying sizes comfortably. The bar features ample seating, from communal tables to cozy booths and a spacious outdoor patio, ensuring your group has a spot to gather without feeling cramped. The Avenue is known for its social vibe, which strikes the right balance between lively and laid-back. Its curated selection of craft beers and cocktails means every palate is catered to, whether your group prefers light, refreshing brews or strong, creative mixes. The pool table is a fantastic focal point for friendly competition that keeps energy high and breaks the ice, especially if your friends haven’t been together in a while. Furthermore, The Avenue’s extended hours—from afternoon until 2 AM—allow your group to enjoy both early evening catch-ups and late-night celebrations. Being in Glenwood South, a vibrant entertainment district, The Avenue offers easy access to additional restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues nearby, making it easy to extend your outing or host a progressive evening across multiple spots. This flexibility and variety add invaluable appeal for any social gathering.
What activities can groups enjoy at The Avenue Raleigh?
The Avenue offers several engaging activities that keep group meetups fresh and enjoyable. The pool table is a centerpiece, inviting friendly matches that add a bit of competitive fun to the evening. The bar often has screens playing popular sports games, so your group can cheer on favorite teams while enjoying drinks together, making it a great spot for sports fans who want a lively atmosphere without the chaos of larger venues. The spacious patio area provides an outdoor option where your group can enjoy Raleigh’s pleasant weather, creating a relaxed vibe for conversations or casual mingling. Besides gaming and watching sports, The Avenue is known for hosting special events occasionally, from trivia nights to live DJ sets, which further enhance the group experience by providing entertainment that brings everyone together. The bar’s staff is experienced in accommodating groups for celebrations and can help tailor your visit to ensure your meetup is smooth and enjoyable. Together, these features create varied ways to engage your group so everyone stays entertained and connected throughout your time there.
Why is the Glenwood South Entertainment District an advantage when meeting at The Avenue?
Choosing The Avenue Raleigh situates your group in one of the city’s most dynamic nightlife districts. Glenwood South is a bustling hub packed with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues, offering a rich variety of experiences all within walking distance. This means your meetup can easily evolve beyond The Avenue itself without the need for transportation—perfect for groups wanting to explore different atmospheres in a single night. The lively street scene adds to the energy, as the district tends to attract a vibrant crowd, making it easy to keep the mood upbeat and festive. For group organizers, this also means plenty of parking options and accessibility features to accommodate everyone’s needs. Glenwood South’s reputation as a go-to nightlife destination ensures safety measures and reliable services are in place, providing peace of mind alongside entertainment. Hosting your group meetup here not only ensures a fun and comfortable venue inside The Avenue but also unlocks a broader social playground just outside its doors, making the entire experience much richer and more memorable.
How does The Avenue Raleigh cater to diverse group preferences?
The Avenue understands that no two groups are alike, so it offers a flexible experience that adapts to various tastes and needs. Whether your group is focused on craft beer enthusiasts, cocktail lovers, sports fans, or simply friends wanting an easygoing spot to chat, The Avenue covers all bases. Its drink menu is varied and thoughtfully curated, featuring local craft beers alongside innovative cocktails, appealing to both casual and adventurous drinkers. The large, open layout combined with quieter corners offers options for those who want to socialize loudly and those who prefer a more intimate vibe. For groups celebrating special occasions, The Avenue’s staff can often accommodate with personalized service or reservation assistance, ensuring your event feels unique and well-supported. Moreover, the bar’s consistent positive reviews highlight its friendly, attentive service that makes guests feel valued and welcome. Regardless of your group’s size or style, The Avenue’s welcoming ambiance, variety of offerings, and accommodating team create a space where everyone can comfortably enjoy their time together.
What should first-time visitors know before heading to The Avenue Raleigh?
If it’s your first time visiting The Avenue Raleigh with a group, a few tips can help make your experience even smoother. The venue opens in the late afternoon and remains busy deep into the night, so planning your arrival time—whether early to secure a good table or late to catch the nightlife vibe—is key. The Glenwood South location offers several nearby parking garages and street parking, but arriving early on weekends or for larger groups is recommended to avoid delays. The bar accepts walk-ins, but for larger groups, it’s wise to call ahead for a reservation or to check if group accommodations are available. Bringing a sense of openness to socialize and try new drinks will elevate your visit, as the diverse drink selection encourages exploration. Also, though The Avenue has a relaxed atmosphere, it’s wise to check their social media or website for any special events or busy nights that might affect your plans. Keeping these points in mind ensures your first meetup at The Avenue sets a great tone for future visits.
How does The Avenue Raleigh compare to other venues in Raleigh for group events?
In the competitive nightlife scene of Raleigh, The Avenue stands out for balancing approachable charm with a fun, engaging atmosphere. Unlike more intense nightclub environments, The Avenue offers a comfortable setting where groups can have engaging conversations while still enjoying lively entertainment. Compared to larger music venues or exclusive cocktail bars, The Avenue’s casual vibe and inclusive space appeal to a wider audience, making it suitable for mixed groups with different preferences. While Raleigh offers a variety of group activity spots—from climbing gyms to escape rooms—the Avenue complements these by providing a relaxed social hub where groups can decompress after high-energy activities or simply gather for low-key fun. Its strategic location in Glenwood South, known for diversity in dining and entertainment, adds an extra layer of convenience and excitement, often unmatched by bars or restaurants in quieter districts. In sum, The Avenue excels as a versatile, dependable venue where groups can reliably enjoy well-crafted drinks, social games, and comfortable gathering spaces, creating a memorable meetup in Raleigh’s energetic social scene.