When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
The Bull & Bear
Why The Bull & Bear is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Bull & Bear is a renowned dining establishment celebrated for its warm, club-like atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot to meet up with friends. The venue offers a blend of traditional steakhouse classics and innovative culinary creations, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate high-quality food and personalized service. Highlights include tableside preparation that adds an interactive element to the dining experience and an extensive wine selection curated by experienced sommeliers to perfectly complement each meal. The decor features intricate chandeliers, coffered ceilings, and beveled glass windows, creating an elegant yet inviting environment. Known for hearty portions and unique signature dishes like the Fried Chicken, Pasta Explosion, and Chateaubriand for Two, it caters to diverse tastes. The lounge area, with views of a resort's pool and golf course, enhances the social experience, making it ideal for both casual meetups and special occasions. Open daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, The Bull & Bear combines exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and a sophisticated setting to offer a memorable gathering place for friends and family.
Here's what people think of The Bull & Bear
As of recent, The Bull & Bear holds a 4.2-star rating based on 291 reviews.
Reviews of The Bull & Bear reveal a generally positive reception from guests who admire its delicious food, excellent service, and the ambient setting. Many customers praise the restaurant's innovative take on steakhouse classics and the unique dishes such as the 36-ounce 28-day Dry-Aged Tomahawk Ribeye and Veal Oscar. Positive reviews highlight the personalized attention from staff, especially noting the tableside preparations and knowledgeable sommeliers that enhance the dining experience. The warm, club-like environment with intricate decor and beautiful views also receives commendations for creating a comfortable and upscale atmosphere. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional issues such as pricing being on the higher side and wait times during peak hours, which could detract from the overall experience. A few visitors have noted that reservations are recommended to avoid delays. Overall, the majority of reviews confirm The Bull & Bear as a top dining destination that excels in food quality, service, and ambiance, justifying its recognition among the top restaurants in the United States.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kyle West
This is a pretty nondescript restaurant desperately in need of a makeover and some softer lighting. The server was very nice and attentive, but despite having a very small number of people dining, it took a long time for the food to come out. That being said, I did enjoy my burger and fries.
Justin Singh
Local neighborhood bar. Very nice lady behind the bar. Daily food and drinks specials. 1 pool table. Please note: I was told the menu is being updated, so ask before you order. Great live music
Garry McCormick
Ok, don't come to this neighborhood bar with anything but average expectations. It's not high end and dressy but it fills the must have niche role of your friendly, small, neighborhood gathering place where all are welcome, patrons are friendly, and Slim the bartender works hard to keep all running well. We were in the area for our granddaughters swim meet and needed to get food quickly as the distance we needed to travel that day yet. We entered and the bar was full and the table area was empty. We quickly grabbed a table and I went to the bar to get items. Slim stated to have a seat and he would be right over. He was and we ordered drinks and appetizers while we looked at the menu. We pretty much all just wanted sandwiches. Slim told us up front he was by himself that evening and to be patient. He promptly brought us our appetizers and we ordered our sandwiches. Have you ever had thin sliced pepperoni by the batch? We ordered it and were well pleased with the taste and texture. Just try it. Along with that he had an item called their version of pizza (it's not). Basically a soft tortilla laid flat with sauce and cheese. It was fast to the table and I will say for what it was surprisingly tasty. Now to the food, hamburgers, hot dogs, onion rings, Reuben, fries and so forth. The food was all tasty and hot. Slim hustled back and forth while keeping a bar full of folks served. I will say we will go back again when we are in the area. All food was reasonably priced for the quality we had. This place absolutely fits the bill for your local neighborhood bar.
Samantha Malpass
Michelle was a pleasure! This place has only had a couple owners since opening in 1984. Kid friendly lunch spot, they also serve brunch! Patty Melt was delicious and so was the Cowboy Burger. Ordered a single pancake and it was almost as big as the plate! We will definitely be coming back, good value for the prices.
Sherry Hurley
We were not impressed with The Bull and the Bear. We ordered breakfast this morning to be delivered by Door Dash. We received the food and my grits that I paid extra for were left out. My toast was left out and my hash browns were burnt. (See photo) I had to throw them away. The omelet was just ok. It had more bacon, onions, mushrooms, and cheese than it had eggs. My son got the breakfast sandwich. His hash browns were left out and the extra egg that I paid for was also left out. Food was greasy. Not worth what I paid for this order at all!!!!
How to reach The Bull & Bear
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Why The Bull & Bear may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Bull & Bear with your friends? The Bull & Bear, boasting a solid 4.2 rating from nearly 300 reviews, offers an inviting blend of atmosphere, food, and drink that makes it a compelling destination for group meetups. Whether you gather to celebrate an occasion or just reconnect, this venue provides a lively and comfortable setting that encourages camaraderie and great conversation. Its reputation as both a neighborhood pub and an upscale dining spot means it strikes a balance between casual and refined, perfect for various social moods and tastes. Friends can enjoy a shared experience over a wide selection of beers, classic and creative cocktails, and a diverse menu that caters to different palates. Plus, the attentive and friendly staff enhance the overall experience, ensuring that groups feel welcome and well taken care of. In essence, rallying at The Bull & Bear is not just about the food and drinks but about creating memorable moments together in a space designed for enjoyment and connection.
What makes The Bull & Bear ideal for a group meetup? First, its spacious layout accommodates both intimate groups and larger parties without feeling cramped. The venue’s décor combines warmth and character, often described as a UK-themed tavern with a long bar and multiple screens for sports enthusiasts, enhancing the social vibe. This design allows for easy mingling and the sharing of different experiences, whether watching a big game or enjoying casual conversations. The food menu offers pub favorites like half-price pizza and wings on Thursdays, alongside more distinctive dishes such as Cornish hen and rich cocktails including the house-famous Bloody Mary with a Guinness twist. Beer lovers will appreciate the impressive collection of about 40 beers on tap, ranging from light lagers to dark ales, pleasing all preferences. These offerings combined with daily happy hours provide a strong value proposition for groups looking to relax and indulge without breaking the bank.
What types of activities can you enjoy at The Bull & Bear? Beyond dining and drinking, The Bull & Bear thrives as a lively social hub. On any visit, groups can partake in watching live sports events broadcast on strategically placed TVs, catering to both US sports fans and soccer enthusiasts. These viewing experiences promote group bonding, cheerleading, and shared excitement—elements ideal for meetups. Additionally, the friendly bartenders and staff often engage with patrons, providing personalized recommendations for food and drinks, which can spark fun conversations and create a sense of community. Special nights like happy hour extend an opportunity to try various draft beers and share plates at reduced prices, encouraging experimentation and sampling among friends. The venue also supports casual chats in semi-private nooks or around the main bar, allowing groups to customize their social experience according to mood and size.
How does the food and drink selection enhance the group gathering experience at The Bull & Bear? The menu is crafted to satisfy varied tastes that a group brings. From savory pub grub like wings and pizza during their Thursday specials to more refined dishes such as expertly roasted Cornish hen served with herb-smothered vegetables, the offerings are notable for quality and flavor. The culinary team prides itself on above-average quality, with many dishes featuring fresh, scratch-made ingredients, ensuring that everyone finds something enjoyable. Complementing the food is a broad and curated beer selection with around 40 draft options accommodating both light and dark beer lovers. Classic cocktails and unique drinks crafted with thoughtful touches—such as the Bloody Mary infused with Guinness—offer sophisticated alternatives for cocktail aficionados. This diversity ensures that whether your group craves comfort food, distinctive tastes, or various beverages, everyone leaves satisfied.
What about the atmosphere and service at The Bull & Bear makes it stand out for group events? The ambiance is a perfect blend of comfortable and lively without being chaotic, fostering a welcoming environment for conversation and enjoyment. Décor elements reflect a classic British pub style, accented with warm lighting and inviting furnishings that make gatherings feel special without pretense. The staff’s friendliness and attentiveness significantly elevate the experience; many guests note that the team goes out of their way to create a smooth and personalized visitor journey. From knowledgeable servers who suggest ideal food and drink pairings to attentive bartenders who engage patrons warmly, the service helps maintain a positive, relaxed mood. These elements combine to make the venue well-suited for both casual hangouts and special celebrations, providing groups with thoughtful care and a vibrant but approachable setting.
How accessible and convenient is The Bull & Bear for hosting a meetup? The Bull & Bear’s location and operational features contribute to its appeal as a meetup spot. Its ample seating options accommodate flexible group sizes, making it easy to reserve space for small clusters or larger parties. This level of convenience reduces planning stress, knowing there is an appropriate spot waiting. The place generally offers promotions like all-day happy hours on certain weekdays, which add to the practicality of hosting gatherings without excessive spending. In addition, the variety of menu choices and drink selections cater to diverse dietary preferences and tastes, minimizing concerns about pleasing everyone. The combination of accessibility, flexible seating, and appealing specials makes it a reliable and enjoyable venue for anyone seeking a memorable social outing with friends or family.
In summary, The Bull & Bear shines as a top-tier venue for group meetups thanks to its inviting atmosphere, excellent food and beverage options, accommodating service, and social-friendly layout. Whether you are rallying to watch sports, enjoying a casual night out, or celebrating a special moment, this establishment has the right elements to make your gathering easy, enjoyable, and memorable. With its balance of good value and quality, it remains a favored local haunt and a versatile spot for forging great times with those you care about.