When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
The Parlor at Heights House
Why The Parlor at Heights House is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Parlor at Heights House offers a unique and intimate gathering space within the beautifully restored Heights House Hotel, a historic Italianate mansion in Raleigh's Boylan Heights neighborhood. This boutique lounge specializes in Italian-inspired craft cocktails, an all-Italian wine list, and a selection of local craft beers, complemented by delicious cheese and charcuterie boards, making it an excellent spot for friends to unwind and connect. Managed by Raleigh native and experienced mixologist Will Bryant, the cocktail program thoughtfully celebrates the spirit of the historic home. Guests can enjoy their drinks in various elegant spaces including The Parlor itself, the Drawing Room, Library, Dining Room, or on the covered verandas featuring a fire pit. The Parlor is reservation-only with limited seating for groups up to six, ensuring a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. As part of its commitment to community, the owners also consider monthly live jazz music to enhance the ambiance. The combination of historic charm, carefully crafted beverages, and a welcoming environment makes The Parlor at Heights House a sophisticated yet casual destination to meet up with friends and experience a touch of Italian elegance in Raleigh.
Here's what people think of The Parlor at Heights House
As of recent, The Parlor at Heights House holds a 4.7-star rating based on 40 reviews.
Reviews of The Parlor at Heights House reflect a strong appreciation for its exceptional cocktail offerings and inviting atmosphere. Many guests praise the quality and creativity of the Italian-influenced drinks alongside the thoughtfully selected wine and craft beer options. Positive feedback frequently highlights the knowledgeable and friendly staff, especially the mixologist Will Bryant, who helps elevate the experience. The ambiance of the historic mansion and its cozy, elegant rooms receive consistent admiration, framing the space as perfect for intimate gatherings and conversations. On the other hand, some negative reviews have mentioned the limited seating capacity, which can make reservations difficult to secure, particularly for larger groups. A few guests have also noted that the Parlor operates only on select days and by reservation, which might limit spontaneous visits. Despite these minor downsides, the overall sentiment remains highly favorable, with many visitors recommending The Parlor as a standout lounge in Raleigh, ideal for enjoying a refined yet comfortable evening with friends. The reviews collectively portray The Parlor at Heights House as a distinctive and well-loved spot blending historic charm with contemporary hospitality.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sofia
We stopped into The Parlor for a date night, and Donnie went above and beyond to make the experience truly special for me and my boyfriend. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and perfect for a romantic evening. Mindy shared so much fascinating history about the house, and from the moment we walked in, the entire team made us feel incredibly welcome—even without a reservation. We had a great time exploring the grounds, and the coffee dessert was absolutely phenomenal. We headed to dinner afterward, and this was the perfect way to kick off our evening. We’re already looking forward to coming back—and next time, we hope to stay at the hotel!
Drew Register
Went with some friends here for afternoon tea recently. First off, The Heights House is a lovely lovely spot and the experience was overall enjoyable. But this tea service is way overpriced. The tea itself sat in the kettles the entire time, oversteeping and ultimately making the teas (especially green and black) bitter. The bites were all pretty good, but nothing was all that memorable or really reached a level I expected based on the price tag. I also asked in advance for no red meat, and the one sandwich that normally comes with prosciutto arrived to me exactly the same just without the prosciutto. For $100/person it was extremely disappointing to see this lack of effort, even with the advanced notice. The highlight for me was the scone, but we each only received a very small mini-scone which was disappointing. There are other tea services in the area that are similar in price or cheaper where you can find a better experience. I’ll go to one of these next time. (Fearrington House, Umstead)
Kennedy Fipps
I had such a wonderful experience this evening. Donnie, one of the lovely bartenders, was so kind to us. I felt welcome because of how warm and friendly she was. I would definitely recommend stopping by the Parlor for drinks, charcuterie, and games!
Christina Berry
The atmosphere of the Parlour is warm, cozy, exquisite, and unique. We celebrated our anniversary here, and it felt really special. Sean the bartender was so friendly, and told us all about the history of the house. We returned another night and sat by the fire with our books and journals. It's a truly special place!
Ariel Fan
The afternoon tea was good and dessert tasted fine. The scone was very hard and our server got us two new fresh ones. By the way the neighborhood parking is free.
How to reach The Parlor at Heights House
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Why The Parlor at Heights House may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Parlor at Heights House with your friends? The Parlor at Heights House provides an extraordinary backdrop for social gatherings defined by charm, elegance, and a genuine sense of warmth. Situated within a meticulously restored 1858 Italianate mansion in downtown Raleigh, this venue blends historic grandeur with contemporary comforts, making it an unmatched destination for spending quality time with friends or family. With a 4.7-star rating from 40 reviews, it’s clear that guests consistently enjoy the atmosphere and offerings here. Its intimate setting, featuring original architectural details like 15-foot ceilings, stained glass, and hardwood floors, creates a unique ambiance where conversations flow easily and moments are savored. The Parlor’s exquisite menu of Italian-inspired craft cocktails, an all-Italian wine list, and locally sourced beers perfectly complements such gatherings, ensuring your group is well served. The option to lounge in several different rooms—a parlor, dining room, library, drawing room, and outdoor terraces—provides ample inviting spaces tailored for various moods and group sizes. In essence, this place offers a memorable blend of history, hospitality, and high-quality refreshments that encourages togetherness and celebration among friends in a way few venues can match.
What activities can you enjoy at The Parlor at Heights House? The Parlor is designed to deliver a curated experience centered largely around social drinking and light dining in a relaxed yet refined environment. Guests can savor Italian-influenced craft cocktails skillfully prepared by the resident mixologist as well as choose from an all-Italian wine selection that highlights classic and contemporary varietals, perfect for wine enthusiasts or casual sippers alike. Local beers are also available, catering to those seeking a more familiar or lighter beverage option. Complementing the drink offerings, the Parlor serves charcuterie plates and small cheese boards, ideal for sharing among groups to complement the drinks while fostering engagement and conversation. Beyond food and drink, the venue’s diverse spaces—from the cozy interiors with vintage furnishings to the inviting outdoor terraces and a fire pit on the front lawn—invite guests to relax, mingle, and enjoy the historic mansion's thoughtful atmosphere at their own pace. Additionally, the hotel team that manages The Parlor ensures attentive service, reinforcing a warm and welcoming environment. This holistic offering elevates The Parlor beyond a mere bar or lounge into a place where memorable social interactions flourish amid tasteful surroundings.
Why is The Parlor at Heights House perfect for group meetups? Its layout and ambiance inherently support intimate group settings, making it especially suited for gatherings up to six people per reservation, though other spaces within the house may accommodate larger groups for private events. The range of seating options across the Parlor, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Library, lower lounge, and outdoor terraces allows groups to find the perfect nook or open area to suit their mood—whether looking for quiet conversation or a lively social time. The historic mansion’s quiet charm and elegance naturally encourage guests to slow down and savor their time together, fostering connection in a comfortable and distinctly elegant setting. The careful curation of Italian-themed cocktails and wines gives group members common ground in exploring curated drink options that often become talking points themselves. Furthermore, the option to reserve in advance via TOCK guarantees groups can plan their meetups without worry of capacity constraints, adding convenience to their experience. The added hospitality from a team dedicated to exemplary service creates an atmosphere where group members feel welcomed and valued, enhancing the overall pleasure of the meetup.
How does the historic setting influence the experience at The Parlor at Heights House? The hotel’s rich history as an 1858 Italianate mansion is more than just a backdrop; it actively defines the uniqueness and charm of the Parlor. The building’s architectural features—such as the soaring 15-foot ceilings, original hardwood floors, and iconic stained glass cupola—create an environment steeped in character and elegance, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a blend of past and present. The Italianate style harmonizes with the Italian-inspired cocktails and wine list, reflecting a thoughtfully curated theme that respects the mansion’s heritage. Special curated furnishings, including antique pieces with stories and works by local artists, add layers of authenticity and artistic flair that guests appreciate. This historic ambiance contributes not just to aesthetic appeal but also to the feeling of being part of a living story, which can spark engaging conversations and create lasting memories among friends. The proximity to downtown Raleigh further places guests at the heart of a vibrant culture, making The Parlor a unique meeting place that combines history, art, and hospitality under one roof.
What should you know about reservations and visiting The Parlor at Heights House? Reservations at The Parlor are strongly encouraged and can be made up to 30 days in advance online via TOCK, ensuring you secure space for your preferred date and time. Groups of up to six people can be accommodated per booking, making it ideal for small to medium-sized gatherings. It’s important to note that Friday and Saturday evenings are reserved exclusively for hotel overnight guests, which means public visits are more accessible during weekdays and weekends daytime hours, supporting a quieter, more intimate visit. Overnight guests of Heights House Hotel do not need reservations to use the Parlor, allowing for spontaneous enjoyment for those staying at the property. Parking is available on the street in front of the house, and guests enter through the main front door, which reinforces the welcoming and historic feel of the venue. These operational details contribute to a well-organized and pleasant experience for group meetups, ensuring logistics do not detract from enjoyment.
What nearby amenities and attractions complement the experience at The Parlor? Located on South Boylan Avenue in Raleigh’s vibrant downtown neighborhood, The Parlor enjoys proximity to various dining, cultural, and shopping venues that can supplement your meetup itinerary. Nearby restaurants and breweries, including Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing and Rebus Works, offer options to extend your outing before or after your time at the Parlor. For those interested in arts and culture, attractions such as the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh), Joel Lane Museum House, and local galleries like Moondog Fine Arts are all within a short walking distance, providing enriching pre- or post-gathering activities. Shopping opportunities like Honed Home and the Bike Library give guests a chance to browse distinctive local offerings, perfect for finding unique gifts or souvenirs. This vibrant neighborhood atmosphere amplifies the appeal of meeting at The Parlor, as groups can curate a full-day social experience combining history, art, food, drink, and leisure seamlessly, making it especially suitable for family reunions, friend meetups, or celebratory occasions.
How does the service and hospitality make The Parlor at Heights House stand out? The Parlor’s team, including Raleigh native and mixologist Will Bryant, brings expertise and local insight that enrich the overall experience. From the moment guests arrive, the attentive hospitality by the Heights House Hotel staff ensures personalized, warm service that makes everyone feel like a welcomed member of an exclusive yet inclusive community. The team’s commitment to thoughtful details—from beverage preparation to accommodating reservation preferences—reflects a focus on quality and guest satisfaction. This ongoing dedication to excellent service is a vital factor in the venue’s high rating and frequent positive reviews. The staff also prioritizes health and safety, adapting operations as needed, which reassures guests even in changing times. Such a professional yet approachable service environment allows group members to focus fully on their social experience without distractions, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable gathering.
What unique features differentiate The Parlor at Heights House from other meetup spots? Unlike typical bars or restaurants, The Parlor is housed within a boutique hotel property that embraces its historic character and artistic excellence. The integration of Italianate architecture with an Italian-inspired drink menu creates a coherent and immersive theme rarely found elsewhere. The blend of elegant private rooms and inviting outdoor terraces with fire pits offers diverse atmospheres under one roof, allowing guests to tailor their experience. The presence of curated antiques and local art pieces throughout the space adds an element of cultural richness and authenticity. Moreover, the focus on intimate social settings with a cap on reservation group size encourages meaningful interaction rather than noise or crowding. These factors combine to elevate The Parlor beyond a simple venue to a distinctive destination where history, craftsmanship, and hospitality come together perfectly for memorable group meetups.
In summary, The Parlor at Heights House stands out as a premier choice for friends or family looking to gather in a setting that is as inspiring as it is comfortable. Its historic mansion charm, carefully crafted Italian-inspired drinks, communal shareable plates, multiple inviting spaces, and exemplary hospitality collectively foster an atmosphere ideal for creating and celebrating connections. Located in vibrant downtown Raleigh with nearby cultural and dining attractions, it represents a complete social destination for meaningful meetups. Whether you want to share intimate conversations on the front terrace by the fire or enjoy a refined cocktail in hand inside an elegant drawing room, The Parlor offers a unique and memorable venue well worth rallying around.