Neptune's Parlour

You'll have one of two experiences at Neptune's: a jam-packed hipster dance club, or a chill hipster cocktail lounge. The former is fun, if you're in the right mood and willing to wait for a drink. On occasion, I've had free a free PBR can handed to me by strangers (or employees?). The line for the bathroom can get long, and it can get kinda smelly/sweaty near the dance floor.The cocktail lounge experience is probably the one that you should go here for. Neptune's has a seasonal cocktail menu with some of the best bartenders in the city. A long time ago, they introduced me to the michelada, which is essentially a beer drinker's bloody mary. They have board games available behind the counter, a couple arcade games, and one pinball. There is also usually ping pong on Sunday afternoon.Try getting a cockital before a show at King's or before dinner at Garland or Capital Club 16.Lately, I've noticed that Neptune's has been experimenting with live music. I'm looking forward to checking out a show there some day. Usually they just have a DJ.

I had a pretty good time until after I went outside to leave. I took a picture of the crowd at the front, and then was attacked buy a crowd of girls and one nominal male. One of the girls demanded that I delete the photo. Naturally, I refused. It's perfectly within my rights to take a photo of people in public.It is not a good photo, and I would not have used it for anything because of its poor quality. But since it shows that I was not taking inappropriate photographs and it shows the image of the young man who grabbed my phone and threw it in the street, I will share it below.I had a very good time this night up until the weirdness at the end. Your doorman was a perfect gentleman and did his job.However, I was not causing the disturbance, the girls were. I have never been treated like this before and I hope that it never happens again.

Oh mighty Neptune's Parlour, it sounds like a ride at Universal Studios but no.... It's the newest bar slash lounge in Raleigh and I believe part of the revived Kings Barcade music venue. As Robert D mentioned, it's a totally non-descript spot on Martin Street, just look for the people milling about in front and step into its dark, cave-like interior. No windows, an open space for music and dancing, a couple of cool curved and padded banquettes on the end...Our group of Yelpees stormed Neptunes Parlour a bit over-dressed. The crowd was mostly post-mod Hipsters and a mixed LGBT crowd. We're talking beards, plaids and piercings. They were spinning some mixed retro dance tunes and we all had a fun time! Especially one dude that captivated Susan Z, Jane Y, Meghan B and Christina G with his old school movez... Bartenders were all pretty quick but pretty much slammed last night. Bathrooms are sort of limited, just one for each gender so teeny tiny bladders should be prepared to wait a bit. All-in-all it's a cool low-key spot that's made for a bit of drinking, dancing and music for a slightly older crowd. And definitely not a frat-boy or clubbing scene which may suit you just perfectly! We're talking dark and divey here which is sometimes just what's needed...

Neptune's can have some very different feels depending on the time of day (or specifically day) you hit it. Located in the basement of King's, you'll quite possibly stand in a line on a Friday or Saturday night to get into the bar turned 'hipster dance club' (and possibly pay a $2 "membership fee"). This place gets popping late night, I've seen people twerking on the walls, it was a memory that has been seared into my minds eye. Two single stalled bathrooms might leave you running for the door if you have to go after all the dranks, which they've got you covered on: draft beers (about five on tap) and have a decent cocktail list (they also serve up a tasty michelada). Neptune's website will help you find a list of their cocktails and daily specials (Sunday's and Monday's: $1 PBRs, $3 Fireball Shots; it's going down for real!) but don't be fooled by the photos. This place is dark, even in off hours it's a very dark, basement feel. Overall, Neptune's definitely puts on an interesting calendar (including open mic nights and live DJ's) and depending on your level of hispterness and tipsiness, they can definitely turn your evening upside down. Pro Tip: if you got to get out fast, go through the staff only door on the bathroom wall, it'll lead you to a staircase putting you back out on Martin (and you can always play off that you were too tipsy to know any better if someone catches you).

Raleigh is a funny place. I went to Neptune's Parlour but I had to pay for a members club card to get in. It was only like a couple bucks but because of liquor laws this is the loop hole. Going to the basement reminded me of the vintage inspired bars from the seventies that I'm used to while living in Seattle. It's a boozy version of your parents basement. This is obviously a favorite watering hole for the locals. The crowd was mixed with college kids, street kids and hip kids. They had some cheap beer deals which was nice since you have to pay to get in. There might have also been a flow over from the upstairs venue. I might have preferred this place earlier in the evening or a Sunday afternoon for a quick cold beer.

Always commendable service when I go to Neptune's. We went on a less than busy day this week and enjoyed our time. We were able to sip on a tasty beer, conversate with the bartender and each other as well as play a few games on their multicade. Parking was not bad, but it is street parking in downtown Raleigh so be ware. Fun place with cool lights !!

i continue to love Neptune's for it's delicious seasonal cocktails, accommodating bar tenders, and great relaxed atmosphere.The last time we were there, there were a couple of unruly guys who had a bit too much to drink. One of them grabbed my friend's arm which was not only unwelcomed but also startled her. Almost immediately, the staff at Neptune's swooped in and asked the two to leave. Apparently, they had their eye on them earlier and that was their last chance to behave and they did not. I'm sure the two just had a little too much to drink, but as a group of girls who just want to go out to dance and have fun, the gesture was very much appreciated. Neptune's rotates through various DJ's and music themed nights. I would say 3/5 times I go there there's a DJ I enjoy. The asian dude does a great job with older one hit wonders from the 90's and even the 80's. The few I have not enjoyed don't really play 'dance-able' music although I would enjoy if i was there just to sit. Unfortunately, the nights the music isn't good, the drinks aren't good enough reason for us to stay, so we often split. Checking the event calendar to see what might be going on is a great way to find out if you'll like it there or not. Either way, if i'm going to Raleigh, i never leave home without my neptune's card!

I think I may have sprained my toe here on Saturday -- no thanks to my totally not-made-for-dancing espadrille wedges that are about a half size too big. But Susan Z wanted to go dancing -- and dancing we went.Trooped over from The Hive, and I must say it's nice to have a dance option in downtown that's not of the dress (to the 9's)-to-impress variety. Seriously, anyone would feel comfortable hanging out here. It was low-key, non-judgy, and just really chill. Underground as mentioned. And we only had to pay a $1 entry fee total for our group of 7.There's a fair amount of seating considering. But the dance floor area is pretty small. I'm proud that the yelpers were the first to bust a move to the DJ -- an by the time 1am had rolled around, everyone in the bar had followed suit and was letting loose. We met some fun characters including old-school dance moves guy and one of the fire performers in Maximus Circus. Major gripe about the bathroom being a one-stall scenario. Long lines to use the facilities all night. But other than that, count me a fan!

The ambiance in Neptune's is a vibe, love the new drinks and the mocktails. They have the best staff and have really spruced up the place

$10 cover for mixed drinks with no booze and a 15 minute bathroom line. Should've stayed closed