The Architect Bar & Social House

Do NOT use your credit or debit card here. My friends and I ordered a drinks. I did not start a tab because I wasn't planning on having more than 1 or 2 at the most. Drink was $11...I tipped $3. About an hour and a half later we went back to the bar for a 2nd drink...same price. My card was given to them twice. One of my friends said check your account because there is a $50 charge on mine. I looked at my account and there were 4 pending charges from The Architect! Two for $50 each and two for $35 each...a total of $170 in pending charges for 2 drinks that totaled less than $30. I did not start a tab so there shouldn't have been any amount held. The bigger issue is nobody could explain to me why there were 4 charges made to my card. The manager or owner said they've been having that problem for a few weeks now. A few weeks!?? And you still haven't figured out a way to NOT put multiple fraudulent pending charges on people's cards!?? That is unacceptable! We went for open mic night on a Wednesday. If you ever decide to go BRING CASH and be sure to count your change!

Horrible food, worse service. It feels like you're a burden to everyone working there. Also they play music way too loud. I don't see how anyone could relax and enjoy themselves here.

In town from Cali & all i wanted was a Gold Rush drink. Went to 4 diff lounges/bar asking for one & NOT one could make it. Until I arrived here. The mixologist knew exactly what i was asking for & were able to make it for me. Such a simple drink yet so tasty. The staff went above n beyond to make sure i got exactly what i was asking for. If you're ever in town, or you're from this town. This is a must GO to. Specially one Wednesday day if u want to get your 2 step on. I'll be back. Cali to Raleigh

Surprised that Raleigh has such a cool speakeasy but not many good reviews! We were here for a work event and everyone absolutely loved the drinks and finger food here. There's a cool bookcase that actually opens to a tiny speakeasy located inside the architect! Bartender had good recommendations and service was good. Absolutely recommend!

Even though the bar looks like a cocktail bar vibe the drinks are the quality of something you'd have in a shoddy night club. They're always blasting their music way above speaking level but there's never any one dancing except for annoying drunk white people. I've gone in there and heard them playing the cha cha slide at peak volume, I immediately turned around and left lol. It's basically just a waiting room for the "speakeasy" called green light behind a bookcase in the corner which has much better vibes and drinks.

I've been here quite a few times and I've generally had a good experience, but I have had people I know and trust not have good experiences. Firstly you will be asked to pay a $1 membership fee when you come that will allow you and one other person to come in. This is new and something that a lot of bars in Raleigh (especially that area) have started doing. I can say that the bouncers can be a bit wishy washy about what they will allow one person to the next. Sometimes their "rules" will change, like dress code and such. This is not by any means an upscale bar so there's no need for a strict dress code. The bar itself if large and I always have a good time when I do decide to go. There's a secret "speakeasy" room that I discovered not too long ago, but I usually don't go there. It gets super crowded sometimes and get very hot during the warmer months, but it's still a fun time. The drinks are good and the music is usually very good too.

Glad I went. Very nice vibe and the drinks were good. Went for a concert. Also there was a speakeasy "secret"bar and lounge located with a very chill vibe. You just have to find it (behind a bookshelf if you see one)

Great speakeasy vibe, good for date night. Love going through the soda machine!! Their espresso martini with sugar lit on fire was superb. One of the best ive ever had

Wally is the best tender here! I will not ever let anyone els make my drinks! Off the brain drinks made from a single spirit! I live here creativity! Thank you Wally I appreciate it!

I was so excited to try this bar I went out of my way to come but the female bartender was SO rude to my friends and I we ended up just walking out and they lost our business. She had a really bad attitude and spoke nastily to me for no reason. I get you may be having a bad day but we were so polite to her and did not deserve being spoken to in a nasty tone. The manager here needs to train the employees in customer service better. Much better bars in close proximity where you will be treated with kindness and respect. Do not recommend.