Watts & Ward

Randomly ran into this Gem! I would have expected a lot more reviews. On a Friday night there was a small line and a modest cover. However, I can tell you it is well worth it. The space is huge with multiple bars inside and out. I think I counted 4 atleast. There is a space for everyone's vibe. Dark lounges, vibrant bars and a green outdoor space with string lights. All the seating is open. Plus you can start a tab at any bar then order from any bar or server that walks up to you. It is all connected and you aren't leaving your card - love this system! A great spot to go out!

Great speakeasy. You buy a membership for a couple of bucks and go downstairs. The atmosphere is chill and inviting. The service was a bit slow, but we could have easily approached the bar since the line was short.The drink list was longer than I expected, and everything was good.

Stopped by on a Friday night with a friend, who really enjoys coming to Watts & Ward. However this experience fell a bit flat for me. First off Friday is BUSY, which isn't surprisedly however you have to pay to get into a place when there's basically no seating room left and it took almost an hour to get drinks from the bar. There was only 2 bartenders working and there was no rhyme or reason of who got to order first. You basically just have to push and shove to get to the front, which is ehhh. Once you get your drinks (which you should just order everything you want at once), the drinks weren't even good!! I will the decor inside was very nice - very lounge, jazz bar vibe. But I probably won't be back again unless it's during the week when it's so crowded and the bartenders have time to craft a good cocktail.

Fun place, you do have to pay a $2 fee to get in but then you have free entrance for a year. The ambiance is so cool and very vibey. The drinks are good but service did take awhile they were busy on a Friday night. The music is great and nice to sit on a sofa while enjoying drinks and company with good friends.

This is for sure one of the biggest and coolest bars I've ever been to, but I was not crazy about the fact that I had to pay to enter. The drinks were good and the bartenders were great, but it was Saturday night and very busy, so my friends and I spent a good bit of time waiting around (for a table, to order, for drinks, to pay, etc). I think the atmosphere and decor made it worth checking out, but if I have to pay to enter every time then I probably won't be back.

Love the speak easy vibes and the bartenders are awesome! The outside patio has great vibes on Thursday nights.

I simply loved the vibe, ambiance, service, drinks, music, EVERYTHING about this bar. We had an incredible evening. The interior design is amazing and ample of seating spaces to enjoy a tasty drink.

Went out with friends to this super cool underground speakeasy! Once they check your ID at the door you can head down the stairs to the seemingly plain entryway. Step inside and you're greeted by a neon sign that points you to the inside of the bar. Almost immediately the place transforms into an old timely prohibition era bar that has comfy old couches and some tables and chairs set up. Feel free to either order from the bar immediately or have a seat and scan the QR codes provided on the table for the menus! They don't serve food, so I'd recommend getting your dinner in before if you plan on bar hopping or it could be a nice place to stop for a few drinks before eating! To drink I had the Cactus Garden which has agave & pineapple in it! It was very light and refreshing and probably my favorite drink here! I also had an espresso martini which was also pretty delicious! I like it when my espresso martinis are more espresso forward and not so creamy. I am so excited that I was able to check this place out, and I would highly recommend it to any speakeasy lovers!

I was in the area visiting family and my uncle said that we HAD to go to Watts & Ward - and boy, was he right. I absolutely loved this spot and would come back again every time I'm in Raleigh. Four bars in one... Speakeasy-esque and all of the options for anyone looking to hang out and have a good time. I could not get over the size of this space and how cool of a vibe it was. Our cocktails were delicious and I felt that we didn't have to wait too long considering how busy it was. I loved the options to hang out either inside or outside - we had great weather so we took advantage of the outdoor seating. The atmosphere was just the best -- I wish we could've come back again for a brunch vibe but the post-dinner treat was awesome.Come check it out - you won't be disappointed!

I visited Watts & Ward for the first time Sunday evening after 6 pm. The staff at the entrance was welcoming. Watts & Ward is downstairs in a basement-like space. Cute space with vintage aesthetics which is very nice and comfortable with plenty of seating. The overall aesthetics of the space and comfortability is a 4*. A few things on the patio seemed out of place but overall a nice space. This particular evening the bartender in The Mud Room demeanor was not friendly, or enthusiastic. That individual didn't demonstrate good customer service warranting anything over an overall 3* based on my experience. Even the person cleaning off the table didn't engage any. I had a Hendricks mule, not in a mule cup. The lemon and ginger were overpowering - way too much carbonation. I like that I get more bang for my buck in the tall glass but as a courtesy, the bartender could share they don't carry the copper mules. This would've leveled up the experience. For me, a copper mule cup is necessary for a proper Moscow Mule. Customer service usually inspires me to return places but in this case, it's the space and others who have enjoyed themselves. I hope to return for the comedy night in the future, hopefully, a better experience.