The Anchor

📍 Gay bars in Raleigh

6.5

The Anchor in Raleigh offers a maritime-themed experience with a focus on craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere. The bar is known for its attentive and friendly service, with bartenders like Kristian and Donald providing a welcoming environment. Guests appreciate the knowledgeable staff who offer excellent drink recommendations and ensure a smooth experience, even during busy times.

The establishment features a vintage charm with Christmas lights and a cozy ambiance, making it a unique spot on Fayetteville Street. While some visitors note areas for improvement in value and decor, the overall experience is enhanced by the bar's character and the dedication of its staff, making it a notable choice for those exploring Raleigh's nightlife.

Features and services of The Anchor

Service options

  • Outdoor seating

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Live performances

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Spirits
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Seating

Amenities

  • Toilet

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Pets

  • Dogs allowed

The Anchor is in position 21 out of 51 in gay bars in Raleigh

Customer Reviews

★★★★★
★★★★★

The Anchor has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 307 reviews on Google

JP

Kristian at Anchor Bar is truly exceptional — the kind of bartender who turns a great night into an unforgettable one. From the moment you sit down, she welcomes you with genuine warmth and a smile that instantly makes you feel at home. She’s incredibly friendly and kind, taking the time to connect with guests in a way that feels natural and sincere. Beyond her wonderful personality, Kristian is impressively efficient and sharp. She keeps the bar running smoothly, even when it’s busy, without ever making you feel rushed or overlooked. Her attention to detail, quick thinking, and deep knowledge of the menu make every drink perfectly crafted and every recommendation spot-on. It’s rare to find someone who balances professionalism, intelligence, and such heartfelt hospitality so effortlessly. Kristian is a huge part of what makes Anchor Bar special — if you get the chance to be served by her, you’re in for an outstanding experience. Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

JP ☆ 5/5
Greg

Being from NY and having gone to the OG Anchor Bar countless times, I was so excited for this spot to open. The wings were OK to good. Not extraordinary. The original is awesome and I never expected it to compare. But this place is awful. Its comparable to when Pizza Hut tried to make a bar version of their brand. A flop. First, ten wings here are $17. They offer 1 oz of blue cheese, requiring you to pay $.59 for a second half full ramekin. So for me, the value is awful. The restaurant is decorated with a few, neatly and non-charismatically lined up photos of NY sports teams - whoever decorated the place spent 45 minutes and $500 on Amazon to buy everything from the host stand, all the way back to the prison-simple bathrooms. I was there on a Friday night, the bar was half full, the restaurant was less than 1/4 full and the staff seemed to be rushing around like they had been in the weeds for hours. $40 for two beers and 10 wings. I really hate that its such a poor representation of what is such a great, iconic place in NY. I doubt it will last a year. I’m sorely disappointed. If they were wise, they would spend a lot of time trying to give it some character and reconsider the value.

Greg ☆ 2/5
Paul Hodges

Today was a very special night with my friend, My BEST FRIEND! We decided to venture out onto Fayetteville Street, as it had been a very long time since our adventures, down this infamous Raleigh destination. Instantly, we saw how beautiful the Christmas lights were, among the main street, and it made us feel like we were in a 1950s vintage Rockefeller picture. The "Anchor Bar" provided amazing cocktails in a very Maritime theme. That is very much lost here in Raleigh. I highly recommend visiting this amazing establishment that has been here for a very long time on Fayetteville Street, as it is one of the last longest standing bars in Raleigh. What a treat~ THANK YOU to the bartenders and amazing staff.

Paul Hodges ☆ 5/5
James MainyNY

We had an amazing time here at anchor bar, pizza was great! and the Wings were like being back in Buffalo, Donald our service was extremely friendly and knew the menu like the back of his hand, because of him and the food we will be back!

James MainyNY ☆ 5/5
Vanessa L.

I am so glad I popped into this craft cocktail bar on my trip exploring Raleigh. What a cool spot, the lights strung outside immediately caught my eye and had me cross the street to come in. The music was so fun and being greeted by the bartender as soon as we sat let me know I was in the right spot. Fantastic energy, delicious cocktails, bumping music, and great food recommendations at nearby restaurants (this is a bar only). We had such a nice time chatting with Kyle and cannot wait to be back!

Vanessa L. ☆ 5/5
Jenna Mckay

Best bar in Raleigh!!! Bartenders are always very polite and attentive. Definitely would stop by if ur around :))

Jenna Mckay ☆ 5/5
Dakota Wimberley

bartender was drunk and we had to constantly ask for our drinks multiple times and when we did have ti ask the other bartender proceeded to tell us we looked really unhappy and to not bring negative energy into the bar. completely unhappy with our service. will not be coming back.

Dakota Wimberley ☆ 1/5
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Information about The Anchor

Address

The Anchor is located at 207 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States

Website

The website of The Anchor is: anchorraleigh.com

Business Hours

Monday: 16:00–00:00
Tuesday: 16:00–00:00
Wednesday: 16:00–00:00
Thursday: 16:00–00:00
Friday: 16:00–02:00
Saturday: 12:00–02:00
Sunday: 12:00–00:00

Contact The Anchor

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