The Haymaker

Great holiday bar with wonderful decorations! Be ready for a long wait outside, and a wait at the bar for drinks. The drinks are DELICIOUS! And the Christmas mugs are fun too. The boozy hot coco is strong, warm, and yummy.

Absolutely phenomenal experience at The Haymaker in downtown Raleigh – an easy 5 stars. Glenn, the new owner-operator, is incredibly knowledgeable and hands-on, creating a true craft cocktail bar experience that feels both elevated and welcoming. His passion for hospitality, thoughtful service, and deep spirits knowledge shines through in every interaction, whether you’re a cocktail nerd or just searching "best cocktails in Raleigh" and wandering in for the first time. The cocktail program is top-tier: inventive, balanced, and clearly focused on high-quality ingredients and proper technique with a one of a kind 'dial your own proof' suitable for dry January. A go-to spot for date night in downtown Raleigh or pre-show drinks near Lincoln Theatre, the Marriott and Performing Arts Center. ​ The vibe is exactly what you want in a destination cocktail bar: stylish and cozy, with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that still works great for groups and meetups.

The Haymaker is an awesome spot in downtown Raleigh. The vibe is cozy, stylish, and welcoming — the kind of place you can settle into and really enjoy your night. It feels upscale without being stuffy, and the atmosphere is perfect for a date night or hanging out with friends. The cocktails were absolutely top-notch — creative, smooth, and really well-balanced. You can tell a lot of thought and skill goes into every drink. The service was friendly and attentive, and the whole experience felt relaxed and easy. Shoutout to the the big guy Glenn, for creating such a great place. If you’re looking for a spot with a great vibe and excellent drinks, The Haymaker is definitely worth checking out.

We went to the Haymaker last night and it was so much fun! We haven’t been in a while and it’s more beautiful than ever! New furniture gave it a cozy, luxe vibe. I ordered an old fashioned and it was perfect. I love the new menu has options for full, half and zero proof drinks. Genius! We will be back!

The Haymaker is one of those rare bars that immediately pulls you out of the everyday and drops you into an entirely different world. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere feels casual, comfortable, and effortlessly cool—like a place you could settle into for a quick drink and end up staying for hours. The cocktails are the real standout. Thoughtfully crafted, beautifully balanced, and full of personality, each drink feels like its own little adventure. Whether you’re into something bold and spirit-forward or light and refreshing, the bartenders here know exactly how to deliver something memorable. What really sets The Haymaker apart is the vibe. There’s a subtle magic to the space—dim lighting, warm textures, and a layout that feels both intimate and open. It’s the kind of environment that makes you forget you’re in downtown Raleigh and instead feel transported to a tucked‑away lounge in another corner of the world. If you’re looking for a spot with exceptional cocktails and an atmosphere that invites you to unwind, The Haymaker is absolutely worth a visit. A new favorite in the Raleigh bar scene.

This is such a great place for cocktails. It’s a bit hidden, which makes it intriguing. Once inside the atmosphere is very intimate with beautiful paintings on the wall (it turns out they are from local artists that are using the bar as a sort of exhibition). Centrally located. The quality of the ingredients is great, and the taste of the cocktails we had was perfectly balanced.

The Haymaker, under new ownership and management, has a great vibe and atmosphere for sitting at the bar, meeting with a friend or colleague, or hanging out with a group. The new owner is an expert in mixology, craft cocktails of all types, and the history of bourbon. I highly recommend stopping by. Parking on Fayetteville St. was easy at 6:PM, and The Haymaker is located about 50 feet off the street in one of the side "alleys."