Watts & Ward
Watts & Ward is a hidden underground cocktail lounge in Raleigh, renowned for its immersive, speakeasy atmosphere and meticulously crafted drink menu. The space is surprisingly expansive, blending dim lighting and cozy seating niches that make it ideal for intimate gatherings or date nights. A modest $2 entry fee adds to its exclusivity, while the seasonal and creative cocktails—ranging from espresso martinis to bespoke gimlets—deliver consistent quality, often paired with attentive, personalized service.
Though the bar’s strategically placed bar stations encourage exploration, guests should prepare for occasional waits during peak times. The absence of food is offset by the lounge’s charm, including unique rooms like a theater-style space, and the warmth of staff like Lavant, who enhance the experience with thoughtful recommendations. For those seeking a refined, unconventional nightlife escape, Watts & Ward delivers a memorable blend of style and sophistication.
Features and services of Watts & Ward
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- On-site services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Dancing
- Food
- Spirits
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid multi-storey car park
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Watts & Ward is in position 1 out of 43 in leather bars in Raleigh
Customer Reviews
Watts & Ward has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on over 1429 reviews on Google
Very popular underground cocktail lounge, with superb aesthetics and a very interesting cocktail menu. It is surprisingly spacious and has a dark ambiance which is perfect for dates. Longer cocktail list than most places. $2 entry fee which I respect. The only problem is ordering a cocktail is very inefficient, you better be willing to wait in line for like 20 minutes before telling The mixologist your order, the process takes forever and the cocktails are quite small and slightly bland. Still, I would give this place a shot just for the reputation!
They don't have food, but the drinks are awesome! My friends and I went the other day - make sure you have your IDs with you obvi - and we got the seasonal red velvet espresso martini, vanilla espresso martini, and I had them special make me a gimlet & it was sooo delicious ---- 10/10 would recommend
Went on a Tuesday night before dinner. Drinks were delicious and service was great. We found our own private nook but there are so many seating areas to choose from for small or large groups.
Really cool underground speakeasy bar. They charges us a $2 per person entry for a "one year membership". Never seen that before but it wasn’t much so we didn’t mind. Once you’re inside it’s an amazing place. Lots of cool spots to drink, great for date night like we were on. It’s very low lighting and the seats were comfortable. Drinks can take awhile to get but over all we liked the experience and would go back.
I wanted to give a shoutout to an employee there Lavant, this gentleman was very kind and patient. I was having urgent issues and couldn't find the restroom beause there are so many rooms and even though he was carrying ice to fill somewhere, he took the time out to guide me to the bathroom so I didn't have any accidents! Thanks so much and it's the way he made me feel as I wasn't a burden that makes me want to come back. I had a great time overall and the theater room was one of my favorites.
After 🥘 dinner, decided to walk around to explore a bit on this crisp August evening to help my food digest. Stumbled upon a line that drew my curiosity. Watts & Wards is easy to miss or pass by if not paying attention. Though if you are alert /aware, this is a cool hidden gem. There’s a small membership fee to gain entrance. The vibes are cool. You’ll go under ground to lead into an oasis of good 🎶 music, cool 😎 & chill people and bar stations placed strategically throughout. This was absolutely a happy 😊 accidental find. Met 2 other new visitors and chatted a bit before heading out. I’d definitely return. Unika B. & Co.
Lavant made our night. He was personable, attentive, and seemed to really care which is rare. He took the time to recommend a drink based on what we like and he wasn't even behind the bar. We ended up getting the moonrider and it was spot on. Great energy, great conversation and smooth service all around.
Information about Watts & Ward
Address
Watts & Ward is located at 200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States
Phone
The phone number of Watts & Ward is +1 919-896-8016
Website
The website of Watts & Ward is: wattsandward.com
Business Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 16:00–02:00
Wednesday: 16:00–02:00
Thursday: 16:00–02:00
Friday: 16:00–02:00
Saturday: 16:00–02:00
Sunday: 14:00–00:00
Popular Times
Closed