Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Willard Rooftop Lounge
Raleigh, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Willard Rooftop Lounge runs a serious cocktail program above the downtown fray. Seventeen cocktails span $12 to $20, with barrel-aged builds like the Willard Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned and a clarified milk punch. The wine list covers familiar ground from Cava to Cabernet, and four drafts keep it local. A rotating flight board adds variety. Cocktail and cuisine classes signal a hands-on approach to the craft.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Willard Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned ($20) for a smooth, oak-forward take. The Rough Night for Viscount ($16) offers a clarified milk punch with masala chai and Japanese whiskey. For something lighter, the Signature GinTonic ($15) pairs Hendrick's with Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic. The rotating flight board is worth checking for variety.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking a curated list with barrel-aged and house-made touches will find much to like. The interactive cocktail classes appeal to those wanting a hands-on experience. The rooftop setting draws groups looking for a polished urban lounge, though the limited beer selection may disappoint dedicated craft beer fans.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are prime for the rooftop ambiance, especially on cooler nights when the heated terraces come into play. The cocktail and cuisine classes, such as the Friendsgiving edition, offer a structured way to engage with the program. A visit during happy hour or after dinner suits the lounge's vibe.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $12 to $20, with the flight board at market price. Wines by the glass run $9 to $20, and bottles from $36 to $100. Draft beers are $7 to $8. The cocktail and cuisine class is $55 per person.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A rooftop lounge with two heated terraces, The Willard puts its cocktail program front and center. The menu's 17 drinks include barrel-aged specialties and a clarified milk punch, all built on premium spirits. The rotating flight board and cocktail classes add a layer of engagement not typical for a rooftop bar.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A 17-cocktail menu with barrel-aged options, house-made ingredients, and a clarified milk punch. Priced from $12 to $20, it balances classic structure with creative twists. The rotating flight board adds variety. Interactive classes show a commitment to the craft.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive menu with barrel-aged and house-made components.; Cocktail classes indicate expertise and engagement.
- — Uses premium spirits across a range of bases.
Standout selections
- — Willard Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned – Angel's Envy bourbon, Luxardo maraschino, Angostura, orange bitters, $20.
- — Rough Night for Viscount – Tenjaku Japanese whiskey, masala chai, clarified milk punch, $16.
- — Pretty & Pink – Hibiscus-thyme reposado tequila, lemon, honey, pink peppercorn, thyme bitters, $15.
Pricing: $12–$20, with a rotating flight board at market price.
Wine
A serviceable wine list spanning sparkling, white, and red from regions like Spain, Italy, France, and South Africa. Priced reasonably, with both glass and bottle options. It supports the cocktail focus but lacks a distinctive point of view or regional depth.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection with international options.; Offers both by-the-glass and bottle pricing.
Standout selections
- — Cava, Campo Viejo, Spain – $11/$55.
- — Champagne, Jacques Bardelot, France – $20/$100.
- — Joven Rioja, Yllera, Rioja, Spain – $9/$36.
Pricing: By the glass $9–$20; bottles $36–$100.
Beer
A small draft list of four beers, including local craft options like Wicked Weed and Lonerider. Priced competitively. The selection is limited and lacks bottled or canned variety, making it a minor part of the program.
Standout selections
- — Wicked Weed Perni-Haze IPA – $8.
- — Lonerider Kolsch for Outlaws – draft.
Pricing: Draft beers priced at $7 and $8.
Spirits
Spirits are showcased through the cocktail menu, which uses premium brands like Angel's Envy, Hendrick's, and Tenjaku. The range covers bourbon, gin, tequila, vodka, rum, and whiskey. No standalone spirits list, but the cocktail program demonstrates a strong spirits foundation.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive use of premium and craft spirits in cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Angel's Envy bourbon in the Willard Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned.
- — Hendrick's gin in the Signature GinTonic.
- — Tenjaku Japanese whiskey in the Rough Night for Viscount.
Pricing: No standalone spirits pricing; integral to cocktails.
How it sits with the food
Small plates are designed to pair with cocktails, wine, and local craft beer. The menu's range—from barrel-aged Old Fashioneds to crisp Albariño—offers flexibility. The cocktail and cuisine classes explicitly pair seasonal cocktails with food, suggesting thoughtful alignment.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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