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The Willard, Raleigh, NC

The Willard

4.5
4.5
338 Reviews
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
The Willard Rooftop Lounge offers signature craft cocktails and inspired bites alongside stunning views of downtown Raleigh.

The centerpiece of The Willard is the main rooftop patio with panoramic views of the Raleigh skyline and a dual-sided fireplace surrounded by comfortable, yet modern, seating. Heaters make our outdoor spaces comfortable year-round. Inside, a 22-seat bar is the focal point of the dining room.

The Willard’s cocktail menu playfully leans into Raleigh’s nickname as the City of Oaks, offering signature craft cocktails aged in oak barrels and cocktails where smoke is a key ingredient.

The seasonal food menu includes bites to share like papas bravas, crispy duck arepas, and salads as well as bigger bites like flatbreads, charcuterie plates, burgers, and hearty entrees.

Located on the 7th floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown in the Glenwood South district.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 41 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Cocktail Bar, Lounge, Tapas / Small Plates

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (919) 803-5200

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    James Cundiff

  • Catering

    Catering customized to your needs is available from the kitchen of Executive Chef James Cundiff.

  • Private party facilities

    The Willard Rooftop Lounge at AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown offers three flexible event spaces for meetings, weddings, and social events like birthdays, showers, retirement parties, and more.

  • Neighborhood

    Raleigh

  • Cross street

    Hillsborough St

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • 3 Course Jazz Brunch with Bold Batch Creamery

    $55.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jun 11, 2023 only
    The Willard will be hosting a monthly 3 Course Prix Fixe Jazz Brunch from 10AM-2PM. We will have The Jonathan Markow Trio for your listening entertainment during brunch and the Dessert will be provided by Bold Batch Creamery, who will pop up on the rooftop so you can shop for more delightful ice cream to take home. We will have delicious items such as Breakfast Burrito, Shrimp & Grits, Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffle and a Breakfast Flatbread. Full Bar will be available! $55 per person++ Get your tickets while they last.
  • Father's Day Burger & Beer Special

    $20.00 per person

    Jun 18, 2023 only
    This Father's Day, Sunday, June 18, treat Dad to our Burger & Beer Special - any burger from our menu, paired with any draft beer, for just $20 (plus tax and gratuity). Available to all guests, all day long! Join us from noon to 9pm - make a reservation now.

Popular dishes

What 338 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for scenic views

  • Raleigh

    Great for outdoor dining

Sort by

  1. JorgeN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great night probably would need a more vibe atmosphere
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    It was good overall. The burger was delicious but the fries seemed a bit smaller in my opinion .it took a few moments for the host to seat us as well as our waiter. But they had great attitude!
  3. nays

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience4
    Their monthly brunch series is way overpriced. for over $70 ($50 ticket plus an extra $20+ for tax and fees), I thought cocktails were included...at least one. The food was bland. I like the Willard for a chill spring/summer night to sip on some cocktails but not for another brunch event. I got some cute pics though i guess.
  4. AliyaB

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Willard’s jazz brunch was a wonderful event! Food was delicious, especially the hot chicken and pimento biscuit. The staff were super attentive and accommodating.
  5. Queen

    Raleigh

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an enjoyable and memorable experience at the Willard. The jazz brunch was great!
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite place in downtown Raleigh!! The staff is extremely accommodating and the view is something that cannot be matched. Not to mention the ambiance!
  7. capitalistpig

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The vibe and service at The Willard is so awesome. It's a great place to just chill and have a drink or dinner.
  8. NicoleN

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Food was okay. Nothing great. Quite a lot of noise and people everywhere taking pictures on the roof right next to my table. It was loud and annoying trying to have dinner. The server seemed to be overwhelmed running numerous tables at once although she was very nice.
  9. Wendy

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience5
    Bar was out of several ingredients and could not make the 2 drinks we wanted from the menu. Appetizer was unappetizing (look and taste). Service was good.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Best rooftop in Raleigh! Great service, several different seating options with great views
  11. PaoloR

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great location with above average food. The drinks were spectacular and the service was friendly and attentive. Will be back for seconds!
  12. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Very nice rooftop bar. The food and drinks are good and the ambiance is nice!
  13. ElyseD

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience at The Willard! Pre-concert shareables and drinks were perfect to start our night. The view was a bonus!
  14. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a great day to enjoy a drink and catch up with a friend. I love the atmosphere and views.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great outdoor seating and dining for groups. Casual, fun atmosphere, good wine and food selection.
  16. VictoriaF

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    We had reso at 1, waited for ~30 min until we got a server to come over, I got up to get a server/ask if someone was going to come by and the server definitely had an attitude. I understand there was a graduation party but for a table of 4 we were just hoping someone could get us some drinks. We ordered cocktails, apps, and meals and they all came out in different times. It would have been nice if everyone got their lunch meals at the same time instead of half the table being done with their meals and the other half just getting their burgers. We also wanted to get another round of drinks but our server didn't come back until she was just dropping off our checks. Like we weren't ready for the check yet but I guess we were since she was dropping it off. Server could have been a lot nicer.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect! The food was great, the drinks were great and everyone was sweet and took care of us.
  18. RebeccaL

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food! Beautiful view! The service was great also.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Decent experience overall. View was nice, drinks expensive, service was pleasant and attentive.
  20. ConnieW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great! I ordered the bacon burger and it was delicious. All others in my party were completely satisfied with their food and the overall dining experience as well. I will definitely be back!
  21. LYdF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Willard has great service, great food, with spectacular views of downtown Raleigh.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Overall good. Food is brought out “appetizer style” meaning when it’s ready you get it, but plates may not come together. Also other guests were a little rowdy and loud but once they left things were great. Service was good and food was too.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall1food2service2ambience4
    Attended their cocktails and cuisine class. This was NOT a class. We expected to learn how to make drinks and learn about the meal pairs and instead were simply served various (not good) drinks and random food. We learned some facts about the ingredients from the staff members, but that was it. It was overpriced and I would have rather bought drinks I liked. It would have cost less that way.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    Waitress took a long time to check on us. The food was alright but price was way to high. The view and the weather is what made the experience better.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a lovely time. Good food, great view and service was terrific
  26. MaryJean

    Naples

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very nice but beware. We made a reservation for four for dinner but there seems to be a bit of confusion regarding dining tables. They stated they were a "lounge" when asking for an actual dining table instead of sitting on couches or cocktail tables. We were lucky to get one of the few hi tops outside when we refused the couches. Other than that, everything was fine.
  27. FoodieCouple

    Raleigh

    78 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    The seats on the outdoor lounge are so low that it's hard to eat even appetizers. From a seated position, with knees at chin, reaching around my knees to get food was challenging. There really isn't room to stretch out your legs either. The Charcuterie plate was filled with mustard, honey, Quince but two slices of two of the meats and four slices of salami which is barely enough to share. There were two two cheeses and a tablespoon of goat cheese. Not sure it was worth the price tag. The drinks were great. If you plan on eating I highly recommend getting a table.
  28. KBjdhdhdhd

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food5service1ambience5
    Service was pretty poor. They were remarkably rude and annoyed. Food was very good and atmosphere was awesome
  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    Not really what I expected from rooftop, food was nothing special and cake fee was interesting!
  30. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Will be back in the next couple of weeks for another date night with the wife
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    It was my moms birthday! EVERYONE ON STAFF was extremely friendly! Such a welcoming environment. Great food! Great scenery! Would definitely come again. Loved it.
  32. wayneh

    Raleigh

    24 reviews

    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Sunday Jazz Brunch: food and service were good. Band was awesome. Hostess, not so much. Do not reserve a standard table for brunch; it’s 18” high and about the size of a serving tray.
  33. kathia

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    It's way overpriced!!!!. A sunfay brunch should not cost $100 per person. Only two options to choose from and doughnuts for the dessert. That's ridiculous. Drinks nor coffee were included either. At least a free mimosa and coffee. We will not return. The host was not friendly at all. Only the waiter went above and beyond with the service. So not worth it!! 😕
  34. KatieW

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    My boyfriend and I went to a jazz brunch at the Willard which was a prepaid event, including gratuity. The two course brunch was $55/person (before tax and tip) and we both felt the quality of the food did not even come close to reflecting the price of the meal. My salad was over salted it was barely edible and the eggs on my Benedict were over cooked. The hash browns served with the eggs appeared to have been reheated frozen hash browns. The best thing we ate was the donuts served for dessert, which was from the pop up bakery attending the event and not an in-house item. Overall pretty disappointing. The service was also lacking, presumably due to the fact that service was also prepaid so they had no incentive to be attentive or friendly. While we like this venue for drinks, we will not be going back for food.
  35. Dawn

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    Great drinks, and amazing flat breads! Be sure to order the garlic aioli potatoes and pecan mix drink.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful view, nice light fare, pricy alcohol drinks, busy crowd was loud at times, nice service.
  37. joes

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a treasure of a find ,Great experience ,culinary and beverage, views,and service:)
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Everything was delicious. Our only issue was that all the food came out together. The appetizer came out with the entree and we weren’t able to finish it because we had to eat our entree first. We wish the appetizer came first before the rest of the food. It was delicious though
  39. davidh

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Incredible views, very good food and reasonably priced
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    We enjoyed a bottle of wine and a couple of appetizers at the rooftop bar…they were delicious. Great view of downtown Raleigh and generous heaters to keep things warm. Our server Vicente was very good! Recommend for a nice view and light snack!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

The Willard is rated 4.5 stars by 338 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 41 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Willard

9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603-1797

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Hillsborough St

  • Neighborhood

    Raleigh

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Cocktail Bar, Lounge, Tapas / Small Plates

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    James Cundiff

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (919) 803-5200

  • Catering

    Catering customized to your needs is available from the kitchen of Executive Chef James Cundiff.

  • Private party facilities

    The Willard Rooftop Lounge at AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown offers three flexible event spaces for meetings, weddings, and social events like birthdays, showers, retirement parties, and more.

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