Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
The Willard, Raleigh, NC

The Willard

4.4 (643)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603-1797

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 24 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for creative cocktails
The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh's Best Rooftop Bar of 2023 & 2024, offers signature craft cocktails and inspired bites with stunning views of downtown Raleigh.

The centerpiece of The Willard is the Large Terrace with panoramic views of the Raleigh skyline and 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, while Skyview Boardroom offers a unique dining experience for 6-12 guests.

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, crafted by Chef Kyle Teears, includes shareables like papas bravas and charcuterie, as well as salads, Flatbreads, and entrees like the Lamb Burger and Steak Frites.
Located on the 7th floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown in the Glenwood South district.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Lounge, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Kyle Teears
  • Catering
    Catering customized to your needs is available from the kitchen of Executive Chef Kyle Teears.
  • Private party facilities
    At the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, the entire 7th floor is dedicated to food and beverage service. With multiple function spaces available for booking alone or in combination, special occasions unfold against the stunning backdrop of downtown Raleigh's skyline, making memories that last a lifetime!
  • Private party contact
    Leslie Hoagland: (984) 272-4486
  • 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

  • July Brunch

    Jul 13, 2025 only
    Join us for a relaxing Sunday at The Willard Rooftop Lounge, where we're serving up an à la carte rooftop brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM on July 13th. Our menu features all your brunch favorites with a unique Willard spin, including delicious Eggs Benedict and Steak and Eggs. The full Willard bar will be open, so you can perfectly pair your meal with your favorite drinks.
    July Brunch Photo
  • Wine Tasting Class

    $50.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jul 22, 2025 only
    6:00 PM
    Join us for a journey into the world of wine and food pairings! This exclusive event will focus on three beloved varietals: a popular Sauvignon Blanc, a New World Pinot Noir, and a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. In this class, you'll understand why traditional pairings work by exploring the principles of matching wine and food based on weight, structure, and intensity. Through tasting and analysis of classic combinations, you'll build your sensory memory and gain the confidence to create your own perfect pairings. Enjoy a curated selection of pairings featuring goat cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and beef brisket. We'll also have crackers and bread available as a palate cleanser. Dietary Needs? Vegan and gluten-free options are available upon request. Just let us know when you book! Tickets are limited and are $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Secure yours today at the link below!
    Wine Tasting Class Photo
  • Gin-ius Cocktails & Cuisine

    $55.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jul 27, 2025 only
    2:00 PM
    Gin-ius Cocktails & Cuisine at The Willard Rooftop Elevate your happy hour! Get inspired to up your cocktail game at home as you gather around the bar at The Willard Rooftop for our gin-themed Cocktails & Cuisine Class on Sunday, July 27. You'll learn to craft sophisticated gin concoctions, perfectly paired with a delectable menu curated by our chef. Get ready to mix, mingle, and savor incredible flavors while taking in those breathtaking panoramic downtown views. Class sizes are limited so purchase tickets now for $55 per person. We are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions at this event.
    Gin-ius Cocktails & Cuisine Photo

Private dining

What 643 people are saying

The Willard reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 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

  • Raleigh

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Willard offers a stunning rooftop setting with "great ambience and energy," perfect for enjoying the Raleigh skyline. Guests appreciate the "terrific cocktails," and the "fantastic view" enhances the upscale lounge vibe. While some reviews mention inconsistent service and food, standout staff members like Eric are often praised for their attentiveness.
643 Reviews
  1. Paul

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The view and setting inside was very refreshing on a hot day. The short rib was great, and the burger was what you would hope for. The only charcuterie was little lacking in freshness but was overall still good. A great location for a relaxing lunch.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Beth

    Coastal North Carolina2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    The food was ok. Drinks were expensive. Shrimp tacos could have had a few more shrimp. Our expectations were high, and it didn’t live up to what I saw online.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jennifer

    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    The service is okay. It could have been that it was Father’s Day, but it was kind of like we were in their way a bit. Our actual server was nice. But the meals came out at different times and we weren’t told the kitchen was closed until we tried to order dessert.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Shaunté

    Virginia1 review

    3.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    This place is great for drinks (although pricey) and the view. The food was not great, over priced and the service lacked attention. For example, french toast was $16. Not bad except it was literally 1 piece of sandwich sized bread. It should have been listed as an appetizer or kids meal and priced as such. A side of bacon is literally only 2 pieces.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Amanda

    Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was great. Service was not so much. Very slow and not attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Raeshel

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Eric was an AWESOME waiter he picked two awesome drinks that were refreshing and paired well with my meal choices.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Ankita

    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill1 review

    2.0

    Dined on June 11, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    The food menu is okay , also they have very few actual dinner seating options . This place is more for just drinks and hangout , definitely not for proper dinner with large groups

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kimberly

    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Girls' Night Out! The weather was perfect for a beautiful evening on the patio. Food and drinks were very good!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Blake

    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Charlton (sp.) provided amazing service and recommendations during our dining experience. He also took photos of us! Very much appreciated!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Brian

    South Carolina3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time at the Willard...beautiful rooftop setting...great ambience and energy - loved sitting next to the two-sided fireplace outside and seeing the Raleigh skyline at dusk. Eric our waiter was fabulous...attentive, fun and knowledgeable and he had only been there two weeks. Menu is small but good selections...terrific cocktails.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Willard is rated 4.4 stars by 643 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
  4. Raleigh
  5. Raleigh

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 24 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 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
    Kyle Teears
  • 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
  • Catering
    Catering customized to your needs is available from the kitchen of Executive Chef Kyle Teears.
  • Private party facilities
    At the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, the entire 7th floor is dedicated to food and beverage service. With multiple function spaces available for booking alone or in combination, special occasions unfold against the stunning backdrop of downtown Raleigh's skyline, making memories that last a lifetime!
  • Private party contact
    Leslie Hoagland: (984) 272-4486
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo