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The Willard, Raleigh, NC

The Willard

4.3 (651)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603-1797

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 19 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

  • 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
  • Wine Pairing Class

    $50.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Aug 27, 2025 only
    6:00 PM
    Join us for our third class in the Taste Like a Pro Wine Series: "What's in the Glass?" a deeper dive into the structure and characteristics of wine, perfect for beginners and casual enthusiasts alike! Building on our previous lessons, we'll further explore the concepts of body, acidity, tannins, sweetness, and alcohol in wine. This isn't your typical wine pairing class! Instead of matching specific wines to specific foods, you'll be presented with Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. You'll then discover how these wines complement (or even clash with!) a small salad with a bright vinaigrette, a spicy dish, a creamy pasta, and semi-sweet chocolate. Crackers or bread will be provided as a palate cleanser, and gluten-free options are available upon request.
    Wine Pairing Class Photo

Private dining

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What 651 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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.0Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.0Value

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 "beautiful rooftop setting" with "great views" and an "upscale vibe," making it a perfect spot for drinks and casual gatherings. While the "cocktails were great," and some servers provided "outstanding" service, the food and menu could be more consistent. Overall, it's a "fun place" with "great energy."
651 Reviews
  1. Alicia VIP

    New York City12 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    The good: the ambiance was very good. The view was also good. The appetizer potatoes was good. The bad: caesar salad had barely any dressing. Ordered the hamburger medium it came really well done. Asked them to bring another one. They took the old one with the french fries and when they returned they only had the burger and no fries. The service was really slow as well. If you want to go out for a nice drink and view it wouldn't be bad. I would stay away from the food. Food was just average.

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  2. Angel

    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    It would be good to know the policy of charging only 3 cards with a larger party (for me it was 10). Megan was a great server & helped us navigate through everything.

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  3. Maya

    Washington, D.C. Area1 review

    2.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    I went here to celebrate my birthday. The ambience was nice. The drinks and food drinks were overpriced. The menu selection needs to be revisited. Our waitress was not attentive and kept forgetting to bring the items we asked for. This is just my opinion and others may have a different experience, but I will not be returning .

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  4. Tremaine

    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good job people . one of my fav places to come and chill

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  5. Kenneth

    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 7, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The Willard is a great venue. The roof top sits on the AC hotel which is a nice enough environment. There is no parking in their parking deck unless you are staying at the hotel. There is some street parking and paid lots about a block away. As for the venue itself, it has great views ( the roof top is about 8 floors up). The menu is very very limited. The drinks were what you would expect. All in all it's worth a visit but there are better options in Raleigh for a good roof top experience.

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  6. Todd VIP

    Dallas - Fort Worth13 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on July 4, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    They said they had valet parking and they didn’t Was hoping to see fireworks but they waited until 3 hours before my reservation to tell me that I wouldn’t. Very disappointed in the whole experience Will not be going back

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  7. Linda and David VIP

    Asheville / Western North Carolina14 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on July 4, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    We took a chance and went to the Willard with friends that flew in from CT, because our other rooftop restaurant in Raleigh was closed on the Fourth of July. We were seated initially at a very uncomfortable high top table. The view was nice but the overall area was very small. They had obnoxious loud music playing which really made the vibe terrible for dinner time. We asked if they could change it but they never did. The service was so slow and there were hardly any people there. We tried 2 appetizers which were okay, but not exceptional. We seized control of the night and quickly asked for the check and got out of there. Sorry, it just did not make the cut. Too many other great choices around.

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  8. Denice VIP

    Virginia18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We took friends to the rooftop bar for the skyline view of Raleigh. The drinks were creative. The service was attentive. The view of Raleigh was perfect!

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  9. Paul

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    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.

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  10. Beth

    Coastal North Carolina2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 26, 2025

    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.

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FAQs

The Willard is rated 4.3 stars by 651 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
7:00 PM
Booked 19 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
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