LocalGuideWorld – Best Places to Visit, Eat & Stay Around the World
Hidden behind a bookcase door, this intimate speakeasy with a vintage vibe offers bespoke cocktails.

At a glance

#28 of 35 Bars in Raleigh #13 of 15 Cocktail bars in Raleigh

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.22

0.2 km from the center of Raleigh

Rating breakdown

  • 5 ★67%
  • 4 ★12%
  • 3 ★8%
  • 2 ★4%
  • 1 ★9%
108 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
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Quick facts

What is the rating of The Green Light?
The Green Light is rated 4.2 out of 5 based on 320 reviews.
How does The Green Light rank in Raleigh?
The Green Light is #28 of 35 Bars in Raleigh by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is The Green Light located?
108 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601 — 0.2 km from the center of Raleigh.
How can I contact The Green Light?
Phone: (919) 699-5256 · Website: greenlightbar.com
Holli Gregory
The bookcase entrance was so fun, the bartender made some of the most flavorful and perfect to sip cocktails I've ever had. We went on a Tuesday night so there was no crowd making for a perfect intimate setting
Lori Levaughn
Me and my boyfriend went in here on a Saturday night. It seemed cool but we didn’t have time to experience much. Before we were allowed into the bar, we asked the woman with the clip board if we were allowed to bring in our beverages from the architect or if we would need to discard them—which we were happy to oblige. We were told that that wouldn’t be necessary and that we could bring our Architect drinks inside. After we were seated, a hostess came over and immediately kicked us out…for bringing in beverages from the architect. Beverages we were told we could bring in. When the waitress told us that we would have to leave because we brought in “outside drinks,” we tried to explain that we were told by staff we were allowed to bring them in but would be happy to get rid of them, we were rudely interrupted and again told to leave, which we did with zero fuss.

It seemed like a cool bar, very disappointed we didn’t actually get to experience it. Quite frankly, it was a very embarrassing situation to be put in, and quite frustrating that the staff member was quick to kick us out when we not only were under the impression that we had followed the rules, but went out of our way to make sure we were in compliance BEFORE we went in. Staff making mistakes is understandable and not a problem; it’s a problem when we are held responsible for the mistakes of others, and then not heard out when we politely try to explain.
Chandra Jennings
Was not expecting this "hidden" gem in a bar that was clearly closed to the public. I was greeted by a waiter who led me back to a bar behind a bookshelf. I was greeted more by the dim lights than by the bartender. But, once I was, I enjoyed my bent umbrella, which was way more citrusy than I thought it would be in a good way, and it was super smooth to sip and enjoy. I finished this while speaking to the bartender and a patron who was very kind. The bartender was very open and kind. He made me feel very comfortable and was so kind!

My second drink was the "Apples and Allies," which reminded me of a spicier apple cider with rum. It was super smooth, warm, and easy to sip and sip!

I would come back here for the drinks and atmosphere. Very chill and great drinks!
aaron live
They got me. The lady at the Architect bar said I could get a drink at the other bar and pointed to the corner. I stood in front of the bathroom door, looking like a fool before a hist opened the bookcase to the speakeasy. Lol. What a pleasant surprise that I was glad to stumble upon. The drinks are pricey but they are special. Really, quite a nice little place to enjoy a cocktail and people watch out the window to the sidewalk below.
Gotta check it out at least once.
Em
Love the vibe and the fun staff. Great for group hangs, and casual small hangs. Definitely hard to get in to, because it is a popular speakeasy (behind an actual bookcase!) And only has about 5 tables. Located on the 2nd floor of The Architect.
Colleen B
Forever my go-to place for: taking out of town guests, date night, low key girls night, after dinner night cap, pre-dinner cocktail, or just a quiet respite right after your work day. I recommend coming during the week and early as it can get quite busy, crowded and loud. Very small space, tucked behind a bookcase, the cocktail list is always giving major craft vibes and nearly all of them can be adjusted based on preferences. Often, the bartender will give fantastic recommendations based on your preferences and desires. Speaking of staff, that's really my main reason for knocking off a star. The staff is either really great and or not. It feels like when I go, even when they're not busy, I either get a bartender that is engaging or ambivalent and bored.
Ted Gautsch
Now this is a speakeasy, not so easy to find the door but thanks to a little help it didn't take long to get in. One thing I like about these hidden gems, you they are not typically overcrowded and very personable. They also seem to hit the target on quality in every drink they serve.

The Green Light is as comfortable as it gets, and the staff make sure of it. This is definitely a bar that will see us again.
Cheers!
Jill DeCandio
This was my second time at this “secret” speakeasy. I came back because my first visit several years ago was amazing…full of mystery and unique craft cocktails in an intimate discreet venue. This visit was underwhelming. I booked a reservation for 5 weeks in advance. (The allure of this establishment is that you can’t just walk in; because of the size and nature of the venue.) The reservation process was easy and my reservation was confirmed. Having been to the establishment previously I knew somewhat what to expect. We waited outside the venue waiting for the green light to illuminate. It never did. A couple walking by paused by us and looked bewildered. They said they were looking for “green light” and I told them they had found it and asked if they had a reservation and they said they didn’t. They proceeded to go in and didn’t come out. I was surprised. Our party decided to also proceed (although the green light wasn’t it, or any light for that matter). The couple who just “walked in” were sitting at the bar enjoying their cocktails. We were escorted to a small table off to the side. While its a small venue and an intimate setting our table was way to small to accommodate 5 people. It took quite awhile for the waiter to come to the table and even longer to get drinks. Unfortunately the drink menu had not changed. Granted, the cocktails here are good, but since a number of years had passed since my previous visit I was hoping some new concoctions would be available. The others in the party who were here for the first time weren’t overly impressed. We had a few rounds and moved on. This visit wasn’t special and lacked the elements that were attractive which I experienced previously.

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