Cary Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Cary.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Cary! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Cary has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Cary. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Cary offers over 78 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
SideBar
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.7 stars from 441 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 215 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Side Door Cocktail Bar
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.5 stars from 49 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1389 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Hearsay, A Cocktail Bar
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.8 stars from 34 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 317 W Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Walk Up
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.5 stars from 128 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 126 W Chatham St #200, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The One Nine
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.6 stars from 112 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4220 NW Cary Pkwy, Cary, NC 27513, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Bark Bar
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.9 stars from 83 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 302 S Walker St, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Crosstown Pub & Grill
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.4 stars from 1426 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 154 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
AVA Rooftop Bar
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.2 stars from 255 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 301 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Graffiti: Spirits, Axes & Art
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.8 stars from 127 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 158 E Cedar St, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Hangout Bar and Grill
Highly rated Restaurant in Cary with 4.4 stars from 576 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 107 Edinburgh S Dr #129, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.7 stars from 288 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 210 E Chatham St suite 10, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Neat & Sweet Lounge At Scratch
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.7 stars from 58 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 225 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
PBR Cowboy Bar Cary
Highly rated International in Cary with 4.2 stars from 278 reviews.
📍 301 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Side Door Cocktail Bar
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.5 stars from 49 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1389 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
AVA Rooftop Bar
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.2 stars from 255 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 301 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
SideBar
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.7 stars from 441 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 215 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Sports & Social Cary
Highly rated Restaurant in Cary with 4.2 stars from 2011 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 301 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Terminal 8 - Bar & Lounge
Highly rated International in Cary with 4 stars from 83 reviews.
📍 2109 Avent Ferry Rd #152, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Hangout Bar and Grill
Highly rated Restaurant in Cary with 4.4 stars from 576 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 107 Edinburgh S Dr #129, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Flex
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.3 stars from 159 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 615 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Walk Up
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.5 stars from 128 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 126 W Chatham St #200, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Mac's Tavern
Highly rated American in Cary with 4.3 stars from 729 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1014 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Eastside Music Venue
Highly rated International in Cary with 4.7 stars from 183 reviews.
📍 602 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Hangout Bar and Grill
Highly rated Restaurant in Cary with 4.4 stars from 576 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 107 Edinburgh S Dr #129, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
PBR Cowboy Bar Cary
Highly rated International in Cary with 4.2 stars from 278 reviews.
📍 301 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mac's Tavern
Highly rated American in Cary with 4.3 stars from 729 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1014 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.7 stars from 861 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 224 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Highly rated International in Cary with 4.7 stars from 5693 reviews.
📍 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Corner Tavern and Grill
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.1 stars from 470 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1301 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.4 stars from 1645 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1195 W Chatham St, Cary, NC 27513, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Craft Public House
Highly rated Bakery in Cary with 4.5 stars from 1855 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 1040 Tryon Village Dr #601, Cary, NC 27518, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bakery cuisine
Carolina Ale House - Cary
Highly rated American in Cary with 4.4 stars from 3819 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2240 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27518, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
La Buena Vida - Cary
Highly rated Mexican in Cary with 4.5 stars from 1080 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1388 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Mexican cuisine
Sophie's Grill And Bar
Highly rated Restaurant in Cary with 4.6 stars from 1406 reviews.
📍 2734 NC-55, Cary, NC 27519, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Hangout Bar and Grill
Highly rated Restaurant in Cary with 4.4 stars from 576 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 107 Edinburgh S Dr #129, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Crosstown Pub & Grill
Highly rated Bar in Cary with 4.4 stars from 1426 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 154 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Sports & Social Cary
Highly rated Restaurant in Cary with 4.2 stars from 2011 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 301 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Seol Grille | Korean BBQ restaurant, Cary, NC
Highly rated Steakhouse in Cary with 4.6 stars from 2199 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2310 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27518, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Raleigh Improv
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Cary venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Goodnights Comedy Club
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Cary venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The Cary Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Cary venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
ComedyWorx
Laugh the night away at this popular Cary comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Cary venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Holly Springs Cultural Center
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Cary venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
PBR Cowboy Bar Cary
Explore Cary's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Walk Up
Explore Cary's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Hangout Bar and Grill
Explore Cary's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Sports & Social Cary
Explore Cary's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
SideBar
Explore Cary's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
AVA Rooftop Bar
Explore Cary's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Cary varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Cary range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cary offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Cary cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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