C Grace

In the land of nightclubs, slinky dresses, and tall heels is this little gem in Glenwood South.  C Grace is a great place for a date or just to do something a little different in downtown Raleigh.   The black awning outside is the entrance to another world -- a 1920's style speakeasy, decked out in black and red velvet.   The drink menu isn't really my style, but I can appreciate the classic cocktails theme and the bartender was knowledgeable and friendly.   The crowd was a great mix of generations and attires...it's sort of hard to be out of place there.   The band the night that I went was awesome and I really had a great time.  

This place would have gotten 5 stars except for two things:
- Their website (which admittedly has improved from it's previous nonexistence).  It now includes the menu and a limited schedule of live music (offered Tues-Sat); however, they don't post the start times for their shows, so you still have to call or guess.  
- They don't serve food.  I wouldn't advocate a full menu, but a few small plates or bar snacks would make it easier to make a night out of C Grace.

5 stars!  Yes and C Grace deserves all 5 for sure.  I have heard a lot of buzz going on about this place and I was dying to step in.  To my surprise I think I picked one of the best nights to check this place out...Tuesday night jazz jam session that's what was going on.  Musicians from all over took turns playing on stage, from drums, piano, saxophone, vocals, you name it the place was full of talented musicians.

When you first step in to C Grace that walk down Glenwood Ave. you took to get there seems far far away.  C Grace is dark and mysterious a speak-easy whipping up only the best in classic cocktails.  This place has class and the crowd and bartenders show it.  It's not pretentious at all and I immediately felt welcome walking in.

Now let's talk about those drinks $8, $10, $11 cocktails I know it may sound steep for Glenwood South but these drinks are worth every penny.  Just watching the effort that these mixologists put in to each and every cocktail amazes me, and the results are worth it.  I've never tasted a cocktail so good in this city.  I tried a few of their cocktails and must say the gin fizz was my absolute favorite.  If you love music, a good drink, and a kick ass atmosphere check out C Grace!

I have been to C Grace twice now and I have to say it has become my new favorite bar.  The ambience is like nothing I have experienced at other Raleigh bars; in fact when you walk into C Grace you feel like you are in a different world.  What I love about this place is the attention to detail. From the speakeasy/caberet type decor to the extensive menu of classic cocktails, C Grace evokes a certain sophistication and elegance that takes you back in time.

I have visited on both a Saturday night and Tuesday night and the bar was pretty much full both times.  There is always live jazz music and the Tuesday I was there they were having a jam session with several different musicians which was just awesome.

The cocktail menu is better than any I have seen in town, with classics like the mint julip, whiskey sour and gin fizz.  All drinks are made with fresh ingredients.. no sugary mixers. For as much care and complexity that goes into making the cocktails on the menu, you really don't have to wait that long for a drink.  The bartenders know what they are doing and do it well.  While I was there I tried the New York Sour, which consisted of rye, lemon and red wine and was amazing!  I also tried the Mendacity which consisted of absinthe, gin, egg white, bitters and absinthe, also amazing.

If you like good live music and appreciate a well made cocktail, you definitely need to check out C Grace!