If you enjoy your liquor, there are some great options in Raleigh for a cocktail. But recently I heard about a new spot opening up in the North Hills area: Capulet Cocktail Club. Which is sort of big news since usually it’s mostly restaurants that way. Brought to you by film-maker, artist and designer, Patrick Shanahan, I had high hopes for this new bar. And after a couple of visits, I can tell you that certainly all of my expectations were met.
Capulet Cocktail Club, Raleigh – Location, Interior
If you’re headed out to visit Capulet Cocktail Club, be aware that it’s open in the newest district at North Hills, the NHID! Comprised of mostly a large development on Social Street, NHID is slowly getting built out (like most of Raleigh) with a handful of anchor restaurants (Peregrine, Toastique, future Pranzo) and some other businesses. There’s plenty of parking here out in the street since this area is still relatively undiscovered along with a parking structure in back. Immediately you’ll see Peregrine restaurant since it has a prime location but where is that Capulet Cocktail Club? Oh, over here to the side! Step through the AstroTurf courtyard, past the cherub statues and you’ll find a heavy, wooden door with a small window and metal grill.
Pull that heavy door open and you’ll be transported back in time, specifically renaissance Italy! The space is striking with amazing details all about. Up front you’ll find a beautiful semi-circular bar with soft seating and backlit bottle area, replete with centerpiece statue. Throughout the interior space you’ll find cozy stuffed chairs, couches and oil paintings. On one side you’ll find several alcoves with a pair of seats in each for a private conversation. Rich period murals back each alcove making for a slightly religious, museum-like sitting area.
In two corners of the space, you’ll find velvet banquettes tucked away inside a discrete room. Pull the curtain close across the arched entrance and you’ve got an informal space for a private party. And don’t forget to look overhead, the domed ceiling feels like soft moonlight completing the feel for the house of Capulet. Overall it’s a beautiful space where a lot of thought went into its design and lighting. The atmosphere is soft and sexy, perfect for a spirited conversation or celebration.
Capulet Cocktail Club, Raleigh – Menu, Drinks
Now with a beautiful cocktail setting like this, the bar is certainly raised for the beverage program. And I’m happy to say that all expectations have been met in my multiple visits to imbibe some cheer. The cocktail list is tight, focused on a handful of house drinks, classics, non-alcoholic drinks and Italian wines. Everything I’ve tried for cocktails have been excellent, well-balanced and tasty ranging from your classic dark brown liquors to light, fruity cocktails. The Sunken Kingdom was excellent: strega, blue curacao, white wine and citrus with an ice dome. I’ve also done the House of Capulet which focuses on bourbon, date, clove on a large block of ice. The drinks here are lovingly made and while I’m sure the wine is excellent, not going with a cocktail while visiting Capulet Cocktail Club seems like a poor idea.
Capulet Cocktail Club, Raleigh – Service, Conclusion
Service for my visits at Capulet Cocktail Club has been excellent. They check in on you and the bar is relatively quick given the complexity of drinks. Admittedly, I have NOT visited on the weekends and I have heard the place can get PACKED. So time your visit accordingly if you want a peaceful visit. Overall I’m super impressed at Capulet Cocktail Club. It’s unique, the drinks are delicious and the ambiance is unmatched. Now while I don’t live very close by and need to drive to get to Capulet Cocktail Club, for sure I’ll be back to check in on how this bar develops. But it’s off to a fantastic start right now and sits in the Top 3 bars for me in Raleigh. And as luck would have it, the owner has spun up a new concept in downtown Raleigh which is a lot closer to me. What to expect there? Well I’ll keep that a secret for now but Rosebud in the old Fox Liquor Bar offers a new take on Mr. Shanahan’s design sensibilities. I’ll be back with a review of that spot, soon!
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