Welcome to one of my three hometowns. While there are almost no non-alcoholic bars in the state (two that I know of as of Jan. 2024) – Umbrella Dry Bar in downtown Raleigh and Mocksie in downton Wilmington), there are many alcohol-serving restaurants and bars that feature highly-crafted, thoughtful zero-proof and low-proof cocktails and spirits on their menus. There are also several artisan producers of shrubs and bitters.
Note, a lot of places just non-chalantly throw some tonic and canned juice in a glass and call it a “mocktail” – I do not list those places here.
Umbrella Dry Bar (Downtown)
The city’s first completely non-alcoholic beer. Also serves bar snacks and zero-proof products.
The Fiction Kitchen (A vegan restaurant)
Prominently features zero-proof cocktails on its dinner menu. The bartender here has a true passion for both alcohol- and non-alcoholic drinks and spirits.
Watts & Ward (Downtown)
This bar serves up non-alcoholic cocktails made with Seedlip spirits, on of the most popular non-alcoholic brands currently on the market. The W&W menu also notes they will sub any house spirit wit Seedlip.
Dram & Draught (Downtown/Glenwood)
The Raleigh location of this bar has but three non-alcoholic drinks listed on their menu but are much more than just some tonic and bland juice thrown together in a glass. Plus, given the thoughtful nature of the overall drinks menu, I am sure the bartender will work with you to concoct a beverage of beauty for you.
This downtown cocktail bar has a beautifully curated menu of non-alcoholic spirits. Just listen to this description:
Apple Of My Pie
House-Made Blackberry-Apple Simple, Cinnamon, Lemon & Non-Alcoholic Prosecco
This Lebanese restaurant is a Raleigh institution. And, it recently won a local newspaper’s award for “Best Non-Alcoholic Beverages” in 2023. Try the Pomegrante Spritzer and the Lebanese Iced Tea.
Know of other bars and restaurants serving non-alcoholic drinks, cocktails, wine, etc.?
Love this new trend and if anyone can curate a comprehensive list of the best bars/restaurants where you can enjoy a zero proof libation, it’s Zero Proof! The author is well traveled and well versed in all the best places to nosh and enjoy a guilt free cocktail!