Bottles and Bars #3: Whiskey Kitchen – “One part neighborhood bar. One part Southern kitchen.”
Life as an attorney with two busy kids and a growing YouTube bourbon channel is always a whirlwind, but when the chance to sneak away comes up, heading downtown for a fun night out is at the top of the list. Sometimes Katie and I even let B tag along.
One of our favorite Raleigh hangouts is Whiskey Kitchen, which opened on August 9, 2016, in a beautifully restored 1920s building. Co-owned by Jeff Mickel and Michael Thor, Whiskey Kitchen proudly calls itself “one part neighborhood bar, one part Southern kitchen.”
Southern Food Meets Bourbon Selection
Growing up in North Carolina with a grandmother who embodied traditional Southern cooking, I’m usually skeptical of “modern spins” on Southern food. But Whiskey Kitchen won me over quickly. They pair creative, fresh plates with one of the strongest bourbon selections in Raleigh. When I heard I could trade a taste of their fried chicken sandwich for a pour of Weller, I knew it was worth the gamble — and I wasn’t disappointed.
Now I’ve been to Whiskey Kitchen in every scenario:
A date night with my husband.
A solo stop at the bar.
A late-night bite after a concert.
A big group dinner with friends.
Every time, it delivers.
What to Order at Whiskey Kitchen
Sharable Fries with Smoked Ketchup – don’t skip these. I order them “for the table” before I even sit down.
Bourbon Flights – curated around themes like “all North Carolina” or “all wheated bourbons.”
Rare Pours – this is where we first scored a taste of Russell’s 15, B’s white whale bourbon.
Fried Chicken Sandwich – marinated in sweet tea, topped with mustard-based BBQ sauce. Proof that fried chicken never goes out of style.
Between the rare bourbon pours, creative craft cocktails, and reliable comfort food, there’s something for everyone — from casual diners to the most dedicated bourbon snob.
Atmosphere & Vibe
Whiskey Kitchen’s vibe is warm industrial. Think:
A massive outdoor patio.
A huge bar and lounge seating for casual visits.
Open garage-style doors in good weather that let the breeze and energy of downtown Raleigh flow inside.
t’s a spot that feels comfortable whether you’re ordering a full dinner or just stopping by for a drink. But fair warning: this place stays busy. A reservation is highly recommended if you want a table.
Why Whiskey Kitchen Belongs in “Bottles and Bars”
Our Bottles and Bars series is all about finding places where bourbon culture and community meet great food and unforgettable experiences. Whiskey Kitchen nails that balance. From the atmosphere to the food to a bourbon menu that rivals dedicated whiskey bars, it’s the kind of place you can recommend to anyone — and know they’ll have a great time.
If you’re in Raleigh and make the trip, let us know. You just might see us there, sitting at the bar with a plate of fries and a pour of something rare.
