A friend told me recently of a new bar in downtown Raleigh, and when you see the menu you’ll understand why I had to check it out…

Fox Liquor Bar: 237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh

Fox Liquor Bar is a throwback in more ways than one.  The neon sign on the street has vertical letters that say simply, “LIQUOR”.  And when you step into the alcove under the sign, you’re faced with the scene at right.  Like an old speakeasy.  The resemblance doesn’t end there.  Inside is a no-nonsense but comfortable layout with a long bar, open spaces, some standing-bars, and several clusters of comfortable couches.

 But the real attraction is the bar.  While they do have a variety of beers on tap, this is a craft cocktail bar and they do all the things that I love but don’t advocate for the practical home bar.  They have 6 kinds of ice, a dozen different glasses, they make their own syrups and even have a punch du jour and use it in a cocktail on the menu.

The bartenders are an experienced, knowledgable, conscientious bunch.  And the bar is well-stocked with hard-to-find liquors that actually serve a purpose.  This is not a place with 100 super-premium bourbons or scotches — this is a place for good cocktails, not for showing off the size of your budget.

My favorite so far?  I liked the Late Night Reviver — very tasty and gives me a new use for the Fernet Branca in my cupboard.  And while scotch cocktails are hard to make well, the Penicillin makes it looks easy.

Overall I was very impressed with Fox and will definitely be back — it is good to see this type of bar coming to the Triangle and I’d recommend you check it out if you live in the area.  The only downside to a place like this is that craft cocktails take time to make.  so if the place is busy it could take a while to whet your whistle.  But worth the wait.