Entry No. 30 — the Raleigh file — filed under: speakeasy
Watts & Ward
Sprawling across 6,000 square feet of subterranean space beneath the historic Moore Square area, this massive 1920s speakeasy is accessed through an unmarked door and a dark staircase. The interior is a labyrinth of low-ceilinged rooms filled with tufted leather sofas, vintage books, and dimly lit alcoves, making it feel like a secret underground library.
The story
Slip past the unassuming door on Blount Street and descend the dark staircase into 6,000 square feet of subterranean real estate sitting beneath Moore Square. While many modern speakeasies amount to little more than a hidden door leading into a standard dimly lit room, Watts & Ward is an actual underground labyrinth. Down below, you step into a sprawling sequence of low-ceilinged chambers lined with tufted leather sofas, vintage oil paintings, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that give the space the weight of a secret 1920s private library.
The layout breaks down into several distinct rooms—stuffed leather lounge spaces off to the left, dimly lit alcoves, and long bars where bartenders focus heavily on classic, Prohibition-era cocktail builds. Instead of feeling like a cramped subterranean bunker, the cavernous footprint lets you lose yourself in a quiet corner with a Vieux Carré or wander through distinct vintage setups without feeling crowded onto your neighbor's armchair.
What it's like
Finding the unmarked door on Blount Street feels like stepping into a secret, but once you navigate the stairs, the atmosphere opens up into a warm, low-lit basement haven. On weeknights, it functions as a relaxed, cozy retreat where you can sink into a leather couch and actually hear your conversation over classic drinks. Friday and Saturday nights draw a busier crowd and a lively buzz, though the multi-room layout means you can usually find a quieter nook if you venture deeper into the subterranean library.
The move: Enter through the unassuming Blount Street door, grab a seat in one of the leather-bound library rooms, and order a classic Vieux Carré from the bartenders who specialize in Prohibition-era recipes.
- 📍 Downtown Raleigh
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Foundation — Pair this expansive vintage library lounge with another subterranean favorite just a block away that operates inside a hand-excavated brick crawlspace.
- The Green Light — Double down on Raleigh's hidden drink spots by stepping behind a secret bookcase door tucked inside a historic parlor just down the street.
- Raleigh Night Market at Historic City Market — Explore the open-air artisan stalls along the surrounding cobblestone streets before retreating underground beneath Moore Square for a nightcap.
Good to know
How do I find the entrance to Watts & Ward?
Look for an unassuming, unmarked door at 200 South Blount Street near Moore Square in Downtown Raleigh, which opens directly to a dark stairwell heading underground.
What kind of drinks do they serve?
The bartenders specialize in Prohibition-era recipes and handcrafted classic cocktails, including drinks like the Vieux Carré.
Do I need a reservation or password to get in?
No password or reservation is required—walk-ins are welcome, though you should confirm their current operating hours before heading over.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · visitraleigh.com · waltermagazine.com · nctriangledining.com · Reddit
last checked: 2026-07-21