Raleigh Nightlife - Search for Cheap Airline Tickets to Raleigh

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Raleigh is a college town, first and foremost.  This is good news for tourists who like to explore the local nightlife.  Multiple universities mean multiple after-dark entertainment areas.  Some of the bars can get rowdy, especially if a sporting event has just taken place, but, all in all, your chances of running into a frat house-type scene are rather slim.  There are also a decent selection of neighborhood bars and more upscale lounges. 

Here is the best of Raleigh after-dark.

Budget

Irregardless Café (901 W Morgan St) is a unique Raleigh institution.  The menu is filled with healthy and creative dishes.  The most popular items include sandwiches and bistro-style entrees.  There is live music nightly.

North Carolina State University is in Raleigh.  There is an energetic nightlife scene in and around the campus, mainly on Hillsborough Street.  There are plenty of places to hear live music and enjoy beer by the pitcher.  The best part: most of these nightlife venues are much cheaper than those in other parts of town.

Value

42nd Street Oyster Bar (508 West Jones St) is a popular evening hangout for students and young professionals.  The food flows freely, as does the alcohol.  The real reason to come to this place is the bands.  Live music takes place on the weekends.  Some people come to see the large murals that adorn the walls. 

Berkeley Cafe (217 W Martin Street) changes from a busy lunch spot to a classic blues bar when the sun sets.  There is not even a single ounce of pretense inside this joint.  The décor is sparse and most of the patrons are regulars.  The music mainly fits in the blues category, with some roots rock and R&B thrown in occasionally. 

Splurge

Charley Goodnights Comedy Club (861 W Morgan Street) is more than a comedy club.  But when national stars like Drew Carey and Jay Leno play to the crowd, it's hard not to be recognized as the state's best comedy venue.  Downstairs, the Old Bar serves up blaring music, greasy food and plenty of alcohol.  The stage on the main floor is where the funny takes place, and the upstairs Grille Restaurant provides upscale dining. 

One of the best Hillsborough Street venues is Marrakech Café (2500 Hillsborough St).  This Middle Eastern themed hookah bar has belly dancers and top local DJs Thursday through Saturday night.  There are also desserts, Middle Eastern-style appetizers, and Turkish-style coffee.  The décor is quite unique, detailed, and full of authenticity.