The Big List

Second City-trained comic Dale Jones brings 30 years of fast-paced, physical stand-up to Raleigh Improv for a three-night run. 21+.

Filipino American comic Andrew Orolfo brings his Comedy Central and Netflix-tested set to Raleigh Improv for two nights of sharp, absurd stand-up. 21+.

A stone-walled basement under Fayetteville Street pouring bourbon and craft cocktails since 2009. Rotating pop-up kitchens, moody lighting, open until 2am every night.

Raleigh's comedy institution since 1983, now in the Village District. National headliners in an intimate showroom with dinner and drinks — weekends sell out, book ahead.

Ride the glass elevator to the AC Hotel's seventh-floor rooftop for Spanish-leaning tapas, cocktails, and panoramic Midtown views. Golden hour is the move.

Brick, timber, and 300-plus whiskies from around the world, paired with Southern plates in the Warehouse District. Open until 2am Fridays and Saturdays.

The seventh-floor rooftop at the mouth of Glenwood South — dual-sided fireplace, year-round heaters, and a straight shot of the downtown skyline. A dependable date opener.

Duck downstairs off Blount Street into a candlelit, 6,000-square-foot ode to the Prohibition speakeasy. Leather chairs, serious cocktails, live jazz nights, open late.

A colorful, plant-strung cocktail room where you can design your own drink and zero-proof orders get the same exquisite respect. From the Bittersweet crew, with a cozy patio.

More than 300 whiskeys at the foot of Glenwood, across from the original Char-Grill. Locally owned, patio out front, open until 2am — a whiskey nerd's living room.