Slims Downtown Distillery 919-833-6557

Alt-country fans remember when the name above the door at this address was Lakeside Lounge, once touted as one of the countrys top venues to catch the best of the genre, including Whiskeytown, which was fronted by a little-known guy by the name of Ryan Adams. When its doors closed, the music may have stopped, but owner Van Alston didnt. Enter Slims Downtown Distillery (or just Slims, as its known around town). Alston opened this downtown nightspot to ensure that Raleigh still has a place with a creative and gritty vibe, packed with local musicians who have their fingers on the pulse of some of todays most innovative roots music. Inside this joint youll find a good-sized teak bar housing a full selection of liquor and beer, with drink specials running almost every night. An outdoor patio in the back is a great place to chill when the weathers right, and pool tables are provided upstairs for the stick-lover in you.