Botanical Lounge — Local services in Raleigh

My husband and I heard about this place from Offline Restaurant Club and decided to give it a try. We didn’t have any set expectations going in, but wow, we were blown away! There is rooftop seating, covered outdoor garden seating (4 top tables), and indoor seating which is pairs of velvet couches facing each other. We went on an overcast Thursday evening and sat inside due to the humidity. There were guests on the rooftop, but no one was sitting inside - we had the entire place to ourselves for dinner! We both loved the atmosphere, cozy but not “sitting on your living room couch” casual. The wall of candles behind the bar flickering gave a romantic vibe but not so much that you couldn’t meet up with people after work, if that makes sense. Anyway, we met Brandon and Evan, who were both very well dressed and very nice, checking on us frequently and wanting to make sure we had a great experience. Evan’s contribution to the drink menu is that of an artist - so balanced, so delicious. Toni was our attendant and he was great - he joked with us, gave great recommendations when we asked, and took excellent care of us. We opted to order several small plates to share and when the first plate arrived, we did not expect the impressive presentation and flavor! We have eaten at Michelin Star restaurants, and I’m not trying to be dramatic, but I almost thought that was what we eating. The attention to detail in the presentation was chef’s kiss and every bite was unique with the different components of each plate. Not only that, the “small plates” were a perfect healthy portion for 2 people to share. We ordered the chicken croquettes (5 large croquettes), cauliflower (about 1/2 head cauliflower?), patatas bravas (maybe 2 cups of baby potatoes) and beef empanadas (2 large stuffed) and we were stuffed. We had to try the strawberry s’mores dessert - OMG. The scoop of ganache, the toasted marshmallow, the strawberries - you would never think but then you eat it and wonder how you could have ever settled for anything less in your life. Just amazing! 11/10 stars on all fronts. We will be telling all our friends, this is one of our new favorite places.

We would say this place is great for: a date, just a night out where you have to get dressed but don’t have to overdue it, group get together, after-work spot, and probably great for company events given the layout, openness, and general...

DO NOT Recommend !!!! We booked a 10 top VIP table for NYE ($1,000) We had a tab with about $400+ and two other tabs with $300+ and tipped CASH to managers and waiter $200+

Let’s start with they had zero security watching VIP tables. Entire night we would have to keep telling strangers to stop stealing from our table (drinks, food, souvenirs). I caught a woman stuffing her pants (YES HER PANTS) with our table food and topping off all her friends cups with our bottles. We told the waiter and nothing was done.

This happened through out the night. We drove from DC to be apart of this NYE event. You would think if a VIP table costs $1000, you would at least have a secured table as promised with no issues.

Spoke to the manager and from the $2,000+ spent that night, he was only able to refund $40? Which is a slap in the face and complete disrespect.

Also to add a clutch was stolen with all the cash missing In it too but we didn’t make a fuss about it. Even though this wouldn’t had happened if there was security there and hovering over VIPS

We need better customer service and better compensation for these troubles. The worst experience for NYE after traveling from so far. 100% do not recommend.

Let’s add, they were short staffed and it took me 25 mins to get my drinks on the rooftop and 30 mins to get drinks on the second floor.

DO BETTER FOR HUGE EVENTS....

Wow is the understatement of the century when I think of the experience we had with Botanical Lounge (High Garden + Sage Room) for our February 2024 wedding. From the moment my now husband and I started talking about wedding venues we knew we wanted a place that made it feel like the celebration it was, we have loved hanging out at the rooftop at Botanical Lounge for years now so what better way to introduce our friends and family to a place that already felt right. From the moment we started working with Miriam and her team I knew we made the right choice. Everything was just so easy and simple, which if you are trying to plan a wedding or have planned a wedding you know those two words are rarely used in this experience. From the organization of the seating for the ceremony, to the arrangement of table, organizing the menu with my food allergy top of mind, and so much more, Miriam was a literal godsend. The food was amazing (they brought out chicken fingers for the kids without even taking a second to say “no that’s not on the party’s menu” – I mean COME ON at that service), the party was exactly what we could have wanted, our out of town guests were blown away and I would recommend this venue over and over again. We can’t wait to reminisce every time we’re sipping prosecco on the rooftop in the future. Thank you...