BLOTTO — Restaurant in Raleigh

I was finally able to visit Blotto on August 2nd and am absolutely thrilled with the environment and servers. Having a spinal disability, my options are becoming increasingly limited as to where I can go and Blotto is now in my rotation of accessible spots. Not only is it beautiful and unique, but it's also comfortable. There is plenty of seating, two bathrooms (with stalls), it's very spacious and very well laid out.

The bar stools are supportive and cushioned on the seat and the back, and there are many at the bar and also at the bar height tables to the right of the entrance. There is also a lounge corner with a sofa and two burgundy club chairs where the lion wall mural is (I'm not sure who the artist is, but that is an incredible piece). There are two regular height repurposed interior tables surrounded by an assortment of comfortable chairs.

The patio area has a huge awning covering the majority of it and plentiful seating and tables. And as a bonus, adjacent to the patio area is an area with plants and a bird feeder, which compliments the plants inside, giving the entire interior and exterior spaces a warm, cozy feel. And the music is soothing with a touch of funk. There really is something for everyone here.

I've included some photos of limited views as I didn't want to photograph patrons without...

Blotto has the potential to be a really great neighborhood bar, but unfortunately, our experiences so far (5+ visits) have consistently fallen short. Each time we’ve visited, the bartenders seem disengaged, bored, unapproachable, and unfamiliar with their own draft list beyond the basics (PBR, Guinness, and Modelo).

This spot could truly become a local gem, but right now it feels more focused on cheap bubble shots and trying too hard to be a “cool” neighborhood dive bar.

Advice to management:

Curate a stronger, more interesting draft list. (You’re in the beer industry, after all!)

Train bartenders to be friendlier, more engaged, and knowledgeable about what they actually have in stock.

Offer a few bar snacks. Something simple but thoughtful goes a long way.

The location has so much potential. Look around the neighborhood and you will see that people here want something like Standard Beer & Food, Williams & Co., or Person Street Bar, not just another dimly lit dive. This area is full of people in their early to mid-30s who are happy to spend $8–$13 on a well-made drink. Give us a place worth coming back to, not one for taking shots at noon or settling for sad,...

Blotto is hands down my new go-to in Raleigh! The vibe is welcoming, stylish without being pretentious, and the drinks are top notch. If you’re looking for the best nights to stop by, Mondays and Saturdays are where it’s at — the energy is just right, and the crowd is friendly.

A huge shout-out to Marcus, the bartender, who’s been a staple in Raleigh for years. He’s not only an expert mixologist but also one of the friendliest and most genuine people you’ll meet. Marcus has a way of making everyone feel like a regular, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.

If you haven’t checked out Blotto yet, do yourself a favor and stop in. You’ll leave with a great drink in your hand and a smile on...