Gussie's — Restaurant in Raleigh

My wife and I stopped in for drinks to check out this new restaurant/bar. The inside is dominated by the bar and there are a few tables/booths around the bar. The bar was mostly full when we arrived but we took two of three seats that opened up when we came in. Apparently Gussie’s is the brain child of a group of bartenders who decided to go to work for themselves. And it looks like they paid attention to what works in the bars they used to work in. The drink and food menus are thoughtful and have a little something for everyone. We started with classics from the feature menu, a Monte Carlo and a French 75. Both executed deliciously. We followed with an Old Fashioned and a vodka soda. Neither are featured drinks on the menu but both were made with deliberate precision. All ingredients measured. You will get a consistent drink every time and the Old Fashioned was better than perfect. I asked for it lightly sweet, which it was, but the best touch was the bartender used two orange peels, one to coat the rim that was discarded and the other was gently pressed and used as garnish. The aroma of orange jumped off of the drink. If you liked an Old Fashioned… Anyway, I’m a fan. The service is great. The atmosphere is great. Drinks are reasonably priced and the menu includes tax in the prices so the prices are actually cheaper than they appear. I’ll be back to try the food and to get another Old Fashioned. Hopefully Gussie’s stays consistent and is successful because it’s a great addition to the Raleigh...

This will be lengthy, but worth the read!

We have this thing where we love trying new or new to us restaurants/bars, and luckily found Gussie’s. After our first visit we were hooked. We met Kaylah, a true gem of a human and the bartender who makes the best espresso martini I’ve ever had.

We’ve been numerous times since, maybe once or twice a month and have been treated so kindly by every single employee every single time. I enjoy being around genuine humans!

The food is crazy good! Props to him!

We’ve had the risotto balls with bacon jam(always get this if it’s on the menu), the smash burgers with the sweet potato fries are so dang good and are on their late night menu too. Last night we got their Valentine’s Day specials, prime rib and salmon. When I tell you that it was out of this world, I truly mean it. SO SO good!

I had ACL surgery 9 days ago, and after PT we decided to stop by for dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day and finally feeling a little better. When we sat down, a super nice guy working at the end of the bar offered to go to the back and find something for me to prop my foot on because he could tell I was somewhat uncomfortable. He came back with a box that made all the difference. I want to say he’s maybe the owner based off of social media pictures, I totally forgot to ask his name, but thanks again! You made a normal night out really special and I appreciate the kindness!

And shoutout to Clovis and Kate! Y’all are freaking awesome!

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Review for Gussie’s Restaurant

Gussie’s has an incredible vibe—laid-back yet energetic, with a great mix of retro and modern aesthetics. It’s the kind of place where you can just chill, enjoy amazing food, and soak in the atmosphere.

Now, let’s talk about the food! The Animal Fries were next-level—crispy, loaded, and packed with flavor. Definitely a must-try! The Double Smash Burger was phenomenal—juicy, perfectly smashed, and full of that classic, crave-worthy flavor. The Jalapeño Burger had a surprising twist; I wasn’t expecting it to be on the sweeter side, but it actually worked really well.

A special shoutout to Jonica, who made the experience even better! She was incredibly sweet and took the time to explain the menu, which was much appreciated. The Orange Cream Soda she recommended was a total surprise and ended up being a perfect addition to the meal.

Overall, Gussie’s is a spot that nails the food, vibe, and service. Definitely...