The Haymaker — Restaurant in Raleigh

LOVE this place! Amazing drinks and even better service!!!

I used their “cocktails at home” service while we are quarantining, and I couldn’t be more pleased!

The ordering process was super convenient online, and pick up was so easy! When I arrived to pick up my to-go cocktail mixers, the staff were friendly, positive, and super helpful- they walked through the mixing process with me and took their time explaining how to make these at home. (You have to use your own alcohol obviously, since you can not purchase alcohol to go) but the prices are very fair for the amazing quality of the mixers that they provide.

Most importantly, the cocktails are DELICIOUS! I will definitely be back to try different drinks. We tried the Thai Collins (which I 100% recommend if you love Thai iced tea!) and the Maui mule which has fresh ginger in it instead of ginger beer (amazing!!!!). Both tasted so fresh and high quality.

I am looking forward to being able to enjoy these amazing cocktails in the actual bar! But i would also love to continue using this cocktail-to-go service even after we are done...

Ew. I specifically went here for the Christmas drinks- I've never been to Haymaker before but I was really excited about the cocktail menu and expected a Green Light or Foundation vibe. We went on a Thursday, and I did see that there was going to be a DJ which I was a little wary of but the event specifically said "holiday tunes" so I didn't think much of it. When we arrived we realized there was a $5 cover, this is apparently every day while this event is going on. Decided to stay because we were meeting people, and this was the only opportunity to get these cool drinks I'd seen. Even with the cover, drinks are still $15. And as great as they sounded, unfortunately they were nothing to write home about. There were no holiday tunes to be heard, just loud hip hop music that didn't fit the bar that I thought I was going to. No seating for the amount of people there either, so it felt like a confused club with some people standing/dancing and some sitting. I wasn't able to sit and talk with anyone, so we finished our drinks and...

I haven't visited Haymaker for a few years but decided to try it with some family and friends over the holidays to check out the decorations. The environment in there has completely changed compared to a few years ago (way less lively).

Yes, there is a cover ($5) to get in, and you usually have to wait (one in one out) even though it doesn't seem like it's crowded.

Upon entry, it was a pretty sterile environment. Pretty much one in one out so it seems like they try guarantee everyone a seat. No one is walking around, and there were no servers coming to the tables. You have to go to the bar to get served $15+ average cocktails in half broken santa mugs. The bartender was unfriendly, and she seemed annoyed with how excited we were to be drinking at her bar.

I never write reviews, but I felt I should based on how poor the experience here was. If you're looking for a fun place to grab a drink around the holidays, I'd recommend going...