When you’re stocking up for game day or just want a decent pour without crossing the county line, Cary’s liquor stores have you covered. We checked the spots from downtown’s walkable blocks to the brewery patios off the greenway, and the spread is wider than you might think: places that lean into rare cask ales and others where the house mixed drink special is the whole point.
You can grab a bottle of something local at SideBar or settle in for a wine class at Bottle Theory. The list below runs from music venues with inconsistent hours to dog-friendly patios with disc golf.
Here’s where to go.
Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage
☎️ +1919-234-1098
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Extensive beer and wine selection |
| Relaxed, laid-back neighborhood atmosphere |
| Large windows open to the street |
| Indoor, street, and garden seating |
| Friendly, approachable staff |
When you step into Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage, the first thing you notice is how open it feels. Large windows let the street life in, and the seating spills from the inside to the sidewalk and garden. It's a relaxed spot, the kind of place where you can linger without feeling rushed. The beer and wine selection is extensive, so you'll likely find something new each visit. The staff are approachable and happy to guide you. If you're looking for a laid-back neighborhood spot to unwind, this one fits the bill. It's not flashy, but it doesn't need to be.
You might also want to check out the best mimosa in Apex.
Taps and Social Beer and Wine Shop
☎️ +1919-907-0852
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Friendly, knowledgeable new owners |
| Quality affordable wines by glass |
| Global wine and beer selection |
| Lively, welcoming neighborhood ambiance |
Taps and Social Beer and Wine Shop has found its rhythm under new ownership. The owners are friendly and genuinely knowledgeable, and they've curated a wine and beer list that spans the globe. You can grab a glass of quality wine at a price that won't make you wince. The vibe is lively and welcoming, with regulars mixing easily with newcomers. It's the kind of place where you can pop in for a quick pour and stay for an hour of conversation. For a neighborhood spot that balances affordability with variety, this is a solid choice.
BottleDog Bites & Brews
☎️ +1919-390-1617
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Friendly staff, frequent check-ins |
| Tasty poutine and hotdogs |
| Great spot for private events |
| Dog-friendly, welcoming atmosphere |
| Awesome gluten-free pizza options |
BottleDog Bites & Brews does a lot right. The staff check on you often without hovering, and the poutine and hotdogs are genuinely tasty. If you're gluten-free, their pizza options are a welcome surprise. The space is dog-friendly, which adds to the warm, unpretentious atmosphere. It's also a great spot for private events, so you can imagine hosting a small gathering here. Whether you're stopping for a quick bite or settling in for a casual afternoon, the service and food make it easy to relax. Just be ready for a crowd on game days.
Bottle Theory
☎️ +1919-267-6227
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Huge wine and beer selection |
| Live events and food trucks |
| Weekly wine classes offered |
| Relaxed indoor and outdoor seating |
| Great craft beer flights |
Bottle Theory lives up to its name when it comes to selection. The wine and beer lists are huge, and the craft beer flights let you sample a range without committing. They host live events and food trucks regularly, so there's often something happening. Weekly wine classes are a nice touch for those wanting to learn more. The seating is relaxed, both indoors and out. It's the kind of place where you can bring a friend and lose track of time browsing the shelves. If variety and a lively scene matter to you, this is a strong contender.
SideBar
☎️ +1919-588-3063
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Top drinks in Cary |
| Knowledgeable, friendly bartenders |
| Great downtown location |
| Extensive local liquor selection |
| Perfect day or night spot |
SideBar stands out for its drinks, plain and simple. The bartenders know their craft and their local liquors well, so you can ask for a recommendation and trust it. The downtown location is convenient, and the space works for both a daytime stop and an evening out. They have an extensive local liquor selection, which is a point of pride. The atmosphere is friendly without being stuffy. Whether you're there for a quick cocktail or a longer session, the quality stays consistent. It's easily one of the top spots in Cary for a well-made drink.
Open Bottle
☎️ +1919-798-9882
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Friendly owner and bartender |
| Relaxed, comfortable seating areas |
| Revolving beer and drink variety |
| Large screen for watching games |
| Weekly regulars keep returning |
Open Bottle feels like a living room for the neighborhood. The owner and bartender are friendly, and the seating is comfortable and spread out, so you never feel crowded. The beer and drink selection rotates often, which keeps things interesting. There's a large screen for watching games, and regulars keep coming back for the easygoing vibe. It's the kind of place where you can come alone and leave having talked to three new people. If you value consistency and a sense of community, this spot delivers without trying too hard.
The Walk Up
☎️ +1919-378-9009
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Friendly staff and great drinks |
| Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating |
| Excellent house mixed drink specials |
| Relaxing 21-plus atmosphere |
| Tasty beer and wine options |
The Walk Up is a straightforward, relaxing spot for a drink. The staff are friendly, and the house mixed drink specials are worth trying. You have comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, so weather rarely gets in the way. It's strictly 21-plus, which keeps the atmosphere calm and adult. The beer and wine options are solid, and the cocktails are made with care. Whether you're stopping by after work or on a lazy weekend afternoon, it's an easy place to settle in. No fuss, just good drinks and a comfortable setting.
Hearsay, A Cocktail Bar
☎️ +1919-808-1798
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Great prices on drinks |
| Amazing central downtown venue |
| Excellent wine tasting events |
| Delicious food and wine pairings |
| Strong local business collaboration |
Hearsay, A Cocktail Bar, hits a sweet spot in downtown Cary. The prices on drinks are reasonable, which is a relief. The venue itself is central and welcoming. They host excellent wine tasting events, and the food and wine pairings are thoughtfully put together. There's a strong sense of local collaboration here, with neighboring businesses supporting each other. It feels like a place that cares about its community. If you're looking for a low-key evening with good value and a chance to learn something new, this is a smart pick.
House Creek Beverage Company
☎️ +1919-200-0482
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Diverse beer and wine selection |
| Hard-to-find gluten-free options |
| Friendly, knowledgeable owner |
| Large outdoor patio seating |
| Convenient neighboring restaurant |
House Creek Beverage Company is a find if you're seeking diversity in your beer and wine. The selection is broad, and they carry hard-to-find gluten-free options that are actually good. The owner is friendly and clearly knows the inventory. The large outdoor patio is a pleasant bonus, especially when the weather cooperates. There's also a neighboring restaurant, so you can make a full evening of it. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming. If you're planning an event or just stocking up, the help you get here is dependable.
Fortnight Brewing Company
☎️ +1919-342-6604
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Best cask ales around |
| Dog-friendly with disc golf |
| Full liquor bar available |
| Great indoor and outdoor seating |
| Rotating food truck options |
Fortnight Brewing Company is the place for cask ales in Cary. They do them better than anyone else around. The space is dog-friendly, and there's even a disc golf course on site, which makes for a unique visit. They have a full liquor bar if you want something beyond beer. Seating is generous, both indoors and out, and food trucks rotate through regularly. It's a lively, casual spot that rewards exploration. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just along for the ride, there's plenty to keep you engaged.
Eastside Music Venue
☎️ +1919-650-1125
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Best-kept sonic secret |
| Tight room, tuned stage |
| Top-tier beer selection |
| Cosmic sound quality |
| Inconsistent opening hours |
Eastside Music Venue is a bit of a secret, and that's part of its charm. The room is tight, but the stage is well-tuned, and the sound quality is genuinely cosmic. You'll hear music here that feels intimate and powerful. The beer selection is top-tier, which helps. The catch is the opening hours can be inconsistent, so you'll want to check before heading over. But when they're open, it's worth the effort. If you're a music lover looking for a place that prioritizes sound, this is your spot.
Ridgewood Wine & Beer Co.
☎️ +1919-832-5232
🌐 Website
| Highlights |
|---|
| Warm, welcoming neighborhood atmosphere |
| Knowledgeable, kind, helpful owners |
| Strong wine and beer selection |
| In-house glasses for on-site enjoyment |
| Dependable support for event planning |
Ridgewood Wine & Beer Co. feels like the neighborhood spot everyone wishes they had. The owners are warm, knowledgeable, and kind, and they take time to help you find what you need. The wine and beer selection is strong, with enough variety to satisfy both casual drinkers and enthusiasts. You can buy a bottle and enjoy it on-site in their in-house glasses, which adds a nice touch. They're also reliable when it comes to event planning, offering dependable support. It's a place where you'll be remembered and treated well.
