Overview
The chic, warm decor, great cocktails and fun atmosphere are only some of the reasons to come hang out, and experience Solas in Raleigh, NC. It provides an ideal lounge spot. The perfect place for cocktails after work or weekend fun.
Compared to other bars in the area, Solas is a relatively new place, presenting a remarkable interior design and layout. The entire building is three levels, each providing a different experience and vibe.
Layout
The first level of Solas features a restaurant, where I have dined several times in the past. Level two of Solas contains dramatic lounge seating in deep hues of red, ultra modern light fixtures, and panels of white sheer fabric flowing down from the ceiling to accent the room. You see a full bar, and a glass dance floor that overlooks the main level of the restaurant. On the rooftop you encounter the heated patio bar and lounge area, a great view of downtown Raleigh, and comfy posh white couches for your enjoyment.
Days ago, as my friend from Atlanta and I walked toward the main entrance, he was pleasantly surprised. “Wow this is a nice place. It looks like it would be in Miami,” he said.
Dress Code
I have perused quite a few of the online reviews about Solas. You find a broad range in terms of the descriptions. While many people say they love it there, others have criticized everything from being rejected at the door for wearing sneakers, to the drinks being pricey, to complaining about bad service.
The dress code is not over the top in my opinion. My frame of reference is different because I do not ever wear sneakers out to dinner. Often when I have gone to Solas, my outfit consisted of a button-down shirt, nice jeans and heels. On this occasion it was basically the same. Personally, I love the fact that Solas has a dress code and it is actually enforced.
Prices
Located in a prime spot on Glenwood Avenue, the building for Solas is beautifully designed and quite unique for the area. If you examine the place, it becomes apparent that a lot of money went into every detail of both the design and layout. Taking that into consideration, I would not go there expecting a super budget friendly menu. The drinks will cost $10+.
Level of Service
Upstairs on the rooftop, Matt and I opted to sit at the bar, instead of on one of the couches. As we sat down, we were immediately greeted by a pleasant male bartender. Extremely nice and personable, he brought us our drinks, checked in with us regularly and was quite attentive.
I do not recall our bartender’s actual name, but I remember he was young, and had blond or extremely light brown hair. Based upon our experience with this bartender, I would rate the overall service and level of professionalism at the rooftop bar as excellent.
Cocktails and Food
That night I started out sipping my favorite drink – a mojito. I must admit this bartender truly makes the best mojito I have ever sampled in the Raleigh area.
Matt and I did not experience one of those moments where you are looking around for a bartender or server, because you need something. The service was perfect. Later on that evening, we ordered flat bread pizzas from the bartender, and made our way over to the comfortable couches to relax with our mojitos in hand. When the pizzas were brought out, they were tasty and hit the spot.
Remarks
I will definitely return to Solas in the future.
My one complaint pertains to the smoking on the upstairs patio – I am not a fan. Aside from that one issue I only have positive remarks about my experience at Solas a few days ago.
Before we left by cab, Matt thanked me for bringing him there, and said he had a “great time.”
For additional reviews check out Yelp.
