Long-Awaited Fox Liquor Bar Reopens in Raleigh Today

Beloved basement speakeasy Fox Liquor Bar (237 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh) will finally reopen its doors on Friday, May 19, at 4 p.m. The bar — one of many of chef Ashley Christensen’s downtown establishments — shut down during the pandemic but never swung back into business like others (Poole’s Diner, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, Death & Taxes, and Poole’side Pies). Now Fox reopens with a new menu and a new look.

To honor Christensen’s late father, whom the bar is named after, designers Jamie Meares and Tad Pilati incorporated his art and memorabilia into the decor — family photos and colorful paintings now hang on the walls.

The menu also has a new look with festive cocktails like the Ode to Island Time with tequila, pineapple shrub, Cocchi Rosa, and turmeric. There’s also a thoughtful non-alcoholic beverage list. Food offerings range from hot collard green and artichoke dip to deviled egg salad toast with tobacco onions.

Starting today, Fox is open Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays, from 4 p.m. to midnight; and Saturdays noon to midnight.