Bird’s Nest at Blackbird is more than a bar—it’s a refined space for adults to gather, unwind, and experience cocktails as they were meant to be: as a multi-sensory experience rooted in exceptional ingredients, expert technique, and artful presentation. Inspired by the allure of Prohibition-era speakeasies, we set out to create a scene where elevated taste meets relaxed conversation.
Behind our unmarked door, you’ll find more than velvet couches and moody lighting—you’ll find a team dedicated to the craft, obsessing over house-made syrups, seasonal infusions, and flavor combinations that just might become your new favorite drink.
This Month at a Glance
This July, we’re raising the bar with a lineup of spirited celebrations and seasonal highlights that deserve more than a toast—they deserve the spotlight. From the garden-fresh elegance of a Gin Basil Smash (happy birthday, beautiful) to bold, agave-forward creations in honor of National Tequila Day, and a guided tasting with Oaklore Distilling Co., each cocktail and event is crafted with purpose, precision, and just the right touch of theatrical charm.
July 10th: Gin Basil Smash’s Birthday – This modern classic has roots tracing back to 2008, when it was first crafted by renowned bartender Jörg Meyer in Hamburg, Germany. Inspired by the simple joy of fresh garden herbs and the versatility of gin, Meyer combined muddled basil, lemon juice, and gin to create a cocktail that’s herbaceous, bright, and utterly refreshing. Join us for the party as we showcase our own special twist on this beloved favorite.
July 10th (5–10 PM): Vinyl Night – Drop the needle and unwind—our monthly Vinyl Night spins into action every second Thursday. Bring your favorite records and let the warm crackle of analog set the mood. From classic albums to crafted cocktails, it’s an evening that hits all the right notes.
July 11th: National Mojito Day – Celebrate one of the most refreshing and iconic cocktails with roots in 16th-century Cuba. Originally a simple mix of aguardiente (a precursor to rum), sugar, lime, and mint, the Mojito evolved into the smooth, rum-based classic we know and love today. Its perfect balance of bright citrus, cooling mint, and just the right touch of sweetness has made it a go-to summer favorite worldwide. We’ll be serving up a taste of Cuban sunshine in every glass – with a unique spin!
July 19th: National Daiquiri Day – The daiquiri originated in the early 1900s in the Cuban town of Daiquiri, where American engineer Jennings Cox crafted a simple, refreshing mix of rum, lime, and sugar to cool off on a hot day. Over time, bartenders around the world began adding fresh fruit—like strawberries, mango, and pineapple—to elevate this classic, creating vibrant variations that celebrate the cocktail’s crisp, citrus-forward base while adding layers of natural sweetness and color. Expect daiquiris as refreshing as a summer breeze.
July 23rd (6:30–8:30 PM): Oaklore Distilling Tasting – Join us for a guided tasting with Don from Oaklore and experience their spirits firsthand. From flavor profiles to aging techniques, you’ll learn what makes Oaklore’s whiskey so compelling—and enjoy a front-row seat to one of North Carolina’s rising stars in craft distilling.
What You’ll Be Tasting:
- Four-Grain Bourbon – Silky, rich, and smooth with notes of toffee, pecan, and warm vanilla.
- NC Straight Rye – Aged over six years, it delivers just the right balance of soft spice and sweetness.
- Port-Cask Finish Rye – Finished for up to 18 months in port wine barrels, this complex release is layered with cherry, brown sugar, herbal spice, and candied ginger. A true standout.
July 24th: National Tequila Day – With roots stretching back to ancient Mesoamerican culture, the story of this iconic spirit begins with the agave plant—once fermented into pulque by the Aztecs for ritual use. When Spanish settlers arrived in the 1500s, they brought distillation methods that transformed agave into something stronger and more refined. Over generations, this evolved into the spirit we now know as tequila, officially recognized and protected under Mexican law. Crafted exclusively from Blue Weber agave and distilled in designated regions, it has become a symbol of heritage, craftsmanship, and celebration—whether enjoyed neat, sipped slowly, or shaken into a cocktail. We will be offering tequila flights and a featured menu of agave-forward cocktails.
August 6th (6–9 PM): Silent Book Club – Enjoy a night of quiet reading and cozy ambiance. Bring a book, order a cocktail, and settle in for a serene evening of literature and community. It’s a plot twist you’ll look forward to—join us the first Wednesday of each month for this ongoing story.
Vote for Us — N&O’s Raleigh’s BEST!
We’re honored to be nominated in the News & Observer’s Raleigh’s BEST awards under the Eat & Drink main category! Bird’s Nest at Blackbird is up for:
- Bar / Tavern
- Date Night Spot
- Happy Hour
- Specialty Cocktails
- Wine Selection
From our craft cocktails to our curated wine and spirits, we pour care into every detail. If our cozy space has become one of your favorites, we’d be grateful for your vote! Voting is open through July 25th at 5:00 PM.
Click here to cast your vote and help us bring home the win! Vote early, vote often—once per day, in fact! Thank you for your support — we can’t wait to raise a glass with you soon.
Now Aging at Bird’s Nest: Elijah Craig Rye, Barrel and All
At the end of our bar rests something quietly remarkable—our own full oak barrel, pre-filled with Elijah Craig Rye. Already aged to perfection by the distillery, this bold, spicy rye continues its evolution right here in our space, drawing deeper character from the wood with each passing day. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a storied spirit, straight from the barrel—no bells, no whistles, just time, oak, and craftsmanship doing what they do best.
New Speakeasy Hours
As of July 14th, we’re shifting our Friday and Saturday schedule just a touch to better align with your evening plans and our team’s groove. Bird’s Nest at Blackbird will open at 3:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, instead of our previous 1:00 PM start.
Still the perfect hours for sipping something strong before dinner… and circling back after dessert for “just one more.”
New Hours (Starting 7/14)
Tuesday–Thursday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thanks for rolling with us—we can’t wait to welcome you in, raise a glass, and keep the good times flowing (just a little later in the day).
Your Bar, Built Around You
Bird’s Nest isn’t just about expert mixology—it’s about creating a sophisticated bar experience that reflects you. We’re curating a spirit list that goes beyond the basics, mixing beloved staples with those cult-favorite labels and hard-to-find pours you’ve been searching for. Have a bottle you’re hoping to see behind the bar? Let us know. We’ll do our best to track it down and keep our collection as dynamic and unique as our guests.
Host Your Private Event in Style
Looking for a setting that’s as memorable as your occasion? Renting out Bird’s Nest transforms your gathering into something truly special. Velvet couches, warm candlelight, an exclusive bar, and a vibe that blends vintage charm with modern ease—it’s everything a private event should be. We can accommodate up to 60 guests, with custom menus and thoughtful details that make the night entirely yours. Book your next event!
Let’s Make July One to Remember
This July, we invite you to slow down and savor something new—perhaps even discover your next favorite cocktail. Our menu pays homage to classic recipes, thoughtfully reimagined from scratch with locally sourced ingredients and expert technique. Each drink is a harmonious blend of layered flavors, precision, and unmistakable originality.
Here, conversation flows as effortlessly as the cocktails we craft, and curiosity is always rewarded. Behind our unmarked door, timeless charm meets contemporary craft—a place where every moment is meant to be savored, every cocktail made with care, and every gathering shared in good company.
It’s a story always ready to be poured—and a seat is waiting just for you (reservations encouraged).