Coglin’s Raleigh

Every time I visit friends at Raleigh, WE HAVE TO GO TO COGLINS. Coglins is a mix between a dive and a dance club, so maybe you would call it a dive club. Ranging from the décor to the dance area, this is a perfect place to 1. be with friends and acting all nostalgic and sheet and 2. GET DRUNK. Don’t come here if you want CHILL.
The music is always 80s and 90s — with throwbacks to 90s shows, Salt N’ Pepa, and so many throwbacks. And did I say that the drinks were affordable — so beware of taking advantage of this because it will get you going the whole freaking night! Overall, there is always so many people here on Friday nights, and it can get a little packed, so get ready to get sweaty and dance FOREVER.
Can’t wait to go to Coglin’s soon!

To be quite simply, Coglan’s is the best bar in the area, especially if you’re looking to get #RowdyInRaleigh. The throwback 90s tunes really set the tone for the party ranging anywhere from Backstreet Boys to Rage Against the Machine (side note: don’t start mosh pits when Killing In the Name Of comes on). Not sure if this guy was an employee or not, but a legendary hype man encouraging the patrons to get drunk and dance really made for an awesome environment. He was the man and I’m guessing his name was Joe, Danny, or Mikey. All in all, this place is great. Could probably turn the AC up a few notches, but that’s easier said than done when the dance floor is literally on fire. Highly recommended. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would do again.

I’ve always enjoyed this bar as I am a lover of the 80’s and 90’s. Great vibe, friendly service always a good time. I just threw my best friend’s bachelorette party there and it was wonderful! We reserved space in the VIP area and they were so accommodating and friendly and the bride-​to-​be felt so special. The centerpiece of our table was lots of goodies like snap bracelets, coozies, candy bracelets, glow sticks, etc. And the VIP area does not feel closed off from the rest of the bar, it’s more of a «headquarters» or place to rest your feet and chat when your not up dancing or socializing. LOVE COGLINS and they’re staff, made my party planning so much easier.

I was a teenager in the 80s… so of course I love this place. I like it between 9pm and 11:30pm. After that it’s so crowded you can’t move. Wish the dance floor was bigger. Overall a fun place to spend a couple hours IF you like 80s music.

This place was packed for a Friday night — playing lots of great music. Bartenders were awesome and quick with the drinks. My buddy was on his bachelor party and we made a quick stop in here for a couple concoctions that helped loosen him up to dance with some ladies… go to the back…

I searched Unilocal for hours before stumbling across this gem. You want a night out drinking beers and bumping the 90s throwbacks? This is the place for you.

Pretty boring tonight last time almost had a little fist of cuffs. Not as crowded. Leaving 15 minutes

Nice nostalgia trip but it’s a tiny bar that’s blasting music so you pretty much can’t talk to anyone. It’s also so crowded that you can’t move.

OMG. I love love love this bar! I just love the music and the décor. It’s so nostalgic especially if you grew up in the 80s or 90s. The bartenders are nice and it’s a great place to party!
They also pour a nice glass of wine and the prices are reasonable!

LOVE the music. Nice crowd too. There were napkins all over the floor and my beer was warm, but overall a great time.

I grew up in the 80s and 90s, so this bar rocks! Good memories. Best nights are actually Wednesday and Thursday, believe it or not.

I will never understand the allure of this place. Yeah, 80’s music is cool, other bars should take note. And the décor is neat (how do you like my use of 80’s terminology?!). But other than that, there isn’t anything to make me actually want to come here. It’s usually packed to the point where you can’t move, let alone dance. The bar selection sucks, you can’t even get a beer on tap. And every time I’ve been in there the bar tenders have an attitude. I guess it’s an okay place to go for some nostalgic tunes, but that’s the only reason to go here.

Here Comes The Hot Stepper…
DJ was on point with the 90’s jams. Crowd was feelin it. Nostalgia everywhere. A lot of fun to be had for everyone.

Medium-​sized bar for college kids and early-​20s bar hoppers. We stopped here one night and it brought back college memories, then reminded me that i aint in college anymore. Haha.
Music is loud, with a small dancing area near the front glass windows. There’s a small seating area in the back — not sure if it’s VIP or not, as anyone could walk back there the Friday night we were in there — and the bar is pretty big. Any bar where drunk guys are getting dragged out by security is a place I’m too old for, though, and Coglin’s is one of those places.

Coglin’s boasts itself as «Raleigh’s Best and Only 80s & 90s Bar.» It may be Raleigh’s only bar selling itself on 80s and 90s music, but it isn’t Raleigh’s best bar. Coglin’s embodies all of the generic qualities of other average bars in the area and has yet to differentiate itself as the «to go to» place on Fayetteville Street.
Since Coglin’s appealing quality is their music, I should mention the music can be hit or miss depending on the DJ. One night the DJ will stick tried-​and-​true to the 80s and 90s vibe, then the following night’s DJ will make you think he’s never listened to that era’s music. If people are intentionally going to Coglin’s with the hopes of bringing them back to the good olé sounds of the 80s and 90s, then the DJ should at least attempt to fulfill that expectation. I mean, that’s the purpose of Coglin’s existence, right?
The other reason Coglin’s has yet to be on my list of top bars to visit in Raleigh is the layout. It’s long, narrow design is not favorable to crowds. Expect very tight quarters and awkward touching. I do wish the dance floor was bigger, as well, as it would give people room to dance without hitting other people in the face (accidentally, of course).
Overall, I have yet to have a strong desire to go to Coglin’s, especially after my first visit. It is the type of place you don’t actively seek out, but you may find yourself there because that one person in your group suggests it. With improvements, though, I could see Coglin’s concept flourish into a really excellent bar.

LOVE!
That is how I feel about this place. It is such a nice change from your everyday bar/​dance spot. Coglin’s is Raleigh’s own 80’s bar. The décor is funky, the bar is vibrant and stocked, and the music is always on point. My only wish is that it was bigger! Coglin’s has quickly grown to be one of Raleigh’s hot spots and you can definitely tell from the line that had formed by the door. Luckily they do offer a couple shots door side to keep you entertained while waiting.
Once inside you will get fairly priced drinks, quick service given the crowds, and a packed dance floor, and I mean packed. If crowds aren’t your thing, steer clear of Coglin’s on all Friday and Saturdays. The doors are slightly awkwardly placed, one coming right in to the dance floor. My all time favorite thing about this spot is the midnight slow song. Not only is it absolutely hilarious to see everyone’s reaction to this wrench thrown in to the normal dance playlist, it is also entertaining to break out your best high school/​wedding dance moves.

The night was already fabulous but after a few drinks and getting a good buzz I got that feeling, you know that one where you just want to take off your shoes and break it down.
Well that’s where Coglin’s came in. I really don’t need a whole lot to make me happy some 80s tunes and good company is all I need. Coglin’s you literally rocked my world! I can’t believe I waited this long to check this place out what a blast. If you enjoy the 80s this is your bar. You will see crowds of people jumping around, dancing crazy, and screaming (singing as loud as possible) to one another. Patrons stumble around while sipping on 22s of PBRs and Bud Light cans. You’ll most likely get a straw put in you face to sip on a fancy fish bowl filled with a concoction that is sure to knock you out eventually.
Love the photo-​booth perfect to remember the fabulous night you are going to have here. However $ 5 is pretty steep for a photo.
I’m already planning my next visit. Of course I have to make this a girls night out it’s the perfect place to get rowdy.
If your looking to go somewhere entertaining and have some fun check this place out. Yes its super crowded and if your not prepared you will be annoyed by everyone here. So let loose and enjoy yourself — you will not be sitting at the bar having a couple of drinks this is not that kind of place.
It is a relief to find somewhere to dance to good tunes that isn’t a club though. I hate the club vibe and this is my kind of dance floor.

I had a blast at Cog’s. 80’s band was rocking and way more laid back than Raleigh Times… definitely had some older dudes that knew how to dance which you may find awesome or weird or both, but be warned.
I wish I could tell you more, but my memories at the point we found this place are fleeting. Either way I would definitely recommend this place for a drink and late night scene on a Saturday night.

80’s life for sure.
At first when we walked in, I wasn’t feeling it, felt very dive bar to me but after we sat at the bar and grabbed a drink and took in the dope tunes, I was feeling it.
It also helped that they had Woodchuck Pear cider! Our bartender was pretty good but the music was where it was at. It wasn’t crazy crowded which was nice as well.

Not quite a dive bar, not a fancy bar, just a drankin’ bar is how I would describe Coglin’s! Located next to the Big Easy, the small storefront and hidden entrance leads to a long, 80’s and 90’s themed space. Old-​school 80’s posters on the wall, a lit back-​room complete with Kiss montage means you’ll be in throwback city when you visit. Besides a nice digital jukebox and decent music selection, it’s hard to describe it as anything but a decent bar.
But I guess sometimes all you need is a decent bar, no frou-​frou cocktails, no stuffed couches. We’ll see what kind of a crowd Coglin’s draws in but bring your black rubber bracelets, 80’s big hair and popped-​collars and you might feel right at home…