Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria

I waited outside in a light sprinkle to check out Gallo Pelón. I was the first one through the door, and I was welcome by so many colorful faces of Frida Kalo, skeletons, and flowers. There was so much beauty in this restaurant. I took a seat at the bar as it had a plug and checked out their menu. You have to scan a QR code to access it, and it gives you a list of their drinks and food. Their food menu is not super extensive but has a focus on a few tacos, appetizers, and entrees. I couldn't decide between the guacamole and salsa with chips, but I was told by the waitress to go with the guacamole. It comes with a mix of three flavors of mango, cojita, and pepita (pumpkin seed). The manho was the best of the three. However, the quality was okay--it was a little runny for me, and there was nothing special about it. It was basic guacamole. I also got their chicken taco that was grilled to perfection and had a nice crunch to it as well. It could've used some salsa or creama. Looking back, I should've just gone with just the tacos. Minus a couple of stars for the weird atmosphere vibes and stares. The lady who served me did not seem happy that I was only drinking water despite ordering food. I wasn't drinking alcohol that evening, and I felt that force from the waiter as she asked me again and again about a drink. I think that this is a good place for just their drinks. I think the food is secondary to this and the taste and quality shows.

Vibrantly decorated with Mexican folk art. The drink and menu offerings deliver well-crafted and tantalizing unique tastes. Stands well above traditional Mexican restaurant fare. Friendly and welcoming service. Hope to visit again to experience the Mezcal bar upstairs.

I cannot rave enough about Gallo - we hosted our wedding reception there this spring. Our event with them was flawlessly organized, the communication was consistent and transparent and Angela and Ernesto were so kind and hospitable. Their food and drinks are uniquely delicious, the atmosphere is relaxed and beautiful and the staff are intentional about making your experience a good one. We can't wait to return for future date nights and dinners with friends.

Very cool mezcaleria. Great drinks with unique flavors. Decor is very cool and the bar tenders are great. The patio in the back of the bar feels like an escape from the City. Highly recommended.

Really cool spot for mezcal based cocktails as well as some really creative drinks in general. We had a great time trying some truly inspired libations and chatting with our bartender who was happy to share details about the inspiration and creation process behind their menu. We were too late to get any food but I look forward to visiting again soon!

In LOVE with this bar! Delicious variety of traditional and unique cocktails. With an inviting staff that is happy to teach you all about the mezcals they offer! My family, friends, and I enjoyed the beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. The memories we made here are always coming up, and we plan to go back soon!

Great vibe, and I classic spot. The service was slow on our night, but that happens and the food made up for it.

Incredible meal! Great atmosphere. Bf and I agreed the meat and tortilla were very high quality and tasted amazing. Fancy drinks. Perf date night spot

I waited outside in a light sprinkle to check out Gallo Pelón. I was the first one through the door, and I was welcome by so many colorful faces of Frida Kalo, skeletons, and flowers. There was so much beauty in this restaurant. I took a seat at the bar as it had a plug and checked out their menu. You have to scan a QR code to access it, and it gives you a list of their drinks and food. Their food menu is not super extensive but has a focus on a few tacos, appetizers, and entrees. I couldn't decide between the guacamole and salsa with chips, but I was told by the waitress to go with the guacamole. It comes with a mix of three flavors of mango, cojita, and pepita (pumpkin seed). The manho was the best of the three. However, the quality was okay--it was a little runny for me, and there was nothing special about it. It was basic guacamole. I also got their chicken taco that was grilled to perfection and had a nice crunch to it as well. It could've used some salsa or creama. Looking back, I should've just gone with just the tacos. Minus a couple of stars for the weird atmosphere vibes and stares. The lady who served me did not seem happy that I was only drinking water despite ordering food. I wasn't drinking alcohol that evening, and I felt that force from the waiter as she asked me again and again about a drink. I think that this is a good place for just their drinks. I think the food is secondary to this and the taste and quality shows.

I almost don't want to review Gallo Pelon because it's such a hidden gem that I want to keep secret. Upstairs from a different Mexican restaurant (same owners? Shared kitchen? No idea!). - Great ambience, bar, table seating, and this adorable courtyard with string lights. Would be a dope first date spot. - food is delish! Small menu but plenty of options for vegetarians too! - drinks are on point. If you love Mezcal, this is your place - so many options and cocktails. If you don't love Mezcal but love tequila - this is still your place! - service is good, the food comes up from downstairs in a little foot elevator in the wall behind the bar

Wow, what a great bar! Loved it! The bartender Daniel was amazing at recommending Mezcals. I observed him with a number of customers and having them try samples to find the right Mezcal for them. He did that for me as well and I appreciated his knowledge even as someone who knows something about Mezcal already. I have a long way to go. I even followed him home and he just spoke to everyone he encountered about Mezcal. The stray cat was even more curious about Mezcal after his encounter. Back to the bar, and I'd go back to this bar in a Cicada second. The atmosphere is a bit dark and mysterious, with lots of little knick knacks around the bar and seating area. They had a decent food menu but the special when I was there was chori-pollo nachos. I'm a huge fan of chorizo and queso so this was a no brainer for me. So good with just the right amount of spice! Yum! The cocktail I ordered was elegant, refreshing and balanced with just the right amount of tequila and mezcal, freshness and smoking garnish that smelled amazing. Others at the bar commented on how good my drink smelled which I THINK is a first for me. Delicious concoction. I first went in to the bar downstairs, which turned out to be the Centro bar, so if you're looking for this place, go upstairs when you walk in. The stairwell is cool too. The folks at Centro were friendly and helpful as well, but I was in a Mezcal mood! I found out about it by looking at the list of top 25 mezcal bars on Yelp! Check out the list from US and Canada: https://blog.yelp.com/community/top-25-mezcal-bars-in-the-us-canada/ They were closed on Mon/Tue and I was in town Mon-Thu, so I could only go one night. I would have ended every night here if they were open. Excellent Establishment. Loved it! Thank you for existing! TDLR - Go Here! Drink! Thank me!

A great place to frequent when you are craving for some Mexican food. They run weekly specials. On Wednesday's, it's usually choripollo nachos. Chicken, chorizo, queso, beans, guacamole, tomatoes, jalapeño creme and chips. The bartender is very knowledgeable of the drinks and even suggested something because I wasn't sure what I liked. Elotes fritos is much like the Mexican corn but in a deep fried ball. Delicious. The drink posted is a spicy margarita. It had just the right amount of spice and sour. I like that it wasn't too sweet.

I only ordered the tres Leche cake and I loved it. Great texture. Perfect moisture with the milks. A great combination of flavors with the raspberry syrup drizzle. I only came for dessert.

This was my second time dining at Gallo Pelón and it was just as good as the first! The guacamole could have used a little more flavor, but it was good. The tacos were AMAZING! My friend's first reaction to the Torta Corona was "this is the best sandwich I've ever had in my life". The service was amazing. The waiters, waitresses and bartenders were very kind and helpful. The ambiance was impeccable! Beautiful aesthetic and a great place for a night of drinks with friends or a date out on the rooftop!

Really nice tequila bar, very fancy mezcals you can order by a flight. The food is good too, I liked the torta but it's much better at El Toro, I think the bread they made the torta on was a little different than what I'm used to. I enjoyed the salad very much and the yucca fries were good too. Would come back to try their other foods and tequilas.

If you are in the area this is a must stop. Entrance is located upstairs of Centro. Small, intimate but very cool spot. Love their outside seating option. Lots of mezcal options, never had mezcal but the bartender helped me select my drink. I enjoy fruity drinks and he recommend Pearl River Plunge. The drink looked like a snow cone and tasted great. I love cucumber juice, I tried the Oaxacan Mule and hands down delicious! The taquitos were delicious- probably the best taquitos I've had in Raleigh. Perfectly seasoned, crunchy and VERY flavorful. Overall awesome experience- can't wait to be back and try other drink options.

This place never dissapoints! Wish portions were a bit larger though or that it comes with a side at least. The drinks are amazing, the food is delicious and the dessert is spectacular!

We are new to Raleigh having just moved from a big foodie city and tried Gallo last night. I am so happy to know about this spot. Cocktails are well made but not pretentious. The food was so good there was not a crumb left on our plates. We had the guac, the small pepper bites app, the special flautas of the week, the mole chicken flats, and dulce de leche cake for dessert. The vibe is great - very relaxed and fun. It feels like a small slice of Mexico City hipness in Raleigh. We will be back for sure!

Think speakeasy meets rooftop bar.... and then you arrive at Gallo Pelon! It's a cozy spot nestled above Centro restaurant in downtown Raleigh. Park in the nearby Wilmington St deck, walk up to Centro, and take the steps up. This little hidden gem serves up tasty cocktails & zesty bar snacks... yum! I love how dark it is - such a speakeasy feel! The rooftop patio is totally enclosed & has cool string lights above it, and it probably has 6-8 four-top tables on it. The bar seats 6 or so, and there are 3-4 tables inside too. There are bathrooms up there, and a dumbwaiter to bring food upstairs! The cocktails are on point, and the food is too. The spicy mezcal margarita called the Smokestack Lightning is great! For food, check out the guac & queso app, or for a bit more filling dish, grab the tinga tostones! The chicken is a little spicy & the tostones are cooked so perfectly. They have a Mexican take on poutine with yuca fries, but they're not mi favorito. Cocktails are $10-12, and food is between $8-15. All in all, Gallo Pelon should be on your list to check out in downtown Raleigh.... it's unique, quaint, and freakin tasty!

Amazing decor, wonderful service, delicious food and drinks. Must visit if in Raleigh again! Too bad it was raining because the patio looked incredibly inviting.

Amazing drinks! This cocktail bar has quickly become one of my favorites in Raleigh. After having dinner downstairs at Centro, my friends and I went upstairs to Gallo Pelón for (more) drinks. They have a fantastic menu with unique seasonal cocktails. I had the Cactus Flower (gin, aperol, elderflower, cucumber, lime, salt, soda). Loved it! It was a very refreshing and delicious drink. My friend who also ordered the Cactus Flower agreed. I also had the Latin Lover (tequila, strawberry, lime, egg white, jalapeño), which I actually ordered with my meal at Centro, but the bartender said it was originally Gallon Pelón's drink. This drink I also loved. It was fruity, foamy, and spicy. Cannot wait to try the rest of the drinks on their menu! Taste | 5 Atmosphere | 4 Presentation | 4 Service | 4 OVERALL | 5

Went to this charming place on Friday for a drink and a nosh with a friend. Had a delicious craft cocktail called Afraid of Being Laughed At, a concoction of mezcal, tequila, lemon, and elderflower among other things, and we shared guac and chips and some salmon tacos. The dishes were colorful and well presented, and the decor is lively Mexican boho chic. There is a tiny rooftop bar, covered, where we sat enjoying one of the first warm days of spring. Don't pass this place up!

Let me start by saying the food and drinks were great! The we had the empanadas and tacos and loved everything we ordered. The smokestack cocktail is incredible. That said, I cannot recommend this place to anyone while they are doing a TWENTY DOLLAR TABLE CHARGE. That's right, regardless of your party size, how much your order, or how long you are there.... there is a $20 table charge. This is absolutely outrageous. I understand that COVID has been really tough on small businesses and there is a need to cover costs but this is NOT how you do it. My suggestion would be to charge for chips and salsa, maybe have time limits on tables so you can rotate out and keep volume. Maybe just increase the price of your menu items by $2. A $20 table charge is f*#$ing absurd. I've do not know of a single other business in Raleigh doing this. The only time I've paid for a table charge was in Italy and it was $2. Our bill was an additional $40 after table charge and tip. As long as this policy is in place I will NOT be returning. It's a shame because the food drinks and service were all great.

Fun little gem tucked away on the second floor of Centro, located right in downtown Raleigh. I've never been to a mezcaleria before and I loved my first experience! I had the Agua Santa (lighter, citrus-y, and smoky) and my friend had the Leather Jacket (resembled a smoky bourbon). Both mezcal cocktails were strong and refined, nothing like I've ever had before. If smoky isn't your thing, they still have a large variety of "sin humo" (non smoky) cocktails, wines, and beers that looked amazing. I also tried the tacos de gallo and yucca sides, and both were delicious bar snacks to complement the drinks. The thick cuts of yucca were so appetizing that we ordered a second round! Oh, and there are GRASSHOPPERS that you can order with your drink. I wasn't adventurous enough to take on the whole grasshoppers (the waitress said they're actually REALLY good) or the worm salt, but the table next to us who ordered it was having a blast. So much fun!!

Enter Centro and upstairs is Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria, North Carolina's first mezcaleria. Boyfriend and I decided to indulge in a few cocktails: Round 1: Senora de la Soledad and Oaxacan Mule Round 2: The Big Muff and Benito Juarez Round 3: Margarita Cansino (do not order this cocktail if you are sensitive to heat) and Guerrero Pedicab My personal favs: Oaxacan Mule and Benito Juarez I love the fact that they rotate their cocktails on the menu too. Gallo Pelon also offers tasty bar snacks. We decided to split the Pinchos Asadas and Pulled Pork Patacones both of which were delectable. Fantastic cocktails, bar snacks and service.

Great drink menu, service, and good food. Love the ambiance and everything about this place. Highly recommend!

Been wanting to try this place for some time. After supercon on a Friday night me and a friend decided to give the bar a try. The upstairs bar and outside seating was modern and relaxing. The bar is small and intimate. Great for a date night or catching up with an old friend. This is the kind of place you need to go to with people your comfortable with. The backdrop has a certain 'minimalist' vibe yet still eye catching here and there with Mexican theme inspired art. Our drinks were definitely enjoyable and the bartender was friendly. I actually liked that there was no loud music and you could actually hear the person next to you talking without having to strain. We tried the bar and the outdoor seating with the stringed overhead lighting. Both were awesome. I also ordered the yucca poutine. It was yummy. Not super creative, but comforting and savory. Will definitely return again

We love this little gem. It is an incredibly cool space just above central with a large patio. The signature cocktails continue to keep us coming back. A winning Waco old fashioned and creative mezcal concoctions. Their food special never disappoints. If your looking for a great landing spot for a group large or small, this is perfect little place.

EXCEPTIONAL establishment! Britt was our bartender and we opted to sit outside on the rooftop area because it wasn't too cold. Beautiful lights and nice setting. The drinks are on point and I couldn't have been happier! I had their take on Eggnog, and it is nothing like I've ever had before. It is not your average Boozy Eggnog, when I asked our bartender she explained they actually make it fresh every morning....well you should go and find out the rest!! I had the A Suh Wi Dweet pronounced "That's how we do it". MUST TRY

Me likey! I guess I could end my review of Gallo Pelon there but what the heck. Gallo Pelon is not marked outside but just head into Centro and take the staircase on the left. The place is popular so there might be a hostess at the entrance. The space is small but very well laid out with a small seating area, cozy bar and patio with lights strung overhead. The cocktail menu is pretty tight and features the smoky flavas of mezcal, cousin to tequila. My baba looey was very strong and served with a snowcone of crushed ice, very nice! And while cocktail prices here are steep, it's worthwhile. From the cool ambiance to excellent drinks and great bartenders, you'll enjoy and savor every sip of your mezcal cocktail at Gallo Pelon...

If you haven't visited Gallo yet - run don't walk. This bar is so fun. Learn about the history of mezcal, the different types and brands, and how to make mezcal from expert bartenders. I'd suggest sitting at the bar the first time you go for the full experience. The bar operates on different hours as Centro below. Usually it's open late on most nights. Gallo is a perfect place to warm up to mezcal and you can try virtually any and every kind. The cocktails change seasonally and the bartenders will help you select the right one for you. The atmosphere is dark but lively. There's a back patio that is perfect during the summer. There's also a couple of turtles by the bar that are adorable. Highly suggest Gallo for a date night or drinks with a couple of friends. Very happy this establishment came to Raleigh!

This was recommended to us by another bartender in town. You know it's good then! It's located upstairs from Centro. I thought we could walk right upstairs, but the hostess downstairs stopped us and had someone else walk us up. They said that the bar specializes in Mexcal, but they had a lot of options. I liked that the cocktail menu described a little about the drink other than just listing ingredients (i.e. strong and smoky). There's a small black box on the menu that says that you can get a shot of a specific (varies) Mexcal at cost. It sounds like not everyone sees that. In addition to drinks, we ordered the salsa trio and it was so good. Loved the chips! We sat at the bar and the bartender was very friendly and helpful. Another patron finished a bottle of something so he could eat the scorpion in the bottle (ewwwww!) and the bartender showed us the scorpion. Fun place!

Gallo Pelon is my favorite bar in Raleigh! They have an amazing selection of mezcal that you won't find anywhere in NC and the food is great! Knowledgeable and super friendly bar tenders.

It's fun to show our tequila and mezcal loving friends to Gallo Pelón. Tucked above Centro, the bar feels like one of Raleigh's best kept secrets. We ordered a bartender's choice flight and the Waco Old Fashioned. My father in law, big into Mezcal, really enjoyed the two of the three selections - his only guidance was the smokier the better! Each flight is paired with three pieces of salted oranges and cucumbers. The Waco Old Fashioned was good, but my husband preferred when they served it with Cheerwine, for a sweeter twist on the drink.

Love love love this place. The vibe is immaculate, the drinks are delicious and the tacos are some of the best AND theyre made with fresh tortillas, which, is so rare, so I may have asked for some extra tortillas on the side because of how delicious they were. The wall art, the set up, everything about this place checks off all the boxes. I'm not really big into mescal, but I love tequila, so I went with what the bartenders recommended and I have no complaints at all. I went with a couple friends and I think combined we tried 6 different drinks and they were all great. We sat at the bar because of how packed it was, but the service was quick, and the staff were kind and attentive, all while crushing the rush that was dinner on a Saturday. I've been here about 4 times and I recommend it to all my friends, and all that have been say the same thing, it's worth it. Already have plans to go back again.

We stopped in last night as we had been wanting to check the place out but don't often find ourselves in the Raleigh area. The decor and atmosphere are perfect! Very to the theme and fun. I loved all the amenities in the bathroom, can't beat feminine hygiene products and Bobby pins as a woman on the go. We were only stopping in for a drink before heading to the red hat but thankfully got to try some of the chicken wings and they were delicious! I ordered the Oaxacan Mule and really enjoyed it. I loved the spice on top of the cucumber and the warm smokiness of the mezcal. We all thoroughly enjoyed our drinks and conversation and plan to spend more time and a full meal the next time we're in the area. A huge bonus was being able to walk to our concert at The Red Hat in about 10 minutes. Definitely stop by if you're in the area and want a unique and tasty cocktail.

You can't go wrong with this quaint and hip little bar! It's located right above Centro, just take the stairs up from the entrance and you'll find it! The bar seats about 7-10 people maybe, with some extra tables and seating around the back. They do have an outside patio as well with some cute lights strung above, but it was a cold night and my party did not go outside. The ambience is great. I love intimate bars, there's just something sexy about it. Took a quick look at their cocktail menu and was interested to see that many of the drinks offered are unique, with heavy use of Mezcal. The bartender that night was great at making recommendations and helping us figure out what we'd like to drink. I tried a couple of the drinks here, the Oaxacan Mule, the Smokestack Lightning, and the Sangria! All of them were delicious! I am new to smoky flavors and Mezcal, so I found the drinks very different and fresh. If you enjoy Mezcal or are interested in it, definitely come here! Oh and my friends were able to order some food while we were here as well!

I absolutely LOVE this place. You will have to enter in through Centro and go up the stairs. Everything is great from the vibe to the food and friendly staff. I ordered the yuca poutine, freshman mezcal flight, and their margarita. I would definitely recommend to sit outside if weather permitting. I LOVE YOUR DECOR. Perfect date night pick! I will definitely be back.

OMG MY NEW FAVORITE SPOT!! Everything from the vibe to the drinks to the service was SPOT ON! I've been stalking this place for months because of all the amazing yelp reviews and damn, they were all right! We came on a Monday night so it wasn't too crowded and having never been here before the flight of steps up is the coolest thing ever! Legit makes you feel like you're going to a speakeasy, I love it! And once you get up, then it's hard to choose between sitting inside and outside because both areas were sooo cute. Inside is perfect for a date or drinks with the girls and outside is perfect for either or a big group. So drinks..my mom got the margarita which was great and actually on the lighter side and I got the Carrera swizzle and the Oaxacan mule. The swizzle was a sweet, berry drink and the mule was my first mezcal experience so it was more of a smoky mule (great presentation for both). We also split their chips with three salsas- all of the salsas were great but the carrot habanero was my FAVE! Definitely recommend getting that! We ended the night with white denim shots, which is a specialty that isn't available all the time so if you're able to order it, GET IT!!! Best shot I've ever had in my life! It's like a buttery nipple/coffee shot but oh my god it's to die. I just love everything about this place, (we could've easily stayed until close it's just that good on vibes) and the owner and the server we had t were also super sweet and informative (if you're intimidated on mezcal or what drinks to order, they'll guide you through it), can't wait to come back again!! update: came back and fell in love with more drinks. Definitely get the sangria and the smokestack lightnin (perfect amount of spice and yummy salted rim, I guess grasshopper salt is where it's at), husband also said their old fashioned was one of the best he's had and their tres leches is BOMBBB!

One of our personal favorites in Raleigh. A bit of a hidden gem as you have to go inside Centro and head up the stairs. But just ask the hostess at the front and you'll be directed. Upstairs is a great little escape. The inside is a perfect place for a date or getaway, and the outside/rooftop area is a lovely little oasis in the city. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. So ask questions, learn some stuff, and enjoy some delicious drinks. Strongest recommend!

Very interesting. Drinks are not traditional. Definitely a really cool experience. We had: Rooster and the Pearl Green Chartreuse and some others. Our brains had an orgasim. Just gotta experince it.

Hidden gem in Raleigh. It's one of those places you don't notice from the outside-- you walk into a different restaurant before walking up the stairs to this one. The small rooftop is kinda closed in to give it this super intimate feel but the mural makes it fun. The midnight gunfight is VERY spicy but oh so good so I still recommend.

This place is AWESOME! Drinks are superb, food delicious, service great, and ambiance very cool. If you like mezcal, this place is for you. If not, it's still for you. My best meal and drinks of the YEAR!

We went to Gallo Pelon after a friend recommended it. So glad we got to experience this place. The outside seating is great and the wall mural is . I had the classic daiquiri as a drink and it was fresh and perfect. For the appetizer we had the chino-guac & queso (non-vegetarian version). The guacamole was pretty good, the queso with chimichurri was eeh, I could pass on this. The chips were good and the pork skin wasn't my favorite (I don't really like pork skin so ‍). My friend had the tacos and she said it was pretty good. I had the pulled pork patachones and it was delicious . The pulled pork was really good. Definitely would recommend this as a great option especially the ambience and how different it is (felt like we were in Mexico). Ps: the women's bathroom has mouthwash, tooth pics, and other extras

Went to a tasting held here and had mezcal for the first time. Pretty amazing experience. If you enjoy tequila and scotch, mezcal is something you will want to try. Food from downstairs was excellent as well.

Whenever I want some good mezcal I can never seem to get it. From the inattentive bartenders to the disrespectful waiters. My first time trying out the Mezcaleria I was refused to sit upstairs because a party was up there. It was confirmed by the host that the party was gone but a server came to contradict the host. I was later told that the upstairs was empty. On top of that I personally wasn't allowed to walk up but other customers were able to walk right in. Upon my second visit I was able to get able to get inside and even get to hold a menu. Thankfully I was able to get some water but my journey, like the time before, was cut short by a "forgetful" bartender. I have tried this place out on two separate dates and the only that seems to change is lack of concern for certain customers. Personally I don't suggest anyone really going.

Very cool bar. Great bartenders that are very knowledgeable about mezcal. The atmosphere is fantastic and while I didn't eat a full meal there, the chicharrones and guacamole was excellent. I definitely recommend going there and talking about mezcal with the bartenders and getting there recommendations. They didn't up-sell me, but steered me to a great mezcal. Definitely check it out.

I've only been here a few times, and only for drinks. This is because they have an amazing take on the Moscow Mule called a "Oaxacan Mule" that uses Mezcal in place of Vodka. Top that off with the incredible atmosphere of the 2nd story bartop and secluded midblock outdoor seating, you've got a suave place to grab a couple cocktails and kick back with friends or coworkers. The staff have never been anything but friendly, and love to have a good time with you and your party. The bartenders clearly know their craft, so whatever you order will be top quality. Enjoy!

Tasty assortment of cocktails and great ambiance. Wasn't a fan of the playlist but would definitely go again. Wanted to sit on the patio but it was sprinkling darn it! Tried the Benito Juarez and Piña Colada. Both were tasty and I'd highly recommend! The bar tenders were also delightful cheers to Gallo Pelón!!

Cool place. Super different. You have to truly like your culture to enjoy this place. Well worth it. But it might take a more experienced pallet to fully enjoy.

I almost don't want to review this place, because I feel like it's still one of downtown's hidden gems. To get the Gallo Pelon, walk into Centro and go up the stairs. Upstairs you'll find dimly-lit seating and a nice bar. Beyond the bar is an urban rooftop patio with string lights above. It's one of the best spots in downtown Raleigh. The drink menu has the largest assortment of mezcales in Raleigh, and a variety of cocktails. One of my favorites is the "smokestack lightning", which is a not-too-spicy/citrusy drink with serrano-infused mezcal and worm salt. Delicious. You can definitely have a full meal here too. The hot dog (perro caliente, if you will) is fantastic and last time my waitress was talkin' up the burger too. I almost always get the guac. I've had some great tacquitos too. Someday I need to explore more of their dessert options. Whether it's after work or late at night, Gallo Pelon has never let me down. Easy five stars.

I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS PLACE. There is no sign so go upstairs when you walk into Centro. Such a cool ambiance - darkly lit, wooden decor. The bartenders were literally the coolest, nicest people I'd ever met. The guac and queso were DELISH. But the highlight were the drinks - our first venture into mezcal was a peach, floral smokey drink which I WISH I REMEMBERED THE NAME OF DARNIT. My husband had the eggnog which he said was the best eggnog he's ever had in his life. Would 1000% recommend this place and can't wait to come back!!

The vibe is nice, the prices are good, and the drink menu is fresh. Don't come here if you care how the food tastes or expecting them to care as much about the food as they do the drinks. Repeatedly, the food was cold. Even the second round of food was cold. Even the replacement food was cold. We had two different waitresses attending to us but the service was still slow and the food was cold. Both times I've been. I'm not sure if things were too busy but that's not an excuse. Queso is def warm when it goes in the bowl. It must have set up there a while. We also ordered wings and nachos. Both cold. This is a cool place to be but mostly for drinks. I would go back for the drinks and the nice ambiance. I would have given them a four but there is no excuse for cold replacement food that replaces cold food.

No question the best margaritas and mezcal in Raleigh. But that's the easy part of this review. The thing that blew my mind was the quality of their chicken nachos. I consider myself a connisieur of nachos, particularly of the chicken variety. As soon as I tasted these a thought hit me like Kurt Russel's Bone Tomahawk; these nachos walk the perfect line between delicious TexMex and authentic Mexican. Fucking next level. NEXT LEVEL I TELL YOU!

Came here after having a drink or two at some other bars and craved more tequila greatness from Centro. The bartender was quick, humorous and made some banging drinks. My wife order the Barbie Corvette and I had the Smokestack Lightnin', both were strong, refreshing and unique. The Smokestack Lightnin' had an impeccable mix of a spicy and salty rim that gave this drink a huge kick. One of the most memorable moments of the night was when we offered our seats to these two girls who were standing as we were about to pay the check and leave. As we were standing behind the stools that the girls sat down in and waited for the check, one of the other waiters came over to us and asked, "Weren't you two just sitting there..do you want me to.." and we quickly realized this guy was about to tell these two seat stealers to move (haha!), but we reassured him we were leaving and gave them our seats. It is obvious these servers and bartenders are really dedicated and devoted workers and we certainly appreciate their friendliness and craft. Definitely stop in here for a late night drink after visiting Centro for dinner.

i was torn between reviewing this place because I love it so much and trying to keep it a secret so I can keep enjoying it as a semi-secret spot downtown, but Yelp always gets the best of me. As somewhat of a cocktail snob, I love their carefully crafted Mezcal cocktails (their specialty), but veer away from these if the smokiness is not for you. The patio is unique in that it's enclosed on all four sides from the surrounding buildings, and the lights strung above the tables make for great mood lighting once the sun goes down. All in all one of my favorite new spots downtown when I want to sit back and relax and enjoy a drink.

I've been here several times now, and I cannot recommend their cocktails enough! Mind you, this is coming from someone who typically does not drink tequila or enjoy the taste of straight tequila. But the way they make their cocktails are exquisite. If you come here, please get the Black Hole Sun (served with a frothy egg white on top!) or the Hop-a-Cabra. The Black Hole Sun has sort of a berry, fruity flavor, but not disgustingly sweet if that makes sense. The Hop-a-Cabra is wonderful for you if you enjoy the taste of grapefruit and its bitterness. These are my favorites. There are so many other options, however, but I can't help and stick with what I love. Be careful though because before you know it, you'll be on your third one! The staff is incredible as well. They are very personable and knowledgeable. You can also order some small plates while you're at the bar, which are good. I had the mixed tacos platter, which was great! There is an actual sit-down restaurant downstairs, but I have never actually eaten there. I always just go upstairs to the bar area. I would HIGHLY recommend this place!

Concept concept concept! This place was so well thought out. The eye to detail, the aesthetics, and the menu are all wonderful reflections of the folks who put this place together. It's sits above one of downtowns best eateries, Centro. If you happen to arrive after the restaurant has closed there will be a big metal sliding door that keeps you from getting lost to the haven that is the bar upstairs. Head's up, this place has a host and servers, rightfully so. All the drinks are handcrafted craft cocktails and they put some love in them so you'll have to be patient. I would discourage huge groups from expecting they can just roll up and hover over the bar. There are a few different areas for sitting: the bar, a room with a few tables and a couple high-top tables for two, and an outdoor patio which is sealed off by surrounding buildings that looks straight up to the sky. The cocktail menu is stunning and the bartenders are great at making recommendations based on your preferences. Allow them to get you thinking outside of the box and expand your palette. There is a decent amount of mezcal based cocktails on the menu (hence, the name of the joint) which is a great way to experience the smoky Mexican spirit. There is also a extensive mezcal list which would allow you to try them the more traditional way...straight up. There are also a few beers and wines and a short small plates menu which comes from the kitchen downstairs. The food was excellent but don't come with the expectation of having dinner, they're little plates worthy of the title: "Hell yes, snacks!" Prices are what you'd expect from a place of this caliber, $8ish - $12ish for cocktails. Just give it a whirl, I think you'd enjoy it.