Ruby Deluxe

Queer bar · Fayetteville Street

Ruby Deluxe

Queer bar · Fayetteville Street

2

415 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601

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Ruby Deluxe by Photo: Robert Willett/Raleigh News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Ruby Deluxe by Eater
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null
Ruby Deluxe by null

Highlights

Ruby Deluxe is a vibrant underground bar that combines eclectic decor, theme nights, and a cozy stage, creating a welcoming space where fun and inclusivity thrive.  

Featured in Eater
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415 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601 Get directions

queerraleigh.com

$10–20

Information

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415 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601 Get directions

queerraleigh.com
𝕏
@RubyDRaleigh

$10–20

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"Ruby Deluxe is part dance club, part lounge, part music venue, and wholly queer. The bar’s commitment to a fun, safe atmosphere (under FAQs on the website states, “bring yr fave people, mind yr manners, and get weird”) is as strong as the commitment to equality and justice. With regular drag brunches, DJ sets, and more, Ruby Deluxe is a place to have fun while feeling safe and welcomed." - Matt Lardie

15 Queer-Friendly Bars, Restaurants, and Coffee Shops in the Triangle
View Postcard for Ruby Deluxe
@eater

"On June 1, between midnight and 1 a.m. in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, a group of law enforcement officers fired flashbangs at the owner of an LGBTQ bar who said he was standing in the parking lot of his own business, the News & Observer reports. Tim Lemuel, the owner of the bar Ruby Deluxe, told WRAL that he had been standing in front of his business to deter vandals, working with employees to clean up shattered glass and graffiti — including, he alleged to the N&O, what appeared to be a spray-painted white power symbol — from the previous night. They had also set up a street medic station in the parking lot, where they passed out water, first aid supplies, hand sanitizer, and snacks to protesters, the bar owner wrote on Instagram." - Jenny G. Zhang

Raleigh Bar Staff Dispersed by Cops for Aiding Protesters in Their Parking Lot - Eater
View Postcard for Ruby Deluxe

Edwin Zegarra

Google
Attended an awesome bass music event, Sub Rosa. Had a great time, from chatting in the patio area, to jamming on the floor, fun time all over. The blonde bartender that night was great, very helpful, took great care of me, great drink suggestions too. Went back again on a karaoke night, and it was also a good time. A lot of variety in selected music, so it was great to hear such a wide selection. Pepper Insult was the MC for the night and she would throw in some crowd pleasers too to get everyone singing along. Definitely made my work trip more enjoyable to have found this place.

Daniel Bandres

Google
Owner is on a total power trip. Bar sucks and smells like sewage water. Employees have no customer service or regard for customer experience or safety. Even with how strict laws are in NC there’s no need to be so hard headed especially when you bend the rules for your own convenience.

John Hite

Google
I don't know about their normal business model as we were just there for their Hopscotch day parties. The music lineups were great. The bar staff was helpful. The slushies were tasty. The beers were reasonably priced. The music shows were hosted outside, which worked out really well since the weather was good. The only real issue was the fact that there's a huge dumpster right next to the outdoor space that stunk to high heaven. Pretty off-putting.

Tim Farkas

Google
So… the good the bartenders were nice but having to pay a cover on a Tuesday night when the bar was empty is ridiculous. Guaranteed will never return. Bar was EMPTY! $10 for what??!!

Lakinn Parrish

Google
Me and my friends went on January 4 during a glitter hour we just paid and One of the rude guests spilled their drink on one of my friends didn't say sorry or anything.We asked one of the workers if there's a possibility for a refund and they said no but we literally just got there it was too crowded not enough space for a crowd that size. Dont go here. Not worth it.

Josh H (Food Critic)

Google
It was stuffy and claustrophobic. Also they charge $3 just to be in there for karaoke. Which I probably would have been fine with if they didn’t try to be sneaky about it. Also, they have a poster supporting genocide and I don’t like my bars to shove their racism and politics down my throat. Regardless of their opinions. Honestly disappointed, hoped it was better. Oh well; there are other queer bars.

Elle Dawn Prince

Google
Always run into friends, have a good time, and go home happy. I love Ruby!

Susan Metz

Google
I wouldn't recommend the "speed dating" events unless you're younger than 24; most of the queer kids that show up are very young (old enough to drink). They also welcome everyone, including those who don't shower.

Breanna B.

Yelp
Happened on this place on a walk in the city. Great drinks and cool atmosphere! The bartender was super accommodating and let us hang out before the inside opened.

Troy M.

Yelp
Reminiscent of a few clubs up in NYC. Friendly staff. Cute bartenders. Worth a visit.

Allen R.

Yelp
This place is super nasty inside. Dirty bathrooms, Dirty floors and omg the glassware looked like they just poured out someone else's drink and made yours out of it. I would avoid this place at all cost. The streets of Raleigh are cleaner than this place.

Shar H.

Yelp
I had such an fabulous time!!!! Vyki was the BOMB. And Aris was sooooooo . Would love to come again!

Stephanie L.

Yelp
We're in town for an e sports event and were cosplayers. I feel like they discriminated against us big time. I am a supporter of the LGBT a community. We didn't carry any weapons as cosplayers and what we wore was NOT INTIMIDATING. What a great welcome to the city. We don't act like this in Atlanta

Lisa H.

Yelp
Went here for my birthday celebration and got a table of 6 for the Sunday Drag Brunch. The "brunch" part is the food truck that comes, but the one that was there the week we went was very bad - my friends all got food and only one of them actually finished their meal. The drag show itself was great and featured three drag queens - each of them went twice and it was a great assortment of songs and talents. There was only one bartender and it did take us a while to get drinks, and for a drag show the space is more intimate and smaller than others, like Legends. Overall, it was a good time because how can you not have fun at a drag show? The queens were amazing and super friendly - we were able to get photos with them after the show. I would definitely recommend booking tables and seats at least two weeks in advance, as they sell out pretty quickly - especially if you're having a bigger party come.

Michael K.

Yelp
This place is NOT WELCOMING if you are not of the correct ideological mindest. Plenty of signs on the walls expressing HATE.  There is no way a person could have a conversation here unless you belong to group think.  I was confronted as being "too white" which is really weird as there were zero minorities to be found.  I went to see a friend perform, enjoyed her show, but I would never return to this place unless I had a lobotomy first.

Toni K.

Yelp
Super fun staff and great care. They made sure all customers were taken care of while also making sure their staff is treated properly. Some amazing queens kings and monarchs here

Mikey B.

Yelp
Want a bar that that's simple, clean, chill? Ruby Deluxe is just a bar. No theme, no fancy drinks, just chill. That's what makes it great. The bar has a great decor and aesthetic about it. Two pool tables in the back, plenty of comfortable seating, and outdoor seating is available.

Carrie N.

Yelp
Yessss. YESSSS. When I left Durham, I missed The Pinhook something fierce. I craved an interesting venue that felt safe, welcoming, and wild. After traveling around the country and getting back to Raleigh years later, Ruby Deluxe filled that void and then some. It's a $10 membership fee, but can you really put a price on nightlife freedom? Make the investment and prepare to hand your life over to the kickass bartending staff. Shine your schnazziest shoes (or classic Chucks - whatever works) and prepare to dance your heart out to sick beats from some of the best DJs in the area. There are occasional move nights and interesting performances. But the raucous party nights are the best. There are great people to talk to, a decent beer selection, and sometimes Capri Suns shot full of rum. Bring your kickass attitude and leave your lamest friends at home.

Jeffrey D.

Yelp
A unique and wonderful experience. Bring your friends and have a good time at Ruby Deluxe. Good show, good drinks, good times.

Matt G.

Yelp
Happened upon this bar on a Saturday night and coerced friends to go in with me. Very glad we did. The doorman was really friendly, even had a Pride flag out front showing its inclusivity. Just what you hope for in a cool dive bar with random decor and friendly staff. Ample room even with it getting packed, and a small stage area for live acts to perform. Great red lighting, booths along one wall to accommodate up to eight people each, and plenty of floor space for wandering. This is the type place that downtown Raleigh really needed, it may be my new favorite spot downtown.

Andrew W.

Yelp
This is currently one of my favorite bars, since it's one all of my friends can agree on late at night. You won't find a fancy cocktail menu or a wide selection of drafts. When you get to the bar, just order up one of your favorite drinks or pick from the bottles and cans on display. The interior is very nice and features impressive artwork on the bar, pool tables and plenty of seating. Don't forget to check out the vending machine. Membership is required and enforced moreso than other bars in Raleigh. So, don't lose your card. In case you can't find it, the entrance is off of S. Salisbury Street :)

Julia H.

Yelp
Ruby Deluxe is a dive bar in the classic vein, with dim lighting, pool tables, drinks from classy to trashy and an eclectic set of clientele - just my kind of place! What sets it apart from the typical dive is the encouragement and support of niche music/performance styles from experimental to goth and more, fetish to drag and beyond, both in live events and DJ sets. If you're looking for enjoyably odd, this is your destination. There's deep community involvement as well; fundraising and community organizing happens here for a number of causes and if you're looking to find a space that's welcoming and supportive of diversity of all kinds the crowd at Ruby probably has what you're looking to find. There aren't a lot of places like this left in many mid-size cities (or even in some larger ones) so get out and help keep Raleigh weird!

S C.

Yelp
Ohhhh Ruby Deluxe, I wanted to like you so much. What's not to like? LGBT friendly, left leaning.....but you were proud to be rude and unfriendly. Good luck, but I think you suck.

Victoria P.

Yelp
Had an AWESOME night out here! The dis for "No dudes pwr hr" had, by far, the best set I've ever seen from a dj. Music was FANTASTIC!

Anthony G.

Yelp
Coolness in every corner! I needed a place like this after returning from NYC. Cool, loose crowd, no anger or stupidity and LGBT jive. Just a smooth place to jump around and feel cool. Total after hours madness and genie in a bottle music to make you feel elastic and snap!

Stephanie T.

Yelp
Never been more supportive of a place that charges a $10 membership fee so random douche canoes from Fayetteville Street don't stumble in and ruin the "weirdos welcome" atmosphere.

Leslie M.

Yelp
Cool eclectic vibes and LGBT friendly? Love it! The owners and staff are great people and this is a sweet new alternative to the usual scene

Arthur B.

Yelp
Love it! A dive bar at it's best! The patio is lovely!! $10 membership fee keeps the Fayetteville Street Jersey-shore people out!

David M.

Yelp
Easily the worst bar in raleigh. Door guy was nice and wanted $10 membership fee to get in. They have a pretty dismal selection if beer. Thankfully they had some Big Boss products in there. No bud light. No budweiser. But you can get a high life and tecate no problem. Cuz those are popular choices. This place is trying to be something its not. They claimed they lost my card which made me pretty angry considering i had only been there ten minutes. I got it back and gave a great tip after being asked to leave. Yes they told me to leave before they gave me my card back. There is no reason to treat people they way they do in this bar. This isnt Brooklyn. Its fucking Raleigh. An attitude and business sense adjustment is needed. Only one star because thats the lowest i could give

Amanda C.

Yelp
Was at ruby deluxe on Sunday. Had a ton of fun. Great music and great atmosphere. Bianca was behind the bar and was awesome!! Super friendly and excellent customer service. She even charged mine and my friend's phones behind the bar. I will definitely be back!

J Adrian M.

Yelp
Was there this past weekend and the vibe is pretty awesome. Definitely a great place to chill with friends and have a few drinks.

Colleen W.

Yelp
A cool, low-key, safe space for those not interested in the typical Fayeteville Street/Glenwood Ave bar scene. Awesome bartenders and staff.

Justin D.

Yelp
Originally I thought this was a terrible place. I couldn't imagine visiting a place with a $10 membership. I lucked out in that I was able to visit and enjoy a fantastic time as a member's guest. To be clear, I wouldn't pay the $10 membership on principle. However, this is a really great bar that caters to an extremely diverse crowd. The music and events are really fun and I will be back (I got a free membership when attending in early afternoon and just asked for one).

Michelle W.

Yelp
Cool scene, good drinks, hilarious vending machine

Andrew L.

Yelp
Very chill bar located in the middle of downtown. It has a couple of pool tables, decent selection of cheap drinks, and a low key vibe if you get too tired of the downtown Raleigh club scene. I always make sure it's a stop towards the end of the night, and never regret it.

Brandon V.

Yelp
Great place but the bartenders are very rude. This place has no clue when it comes to customer service. I probably won't go back.

Tom R.

Yelp
I love this bar! Not a better place to gather with friends and just chill in all of Raleigh. Check it out, you will like it!

Chris A.

Yelp
Well...the person I was with never made it into the bar. When we walked to the door to go in on July 30, 16 around 11:30....the guy at the door was very rude. He was on his phone and didn't even greet us. I had to say "Excuse me...do you work here?"....to get his attention, which he seemed irritated for doing so. We were inquiring about the establishment and he gave very vague answers as though he didn't want us to be patriots. When we inquired on cost to get in...he said that there was a $10 membership fee...,for each of us. In my opinion, that was a bit pricey. As my friend and I where debating on whether to get one....a girl from the club came out and told him(the guy at the door) that another guy wanting to enter was her friend...and he simply let him in! With no membership due!!! Then that's when he said he'll let us pay only $10 for the both of us. My friend had already handed him the 10...but I kindly took the money out of his hand and said no thanks! I rather spend money where I can be treated fairly and equally!

C A.

Yelp
This bar is quite possibly contains the most prejudicial employees in the area. Ended up here with some friends and were told there was a burlesque show (04/02/2016), so we stuck around for it. One friend tried to come later and was wearing a Marmot rain jacket and the guy straight lied to his face and told him there wasn't anything going on tonight. He argued with him for a second cause we informed him that was a lie, but then just gave up and left. So then another friend came later after the show was over and he was pulling the same stuff that he did with the previous friend. So I helped him to pay the cover for a show he wouldn't be seeing. I don't care how slicked back your nasty, greasy, dyed blonde hair is or how "punk" you think you are, please don't disrespect my friends and try to judge them for their appearance. Karma will be knocking at your door. If HB2 in NC is to be repealed we can't keep continuing practices that deny people for the way they are.