Gussie's

Super cool place, drinks for excellent and staff was excellent. I would highly recommend. We did not have it but I hear the burgers are excellent. We will probably go back and try the burgers this weekend.

We stopped in to check this place out and grab a drink. The atmosphere is very cool! Love the bar set up and a separate coffee bar at the other end of the restaurant. The bartender was great! Very friendly and knowledgeable. Their lunch menu wasn't huge (which makes sense), but they did have quite a few options that were either gluten free or could be made gluten free. They had some that were vegetarian, but none that were vegan. However, for their dinner menu, there were more options that could be made vegan. Still not a lot for someone like me, but I like that the menu rotates every few months and they are open to suggestions (so I'm hoping that means they have some more gluten free vegan options in the future). Their alcoholic selection for gluten free isn't stupendous. They had a cider, wine and mixed drinks, but no gluten free beer. I spoke with them about bringing some in, so I'm hopeful that they will consider it in the future.

Absolutely loved this place. I’ve tried most of the menu at this point and honestly haven’t had a single bad dish; everything is consistently high quality and clearly made with care. The pricing feels very fair for the quality you’re getting. The gin drinks are a standout and easily some of my favorites anywhere. They are well balanced, creative, and not overdone. I also really appreciated how accommodating they were when I brought my toddler with me. The staff was welcoming and made it easy to enjoy a great meal without feeling out of place. Overall, a fantastic restaurant bar that delivers on food, drinks, and atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Burgers were amazing, we tried the jalapeño and the veggie one. Both were top notch. Cocktails also superb and staff was really nice and friendly.

Incredible bar! Burgers and salad were scrumptious, with no complaints. Meatballs are very good too. Especially like they rotate menu. Everyone is super friendly!

This is a place to take a date. This is a place to celebrate a win or to commiserate a loss. You want a nice cocktail and vibes? Got it. You want a domestic beer and killer burger? Got that too. Service is always great (a few of the bartenders were even nominated for Raleigh’s Best). A great place run by even better people.

It’s seat yourself and order at the bar or if not busy, the bartender will take your order and you get a number on the table! They have a wide variety of cocktails, when we went it was a gin and tonic or gin cocktails. The jalapeño burger was delicious, super flavorful. The animal style and house-made ranch dressings were good and a great compliment to the fries. My regular fries were a bit cold and stale. But the sweet potato fries were warm! Would def recommend gussies!

Gussies is a great little spot. Place is very cozy and inviting. Stopped in for drinks and stayed for a meal. Cocktail’s from the drink menu were excellent. Had the burger and fries for my meal. The burger was cooked to perfection with a nice toasted bun. The fries were definitely hand cut and were delicious. They had good music playing, but not so loud you couldn’t have a conversation. Plenty of outdoor seating. They are going to be opening up a section on the side that sells bottled beer and wine. Staff was very friendly. I will be making this a regular stop. Update: 4/21/24 came in for brunch today. Irish coffee and Bloody Mary were amazing! Bloody was very spicy 🌶️, just the way I like it. I had the shrimp and grits, they were probably some of the best I’ve ever had. Gussies has an amazing chef, everything I’ve tried has been really good.

We had a really great experience here! The ambiance is fun and the food was excellent bar food. They even make some of their own sauces. We ordered at the counter and then sat down to eat. The steak sandwich was unbelievably delicious and the animal fries were crispy and cheesy.

Welcome to the Village District's unofficial headquarters for 'I swear I'm only having one drink.' A sprawling sports bar stuffed with plenty of tv's, it features warm wood tones, brown cushy chairs that practically dare you to stand back up, and green booths cozy enough to make you forget you were supposed to root for the other team. The bar itself wraps around the pub like it's giving everyone a big, boozy hug--because nothing says 'community' like arguing over whose team is worse while sharing an order of wings. Take a seat at the wraparound bar, elbows on polished wood, watching the bartender sprint through a cocktail obstacle course--shakers flying, bottles clinking, garnishes disappearing like they owe someone money. They give you that quick 'I see you, please don't leave me' nod before vanishing into another flurry of drink orders. You will wait, amused, slightly thirsty, and oddly entertained, like you've purchased front-row seats to the Olympic finals of Controlled Chaos Bartending. Eventually, your drink arrives--triumphantly--carried by a bartender who looks like they've just survived a small, citrus-scented war. They serve a decent old fashioned--no craft ice, no pretentious sphere the size of a baby planet, no fog machine theatrics. Just a classic tumbler filled with honest-to-goodness clinking cubes that melt at a perfectly normal, respectable pace. Settle in for your second drink, fully expecting it to materialize any minute--only to discover you've entered the Slow-Motion Beverage Dimension. Minutes stretch. The bartender whips past you like a stressed-out comet, offering apologetic half-smiles and 'one sec!' gestures that stopped meaning 'one sec' roughly ten minutes ago. Eventually--eventually--your drink arrives, and it tastes just a little better for the journey. Overall, it's a lively, chaotic Village District adventure--cozy seats, nonstop sports, a friendly bar that hugs the room, and a service pace that keeps you guessing. Cheers!

I love their cocktails. They have award winning bartenders. I have yet to go for dinner, but that's on my shortlist. I will update my review once I try the food, but I can say for sure to go for the drinks!

Service and food were both excellent. We had a turkey burger with THE BEST and crispiest sweet potato fries, Brussels and a salad. All reasonably priced. We will go back.

Great food, friendly staff and ownership, and a really warm and inviting ambiance. I got their double burger and animal fries and they hit their mark for sure! Inspired by in and out but better. Their plain fries are thick and crispy with the addition animal fries, cheese, and grilled onions definitely 10/10. I've tried their brussel sprouts and meat balls which were also terrific!

Gussies advertise themselves "You're new favorite local spot" and they hit the nail on the head with it. This place is a nice, cozy bar with a friendly atmosphere and a timeless ambiance. Their food hit the spot as well. While I only got three appetizers, they were all hits. The broccolini was well balanced with the almonds, garlic, and sauce. The fries were simple but were solid to say the least (and their house sauce was incredible) and the meatballs were full of flavor and got me excited to go back and try more. The service was quick and friendly as well. Despite the bar being full on a busy Saturday night, we didn't have to wait long at all. I will say, given the size of the bar, I wouldn't go there with more than 6 people max, but it's great for a small meet up or a nice easy date night! Highly recommended if you want to find a new favorite bar

Bottom line: A great meal at Gussie's! The Pesto Pappardella hit the spot and my friend enjoyed his double smash burger as well. Friendly positive service at the bar for ordering. I like this place! The Deets: I stopped by Gussie's one Sunday afternoon with a bud to grab some quick but solid eats while we were walking around enjoying a bit of DTR. I had never got to come by here so I was all for it. Upon entering there is a fair amount of seating both inside and outside, with table and bar seating available on the inside. At this time of day, we got our menus from the bartender and took them to a table to check them out. We did not even go for apps/starters and just went in for our meal choices, giving them to the bartender (menu states to order at the bar). With the great variety the food menu provided, I went with the Pesto Pappardella (spring pea pesto cream sauce, pappardelle pasta, local oyster mushrooms, haricot verts, and crispy prosciutto) while my bud went with Double Double Smash Burger (2 sirloin-brisket patties, American cheese, iceberg, caramelized onion, tomato, pickles, animal sauce on a potato bun). I got my pasta dish and it was perfectly sized/portioned (not a massive bowl but just the size needed). The taste? Wonderful, actually much more delicious than I had anticipated and I enjoyed it all. Equally, my friend devoured his double smash burger with delight. He shared his fries and they were great. Throughout the visit, the bartender was very positive, friendly, and helpful. When you ask for the check, your bill is delivered within an old book, of which ours was the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries, nice touch. I'm glad we decided to duck into Gussie's on Morgan St in DTR and I hope to get to enjoy another visit soon!

I have been dreaming about going back for another burger since my visit. It is reminiscent of an in and out burger but even better as it's not fast food. Everything was mouth watering here. Service was friendly and a casual comfy vibe.

Cool bar vibe. Went on a Friday night around 7pm and it was pretty busy. All seating is first come first serve, but people were mozing in and out. They do serve food, our group ordered fried pickles and a couple cocktails. The drinks are definitely on the pricey side, and the overall vibe was a bit loud, but definitely would return.

This spot is neat. My mom and I stopped in for brunch and had a fun time. I ordered a mimosa and the biscuits & gravy which comes with a side of obrien potatoes. The food and service were both really good. I can't wait to return.

Fun and funky are the two best words describe this place! My friend and I stopped in for some champagne, and while there we were enticed by the delicious smells of the onion rings. With such a great atmosphere and staff, as well as a cool theme (think Nancy Drew), it's a must for a quick drink or a full meal.

What a cool spot! I loved the vibe as soon as I walked in. They have tables all around, but at least where I was seated you have to order at the bar and then they bring it to you. They also have a good number of patio tables as well. I tried out their orange cream homemade soda and it was freaking delicious. If you are looking for something non-alchoholic and refreshing, highly recommend giving that a try. For dinner I went with the bangers and mash. This is one of my favorite dishes to get when it's on the menu. It was tasty, but a little under seasoned, and I could have used a vat of that delicious gravy. My friend got the smashburger and that was spot on. I would definitely dig into that the next time I head in. I'd also give the animal fries a try next time. The servers/bartender were all friendly and I loved how they give you your receipt in an old book. Parking can get a little annoying over here, you either get super lucky or takes you a minute so plan ahead. Looking forward to heading in again.

Such a fun spot! I got the Superfoods salad and it was great! I love the atmosphere inside. The pickle cocktail was very refreshing!

Love the interior of Gussie's. They did an awesome job with the finishes. You order everything at the bar and they bring it out to you. Had a delicious tiki drink and a hazy IPA from a friendly bartender. We tried their twist on a caprese salad with pesto and walnuts, the smash burger which my husband loved, and the turkey melt which came out hot and delicious. The table server was also on point and refilled waters and cleared our table. Lovely that we can walk to this location and enjoy creative drinks and tasty bites. Only complaint was the faint sewer smell that seems to permeate this area!

Lots of gluten free options or things that can be made gluten free which is what I'm always looking for! I got the fish tacos on corn tortillas and they HIT! We also shared the Brussels sprouts and they were perfectly fried and had this really good sweet sauce. Outside seating it nice and you order up at the bar and choose your own spot. Nice place with friendly service, will be back!

Our book club met here on a Sunday afternoon. While everyone else enjoyed their coffees I got brunch! The pomegranate lemonade was a little too strong/sweet for me so I needed to add water to cut it down. I expected the salad to be bigger but it was more of a side salad. The server was accommodating with my request to add a protein on there and I got the shrimp added. Shrimp wasn't seasoned well for my liking but I know that was a last minute add. The rest of my table loved their coffees! One of my friends didn't enjoy her frose, the rum in it wasn't to her liking. Overall good ambiance and staff!

Two weeks ago me and my date came in and had two beers before arriving. They served me but they cut her off. Fair enough, it's your establishment. But the weekend before that. I witnessed one of the regulars insulting several people, including my friend in front of the same bartender. The tall woman with glasses and tattoos. And she just laughed and said that she was a regular. What's with the extreme nepotism and favoritism?

Beautiful ambiance, amazing mixologists, and great food, whether you're looking for a full meal or apps. Can't wait to come back.

We rely on Yelp for recommendations on new places to go. And Yelp for the win. Gussies is a great spot in Raleigh. Friendly staff, great cocktails and upscale (and good !) bar food. Highly recommend!!

Great drinks and food... love the ambience, made me feel like I was in a different city

We absolutely love Gussies! We've probably been upwards of 15 times already, truly. Their menu is always changing, with seemingly some staple items that remain the same (like the smash burger and brussels). Everything is amazing! We have never had a bad dish, which is incredibly impressive considering how often the menu is updated. They even had a themed menu in March for St. Patrick's Day, and all of the Irish options were fantastic. They have tiki Tuesday on Tuesdays as well. Highly, highly recommend.

Great burgers, fries and drinks. Homemade orange cream soda was a nice surprise. We really enjoyed eating here will be back.

My drinks were fabulous! Service was friendly and fast...very tentative. Atmosphere was unique and quirky. I'd visit again for sure.

We've already been twice and tried nearly everything on the food and drink menu. Everything has been wonderful. The place is beautiful and the owners and staff are top notch. For cocktails, we've loved the Fat Lip and Queen's Park Swizzle. For food we loved the burger, tacos, broccolini, pimento cheese balls.

Listen...you'll be hard pressed to find a better cocktail anywhere downtown. The staff is on point and so is the vibe. Feels like an old Raleigh neighborhood bar that's been reborn. And don't even get me started on the food. If you don't try the fried oysters...you've already lost. Can't say enough about this place. And they are just getting started. I'll be here everytime im in Raleigh. Period.

Gussie's is a new neighborhood spot for amazing drinks and bites! The atmosphere is so cozy and inviting and makes you want to stay awhile. The drinks and food are delicious! The staff is incredibly nice and attentive. I had the Fat Lip cocktail which is great as it comes across as creamy but also light and refreshing. Love the burger on the menu and the pimento cheese bites. Looking forward to going back!

I am blown away at what Gussie's has brought to the table! Raleigh has plenty of restaurants and bars, but Gussie's has brought something new and unique. Having lived in Raleigh for close to a decade, this is the first place that's made me want to become a regular. The food is fresh and made with local ingredients. The cocktails are unmatched. The ambiance is great for a date night, hanging with friends, or having a drink by yourself. I cannot boast enough about the service and the food. Gussie's is highly recommended to anyone wanting an over the top cocktail that won't break the bank and food that you'll still be thinking about days later.