William & Company

Bar · Oakwood

William & Company

Bar · Oakwood

1

616 N Person St #1214, Raleigh, NC 27604

Photos

William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null
William & Company by null

Highlights

Tucked away in Oakwood, this cozy cocktail haven serves up stellar seasonal drinks amid a laid-back vibe and eclectic art, making it a local favorite.  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

616 N Person St #1214, Raleigh, NC 27604 Get directions

williamcobar.com
@willcobar

$10–20

Information

Static Map

616 N Person St #1214, Raleigh, NC 27604 Get directions

+1 919 335 3165
williamcobar.com
@willcobar
𝕏
@WillcoBar

$10–20

Features

payment credit card
reservations
wifi

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

"Oakwood favorite William & Company (known to regulars as WillCo) is a mashup of neighborhood dive and funky cocktail bar. Recent drink features included a rosemary vodka Collins, apple cinnamon Old Fashioned, and a berry mezcal smash. The cocktail offerings change frequently — regulars know to check Instagram to see not only what’s on the chalkboard for the evening but which of their favorite bartenders will be slinging drinks tonight." - Matt Lardie

Raleigh Best 12 Cocktail Bars Open Right Now - Eater Carolinas
View Postcard for William & Company

Carry Vaughan-Sprouse

Google
Didn't actually have any food but the drinks were really good! Especially the Edward Teach! Good vibes, great service. I had planned to go somewhere else for a quick drink but the place I was originally going to was, ironically, covered in kids so I backtracked to this place cause I'd seen it on my walk to the original location. Great place for a few good drinks!

Felicity Hoppes

Google
Have not gotten food here, but it’s one of my favorite bars in Raleigh. Always a diverse mix of people and drinks are great. Lively atmosphere, but also is a great date night spot.

Lindsey Harper

Google
Great atmosphere. Plenty of places to hide, hang out, stand around, etc. DJ was great. service was good and easy despite the bar being packed. Great drinks. Even some weird shit going on- I had a green curry infused drink that was adventurous and interesting. The drink menu was beautiful. Old standbys available too- but why wouldn’t you want a fun creation?! Overall a great experience and would absolutely return.

Rob Mihelic

Google
Great bar downtown. Good cocktails with a good crowd. Clean, nice, elevated experience here. It's definitely a go-to! Highly recommend.

Jordan S

Google
Been wanting to check this place out for a while and so glad I did! The service and drinks were great as well as the atmosphere. The elevated dive bar feel perfect for me these days. Will definitely be back!

dan smith

Google
Great spot for craft cocktails and one of my top five bars in Raleigh. Dog friendly, laidback vibe, and a neighborhood favorite. This place fills up with locals and regulars. But if you can find a spot at the bar or on one of the comfy couches you will be rewarded for your decision to come here.

Michelle Cohen

Google
Great atmosphere. This bar attracts all kinds of different people and the patrons are nice, that's what's so great about it. Not to mention the unique drink recipes. There's a back bar that has a whole different vibe than the front. Both are great. DJ on Saturday night is a good addition to this well designed unique place. You will have a lot of fun and love it here!

Amaisha Dunn

Google
This is a nice cozy establishment with good music and beautiful art pieces. The customer service is a 100/10 the owners and bartenders were very polite! Drinks are beautifully made and reasonably priced. I was recommended to try their delta 8 seltzers and they did not disappoint. Bathrooms were spotless and there was plenty of seating inside and outside.

Eric B.

Yelp
Great drinks, cool Day of the Dead vibe, friendly mixologists, nice ambiance, great service...I'd end my evening here anytime I'm in Raleigh for dinner. My wife and I will both be back.

Maryellen S.

Yelp
Very cool downtown Raleigh bar. Hip, urban vibe, but more upscale than hipster. Decor is interesting...the kind of place where you look at something, and then look closer and it looks different. They sell homemade tamales for about $5.00. Otherwise no food. Bring quarters so you can get something out of the art vending machine. The bar doesn't always have change.

Megan H.

Yelp
A dimly lit bar nestled on the outer edge of Oakwood adorned with hanging plants creates a witchy vibe and overall mysterious ambiance. The bar itself is has plenty of seating with fantastic bartenders and strong drinks. We will certainly be back for another bewitching experience at this enchanting cocktail bar. We 10/10 recommend the Edward Teach cocktail.

Erin W.

Yelp
Love this cozy neighborhood bar! It's our favorite spot for a drink because the bartenders are so nice and make a great drink. I love the dark witchy decor and fun art. They have cozy couches and outdoor tables on the sidewalk. They're also open almost every night which is so convenient for a random weeknight drink They have cheap and delicious tamales that are homemade too! Hidden In the back is a small tequila lounge with about 5 seating areas

Gianina G.

Yelp
Walked in and sat for 15 minutes without being acknowledged, while there were 3 bartenders visiting with each other behind the bar. They took time out to serve 3 people that came in before me. Walked out.

Amit N.

Yelp
Nice cocktail lounge in Raleigh, we enjoyed the ambiance inside! Service was quick and friendly. They have a relatively small menu of house cocktails, but I'm sure can whip up most classic cocktails upon request. We had the Go North and We Get Along Smashingly -- both were solid, although for me the latter had a lot of flavors that didn't really come through and were probably overpowered by the syrup. Still a great drink and would come back if I'm ever in the area!

Stacy A.

Yelp
A gem! Will Co is located in my favorite part of Downtown Raleigh and is one of the most pleasantly unassuming destinations in the city. From the top, it's get cradle decor. So much to look at it instantly makes an impression. PRO TIP: it may look like there's only outdoor and front bar seating but follow the hallway back for a second bar area! It's perfect for late night. They always have a rotating drink specials that are creative, stout, and delicious, and you can grab some tamales for $4-$5 if you get peckish. Pop in for a quick drink visit with friends, dance with the regular DJ pop up or anything in between. I always feel welcome and like anything is possible when I step through the doors! Highly recommended, especially if you visiting for the first time!

Adriana L.

Yelp
Nice and very good bar excellent service atmosphere! The drinks are very good presented and fancy which is nice

Tiffany L.

Yelp
Back bar is my new fav bar in Raleigh. The vibe is amazing. There are a few cute couches like the front room but back feels more intimate and not as loud. Great to have convos w friend or bring a hot date;) The drinks are delicious. We'd just come from another speakeasy in town and compared to that these drinks were even better. The bartender is so friendly and chill!!! Good vibes all around.

Boris I.

Yelp
Nice set up. Good place to hang out with friends. If cocktails are your thing they mix pretty good ones here.

Joseph T.

Yelp
The spot is iconic , fresh ingredients grown there. It's a whole vibe and a half , inside looks great , you'll have an awesome time

Lexi M.

Yelp
What a cocktail bar! A very nice intimate bar with an amazing cocktail menu. The bartenders are non stop slinging some great drinks and the vibes are chill. I tried the "We get along Smashing" cocktail and was completely impressed. The menu was short but the options were top notch. We will be back here again in the very near future.

Joe T.

Yelp
This place was great , drinks were fresh and the ingredients/garnishes were picked right there , fun atmosphere w/ 2 bars in one spot & diff speciality cocktails at each , great concept , great spot for strong drinks and fun convo , chill crowd too

Ryan K.

Yelp
Cute cocktail bar. William & Company is dimly lit with couches or stools available for indoor seating. Atmospheric music is played over the speakers at a comfortable volume. The bar is also environmentally conscious such that the straws for sipping drinks are made of hay. I enjoyed the old fashioned and the sazerac which I ordered. I would highly recommend William & Company and would be happy to return.

Virginia C.

Yelp
Champagne cocktails while you are waiting for a table next door for dinner? Yes - please. They have great lighting with bar and couch seats. They even have some good eats aka Tamales with your beer!

Eric L.

Yelp
It's an upscale dive bar. Sounds strange, but that's what I'll call it. Cozy space, friendly bartenders, and well made cocktails. The bartenders are not afraid to customize drinks to your preference. They also have a good selection of beer and wine. A great choice in this part of Raleigh.

Isabella L.

Yelp
Great drinks, cozy atmosphere. A little loud but not much else to complain about. I recommend grabbing a drink here and pizza at Oakwood Pizza Box next door

Stephanie J.

Yelp
Super excited to finally try William & Company! Friendly staff with great cocktails, Boyfriend and I tried the below: Round 1: Black Star Edward Teach - my personal fav Round 2: We Get Along Smashingly Blackberry Mojito - Boyfriend's personal fav There are a few restaurants within walking distance so that makes this spot a great place to grab a drink at before. Can't wait to return.

Lacy D.

Yelp
What a fun little cocktail bar! We went in on a Friday evening around 8pm to grab a drink while waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant. They had a short list of cocktails and beers and a few specials on the wall. My cocktail was a bit sweet for me, but I loved the glass it was served in! My husband got a yummy whiskey drink that was sooo smooth. The bar was a fun atmosphere! It was cozy and on the dark side and they had decorated for Halloween so it was really fun and festive. Cocktails were $12 each I think and totally worth it in my opinion.

Lindy P.

Yelp
I can't believe I haven't written a review of WilCo yet, it's by far one of my favorite cocktail bars in Raleigh!!! Located on North Person Street in downtown Raleigh, this cozy nook is the perfect spot for a post-dinner cocktail or three. Street parking can be challenging on weekends but you should Uber/Lyft here anyway! There are a few outdoor seats & the inside is small with 3 couch lounging areas & a bar that seats 10ish. I love how dimly lit & tastefully decorated it is! The bartenders are absolute rockstars, and so is the owner, Lily! She & Jillian rock that place. My favorite cocktail is a coffee old fashioned & they figured out how to make it just perfectly. In fact, they can whip up almost anything you want! They make their own fresh juices, mixes & such. They've got 3 beers on tap, fernet on tap, & a plethora of boozes. And, they always have fresh hot tamales when you need a little nite to eat :) They even have a house DJ on Friday & Saturday nights!! All in all, you should bump William & Company to the top of your list! It's a female-owned bar where you'll be sure to have a good time... and your night will only be even more interesting after you leave!

Penny S.

Yelp
So comfortable and inviting. Super drinks! Had a spring sangria special. Soooo good. Husband had a house margarita. Loved it!!!!! Bar was great. Couches along wall to hang out.

Jessica S.

Yelp
Willco (locals nickname) is an acquired taste. It's like the awkward uncle, you never know what your going to get. Sometimes it's a dj, sometimes it's loud noisy neighbors and sometimes it's a grown man in a unicorn onsie! But there will always be entertainment and cold beer :)

Tresa W.

Yelp
Love the space. Not feeling the dance club music. This place has more of the hipster cocktail music on Pandora, Or hipster barbeque.

Jin Y.

Yelp
Hands down the best neighborhood bar in Raleigh. I love Willco's ambient and relaxing atmosphere which is refreshing from countless downtown's loud college bars. Most people who come here are regulars or locals and they're super friendly. Drinks are amazing and very fair priced. The staff is the best part for me about Willco. All the bartenders are very approachable and great. If you come here couple of times you'd feel they're long time friends already. Bonus: Willco is across the street from The Station and Krispy Kreme. So if you get hungry it's just a few steps away to grab a freshly made donut or good bar food.

T C.

Yelp
Zero stars. Another sleepless night for my teenage kids and I thanks to this place. Another night of William and Co blasting music out into the street at 1 am, completely ignoring the noise ordinances laws.

Philip L.

Yelp
Coolest bar in Raleigh. The bartenders are friendly and easy to get to know. Delicious and unique concoctions created and served. The owner, Lily, is the bomb.

Matt K.

Yelp
William and Co is one of my favorite neighborhood bars. Lily, the owner, is hilarious and super sweet. My girlfriend loves their sangria or one of the bartenders, Gillian, usually makes something special for her. They have $2 tamales (and $2 tecate!!) that are banging, get them before the run out for the night. I'm excited for the taco cart to finally get up and running. We were there one night when they did a tasting and they were all awesome. Also, it is dog friendly so we like to take our pup with us sometimes!

Laurie V.

Yelp
Thanks to my friends on Yelp, I learned all about this sweet little spot. As it turned out, my favorite already has been here and loves it, so we ventured over on a rainy night. Lily, the owner, is the cutest little thing. She has a very jovial personality and puts a lot of thought and love into her drinks. She had been eyeballing this space for awhile (it once was an ice cream shop that was only opened odd hours), and she bought it when that ended. She tore it apart and recreated to make it her own. Exposed brick, and cozy seating. Craft cocktails and a variety of beers. I'm sold. There are also hot tamales there! They were hot! And they were delicious. Totally coming back again.

Mikey B.

Yelp
"Tucked away" in Historic Mordecai, along Person Street, sits the best cocktail bar in the 919. Hands down! It's loungy, it's chic, it's urban, it's cosmopolitan and I'm glad it's in Raleigh. Lily, the owner, former owner of a couple other Triangle restaurants, has somehow pulled off the classic cocktail lounge without the classic cocktail lounge stuffiness. But a cocktail lounge, isn't just about the lounge, its ultimately about the drinks. The cocktail menu can change on the daily. Fresh vegetables and fruits are brought in from the Farmer's Market in the regular and added to drinks. Bakers make dough fresh daily, William & Co is making drinks fresh daily. No one is being as creative in this area, no one. Most importantly, the drinks are fantastic. There are plenty of the classics available too, but if you want something creative and fresh, this is where you want to come.

lisa j.

Yelp
This is quite literally one of my personal favorites in Downtown Raleigh. Even when it's three deep at the bar, it's very chill. The staff behind the bar is friendly and the craft cocktails thoughtfully prepared. Order one of the featured concoctions listed on the wall, you won't be disappointed. When the weather is nice, head to the sidewalk and enjoy your selections there.

Apryl J.

Yelp
This is a great little spot offering craft cocktails, local artists, oh yeah...the tamales. Drop the mic...nothing more needs to be said. JUST GO!

Michele K.

Yelp
A great place to stop for a drink either before or after dining at one of the nearby restaurants. It was dark and intimate with cozy seating. The specialty cocktail list had some great options and the wine and beer list was extensive.

Ben R.

Yelp
One of my favorite Raleigh drinking spots. If you get there before the crowds it is a very chill spot to have a quality cocktail. Service is ALWAYS an A+! Drinks can be pricey, but they are worth it in my opinion! Definitely try a daily special, or the mojito - always solid! Overall, just a fun place to hang with friends!

Lynn C.

Yelp
Visited here for drinks prior to my dinner reservation at Crawford and son. I wasn't sure what to make of it on my arrival. Very hip and chic on the inside. But once I sat down, I was greeted warmly by the bartender and found this to be a very cozy and welcoming place. The bartender had some helpful info about the cocktail menu and I settled on one with prosecco and then a hot cider with whiskey, which I really enjoyed. Would love to go back. Would be great for a date but just as enjoyable for this #tableforone.

Susan V.

Yelp
What a fun fun night. What was supposed to be a final drink on a bar crawl ended up being a late night w fun drinks, disco, and dancing. Thank you WillCo! A memorable night for all.

Katharine D.

Yelp
A+ upscale bar for a comfortable cocktail. Swanky, cozy couches and chairs, friendly service, and unique cocktail menu and specials. I will have to go back again to get better acquainted with the place, but my first impressions are positive!

Peter N.

Yelp
For the past few years, Willco has been a favorite of ours for basically any occasion. Due to this, we set up a small engagement party and a wedding welcome party with Willco. Both private events were an absolute blast and Lily was wonderful to work with. Overall, Willco is a great space for a private event -- large or small -- and one of the best bars in Raleigh for any night of the week.

Nancy T.

Yelp
Ahh, suuuch a cute place with awesome drinks. A group of girlfriends and I got the perfect section with couch and mix matched chairs, 7 of us around the coffee table and chatting like we were in each others home. What a perfect place to decompress after work...cute little tables outside for furbabies and petparents, lots of bar seating and three couch sections that seat 8-ish ppl. Love this "hidden gem" and excited to go back. The "We get along smashingly" was my fave cocktail this evening. #drinkdrankdrunk

Katherine L.

Yelp
William & Co has everything I like in a cocktail bar. Delicious drinks? Check. Relaxing environment? Check. Fernet on tap? Check! We met a couple of friends, and even though it was crowded, we were able to grab a couch. William & Co seems like a great environment for young families - many had brought their children or babies, and games and activities are spread throughout the space. My blackberry margarita was incredible, and I could have spent all day enjoying it. They have tamales and the taco cart frequents, so it's an excellent choice for day of drinking. My only complaint (and maybe it's my fault) is that I went on National Tequila day so my perspective is potentially skewed. It was an early Sunday afternoon, but it was extremely loud and I saw too many bouts of drunkenness than I like to see during that time of day (I'm talking about you, man who crashed into a table, breaking glasses and spilling on a family). Everything else was excellent, but that put me off, especially when the man continued to stumble around after the incident. I really am looking forward to my next outing here (I'm still eyeing my fernet), and I'm anticipating an even better experience.

Chris S.

Yelp
If Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson from Parks & Rec) was transformed into a bar, he would be William & Company. This bar's vibe resonates with me. It is decorated like I wish my man-cave was decorated. It is a compact rectangle of a bar fitted with varnished hand-finished woods, industrial brushed nickel & steel fixtures, unfinished brick walls, and comfy couches. It even has Cards Against Humanity and other games tucked under the tables. It has a thoughtfully-stocked beer menu that purposely gives you a choice rather than over-stocking the proprietor's favorite type. And yet, I absolutely loved everything I tried there - as if my alter-ego had stocked this bar and I didn't know it. If this bar could walk around, it would hand-carve wooden canoes before 9am and never bring it up in conversation later. It's masculine and doesn't apologize for it. But yet, William & Company is not macho. It is very confident in having feminine touches. It has civilized restrooms, has fresh cut flowers on tables, has smart cocktails that will please those who prefer a sweeter beverage, blankets for gentler constitutions against the strong air-conditioning, fresh fruit, fine quality liquors, and fresh tamales for the peckish. Just be prepared for your drinks to take a bit extra time to deliver. Smart cocktails need skill and care to make. This isn't cheapo non-brand white spirits in the well haphazardly swilled with sticky Bols mixers. This is a gentleman's bar. Thieves and children run, but gentlemen do not.

Steve K.

Yelp
We stopped in for a drink while waiting for our table next door at Crawford & Sons. William and Co was super cool inside with excellent drink options and a great friendly staff. The decor was very comfy, not too loud which made for easy conversation, and decorated very cool. We will def be back when by that neighborhood. It's across the street from Krispy Kreme.

Victoria M.

Yelp
I loved the atmosphere. I love the food although it was kinda pricey. I would def like to come back and visit!

Lauryn C.

Yelp
I don't want to write this review because I want to keep this place a secret, I want it all for myself. I know I'm selfish what can I say. I heard some rumors about William & Company opening and I found the perfect opportunity to check them out. Now I need someone to find me a place to live in Oakwood so I can make this my neighborhood joint. The only way to describe this place is cozy. You immediately feel the warmth when you walk in. Lily the owner is so sweet and knows how to make you feel welcome. Grab a seat at the bar or on one of their cozy chairs. The place is dog friendly so bring your fur friends when you are out on the town. I throughly enjoyed my glass of Malbec and I'm looking forward to trying some of the amazing cocktails they offer, like the cherry old fashion! They make all their own syrups for their cocktails. The even had a hot cider while I was there this weekend, which is perfect for this colder weather upon us. Did I mention they have tamales? Yes they have a tamale cart that's not up and running yet but they do offer tamales in the bar yay!! Such a great addition to Oakwood and I've definitely found my new hideaway.

Samantha K.

Yelp
This is a great place to spend a low key night and have a great cocktail. The bartenders are fantastic and the atmosphere is very chill. I didn't find something on the cocktail menu that I really wanted, but that was no problem. I told the bartender I wanted something fruity with vodka and she made me the most delicious raspberry basil drink! She was so friendly and accommodating and really knows how to make a fantastic drink! I will definitely be back

Brice P.

Yelp
A great local bar that has a laid back atmosphere, amazing local art that changes every time I'm here, and board games to even keep a group occupied. The beer selection is never a disappointment while the cocktail list is unique and the daily features are a go-to for the indecisive. I can't wait to try their tacos on Tuesday.

Brandi G.

Yelp
FINALLY! An awesome bar in my neighborhood! I checked this place out with a friend last night and absolutely loved it. Great prices for drinks, a really fun and friendly bartender AND they have self serve water (with cucumbers, etc in the water) which was a MAJOR win. Really liked the décor and atmosphere as well. Will be back soon!

Ryan W.

Yelp
Just stopped in for a quick cocktail before meeting coworkers for dinner. Nice, small venue... was dimly lit and they were setting up for an employee's bday party. I was on the earlier side (6pm-ish) so not a lot of folks there. Sat at the bar and had a delicious hand-crafted old fashioned with rye and some blueberry garnish I believe. Would def. go back next time I'm in town!

Lauren B.

Yelp
Loved this place and my experience there! The staff was AWESOME and went above and beyond for my birthday there. The drinks were on point too. Will definitely be back and possibly even found my new favorite spot in Raleigh!

David L.

Yelp
If only this place would be a few more, and better, beers on tap it would be stellar. As is, it's biggest strength for a beer lover is the atmosphere and the rocking chairs out front. It's definitely a classy place with a certain speakeasy vibe. Dimly lit at night, softer/trance like music sometimes = instant relaxation, not unlike chugging bottle of NyQuil :)

John H.

Yelp
Very cool spot and vibe - esp for Raleigh. DJ spins cool tunes. Funky spot with a few outdoor sidewalk seats on a nice night. And, if you want to close the night with some sweetness, look no further than Krispy Kreme across the street.