300 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Raleigh, being a college city, is no stranger to bars. Whether it is a relaxed dive bar or upscale cocktail lounge, there is no shortage of options for the beverage connoisseurs. Surprisingly, one of the best espresso martinis that we’ve found in Raleigh is not from a bar but from a BBQ restaurant.
Longleaf Swine is known for its whole hog BBQ. The owner and operator, Adam, and pitmaster Marc, bonded over their love of BBQ and together started a food truck business that became so popular that they were able to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2022.
The real gem of their menu is the espresso martini. If you enjoy a smooth, non-creamy espresso martini that gets better with every sip, then the espresso martini at Longleaf Swine BBQ is a must try. I am currently on a mission to find the best espresso martini in the triangle and this one is going to be hard to beat.
Another notable mention martini is the pickle martini. Made with vodka, spicy pickle juice, vermouth, and garnished with dill; it is a drink we never thought to try but we’re glad we did.
Longleaf Swine has indoor and outdoor seating with a nice, relaxed atmosphere. It is located a few streets away from Two Roosters, one of the best ice cream and date spots in Raleigh.