Bird’s Nest at Blackbird Brewery

Bird’s Nest is a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge on Rogers Branch Road in Wake Forest, in the same complex as Blackbird Brewery. It is 21 and over, and the room is built for sitting a while.

Cocktails are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the bar’s own syrups, shrubs and infusions, all made from scratch. Boutique wines, mocktails and Blackbird’s beers are on the list too, so a group does not have to agree on one thing. The cocktail menu puts modern twists on classics and runs a seasonal feature.

What to know

• Seating is a mix of reservations and walk-ins, and a table can be booked ahead.
• Bar seats and patio tables are always kept for walk-ins.
• If the lounge is full, staff take names and call when a table opens.
• Gift cards are sold for anyone who wants to send someone in.
• The beer poured here has won awards for the brewery next door.