Isaac Hunter’s Oak City Tavern

Apparently this venue is soon closing.
It is a little «college-​esque». Historical meets divey. More on the divey side, compared to sayyyyy… the Landmark or some of the other downtown bars.
I was a little confused about the history– I didn’t realize the original Isaac Hunters’s was a little shack in New Bern, where important political decisions were made. THIS Isaac Hunter’s was named after that and opened in 2009 during the downtown Raleigh renaissance, but it wasn’t «the» Isaac Hunter’s.
I’m sure another venue will replace it. Location is great and it’s convenient for those of us who live downtown. I was there last night for a friend’s birthday, and it was a beautiful spring night and an easy walk from my little flat. (Yes, I called it a «flat», but that’s way more fun than saying «apartment»).
Allegedly, at this bar they also serve the «cherry bounce», a fermented cherry drink that was served during the Prohibition. (Please correct me if my facts are wrong about this). So I guess I had better hurry up and get over there to try that.
I didn’t get to know you very well Mr. Hunter, but I am sad to see you go.

IH does remind me of the old Irish pubs I used to frequent back in Hoboken, NJ. Has a nice ambiance to it, feels welcoming. The crowd really seems to depend on when you get there. It’s predominately 20ish working people but not a college bar. They usually have decent beer specials although I do tend to agree with other reviewers about the prices.

Issacs rocks! We are there almost every Friday night. The only downside is that their big buck hunter game doesn’t always connect to the internet-​that sucks. Super friendly staff. It gets a little too crowded for me some nights-​too much of a college crowd– so we try to get there early.

Went on a Sunday and it was dead also there are no shuffleboard tables. I’m sure it could be a fun place with some friends.

After contacting Isaac Hunter’s, I received an email explaining the details behind the living social fiasco. I felt that the management was genuinely apologetic, and truly regretted the incident. They offered me a discount in order to encourage me to try the «martinis and masterpieces» event. We went, and very much enjoyed ourselves. The artist who led the class was friendly, encouraging, and an excellent instructor. The bar staff and management took excellent care of us. We thank them for taking the time to correct a difficult situation, and we plan to return,

Going through the trend of reviews right now, and I find them echoing my own, that Issac Hunter has been on a slow but noticeable decline. My friends described this place as «historic» and «old school» and «convenient neighborhood pub» and even «picturesque.» Where is this place they are describing? That’s not what I see lately.
Perhaps I just don’t understand the charm and the draw here. You see «historic» hole in the brick wall, I see low maintenance. The stenciled beautifully bathroom is now worn and very used. Every popular pub has a characteristic, so what does a bar that has very limited seating, with Skee Balls game and Deer Hunter machine?
Maybe Sir Isaac and myself just don’t see eye to eye.

Like many of my reviews, I cater more towards the nightlife aspect of bars and not so much the lunch/​happy hour. I’m giving this a 2.5 but rounding up because the bar actually looks great from the outside as well as inside and the service is spectacular. The bartenders were all attentive and I never had an issue getting a drink.
As far as Friday nightlife goes, Isaac Hunters could do a lot better with their image. It seems like the style of the bar (dimly lit but classy and authentic) clashes with the underwhelming makeshift dance floor/​light effects and Top40 hip-​hop they play on Friday nights. I’m all about dancing and having a crazy time but the setting just doesn’t work for me.
I understand a lot of places on Fayetteville Street must cater to the bar hoppers and clubbers on the weekends, and some bars pull it off, while others should stick to their laid-​back atmosphere.
I would like to see how Isaac Hunter’s is on a weekday evening/​night and I’ll update my review accordingly, but as far as a weekend spot, I’m looking elsewhere.

3 stars on average.
Happy hour: 4 stars. Nice folks, not crowded, happy to have your business.
Late night on a weekend: 2 stars. It’s the perfect spot if you recently moved out of the frathouse because mom refused to pay your tuition for a sixth year, so now you’re very unhappily adjusting to pushing a mouse for a state legislator and wearing dockers to work every day, and you need to meet a woman to bear your children and bring you beer while you yell at the football team on television. Kind of like the central north carolina version of the jersey shore. If that fits you, have at it… otherwise, go to the Landmark instead.

I would have not found this place had the Raleigh Times employee who was working at Escazu not suggested it. I love how businesses are supportive of each other. It’s always a good sign when a girl suggests whiskey specials– had to go check it out myself.
I think I like the crowd (or lack of it) on the weekdays. It looks like it could be a fairly busy party scene during the weekends. Its much more mellow and kickback on the weekdays, easy to sit at the bar and order and chat with the bartender (much more my speed).
Can’t really beat the $ 4 maker’s mark shots, and $ 3 Evan Williams…
I usually do Buffalo Trace, Bulleit Bourbon or Knob Creek, but tried some Woodford Reserve (decent, sharp edge), Bernheim Original (a straight wheat whiskey at 90 proof, needs a cube to open it up) and a new favorite, 46 Maker’s (94 proof but very smooth and easy to drink).
They have a full bar, with a variety of alcohol, so whatever you are in the mood to drink, it doesn’t have to be whiskey. Bartenders were not pretentious and made the environment inviting. Definitely a place to stop by.

This has become my definitive after-​work bar. Great beer selection (and $ 3 spin-​the-​wheel mystery pints on Tuesdays!). Great laid-​back atmosphere. Great people-​watching opportunities at the tables outside. Nice and entertaining (if occasionally absent) bartenders. Foos ball and shuffleboard inside, corn hole outside (if you’re inclined toward any of those activities — I prefer just drinking). Cool art on the walls. Free wi-​fi. Variety of seating options.
Wish they had food, but that’s about all that’s lacking. (P.S. — why is that a thing at so many bars in Downtown Raleigh? FEED ME.)

Isaac’s was pretty cool. Once again, I didn’t sit inside so I cannot review the atmosphere. Outside was nice, there were lots of people and a few were playing that NC game where you have a ramp with holes in it and you try to get beanbags into the holes… puckchaw? LOL. Anyway. The drinks were awesome, the cute little waitress was the best and the prices were reasonable. Nice location downtown and great service the entire night.

Ahh, to be young again and have a place like Isaac Hunter’s around! When you look inside the place it looks old school with lots of polished woods, exposed ceiling and history but a bar is not a bar because of what it looks like but more often who hangs out there. From what I can see, Isaac Hunter’s primary demographic is a young’un, maybe about 25 or so. Somebody that enjoys corn-​hole, shuffleboard and Wii. Not that I don’t like any of those activities or people, it’s just that you gotta know what to expect when you visit. I’ve also been at Isaac Hunter’s right after work and the scene is a bit different.
Overall I like the place, the space and the service but for whatever reason, Isaac Hunters is not a primary destination for my adult bevvy needs. But I tell you what, it was my happy home for three hours after the Raleigh Scavenger Hunt! So pass me over a Jäger-​bomb and I’ll enjoy Isaac Hunters for what it is, a solid bar and decent place for a beer…

I played shuffleboard for the first time here, there was a group of hardcore players at the time butthey didn’t mind me playing as a beginner. They have a wii, which wasn’t working the day I went, although I was pumped to play wii bowiling :(
I was happy that they served Heineken a lot of bars I’ve been to around hear don’t so that was a plus. I liked the atmosphere here overall, I always love a bar with games!

We went here for a post-​dinner drink on a weeknight and were treated as if we wandered into a place where we weren’t welcome. The bartender was borderline rude with zero personality and the first thing she said to us was «we don’t serve food here.» Needless to say, that was off-​putting.
We ordered a couple beers anyway and they were pretty overpriced.
I really liked the set up with the couches and everything and I could see it being a cool, laid back post-​work happy hour spot. But not sure I’m up for returning after that first experience.

I have been to Isaac Hunter’s Oak City Tavern a few times for networking events such as Media Leaders, and meetup events, and also just to hang out with friends. All my visits have been enjoyable. It’s great for business type meetings because the place is quite large and it’s easy to move around and mingle. Also it’s a classy joint with couches and art on the wall. Late at night on the weekend, the tavern perks up with old school jams mixed in with some of the current stuff over some loud speakers. If you are feeling «gamey», there is also shuffleboard table.
The bar itself is long and shiny with plenty of seating and the bartenders for the most part have been friendly and attentive. Somehow I missed out that there were hooks available for your purse that other reviews have mentioned. How could I have missed that! Some of the female bartenders are quite attractive and for some reason, this makes the beer taste better! They have a lot of varieties of beer available including on tap and in the bottle. Some of the on-​tap beers are a little pricey, but hey it’s quality suds you are consuming here. Also, it looked like they had plenty of liquor. I did try a shot or two there once, so they can satisfy your shot and mixed drink craving as well. If you want a glass of wine, they have that too. Not sure about the wine selection, since I haven’t tried any of their wine offerings.
They don’t serve food, so plan to eat before or afterwards. There are plenty of places along Fayetteville for that. The location is great, right near the Capitol building. This is a decent place to watch a game if you can grab a seat at the bar, but definitely not a «sports bar». Parking is available close by which is convenient.
Again, Isaac Hunters is a great place to hold a networking group or to meet out with friends and hang out. They are active on Twitter (@HuntersOakCity) and other social sites such as Facebook and Foursquare. Good way to connect and keep abreast of events and specials.

After visiting Isaac Hunter’s for a Unilocal!event, I am looking forward to going back on my own. The bartenders had some very inventive cocktail ideas, they have shuffleboard, the couches were very comfy, and outdoor seating right on Fayetteville St. = all reasons I really like this place!
I can’t believe how long Isaac Hunter’s has been a downtown Raleigh staple, and how long downtown Raleigh has been a staple in my life, and this was my first time here. Can’t wait to go back, and YES the purse hooks on the bar are a wonderful treat!

I really enjoyed this place. Lots to do, but with a classy feel; not like a sports bar. The cornhole outside is awesome with the outside seating when the weather is nice. And the old capital building is just down the street and makes for good scenery.
Highly recommend!

I was fortunate to experience IHOCT through an OYE this past week (mid week) and I was very impressed. I can easily say that this is one cool venue in the northern part of the Fayetteville Street area and that I plan to frequent this place with some of my out-​of-​town buddies soon!
I like this place. Why? After living in Las Vegas for a few years, I was always disappointed by the lack of a good neighbourhood pub/​tavern that didn’t just center on video poker — trust me, you’d have to drive at least 30 – 45 minutes to Boulder City or elsewhere to get that kind of a vibe! In a city of 2 million, LV bars suffered from too much video poker and lame beer selections. Not so here.
IHOCT has character and a small but local-​centric tap w/​one slot reserved for PBR. What, PBR??? I know, I know… you either hate or love PBR. I’ve grown to love it with Lone Star and other crappy beers mostly out of nostalgia. Regardless, if you don’t drink, you’ll love the back gaming area with 2 shuffle boards, a dart board and… yes, it’s the 21^st century… Nintendo Wii! How cool is that?
One note on parking (if you’re unfamiliar w/​the area), we use the free lot (after 5pm) on Edenton and Wilmington right next to the Museums. Pretty close and def. walkable (5 minutes). Also, they don’t serve food yet… so you’ll have to become a member of a secret society to drink.
While this may not have the crazy ADHD beer personality of The Flying Saucer, it definitely has a relaxed neighbourhood pub feel and is a great addition to the Raleigh downtown area! I’d come here more often… if only I lived closer!

This could be my place where everybody knows my name. I feel like I could walk in and they would say, «Hey Psalm, how ya doin’? The usual?» By the way, the usual would be some fruity girl beer (I’m working on it, okay!?)
Anyway, my first introduction to Isaac Hunter’s was the Elite event this past week, and I was über-​impressed. Love the décor, the bar was beautiful, the giant windows overlooking Fayetteville street is great for people-​watching, or Great Dane-​watching in this particular case. The exposed brick is a nice touch, the painted tables, and is that a Wii I spy? There is also a shuffleboard table and some darts. I think I was seriously most impressed with the bathroom. As Christina G. stated, it’s stenciled beautifully and the sink is AWESOME! I started to pull out my camera to just take a picture of the amazing walls, but someone walked in and I felt like a creeper.
It’s clean, it’s lovely, and I will be back.

Great new location on Fayetville Street. The bar décor looks great, and the shotgun style layout works well for the space.
Lots of local beers on tap, with the possibility of a second tap system to come with more local brews. Lots of variety in bottles as well.
The back area has a dining table, couches, shuffle board, fooseball, darts and a LCD TV with its on surround sound system and Wii hooked up. The vibe around the TV area makes you feel like you’re in your own living room. They leave the remote out, which I like, for groups to flip through DirecTV and find something they want to watch, instead of bothering the waitstaff over and over again.
There are menus out for a local food delivery spot, not sure if they’re planning on bringing in a kitchen, guess time will tell.
Nice location at the top of Fayetville by the capital building. It gets busy after work, then opens up a little bit before the late night crowd rolls in. Not sure if they’ll having seating outside during the warmer months.