Mosaic Wine Lounge

Great drinks… Music… Hookah… looks dingy from the outside but don’t be fooled. check it. You will not be disappointed!

Awesome place to hang out with group. They serve fast and the mixed plate was really good. We had so much fun!

I recently started a Meetup group for women of all ages. My main criteria for the group is fun, shenanigans, and anything but typical or boring activities. So I chose Mosaic (a favorite of mine) for our first get-​together, and they were very accommodating to our group. GM Daniel was laid-​back and knowledgeable about the wines (easily taking care of 40+ people at once), the music was flowing, and the vibe was right on point. The layout is conducive to both mingling and hanging out in smaller groups, and the décor is lounge-​y and relaxed. They opened early, offered us some great drink specials, and made sure the event was a success. I’ve often been there with friends, but this was also a very successful place for a special event.

House music Wednesday! House music Wednesday’s. In love! Very neat and laid back bar!

Mosaic, how I love you! Such a romantic and intimate space hidden in the midst of downtown. The bf and I have enjoyed copious glasses of Pinot Noir and great conversation in such a chic South Asian setting.

I’ve walked by Mosaic Wine Lounge who knows how many times, and it took me until last night to walk inside. It gives off an odd vibe from the outside, and always screamed club lounge rather than wine lounge. And who knows, maybe on the weekends, it does turn into a club; there’s a great space for a dance floor, DJ mixing music [even on a Wednesday night!] and the first piece of artwork you glance at upon enter is of a women’s NAKED chest. BUT, if you can get over the feel and walk in with open arms for a new experience, I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
We visited on a Wednesday night for their ‘hump day’ special (FYI I don’t think they actually call it a hump day special). $ 5 glasses of wine, ½ off bottles (most run $ 30 regularly), a $ 5 wine tasting at 8pm and a $ 5 catered buffet. We walked in right at 8pm and the place was jamming! There’s a much OLDER singles group that meets at Mosaic once a month apparently, and we just so happened to plan our date night perfectly with their wine social. Other than feeling very young, we still managed to order a glass of wine while we waited for the wine tasting to start (FYI, it actually started about 8:25p). We walked out to the patio (only reachable through the front door, and walking around the building) while we waited.
Although it started late, the wine tasting was great, and I’d definitely return in the future to do another. The man hosting the tasting is a distributor and has been hosting these events at Mosaic for 4+ years. He was having fun, which led us to have fun and made for a great experience. The tastings usually include 3 – 4 different wines, and a couple «bonus wines». We tried a Sauvignon Blanc from Spain, a red from Moldova, a Pino Noir, a Resiling, a Tempranillo and a handful of others. They certainly weren’t all great wines, but it was great to have a variety. I’d definitely put this place on your long-​term list of local places/​activities to do.

Mosaic is a pretty spacious set up. Has a few different rooms and little lounge alcoves. I stopped in for the Wednesday wine tasting that starts at 8pm. For $ 5 I tried four wines. Nice. If you are hungry, they do a buffet around 7pm. I’m not a fan of buffets but thought I’d let you know.
If wine isn’t your thing, Mosaic has a decent line up of taps so don’t shy away if you are the only hops oriented one in the group. Also, it’s worth noting that Mosaic has a hookah lounge outside that looks like something out of Arabian Nights and it has a DJ that plays there on the regular mostly spinning house or electronic music.

I headed to Mosaic on a Saturday night around 11 for some dancing. Its been on my list awhile to check out but I don’t get to Raleigh much anymore. I’m from Durham which has a very «come as you are» social vibe, so I was definitely concerned about pretentious atmosphere /​dress code /​phony stuff like that.
No worries at all in that department. There is definitely a lot of the «Raleigh Nightlife Uniform» going on (bros + blondes in platforms) but nice variety, even saw some sad sucker in shorts and flipflops who spent 2 hours staring at his friend dance. :(Dude. You don’t Bring Flip Flops to a Dance Floor. #fail
Bouncer was pleasant, no line, not a lot of smokers in front. So I sat at the bar to grab a drink and get a feel for the dance floor. Manhattan served in a Martini glass. Ok. Odd (is it 2004?) but whatevs, and actually tasted great. When I asked for my second drink I got all dicky about it and asked for a proper glass and the bartender was very accommodating. I actually think he shrugged and was like «yeah… my boss buys the glassware, what can I do? he’s cheap.»
Waited around for the dance floor to heat up. Never did. I could go on a rant here about American people not dancing (especially straight white men. wtf dudes?) but that would bore you. So I’ll just say the night I went the dance vibe is very… um… wedding reception? I guess? The entire night groups of 4 – 5 girls would dance in a circle for 10 minutes, then disappear. And the dudes are on the sidelines like it’s a junior high dance. Maybe I caught in on the slow night? So me and a few other people had to hold the floor down and give the DJ some appreciation.
DJ is fine. He plays a predictable mix of hits you’ll recognize, from the 80s, 90s and beyond! (sounds like a radio advert doesn’t it?). Very safe on the night I went, but… passable, and danceable (if you’re not a American Male). Maybe they have better (more newer /​local) music nights? Dunno. Again, like I said — think «wedding reception». Hey… maybe there was a reception?
I left around 1:45 and the crowd was pretty thin inside — nobody at the bar, a few people outside. There is a lounge /​hookah area outside which looked dope. Seems to be kindof competing with the club, but it’s the same place?
Pros: Passable Manhattan. Good DJ. Nice bouncer. Non pretentious.
Cons: Not really a proper «club» atmosphere.

Mosaic is a pretty good place, though it depends on the night. They normally do have good DJs that matches the vibe/​atmosphere pretty well. The music ranges from their techno/​house music festivals to some local artists. The place does have a good patio/​outdoor seating area as well a more intimate/​cozy couch area adjacent to the bar.
This would be an optimal area for an older/​mature/​sophisticated audience looking for a place to relax and enjoy a few drinks and company (especially the couch and patio area).
The drinks are pretty consistent (based on numerous visits) and service is good. It would be an ideal place to visit for a relax evening with friends and even better with a date.

The place has a nice feel to it. The music is catchy and fun. The wait staff for hookah on the outside patio was a little negligent; we sat for about 20 minutes before we decided to chase a waitress down; this was after asking one where we could sit to begin with. The bartender inside the was not terribly helpful. — A disappointing first visit.

Mosaic is fun and cool spot. I had a good time chilling out there Saturday night. People were enjoying themselves and the vibe was really nice. They were pumping the EDM all night. I took a star off for the bouncer approaching me and a friend of mine really aggressive when we walked up. I know he has a job to do, but you can politely ask to see my ID. It didn’t bother me, but it did my guest. I will go back because I like the vibe.

I love this place. The best dj’s but I love when dj gifted 6 is playing. The vibe is always cool and the people are friendly. This is definitely a «dance» spot.

Great atmosphere, good patio, bar area and fantastic couch area upstairs.
This is definitely a place to go with friends or with a date.

Ahh. Had more than a few wild nights at this place. The ambiance is great if you catch it at the right time on the right night. The ceilings are low, as is the lighting. It can make for an intimate night with friends or a special someone.
If you have been considering it. Go and check it out!

Very cool spot. Laid back like me. I like the couches in the back and the patio. Take ya lady here for a nice night out and have some drinks.

I love this place. The sound system, staff, and vibe are all amazing. Everyone has off days, so id disregard the negative reviews, its not usually like that. Glad to hear about all the amazing changes that are soon going in to effect.
Uhhh also not to mention this venue has hosted some AMAZING world renowned talent.

Mosaic is beautiful on the inside with the Morrocan-​ish vibe, the cozy low-​sitting couches, the red-​hue decorations, the interesting and globally-​inspired artwork. This lounge has great potential. However, every time I come here I just feel so disjointed; the crowd, if there are any people there, seem weird and unfriendly and the music is never anything to write home about. I went there during their «international music» week expecting some music that might have been more interesting and/​or live but it was just a DJ spinning some non-​descript tunes. Or was there even a DJ? I don’t know.

I have to admit that I’m never super impressed with the drinks in comparision to the prices. I do have to say though, the bartenders have always been nice and courteous.
Maybe this place can pick up and improve but I’m just not down with the whole vibe of at the moment– something is missing. It needs some element of liveliness.

I’ve been here a couple times. Each time for a private event/​party. Interesting place, but really seems like it’s not for me. As others have said, it’s well laid out and decorated. Seating is either at the bar or lounging on couches throughout the place.
Parking is very limited unless one is willing to pay for parking in the garage across the street.
The place is set up for a DJ and dancing, and the wine selections are pretty good. The outdoor lounge area provides a place for smokers and doubles as a Houkah Lounge. As others have mentioned, when a train goes by, it gets unbearably loud. When the music starts, one can forget conversation, because it just becomes shouting to try to compete with the decibel level.
I can’t say I understand what all the fuss is about and what makes the venue so popular. I’d call it okay, but nothing really special, and maybe that’s just from my limited exposure and being limited to private events.

I recently found out this place held Wine tastings on Wednesdays. But when I came across a Whiskey class, there was no doubt about my attendance.
Katherine from Southern Wine and Spirits was a goddess.
Not only did she know more about Whiskey than most people I know but she provided a flight of tastings and educated us. She was knowledgeable and charismatic. I kinda wanted to take her and keep her in my bar at home, like my personal connoisseur.
There was no RSVP for this and I was surprised because who wouldn’t want to drink whiskey over some noggin on whats in the cup? Fancy time.
I slipped myself to the end of the bar as I was offered to join the flight for $ 15. And ofcourse I did. Which also includes your choice out of two souvenir glass cups to take home. (See picture I posted to see which I chose) The class lasted about 40 minutes of straight insight which including history, process and how to’s.
Overall, this was a great experience and I look forward to another one. Even the wine tastings… I even made friends in which I did not let slip through the cracks and got them to sign up to Unilocal.;)
Whiskey flight included:
Jim Beam — Black-​Doubled aged 8 yrs
Makers S Mark 46
Knob Creek — single barrel 9 yrs
Red Stag Black Cherry
Red Stag Honey Tea
Knob Creek Rye

As the Duke of Mosaic Wine Lounge, I can’t believe it’s been two plus years since my initial FTR so it’s time for an update, baby! It’s still a five-​star lounge for me and still the only place I know that has a cool, SF-​like vibe and here’s why:
Inside the décor hasn’t changed much, the Middle-​Eastern themed space is still great! Nice bar, small dance floor with two main seating areas full of stuffed couches and pillows. Lush and rich, you can get on with some serious snuggling action if you’d like. Outside the canopied and curtained booths are great, just don’t wander off to the train tracks in a wine-​laden stumble…
Service is still solid but I miss my favorite bartender, Ashley who was both über-​cute and super efficient. The owner Samad is a wonderful host and welcomes people one-​by-​one and will remember you. The crowd is still cool and mixed, you’ll see all shades and colors here which is nice. Not too many pop-​collars or dragon-​shirts although they’ll drop in from time to time. Mostly a cool, laid-​back and sometimes flirty crowd, me likey!
The music here at Mosaic can be quite good ranging from their techno/​house music festivals where DJ’s are flown in, to local artists like LizH. There is rarely ever a cover charge and if you happen to hit free wine-​tasting night on Wednesday along with FREE music, cha-​ching! You hit the jackpot! And the catered buffet after the wine-​tasting is an awesome deal for $ 7. So in the end, Mosaic still is a GREAT place for a relaxed evening of chatting, lounging and dancing if you want. And I hope it stays that way because for the most part, it’s one of the few chill places on S. Glenwood that has a minimum of pretension and Jersey Shore attitude…