Pelagic Beer & Wine

Person Street is really starting to blow up, with the addition of Pelagic which specializes in beer and wine [with an emphasis on the beer, go to Wine Authorities for wine]. Pelagic currently offers six drafts and a cooler full of beer (as well as non-​alcoholic bevies) to choose from.
So what sets Pelagic apart from the plethora (yes, plethora!) of bottle shops within driving distance? Definitely the location, they’re the first bottle shop in the Person/​Peace Street neighborhood. The atmosphere is also great: the small, but inviting space has comfortable seating, both indoor and out, exposed brick, industrial elements with bar seats as well as private tables. The six taps offered have a great variety, there’s always a cider on tap and they have some big names and vied for varieties, running $ 5-​$ 6 dollars and served in plastic 14oz glasses (although note to bartenders, please serve beer all the way to the top! While that tiny portion at the top doesn’t look like much, cap the top, turn a glass upside down and see how much you’re missing).
Overall, I think what sets Pelagic apart the most of the cozy atmosphere. I’ll stop by when I’m in the area again and am excited to see how they grow overtime.

Cheers to my new favorite little bottle shop in downtown Raleigh! Pelagic Beer & Wine is on Pace St & N Person Street nestled in between Mordecai & Oakwood. When you walk up to the open glass storefront, there are cute little patio sets and planters with wee little Christmas trees. When we went inside, I felt so at home with the warm colors, rustic wood, exposed brick, and simple designs. The openness and clean décor make it just such a charming cozy place… AND it’s dog friendly!
They have 6 taps of a good variety (a cider, a stout, an IPA, a pilsner, etc) so there’s always something for everyone. If you don’t like those, they have a few coolers full of beer! The singles are priced very well ($ 3 – 5) and there are six packs to go too. They even have vintage soda bottles (and Mexican Coke with real cane sugar!). They also have a great selection of wines, but I’m not a wino. The name and logo are so catchy (love the whale!) and their merch is great too, I’m hoping to get a hoodie that they just got in yesterday.
The name, Pelagic, means «pertaining to the open sea» and this refers to the owner’s love for the ocean– they even donate some of their profits toward ocean conservation. The owners, Matt & Tarek, have really put a lot of work into making this space work really well. Matt’s wife, Amanda, is charming & truly cares about the success of this place… she’s overjoyed by every compliment and feedback you provide. I love that!
FYI– this bottle shop is likely moving 2 stores down to the intersection of Person/​Pace St aaaaand rumored to have a rooftop patio!) so stay tuned in 6 months– I know I’m looking forward to that!

As the big chalkboard in this little bottle shop and bar reminds you, the definition of pelagic is «of or relating to the open sea.» This new little place that has popped up just off of Person Street on Pace Street reflects that in little ways and in doing so gives it a great charm and character.
Pelagic Beer & Wine is a good place to check out some great brews in a unique atmosphere. Lots of little things with sea or beach type feel… the barrels with burned in images of whales, the back sitting area that has much of a beach cottage type charm to it, the open feel of the whole shop… check out the pics I snagged. It definitely pulled a bunch of us in this weekend to check it out, so I guess it works, eh? We found many good brews to peruse and enjoy. They have their mix and match six packs with most of their cooler area, and a small area of the cooler for «enjoy there» at the bar if you’d like. They have some good stuff rotating on tap as well at the nice little bar mid store. I was pleased with the selections I saw and the Citizen Cider I ended up drinking that that I usually enjoy seeing up towards NYC. The owners/​staff were very eager to share their story of how they came about and gladly answered any questions we had. I enjoyed stumbling onto this new hidden gem and look forward to seeing them again in the future.
Bottom line: Pelagic Beer & Wine is a nice place to catch a brew or two there or take some home to enjoy later. Great charm and unique feel to this little place is its appeal. Pretty good selection both in the cooler section and the take home shelves. I enjoyed not only my beverage there but the interactions with the Pelagic owners/​staff. I am definitely a fan!