With RTP, Cary and the Apex business parks minutes away, “where do we take the team?” comes up every quarter. Here are the best bars for a team outing or corporate happy hour in Apex and Cary, ranked for groups of eight to eighty.
At a glance
- Aqua Vitae, Apex – reserved sections or full lounge, cocktails, whiskey tastings, zero-proof options. Best for client dinners and leadership teams.
- Southern Peak Brewery, Apex – long tables, pizza, beer. Best for casual all-hands.
- Sports & Social Cary – games and screens. Best for large, young teams.
- Bond Brothers Beer Company, Cary – big taproom. Best for beer-first groups.
- The Backyard Bar, Apex – pool and bands. Best for an informal Friday.
1. Aqua Vitae – private evenings for teams
Aqua Vitae is the venue when the outing needs to impress: a reserved section or the whole lounge, a curated cocktail list, guided whiskey flights as an activity, small plates passed around, and a serious zero-proof menu so non-drinkers are included rather than tolerated. Live jazz can be booked for the evening. Ten minutes from Cary and twenty from RTP, with easy parking.
Read about private events or request a quote.
2. Southern Peak Brewery Taproom & Pizzeria
Communal tables and shareable pizza make it easy for a casual team lunch or early happy hour.
3. Sports & Social Cary
Fenton’s big entertainment venue: games, giant screens and space for a crowd.
4. Bond Brothers Beer Company
One of Cary’s best-known breweries, with a large taproom and outdoor space for groups.
5. The Backyard Bar
For an informal Friday: pool, food trucks and a band.
Planning tips
Book three weeks out for Thursday or Friday. Ask for a set drinks menu to control the bar tab. Make sure the venue has zero-proof options – at Aqua Vitae they are a full menu. Open seven days: Monday to Wednesday 4–11 pm, Thursday 4 pm–midnight, Friday and Saturday noon–midnight, Sunday noon–11 pm.
FAQ
Can we rent a bar in Apex for a company event?
Yes – Aqua Vitae offers full-venue private evenings and reserved sections.
Is there a corporate happy hour venue near RTP that is not a chain?
Aqua Vitae in Apex is about twenty minutes from RTP and independently owned.