Bolt's concept is to bring a chic, clean, approachable, and affordable dining experience to Downtown Raleigh.
The chefs have worked on developing a true bistro menu utilizing many local ingredients.
For a busy downtown professional, Bolt offers a great lunch where many items, soups, salads & sandwiches for under $12. Served understanding the time restraint by our professional guests.
Our industrial chic space is fit for great afternoon gathering that offers a selection of bites, 25 + wines by the glass, many choices of craft draft and bottled beer, and our signature drinks.
Our private dining with private elevator entrance and bar is fit for any gathering, corporate or social.
Bolt's heated outdoor patio is the only one available on Fayetteville Street.
"I was in Raleigh on business and chose Bolt Bistro for our group of 4. It was a beautiful night, so we sat outside and watched the passersby. Everyone enjoyed their food, a couple of us had the shrimp and grits which were great. The setting was really nice, waitress was attentive-food and drinks came promptly but not rushed. I would absolutely go back next time I'm in town. Good find!"
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Good food - but took FOREVER - waiter took awhile -and evidently the kitchen was not prepared for a full restaurant! Will not go back on a popular dining out holiday!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My food was AWESOME but one member of our party had issues with her oysters. The manager tried his absolute best to fix the problem.
The only bad thing I have to say is they need to print additional menus. We had to wait 10 minutes even though we had a reservation and there was seating available because they didn't have enough menus.
Overall, it was GREAT!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This new spot was recommended and I am glad I checked it out for a quick lunch before committing to something more important. Wait staff was very quirky, difficult to understand and had an odd sense of homor. The dining room itself looked sloppy, felt like a bar that had not quit cleaned up totally from the night before. Food was okay but I went for just for a salad which was. My guest had the lobster ravioli and did not finish it. Overall? Jury is out...I'd look at more reviews and see if my experience was a fluke or the norm."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Our party of four was at BOLT right after Brewgaloo on April 27th. Excellent food and service. Downstairs the restaurant is a little noisy, but food and service make up for it. We enjoyed soft shell crabs, shrimp & grits, fish tacos...the gnocchi needed a little help !!! The bartender made a peach mojito for one of our party...excellent !!!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We just returned for Bolt, disappointed. The Brunch menu is only available on Sunday but that is not mentioned any where until you arrive to the bar food menu. The decor is clean and modern but the dress of the wait staff does not match (shorts and cowboy boots). The food is good but not worth returning for. It might a be a great bar but it is not a great bistro."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was not my first time at Bolt Bistro, and it certainly will not be my last. My boyfriend and I sent our mothers there for a special night out in January, and they have been raving about it since so we took them there for brunch. Their comment was that they were treated as if they were the queens of England. Ironically, we sent them to the symphony that night as well, but all they talked about was how wonderful Bolt was. The staff is amazing. They have a great sense of humor and offer impeccable service. Everyone seems to remember you there from past visits and they all come to the table to say hello. If you make a special request they are happy to accommodate you. Try the hummus!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I marked the noise level as "quiet" because my husband and I were the only people there for Saturday lunch. I feel that's because it was the first Saturday Bolt had been opened for lunch this Spring. We really enjoyed our meals. My husband had the lobster Mac N cheese and commented that the lobster was very fresh, not frozen or old tasting. I had a grilled chicken sandwich that was absolutely wonderful, made with all fresh ingredients. Looking forward to returning to try something from the dinner menu."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My family of four went to Bolt for the first time for Easter brunch. The food was prepared well and there was a varied selection. Our server was very friendly and personable. Although I realize that the menu and service was altered due to the holiday and therefore not a true measure of what it would be like to dine there during a non-holiday, I would be eager to return. I hope to go back with just my husband. Overall, it was a great experience for all four of us. My only caveat would be that the pricing of the brunch was not stated, nor what was included with the brunch price. Because it was a holiday, we didn't really care because I was happy not to cook, but I would have liked to have known that the coffees and juices were not included."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"It was a great experience. The staff was very accommodating and attentive. I was drawn to this restaurant because it is fairly new. I Will recommend it to others. The food and drinks were excellent."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My wife and I went with another couple for our first experience at the Bolt. We absolutely loved the inside decor. It was modern and clean. The restaurant is lively. The noise is happening which is what we like when going out with a group. We ordered the Lobster Mac & Cheese and the Hummus with olives as appetizers and both were fantastic. I am usually not a big olive fan but I was of these. We then ordered the Ahi Tuna, Double Breasted Chicken and the Beef Short Ribs. The group was very happy with their entrees. The happy hour menu and drink specials will definitely bring us back with some friends for a second time experience. It is from 5-7 pm. Pick the Bolt. You will like it."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We came early and staff was struggling to keep up with demand. We sat a very long time before giving our order. We againSat a very long time before receiving our bill. We were almost late to concert. We asked that a bike taxi be called, having done this during a priorVisit, but our server didn't know how to do this."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"At the last minute we added 2 extra people to our reservation. The staff was very accommodating and eager to meet our reservation needs. The manager and servers were super friendly while we waited, making it a point to stop by the bar multiple times checking in and keeping us posted on the status of our table. Great experience! Great atmosphere!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was our first visit, both the food and service were outstanding. The owner is very hands on, checking on each table to be sure every is enjoying there evening. Really liked all of the special touches through the restaurant. The wrench wall divider and other custom pieces of art were pretty cool We are looking forward to our next visit"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Food was exceptional. Lots of choices. Management was very attentive but the service was nevertheless a bit slow and they forgot one order. They did however, did eventually straighten things out and they even comped us a side and dessert. We'll almost certainly return."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had 6 ladies meet for a "Girls Night" out. The decor, service and food was wonderful. We also appreciated the free valet parking out front..... will be back! By the way, the sweet potato casserole was off the charts..."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Brunch was very mediocre. Arrived at 1 pm on Sunday, service staff almost seemed irritated by our presence and actually went into detail blaming other staff for issues. Food was very average. Kitchen and bar were slow, and restaurant was nearly empty. Some items like pulled pork benedict were actually bad in hind sight. We're still not sure if the item was 86'd and something else was substituted. Lobster Mac and Cheese app was delivered after main.. Flavor was ok, but its really an alfredo over shells in a bowl.. I really wanted to like this place given the hype, but left not only disappointed, I was actually embarassed that I recommended the place."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2011
Special Features: hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We really enjoyed our dinner. Our waiter was very attentive we ate at good pace. The atmosphere is nice. I had the tuna and it was cooked perfect my husband had the shrimp and grits and said it was fabulous. I really liked the portions they were just the right size. Will will be back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The owner did the right thing when he completely changed his business model, decor and menu. The former Mint now has a contemporary, more energetic ambiance. The food was delicious.
I do hope the service improves over time--it was a bit slow, however I wouldn't let that discourage me from going back again."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I took my husband there for his birthday dinner. We shared Calamari-the best I have had in YEARS! A big portion, I think it was only like $8. Then we shared the wedge salad, which had an incredible house dressing and was super cold and fresh. Great. We shared two entrees. The double chicken breast which was kind of sweet, super tender (most restaurants serve chicken that is too dry or too salty, this was perfect) and it came with fried green tomatoes, the best I have ever had. The beef short ribs were so succulent that I hardly touched it and it pulled apart. The sauce was a tad bit too salty but the mashed potatoes and the potato skins really evened the whole thing out. Our server was just awesome. The crowd was good too."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great brunch! The crab cake benedicts were awesome, and I loved the sweet potato hash. Great alternative to ordinary hash browned potatoes. Their coffee was delicious, too!
I look forward to trying their dinner menu."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The wide variety of menu selections worked well with four people with very different tastes. The brussel sprouts and sweet potatoe casserole were great side dish additions to the meals we ordered. This was our second visit and we will come again. We heartily recommend eating upstairs if it is a cold night as the opening of the front door on a cold night sends a blast of cold air theourgh the restaurant if you are anywhere near the door."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We chose this establishment because of the online menu, and I must say we were not disappointed. The food was phenomenal, the portions large, and the service outstanding. I cannot recommend this place enough! It has become my new favorite place, supplanting Sullivans! The ribeye was spectacular, perfectly cooked and seasoned. Also the Calamari appetizer was the bomb! Go, its a tad pricey, but compared to the value and flavor you get for the money as compared to similarly priced eateries you can't beat it."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Went for Valentine's day. Prix fixe menu (they did this for New Year's, as well). Food was great. Only comment to make is that if you're not looking for a casual setting, ask to be sat upstairs. It's secluded, dark, and romantic. I didn't know this, but got lucky we were sat up there. Had we been sat downstairs, it was loud, cramped and seemed like much more of a casual situation."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went on Valentine's day when there was a fixed menu. Even then there was plenty of choice and the price was reasonable. A glass of wine I ordered seemed to come from a bottle that had been opened long ago. The busboy was very attentive and always had a smile on: a rare treat! A plastic curtain that blocks the cold air from outside is functional but ghastly on the decor!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were first timers and so surprised at how everything was so marvelous. The appy's were out of this world: lobster mac n cheese and fries w truffle sauce- we werent expecting much from the entree's, but ALL 6 of us raved about our meals!!"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I love this place! Been there twice and have had awesome food and service. The lobster mac and cheese is delicious and a favorite of mine. The service is perfect......attentive but not overbearing. I will be back!"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We found Bolt very mediocre. It was almost like visiting a "new" restaurant that is still figuring out the flow. We had to ask for silverware with each course....the wine came out at the end of our entrees. The food was "okay".....my husbands lobster gnocchi was actually a bit cold when it arrived. The main management really did try to do their best and you could tell they were busy. It took about 20 minutes to get our car from valet which seemed like forever. I wouldn't recommend Bolt except maybe an appetizer and a drink at the bar."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The food at Bolt is delicious. It's certainly not "cheap," but the quality makes the cost worth it. The menu ranges from about $11-$30 for an entree. I had the Wolfpack burger, which was melt-in-your-mouth good. Our server, Ian, was attentive and so fun. It was a great night out for the girls! I would highly recommend you try Bolt."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I went during restaurant week &I think they were overwhelmed. They were completely booked and not even taking walkins. They initially took my husband & I upstairs to a 6 top and we said there was just 2, so they took us downstairs & back through to the front. Found the intended table was next to the 6 top so we went back through the restaurant, upstairs again. Service was slow. I got a bacon wrapped filet which I actually had to send back twice because it was still purple inside. This turned out to be lucky I guess because the first one had a huge tendon running through the middle. They brought a new steak on the third try (and I never send stuff back) which was very good. My husband really liked the shrimp and grits. Mgmt was excellent"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The atmosphere is very neat! You don't even feel like you are in Raleigh. I ordered the fish tacos and they were mediocre. While they were tasty, the fish was in a patty form, which reminds me of frozen food. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing, but I wasn't very impressed. I am willing to give it another try and choose a different entree option. The waitstaff was interesting...very eclectic group."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.