Patrick Shanahan – the acclaimed artist, filmmaker, and hospitality entrepreneur behind downtown Raleigh’s trailblazing Watts & Ward, James Beard Foundation’s “Best New Restaurant” nominee Peregrine, and buzzy new Capulet Cocktail Club – announces the opening of Rosebud Cocktail Lounge. This sophisticated mid-century cocktail den boldly introduces the Triangle’s first listening lounge cocktail and omakase housed in a 2,000 square-foot basement bar with 12 seats at the bar and 50 seats in the lounge. Named for the enigmatic symbol in Orson Welles’ masterpiece “Citizen Kane,” Rosebud borrows from Japanese minimalism, listening lounge culture, and bartending discipline while remaining unmistakably American. Rosebud opens Tuesday February 17th at 103 East Martin Street in Downtown Raleigh and will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm-Midnight. The Omakase experience will debut soon after opening.
Shanahan partnered with Robby Opperman (also of Capulet Cocktail Club) and Beverage Director Zack Thomas (who helms the bar programs at Raleigh’s Peregrine and Capulet, and is one of only five professionals in North Carolina to have completed The BAR 5-Day Program) on this unique cocktail program offering guests a choice: the path of control or the path of trust. Bar talent Jonah Henry will be behind the bar nightly.
Designed as Living Room For Audiophiles and Cocktail Connoisseurs
Once again, Shanahan brings his signature cinematic approach to hospitality. At Rosebud Cocktail Lounge, he embraces the mid-century tradition where friends gather for cocktails and vinyl. Shanahan has transformed the venue (formerly Ashley Christensen’s Fox Liquor Bar housed in an old Piggly Wiggly) to include a 30-foot black marble bar, floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains, wall-to-wall wood paneling, vintage Picasso wallpaper and mid-century furniture. Louis Poulsen lighting fixtures, Herman Miller bubble lamps, and chrome and rattan Ceska chairs at the bar complete the basement-chic aesthetic.
Inspired by the Japanese Listening Lounge
Rosebud features a state-of-the-art Hi-Fi sound system with Klipsch Cornwall IV walnut horn speakers and 20 additional speakers strategically placed throughout the bar, paired with Rosebud’s own extensive vinyl collection. Every design choice, from acoustic wood paneling to velvet curtains and upholstered furniture, serves to deliver warm, enveloping sound where guests can feel the sound waves, not just hear them.
Two Paths for Cocktail Exploration
The Core Menu: An a la carte menu aligned with the seven essential cocktail styles
Inspired by “suburb cocktails” of the 1940s and ’50s, Rosebud’s core menu features seven drinks, each representing one of seven essential cocktail styles: Timeless, Elegant, Harmonious, Vibrant, Convivial, Indulgent, and Gentle (NA & low ABV). A brief wine, beer and sake menu is also be available.
Omakase: “Leave it to the Bartender”
*Stay tuned for this to be introduced soon after opening. For the ultimate immersive experience, Rosebud will debut a $50 cocktail journey featuring three 3-4-ounce cocktails (responsibly paced for both palate and experience). Inspired by the traditional sushi omakase, this multi-course drink experience relies on a “leave it to the bartender” directive. Every month, Rosebud will introduce a new cocktail omakase, where a specific theme or narrative unfolds.
The opening Omakase entitled “O R I G I N A L T R I L O G Y” draws inspiration from the Star Wars Original Trilogy. In true “omakase” fashion, where the element of surprise and discovery is essential, individual cocktails, inspiration and ingredients are only revealed throughout the experience.
“Rosebud breaks from traditional cocktail bar conventions,” Shanahan explained. “Like with music, some people want to be led, and others want exactly what they want. We honor both approaches. These experiences are only possible because we’ve assembled an incredible team to execute our vision.”
With Rosebud, Shanahan continues to establish himself as one of the region’s most innovative hospitality designers, building a portfolio that demonstrates his unique ability to craft distinctive and culturally relevant concepts.
“I’ve been committed to downtown Raleigh for as long as I can remember,” said Shanahan, who first engaged professionally with downtown Raleigh as a mural artist in 2012 and has co-owned the thriving Watts & Ward since 2017. “At Rosebud, we’re creating something that tells a story—one where mid-century aesthetics, vinyl culture, and craft cocktail artistry bloom in the heart of Oak City.”
