"For, like, a smaller city in the south. I think it's pretty fun," said Kevin Steiner.
Raleigh's reputation is rising, according to a new study from the crypto gaming company Gambulls, which ranked the city among the top five in the country for nightlife and entertainment.
The research evaluated cities using local entertainment scene factors like bar density per 100,000 residents, closing times, average drink costs, music and entertainment options, and a safety index.
Raleigh landed at number five on the list.
"I was kind of surprised, to be honest," Steiner said. "So, I've lived all over the country, and I'm not a big partier. But I definitely know that there are some cities that have much bigger nightlife than Raleigh...Definitely surprising."
Kyree, who was out walking his dog Thursday night, moved to Raleigh two months ago.
"It's a lot slower than most cities that I visited. So, if you're looking for something that's like on the more relaxed side, this is probably a pretty good place for you to check out," he said.
Don't count Raleigh out-its nightlife is stepping up, and a handful of spots are helping drive the buzz.
Chris Powers, co owner of The Bend Bar on Morgan Street, which opened 14 months ago, says Raleigh offers plenty of spots and neighborhoods where people can spend an evening out.
Customers, he said, get the vibes started early.
"We've been seeing people that come out right at 4 p.m. when we open. They are coming in waves," Powers said. "We'll have folks that are out for a walk, stop by, have a beer at home, get some dinner and then come back out."
Back in the Glenwood South Entertainment District, visitors could choose between playing poker on the patio or joining the party inside. At My Way Tavern, manager Katherine Petrea said their crowds have grown significantly over the past year.
"A lot of people are moving into the city, so it's definitely increasing business," she said.
"There's always something going on in Raleigh that when those events are done, people want to stay out and have somewhere to go," Petrea said, "and be able to unwind or keep their night going per se, whatever their preference may be."
She added that the city's walkability has also been a draw for business.
"For a lot of businesses like ours, they can just walk here, they can get Ubers, they can just sit on the patio and have a drink. So, I think especially with the college town too...it's just really diverse," Patrea said.
The study ranked cities using a "Fun Score" ranging from 1 to 99, with higher scores indicating stronger nightlife. New Orleans led the list with a 99, followed by Pittsburgh at 75. Las Vegas took third place with a 71, while Columbus and Raleigh tied with scores of 63.
Megan Reynolds, out with friends Lexi Owens and Katelin Crowe, said she loves Raleigh's nightlife.
"I have the most fun here out of anywhere I've ever been out. But I'm shocked that we have a place on the map," she said.
Crowe agreed, saying Raleigh feels like a community where she always runs into someone she knows.
Owens added that Raleigh's range of options sets it apart.
"It's not like Miami or New York-it's more like you can do something, you know, relaxing. You could do something a little bit more clubby. So, I think that's kind of what makes it different," she said.
Safety played a significant role in Raleigh's strong ranking.
The study's authors noted that "Raleigh has one of the lowest crime rates in the country," making it a safer place to spend a night out.
The Raleigh Police Department has also increased patrols in the Glenwood South area, and a new noise ordinance took effect in the entertainment district earlier this year.