The Raleigh Times Bar is opening up its expansion tonight in time for a viewing party for President Barack Obama's speech during the DNC Convention. 

Greg Hatem, owner of the building and Empire Properties, said the expansion into the building formerly known as Brass Grill adds 100 extra seats between the first and second floors. They are also hoping to book the upstairs section for private functions.

The cool thing about upstairs is that it will open to an outdoor patio section on the roof. There will be about 30 seats on the roof when it is completed. Hatem said the goal is to open rooftop seating by the end of the month. 

The expansion will also include relocating the kitchen to a much larger area. Currently, Raleigh Times' kitchen is quite small. Once Raleigh Times' kitchen is able to relocate, the current kitchen will become the prep kitchen, Hatem said. The change will also benefit Morning Times, which will start serving brunch. 

Another cool feature of the expansion – a take-out window! 

The first phase of the expansion opens tonight in time for the 8 p.m. DNC watch party. If you are headed out for First Friday or Hopscotch, drop by to take a look. 

Slideshow     Our lens on Raleigh Times expansion

Raleigh Times is hosting a Hopscotch day party starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday featuring Royal Bangs, Kooley High, Double Negative, Red Collar, Spider Bags and The Bleeding Hearts.

And they are all set. Check out the pic below of some of the 100 plus kegs they have on hand!