A Guide to Bars & Nightlife in Durham
Durham's vibrant bars and nightlife spots keep the party going strong with the best music, drinks and atmosphere around. The city comes alive when the sun goes down.
Call a babysitter. Gather all your friends. You're overdue for a night out on the town.
When it comes to nightlife, Durham has plenty of options to match your perfect evening mood. From late-night eats and dive bars to celebrated craft cocktails and venues hosting nationally touring acts and homegrown bands, the Bull City's energy will keep pace with you through the wee hours. Night owls rejoice – it's time to responsibly enjoy all that Durham has to offer.
The Bullpen: Durham's Downtown Open Container District
The walkability of downtown Durham is uber convenient for bar hoppers and evening explorers. Within less than a mile, guests will find a wide range of options from “ground-to-glass” cocktails and locally made syrups to local favorite dive bars.
"The Bullpen," Durham's social district, is an open container-friendly district that allows you to order to-go drinks from participating bars and restaurants and enjoy them as you walk throughout the area until 10 p.m., entering other participating businesses along the way. Within less than a mile, you'll find a wide range of options with "ground-to-glass" cocktails, innovative flavors and so much more inside the district's boundaries. Navigate downtown more easily with The Bull Ride, a free ride service operating from 4:30 p.m. until midnight, Thursday through Saturday. Call 919.682.BULL to request a ride, or simply wave down the purple six-seater golf cart when you see it. No drinks are allowed on The Bull Ride. We've got all the details on the best ways to enjoy the social district and what to know before you go.
Best Craft Cocktail Bars in Durham, NC
Since at least 2012, Durham's craft cocktail scene has set a tone of excellence. With a focus on local ingredients and equal appreciation for creativity, innovation, and skillfully made classics, our cocktail bars are a microcosm of Durham itself: boldly defiant, ever changing and never changing. These spots have led the way in establishing Durham's reputation as a craft beverage town, and there are even more bars where you can find great drinks, including restaurant bar menus.
Alley Twenty Six
320 E. Chapel Hill St.
Starting in 2012, Alley Twenty Six can take credit for setting the high bar for craft cocktails in downtown Durham and was the first in the state to be a James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Bar Program. You won't want to miss a drink made with their hand-crafted tonic on a Durham trip. Regular events like Whiskey Wednesdays and happy hour oyster deals on Tuesday-Friday make Alley Twenty Six part of the weekly rotation. Don’t sleep on the food! The tater tots and caviar menu is a wonder.
The Waiting Room
300 Blackwell St. #100
This cozy bar at American Tobacco Campus was designed to be a place to relax before a dinner reservation or after a show at DPAC just across the street. With innovative signature cocktails like the Old Bull, made with Durham Distillery's Conniption Gin, mezcal, pineapple, lemon and orange, plus satisfying small plates and desserts, you can make a night of it here.
Kingfisher
321 E. Chapel Hill St.
An instant classic, Kingfisher gained national acclaim as one of the best new cocktail bars in the country in 2019, and was the second bar in the state to be nominated for the James Beard Awards' Outstanding Bar Program category. Cozy up in one of the private booths and sip on drinks like the Bee Durham with honey-infused Conniption Navy Strength Gin from Durham Distillery. Want some fresh air? Step out onto the patio garden out back where you can grab a drink from the Roadrunner, a retro camper bar parked out back.
Primrose Bar and Lounge
111 W. Main St.
Pass through the rose-covered wall into the, well, rose-covered world of Primrose, where all your cocktail dreams await. This vibrant bar is known for its playful ambiance, comfy seating and amazing drinks. It's a great place to grab cocktails for girls night out or while on a Main Street stroll.
Betty and Vi's
491 S. Driver St.
Chef Perry Davis named his bar after his two great grandmothers, paying homage to their legacy and love. At Betty and Vi's, you can find culinary technique evolving with mixology to produce some of the most delicious cocktails around town. Everything from the menu to the ambiance is designed around community experiences, making strangers into family.
More Cocktail Bars
Downtown Distillery-Owned Cocktail Bars
Durham's distilleries are making their mark on the cocktail scene locally and beyond. With award-winning spirits made using inventive techniques and high-quality ingredients on their menus, Durham- and NC-based distilleries are lending their expertise to hospitality and mixology at their own bars and tasting rooms.
Conniption Bar & Lounge
715 Washington St. Suite B
Conniption Bar and Lounge, located beneath Durham Distillery's Washington Street space is designed to showcase Durham Distillery & Conniption Gins and other spirits at their best. Enjoy a cocktail along with shareable snacks often made in collaboration with local chefs and bakers.
Liberty & Plenty Distillery
609 B Foster St.
Sip Liberty & Plenty's Slate Belt Vodka, Bronze Bull Whiskey and Rye, Cap & Cane Rum and more with cocktails mixed feet from the source. The distillery occupies a space adjacent to The Rickhouse event space on Foster Street and offers a welcoming outdoor patio with comfortable seating and occasional live music. Owner Tina Williford joins Durham Distillery's Melissa Katrincic as Durham's second woman to own a distillery.
Weldon Mills
300 E. Main St. #001
Another spot with its entrance around the back of the building, this subterranean cocktail bar and tasting room is for the bourbon connoisseurs. Weldon Mills was founded in its namesake NC town and expanded to Durham for its second location. Enjoy well-made cocktails, bourbon tastings, live music and a rentable private event space.
Best Rooftop Bars in Durham, NC
Catch the sunset from these rooftop bars. We promise you'll enjoy the downtown views as much as the specialty drinks.
The Velvet Hippo
119 Orange St. 3rd Floor
One of Durham's most popular rooftop bars has an indoor/outdoor space that transforms into a ski lodge complete with a retro fireplace and outdoor heaters in the cooler months. Year round, expect creative cocktails and small plates and a dedicated menu of tomorrow-friendly, non-alcoholic drinks. The dog-friendly bar welcomes furry friends to the roof deck via a special entrance on Saturdays and Sundays, 12-6 p.m.
The Roof at The Durham Hotel
315 E. Chapel Hill St.
Find one of the best nighttime skyline views around at The Durham Hotel's rooftop bar. Take in the sights while sipping craft cocktails and snacking on their late-night menu.
The Patio at Unscripted Durham
202 Corcoran St.
Across the street from The Durham, Unscripted Durham also has a rooftop deck overlooking CCB Plaza. The Patio is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the ambiance of poolside cabanas, seasonal bites and cocktails day into night. Unscripted also hosts live music in the first-floor studio area on some weekends. And during the colder months, you can rent a festive, private igloo.
The Lenny
555 S. Mangum St.
Get a bird’s eye view of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park from The Lenny. Meet friends for brunch with mimosas, or take in the city lights when the sun sets. The Lenny’s Peartini is a party starter.
Best Speakeasy Bars in Durham
There are times when an air of secrecy makes your cocktail taste even better. Impress your fellow travelers or guests with these spots that boast under-the-radar locations and enter a whole new world of fun when you cross the threshold.
So/If
331 W. Main St.
Tucked away in a 1930s art deco building off Main Street, So/If might be easy to miss but it's certainly not easy to forget. With 13 seats at the bar, So/If encourages visitors to stand and socialize speakeasy style. Drop in during the day for a coffee or visit after the sun sets for spirits, spritzers, cocktails and more.
The Bar Beej
202 Corcoran St.
Duck into Bar Beej for vintage Bollywood speakeasy vibes. Occupying the space adjoined to Cheeni, this James Beard-nominated bar serves creative cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks using ingredients and flavor inspiration from the kitchen at Cheeni.
Dashi Izakaya
415 E. Chapel Hill St.
When you approach Dashi on East Chapel Hill Street, you'll notice two doors sitting side-by-side. To the left, there's the street-level ramen shop. To the right, a staircase leads to the second-floor Izakaya, where Japanese small plates, elevated cocktails and an expansive sake menu are offered at the expansive bar and limited table seating.
Red Phone Booth
125 W. Orange St.
Take a stroll down West Orange Street and you'll see a restored London phone booth. You're not imagining things. Step inside and dial in the secret code, opening up the back of the phone booth to reveal one of the more secret speakeasies in town. Enjoy craft cocktails and rare spirits prepared by award-winning bartenders. While the bar is open to guests, you can also purchase a membership that will grant you priority entry, VIP seating, Invitations to members-only cocktail tastings and more.
Saint Mars
105 S. Mangum St., Unit 1
As Daniel Sartain's latest project, and Downtown Durham's newest listening bar, Saint Mars promises to be a welcome addition to Bull City nightlife. You'll find this bar housed in the basement beneath Bar Virgile, one of Sartain's other establishments. Down the steps and through the door, you will be met with a library-inspired ambiance that feels cozy and intimate. Adding to the moodiness, Saint Mars only plays vinyl. Nestle up in a chair with a craft cocktail and let the record tunes carry the night away.
LGBTQ+ Bars in Durham, NC
In a queer-friendly city like Durham, every bar is a gay bar. But these bars are queer-owned spaces with events, programming and menus by and for the LGBTQ+ community.
Arcana Bar and Lounge
331. W. Main St.
You'll be rewarded with a good time once you make your way to perhaps the hardest-to-find spot in Durham. With its entrance at the rear of its Main Street home, Arcana Bar and Lounge is your go-to if you're looking for a dance party or unique activities to accompany your cocktail. Arcana is also part of The Lesbian Bar Project, recognizing it as one of the 36 lesbian bars in the United States. Depending on the night, you can sit for a tarot reading, practice your figure drawing skills, dance around a disco ball or relax with live music. One thing is certain – creative and tasty alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails are always on the menu.
Eve
108 E. Parrish St.
Walk through the door of Eve to transport yourself into a garden grown wild. The low lit atmosphere and plant-filled corners provide a perfect setting for intimate chats and group gatherings. Their cocktail list is full of classics as well as a full array of delectable signature drinks.
More LGBTQ+ Bars
Dance Clubs & Bars in Durham
Durham dances. On a warehouse floor in the Dillard Street district, up a staircase at Five Points, in a Tulum-inspired restaurant on Ramseur Street. The DJs here play for a crowd that spans generations and shows up for each other. Find your vibe. Stay till the lights turn on.
Club Era
305 S. Dillard St.
In the basement of The Fruit, you'll find Club Era. The Bull City's gay, queer, trans (and beyond) nightclub and bar hosts regular and special events like dance parties, QueerEoke, holiday parties and more. Club Era is open Wednesday through Sunday for folks 18 and up to hang out and enjoy the community whether there is an event scheduled or not.
The Fruit
305 S. Dillard St.
Voted the best place to dance in the Triangle by Indy Week readers, The Fruit is where folks go to get down year round. With a stacked schedule of dance parties, concerts and other events, this spot always has something going on.
Rubies on Five Points
347 W Main St., Ste B
Owned by the innovative team behind Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas, Rubies is a lively upstairs bar and music venue that's open seven days a week. Keep an eye out for frequent DJ sets that start at 6:30pm for the early birds and end in the early hours of the morning. The dance floor will be packed with adults of all ages.
The Situation
2102 Angier Ave.
The Situation is equal parts social lounge and dance space, complete with intimate ambiance and creative drinks. Come here for DJ dance parties, Kizomba and more. The Situation also hosts regular private events like birthday parties and ticketed events.
Live Music Bars & Venues in Durham, NC
Durham's music scene is not to be missed. Plenty of spots host live music on any given night, and a few stand-outs have local bands and touring acts most nights.
Motorco Music Hall and Parts & Labor
723 Rigsbee Ave.
Motorco Music Hall and its sister bar and restaurant Parts & Labor are a one-stop shop for a fun night out in the lively Rigsbee Avenue and Geer Street intersection. See local and nationally touring bands at Motorco and stop for drinks and elevated bar food on the spacious, bistro light-strewn patio at Parts & Labor.
Pinhook
117 W. Main St.
Known as a safe space for marginalized groups, the Pinhook offers everything from karaoke and drag shows to nationally touring acts and dance parties.
The Fruit
305 S. Dillard St.
An art space and creative playground on Dillard Street near Ponysaurus Brewing Co. The 22,000-square-foot warehouse complex is home to festival programming, special events, and visual and performing arts, including dance, painting, photography and drama.
Stanczyk's Music Bar
1007 W. Main St.
Named after a Polish court jester and pronounced "stan-chicks," Stanczyks is unified by a love of music and the community that surrounds it, where everyone is welcome. With a 300-person capacity and a calendar open to all genres, the vibe is intimate and unpredictable: karaoke one night, indie folk the next, metal or hip-hop the night after that.
Dive Bars in Durham, NC
If you're looking for a more laid-back vibe, sidle up to the bar with the regulars at divey spots. You won't have to miss out on your favorite beverages. Find your own place where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came.
Kotuku Surf Club
703 Rigsbee Ave.
Open to those 23 and up, the bar offers plenty of outdoor seating, bocce courts, pool, shuffleboard and an impressive rotating selection of draft beer and food trucks and a constant stream of music videos, sports and cult classics on the TVs. It's legendary and where you want to end your night.
Pickleback 2
711 Rigsbee Ave.
Come for the party, stay for the vibes. At Pickleback 2, you can break it down on the dance floor or head outside to the patio to socialize with friends. With great music, scheduled DJ sets and booths available for reservation, this bar offers a complete night out experience.
The Green Room
1108 Broad St.
Made famous for scenes in the movie Bull Durham, The Green Room is a longtime Durham haunt with pool tables on Broad Street.
The Old North Bar
316 W. Geer St.
Old North Bar is like having a drink at your home away from home. Equal parts neighborhood bar, cocktail lounge and all-around great hang spot, this bar is just where you want to be if you're looking for an unassuming spot that will satisfy the snobs in the group. Add in that you can grab a hot dog from Hawk Dogs out front on any given night, and Old North Bar becomes pretty hard to beat.
106 Main
106 E. Main St.
Step off Main Street and into a bit of a time capsule. You'll find a wide selection of $4 craft beer and a chalkboard with a rotating list of $3 specials.
More Dive Bars
Wine Bars in Durham, NC
Red, white, green, orange or rosé, you can drink through the wine rainbow at these wine bars. Wine bars in Durham are curated yet unpretentious. Try funky chilled reds, mineral-driven Portuguese vinho verde or trust the knowledgeable wine nerds who own or work these shops and let them pick you something you haven't experienced before.
Delafia Wine Bar
1103 S. Roxboro St.
Delafia sits in a white brick building that used to be a barbershop on the outskirts of downtown. Specializing in natural wines, relaxed vibes and cozy atmosphere, this bar is a go to spot for any wine lover in town. Step up to the bar and order off their by-the-glass list, which rotates daily, or peruse their retail section for your next favorite bottle.
Pinheiro
304 S. Driver St., Unit 103
Wine lovers won't want to miss this unassuming but impressive wine bar. Built around Portuguese flavors and bolstered by a host of wines from around the globe, Pineheiro is a perfect spot to find a favorite wine or try something new.
Sol House Wines
905 W. Main St.
Sol House Wines owner Jess Moffit opened the friendly Brightleaf Square natural wine bar and bottle shop to feel "like popping over to a friend's house who knows a lot about wine," so, feel free to make yourself at home here. The shop, where you can linger over a glass or select a bottle to take home, serves only organic or biodynamically farmed wines with minimal intervention or additives in the winemaking process.
LouElla Wine, Beer and Beverage
316 W. Geer St. Suite A
Equal parts wine shop, bar and community hangout, LouElla offers a large selection of wines, expertly curated craft and international beers and non-alcoholic options like Phony Negronis and hemp-infused drinks. Stop by in the afternoon or early evening to find crowds relaxing on the front patio and around the bar, pups in tow. Free wine tastings on Saturday afternoons always draw a lively group.
More Wine Bars
Beer Bars in Durham, NC
If you're a craft brew aficionado in need of a full beer list from breweries both near and far, we've got the bars for you. Dark stouts, punchy sours or a seasonal lager, check out these taprooms with the variety you're after.
Durham Beer Garden
812 N. Mangum St.
The Durham Beer Garden offers indoor and outdoor seating, a full kitchen and, of course, a very robust beer list. Located on Mangum Street in the Old Five Points neighborhood, this bar provides visitors with a tucked-away-yet-fun and open atmosphere where you can have a pint and a burger while you socialize with friends, catch a game on the screen or play cards with friends.
The Common Market
1821 Green St.
Head to this Ninth Street Neighborhood hangout for wine, beer and so much more. Not only can you get yourself a glass or a pint to enjoy downstairs, you can also buy a bottle or six pack to enjoy back at home. Feeling peckish for something sweet or savory to go along with your drink? order a sandwich or wrap from the kitchen or get a delicious cone of ice cream from the Parlour Junior.
The Daily
108 E. Main St.
In the morning, join for the run club and stay for a coffee. In the early evenings, The Daily lights turn down low and transforms into a laid back bar. It's a perfect spot for drinks with friends after a long day at work or to cozy up on your own with a beer and a good read. For a good time, order their Champagne Service for a bucket o' joy in the form of High Life or Champagne Velvet.
Boxcar Bar & Arcade
621 Foster St.
If you're in the mood for more interactive entertainment, try Boxcar. It's open late and brimming with arcade and console games, pinball machines, table tennis, and other activities to accompany its full bar and pizza menus. There is nothing better than a game of air hockey and a fresh pint of beer.
More Beer Bars
Low-Key Pubs in Durham, NC
Some of Durham's most popular bars offer more than great cocktails – their food is unbelievably good. When you want a burger or sandwich with a side of fries and a delectable drink, these are the spots to start, or end, your night.
Dain's Place
754 Ninth St.
Ninth Street's neighborhood pub, Dain's is a popular stop for burgers and tots, sports on the TVs and a wide selection of beer and simple cocktails.
West 94th St. Pub
4711 Hope Valley Rd. # 6C
This South Durham pub has karaoke every Friday, with a loyal following. Regular trivia nights, solid pub food and sports on TV make it a fun a comfortable watering hole.
The Federal
914 W. Main St.
The Fed offers drool-worthy nachos, Buffalo chicken sandwiches, and burgers you can enjoy in cozy booths or on the front patio. The casual bar has a wide beer menu, plus simple cocktails and friendly vibes.
EO's Athletic Club
341 W. Main St.
EO's Athletic Club prides itself as not just a sports bar for everyone, but a place where anyone can get a late night slice. Until 10 at night, EO's serves its regular menu, complete with baked potatoes, full pizzas, wings, sandwiches, salads and wraps. After 10, the kitchen switches to the late night menu, offering pizza by the slice.
Queeny's
321 E. Chapel Hill St. #100
Upstairs from Kingfisher, Queeny's is a bar and restaurant with a diner-style menu filled with comforts like sheet pan nachos, English pub-style chicken tenders, and a great Caesar salad. You'll find a community of Durhamites and visitors hanging out at bar stools and high-top tables until 2 a.m.
Devine's Restaurant & Sports Bar
904 W. Main St.
Devine's has a menu of bar food staples, plenty of drink options, and TVs to watch sports. Their patio is often filled with live music acts on the weekend, too.
More Low-Key Pubs
Irish Pubs in Durham, NC
Two pubs, a half mile apart on West Main Street. Pull up a stool for a pint and a plate of fish and chips, catch a match on the big screen. Plan your World Cup watch parties and St. Patrick's Day celebrations around these two bars.
Bull McCabe's Irish Pub
427 W. Main St.
With an expansive patio at the historic Five Points intersection, Bull McCabe's has one of the most convenient locations downtown. Don't miss the fish and chips or perfectly seasoned fries offered till 11 p.m. every Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and even later on Fridays and Saturdays. Plan to join a crowd for soccer games, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Oktoberfest and more.
James Joyce Irish Pub
912 W. Main St.
Next door to The Federal, James Joyce lives up to its name. It's a classic Irish pub with bar food like wings, fried soft pretzel bites with beer queso, steak and cheese sandwiches, and numerous burger options. Step into the backyard for a laid-back outdoor area.
Karaoke Bars in Durham, NC
Grab the mic and wow the crowd at these Karaoke bars in Durham. A chance at your 15 minutes of fame isn't the only thing these bars are offering. Each establishment has its own personality, giving you and your friends the opportunity to sing the night away in the perfect setting.
K-Mix Karaoke and Bar
3400 Westgate Dr.
K-Mix offers one of the best karaoke experiences in town. Reserve a room for you and your friends, pick your songs, and belt it out. Perfect for parties, birthdays and group outings, K-Mix rents rooms by the hour so your group can have the microphone all to yourselves.
BarBaro
708 Ramseur St.
You might know BarBaro for their delicious smash burgers and tasty cocktails. However, there's another reason this spot should be on your radar. BarBaro offers private karaoke rooms. That's right. you can reserve your own room for you and your friends to sing everything from classic crowd pleasers to underground favorites.
The Tavern
1900 W. Markham Ave.
For classic barroom karaoke, head to the tavern. It's hard to beat singing your favorite tunes to a bar full of people, and the crowd at The Tavern does not disappoint. Sign up for a song, grab a drink from the bar, and enjoy the performances of your friends and other guests while you wait for your time to shine.
More Karaoke Bars
Hotel Bars
For those of you who don't want to think about coordinating logistics or rides home, Durham's fabulous hotel options come complete with rooftop bars, pools, 24-hour art museums and fairway views.
The Counting House at 21c Museum Hotel
111 N. Corcoran St.
Housed in the historic Trust Building catty-corner from Unscripted on CCB Plaza, 21c has a contemporary art museum on its first floor that’s typically open to the public 24/7. Grab a nightcap cocktail from the lounge, then check out the latest exhibit and explore the historic bank vault in the basement below.
Bull Durham Bar at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
3001 Cameron Blvd.
Lastly, meet up with friends for an evening cocktail or night cap in the relaxed ambiance of the Bull Durham Bar at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, where you can enjoy the fireplace inside or get some fresh air on the recently renovated and expanded outdoor terrace. Spend the night and wake up refreshed and ready to play a round of golf at the course on-site, or spend the day exploring Duke University's beautiful campus.
More Hotel Bars
Non-Alcoholic & Mocktail Bars in Durham, NC
Many Durham bars and cocktail lounges that serve alcoholic beverages put just as much effort into crafting a quality non-alcoholic menu. Socialize with friends while sipping a Figlia Mia off Arcana's Mocktail menu. Hit the dance floor at The Velvet Hippo or enjoy the rooftop views after ordering a drink from their creative "Tomorrow-Friendly" alcohol free menu. And always ask for NA options at the bars listed above. Chances are if the options aren't listed, you will get a delicious custom creation.
Other Beverage Options in Durham, NC
We've talked about beer, wine and cocktails enough. If we haven't covered your favorite, don't worry. Durham's craft everage professionals are about more than your (above) average spirits and beer. Durham's meaderies, cideries and alcohol-free alternative brews have what you are looking for.
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