Alley Twenty Six
Phone: (984) 439-2278
Overview
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 will keep you informed and entertained. It is 21+ only, even for dinner service. Chef Carrie Schleiffer also regularly makes the 'best of' lists, with the foie gras burger a headliner.
Cuisines
- Bars/Pub Food
- Restaurants
Amenities
- Publish on Visit Widget
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Map
Google Rating
-
Our first visit was pleasant! We made reservations for two on a Sunday afternoon. The server was very nice and patient with all of my questions. The food was fantastic and we'd order again! We enjoyed the chilled crab rangoon dip, crispy brussel sprouts, deviled eggs, the alley jr., and a mushroom dish.
The drinks we ordered were good, too. The only discouraging thing about that is witnessing four members on staff take straws and try my $16 drink before serving it to me. I understand that our server was not familiar with my request, and I also understand the bartender trying the creation, but it was discouraging to see multiple people trying it. The bathrooms were clean, and the overall environment was a relaxing setting. The only thing I'd recommend is fans of some sort to help move the air in the space. As more people came into the restaurant, the warmer the environment became. -
loved this place. Perfect for a fancy date out - dinner and drinks was great. The tin fish was a good experience to have with the full board. I definitely don’t think you need to get the fois gras burger, the regular burger is fine.
-
We had such a great dining experience at Alley 26! The atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed, with the brick-lined alleyway, string lights, and colorful flags making it feel cozy and special. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over a meal and enjoy both the food and the company.
Food & Drinks:
The cucumber and onion salad was light, tangy, and refreshing, a perfect starter.
Both burgers were excellent: one topped with a fried egg and arugula, the other with bacon and melty cheese. The fries were crisp, golden, and seasoned just right.
The crab dip with wonton chips was indulgent and flavorful, with the chips fried to a perfect crunch.
And the key lime pie was the star of dessert—tart, creamy, and beautifully presented with whipped cream and lime zest.
Service:
The service was attentive without being overbearing. Everything came out fresh and nicely timed, and the staff made us feel welcome and unrushed.
Overall:
Alley 26 is more than just a cocktail bar—it’s a gem for a full dining experience. Whether you’re stopping by for drinks and small plates or settling in for a full meal and dessert, it delivers on quality and atmosphere. Highly recommend for a night out in Durham. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 -
We really did eat in the alley. It might not be the largest menu, but it has a whole bunch of interesting things on it. In fact, my partner and I could not decide what to get so we got a whole bunch of dishes and shared them it is up there on one of the best burgers I’ve had in recent history. My partner really enjoyed the pork belly with kimchi and the deviled eggs are tasty. They make their own tonic and we had some gin and tonics. It was a fun overall experience.
-
Top 3 best burger I’ve ever had in my life. I got the house burger (alley burger), so did my husband and a house-made ginger soda, soda was nothing special, but not bad! The burger though… was incredible. I got mine with no cheese and medium rare, 10/10 for the burger. Overall we paid ~$55 without tip. Came with fries and a side of ketchup or ranch. I didn’t care for the fries too much. But my husband loved them!
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