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.
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 – 2:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
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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
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.
Bianca Hartfelder
Feb 21, 2026
5
We did a walk-in here on a Friday night and were pleasantly surprised to be seated at the bar within about 10 minutes. Adrian was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to walk us through the menu and offer thoughtful drink suggestions based on what we liked.
We ordered the shrimp roll and the burger and were honestly blown away by both. We also wanted to experiment with an appetizer, and she talked us into trying the smoked trout with chimichurri. The only fish I’ve ever had out of a can was tuna, so this completely changed my perception – it was such a unique experience and paired so well with all of the accompaniments.
Between the service, the cocktails, and the food, it absolutely lived up to the hype. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone in Durham – definitely worth checking out.
H L
Feb 17, 2026
5
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.
Kelsey Hathaway
Oct 24, 2025
5
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. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Marci Fradkin
Oct 6, 2025
5
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.
Mario Alex Gonzalez
Oct 5, 2025
5
Fantastic burger- and every single appetizer was an absolute treat. Immensely high quality ingredients and inventive combinations and recipe make for an overall innovative and tasty dining experience. Good portion sizes and not too pricey for the quality and quantity of food you get.
Steve W
Aug 24, 2025
5
I can't believe that I never put a proper review. Food is excellent. It's gotten better and better over the years. The staff is well-trained and excellent.
The "small plates" can be combined to make a very nice shareable "tapasesque" experience. The bartenders are out of this world. They have excellent entrees, but for around $15 per small plate, you can really experience the breadth of their menu and the talent of the chef.
I asked for an iteresting take on an Old Fashioned one time and the Bartender pulled out one that was unique and something that I had never had before. If you look at my reviews, you can see that I have happily enjoyed cocktails around the world.
I recently got back from Napa at an absolute 5 star resort with exceptional service and bartenders. And they were excellent. Absolutely perfect.
Alley Twenty Six is better than that. Which seems impossible, but they do it. Every Time.
From the hosts to the waiters, to the bartenders, to the runners. Every experience has been exceptional.
There are great choices in Durham. Try them all, but start here would be my recommendation.
Natalya Makarova
Aug 16, 2025
5
We had a wonderful evening in this place. Cocktails, oysters, ribs and dessert - everything was so delicious! Friendly service and a wonderful atmosphere! I recommend it for a meeting with friends and loved ones.
Andrea Byrd
May 25, 2025
5
Food, drinks, atmosphere and service is impeccable. This place will definitely be a regular spot for me to go. One of the best espresso martinis I've ever had and their salads are amazing!
Neha Patel
Apr 26, 2025
3
Atmosphere and staff are nice, very knowledgeable and skilled and attentive. Everything is definitely on the expensive side. Drinks and custom cocktails are around $15-20. We got the Mexican Herbalist and the Alley Cocktail both were very strong. The Alley Cocktail was a little overpowered with the whiskey flavor. We also got the fried chicken biscuit they made for the Biscuits and Banjos music festival. It was a sweet cornmeal biscuit in goat fat but it was a bit burnt, mild but nice fried crunchy chicken piece, and some tasty collard greens which could have been added in a higher quantity for its flavor profile.
******I noticed our biscuit chicken piece was half the size of the other customers, which I did not appreciate for paying $16 for it.
Anne Marsh
Apr 13, 2025
5
Family in town with their dog meant finding restaurants with outdoor spaces, which Alley Twenty Six provides. Amazing staff took care of all four of us (three humans plus dawg), bringing Hank a bowl of water AND treats! Our food was amazing, starting with devilled eggs (slightly too spicy for us wimps but great flavor) and pimiento cheese with fried saltines and pepper jelly. WOW was that latter a success! The cheese was fabulous but the jelly lifted it to another level!
Brother and I both had the spring vegetable risotto with asparagus, green peas, mushrooms, and other veg. Perfect sized portion we completely devoured. SIL liked her chicken wings but said they could do with less sauce.
Very happy to discover this charming place -- will be coming back!
Matthew Schuster
Apr 9, 2025
5
Can't say enough about this place. First, there staff. Seated quickly, very knowledgeable, attentive, helpful, all around fantastic.
The food is amazing. Great selection and delicious. We had a decent gathering here and had a variety of the menu which was a hit with everyone. I added pictures from my pre-drink to the festivities.
Don't pass this place up. It's eclectic, has great vibes, and an awesome staff playing up the great environment!!
