East Durham is becoming an exciting hub for Black-owned businesses. The owner of Rofhiwa Book Café purchased a building blocks away, where they opened a beautiful bar and breakfast shop, Congress Social Bar. This spot is a neighborhood hangout, both morning and night, where you can enjoy casual drinks and live music.
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
FYI, there is no food served here. But there's an amazing BBQ spot next door (Mike Ds) and you can also order from Sophia's and have it delivered to you here. Also big up to Amagees Jamaican Food Truck and Waffle Up, who are frequently set up outside of Congress.
I almost don't want to leave a review because I don't want to advertise this place lol. But I saw a recent negative review and had to.
I live 5 minutes away. My husband and I come through all the time. This is the spot for "us" (IYKYK what I mean.) Amazing vibes, great drinks. DJs (Hip Hop, R&B, Soca, etc), events geared toward the community. Service is ALWAYS impeccable, no matter if the place is empty or packed.
But what makes it what it is are the staff and patrons. Everytime we're there, it's wall to wall, beautiful black people, just dancing, networking, relaxing, whatever... but so much unspoken love amongst the crowd. Very demure. Very grown and sexy lol.
Any date night we have starts or ends here. My dream is that this will be the start of a lively nightlife in the area. Congress shows how much potential there is and we will support whenever and however we can.
Miss Breedlove
Jun 23, 2024
5
Good drinks, good atmosphere and good vibes. There was a Jamaican food truck on site and the food and service was also good. Parking is limited. DJ in the bar and on the back patio where you can take your drink.
Yebogogo Brandon
Mar 25, 2024
5
I attended the Hindu Holi Festival celebrations here, what a blast!This is a new bar in East Durham with amazing hospitality. Bradley is the bartender who served me. He has amazing customer care service qualities with a quiet , calm demeanor.
The other bartender was just as great, with such a grounded welcoming personality. I later learned that she is the owner.
Well if you want a " welcome home and we're really glad you came atmosphere, this is the place!
Yohanan Assefa
Mar 12, 2024
5
Awesome spot in East Durham. So nice to have a locally owned and operated bar that serves amazing cocktails. I had the “Flower to the People” special and it was such a creative take on Gin gimlet. Very delicious.
John Hite
Feb 13, 2024
5
We were visiting this newly re-developed part of Durham on Saturday with friends. Our destination was Proximity Brewing (next door) but we discovered Congress Social Bar while we were there and stopped in to check the place out.
Bartender was very nice and engaging and informative. Good selection of beers and cocktails... with some unique spins on classic cocktails. I had a Southern Old Fashioned that was well made and quite delicious!
Seating inside and out.
Perfect location with the brewery next door and Mike D's BBQ, also next door. Great place to spend a lot of time supporting local businesses, enjoying some beers and cocktails and grabbing some delicious BBQ!
Easy to find. Easy parking.
We WILL be back!
Michael De Los Santos
Jan 26, 2024
5
Always a great experience and a great atmosphere. Great cocktail menu, but best thing is to give bartenders creative freedom to create a drink for you. Never disappoints!
