Kingfisher
Phone: (919) 908-9429
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 (it's just across the street from the first, Alley Twenty Six). Cozy up in one of the private booths and sip on seasonal drinks like the Bee Durham with honey-infused Conniption Navy Strength Gin from Durham Distillery.
Cuisines
- Bars/Pub Food
Hours
Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Map
Google Rating
-
Awesome basement cocktail bar. The staff is passionate about drinks and as curious as a cocktail fan would be. Willing to experiment to let certain spirits shine.
-
Drinks are expensive with a bunch of ingredients that make it seem like they’re high end but the flavors are lacking in almost all of them. Bartenders are wishy washy and some are attentive and nice but others are slow. I saw my drink sitting for 15 minutes finished. 20% auto grat is also annoying when bartenders dont live up to a standard.
-
Update to former review: this place is THE Best bar in the area. I've been 5-6 times since, and I recently discovered a glorious and unexpected thing about it, the food. Don't get me wrong they serve the world's best and fanciest and most creative cocktails, but last Saturday night I had the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and it was incredible. When I arrived I had already eaten dinner but saw it on the menu and ordered - when it arrived I cut a third off and put the rest to go. I fell in love. An hour and a half later at home, still with the full stomach, the other 2/3 could not be delayed to being consumed. That good.
Original review:
Definitely the coolest bar I've been to in the area. Nothing over the top about any particular aspect of it but just everything was so damn well done. Perfect lighting, excellent whole bar layout and scene, the seating, the private tables tucked away, the large sort-of private space in the back corner, all of it. Definitely definitely definitely the spot to go for an after dinner drink. And Jazz on Tuesdays for a small cover just knocks the cover off of the ball. -
Stumbled across this spot just randomly bar hopping. This bar was in Downtown Durham so I was already expecting a hefty price tag for drinks. Came on Mothers Day Sunday around 8p, it was a really slow night and not busy at all. Alberto was a fantastic bar tender.
I don’t agree with the automatic tip but pretty cool spot. Alberto is a great bar tender. If he’s not working I’ll just come back because of the friendliness he projects.
Also they allow pets, all you need to tell them
Is it’s a “service” animal and they let it in, no questions asked. -
Phenomenal cocktail bar! We got seated pretty much immediately at the bar late on a Friday night. Super nice vibes and tasty cocktails: smooth but still reasonably strong. I also appreciated that they weren’t outrageously priced even for some of the signature cocktails - would definitely come back to try more of the selection! There was energy but never felt too crowded - do note that there was 20% built in gratuity.
Nearby Businesses
.01 Miles Away
.01 Miles Away
.01 Miles Away
.01 Miles Away
Related Stories
The Ultimate Durham Spring Guide
Are you so excited for spring that you wet your plants? Here’s our ultimate seasonal guide for spring – blooming with…
A Durham Tour for Foodies
A native Durhamite and professional food tour operator maps out the perfect Durham day – walking between local cafes, lingering over…
What Seraphine Co-Owner Brad Weddington Loves About Durham
We sat down with Brad to talk about his path into hospitality, why Durham diners made him fall in love with…
13 Can’t-Miss Things To Do in Durham This Winter
The weather may be chilly, but the Bull City always brings the heat. Follow our guide to things to do in…
Plan an Art-filled Trip to Durham
Calling all art lovers! Follow this weekend itinerary through Durham's art scene for a trip full of galleries, performances, public art…
The Music Lover’s Guide to Durham
From intimate concert venues to historic halls and pop-up performances, Durham's live music scene has grown from its historic roots planted…
Discover Durham This Fall, Y’all
As the temperature drops and the crisp fall winds blow, autumn activities heat up in the Bull City. Take advantage of…
The Best Cocktails & Cocktail Bars in Durham
Cocktails in the Bull City live up to the high bar set by our foodie reputation. Trust the pros behind the…
Dine Outside at These Durham Patios
Explore Durham's outdoor dining options, full of cozy cafes, unique restaurants and great views.
Downtown Durham Walking Tour
Got a couple of hours? How about an afternoon? There's much to discover in and around downtown Durham.
What Top Chef Finalist Savannah Miller Loves About Durham
We spoke with M Tempura Chef de Cuisine and Top Chef Season 21 finalist Savannah Miller just before the final two…
