A trendy downtown spot where DJs bump Latin music as you sip aguas frescas, tequila drinks and more. Stop in for Mexican-inspired cocktails and authentic street food. Drinks are made to order with freshly squeezed juice. Pose in front of the beautiful mural with Instagram-worthy drinks. The menu is full of snacks and street food items, so order a spread and share with a group. If you’re an aspiring influencer, you won’t want to miss the glow-in-the-dark La Buenota and the Trajinera gives club vibes with a sparkler and eight shots of your choice.
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
A great unexpected gem. In the heart of downtown Durham is possibly the best Mexican restaurant. The guacamole was so delicious we had to order a second one. The tacos were big and hearty with a great price point. The drinks were superb and they hit hard so be careful. Order La enamorada, such a pretty drink. Overall a must go.
Brianna Cain
Jun 25, 2025
4
I went to La Mala a month ago over the weekend and it was nice! It’s a smaller venue, pretty dark (like you really need the small lamp decor to see the menu), but clean, cute and chic/modern. I sat at the bar and the customer service was great!
The food was pretty ok. I was recommended the Mexican fries and they were fine. A good portion but not really what I expected. Perfect if you’re about to drink on the strip later in the evening. Also had 2 drinks - spicy watermelon and a margarita. Not very strong but a little pricey in my opinion. But they were good and pretty and definitely worth a try!
A server told me they have great taco deals on Tuesday or Wednesday. Definitely would go back and try the tacos or some other dish!
Kunal Parikh
May 16, 2025
4
New Urban Mexican Restaurant in Durham downtown.
Beautiful vibe, clean, huge bar & nice ambience.
The menu is with limited menu items but unique.
I like the cocktail collection. Mexican fries are a must try item.
Romiesha White
Apr 30, 2025
5
Miesha with Offline - This is was our first time going to La Mala. We had a great experience. The staff was pleasant and knowledgeable and everything we had was great. We tried two different mocktails, the strawberry margarita and the conejito malo. We shared the guacamole fresco, an order of rice and and an order of beans. We ordered the Steak tacos and the shrimp tacos. It was all good and filling. Also, they have a special on Tuesday if you order a cocktail or mocktail you get half price Tacos. We will be back.
Kelsie Bartolomeo
Mar 28, 2025
5
This place is great it’s our second time coming here the drinks are so fun the food is amazing we love the Mexican fries are one of our favorites! Within 20 mins of being here tonight we had two managers stop by the table to make sure we were enjoying everything! Our server Andrea was so sweet and attentive! The service was phenomenal the atmosphere is definitely a vibe! You won’t regret coming here for a meal and some drinks! The free shots were a nice touch too!
Graciela Villalpando
Mar 22, 2025
5
This place should be PACKED! I just had the best brunch that I have had in Durham ever. I could eat the mole chilaquiles everyday. The French toast had a perfect custard inside and was just lovely.
Percy Lyne Malibiran
Feb 8, 2025
5
This place was amazing. The food was delicious and our server was great. Omg the margaritas were yummy. We wished we live closer because we would be here all the time.
Alvaro Garay
Jan 12, 2025
5
We came here for brunch. I would highly recommend this place. I had The chorizo burrito and was not disappointed. The food was delicious and nicely plated. The green hot sauce was homemade and was killed twice.
I also ordered a paloma cocktail for the first time. Since it was my first time, then I can't really say much. It was sour and pleasent. The salt around the glass was surprisingly enough to enjoy the entire drink with it. I would def order it again.
Matea L.
Dec 30, 2024
5
12/7/24 - I picked this place based on the reviews on the fun drinks they make. Well my husband said this is the best Mexican food he has had and he is a picky eater. I also liked my food and had corn tortillas which I normally am not the biggest fan of, but my tacos were delicious. I got the shrimp tacos and my husband got the steak. The server was sweet and helped with the selection of food and drinks. We had no wait and came around 7. The atmosphere is nice and quiet. My drink was a good amount of liquor and taste. We really enjoyed our dinner. We would love to dine again whenever we come back to visit.
Alvaro Garay
Dec 17, 2024
5
We came here for brunch. I would highly recommend this place. It had The chorizo burrito and was not disappointed. The food was delicious and nicely plated. The green hot sauce was homemade and was killed twice.
I also ordered a paloma cocktail for the first time. Since it was my first time, then I can't really say much. It was sour and pleasent. The salt around the glass was surprisingly enough to enjoy the entire drink with it. I would def order it again.
Courtney Lee Garay
Dec 16, 2024
5
Excellent addition to the downtown scene. You can tell the staff are proud of their business and want to do a great job. Food was served hot and management came by for feedback. Excellent presentation of food and great cocktail choices. I loved the tres leches French toast. Would totally come here again, way to go La Mala.
Adolfo Lambert
Dec 14, 2024
5
This restaurant its in the heart of Durham North Carolina, it has very traditional Mexican plates, the selection is great and the food was delicious.
The cocktail are great too. I personally had the Cuban sandwich or torta, it was delicious. My wife tried the corn on the cob as an appetizer, and it was amazing. We tried several items in their menu, and all the plates were delicious. The establishment has a live DJ in Friday’s night so the atmosphere was great.We definitely coming back and its definitely our favorite Mexican food restaurants in Durham.
amaka okoroji
Dec 8, 2024
5
It's a little dark. Very romantic atmosphere. Servers were excellent. Food was excellent even as leftovers for the next couple of days. Drinks were delicious. Spent a pretty penny but worth every dime
jay g.
Nov 22, 2024
5
Stopped by after a comedy show nearby & the drinks were so good. I love craft cocktails & this place hit the nail spot. Ordered an appetizer, the flautas de papas & they tasted like my mom’s. Very authentic. Will stop by again whenever i am back in Durham!
Joannah Jones
Oct 11, 2024
5
Great Mexican bar! Stopped after the Durham Art Festival for drinks and appetizers between lunch and dinner and was not disappointed. The vibe was modern Mexican in all the right ways. Drinks were creative and delicious. Very good service and appetizers were also good. I love how downtown Durham has evolved. Looking forward to returning.
Stacie Dye
Sep 21, 2024
5
We enjoyed a fabulous brunch today! The food was amazing. The atmosphere has a nice vibe and the staff were lovely. We will be back.
Filipp Nesterov
Aug 16, 2024
5
It is a great place with excellent service, a nice atmosphere, a beautiful design and interior, and an impressive presentation of drinks. You can see how the bartenders carefully and skillfully prepare the drinks with attention to detail, from the glassware to the garnishes—each glass looks unique and beautifully presented. While we were there, a manager came over and offered to take a shot of tequila with us. Unfortunately, we declined, but it was a nice gesture. Overall, the staff created a very pleasant atmosphere with positive energy.
From food we've ordered Vallartaso Ceviche, Tacos De Pastor, & Carrito De Churros.
My wife said the ceviche was delicious, and as for my tacos, I absolutely loved them. The meat was unique and flavorful, with a thin slice of pineapple on top, and the side sauce was also very tasty.
The churros were presented in a really interesting way, served in a fun cart with three different dips.
From drinks, we've tried La Ultima Y Nos Vamos, El Chavo Del Ocho, Là Bichota, and my wife ordered a custom spicy drink.
All the cocktails were, first of all, incredibly delicious, and secondly, the proportion of mezcal, syrup, and flavors was perfect. There was no need to ask for an extra shot, which we usually do when we go to other cocktail bars or restaurants.
