Loading your recommendations…

,

The Waiting Room

4.6

300 Blackwell St
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 294-6130
Visit Website

This cozy bar at American Tobacco Campus was designed to be a place to relax before a dinner reservation or after a show at DPAC just across the street. With innovative signature cocktails like the Old Bull, made with Durham Distillery's Conniption Gin, mezcal, pineapple, lemon and orange, plus satisfying small plates and desserts, you can make a night of it here.


Google Reviews

4.6

Photo of Kay Kay
Jun 20, 2025 4

Neat little spot near DPAC. It's a good place to have a drink before heading somewhere else. Our drinks were delicious. The vibe and the service were decent. Worth a pop-in for a pit stop.

Photo of Lila Lawson Lila Lawson
Jun 14, 2025 5

This is a really cute place with a great vibe. The food was fresh and delicious. Please note they have more of a small plates menu. I could tell the server was new, but she provided good service. If you are even in the area, it's worth stopping by. This place is located across the street from the DPAC.

Photo of Yancy Miller Yancy Miller
Jun 10, 2025 4

Great drinks. It is trickier when it’s more than two people. The space is small and when four of us have shown up, the space just struggled to accommodate comfortable seating for all of us. They had seating but it wasn’t the best for us (two seats and two window sill seats which felt far back). But if you’re looking for a date night for two near the DPAC, this is definitely the place to go! Oh and the Grinch decorations that they did in December 2024 were awesome. These are good people so please support them!

Photo of Shady Shane Shady Shane
Jun 3, 2025 5

What a quaint little bar with a great atmosphere! The drinks are amazing. But the kicker is the owner and his partner are very knowledgeable about the different drinks that they make. I was turned on to a couple of new liquors that I would have never tried in the past and was very pleasently surprised at the choices they suggested. It's a wonderful low key place that is great to just unwind and vibe with the other patrons. The drinks are not too expensive and made well. No weak drinks to be seen.

Photo of Laura Laura
May 12, 2025 5

I stopped in with a friend after a show at DPAC, and it was a perfect drink/dessert spot. Great atmosphere, super friendly staff, and the comfy green chairs are a whole vibe! Will definitely go back next time I’m in Durham! *Update*: went back and had great bar service- highly recommend the pimento cheese dip!

Photo of Elliot Mayhem Elliot Mayhem
Apr 19, 2025 5

I asked the bartender for a recommendation and was given a Drew Barrymore. It was honestly delicious. It was refreshing, flavorful and not a drink I have ever had before. I would absolutely get it again but I might just ask for another recommendation with how much I enjoyed the result.

Photo of Carry Vaughan-Sprouse Carry Vaughan-Sprouse
Jan 14, 2025 5

A great place for a pre or post show drink when going to DPAC (unless you go on Sunday because they're closed that day). Great vibes and the cocktails are incredible, with a rotating menu every few months so you get to try new drinks frequently! They've expanded their food menu but it's still usually more small plates but anything we've ever gotten have been great. Charcuterie boards there are usually really nice! Limited seating and when they're busy it can sometimes take a while to get orders put in, but for the most part everything there runs smoothly. I enjoy sitting at the bar so that I can watch them make the drinks, especially the smoked cocktails! And their themed menus and special events are a lot of fun! We recently went to their Grinch pop-up and it was super cute!

Photo of Tara Konya Tara Konya
Dec 14, 2024 5

A gem on the Tobacco Campus! This spot exudes quaint speakeasy vibes, making it the perfect hideaway for a memorable evening. We were a group of six and found a cozy corner with couches and window seats to settle into, providing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The service was absolutely phenomenal! Nick stood out with his exceptional knowledge, expertly guiding us through the menu and ensuring we had a fantastic experience. This is a must-visit establishment for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual evening or looking for a unique place to impress friends, this hidden gem won’t disappoint! Next time we are in Durham, we will be stopping in. Cheers 🥂

Photo of Scott Jablonski Scott Jablonski
Oct 23, 2024 4

This was a cool spot to grab drinks after dinner. They had a lot of good choices on the menu.

Photo of AMA AMA
Oct 19, 2024 5

Fun place before and after DPAC performances. Great hand-crafted cocktails, creative and delicious appetizers, swell staff members, and unique entertainers. Must try!

Photo of John Lawler John Lawler
Sep 14, 2024 5

Awesome and chill atmosphere in a good vibes low key cocktail bar lounge. Assortment of food options such as charcuterie as well. Loved the lighting and seating arrangements. Great for small groups of up to 4 people to chill out and drink. Convenient location if you can park at the ATC parking garages. Delicious cocktails. Highly recommend this place for a early night out to hangout with your SO or catch up with an old friend.