33 Best Cocktail Bars in Durham

“Great place but some dish not familiar“

“Very friendly and they make great recommendations on drinks.“

“I have been here several times with my friends and colleagues. We have lunch party with my colleagues many times they provided free dessert. The quality of the food is good (both veg and nonveg). Lavina (staff of the restaurant) was excellent with both her recommendations and service. I strongly recommend this restaurant for lunch/dinner.“

“This place is a true GEM to Durham! I celebrated my birthday here with a group of 17 people and from the initial conversation with the staff they were extremely efficient, professional and accommodating! And the food…the food was incredible! The drinks were made perfectly, the service was top notch and the atmosphere was very accommodating. I 100% recommend this place, no matter the occasion! Thank you all for accommodating my large group and making sure we had an unforgettable evening.“

“I love Ally 26, the atmosphere is wonderful. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. The drink selection creative with many great options to choose from.“

“Muy buena comida y buen precio servio rápido y amable 😋😋“

“The Velvet Hippo is exactly the kind of place that makes you feel like you accidentally stumbled into your new favorite hangout. We dropped in on a Sunday because (a) they’re proudly LGBTQ+ inclusive, and (b) they allow dogs—which, let’s be real, is a massive win for any spot in Florida heat.

First impression?
Packed. But in a good way. The energy was high, the patio was buzzing, and every table felt like the cool kids' table. It was one of those effortlessly fun environments where you can’t help but vibe along.

Food-wise:
I went with the tostadas, which were absolutely brimming with flavor—crispy, fresh, and loaded with toppings that weren’t just filler. My husband ordered the Cuban sliders, and full disclosure: I immediately regretted not doing the same. They were juicy, savory, and had us doing the polite “just one more bite?” dance until the plate was clean.

Drinks:
His old fashioned? A+—perfectly balanced and smooth. This isn’t one of those bars that half-asses the cocktail game. They know what they’re doing.

Would we go back?
Without hesitation. Great food, great drinks, a fun and inclusive crowd, and our dog was treated like royalty. If you’re in St. Pete and want something casual but full of personality, The Velvet Hippo is the move.

Pro tips:

* Get there early on Sundays—it gets crowded fast.
* Order the Cuban sliders. Trust me.
* Patio is dog-friendly, so bring your pup for bonus smiles.“

“𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐀 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲: 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚 – 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐦, 𝐍𝐂 Gocciolina offers a culinary journey reminiscent of a quaint Italian trattoria, where every dish celebrates fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Stepping through the doors, guests are transported to a cozy haven adorned with charming family photos and rustic décor, evoking the warmth and hospitality of traditional Italian households. - Michael Glinter has traveled to 68 countries and 36 states to get the flavor of some amazing foods. His view on reviews is simple – Taste, Presentation, and Service. He believes telling the reader a positive and negative unbiased look at the restaurant is essential. - SERVICE: Justin was just amazing, and the rest of the staff worked as a team to escalate the level of attention customers would expect in a restaurant. His knowledge of the menu and ability to articulate your experience with the meals truly was outstanding. His attention to the customer and quick follow-through make him a value for his restaurant. - STARTERS: Crispy Eggplant - This is a true elevation of the humble eggplant to new heights with their exquisite Crispy Fried Eggplant topped with Gorgonzola Dolce and Fresh Tomatoes. The crispy eggplant provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy gorgonzola dolce lends a luxurious richness that melts in the mouth. The sweetness of the fresh tomatoes balances the savory notes, creating a harmonious union of tastes that is both comforting and sophisticated. The chef artfully balanced contrasting flavors and textures to create an unforgettable appetizer. - MAIN ENTREES Roasted Lady Edison Pork Loin with Speck Ham, Campo Cheese, and Braised Ramps (this was a seasonal special) Diners will find that this dish takes you on a gastronomic journey with their exquisite Roasted Lady Edison Pork Loin. This dish harmoniously blends premium ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. Each component is meticulously crafted to perfection, from the tender pork loin to the savory speck ham, creamy Campo cheese, and aromatic braised ramps, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses. The succulent Lady Edison pork loin, roasted to perfection, boasts a rich depth of flavor complemented by the speck ham's smoky notes. The Campo cheese adds a creamy indulgence, while the braised ramps infuse the dish with a delicate sweetness and earthy aroma. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that dance across the palate with each mouthful. – Feedback: It was a little salty. I think with the ham on the dish, you could cut back on the seasoning of the pork and have a better balance. But overall, exceptional. - Hand Cut Noodles, Lady Edison Pork Ragu, and Parmigiano. The art of pasta reaches new heights with their homemade Hand Cut Noodles (wide noodles), served in a luscious Lady Edison Pork Ragu and crowned with a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano. This dish epitomizes the essence of comfort food, offering a soul-warming experience that satisfies both palate and spirit. The hand-cut noodles, with their delicate texture and satisfying chewiness, provide the perfect canvas for the robust flavors of the Lady Edison pork ragu. Slow-cooked to perfection, the ragu boasts layers of depth and complexity, with tender shreds of pork melding seamlessly with aromatic herbs and spices. The Parmigiano adds a salty richness that ties the dish together, creating a symphony of comforting and indulgent flavors. – Feedback: I'm not 100% a fan of their red sauce. I asked for a side of the red sauce to better understand the base sauce. It was a little water, almost tasting watered down, lighter in color – not the rich red that one would expect, and it was a bit too bland - DESSERT There are no words. Their homemade class chocolate chip cannolis and biscotti was a true end to a fantastic meal.“

“La Mala was delicious all around!! The food was fresh and flavorful, myself and both of my partners loved it. The Mexican street fruita was tart, sweet, spicy, and served in a half-pineapple, very fun. My main, the mole chilaquiles, was wonderful and very pretty (pictured). My only complaint is that I ordered iced coffee (off-menu) and they charged $10 for it (and added dairy without saying, and I’m lactose intolerant). So, stick to the menu and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! I’ll definitely be back.“

“Perfectly crafted cocktails and wonderful atmosphere. We had twelve in our party who did the distillery tour before, it was really amazing trying all of their wonderful Gin’s and Liqueur’s. Will definitely be back!“

“Amazing experience! 20 stars. Atmosphere, fresh mint leaves, and other items with cool ass drinks. Such great appetizers, we had the olives and charcuterie board. All amazing would love to come back in a heartbeat. Check this badass place out, such a cool vibe! The bartenders are awesome too, very personable!“

“Lime & Lemon Indian Grill is our go-to spot for all our catering needs! We had catering done this past weekend, and the food was absolutely incredible! The naans were super soft, the flavors were spot-on, and the service was top-notch from beginning to end. The food was from the Chapel Hill location. They also accommodated our dietary restrictions, like no onion or garlic, and they nailed it! They arrived on time and were super well-prepared! They also took care of all the details throughout the event and helped with everything towards the end. It was a huge relief to know that we could trust someone from start to finish. I highly recommend Lime and Lemon for all your catering needs. Ravi, thank you for always providing excellent service and amazing food.“

“AMAZING! Took my mom here before a show at DPAC and I am so glad I did. The service and ambiance were both spectacular.

We got the brussel sprouts, santorini shrimp, and the pumpkin ravioli special. The pumpkin ravioli special was our favorite but it was all delicious. We finished with the galaktoboureko, which our server recommended, and the fig and feta cheesecake. The galaktoboureko is super unique but ended up being our favorite so definitely worth the try.

Definitely worth coming in if you’re in the Durham area!“

“Here for business. Lovely staff, quiet on the 2nd floor. Pool area was relaxing. Only drawback is if you want a continental breakfast, it is not served. However, it is located in such a nice area you can walk anywhere and find a nice spot to eat any meal.“

“Visiting Weldon Mills Distillery was truly an unforgettable experience. The tour was nothing short of amazing — not only was it incredibly educational, but it was also engaging from start to finish. You can really feel the passion and craftsmanship behind every step of their process, and the guides do a fantastic job of bringing the history and science of distilling to life. Customer service was top notch. Everyone we met was warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable, making us feel right at home the moment we walked in. It’s clear that the staff genuinely care about the quality of their product and the experience of their guests. And the drinks? Absolutely incredible. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon lover or just curious to try something new, their spirits are smooth, flavorful, and expertly crafted. Each pour tells a story, and it’s clear why Weldon Mills is earning a reputation as one of the best distilleries in the region. Highly recommend this stop to anyone traveling through North Carolina — you won’t be disappointed.“

“Amazing experience. Delicious food and great quality. Server was excellent.“

“An unexpected, amazing find on the park. Get your locally crafted beer to go if you please. I’ve tried four different beers so far and all have been really good. So far the 40 East is my favorite. This place is definitely worth checking out if you like excellent beer. They have a large selection for a micro-brewery including sour and specialty beers. Love this place!
--
Update: I've tried a few more and all are exceptional. These guys aren't just making beer; it's obvious they are lovingly crafting it.“

“The Molletes was excellent! Great new brunch spot in Durham. Grapefruit mimosa is refreshing.“

“I cannot say enough about the Goat in Durham at Brier Creek! We had a party for my son and new daughter in law Saturday 8/19 and it was everything we wanted and more!! Marianna saw to our every need, gave us extra tables, tablecloths…..whatever we needed. The food, drinks, atmosphere were perfect!!! We were all so happy and had a great time. If you have a social gathering, meeting or any kind of group situation, The Goat is the place to go and ask for Marianna for sure!!! Love this place!!!“

“They have fire live music! R & B night every Tuesday night, and live jazz every Wednesday. And it’s worth mentioning it that their breakfast selection is top notch as well.“

“We had an afternoon of Whiskey tasting. it was absolutely incredible the guy (Duke) was so knowledgeable about everything whiskey. We tried 6 completely different but all incredible whiskeys (well except the Ardberg).“

“Had a great time!! The bartender was very helpful in choosing different wines. I really enjoyed the DJ.“

“Great food, drinks, service and atmosphere. Very small and intimate. Loved the ambiance“

“This is a fantastic place to eat, especially the Sunday brunch. Fantastic Southern-style food with a uniquely modern twist. We take all of our out of town friends here, as it is always less crowded than the downtown location. Never had bad food or bad service.“

“I eat here every single time I’m in the area! The patacone sandwiches are phenomenal! And if you’ve never had Ecuadorian Horchata … you must try it! Forget everything you know about other horchatas - this one is a floral, citrusy tisane dream (best served hot imo). Service is always fast and friendly. Lots of seating. I only wish this was closer to home haha“

“My band played here last night, and we were treated with fabulous hospitality and warm vibes! The cocktails were fantastic and the bartender had a great personality. The ambience is just perfect and we would definitely return as patrons AND as musicians to this cool little spot <3“

“THE BOMB.COM ! Me and my fetus are addicted, yes I said my fetus 🤣“

“Great margaritas and food was delicious!! Excellent service as well!“

“I want to express praise and gratitude to Desmond at the Durham Hotel. I had been calling the rooftop restaurant for a couple of weeks to try and modify a reservation for a birthday party and after five or six attempts, they had not called me back. I eventually called the hotel and Desmond answered and even though it is completely separate and outside of his job responsibilities, he took down all my information and reached out to them on my behalf . Desmond was able to modify my reservation so that I did not have to drive down there an hour each way. He was very professional and I enjoyed talking with him. He is definitely in the right line of work because I felt like I was talking to a friend. Details matter, and Customer Service should still matter. Thank you, Desmond!! Sincerely, William / reservation 9546“

“I want to express praise and gratitude to Desmond at the Durham Hotel. I had been calling the rooftop restaurant for a couple of weeks to try and modify a reservation for a birthday party and after five or six attempts, they had not called me back. I eventually called the hotel and Desmond answered and even though it is completely separate and outside of his job responsibilities, he took down all my information and reached out to them on my behalf . Desmond was able to modify my reservation so that I did not have to drive down there an hour each way. He was very professional and I enjoyed talking with him. He is definitely in the right line of work because I felt like I was talking to a friend. Details matter, and Customer Service should still matter. Thank you, Desmond!! Sincerely, William / reservation 9546“

“The security for the living room is brilliant, they were so welcoming and it’s the best place for a night out. They recommended the Camden pub afterwards, but the Camden refused us on the door because we weren’t 23.“

“😀My new local fav for peel and eat shrimp, crab legs, and lobster. Did take out and it arrived fast, still warm, securely packaged and it was delicious. Great quality. Highly recommend.😁“

“We had a Wonderful time celebrating our Daughter's 25th birthday. Jonathan and Ty our wait staff were Awesome! The food, service and ambience were all outstanding. What a beautiful place to have right here in Durham "The Bull City."“