42 Best Bars in Durham

“Little Bull is a great restaurant with an awesome ambiance. Kamol did an outstanding job introducing us to the menu and was very courteous. Overall, this was a great date night and I would recommend checking it out, and asking for Kamol to be your server.“

“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.“

“Far and away one of my favorite places to take people in Durham when they visit us. Everyone who works there is so friendly. Their inside is cozy and decorated festive depending on season. Their rooftop is great and as a bonus, they offer blankets for when it gets cold. Limited food menu but what I've eaten has been good (I'm not personally going here to eat though) I'm going for their fun drinks, both cocktails and mocktails, and the view.
I do see people coming for the first time sometimes get discombobulated as to where to find it. Go in the building and take elevator and you'll see an open peachy pink door that leads to their bar.“

“I am giving this place four stars because they had a vegan dessert, sandwich, and an appetizer or two, as well as apparently vegan cocktails. We ordered dessert only. The vegan dessert is This Dessert is Bananas, which is a banana blondie, oatmilk vanilla ice cream and vegan caramel sauce. It was a lovely evening and we sat outside, although their indoor seating area was pleasant as well. We really enjoyed our desserts. The server said they always have a vegan sandwich that is vegan as-is, but are happy to veganize other items. She said they try to always have three vegan cheeses, which last night were feta, gouda and I forgot the last one! Anyway, really nice place, open late, easy parking, something for omnivores and vegans and gluten free (omnivores) as well. Note this is a second-story restaurant, you will have to climb stairs.“

“A lovely wine bar with a wonderful selection of orange wine! I stopped by again on my birthday a few weeks ago, and was warmly welcomed by the owner Esteban. I think Brunello focuses more on the wine than the bar. In other words, it’s a great place to try out and get educated on new wine, but it’s less “vibe-y” as a bar. I wonder if softer chairs/a couch would help. Overall highly recommend!!“

“Had a killer time watching the Rattletraps last night! Bar is cool, funky, cozy. Awesome staff and a great sound system.“

“We were in town for a show at the Carolina. We walked in and had a lovely surprise .. a great meal and good atmosphere. Next time we are town we will come back.“

“Food was good and served quick. Service was outstanding. We sat in the bar area and our server was quick“

“Intimate restaurant with an intimate menu. Excellent presentation and preparation“

“Recently visited this location for a team building activity. Our instructor was knowledgeable, engaging, and made sure everyone in our group felt comfortable. They gave us tips on technique, safety, and helped us organize a tournament. Highly recommended for any organization or group of friends looking for a unique and competitive experience!“

“Great fun with the family“

“Lovely bar with delicious beers. Lots of games and comfy seating and dog-friendly!“

“Awesome beer selection, atmosphere & live music!“

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

“The Bartender's were nice and cool as hell! Arrived between after work crowd and karaoke at 7. Mixed crowd after 7 but felt welcomed and comfortable the whole time. Many things to do besides drink, which was the point during the search. Was in town on business and glad we went there. Two pool tables, darts and air hockey if you can believe it. If in Raleigh Durham area again, I will return. Hopefully that same bartender is working! ??? Had a salad, the ribeye steak sandwich and the tuna appetizer. All was good, The tuna appetizer was really good! Friends had burgers and they looked satisfied also.“

“The owners, staff, regular patrons and newer customers are what Durham and Orange County are all about..Fun, Friends, and an owner who can win all dance contests that are held to raise money for the many different charities and community needs that need local support. Thank you, Milkcarton“

“Good time with friends and games. Grab a nice drink its chill

Vegetarian options: Yes

Dietary restrictions: No

Parking: Brightleaf

Kid-friendliness: Yes

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

“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“

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

“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).“

“One of my favorite venues! The staff is always super nice and helpful, they allow reentry for most shows, the bathrooms are clean, the sound and visuals are good, the band merch is in a good spot, etc. And if you hang around after the show, you can often meet the bands! Parking can be tricky but if you allow enough time you can find an adequate spot not super far away. The attached Parts and Labor is also dope, the cheeseburger slider and the fried cheese bites are amazing!“

“I love it! Such a dope environment for family and a nice setup! Very well done!“

“The memories as an OG Durmite here will forever be burned in my soul as mostly full of joy and comradery. However, you let sketchy people who do heinous things into the business for the sake of inclusion, and a man assaulted me in the back patio. Bring back the bouncer, these vagrants have no place in Durham. I love Accordion 🖤“

“Coffee martini is the best“

“Definitely recommend Doyle's! Great place and great people. Get you pool game on or just hang out at the bar if that's your thing. The bar tender is awesome!“

“Right in the center of town and basically everything! Come check it out.“

“(Translated by Google) A very nice place. Excellent attention, the hostess is an angel. Good prices and great products. The best smoothies in the area. 100% recommended.A very nice place. Excellent attention, the hostess is an angel. Good prices and great products. The best smoothies in the area. 100% recommended.(Original)Un lugar muy agradable. Atención excelente, la anfitriona es un ángel. Buenos precios y magníficos productos. Los mejores batidos de la zona. 100% recomendado.A very nice place. Excellent attention, the hostess is an angel. Good prices and great products. The best smoothies in the area. 100% recommended.“

“The food is delicious. My blacked pulled chicken torta was moist and full of flavor. You should definitely try the place out.“

“Really liked my time at Surf Club on a Wednesday. The place was busy but didn't feel crowded, and the bartenders were quick to serve, with several beers on steep discount (think $3-4/pour) as they were trying to open up taps for new kegs. I'm usually a brewery guy, but the divey atmosphere is fun and I'll definitely be going back.“

“First time! Met a friend for a working lunch. I’ll be back!!“

“I brought my son and nephew to enjoy some arcade games and food during the holiday weekend. My nephew doctored up his cheese pizza with all the extra seasonings and then decimated it all 😂 My son had the chicken pesto pasta and I forgot to warn him the sauce can be too oily so he didn’t get through it all since it upset his stomach. They both enjoyed their gaming and gifted some tokens to people when we left.“

“In my opinion the best Indian restaurant in our area. The food was interesting and well cooked. We will visit again.“

“It was our first time going today and it certainly won't be the last! we loved everything about this place. The staff is wonderful, helpful, and very kind. she explained everything well and let us extend our reservation for another hour. Prices are very reasonable especially if you come with friends and split. the room was very comfortable and we all enjoyed having fun together.“

“Absolutely the best time in the Bull!!!“

“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.“

“Queereoke was a lot of fun, great tunes, lots of dancing, and fun people.“

“Great place for beer and pool.“

“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“

“Lovely staff, amazing service, and nice cold beer 🍻“

“Had very relaxing time with family. The food was enjoyable.“

“The folks here are wonderful - staff and visitors alike. The drinks at the bar are very creative, the stout was recommended and it was actually the best stout I've had. We will be back!“