33 Best Cocktail Bars in Durham

“Great place but some dish not familiar“

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

“We stopped in here for drinks before a dinner reservation at another restaurant in the area. We sat at the bar and immediately had phenomenal service. The vibe is dark and moody but still lively. We chatted with the owner Brian and he was so knowledgeable with tequila recommendations and you can tell genuinely loves his job and wants everyone who walks in to have a great experience. We will definitely return and bring friends with us next time!“

“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!“

“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.“

“Hands down the best restaurant in the Durham-Raleigh area. I love it!!“

“Have been to the apex restaurant for lunch for my husband bday for first time . The food ambience and hospitality of Praveen the manager was awesome and they surprised us with bday desert and song and made the first visit the most memorable Can’t wait to go again“

“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.“

“Kingfisher serves cocktails with just enough of a variation to make them both familiar and original. I had their famous burger that harkened back to the much-loved burgers of my youth but again with fresh elements. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to eat + drink at Kingfisher!“

“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.“

“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 😋😋“

“Went here for late night drinks with friends and really enjoyed it!

It has three different areas that have different vibes to them without feeling disconnected. Inside there is more dancing bar feel, the lower outdoor area is more of a chill bar area, and the upper areas is great with the rooftop bar. So depending on your mood, this is kind of a one stop shop.“

“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.“

“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“

“Chill and eclectic inside, this is a nice place to grab a beer and snack. Ash was very friendly and a quick server. I ordered the Double Opacity, it was tasty. They have lots of themed nights and events, will have to come back and check some of them out“

“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.“

“Love the vibe here. The space is really unique and feels like a tropical escape right in Durham, especially in the evening. The drinks are a highlight, and the atmosphere is always fun and energetic. The food is interesting with some great options—loved their Holy Melon Shotopus, it was a standout for me. It can get pretty loud, but overall it’s a great spot for a night out.“

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

“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“

“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).“

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

“My go to seafood spot for years its never failed me“

“We went as party of 15-17 we had to wait until 8 were present to be seated. Then once seated we weren’t all at the table together which was awkward when there was a room next to us to accommodate everyone. We ordered l
bottomless mimosas and after the fourth pour they weren’t tasting the same. Sorta like just orange juice. I had the fried catfish and grits with fried green tomatoes. Grit had red beans on top of them, didn’t care for that much. Catfish was delicious. Fried green tomatoes were good as well except the bacon jam that was served with it. Not my preference. Overall brunch with the family was great. Food wasn’t over priced. I’ll definitely go back and try other menu items DHD maybe a signature mimosa.“

“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.“

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

“We called 5 different restaurants to accommodate our party of 27 people for a surprise birthday party and were turned down because of the size of our party. We called Flying Bull Restaurant and Brewery and they not only said yes.. but heck yes! The service was amazing and the food was top notch! Can not recommend enough. Thank you for making our special persons birthday amazing 🩷“

“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“

“This place is 18+, but if you’re under 21, you have to pay to enter. $21 for unc, Duke, and state students, $31 for other ppl under 21.
Honestly for this price I would expect more but you get nothing more than live music(I’m not professional in music but the music transitions are kinda abrupt). Vibes are good and the place is pretty clean.“

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

“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."“

“Honestly, the best ramen I’ve ever had! Definitely would recommend to friends!“