This guide covers 13 cocktail bar options in Durham. Guests rate them 4.6 out of 5 on average. Most of them are spread across Downtown, North Garrett Road, Old North Durham, so those are the areas to start with.
All Cocktail bar in Durham
West End Social
West End Wine Bar & Pub is a dining establishment that offers a wide variety of wine, beer, and cocktails. It has multiple locations, including one in Durham, North Carolina, and another in Purcellville, Virginia. The bar features a large selection of wines, with options available by the sample, glass, or bottle, as well as a changing menu of small plates to complement the drinks. The establishment is equipped with TVs, pool tables, dartboards, shuffleboards, and inviting social spaces, making it an ideal spot for gatherings and private events. West End Wine Bar & Pub is known for its upscale atmosphere, with elegant bars, cozy seating areas, and chic outdoor patios. The bar offers a wide range of options for customers, from casual dining to fine dining experiences. The business is suitable for a variety of patrons, including those looking for a casual night out or a more intimate date night experience. Its extensive wine list and craft beer offerings make it a popular destination for wine and beer enthusiasts. With its inviting social spaces and private event options, West End Wine Bar & Pub is an ideal spot for both social gatherings and private celebrations.
- 601 W Main St Ste E, Durham, NC 27701
- Downtown
- (919) 430-0274
- westendwinebar.com
- Today: 3 PM–1 AM
Opening hours
- Monday3 PM–1 AM
- Tuesday3 PM–1 AM
- Wednesday3 PM–1 AM
- Thursday3 PM–1 AM
- Friday3 PM–1 AM
- Saturday3 PM–1 AM
- Sunday3 PM–1 AM
Viceroy
Viceroy is a restaurant that offers modern Indian cuisine and craft cocktails in downtown Durham, North Carolina. The restaurant serves a fusion of traditional Indian dishes and British-inspired flavors, with a focus on using fresh and high-quality ingredients. Viceroy's menu features a variety of options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, and the restaurant offers a range of craft cocktails and drinks to complement its meals. The restaurant's interior is designed to evoke a British pub atmosphere, with dark wooden booths and gold-framed portraits of colonizers. However, the menu challenges this colonial theme by serving modern and innovative Indian cuisine. Viceroy's dishes are often described as flavorful and authentic, with many reviewers praising the restaurant's use of spices and herbs. The restaurant's staff is also highly praised, with many reviewers noting the excellent service and friendly atmosphere. Viceroy is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, with many reviewers praising the restaurant's consistency and quality. The restaurant offers a range of options for special occasions and events, including private party facilities and catering services. Viceroy has received high ratings from reviewers, with many praising the restaurant's food, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant is open for dinner and offers take-out and delivery services through third-party providers.
- 335 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
- Downtown
- (919) 797-0413
- viceroydurham.com
- Today: 5–10:30 PM
Opening hours
- Monday5–10 PM
- Tuesday5–10 PM
- Wednesday5–10 PM
- Thursday5–10 PM
- Friday5–10:30 PM
- Saturday5–10:30 PM
- Sunday5–10 PM
Red Phone Booth
Red Phone Booth is a luxury speakeasy concept that transports guests to the elegance and intrigue of the 1920s Prohibition era. It is a private, invitation-only experience that offers an upscale nightlife destination with award-winning craft cocktails, small plates, and cigars in an upscale lounge setting. The brand operates with a high-end restaurant group model, featuring recipe books, prep lists, spirit specs, and mise en place for the bar, as well as a special air filtration system that recycles the air in minutes. Red Phone Booth offers a curated cocktail program that features classics like the Smoked Old Fashioned, the Bramble, and the Aviation cocktail, crafted with 100% fresh-squeezed juices, double reverse-osmosis ice, and made-to-order garnishes. The menu is steeped in tradition, with true Neapolitan pizzas, blistered at a 900-degree oven, crafted with ingredients sourced straight from the Campania region. The brand operates multiple locations across the US, including Atlanta, Buckhead, Nashville, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa, with Durham opening soon. The Red Phone Booth experience is designed for those who appreciate excellence in every detail, offering a refined escape with priority entry, personalized lockers, exclusive gatherings, and curated experiences. Membership levels include Associate, Premium Locker, Executive, and Corporate options, with benefits such as priority seating, private tastings, and access to exclusive events. The brand has a focus on quality over volume, with a carefully curated selection of premium spirits, rare whiskey, and handcrafted cocktails, making it a unique and exclusive nightlife experience.
- 125 W Orange St, Durham, NC 27701
- Downtown
- (919) 251-8307
- redphonebooth.com
- Today: 4 PM–1 AM
Opening hours
- Monday4 PM–12 AM
- Tuesday4 PM–12 AM
- Wednesday4 PM–12 AM
- Thursday4 PM–12 AM
- Friday4 PM–1 AM
- Saturday4 PM–1 AM
- Sunday5–11 PM
Mez Contemporary Mexican
Mez is a contemporary Mexican cuisine restaurant that offers a unique approach to traditional Mexican dishes with fresh and local ingredients and regional influences. Mez has a diverse menu that includes legendary chipotle chicken tinga, award-winning guacamole, and a vibrant array of authentic tacos, enchiladas, salads, and desserts. The restaurant also has a extensive tequila selection and an inventive cocktail list that complements its dishes. Mez caters to various occasions, from birthday parties and holiday celebrations to corporate events and weddings, with customizable catering packages to suit different needs. Mez provides a range of dining experiences, including indoor and outdoor seating options, a private room and balcony that can accommodate up to 100 people, and a private event space for customized gatherings. The restaurant also offers online ordering and easy pick-up options for customers who prefer to dine at home.
- 5410 Page Rd, Durham, NC 27703
- (919) 941-1630
- mezdurham.com
- Today: 11 AM–9 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday11 AM–9 PM
- Friday11 AM–9 PM
- Saturday5–9 PM
- SundayClosed
Lulu Bang Bang
Lulu Bang Bang is a Pan-Asian restaurant that offers a casual approach to Asian food, focusing on dishes from its extensive wok line, charcoal grill, and sushi bar. The restaurant provides a variety of options, including pad thai, tom kha soup, coconut char-grilled skewers, and kung pao shrimp. It also serves delicious tiki-inspired cocktails. Lulu Bang Bang is known for its high-quality food and excellent service. Reviewers have praised the restaurant for its accommodating dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor, and for its efficient service and great atmosphere. The restaurant has a modern and attractive space that is both clean and spacious, with a bar area, regular dining room, and outdoor seating options. The menu offers a range of dishes, including crispy chicken bao, sushi rolls, and desserts like passion fruit crème brûlée. The restaurant is a great spot for special occasions or everyday meals, and it offers catering services for events. It has received positive reviews for its food, service, and atmosphere, with many reviewers praising the variety of menu options and the friendly and attentive staff. Lulu Bang Bang is a popular destination for those looking for a delicious and relaxing dining experience in Durham, NC.
- 5418 Page Rd, Durham, NC 27703
- (919) 908-1851
- lulubangbangnc.com
- Today: 11 AM–9 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday11 AM–9 PM
- Friday11 AM–9 PM
- Saturday5–9 PM
- SundayClosed
Local 22 Kitchen & Bar
Local 22 is a gastropub serving updated comfort fare with a seasonal spin, cocktails, craft beer, and wine. It is a relaxed eatery that focuses on local products and has a strong emphasis on community, with a motto of "we share what we love." The restaurant's menu features a variety of options, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The gastropub also has a full bar with a selection of craft cocktails, craft beer, and wine. The menu is updated regularly to reflect the changing seasons and availability of local ingredients. Local 22 is a great spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a meal or drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has received positive reviews from customers, with many praising the friendly service, creative menu options, and cozy atmosphere. Local 22 is a great destination for those looking for a unique dining experience in Durham, NC. With its focus on local products, creative menu options, and welcoming atmosphere, it is a great spot for a casual night out with friends or a special occasion. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures that every meal is a delicious and satisfying experience.
- 2200 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705
- Old West Durham
- (919) 286-9755
- local22durham.com
- Today: 11 AM–10 PM
Opening hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday11 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–10 PM
- Thursday11 AM–10 PM
- Friday11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday11 AM–3 PM, 4:30–9:30 PM
Liberty & Plenty Distillery
Liberty & Plenty Distillery is a woman-owned, small-batch spirits company based in Durham, North Carolina. It was founded in 2020 by Tina Williford, a lifelong wine and spirits professional, with the goal of creating high-quality, innovative spirits that reflect the uniqueness of their communities and their aspirations. The distillery produces a range of premium spirits, including bourbon, whiskey, rum, and vodka, using traditional and innovative distillation techniques. The distillery's main objective is to contribute to and expand upon the spirits conversation by presenting unique takes on classic expressions, blending tradition and excellence with inspired innovation, and creating timeless spirits that reflect the uniqueness of their communities, themselves, and their aspirations. They offer a variety of brands, including Bronze Bull Spirits, Cap & Cane Spirits, Slate Belt Spirits, Whirligarden Spirits, and Gracious Garden Spirits, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile. Their spirits are handmade in small batches, using carefully selected ingredients and traditional and innovative distillation techniques. Liberty & Plenty Distillery is committed to giving back to the community through initiatives that align with their purpose and vision. They have designed two purpose-driven brands, Gracious Garden Spirits and Slate Belt Spirits, which aim to address specific social issues such as food insecurity and support initiatives to train and uplift future tradespeople. The distillery's purpose-driven business model is built into their products, with half of their spirits lines specifically designed to lift up humans in their communities.
- 609 Foster St Suite B, Durham, NC 27701
- Downtown
- (919) 381-4100
- libertyandplenty.com
- Today: 4–11 PM
Opening hours
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday4–9 PM
- Thursday4–9 PM
- Friday4–11 PM
- Saturday12–11 PM
- Sunday1–8 PM
La Buena Vida – Durham
La Buena Vida is a restaurant that specializes in serving authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. It offers a wide range of dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant has two locations in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina, and is known for its bold flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and friendly service. La Buena Vida is a place where every guest feels at home, celebrating the true spirit of Mexico with every visit. The restaurant's dedication to quality, authenticity, and exceptional service creates a unique dining experience that is not just about food, but also about culture and community. Whether you're looking for a casual night out or a special celebration, La Buena Vida has something for everyone, with a lively atmosphere and a menu that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. La Buena Vida's menu is a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, blending time-honored recipes with modern creativity. From fresh ingredients to handcrafted cocktails, every detail is thoughtfully curated to bring you an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that every dish is made with love and passion, and every guest leaves feeling satisfied and eager to return.
- 4416 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707
- North Garrett Road
- (919) 251-8308
- buenavida.art
- Today: 11 AM–2 AM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–12 AM
- Tuesday11 AM–12 AM
- Wednesday11 AM–12 AM
- Thursday11 AM–12 AM
- Friday11 AM–2 AM
- Saturday11 AM–2 AM
- Sunday11 AM–12 AM
DSSOLVR Durham
DSSOLVR is a brewery and taproom that serves a wide range of beer styles, including lagers, IPAs, wild ales, and stouts. They also offer a variety of non-beer beverages, such as wines, ciders, and meads, as well as non-alcoholic options. The brewery has two locations, one in Asheville, North Carolina, and another in Durham, North Carolina, with a taproom in each location where customers can enjoy their drinks and food. DSSOLVR's menu features a variety of beers, including collaborations with other breweries and unique flavor profiles. They also offer a range of food options, including snacks and light bites, as well as a full kitchen in their Asheville location. The brewery is known for its creative and fun atmosphere, with psychedelic and alien-themed decor in their Durham location. They also host regular events and trivia nights, making it a popular spot for socializing and community gatherings. DSSOLVR is a great destination for beer enthusiasts and anyone looking for a unique drinking experience. With their wide selection of beers and non-beer options, as well as their fun and creative atmosphere, they are a must-visit spot for anyone in the Asheville or Durham area. Their commitment to using local and regional artisans and makers adds to their appeal, making them a great choice for those looking for a authentic and community-driven experience.
- 630 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701
- Old North Durham
- (919) 294-6005
- dssolvr.com
- Today: 12–11 PM
Opening hours
- Monday12–10 PM
- Tuesday12–10 PM
- Wednesday12–10 PM
- Thursday12–10 PM
- Friday12–11 PM
- Saturday12–11 PM
- Sunday12–10 PM
Dashi Ramen and Izakaya Cocktail Bar
Dashi is a two-story Japanese restaurant located in Downtown Durham, North Carolina. It centers on exquisite ramen noodle bowls, with a menu that also features innovative small plates and unique desserts. The restaurant boasts hundreds of spirits, an extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, and a curated selection of Japanese liquors. Dashi offers a unique dining experience with two floors: the downstairs ramen shop, which is open all day, and the upstairs izakaya, which opens at 4pm. The ramen shop features an open kitchen where steamy bowls of ramen are assembled steps away from the table, while the izakaya offers a beautiful bar showcasing an expansive drink menu. Each floor presents its own unique atmosphere while offering the same spectacular menus. The restaurant is suitable for a variety of guests, including those with dietary restrictions. Gluten-free noodles are available for gluten-intolerant guests, and vegan noodle lovers can enjoy a vegan ramen bowl. The menu also indicates other gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. Private omakase experiences are available, and the izakaya can be rented for private or semi-private seated dinners and cocktail-style events.
- 415 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701
- Downtown
- (919) 251-9335
- dashiramen.com
- Today: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11:30 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday11:30 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday11:30 AM–10 PM
- Thursday11:30 AM–10 PM
- Friday11:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday11:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday11:30 AM–10 PM