Kingfisher ★ 4.6
A James Beard-nominated cocktail bar and anchor of Durham's downtown scene. The programme is seasonal, prioritises NC distilleries and is technically serious.
DrinkSeasonal house cocktails with NC spirits
FoodBar snacks
Cocktail bars, wine bars, dive bars and gastropubs: drinking in Durham for grown-ups.
Where to drink
Alley Twenty Six ★ 4.6
The first NC bar to reach James Beard Outstanding Bar finalist status. A rigorous programme deep in amari, vermouths and rare spirits on E Chapel Hill St.
DrinkClassic cocktail riffs and spirit-forward originals
FoodSmall plates
Bar Beej ★ 4.7
An 11-seat speakeasy inside Cheeni, 2025 James Beard Best New Bar semifinalist. Indian spices, tropical fruits and NC spirits. Reservations required.
DrinkIndian-spiced cocktails with NC spirits
FoodCheeni menu items available
Bar Virgile ★ 4.2
A cocktail bar on S Mangum with an aperitivo approach: light, vermouthy, food-friendly drinks alongside Mediterranean small plates until midnight six nights.
DrinkAperitivo-style cocktails
FoodMediterranean small plates
The Velvet Hippo ★ 4.3
Indy Week's Best Neighbourhood Bar for 2024 and 2025. Third-floor terrace views, well-priced cocktails and a vibe that is younger and louder than Kingfisher.
DrinkCreative cocktails with rooftop terrace
FoodBar snacks
La Mala Mexican Inspired Cocktails ★ 4.2
A Mexican cocktail bar with mezcal and tequila at its core and quesabirria tacos on the food side. Runs late on weekends for agave-forward drinking downtown.
DrinkMezcal and tequila-driven cocktails
FoodStreet-food tacos and bites
Arcana Bar and Lounge ★ 4.1
A bar on W Main Street with a rear entrance and seasonal cocktail list in a low-lit room away from the busier sections downtown. Good for wind-downs.
DrinkSeasonal cocktail menu
FoodSnacks
Pour Taproom ★ 3.9
A self-serve taproom with over 50 NC craft beer taps where guests pour by the ounce. Best format in Durham for navigating the Triangle's craft beer scene.
Drink50+ self-pour NC craft beer taps
FoodBar snacks
The Pinhook ★ 4.0
Durham's live music anchor with local bands, touring acts, DJs and karaoke through the week. No food, cheap drinks and whatever is playing on the small stage.
DrinkLocal beer and well cocktails
FoodNone
Boxcar Bar + Arcade ★ 3.9
A 7,000 sq ft arcade bar on Foster Street with NC draft beer, retro games and indoor-outdoor space. Pizza and pretzels; the patio is the Golden Belt area hub.
DrinkNC draft beer
FoodPizza and pretzels
The Federal ★ 3.8
A Brightleaf corner bar with 16 microbrew taps, pub food and one of the largest outdoor areas of any Durham bar. Open until 02:00 nightly on W Main Street.
Drink16 microbrew taps
FoodElevated pub food
Common Market Durham ★ 4.0
A deli, bar and bottle shop hybrid near Ninth Street. Craft sandwiches, rotating draft beer and a curated bottle shelf from early morning until late evening.
DrinkNC craft beer on draft and bottles
FoodCraft sandwiches and deli items
James Joyce Irish Pub ★ 3.8
A traditional Irish pub on Brightleaf's W Main strip with trivia, entertainment and a Guinness programme regulars take seriously. Reliably full on match days.
DrinkPoured Guinness
FoodTraditional Irish pub food
Queeny's ★ 3.9
Open daily from just before noon until 02:00, Queeny's fills the late-night gap with burgers, bar food and drinks. After 22:00 it goes 21+ and louder.
DrinkHouse cocktails
FoodBurgers and bar food
West End Social ★ 3.8
A neighbourhood bar on W Main Street open from 15:00 to 01:00 seven days. The unpretentious downtown option: well-priced drinks, no reservations, local crowd.
DrinkHouse cocktails and local beer
FoodBar snacks
Book food experiences in Durham
Private tour · 2 hours
Durham Walking Tour and Tales of Crime and Punishment
Take a walking tour around historic Durham. Visit the city's attractions while also hearing intriguing stories of crime and punishment through the ages from your guide.
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Private tour · 7 hours
Durham: Private Full-Day Guided Walking Tour
Discover the history and culture of Durham on a guided walking tour. Visit the Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, and enjoy coffee and cake at a local café and a beer...
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Private tour · 4 hours
Durham: Private Half Day Walking Tour
Explore Durham on a private walking tour. Discover the city's history, visit the UNESCO-listed Durham Cathedral, and enjoy coffee and cake at a local cafe.
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