On this article, I’ll checklist a few of the greatest bars in Durham, North Carolina. There are an enormous quantity to select from, however I’ve whittled it all the way down to my prime 15.

I not too long ago spent 3 months in North Carolina and received to know the Durham bar scene rather well. So, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a dive bar with a fantastic glad hour or a modern city-center wine bar, relaxation assured I’ve received you coated on this article.

Durham is dwelling to one of many biggest US faculties – Duke College – as such, you possibly can anticipate finding an entire host of nice bars and eating places at your fingertips. It’s not simply in regards to the school youngsters although, a robust neighborhood surroundings signifies that there are additionally some significantly cool household enjoyable institutions, nice reside music joints, and romantic cocktail bars.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Cafes in Durham, NC

Greatest Bars in Durham

Throughout my time in Durham, I received to know the bar scene effectively. There are many issues to do in Durham with bar-hopping being some of the enjoyable!

Touring with my husband, we explored just about each bar the town has to supply. I’m a fan of discovering nice glad hour offers but in addition like to search out good quiet off-the-beaten-track locations that even a few of the locals don’t find out about.

I’ve put collectively a listing of 15 of one of the best bars in Durham based mostly on location and setting, worth, glad hour offers, in addition to my very own private expertise. There’s one thing for everybody, so I’m positive you’ll discover a lot value testing for your self.

1. Boxcar Bar + Arcade
(Greatest Bar in Durham Total)

Positioned within the coronary heart of Downtown, Boxcar is without doubt one of the most enjoyable bars in Durham NC. In the event you like a fantastic alternative of drinks, glad hour offers, and retro gaming machines you’re positive to like this place. The arcade options all of the classics akin to Pac-Man, Road Fighter, and Tremendous Mario, they usually have foosball, air hockey, and pool tables too.

Their enormous out of doors, partly coated patio is a wonderful addition with views over the well-known Historic Bulls Athletic Park. Weekly reside music occasions happen right here too, typically 3 nights in a row over a weekend.

Their glad hour offers are nice and range from Monday to Friday. Wednesday is my favourite evening, with its deal being $2 off all the pieces, that means you will get a Beer for below $2!

Boxcar Bar + Arcade Data

Tackle: 621 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19843772791
Working Hours: 5 pm-12 am Mon-Thurs, 5 pm-1 am Fri, 12 pm-1 am Sat, 12 pm-12 am Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: The Monday to Friday glad hour offers, spending hours of retro enjoyable on the arcade video games, watching reside music outdoors on the patio
Common Value: $4-$7 USD beers, $6-12 USD cocktails, glad hour offers from $2 USD
Web site: theboxcarbar.com

2. Fullsteam Brewery
(Greatest Brew Bar)

Of the numerous brew bars in Downtown Durham Fullsteam Brewery is a favourite of mine. Their Paycheck Pilsner is a deliciously crisp and very drinkable beer that may be bought in lots of retailers and different Durham bars.

With the brewery services seen onsite and educated employees that may make it easier to select the correct beer for you, there’s a lot to like about Fullsteam.

A small air-conditioned bar is dwarfed by the 2 bigger foremost rooms with massive open barn-style doorways, enormous followers, and loads of bench seating. Additionally they host common occasions starting from tasting nights to quizzes and reside music. It’s a fantastic place to pattern some actual native beers. Don’t overlook their small however scrumptious meals menu too – the hummus and grilled pita dish is superb.

Fullsteam Brewery Data

Tackle: 726 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19196822337
Working Hours: 12 am-10 pm Mon-Thurs, 12 am-11 pm Fri & Sat, 12 pm-8 pm Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: The Paycheck Pilsner, a tasting flight of Fullsteam’s personal brews, Hopped humus dip and grilled pita bread
Common Value: $6.50-$8 USD Fullsteam beers, $9-$15 USD meals plates, appetizers, and burgers
Web site: fullsteam.ag

3. 106 Most important
(Greatest Free Meals and the Most cost-effective Beers Round)

The very best nightlife in Durham NC could be discovered within the metropolis middle and 106 Most important is one among my favourite central bars. It’s a small dive bar with pleasant employees, good music, and some out of doors tables searching onto Most important Road.

I’m so glad that I found it on my second day. Ravenous, and on the lookout for a fast bar snack, I walked in to be instructed that they don’t promote meals, however in actual fact, give it away 3 nights every week! On Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays you possibly can assist your self to both scorching canines, meatball subs, nachos, or fajitas relying on who’s been cooking that day.

Additionally they occur to serve the most cost effective beers I discovered in Durham. Their $3 USD menu (inclusive of tax) options most home and imported beers that you can consider. Then there’s a $4 USD drafts checklist and specialty drafts and cans that prime out at $5 USD – an absolute discount. The addition of day by day specials on cocktails makes this one among my favourite bars to go to.

106 Most important Data

Tackle: 106 E Most important St, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19195930560
Working Hours: 4 pm-12 am Mon-Thurs, 4 pm-2 am Fri & Sat, 12 pm-12 am Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Something from the $3 USD beer checklist, dree meals 3 nights every week, $5 USD Sunday mimosas
Common Value: $2-$5 USD beers, $5-$7 USD cocktails, free meals (on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday solely)
Web site: 106maindurham.com

4. The Blue Observe Grill
(Greatest for Dwell Music)

The Blue Observe is effectively often called the most effective reside music bars in Durham. The vibe and ambiance are similar to that of a Nashville honky-tonk with reside music 5-nights every week. They host all the pieces from their common home band the Duke Road Canine to larger ticketed occasions from touring bands and artists.

Go for the music and luxuriate in their fantastic choice of beers, however keep for the meals. The barbecue on the Blue Observe is off the charts. They’ve an in depth menu of North Carolina delights and the ribs are a few of the greatest I’ve ever eaten. The choice to select 4 sides as your foremost can be very interesting because it’s so arduous to select from their scrumptious choices.

The Blue Observe Grill Data

Tackle: 709 Washington St, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19194011979
Working Hours: 11 am-10 pm Tues-Sat
Should-Attempt Objects: The complete rack of ribs plus two sides and hush puppies, watch the home band or keep for a ticketed occasion evening, a plate of sides, choose any 4 for $11.99 USD
Common Value: $6-$8 USD beers, $8-$18 USD meals choices, $20-$33 USD ribs, $5-$15 USD cowl cost for sure weekly reside music occasions
Web site: thebluenotegrill.com

5. Pour Taproom
(Greatest Expertise)

Of the numerous locations to drink in Durham I all the time discovered myself gravitating to Pour. Positioned proper within the middle of city, steps from the historic Durham Resort and the enduring statue of Main the Bull.

Pour is a serve-yourself bar with as much as 80 faucets accessible at anybody time. They provide an ever-changing alternative of lagers, ambers, stouts, sours, and ciders, they even have faucets for wine and cocktails too.

After signing in on arrival, you’re given a wristband that operates the pumps. Seize a contemporary glass and get selecting. Each ounce you pour is logged robotically in your tab.

Their giant entrance patio space is a superb place to individuals watch because it’s situated proper in CCB Plaza – the hub of the town middle. Weekly gives akin to $4 USD drafts, half-price wines, and half-price flatbreads are a few of the greatest offers round. Thursday was usually my go-to evening, with choose half-price beers and $0.75 USD hen wings – a winner in my ebook any day.

Pour Taproom Data

Tackle: 202 Corcoran St #200, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19192518985
Working Hours: 2 pm-12 am Tues-Thurs, 2 pm-1 am Fri & Sat, 2 pm-12 am Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Sampling an enormous number of beers and discovering your new favourite, the weekly glad hour offers, sitting out on the patio watching the world go by with a beer
Common Value: $4-$8 USD beers, $6-$14 USD sharers, snacks, flatbreads, and wings
Web site: pourtaproomdurham.com

6. The Roof at The Durham Resort
(Greatest Rooftop Bar)

The very best Durham rooftop bar is unquestionably The Roof – situated atop the historic Durham Resort. With unbeatable panoramic views of the complete metropolis, this can be a actually particular place to move for a drink. The Roof additionally gives signature cocktails, a radical craft beer checklist, and wines from native North Carolina producers.

You pay somewhat further for the view however the costs are far more agreeable than you may count on. Their signature cocktail – The Durham, is simply $12 USD and is a singular drink nice for sipping while overlooking the town it’s named after.

It options cognac, darkish rum, and tawny port, so that you get your cash’s value in alcohol for positive. The Roof is certainly the most effective cocktail bars in Durham.

The Roof at The Durham Resort Data

Tackle: 315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19197688831
Working Hours: 5 pm-11 pm Mon-Thurs, 5 pm-12 am Fri & Sat
Should-Attempt Objects: The Durham cocktail, taking within the gorgeous view with a neighborhood craft beer, sampling the seasonal meals menu
Common Value: $6-$8 USD for beers, $12-$14 USD for cocktails and wines, $11-$22 USD for seasonal and ranging bites, plates, and snacks
Web site: thedurham.com/roof

7. Dram and Draught
(Greatest Whiskey Bar)

Dram and Draught is one among my favourite new bars in Durham. It’s solely been on the native scene for the reason that summer time of 2022 and has that contemporary attraction of a contemporary, modern bar that creates an actual elegant surroundings through which to have a drink.

Because the identify suggests, they focus on whiskey with over 300 bottles from world wide accessible to select from. Though I’d say it’s one of the best whiskey bar in Durham, additionally they supply glorious cocktails, a alternative of native craft beers, and a beautiful patio that overlooks Durham’s historic tobacco warehouses and factories.

I really like that the employees are tasked with designing and creating their very own seasonal cocktails too, it results in some actually distinctive creations. Just like the Elvis Presley cocktail for instance – honey and peanut butter infused whiskey with banana and Campari – divine. You’ll battle to search out extra selections and a nicer setting if you wish to get a whiskey repair.

Dram and Draught Data

Tackle: 701 W Most important St Suite 123, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Working Hours: 3 pm-12 am Mon-Wed, 3 pm-2 am Thurs & Fri, 12 am-2 am Sat, 12 pm-12 am Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Attempt any variety of the 300 whiskeys accessible and discover your new favourite, take pleasure in a cultured cocktail in a cool trendy bar, The Elvis Presley cocktail
Common Value: $8 USD and up for whiskey, and different liquor drinks, $6.50-$8 USD for draft beers, $13-$16 USD for cocktails
Web site: dramanddraught.com

8. Alley Twenty-Six
(Greatest Cocktail Bar)

Of the numerous Durham cocktail bars to select from, Alley Twenty Six stands out forward of the remaining. Positioned within the coronary heart of the town middle and simply steps from the historic Durham Resort, their cocktail menu is in contrast to every other I’ve come throughout.

With seasonal choices and ever-changing cocktails distinctive to the bar, you’ll discover an enormous number of scrumptious drinks to select from.

The over-21 coverage and relaxed, elegant bar surroundings make Alley Twenty Six a really inviting place for a “grown-up” drink. But it surely’s the festoon-lit alley that actually sells this place for me and makes it the most effective out of doors bars in Durham. It’s a really excellent place to be because the solar goes down and the town lights and festoons come to life.

Don’t neglect the meals right here both, they serve some nice dishes too. Their Sunday brunch may be very in style, so I like to recommend reserving forward. It’s not your commonplace fayre; with all the pieces from shrimp grits to French dip sandwiches on the menu.

Alley Twenty Six Data

Tackle: 320 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19844392278
Working Hours: 4 pm-12 am Tues-Thurs, 4 pm-2 am Fri & Sat, 10.30 am -2 pm Solar (Brunch), 4 pm-10 pm Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: French dip sandwich for Sunday brunch, discovering your new favourite cocktail, watching the town come to life because the solar goes down in a phenomenal out of doors setting
Common Value: $13-$16 USD for cocktails, $9-$15 USD for wines, $10-$32 USD for bites, small plates, sharing boards, and extra
Web site: alleytwentysix.com

9. Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom
(Greatest Barbecue Meals and Lunchtime Deal)

There are a selection of explanation why Maverick’s is without doubt one of the greatest bars in Durham, one being that it has a fantastic out of doors patio that overlooks lots of Durham’s historic tobacco factories and buildings – it’s a fantastic people-watching spot. They’ve an amazing menu of draft beers, bottles, and cans at a few of the greatest costs round. After which, in fact, there’s the meals.

Serving up a few of the greatest North Carolina barbecue round, it’s a extremely tough menu to select from as a result of all of it seems so good. Their brisket nachos and hen wings are a few of the greatest I’ve had. With an ethos of ‘gradual cooked, served quick’ it’s a relaxed and pleasant surroundings that I liked having as one among my native bars.

Tuesday to Thursday, Maverick’s gives the lunchtime ‘Hardworkin’ Particular’. It consists of a meat sandwich, coleslaw, a further facet dish, and a mushy drink for $11.99. It’s the most effective offers going for positive.

Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom Data

Tackle: 900 W Most important St, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19196828978
Working Hours: 11 am-9 pm Solar-Thurs, 11 am-10 pm Fri & Sat
Should-Attempt Objects: Brisket nachos, the lunchtime ‘Hardworkin’ Particular’, a chilly beer on the improbable out of doors patio
Common Value: $4-$6.50 USD for cans and draft beers, $14-$17 USD for burgers, barbecue sandwiches, and dinner plates, $6 USD for deserts
Web site: maverickssmokehouse.com

10. West Finish Wine Bar
(Greatest Wine Bar)

My favourite wine bar in Durham is West Finish Wine Bar. The placement, ambiance, and high quality of wines on supply simply edge this place above just a few others that are available in at an in depth second. I additionally discovered the costs to be barely extra aggressive right here for wine by the glass when in comparison with comparable locations.

Being situated amongst the previous tobacco factories and warehouses, the out of doors coated patio supplies a phenomenal and historic setting to drink wine. The employees are actually educated in regards to the drinks they serve and are nice at recommending new or totally different choices in the event you’re uncertain about what to order. It’s all the time a extremely pleasant crowd.

West Finish Wine Bar hosts common reside occasions, from solo acoustic artists to DJs. Additionally they serve a small menu of meals they usually make a imply BLT Italian ciabatta sandwich.

West Finish Wine Bar Data

Tackle: 601 W Most important St Suite E, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19193814228
Working Hours: 4 pm-1 am Mon-Thurs, 3 pm-2 am Fri & Sat, 2 pm-10 pm Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Discover a new favourite wine by the glass, the Italian BLT ciabatta sandwich, get down for a reside music occasion
Common Value: $8-$16 USD for wines by the glass, $6.50-$8 USD for beers, $12-$16 USD for sandwiches, small bites, and appetizers
Web site: westendwinebar.com

11. Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub
(Greatest Sports activities Pub and Beer Backyard)

Bull McCabe’s is a full of life Irish bar situated only a brief stroll from the primary hub of Central Durham. They provide a fantastic choice of draft beers in addition to some actually good offers on home cans. Their rotating faucets will preserve you attempting new beers every time you go to.

I really like this place as a result of they present plenty of sport. Being English, and an enormous soccer fan, this was a fantastic spot to look at the English Premier League. It’s a devoted Arsenal FC pub however they present most EPL reside video games relying on kick-off instances. It’s an satisfying expertise watching the video games right here with ex-pats and locals alike, irrespective of which crew you help.

They in fact cater to American sports activities too, with TVs dotted across the bar and outdoors of their enormous beer backyard. What begins as a coated patio turns right into a plethora of benches and tables on lush inexperienced grass with the bustling metropolis on both facet of you. It’s a fantastic place to spend a sunny afternoon, whether or not there’s a recreation on or not.

Bull McCabe’s Data

Tackle: 427 W Most important St, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19196823061
Working Hours: 2 pm-11 pm Mon-Wed, 11 am-12 am Thurs, 11 am-2 am Fri & Sat, 11 am-10 pm Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Sampling beer from a fantastic choice of rotating faucets, catching a reside sports activities occasion on the TVs, spending a sunny afternoon in one of many greatest beer gardens in Durham
Common Value: $4-$8 USD for beers and ciders, $6-$17 USD for salads, bar snacks, sandwiches, and burgers
Web site: bullmccabesirishpub.com

12. Durty Bull
(Greatest Bar for Occasions)

Only a brief stroll from Central Park, you’ll discover a wonderful taproom and brewery referred to as Durty Bull. They serve up a improbable choice of beers, IPAs, sours, and ciders, however I like this place as a result of there’s all the time one thing happening. From meals vehicles to weekly trivia nights and reside music to basic film screenings, the Durty Bull’s occasions web page is difficult to beat.

With the beer brewed within the adjoining open warehouse, you possibly can make certain that the employees takes beer very significantly right here. They all the time insist you attempt before you purchase in the event you’re undecided on which beer to go for. It’s one other pleasant place that’s all about making a enjoyable surroundings to socialize and have just a few drinks.

I personally love the dog-friendly coverage, the Simpsons collectible figurines throughout, and the everlasting Mario Kart pc recreation arrange within the nook. Their choice of board video games accessible to prospects is one other added bonus. Durty Bull options 2 small-ish indoor rooms and a pair of a lot bigger coated patio areas as effectively. It has a very nice neighborhood vibe.

Durty Bull Data

Tackle: 206 Broadway St #104, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19196882337
Working Hours: 4 pm-10 pm Mon-Thurs, 2 pm-12 am Fri, 12 pm-12 am Sat, 12 pm-8 pm Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: The Additional Crispy Pilsner, dinner from the weekly meals vehicles, Trivia evening
Common Value: $6-$8 USD for beers, $8-$10 USD for wines
Web site: durtybull.com

13. Hunky Dory
(Most Distinctive)

Named for the David Bowie album of the identical identify, Hunky Dory is without doubt one of the most original bars in Durham. It’s a vinyl document store and faucet room mixed to make one superior expertise. You’ll be able to seize a beer when you browse the huge catalog of information on show. Hunky Dory serves a hop-heavy draft menu of beers you received’t discover in supermarkets.

A snug downstairs seating space, delightfully named ‘The Dungeon’, contains a document participant to pattern the vinyl of your selecting. Beer holders could be discovered on each shelf to make sure no spillages, and you may merely drink or store. It is a tremendous pleasant place that welcomes everybody (and their canines).

With day by day specials on drinks and vinyl akin to – $1 USD off draft Thursdays and half off vinyl Mondays, I extremely advocate stopping in at Hunky Dory.

Hunky Dory Data

Tackle: 718 ninth St, Durham, NC 27705, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19192861916
Working Hours: 12 pm-8 pm Solar-Thurs, 12 pm-10 pm Fri & Sat
Should-Attempt Objects: Thirsty Thursday – $1 USD off drafts, half off all $5 vinyl on Mondays, seize your self a discount at Wednesday’s greenback dungeon sale, all downstairs vinyl is $1 USD apiece
Common Value: $5-$7 USD draft beers, $5 USD and up vinyl
Web site: hunkydorydurham.com

14. The Tavern
(Greatest Pubs Video games and Karaoke)

A nondescript constructing that sits simply the far facet of the Duke East Campus, earlier than you hit ninth Road is one among my favourite locations to drink in Durham, regardless of its look. The Tavern doesn’t look a lot from the skin, however when you go in, you’ll discover an enormous open-plan bar with pleasant employees, good meals, pool, darts, and weekly reside leisure.

The pub video games akin to pool and darts are free for purchasers and are a extremely enjoyable approach to spend just a few hours with family and friends. The Tavern has a few of the greatest glad hour offers round too, with $3.50 USD drafts on weekends and $12 USD pitchers two nights every week. Drink costs by no means go above $5 USD and are even cheaper on Mondays.

My favourite facet of The Tavern is the Friday evening karaoke. They’ve a giant stage, a fantastic dancefloor, cool lighting, a really first rate sound system, and a few glorious guys working the present. It’s an actual likelihood to reside out your rockstar desires and belt out some basic tunes.

The Tavern Data

Tackle: 1900 W Markham Ave, Durham, NC 27705, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19192867665
Working Hours: 2 pm-2 am Solar-Frim 12 pm-2 am Sat & Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Friday evening karaoke, free limitless video games of pool and darts, $3.50 USD Goose Island IPA Drafts on weekends
Common Value: $3-$6 USD for beers, $5 cocktails, $8-$15 USD for salads, burgers, and wings
Web site: thetaverndurham.com

15. Annexe
(Greatest Membership)

Voted greatest late-night bar by Durham Journal in 2022, Annexe is broadly thought-about to be the most effective golf equipment in Durham. From 6.30 pm-9 pm, they provide a low-key lounge serving nice cocktails in a cool and relaxed surroundings. After 9 pm the lights go down, the music will get cranked up, and the dancefloor begins to get busy.

Positioned within the basement of its massive brother restaurant, Bar Virgile, Annexe hosts a spread of themed nights all through the week that embody reside DJs, Latin sounds evenings, and 80’s throwback nights.

Drinks are priced on par with different central Durham bars, and cocktails are priced as you’ll typically count on wherever. And though some occasions are ticketed, there’s often no cowl cost.

Annexe Data

Tackle: 105 S Mangum St Unit #1, Durham, NC 27701, United States. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +19199733000
Working Hours: 6 pm-12 am Mon-Thurs, 6 pm-2 am Fri & Sat
Should-Attempt Objects: 80s throwback Thursdays, reside DJs on Fri & Sat nights, a singular Annexe seasonal cocktail
Common Value: $4-$6 USD for beers, $13-$15 USD for cocktails, $9-$12 for wines, $7-$26 USD for small plates, bites, veggie choices, and dinners
Web site: annexedurham.com

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