Durham, North Carolina is known for baseball, southern hospitality, and Bull Durham – but it’s also one of the best nightlife cities in the southeast!
This southern city has become a must-visit destination in recent years, and with visitors traveling from far and wide to cheer on the Durham Bulls or try some Burt’s Bees from the source, the city has seen an influx in unique pubs, bars, and breweries. Think pour-it-yourself taprooms, craft cocktails, and selections of local brews that put nearby Asheville to shame.
However, locals will tell you that Durham has always been full of hidden gems – just ask my partner, who was born and bred just blocks from Durham’s popular 9th Street. Therefore, this list of the best bars in Durham includes plenty of funky newbies as well as local favs, helping you plan the perfect night out in Bull City USA.
Love the Southeast USA? As a Richmond, VA native I’ve written plenty of guides to the area which you can read here!
This site uses affiliate links to share products that I use and love! If you click on one of the links I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep my site up and running — thank you!
USA Quick Links
✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com or WayAway to find the cheapest and fastest flights around the USA
🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best places to stay throughout the USA on Booking.com
✅ Get Insured – I personally use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for my travels all around the world! VisitorsCoverage is another great option.
🚗 Rent a Car – Find the best deals for a US road trip on RentalCars.com
🗺️ Find Things to Do – Check out Get Your Guide or Viator for exciting adventures all around the USA
☎ Buy a Sim – Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries and regions
Downtown Durham Social District
Before bar-hopping in Bull City, it’s important to understand The Bullpen, Durham’s downtown social district.
This defined area of downtown allows people to drink alcoholic beverages purchased from participating businesses while walking through downtown. This means bar-hopping can take on a whole new meaning – you can literally carry your beer with you as you walk from bar to bar!
The Bullpen operates seven days a week, from 11AM until 10PM and includes some of the best bars in downtown Durham. The initiative was originally put in place as a way to positively impact downtown businesses and is now a major factor drawing people to the city.
Check out the Bullpen website to find all participating businesses and boundaries of the social district.
The Best Bars in Durham, NC
From dives to cocktails to unlimited drafts, there’s something for you on this list! Check out all the best bars in Durham below, or use this map to help you plan your bar-hopping trip!
1. Best Bar with Views: The Durham Hotel
Starting with a classic, the rooftop bar at the Durham Hotel is home to craft cocktails, small bite plates, and most importantly – epic views. It’s my personal favorite rooftop bar in Durham, with panoramic views over the city.
The Roof at the Durham is known for its rotating menu, which includes seasonal specialty cocktails and small plates. They also offer an extensive list of beers and wines, featuring a number of local breweries and small family producers. It’s my favorite place to grab a cocktail with my girlfriends when we’re all in town!
Their best-known cocktail is aptly named “The Durham,” featuring a decadent mix of martell v.s. cognac, gay rum, tawny port, and benedictine, topped with angostura bitters. If you’re looking for a fruitier option fear not, as the creative menu offers a variety of options, including non-alcoholic cocktails.
The food menu is just as diverse, offering a number of small plates, appetizers, and desserts. I’m a charcuterie board girl myself, but I can’t help but be tempted by a seasonal pickle plate, or a southern staple – the deviled egg. All the food at The Durham is sourced from local farmers and distributors, leading to some of the freshest flavors in town.
The Durham also hosts a number of events at the Rooftop, which you can find on their Instagram. From Oyster Fest to Disco parties to bakery pop-ups, there’s always something new to try. Come rain or shine and admire the views of Bull City at the city’s best rooftop bar.
THE DURHAM HOTEL
Website: https://www.thedurham.com/roof/
Location: 315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 5PM-11PM Monday-Thursday, 5PM-12AM Friday-Saturday, Closed Sunday
2. Best Dog-Friendly Bar: The Velvet Hippo
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly rooftop to enjoy, look no further than the Velvet Hippo, a retro-inspired local favorite home to craft cocktails, vintage decor, and great views of the city.
The bar describes itself as a “cozy space that feels like the bar from Cheers,” and I couldn’t agree more! The inside of the Velvet Hippo feels like a tropical getaway, complete with funky vintage decor and a number of options – from cocktails to craft beers to slushies! Venture outside to the patio and you’ll have epic views over the city of Durham, set under string lights that feel like stars.
I went on a Saturday evening with my best friend, and we both enjoyed a glass of local prosecco as we watched the sun set over the city. Her partner raved about the mojito and mine the margarita, though “The Ursula,” complete with edible glitter, might just be the most striking cocktail on the menu!
The rooftop bar is dog-friendly on the weekends from 12PM-6PM. Dogs get their own separate entrance – a VIP entrance one might say – and can enjoy time on the porch as you sip a local brew or enjoy a hummus plate. Or come for Sunday brunch and enjoy southern favorites – from buttermilk biscuits to breakfast quiche.
Besides brunch, the Velvet Hippo hosts a variety of events throughout the week. Come for a dance party every Saturday starting at 9:30PM, or bring your friends on a Thursday for Music Trivia Bingo. There are also rotating events throughout the year, which you can find on the official Velvet Hippo event calendar.
Whenever you decide to visit, be sure to say hi to Griffin, the neon pink dog in the third story window, based on the founder’s very own pit mix!
THE VELVET HIPPO
Website: https://www.velvethippodurham.com/
Location: 119 Orange St 3rd Floor, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 4PM-12AM Monday-Thursday, 4PM-2AM Friday, 12PM-12AM Saturday-Sunday
3. Best Bar for Live Music: Motorco Music Hall
The evening I visited the Motorco Music Hall they were having a Taylor Swift dance party – so really need I say more?
This combination bar/restaurant/music venue is one of the best bars for listening to live music in Durham. The venue has hosted countless names, both local and domestic, and also hosts unique events like poetry slams, dance parties, and more.
The music hall is accompanied by “Motorco Parts and Labor,” a restaurant and bar adjoining the Motorco showroom. Home to a large patio full of communal tables, it’s a great place to get to know folks over a basket of wings before kicking back for the concert. Need some more food before you dance the night away? Try the Masala bowl with crispy tofu, or chow down on a cheeseburger slider.
Parts and Labor also hosts an extensive number of beers on tap, as well as a cocktail list featuring all the classics. Sip a Dark and Stormy, enjoy a spicy Margarita, or get the bartender to whip you up something of your choosing!
Motorco hosts events throughout the week, but their full event calendar can be found on their website. For larger events, consider booking your tickets in advance as they can sell out ahead of time!
MOTORCO MUSIC HALL
Website: https://motorcomusic.com/
Location: 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 11:30AM-12AM Monday-Thursday, 12PM-2AM Friday-Saturday, 12PM-12AM Sunday
4. Best Arcade Bar: Boxcar
Boxcar Arcade might just be the most unique bar in Durham. Home to hundreds of arcade games – from classics like Pacman and pinball to hands-on games like skee ball and cornhole – there’s something for everyone at this combination bar/arcade.
While the full game list goes on, there are plenty of reasons to visit Boxcar besides arcade games. This is my favorite spot to get together with friends when we’re all in town – we’ll order a few beers, split some pretzel bites, and challenge each other to a Pacmac tournament! With over 24 craft drafts and a rotating menu of cocktails and cans, there’s something for everyone on the drink menu.
While the pretzel bites are to die for (try the garlic parmesan with spicy brown mustard!) Boxcar is perhaps known for its pizza, with numerous unique pies available or a build-it-yourself option to truly satisfy any craving. Vegan and gluten-free pizza is available, so there’s options for any diet.
So grab your friends and come for an evening of arcade games, pizza, and some of the best brews in the city. Whatever your reasons for being at Boxcar, it’s truly one of the best bars in Durham, North Carolina.
BOXCAR BAR + ARCADE
Website: https://theboxcarbar.com/durham/
Location: 621 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 5PM-1AM Monday-Friday, 12PM-12AM Saturday-Sunday
5. Best Craft Cocktails: The Counting House
Located inside Durham’s historic 21c Hotel and Art Gallery in downtown Durham, The Counting House is a cocktail lover’s dream with a menu full of unique drinks using local and imported spirits. Don’t see exactly what you want on the menu? The bartender will be happy to whip you up something unique using the extensive selection of spirits on hand.
Because The Counting House is located in the 21c Hotel and Art Gallery, you can explore the galleries as you sip on your cocktail. The gallery even offers a monthly “Sip and Tour” experience, a guided gallery tour featuring cocktails inspired by the current exhibition. You can find tickets to the latest Sip and Tour here.
Whether you join a guided tour or not, the galleries rotate regularly with domestic and international exhibitions, giving you an excuse to come back time and time again (and buy a cocktail in the process!) I enjoyed sipping on my “Tropic Tilt,” a delicious mix of mezcal, lime, and tajin, while I explored the galleries with my friends.
The 21c building was a former bank, so if you wander into the basement, you’ll find the old vault, still intact and perfect for exploring. It still maintains its original art deco architecture – making it a photogenic spot to grab a photo of your cocktail!
Besides cocktails, The Counting House also offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Come treat yourself to a smoked salmon bagel or a Belgian waffle for breakfast, or grab a cup of seafood gumbo for lunch. No matter the time of day, you’re sure to find the perfect cocktail pairing for your meal.
The Counting House also offers a number of events from the Coxx Drag Brunch to the Underground Cocktail series. More information on all events can be found on The Counting House website.
THE COUNTING HOUSE
Website: https://countinghousenc.com/
Location: 111 Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 5PM-9PM Sunday-Monday, 5PM-10PM Friday
6. Best Irish Pub: James Joyce
If you’re looking for a green beer on St. Patty’s day, look no further than James Joyce, Durham’s best Irish pub! Designed to bring the spirit of Irish hospitality to Durham, this pub offers up traditional Irish pub food and a wide selection of beers on draft – everything from local brews to imported Irish favorites.
Designed in the moody style of a traditional Irish pub, James Joyce offers up food to match – think Bangers and Mash and Fish and Chips. Don’t worry, they’ve still got plenty of American-style pub food, from wings to pretzel bites to potato skins, plus an extensive beer selection to match.
Gather your friends and enjoy an evening at one of their two patios, or gather around the TV inside to watch the football games, rugby match, you name it! The pub also offers weekly trivia on Tuesday, yet another excuse to gather some friends for a beer and some friendly competition!
Make sure to stay up to date on Instagram for special events, from live music on the patio to drink specials. Not to mention St. Patrick’s day celebrations – if there’s anywhere to be in Durham on St. Patty’s day, it’s here! But regardless of the season, James Joyce is one of the best laid-back bars in Durham.
JAMES JOYCE
Website: https://www.jamesjoyceirishpub.com/
Location: 912 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 11:30AM-2AM Monday-Sunday
7. Best Wine Bar: West End
As the oldest wine bar in the city, West End Wine Bar is a Durham staple. Great for an upscale evening with friends, grab a bottle of wine to share and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
The menu is home to over 40 wines served by the glass, or full-bottle options ranging from crisp sauvignon blanc to smooth and rich merlot. Even if wine isn’t your thing, the menu is also home to a number of local beers and specialty cocktails to satisfy any palette – did I mention they have dessert wine too?
No wine bar would be complete without a cheese platter, but besides the local cheese plate on the menu, West End also serves up specialty entrees, from sesame noodles to a classic BLT (with prosciutto!) They also have an extensive board game selection – the perfect companion to a glass of wine if I do say so myself.
West End Wine Bar also hosts a variety of events, from featured speakers to DJs to pool tournaments at the adjoined West End Billiards. So whether you’re looking to hang out with friends over some Yahtzee and sauv blanc or try your hand at a pool tournament, West End is the place to be.
WEST END WINE BAR
Website: https://www.westenddurham.com/
Location: 601 W Main St Suite E, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 3PM-1AM Monday-Saturday, 1PM-9PM Sunday
8. Best Jazz Bar: Missy Lane’s Assembly Room
Located in a historic, art-deco building and featuring major speakeasy vibes, Missy Lane’s Assembly room is the ultimate place to experience jazz in Durham. This bar, coffee shop, lounge, and restaurant combo is dedicated to expanding the audience for jazz music, with a specific focus on women and minority populations. Not to mention – they’ve got killer cocktails!
Every day from 8AM-2PM Missy Lane’s operates as a coffee shop, but as the afternoon settles in, the jazz starts playing, the cocktails come out, and the location turns into the best jazz bar in the city. Missy Lane’s offers live performances throughout the week, with their full event calendar available on their website. With everything from traditional jazz to funk and steel drum on the roster, it’s an amazing place to learn about the variety of jazz around the world.
Besides jazz nights, Missy Lane’s is dedicated to acting as a center of arts-culture in Durham and bringing people together – be it over jazz, cocktails, or yoga! They also have weekly specials at the bar – might I recommend “Wine Wednesdays,” where you can find bottles of wine starting at $15!
So grab some friends, split a bottle of wine, and enjoy the best of Durham’s music and arts scene at Missy Lane’s.
MISSY LANE’S ASSEMBLY ROOM
Website: https://www.missylanes.com/
Location: 310 E Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 8AM-2PM Monday-Tuesday, 8AM-2PM, 5PM-10PM Wednesday-Thursday, 8AM-2PM, 5PM-12AM Friday-Saturday, Closed Sunday
9. Best Party Bar: Shooters II
Featuring beer pong, jello shots, and a mechanical bull, Shooters is more nightclub than bar. But for better or worse, it’s definitely a Durham staple, thus it’s inclusion on this list!
Popular amongst Duke students, Shooters definitely has a college vibe, but it’s the best spot to visit if you’re looking for a party. This saloon-themed club can be heard from down the street, featuring DJs every weekend that know how to bring the energy. Don’t be afraid to take a tequila shot and enjoy the party!
If you’re feeling especially brave, take a spin on the Shooter’s mechanical bull. Think you can hang on the longest? Test your strength at one of the bull-riding competitions, and get your name on the wall of fame. Maybe just wait to indulge in their buffalo wings until AFTER the mechanical bull ride!
Shooters might not be everyone’s cup of tea – it’s more aimed at the jello shot types anyhow! But if you’re looking for a party, it’s the best bar in Durham to celebrate.
SHOOTERS II
Website: Shooters II on Instagram
Location: 827 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 10PM-2AM Friday and Saturday, Closed Sunday-Thursday
10. Best Trivia: Bull McCabe’s
Complete with food trucks, trivia, and a long list of brews, Bull McCabe’s is the perfect hangout bar for a sunny afternoon spent with friends. Choose from one of their rotating 20 beers on tap and come hang before a baseball game, or split a basket of their famous fries and take a crack at trivia.
Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, Bull McCabe’s is the place to be on a summer evening. During the warmer months, they even offer Live Music on the Lawn, free concerts for anyone to enjoy while they sip one of their local brews. They’re also known around Durham for their famous trivia every Wednesday, featuring a unique theme every week!
As an Irish style pub, Bull McCabe’s offers a variety of bar bites and pub food. We’re talking the staples – think burgers, wings, and tenders – but also some unique options with a Durham flair, like corn and jalapeño empanadas and cheesy stuffed tater tots. I recommend the soft pretzel bites with spicy brown mustard – just trust me!
But the real reason to come to Bull McCabe’s is the beer. Featuring over 20 labels on tap and more by the can, Bull McCabe’s offers something for every palette. As a cider lover I enjoyed the Atomic Dog Peach Cider, but the bar menu features brews from known-labels like Highland Brewing Co and New Belgium Brewing. And of course, it wouldn’t be an Irish Pub without Guinness!
You can keep up with upcoming events at Bull McCabe’s on Instagram, so grab your friends and come enjoy everything this Durham bar has to offer.
BULL MCCABE’S
Website: https://www.bullmccabesirishpub.com/
Location: 427 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 2PM-11PM Monday-Wednesday, 11AM-12AM Thursday, 11AM-2AM Friday-Saturday, 11AM-10PM Sunday
11. Best Late Night Hangout: Queeny’s
This bar/restaurant located in Downtown Durham totally took me by surprise but is now a new favorite! Featuring brews, nachos, and disco balls, it’s the perfect place to end an evening of bar-hopping with a late night snack.
Queeny’s was inspired by the communal spirit of potlucks, with a distinctly nostalgic vibe that pays homage to its Durham home. Its extensive food menu featured feel-good southern staples like fried pickles and chicken crisps, and the bar menu is stocked with all the classics. Think a Dark and Stormy, Paloma, or even a frozen Irish Coffee!
Beer more your thing? Check out Queeny’s list of drafts on tap, featuring classics like a Hazy IPA and Pisgah Pale Ale, but also the distinctly unique Queeny’s Kolsch. This drink, created in collaboration with Durty Bull, is brewed with grapefruit, giving it a distinct flavor you can only find at Queeny’s. But hey – you’ll have to come try it for yourself!
Besides being one of the best bars in downtown Durham, Queeny’s is also home to a free podcast studio, available to anyone in Durham. With podcast and editing equipment provided, all you need to do to participate is book a time slow and show up with your story! This initiative is dedicated to sharing the stories of the people of Durham.
Queeny’s also hosts a number of events, which you can keep up with on their Instagram. From drag shows to live music to bingo, it’s the perfect place to experience the energy of Durham.
QUEENY’S
Website: https://www.queenysdurham.com/
Location: 321 E Chapel Hill St Suite 100, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 11:45AM-2AM Every Day
12. Best Dive Bar: Green Room
If you’re in the mood for pool tables, dart boards, and foosball, Green Room is Durham’s ultimate dive. This traditional gaming hall looks straight out of a movie – think moody lights, checkerboard floors, and a fridge full of local beers. Did I mention there’s a 22 foot long shuffleboard table?
Whether you’ve tried your hand at bar sports before or want to give pool a first-time try, this is the place to be. Grab a local brew, or stick with one of the classics – we’re talking Corona, Budweiser, or a good old Bud Light! From imports to domestics to microbrews, there’s something in the fridge for everyone.
I was never a big dive bar person until recently, when I more-or-less learned how to properly play pool! But there’s something about the energy of a proper dive like Green Room, with its neon signs and darts boards and clanging of pool balls that just draws you in, and before you might just find yourself a pool master (or have had 1 too many beers to properly notice!)
Green Room is located a bit outside of Durham’s Downtown, making it a popular local hangout. If you want to connect with the local side of the city, it’s definitely the best dive bar in Durham!
GREEN ROOM
Website: https://www.greenroomdurham.com/
Location: 1108 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705
Hours: 5PM-12AM Monday-Saturday, Closed Sunday
13. Best Gay Bar: The Pinhook
This queer-owned and operated music bar is the perfect place to get a taste of Durham’s music scene. From local bands to on-site dance parties, it’s one of the best music venues and bars in Downtown Durham.
While The Pinhook is centered around music, the space was created with intentionality to be a safe and accepting space for queer and marginalized folks in the city. Musical acts lean heavily towards promoting queer and POC artists, and as Pinhook says themselves, they do their best to “amplify marginalized voices… and party!”
You can find the Pinhooks full lineup of events on their website, or stay connected on Instagram with more real-time updates. It’s not just concerts on the list – the Pinhook is home to uniquely Durham events, from line dancing to banjo trios to film screenings.
Of course, this venue couldn’t be included on this list without mentioning their bar menu, which features a number of beers on tap, as well as Durham favorites by the can. While the focus of the Pinhook might not be on beer, it’s one of the best places to sample some distinctly Durham flavors while supporting marginalized communities in the city.
THE PINHOOK
Website: https://thepinhook.com/
Location: 117 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 5PM-12AM Monday-Thursday, 5PM-2AM Friday-Saturday, Closed Sunday
14. Best Foodie Bar: The Federal
Foodies listen up, because if you’re looking for local food to accompany your brews, look no further than The Federal. This bar/restaurant is home to my favorite sandwich in the city – the spicy BLT, featuring grilled poblano peppers!
Besides a BLT, we’re also talking plenty of other southern staples done the right way – think a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, a shrimp po-boy, or a BBQ sandwich, done the eastern North Carolina way of course! The menu also includes staples like burgers, tacos, and wraps, not to mention the best onion rings in Bull City.
But of course no meal would be complete without a beer to accompany it! The Federal is home to a variety of drinks on tap, from a crisp and fresh Southern Apple Cider to a uniquely tart wheat by Atomic Clock. The draft list also includes pilsners, IPAs, lagers and more, a true beer lover’s dream.
So whether you’re looking to start your night out with a hearty meal or gossip with your friends all night over a basket of fries, The Federal is the perfect laid-back hangout bar in Durham. Grab a seat inside the cozy wooden interior or enjoy a summer night out on the patio – either way, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full belly!
THE FEDERAL
Website: https://www.thefederal.net/
Location: 914 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 11:30AM-12AM Monday-Thursday, 11:30AM-2AM Friday, 10AM-2AM Saturday, 10AM-12AM Sunday
15. Best After-Work Hangout: Pour Taproom
Pour Taproom might just be one of the most unique bars not just in Downtown Durham, but anywhere! Home to over 60 taps – from IPAs to ciders to mixed cocktails – Pour Taproom operates with a do-it-yourself approach, allowing visitors to taste a little bit of everything!
When you check it, the bartender will give you a red wristband, attached to your tab. You’ll grab a glass and then get to sample from the taps along the wall. Simply tap the wristband against the screen above the drink you want to try and pay per ounce of what you pour. You can sample a little or a lot – I personally had a full glass of the El Chavo Mango Habanero Cider!
Besides my spicy cider, we loved the rich and smooth Baltic Porter and the fruity, tarte Framboise. But with so many options on tap, there’s truly something for everyone, making it a great opportunity to find a new favorite drink or sample a few you’ve been curious about. And with plenty of unique brews on tap, from Deep River Brewing Co’s “Bitter Unicorn Tears” to Steel String Brewery’s “Crying Holy,” it’s the perfect non-committal way to try something new.
Located right off of Durham’s central square and overlooking the “Major Bull” statue itself, Pour Taproom is the best bar for an after-work hangout in Downtown Durham. There’s literally something for everyone, so you can’t go wrong – you’ll just have to come back time and time again to sample everything! You can find Pour’s full draft list on their website, or stay up-to-date on Instagram for upcoming events.
POUR TAPROOM
Website: https://www.pourtaproomdurham.com/
Location: 202 Corcoran St #200, Durham, NC 27701
Hours: 2PM-12AM Sunday-Thursday, 2PM-1AM Friday-Saturday, Closed Monday
Keep Exploring Durham, NC
Want to keep exploring beyond the best bars in Durham? As a major southeast railroad city, Durham is home to plenty of history. Here’s a great walking tour of the city to learn more about its history and visit some major highlights.
African American stories are also a major part of Durham’s history. If you’re bar-hopping downtown, make sure to check out Black Wall Street while you wander – the former hub of African American businesses and financial services in Durham. If you want to learn more about black history in the city and region as a whole, this African American history tour of Durham is a wonderful opportunity to connect with this side of the city’s history.
Durham is a great, centrally-located city for doing a variety of activities around the southeast. Outdoor adventurers will love a ride on the nearby Virginia Creeper Trail or beer lovers can continue their brewery hopping up the mountain in Asheville. Or, you might just opt to spend some time exploring Durham itself – after all, there’s plenty to see and do in Bull City!
So which bar in Durham is at the top of your list? Let me know in the comments below!
Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.