Just a short drive east from Raleigh’s urban core, Durham has evolved from its tobacco-town origins into a vibrant hub where Southern charm meets modern innovation. Here, craft cocktails flow as freely as conversation, and even the most inventive menus welcome you in jeans. While the city thrives with tech and academia, its soul remains in neighborhood spots where exceptional food and drink come without pretense—or premium prices.
West End Billiards
$ | (919) 717-3915 | WEBSITE
West End Billiards is a laid-back downtown Durham destination for beats, brews, and billiards. The bar, which was featured on 13 Best Bars Restaurants in Durham, NC, specializes in classic hip hop tunes and a diverse, welcoming crowd. There’s plenty of pool-table seating in the spacious venue that’s decorated with a casual, visually appealing vibe. Sip on a draft beer from the courteous bartender and relax over the incredible free wings and pizza on certain nights.
Arcana Bar and Lounge
$ | (919) 973-1675 | WEBSITE
Arcana Bar and Lounge is more than just the best cocktail bar in Durham—it’s among the best cocktail bars in the entire Triangle area. The menu has all the greatest hits—espresso martinis, crafted cocktails, low and zero-proof options—but the signature espresso martini is why you should be here. It’s balanced, expertly mixed, and served with the kind of care that makes this basement spot feel like a destination. Sit at the bar and you might even score a tarot card reading or two.
Since Arcana doesn’t take reservations, peak weekend waits can stretch past thirty minutes. Whether you’re a local or making the trip downtown, it’s worth the wait.
106 Main
$ | (919) 593-0560 | WEBSITE
This Durham classic is the opposite of pretentious in the best ways, serving a solid lineup of well-made cocktails and good drinks like their signature whiskey sours, local craft beers, and straightforward mixed drinks in a cozy, welcoming interior. Their complimentary snacks like cheese, nachos, and beef chili are more than enough to keep you satisfied during the game. Add the surprisingly friendly atmosphere with TVs showing sports and comfortable seating for a perfect casual hangout.
Durham Food Hall
$ | (919) 908-9339 | WEBSITE
When you step into Durham Food Hall—one of the few downtown spots in Durham that truly offers something for everyone—regulars will tell you that the variety here is exactly what makes it special. Food halls tend to value diversity over specialization. If you think Indian dosas, Italian cheesecake bites, and BBQ smoked fish dips don’t belong together, know that combinations can be surprising.
Order your veggie crunchwrap, whole red snapper fried to perfection, or ginger chicken dumplings to go for a feast at home, or dine in the bustling, industrial-chic space. Depending on the time (keep an eye on the parking at Durham Central Park, which can fill up), families, friends, and even dates often gather around the central bar.
Rubies on Five Points
$$ | (919) 381-4349 | WEBSITE
Rubies on Five Points is a dive bar specializing in affordable drinks and shots, with its famous $4 tamales that are surprisingly legitimate. The menu of drinks and tamales is comfort food of the highest order. This accepting, well-lit space has built a loyal following of local crowds who flock here to share drinks and tamales, all with a side of live music.
Their service is exceptional, but if you’re in the mood to drink your fun, order a shot from Alex for an intense hit of kindness from the memorable bartender.
Viceroy
$$ | (919) 797-0413 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in the Raleigh Durham area, Viceroy is an Indian gem serving remarkably authentic cuisine in a vibrant, welcoming space. You choose your dishes from Chef Chetan’s consistent menu—we recommend the fried cauliflower small plate with sweet sauce or the London Mixed Grill Tandoor—and build a meal with creative cocktails and outstanding naan bread. While waiting for your order, take in the ambiance and decor, which feels both modern and traditional. Need something vegan?
There are plenty of options, like the kofta curry with paneer, potato, and fig dumplings, highlighting spicy and sweet flavors. Or try the Momo bhel or Hariyali chicken for a more adventurous bite. It’s moderately priced, so expect to spend around $25–$40 per person for a full meal with drinks. The staff’s great listening skills and top-notch service make it a must-visit spot, whether you’re craving achari paneer or just want to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Little Bull
$$$ | (919) 251-8989 | WEBSITE
Both the crudo and the atmosphere at this downtown Durham restaurant are hard to beat. Little Bull’s vibrant dining room, which sits near the DPAC theater district, fills to the brim on show nights when pre-theater crowds flock to the restaurant’s extensive custom cocktails and wine selection. It’s solid creative food—NC crudo, octopus, birria dumplings, shrimp dishes, and the like—that pairs well with lively conversation and innovative flavor combinations.
The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge
$ | (919) 294-4447 | WEBSITE
The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge lives up to its whimsical name. This is where you go for creative cocktails like the spicy girl SZN and espresso martini, a wide array of vegetarian delights such as mushroom sliders and cauliflower hummus, and many other bar-food specialties. The vibe of a jungle cocktail bar or cozy ski lodge hits you right as you step into the stylish space.
Happy groups sip their drinks on the rooftop, taking in the beautiful views, tear apart the pretty cheese board, and dip it into the elote dip. Everything off the extensive menu is good, but if you go on a weekend, don’t miss the DJs spinning great music, which amps up the lively atmosphere. For weeknights, we recommend the mocktails for a refreshing change. Cleanse your palate with the cauliflower hummus, which is a creamy, tasty spread.
Alley Twenty Six
$$ | (984) 439-2278 | WEBSITE
Alley Twenty Six serves the best creative drinks and diverse meal options in downtown Durham. This noteworthy late-night destination has efficient service from commendable front-end staff, friendly bartenders, and beautifully decorated tables, making it a prime spot for special occasions. You can order the highlight foie gras for take-away with labeled to-go boxes, or enjoy the fun and inviting atmosphere that keeps water glasses full.
There are personalized touches like menus signed by the staff, and the overall experience feels grown up without being too pricey. Be ready to be impressed—each visit comes with memorable details.
Crafts & Drafts NC
$$ | (919) 366-7606 | WEBSITE
If you live in Durham, you probably think it’s silly to make the drive just to drink a beer and do some crafts. Your friends and family might even describe you as “taking things too far” or “willing to drive for glass etching but not willing to come to my birthday party.” Ignore them, and never be afraid to travel for great atmosphere. We have yet to find a craft bar in the greater Triangle area that could take this one in a fight.
With nearly 20 different craft beers and activities like wood-burning and crocheting, you could spend a few weeks visiting without repeating an experience.
Urban Turban Indian Grill and Bar I Durham
$$ | (984) 666-5216 | WEBSITE
This Indian grill and bar tucked away in the RTP area is a prime example of elevated dining done right. Think butter chicken with its rich, velvety gravy coating tender pieces in a harmonious blend of spices. Or salmon sagg, where the flaky fish melts into creamy spinach sauce with earthy depth. People tend to gather in the high-end ambiance for special occasions or a relaxed dinner, with the well-stocked bar adding to the inviting environment.
Federal
$ | (919) 680-8611 | WEBSITE
Federal offers a mix of casual, delicious meals with no pretension. The clean, relaxed space located in the heart of Durham is always buzzing with locals and visitors enjoying reasonably priced plates of steak salad, Buffalo ranch sandwiches, and fish & chips. Pick from standout dishes like Currywurst with sauerkraut or the impossible burger with good char, or go for something hearty—the pimento deviled eggs are fantastic—paired with a cold beer.
The best seats are near the front window where you can watch street traffic mill about outside before you join the lively, cozy atmosphere.
Gizmo Brew Works – Durham Taproom
$ | (919) 999-2702 | WEBSITE
Gizmo Brew Works – Durham Taproom pours more than 500 pints on busy weekends—a highly believable number, as the patio often fills up completely at this welcoming taproom with its convenient location right off the main road. The made-to-order beers are crisp, flavorful, and just hoppy enough to want another. Everything from their classic stouts and seasonal brews to the wide selection of non-alcoholic options and cheap snacks like chips and candy are exactly what a casual beer spot should be.
A single one of their aptly named fantastic views from the patio fills an entire afternoon.
