Welcome to Durham’s #1 nightlife guide.
On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Durham. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.
Enjoy!
Mind-blowing nightlife and culinary scene, Durham Bulls games, and historic neighborhoods call for an exciting trip to the spectacular city of Durham!
This fantastic city is loved by everyone. Be it art lovers, history buffs, music lovers, or nightlife fanatics, Durham has hosted every kind of traveler till now. Have we piqued your interest? If yes, then stay tuned and explore this wonderful city us so the next time you plan to travel, you know everything you need to know before coming to this city.
A bit of Durham
Holding several monikers on its name, Durham is a one of the spectacular cities in the United State of North Carolina. It is popular for housing the well-established Duke University, a popular basketball team, American Tobacco Campus, the historic Black Wall Street, and much more.
If you want to go down the history lane, this city is an ideal choice to be you next best choice. But if you are more of a fun-loving and the living-the-life-to-the-fullest kind of person, Durham has a lot in store for you. You just need to look at it!
In recent years, the city has gone under some developments, including revitalizing of downtown and entertainment options. American Tobacco Historic District, Brightleaf Square, and performing arts venues are some of the tempting entertainment pit stops for enjoying a good nightlife.
Culture of Durham
The culture of the city is widely reflected in its preferences with a diverse cultural population. The city hosts a number of jazz festivals, art exhibitions, symphony concerts, dance and music festivals, film festivals, and more. It also has a diverse music culture, from Americana, hip-hop, and blues to rock, metal, and punk.
Some of the popular festivals that held in this city include annual Bull Durham Blues Festival, Durham Art Walk (May) in artists come forward to showcase their art on the streets, American Dance Festival, and the second largest LGBTQ+ film festival, i.e., the OUTsouth Queer Film Festival.
To sum it up, the culture of Durham is tempting and spellbinding.
Highlights of Durham
The climate of this city plays an important role in its vibrancy. Since Durham experiences hot and humid summers and cold winters, you will a variety of celebrations, festivals, and varieties in event venues.
Nightlife in Durham
The nightlife scene of this fantastic city is dominating and eccentric. Though the city holds a list of entertaining spots to visit in a day, it also has a secret stash of nighttime options. When sun starts falling asleep, the streets and corners start lighting up to welcome the vibrant night.
There are plenty of bars, nightclubs, live event venues, late-night restaurants, craft cocktails venues, meeting everybody’s choices. So, what are you waiting for? Hang on with us as we bring out some of the trendiest and hippiest places to wine and dine in this fantabulous city.
Best Bars and Nightclubs in Durham
Kingfisher
This new kid in the town is a dapper. It has gained national fame for being the best new cocktail bars in the USA in 2019. The bar is intimate interiors with lighting on the booths. The venue offers private as well common booths in a cosy setting. It remains open from Tuesday to Saturday until the midnight and is a great option for night owls. One of its famous drinks served here include Bee Durham with honey-infused Conniption Navy Strength Gin.
Address: 321 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Timing: Friday and Saturday 6 pm – 1 am and Tuesday to Thursday 6 pm – 12 am
Bar Virgile
Bar Virgile is another hotspot to enjoy fancy hand-crafted cocktails along with delicious American fare served here. It has a vast selection of spirits, classic and modern whiskeys, rums, gins, agaves, etc. It is low-key hangout place to relish international fare and decadent charcuterie.
Address: 105 S Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Phone: +1 919-973-3000
Timing: Friday and Saturday 5 pm – 12 am and Monday to Thursday 5 pm – 11 pm
Website: https://www.barvirgile.com/
Motorco Music Hall
This spirited live music venue in Durham is an all-in-one place to converse, drink, and laugh in the company of your friends and family. The venue in Downtown Durham offers stand-up comedy, live music by Indie bands, and a street-food-style eatery and a bar. It has a good food and drink menu. Plenty of beers and cocktails are there to choose from. Vegans and vegetarians can try the vegan menu served here.
Address: 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Phone: +1 919-901-0875
Timing: Tuesday to Friday 3 pm – 12 am, Friday 3 pm – 2 am, Saturday 12 pm – 2 am, and Monday 5 pm – 12 am
Website: https://motorcomusic.com/
Arcana Bar and Lounge
This tarot card themed bar with a speakeasy ambience and niche décor is one of the best bars in the city to quench the thirst with a good cocktail. This intimate bar has a lounge décor and serves a verity of cocktail drinks to its guests. It also hosts a range of artistic events such as theatre events, live performances and dances, tarot card reading events, etc.
Address: 331 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Phone: +1 919-973-1675
Timing: Wednesday to Sunday 6 pm – 12 am
Website: https://arcanadurham.com/#home
Bralie’s Sports Bar
Bralie’s Sports Bar is a regular hangout spot for locals. Located in Westport Center, this venue is a must-visit place. Highly recommended for savoring classic pub grub and alcoholic drinks, along with plenty of entertainment activities, this one tops the charts. You can bring your friends or family to this bar and have a good time together.
This sports bar has several televisions to catch games while enjoying drinks. You can also come here to enjoy live music events, karaoke, and games like pool and darts with your friends.
Address: 1725 Carpenter Fletcher Rd, Durham, NC 27713, United States
Phone: +1 919-806-1441
Timing: Sunday 12-10 pm and Monday to Saturday 11 am – 2 am
Website: https://braliesbar.com/
106 Main
A popular venue for enjoying a good glass of local craft beer, a fancy cocktail or in-house special drinks. This famous watering hole features a relaxed ambience in accordance with a classic bar setting. It is loved by locals as well as visitors.
Address: 106 E Main St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Phone: +1 919-593-0560
Timing: Friday and Saturday 4 pm – 2 am, and Wednesday and Thursday 4 pm – 12 am
Website: https://www.106maindurham.com/
Boxcar Bar & Arcade
Boxcar Bar & Arcade is one of the best gaming and craft beer bars in the city of Durham. Gousing over 720 games ,including arcade games, a 7,000 square foot outdoor patio and gaming area, a full bar serving beer, wine, liquor, and 24 craft American drafts, this venue is THE most exciting places to be with our friends or family. It also has a Neapolitan-style pizza kitchen and private event venue for event needs. Catering to every kind of traveler, the bar offers live music, DJ specials, and drink specials.
Address: 621 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Phone: +1 984-377-2791
Timing: Monday and Saturday 12 – 2 am, Tuesday to Friday 5 pm – 2 am, and Sunday 12 pm – 12 am
Website: https://theboxcarbar.com/durham/
Luna Nightclub
This nightclub is gradually making its mark in people’s hearts with its upbeat energy and live entertainment. The nightclub is best place to enjoy Latin music and a salsa dance. Tribute bands play popular charts creating a grooving vibe. Choose from a range of classic and special cocktails for the night and start the party.
Address: 3019 Auto Dr, Durham, NC 27707, United States
Phone: +1 919-884-6755
Timing: Friday and Saturday 10 pm – 2:30 am, Saturday 10 pm – 3:30 am, and Thursday 8 pm – 12 am
Website: https://www.lunanightclubnc.com/
Corpse Reviver Bar and Lounge
This cocktail bar is a renowned establishment in this city. Named because of its venue in a former coffin shop, this bar is a keeper. So if you craving a refreshing cocktail, you know where do you need to go.
Address: 715 Washington St STE B, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Phone: +1 919-390-3309
Timing: Thursday to Saturday 5 pm – 12 am and Sunday 3 – 9 pm
Website: https://www.thecorpsereviver.com/
Best Late-night Restaurants in Durham
Alley Twenty Six
Everybody knows where Alley Twenty Six is. Come to this eclectic cocktail bar that features swanky and chic interiors with a sophistication of a sorority. The bar has a fine menu of charcuterie and new American cuisine. This award-winning craft cocktail venue mixes up of the best known and memorable drinks in the whole city.
Address: 320 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Phone: +1 984-439-2278
Timing: Sunday 10:30 am – 2 pm and 4 pm – 10 pm
Website: https://www.alleytwentysix.com/
The Tavern
This long bar and grill has become a popular hangout spot for late-night owls. If you are just getting ready for the night out, this place can be your ultimate destination. The fancy décor with heated/non-heated outdoor patio seating gives a comfortable vibe. It has a dance floor, karaoke, and indoor games such as pool, video games, foosball, etc. The jukebox plays the top charts making an easygoing atmosphere.
Address: 1900 W Markham Ave, Durham, NC 27705, United States
Phone: +1 919-286-7665
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday 2 pm – 2 am, Sunday 2 pm – 8 pm, and Monday 2 pm to 12 am
Website: https://www.thetaverndurham.com/
Cosmic Cantina
This burrito specialist in Durham is one of the best late-night food you can have. Whether you are feeling too lazy to eat a good meal or looking for a budgeted food option, this places serves all reasons. This burrito restaurant also serves beers and margaritas that pair up well with organic Mexican food in a casual amebience.
Address: 1920 Perry St, Durham, NC 27705, United States
Phone: +1 919-286-1875
Timing: Monday to Sunday 11 am – 2 am
Website: http://cosmiccantina.com/
Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub
Located in downtown Durham, this traditional Irish pub is everybody’s favorite. With a classic décor and plenty of televisions streaming sports events and indoor and outdoor seating on the sidewalk and garden, this bar offer comfort like any other. Whether it any bug sports event or a party, Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub is always there to serves you.
The bar has 20 rotating beer taps and other alcoholic drinks. It also serves usual American pub fare, including tempting burgers, fries, and gravy biscuits.
Address: 427 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Phone: +1 919-682-3061
Timing: Friday and Saturday 12 pm – 12 am, Sunday 12 pm – 11 pm, and Monday to Thursday 2 pm – 11 pm
Website: https://www.bullmccabesirishpub.com/
What Time does Nightlife Peak in Durham?
The nightlife in the city of Durham peaks right after the sun starts to set. The locals and visitors come out of their shells to grace the city’s nighttime hotspots in the evening after 7 pm. It stays alive till 1 or 2 am late at night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Durham
What is there to do in Durham?
There are a plethora of places to visit after the sun sets. You can visit galleries, performing arts theaters, bars, and pubs to enjoy a good time friends.
Is Durham safe for tourists?
The city is relatively safer than other cities. The southern part of Durham is safer than the western part of this city. But if you are travelling or touring the city at night, it is advised you do so with someone.
Is downtown Durham safe at night?
Downtown Durham is safe. There entertainment districts are pretty lively and safe. However, if you are travelling alone and very late at night, it is better if you take a cab/Uber ride to your home or hotel.
How can I travel within the city?
You can travel within the city with a rental car facility. You can take taxis or app-based cabs like Uber to travel within the city.
Conclusion
Durham dominates the nightlife scene. Its social environment and happy-to-go places make up enough of reasons to visit this eccentric city. People of all types characters love come here. Some come for its nightlife scene, while some for its music festivals. Whatever the reason is, each traveler leaves behind happy footprints and takes memorable moments and gracious hospitality.
So, what are you waiting for? Now that we have briefed and given you a virtual tour of Durham, its time you do not waste a single second and start planning for it right away.
The city of Durham is waiting for you.
