Durham Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Durham.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Durham! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Durham has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Durham. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Durham offers over 58 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Primrose Bar and Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.9 stars from 155 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 111 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
High Dive Durham
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.8 stars from 42 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 101 W Main St Suite Lo2, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.6 stars from 304 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 119 Orange St 3rd Floor, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
West End Social
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.7 stars from 75 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 601 W Main St Suite E, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Old North Bar
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 5 stars from 26 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 316 W Geer St C, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Rhythm & Brews Bar and Grill
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.8 stars from 60 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 908 Fayetteville St #101, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Alley Twenty Six
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.6 stars from 1166 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 320 E Chapel Hill St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Conniption Bar & Lounge - Formerly known as Corpse Reviver Bar & Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.6 stars from 228 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 715 Washington St STE B, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Kingfisher
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.5 stars from 349 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 321 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Durham Beer Garden
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.7 stars from 103 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 812 N Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Waiting Room
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.5 stars from 178 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 300 Blackwell St #100, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
bar beej
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.9 stars from 11 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 202 Corcoran St Suite 100, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Coco Vice Night Club
Highly rated International in Durham with 3.1 stars from 30 reviews.
📍 3400 Westgate Dr #7, Durham, NC 27707, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Klute
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 3.6 stars from 82 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AF, UK
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Club Era
Highly rated International in Durham with 4.6 stars from 37 reviews.
📍 305 S Dillard St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Bohemia Durham
Highly rated International in Durham with 3.9 stars from 16 reviews.
📍 Unit 3 Walkergate, Durham DH1 1SQ, UK
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
9ONE9
Highly rated International in Durham with 3.6 stars from 37 reviews.
📍 2223 NC-54 Suite LMNO, Durham, NC 27713, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.6 stars from 304 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 119 Orange St 3rd Floor, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
La parranda night club
Highly rated International in Durham with 3.7 stars from 34 reviews.
📍 2409 Guess Rd, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Jimmy Allens
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 3.3 stars from 115 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 19, 21 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA, UK
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Babylon Durham
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 3.5 stars from 76 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 15North Rd, Durham DH1 4SQ, UK
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Pinhook
Highly rated International in Durham with 4.5 stars from 559 reviews.
📍 117 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Pinhook
Highly rated International in Durham with 4.5 stars from 559 reviews.
📍 117 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
Motorco Music Hall
Highly rated International in Durham with 4.6 stars from 1464 reviews.
📍 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Cat’s Cradle
Highly rated International in Durham with 4.7 stars from 1948 reviews.
📍 300 E Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Carolina Theatre
Highly rated International in Durham with 4.7 stars from 2930 reviews.
📍 309 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Missy Lane's Assembly Room
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.3 stars from 213 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 310 E Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Blue Note Grill
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.5 stars from 1726 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 709 Washington St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Ritz
Highly rated International in Durham with 4.4 stars from 3429 reviews.
📍 2820 Industrial Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Cave
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.5 stars from 296 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 452 1/2 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Bluestone Grille
Highly rated Restaurant in Durham with 4.7 stars from 298 reviews.
📍 3800 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Queeny's
Highly rated Restaurant in Durham with 4.4 stars from 466 reviews.
📍 321 E Chapel Hill St Suite 100, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
NYC Halal Eats
Highly rated Restaurant in Durham with 4.6 stars from 321 reviews.
📍 1013 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Kickback Jack's Durham
Highly rated American in Durham with 4.1 stars from 3121 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 918 W Club Blvd, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Parts & Labor
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.5 stars from 590 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Alley Twenty Six
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.6 stars from 1166 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 320 E Chapel Hill St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Highly rated Bar in Durham with 4.5 stars from 2075 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 621 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Pizzeria Toro
Highly rated Pizza in Durham with 4.6 stars from 2227 reviews.
📍 105 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Pizza cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
The Carolina Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Durham venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Mettlesome
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Durham venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Durham Performing Arts Center
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Durham venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Raleigh Improv
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Durham venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Black Sheep Comedy
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Durham venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Gala Theatre & Cinema
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Durham venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Explore Durham's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Klute
Explore Durham's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge
Explore Durham's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Coco Vice Night Club
Explore Durham's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Rubies on Five Points
Explore Durham's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
9ONE9
Explore Durham's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Durham varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Durham range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Durham offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Durham cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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