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    Boxcar Bar + Arcade

    3.9 (161 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Arcades, Pizza
    Open 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Boxcar Bar + Arcade Photos

    Business Info

    BOXCAR BAR + ARCADE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Boxcar Bar + Arcade

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    Boxcar!
    Diana G.

    It was my first time at this location and this Boxcar is much bigger than the one in Raleigh! I came on Halloween and had a great time. I didn't have to wait too long to play the games I wanted to try. Food was good and made to order. I just had beer and they had an extensive draft selection. My favorite game was the duck claw machine (I got 4 ducks)! I think the stuffed animal claw machine stole some coins from me.

    Drink holders on the games
    Sara L.

    Love this place. Fun vibe. Lots of great games. I do wish it was 21+ all the time because there were kids everywhere on all the games we wanted to play. We did get in some game time and lots of great people watching. We didn't try the food but the drink selection was good. The staff were friendly. Best part in my opinion was the drink holders on the games, I love playing skee ball and having to hold my drink while doing it isn't ideal so kudos for the drink holders. We will definitely be back.

    Christopher N.

    Great bar, open late, the classic original video games are a bonus. The pizza is also really good. We had the pepperoni with the hot honey and it was amazing! All the classic video games you could ever ask for. They have fire pits and heaters outside if it gets chilly.

    Margherita Pizza
    Theresa A.

    Went here with a group at noon on a Sunday and it did not disappoint. They have outdoor seating, outdoor games, food and full bar. The bartender was from Rhode Island, so was happy to see a fellow New Englander here. He suggested the mimosa special which worked out well. We ordered the margarita pizza and it was ok. It got the job done but I would not order it again. Overall good place.

    Bacon Broccoli Pizza
    Brian L.

    I came here on a Saturday night with a couple of my friends, and the energy inside was amazing. There were plenty of people inside, bringing the energy up (but not enough to where I felt crowded or uncomfortable). The inside is very large with plenty of space. Filled with lots of arcade games, a bar, as well as a pizza spot. The drinks were great and have a daily special going on, so check to see what they have going on that day. The pizza spot had lots of options and the pizza was reasonably priced and came at a respectable time. I think one of the biggest perks of this is that the pizza is being made late into the night, so the craving for food is fulfilled right there without having to explore the surrounding area for places that are still open. Had a lot of fun here and will definitely be back!

    Shanelle Y.

    I've been here a few times and while the drinks are usually good and the games are fun, the bartenders tend to be rude which makes me hesitant to come back. It can also get pretty busy/loud inside, but there is a nice outdoor seating area you can escape too if needed. The outside area also has a few ping pong tables and fire pits for the colder months which is nice!

    Marissa M.

    I enjoyed Boxcar. I wish the triangle offered more eclectic spaces and venues like Boxcar. While in the area at an event at Durham Central Park, we decided to venture over. Boxcar is located toward the end of Foster. There is street parking and a few local parking lots nearby. Boxcar features an arcade room, full bar, Pizza kitchen, large patio space and event room. We were ID'd upon entering and immediately hit the bar. Our bartender was helpful and recommended a Kentucky Mule. I enjoyed how cold and refreshing it was on a 90 degree night. We decided on a pepperoni and hot honey pizza pie and the service was excellent from the kitchen. The pie was fresh and decent. There are plenty of nostalgic arcade games like street fight, Pac-Man and the wizard of Oz pinball machine. Skeeball, basketball and outdoor yard games on the patio. The bathroom could have used some TLC and I really couldn't hear the music. All this place is missing is a live DJ. Sunday Funday features drink specials from the bar $10 bottles of champagne and $1 mimosas. Boxcar is also Dog Friendly.

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Fun environment and cheap drinks! Only thing that would make it better is louder music and a dance floor

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Female bartenders are rude. But overall I like the open space and games are good. Pizza portion is great to grab a bite.

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Terrible customer service, management seems to want to fight and control, abusing power v. Solving disputes

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    Kristen M.

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    7 years ago

    This place has good food, and a lot of games. Bigger space the the one In Raleigh, and definitely a better layout. Very much enjoyed my time

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    7 years ago

    Good place to hang with your friends :) large space . Nice bar with good beer selection. Dog friendly.

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    6 years ago

    Great location. Awesome staff! Great supporters of local animal rescue.

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    Loud venue with arcade games. Beers are reasonably priced. Pizza is better than expected.

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    Page 4 of 5

    Ask the Community - Boxcar Bar + Arcade

    Can you use contact less payment like Google Pay?

    There is no contact less payment set up the few times I've been there.

    Do boxcars sell regular soda?

    Yes

    Is there a certain time for 21 and up only?

    They are 21+ only with the exception being before 9pm accompanied by a parent.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Boxcar Bar + Arcade

    There are tons of games to choose from, with my favorites being skeeball, air hockey, DDR, and mario kart.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

    Read more highlights

    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

    4.5
    (105 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Great small bites. I recommend you trying the Elote dip it was AMAZING and perfect for sharing with…read moretwo or more friends! They have great drink specials for different days of the week! Very speedy service all of their bartenders are very sweet and will fix whatever drink to your liking The vibes are disco balls on the ceiling very open very Miami Beach vibes they have an indoor and an outdoor seating area not only that they have fireplaces. If you get a little too far from their heated porch area! The vibes just don't stop. They have an aesthetic fireplace in side as well as a fake tree in the middle beautiful for taking pictures Their bathrooms are adorable, but you might have to wait a little bit on a busy day. But this is the same problem with every bar. Very glad that they have more than one bathroom.

    Okay, so wow. Durham has upped its game in terms of its social scene. We got to the VH at like 9?…read more9:30? on a Friday night and the line to get in was down at least one flight of stairs to the second floor. It did move fast for us so we were able to get in about 10 minutes later or so. It was latin night so the music was tailored to that so I won't comment on what that was like. The outdoor patio was wonderful. Not too loud. Some good seating options. You can access the bar from out there too. Took awhile to get to order while waiting in line. I had something purple... french 75? It was just okay. Jell-o shots were made with MEZCAL that night which my group found sooo gross. So beware. Overall I see the hype. But when we left around 10:30 or so the line was down the stairs, out the door, and down the block. I don't know if it was worth THAT.

    Photos
    Holiday Decor!
    Holiday Decor!
    Tap & Unwrap
    Tap & Unwrap
    Avocado toast with chopped egg, tomato, onion, and pepitas

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    Avocado toast with chopped egg, tomato, onion, and pepitas
    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

    4.8
    (43 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$
    Veteran-owned & operated
    Locally owned & operated

    If you're looking for a fun weekend date that feels cozy, elevated, and a little different, Weldon…read moreMills in Durham is such a standout. My husband and I visited recently for a bourbon tasting, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. Our mixologist, Berkay, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. He shared the history behind each spirit and walked us through the tasting notes in a way that was easy to understand and genuinely enjoyable. The food menu was another big win, especially as someone who eats vegan. They offered vegan options, which made the experience feel inclusive and well thought out This is a fantastic spot for date night, a girls' night, or celebrating something special. They also host tastings, cocktail classes, private parties, and bachelor or bachelorette events, which makes it a great option for future plans. Highly recommend if you're looking for a memorable experience in Durham that feels both fun and thoughtfully done.

    Came here for lunch on a Sunday. Did a flight and had some lunch. The staff were nice. Not many…read morepeople in there. Nice location and nice bar. Plenty of seating. The apple flavor whiskey was not good. Too syrupy and the peach flavor is insanely sweet; may be good in a mixed drink. The sweet potato was good. I could sip that easily. For food I had deviled eggs and brisket nachos. The deviled eggs weren't that good. The nachos tasted good and a nice portion. Though it's not bad, it also wasn't good. Glad I tried it off my list, but won't be back.

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    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham
    The Tasting Room
    The Tasting Room
    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

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    The Waiting Room

    The Waiting Room

    4.6
    (32 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    This cozy bar & lounge set between the American Tobacco Campus and the DPAC is a great place to…read moreunwind and chill. Got a show coming up? You can come here for a pre-show drink. There is waiter service at the lounge tables. I enjoy the bar service: plenty of seats and friendly bartenders. Old Bull Apartments residents have it best. They can hang out here, steps from their homes.

    I was very excited to try this place based on so many wonderful yelp reviews and I am thrilled to…read moresay that you were all absolutely correct. We LOVED our visit to The Waiting Room. I took off early and came here early on a Wednesday night with my aunt (we were going to try another restaurant on Tobacco Road later that evening for dinner.) This is a very definite speakeasy vibe here...the art deco decor is amazing. My eyes were thrilled before we even sat down. We had our pick of places since we got there right as they opened. Our waitress came over and was so pleasant and extremely knowledgeable. I cannot wait to bring my uncle back to enjoy some new bourbons. I started with a Wake Up Holland and my aunt had a chocolate martini (not on the menu but the bartender understood the assignment!) Wake Up Holland is 100% worth the hype. I LOVED IT. But since I was worried about the caffiene, I tried The Smoking Jacket next. It wasn't really my favorite...it tasted like a campfire which I know some people enjoy but it wasn't my jam. The waitress was very astute and mentioned that they could make the Wake Up Holland in decaf and I rejoiced!!! And ended the evening with that. The service, ambiance, and drinks were all stellar and I cannot wait to return to this establishment!

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    The Waiting Room
    Rose
    Rose
    Wake Up Holland, YUM!

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    Wake Up Holland, YUM!
    Alley Twenty Six

    Alley Twenty Six

    4.3
    (428 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    We had an extremely memorable experience at Alley Twenty Six, in large part to our amazing server,…read moreAnthony! We made a reservation for a Saturday night dinner and he made sure we were well taken care of all night. We started the night with their James Bears award winning cocktails, and every drink we ordered was a hit! Spiced strawberry mule, Sunset Sipper, and the table favorite: Earl Please. The latter two drinks were mocktails and they were still standouts! As for the food, the Alley burger was perfectly cooked: juicy patty paired with truffle cheese and simple toppings that really highlighted the burger itself. And shoestring fries are always a good choice with a delicious burger. Ricotta gnocchi was also very good. As our server Anthony said, let's get this burger nominated!

    Nestled right next to an alley is a modern restaurant/bar mixing innovative drinks (non-alcoholic…read moreavailable) and preparing tasty morsels to share along with your drink. If you like tinned fish, the smoked trout with chimchurri sauce is flavorful and fun. They have a large variety of tinned fish to choose from, but they also have traditional dishes if you're not feeling gastronomically adventurous. The service was quick, and the servers were engaging. Just what you want when you're feeling social. There is seating both indoors and outdoors to suit your fancy.

    Photos
    Pimento cheese & pepper jelly
    Pimento cheese & pepper jelly
    Deviled eggs - lifewithhanny
    Deviled eggs - lifewithhanny
    House-made tonic soda mocktail

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    House-made tonic soda mocktail
    Killer Queen

    Killer Queen

    4.9
    (33 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    I was excited to try Killer Queen for a downtown girls' night. We don't make it downtown very…read moreoften, so I've been enjoying exploring some of Durham's newer spots -- and this one was absolutely worth the visit. The wine list is broad and thoughtfully curated, with options that feel approachable whether you're a casual wine drinker or someone looking to try something new. The sommeliers were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping us find something we loved. The space itself is adorable, with eclectic décor and cozy lighting that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. It's a great spot for conversation and a relaxed evening with friends. The only downside is that the space is fairly small, and I would have loved to see one or two more lower seating options for small groups rather than mostly high tops. That said, I could absolutely see us coming back for a pre- or post-theater glass of wine or an easy catch-up night.

    Love this place! It's definitely a bit on the pricey side when it comes to the wine, but the…read moreoverall experience makes up for it. The service is awesome--our server was super friendly and gave me a great drink recommendation when I wasn't sure what I wanted. It ended up being perfect. My friend and I shared a glass of the 2023 Cederberg Bukettraube (sweet white wine) and got the charcuterie board for one with the truffle salami. That board was so good--I can't stop thinking about it. The toasted baguette slices with truffle salami and mustard? Unreal. It was the perfect little snack to share. We also had the citrus lavender crème brûlée, which was surprisingly delicious. I don't usually go for crème brûlée, but this one was light, not overly sweet, and just had a really nice flavor. I've also tried their shepherd's pie before and loved it--wish it was still on the menu! The vibe inside is moody and cozy, and they've got a cute outdoor patio too. Overall, such a great spot. A little pricey, but I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend checking out Killer Queen.

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    Killer Queen
    Killer Queen
    Killer Queen

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    Liberty & Plenty Distillery

    Liberty & Plenty Distillery

    4.8
    (16 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    What a lovely surprise to find this gem tucked away in downtown Durham! I had heard great things…read moreabout their espresso martini, so when we finally visited, we had to try it. And, it truly lived up to the hype. One of the best we've ever had! I also tried two other cocktails made with their house-distilled rum and gin, and both were delicious and perfectly balanced. The seasonal menu is creative and reasonably priced, we were genuinely impressed. The ambiance is charming and cozy despite a bit warm inside (the AC was pretty weak), but quiet and tastefully decorated with velvet couches, exposed walls, vintage touches, and fresh flowers on each table. We had fun flipping through their amazing cocktail book collection on the shelf too. The bartenders were very friendly and offered us focaccia from Ninth Street Bakery to pair with our drinks for free, which was such a thoughtful and tasty addition. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and are so happy to see a micro-distillery thriving in the heart of Durham. Can't wait to return for an official tour and to sample more of their spirits!

    Really fun cocktail bar- that specializes in rums! First impression- I called ahead to see if our…read moredog was allowed to sit on the outside patio, and they told me not only is she allowed, but we aren't allowed to come without her. That response will get a smile every time. Super dog-friendly, to say the least, both outside and inside. Outside has several tables under a covered area, and inside has a few couches (with tiny tables) and a long bar you can sit at. We've been a few times now, and the service is super friendly and helpful, every time. It's small and intimate inside, but we never have a problem finding a seat! I love that they have snacks you can help yourself to, in airtight jars at the bar (peanut butter filled pretzels, sour worms, etc). Also important to note- the inside is NOT air conditioned. We stopped in on a HOT day, and it's brutal inside, with cloth couches and just one small fan. Love this bar, all of their cocktails (wine available too), and all of the staff! Will be back (a lot)!!

    Photos
    Liberty & Plenty Distillery
    Liberty & Plenty Distillery
    Damn good Espresso Martini

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    Damn good Espresso Martini
    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    4.4
    (166 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    English: TL;DR: Beautiful atmosphere, fantastic coffee and…read morefood, thoughtful modern Latin flavors, amazing breakfast/dinner spot, and Fernando, the manager, is awesome. We've been to Aaktun in Durham multiple times for both breakfast and dinner, and it's honestly become one of our favorite spots. I'm Peruvian and grew up with Peruvian cuisine, so seeing lomo saltado -- a classic Peruvian dish -- on the menu immediately made me happy. Having also grown up in Mexico and lived in places like Miami, I really appreciate what they're doing with the menu: a modern, delicious take on Latin flavors that feels creative without losing what makes those cuisines special. The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. You walk in thinking it's a stylish little coffee shop, then head toward the back and the whole place opens up -- gorgeous bar, tropical touches, cozy alcove seating, really cool vibe. One time we went with friends for a special dining experience they were offering, and it was excellent. The food, drinks, and whole experience were made even better by Fernando, the manager, who has always been incredibly warm, helpful, and accommodating. Highly recommend Aaktun for breakfast or dinner. Still haven't made it there for lunch somehow, but at this point we'd be shocked if it wasn't great too. Spanish: TL;DR: Lugar precioso, café y comida excelentes, sabores latinos con un toque moderno muy bien logrado, y Fernando, el gerente, es increíble. Ya hemos ido varias veces a Aaktun en Durham para desayuno y cena, y sinceramente se ha vuelto uno de nuestros lugares favoritos. Soy peruano y crecí con la cocina peruana, así que ver lomo saltado -- un plato clásico peruano -- en el menú me hizo muy feliz. Además, habiendo crecido en México y vivido en lugares como Miami, me encanta reconocer cómo integran sabores latinos con una propuesta moderna y de fusión. Se siente creativa, diferente y sobre todo riquísima. La atmósfera además es espectacular. Entras pensando que es una cafetería bonita y acogedora, pero luego caminas hacia atrás y el lugar se abre por completo: un bar hermoso, detalles tropicales, mesas tipo alcove... una vibra buenísima. Una vez fuimos con unos amigos para una experiencia especial de cena que estaban ofreciendo y la pasamos increíble. La comida, las bebidas y toda la experiencia fueron aún mejores gracias a Fernando, el gerente, que siempre ha sido súper amable, atento y servicial. Recomendamos muchísimo Aaktun para desayuno o cena. Todavía no hemos ido para almorzar, pero honestamente nos sorprendería mucho que no estuviera igual de bueno.

    "Part Dos - Mostly great, with a few exceptions"…read more Food temp is major in my book. While many of the food options were hot, several were not, and I believe that impacted the overall dining experience. We ordered classic breakfast and jerk chicken lunch options. For drinks: Cappuccino and Mango Refreshers. The good: (1) Fried rice - which accompanied the jerk chicken (served hot). While simple, the slightly earthy and bitter (in the best way possible) from the braised/steamed baby bok choy perfectly accompanied the earthy mushroom, and complex soy inspired fried rice. So good - this could be a vegan or meat side entree unto itself - IMO. (2) Scrambled Eggs - If you enjoy large curds of gently scrambled eggs - this is for you. While we enjoyed the remaining options for portion size and flavor, we did note that the temperature was cool to mid - which impacted overall flavor. Jerk Chicken: we understand this is a jerk inspired interpretation. With that being said, the most interesting flavor was limited to the crispy skin. Perhaps the chicken was immersed in a salt brine and basted with a jerk flavoring? We loved the white (perhaps mayo based sauce), and accompanied pickled red onion. But baby, the food temp. Yucca fries - if you're unfamiliar - are the baby of a green plantain and white potatoes. While good, they were not hot. Maybe could have benefited from a unique sauce? Food service good. But the biggest miss was the cheese hash browns and Mango Refresher. Hash brown (cheese) room temp, and tough - Mango Refresher - too tart and not worth the cost. As far as ambience: Customers were Hip, sexy, multi ethnic , and included old and young. We loved our waiter. Overall, a little disappointing especially considering we loved our first coffee breakfast visit so much. Not sure if it was an off day or we just prefer other menu options. However, we'd definitely visit again! Brunch/lunch: 4.2

    Photos
    Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny
    Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny
    Jerk chicken
    Jerk chicken
    Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

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    Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Boxcar Bar + Arcade - bars - Updated June 2026

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