GRATUITY ALERT I go to Kingfisher on occasion for the atmosphere. The drinks are very very innovative, which makes it disappointing every time that the drinks are always watered down. Way too much ice in rocks glasses and not much of the drink ourself. Watered down, over shaken martinis. **However, the real issue is the mandatory 20% gratuity. ** After the bartender forgot to make my drink, then waiting 20 minutes for the check, I noticed that in the details, my one cocktail had a mandatory 20% tip. When I pointed it out, I was informed by the bartender that I didn't have to add an additional tip in top of that, but "it would be appreciated" Are you kidding me?!?! I thought I bought a $15 drink. But it was really $18. And then they expect another tip, taking this to a whopping **$22 before taxes.** I won't be back - and with so many cocktail bars in Durham that don't stealth charge you, I don't need to. read more

Kingfisher is the cutest cocktail lounge located in downtown Durham. I struggled to find it at first, but it's down the stairs. The service was great, drinks were delicious, and the aesthetic make for a great night! Also, the music was enjoyable and at the perfect volume. I will definitely be back! read more

This was a bar I walked into and received an experience I didn't expect at all. From the speakeasy vibes to the backyard garden in the back. You can even have a bit more of an intimate experience in some of the rooms that have curtains to pull closed for you and your group. Sometimes they bring in live bands which is really nice as well. Their drinks are ALWAYS top notch so certainly have top-tier bartenders and the service is consistently pleasant. I visited often throughout the year and finally did this review when dropping in for drinks to show the lovely Christmas decor in the bar. It's absolutely beautiful. The Hot Totty was definitely the cherry on top for this cold autumn evening. read more

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We really liked this place. Great vibe, very speakeasy feel. Drinks were great inside the restaurant and on the patio (they had two different menus). We will be back for sure with friends. read more

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A speakeasy thats in a basement. Very unique bar and im impressed with their service. Low phone service down there but they offer free Wi-Fi just for that. Thoughtful . No need to play on your phone when you have good drinks and good convo! Love this location. read more

Kingfisher - Whiskey sour - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Wanted to like this place more than I did (especially based off previously high reviews!). Cool eclectic ambiance, gives "speak-easy" vibes, and definitely doesn't feel like you're in Durham. With that being said, tried SEVERAL of the cocktails (our table collectively tried all of them), and didn't like ONE. The ingredients just don't make sense- on paper or to taste. All had a weird or bitter after taste to me as well. The place was PACKED on a Saturday night; it was nice we got a table in the back fast but the service was atrocious. Long wait for both drinks (initial and follow-up cocktails) and the bill; seemed as if they had 1 person covering all of the tables (and 1 person covering the bar). LOUD (hard to have any conversation) and expensive for drinks (especially in this small city). Would not bother returning. read more

I came here with my boyfriend and another couple for some drinks before dinner and was instantly amazing at this place. To get in, you walk down some stairs with some cool art and open the door to this very cool underground cocktail bar where there's different areas to sit, like the bar, couch lounge area, tables, countertop, or private rooms which are open for everyone first come first serve. Our waitress was amazing and informed us that some items for drinks were out, which made sense for a Sunday night, but luckily the drinks we wanted were available. I got the glacial maximum which was amazing!! I have never tasted a cocktail like that before but it was made perfectly. Overall, I believe this was the best cocktail bar to go to for pre dinner and the vibe was amazing and not like anything I've seen before. Sadly I'm from out of town but I hope to come back here when I'm back in town. read more

Kingfisher - Vibe - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Drinks were very pricey for wild flavors that didn't work very well, though they did give us another drink when we returned one we couldn't drink. Good area for a date but not to bring a group since it is so small and hard to get a table. read more

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The bar is in the basement of the building. Very unique decor and I enjoyed it. The bar is very dark and you may not have cell phone service. I actually enjoyed that. I was able to enjoy my friend's company without distractions. The drink menu is eclectic. The nice thing about that is you can enjoy a unique cocktail. They also have cocktails not on their menu...just ask. I tried the Time Off. I didn't enjoy it. The waitress offered another suggestion and her suggestion happened to be one of my favorite drinks. I really enjoyed the expresso martini. There is plenty of seating indoors but almost twice as much outside. I bet his spot is awesome during the late spring/summer. I am going to make a point to visit this summer. Love love love this place. They also gave mocktail versions of their drinks. read more

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This is my favorite bar in Durham and I come here every time I get a chance. They are located downtown. The lighting is moody and the selection is top chef. Our waiter had a good personality and made food suggestion. This is great for a date night or girls night. read more

If you're looking for a cool speakeasy type of bar this is the place. The drinks are always very well balanced and strong. This isn't a place for overly sweet sugary sweet cocktails so if that is your thing this isn't it. read more

Kingfisher - Peak Lapel on the left and Blood Orange Margarita on the right. - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

We had heard this place was amazing so came with a group. i noted a strong smell like the pool at my local gym as we sat in a nice back room. The smell persisted through our time there. It took a long time to get the menu, and we noted that for many of the drinks we requested, they didn't have the ingredients so they couldn't be ordered. I've never been to a bar like that. We ordered the special, which was very underwhelming and tasted watered down (maybe in the theme of the pool smell?). It then took a long time before able to pay our bill, and we paid individually but were charged an automatic group tip without our knowledge. Therefore we ended up far overtipping and paid $23/drink, completely insane even for a bigger city like where we are from. Overall very disappointing experience, would recommend other options if looking for a high end experience. read more

Went here for the first time last week, and couldn't have picked a better spot. Loved everything about it. Specifically, Alex - our bar tender - made us a drink she created. It was her take on an old fashion. It was brilliant and got better with each taste. Find Alex, and have her make you one if you like old fashions. If not, there are lots of other drinks on their menu. read more

We have been wanting to check this place out. We've heard great things, but left very disappointed! The ambiance was cool and thought drinks were creative. However the prices were outrageous! We paid $42.55 for two drinks. There are too many other affordable options in the area. We will not be back. read more

Kingfisher - 2 drinks should not be 42.55!!! - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Food was pretty good, bar food. Service was a bit slow when you sit outside. The bar was cute read more

Kingfisher - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is a speakeasy type bar with a very unique ambience. They had it very nicely decorated for Halloween. Our server was excellent and was able to describe the drinks really well when I asked which helped me make my decision. The drinks are very unique. My favorite was the milk and honey. They did a really good job incorporating local foods and flavors into the cocktail menu. read more

Kingfisher - The milk and honey and the morning glory - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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So many fun drinks to choose from it was hard to decide. I enjoyed sitting at the bar and watching them mix up some of the drinks. I chose the watermelon daiquiri after seeing them make one for another customer. The drink was tasty! They have a lot of cool seating areas if you are with a smaller group. read more

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First time in Durham and they sat us in the VERY back by the exit door. Turned the music off in the back but kept it on up front. Our food came out cold (flavor was good but COLD). Our server Sat our check on the chair Not even in our hand. Never ever to return! And would not recommend. read more

I am a former bartender, and don't go out for drinks much - I can generally make myself something wonderful at home. While in Durham for a conference, I stopped in here for Tuesday night jazz. I was not expecting to be blown away by the cocktails, but here we are. It was late summer, and the tomato margarita blew my mind. It was absolutely outstanding, and I have never had anything like it before. This was everything I have ever fantasized about a cocktail made with fresh tomato water, garnished with tomato and all. The rye morning glory was no slouch, either; the slice of sweet potato with spices was ::chef's kiss::. Please note: they proudly display their James Beard Outstanding Bar Semifinalist award by the bathroom. As it should be. Kingfisher, I love you. read more

Our last stop on the Durham food tour was the perfect way to end a great day eating and drinking all the goodies with great friends Bellevue brownie & marshmallow read more

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Vibey little cocktail bar with creative cocktails and enthusiastic servers. Stopped in for a drink and the server recommended and excellent whiskey drink! Only complaint was that it took 20+ mins for the drink to come out but they recognized and remedied this by giving us half off! read more

Kingfisher - Menu - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Kingfisher is a must visit! This bar/lounge is perfect for a date night or a small gathering with friends. You can make reservations for a table, sit at the bar or chill in their whimsical back patio/garden. They have an extensive cocktail menu including fun seasonal drinks. My brother enjoyed his rye old fashion and I was adventurous; trying their summer drink with Italian Ice with Miller Lite (shandy). The drinks here are pricy but the quality, attentive staff and ambiance are worth it! read more

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James Beard nominated cocktail bar... say less! Kingfisher is tucked away in downtown Durham in a basement so it's the perfect ambiance for a cocktail bar. It's dimly lit, cozy and eclectically decorated - check out the jelly fish 3D art going down the stairs! Their cocktails are meant to be from "ground to glass" so they're balanced, earthy, and use natural ingredients like herbs and fruits. We got to try a cocktail and mocktail and both were delicious. The cocktail was called Helles Bells and it was a festive holiday cocktail that was boozy and herbal. The mocktail resembled kombucha as it had apple cider vinegar as a base. I loved it but it was really funky so it may not be everyone's preference. Overall, super neat drinks and concept! read more

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How lucky are we in Durham to have two top-class cocktail lounges right across the street from each other in the middle of downtown? Alley 26 has been the go-to for a while, but this newer entry is right on that top level as well. Love the setting, under the sidewalk down a shortish flight of stairs. There's a semi-circle bar at the front, then a collection of different sized tables through the rest of the room, including a couple of alcoves that could hold small groups. The drinks themselves are very creative and different. There are usually a couple of items that look more on the familiar side, but then there are some out-there concoctions that draw interest and curiosity. The last time I was there, I had a drink with a parsnip foam on top. So if you are looking for a Bud Light, this is not your place. (Wine and beer selections are very limited, btw. This is a spirits house.) read more

Kingfisher - Blood orange margarita - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Cute little bar right under Queeny's. The vibes were great and they have a food menu as well which is great! Cute little booth areas and outdoor seating. The bartenders were nice to recommend drinks for both me and my friends. read more

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Had a GREAT first experience at Kingfisher! The staff was very friendly and helpful in picking out drinks. It feels like a speakeasy vibe, which I loved. My favorite part is how the bar is so much bigger than you initially think. I went with a group of 5 and we were taken to a back room with a circular couch which was a great atmosphere to hang out with friends. read more

Kingfisher - Seating at KingFisher - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Very enjoyable ambiance, they had many decorations up and tasty drinks to go along with it! The servers were funny and made the experience so much more comfortable read more

Kingfisher - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Your check includes a 20% service charge. Now there's some big ones! I barely can get enthusiastic about paying 15 or 16 bucks for a single cocktail, but when our bartender presented us with the bill and informed us about this 20% service charge, I couldn't believe it. And, they added another line on the bill "+additional tip!" During COVID, many people felt that tipping servers and others was appropriate since they were struggling due to lower sales. I agreed, and tipped generously. Now that the pandemic is long over there is much discussion about "tip inflation"--when you walk up to a counter to order --fill in the blank-- and you're somehow expected to tip for someone doing their job...I don't get it. But, this is over the top. Needless to say, we took off the "2" in the gratuity percentage. Sheesh. read more

Very fun cocktail bar in downtown Durham! I'm from the west coast, and while people get annoyed about west-coasters talking about how great the west coast is, this bar did remind me of something I'd find back home, but it's even better because it embraces its North Carolina roots and showcases local ingredients! The menu is inventive and delicious. I'd highly recommend trying something that's out of your comfort zone because I think you will be both surprised and pleased. A gem not only in North Carolina, but anywhere, really. read more

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Discovering this bar program was a game changer for us. Every single cocktail is curated with love and passion so you really can't go wrong. For me Return of the King knocks my socks off every time. Have fun, get creative and try a concoction that you might not normally gravitate to. Discovering new flavors is part of the adventure here. read more

Too cool for school. We show up 20 minutes before close on a Friday night and they've already made last call. No problem...we will all order the same drink...we just parked and came just to go to this bar. But they can't be bothered to honor their posted closing time. Places like this ruin cities. Next. read more

Upon entering, you're kindly requested to show proof of vaccination. There's a sign outside the door warning you, so this shouldn't be a shock. There is a quartet of small 2-top tables down one side, a few four-tops in the main area, and the serpentine hex-tiled bar, front and center. It is much smaller and darker than I expected, but it is very friendly. The music is just loud enough to cover the conversation two couples away, but not so loud as to muffle your bartender or folks next to you that you may want to chat with. I started with the Seaplane, a riff on the French 75, and if it was summer, I'd have probably ordered a tray full. Light, citrusy, and perfectly balanced. While deciding on my first drink, I ordered some olives from the bar snacks menu. Other options were a cheese plate, charcuterie, or a mixed board, assorted pickles, spiced pecans or hummus. I opted for the olives - it's a lot of olives for one person. My next selection (I had to wash down all those olives, after all!) was the Core Appeal. This is a sweet, apple brandy and apple-cider-ish libation in an old fashioned glass with a single block of ice (branded with their logo - such a boss touch!) and garnished with a dehydrated apple slice. I was very sad to see it gone. Halfway through my olives, I opted to order off-menu. My drink of choice is a Negroni, and I have had many good and bad versions. The Negroni-fu is strong with young Will, a recent import from Florida, by way of Tennessee. We had a nice conversation over the exploration of vermouths, gins, and various amaros. I think I may have found my third place. read more

Kingfisher - Nicely stocked bar, very chatty bartenders. Don't go here and try to be all moody and quiet. It's dark, but happy and friendly. - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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My favorite bar in Durham, hands down. And the great thing is that you already know that it's awesome, or I should say going to be awesome, before you even sip your first cocktail. It's one of those really good bars that can just be sniffed out, if you have decent "bar-dar." My bar-dar is about as good as my gay-dar (at least for a hetero guy), so find it we did, and down, down, down to this great basement level establishment we went. (For those of you without good bar-dar, the clues were, the awesome neon sign of an actual kingfisher -- the bird, not the word -- the stairs leading down into the unknown, the cool basement vibe, and the legit-looking bar manned by legit-looking bartenders. Contrast this with our previous stop that night, the poorly executed rooftop bar at The Durham, but that's a topic for another review.) The drinks matched the neon and the vibe. The old fashioned was decently solid, but the "Queen is Dead" was easily the highlight of the night. There's an odd ingredient on the description that might turn you off, but trust me, it is a seriously good cocktail, without any off-putting flavors. My friend got the Baba Yaba and Trophy Husband, with a preference towards the latter. I liked Kingfisher so much that I returned the next day with my friend's husband and got to see a chiller vibe on a non-weekend night. It's a great spot for either occassion. The design of the place is pretty cool as well, with some semi-private cubby-holes that are great for larger parties and an urban patio area in the back. Personally, I think this is the kind of place that is best experienced with the indoor, basement-level vibe, but to each his own. There are also some other interesting design surprises, but I don't want to ruin everything. I will definitely be back on my next trip to Bull City. read more

Wow. Finally made it to Kingfisher late on a weekday evening, and I can't wait to go back. A certain class of cocktail bar attempts to pull off inventive, outside the box cocktails with unusual local ingredients and in my experience these efforts usually fail. Kingfisher succeeds wildly. They offer several pages of seasonal cocktails, none of which are based around a base spirit or vintage cocktail. Instead, they are based on an idea or scene or ingredient (sweet potatoes anyone? They make it work!) I had a cocktail based on a patch of honeysuckle at night, and damned if it didn't evoke exactly that experience, down to a hint of wet grass. The decor is funky yet welcoming, with a circular bar as the centerpiece and comfy lounging areas around the perimeter. It's an understated and fun mix of dark 50s lounge with a dose of modest psychedelia. It was pretty quiet when I visited, so I got excellent attention from the bartenders. They're total experts and it was fun letting them riff about cocktails, ingredients, etc. read more

I found this little gem thanks to a little help from my friends haha. Really cute basement entrance which gives it almost a speakeasy feel to it. In terms of seating, I liked that they have both private seating as well as regular depending on what the ocasión or the vibes of the outing are like. I tried the moonlight drink which is pictured which has some hints of pear to it and it was yummy! read more

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Very chill bar in a downtown Durham basement. What else do you need to know? Unusual cocktails, all perfectly prepared. Our party tried six of them - all great. read more

Holy cow. Talk about walking into an amazing basement speakeasy. The cocktails are handcrafted to perfection. They are concerned all the way down to the shape and color of your ice. Their servers are friendly and efficient. read more

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Great cocktail bar underground. They have some private booths that can be reserved but also have good seating at the bar. Great cocktail menu and the bartenders do not skip any steps. Love this place for a drink before dinner! read more

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Started going to kingfisher after one of my favorite bartenders started working here and I love it. The waitstaff has always been attentive, detail oriented, and very well versed on the unique seasonal cocktail menus. They also are gray for a chat if the bar isn't too busy, which is unlikely for a weekend night! They have large tables where you can close the curtains for privacy with friends as well as 2 tops for date night. The decor and ambiance is dark, sensual and cozy with bright splashes of artistic flair. Love it! read more

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Kingfisher is a must visit cocktail bar in Downtown Durham. If you want to sit inside, a mask and proof of vaccination is required. My husband and I sat at the bar and both had three rounds of drinks. It was the Open Border Policy, Bold Moves and a Wildcard for me and the Bee Durham, Between the Sheets and Scotch Thimble for my husband. All of the drinks were fantastic, my personal favorite was the wildcard that the bartender created for me. read more

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