Ok so this is a bar in Durham but I am reviewing them solely based on their grilled cheese lol. I discovered this place about a year ago and its like every single time I am in Downtown Durham hanging out, I HAVE to go get a grilled cheese. Its made with 3 cheeses and all sustainable which makes me enjoy it even more. The vibe of the space is awesome and their bar is stacked with all the brown liquor you could drink. Next time I'll get around to trying a drink. read more

Kingfisher - Grilled Cheese - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

We walked in this past Friday night and was able to snag a table without a wait. Service was on par with how busy they were and the atmosphere is very akin to Foundation in Raleigh. My friend ordered the Open Border Policy and was convinced they served her straight up lemon juice. The waitress was genuinely apologetic and her and the bartender tasted it and agreed with are assessment. When she did receive her cocktail, it was delicious and I preferred it to the Showtime! I ordered. The classy thing to do would be to comp her drink but we happily paid our bill after only one round. Neither of us were wowed by the place and questioned if this is Durhams new normal? Bar Virgile still reigns supreme for me and I might give Kingfisher another try once they work out some kinks. read more

Kingfisher - Interesting decor. Are we still in Durham? - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

One of my favorite cocktail bars in Durham! It has such a cool vibe!! The Bee Durham cocktail was amazing! read more

Kingfisher - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I would give Kingfisher 9000 stars if I could! Highly recommend. Excellent cocktails, comfortable seats, and great live jazz on Tuesday night. read more

Great cocktails and atmosphere! The attached pop up burger place is great too! read more

You'll enjoy this bar if you love the dark speakeasy vibe! Cocktails were awesome and service was good!

Last July when Kingfisher opened, we found it a beautiful respite from run of the mill bars and breweries. The menu offers inventive cocktails that are great and a good selection of bar food that is truly delicious. Sean, Michelle and the entire team are always professional, courteous, and friendly. Kingfisher has an outstanding and uncommon selection of Vodkas, Gins, Bourbons, Mescals, Amaros, and etc. For us Kingfisher is home. Friday evening happy hour = Kingfisher Sometimes seated, sometimes standing. It's a hip crowd and always fun mingling with others. Looking forward to enjoying drinks on the newly opened terrace! read more

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

See all

Favorite bar in Durham. The space is in the bottom of building in the main part of downtown. It's beautifully decorated, with a tile bar made by one of the owners. Dark and cozy. Perfect date spot or go by yourself and people watch at the round bar. read more

This place has gone pretty downhill lately. The service has always been painfully slow. Expect to wait 25-30 minutes before you actually have a drink in your hand, but at least the drinks used to be pretty good. The drinks I got last night were very sweet and I could hardly taste any alcohol. read more

So, this is the hottest newest place of durham in 2019. Right next to alley 26 and the Durham rooftop bar and all these other places. Supposed to be great, right? It is....buttttt if you roll in on a Friday or Saturday night and it's packed, there's a loooong wait for service. Longer than the waits at the neighboring bars.... Basically, now I've been back there multiple times in the interim and man have they upped their game. They've got this kick ass jazz thing on Tuesday nights, and their staff have increased in efficiency and number. It is now the PREFERRED place to go on a busy night. Now, I make a MEAN negroni at home, but theirs is just as good. Now that's pretty much all I get there. Anyways, I'm eating my words from my previous review. They have upped their game, and in paying my respects. read more

We visited during the pandemic. Wow, the outdoor burger pop up is ridiculously good! Delicious cocktails and the burgers are phenomenal. Warmers at each table and great music! read more

Kingfisher is a great addition to cocktail bar scene in Durham. It's a speakeasy style, well-decorated underground bar with a cool atmosphere. I tried a few cocktails here and so favorite my favorite has been Bee Durham. Cocktails are in $10-13 price range and they also offer appetizers. I would go for the atmosphere but would carefully choose what to order especially if you aren't a very adventurous drinker! read more

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

My favorite Durham bar. Creative drinks, perfect atmosphere, just a really fun and chill place. I love getting adventurous with surprising local-produce inspired cocktails often served in beautiful hand-made cups. It's a must visit/must frequent place for those in Durham. read more

Kingfisher - Bee Durhams - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I'd been waiting in anticipation for this to open in downtown Durham and was not disappointed! It is the first of the speakeasy style cocktail bars so popular around the Triangle to appear in Durham. The atmosphere was so cute, with a great modern twist on 1960's styles. It's downstairs of the Durham hotel behind a nondescript door, with the perfect low-level lighting and ambiance. The staff and the bartender were so incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming, too! The cocktails are all locally sourced. Imagine farm to table, but for drinks. I had a great gin and honey cocktail with Durham Distillery conniption gin and local honey. It was fantastic! I can't wait to come back and try other concoctions. read more

My wife and I popped in here while waiting for a seat at M. Kokko and I'm glad we did. Great casual bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a good variety of cocktails. It's a great place to have a drink with friends. read more

No!! I used to love this place when they first opened, I liked the esthetic. There is one bartender in particular that destroyed my impression of this "nice-looking" bar. So here it goes. My mom came to town, and I was so excited to take her to what WAS our new favorite bar. She ordered a Long Island and got a lemony drink with zero resemblance to a Long Island, in fact it had no coke. She tried drinking it anyway just to keep things easy, but wasn't into the flavor, and wanted to return her drink. The bartender (tall slender guy) seemed annoyed, (couldn't be bothered with an ask) and suggested things like a margarita or daiquiri (sexist much) nothing similar to a Long Island, and didn't even mention they didn't have coke in the bar to make her requested drink in the first place (glossed over there but). The guy's attitude was TRASH, so off putting and unfriendly (not what you want in a bartender) and uninterested in making a drink my mom would like (not good sir, not good).. Come on, these are the basics. I won't be back and can't recommend this place to friends and family, but if you go here are some things to know. 1. If it gets crowded it gets pretty hot in there, ventilation isn't top notch. 2. Their staple drinks are made differently by each bartender, so much for falling in love w/ a cocktail. 3. The grilled cheese is great. 4. Lots of drinks are lemony to the 10th degree 5. There are other good bartenders beside slender rude man. 6. The bar doesn't cart Coke or Pepsi 7. If you ask the bartender to surprise you with a drink, it will be lemony, tried this a few times. 8. Go make your own opinion of the place if they can make it through the COVID crisis. read more

5 star atmosphere and 2ish star cocktail rating. The cocktails are inventive, to be sure, but I found out that all of the drinks are pre-mixed. I discovered this after struggling through 2 horribly sugary cocktails. I asked our waiter if she could have the bartender tone down the simple syrup - a pretty simple task, but she mentioned that wasn't possible because all of the cocktails were pre-batched. If this was reflected in the prices, I'd understand. Instead, I left feeling like I'd been suckered by the speak-easy atmosphere and a gimmicky cocktail. read more

This place is super cute and really cool. Loved all the cocktails we had! The mixologist making our drinks was just the nicest! The grilled cheese was absolutely amazing *chef's kiss* we ended up ordering it again. Oh and the baked cookies with the espresso icing - mmmm delish. We came here on Valentine's Day after picking a pretty crappy restaurant so we figured we could make it up by going to a cute cocktail bar and I'm so glad we did. We live in Durham but the other couple we were with live in Raleigh so we wanted show them that Durham has cool spots too! This might have just become my go to bar spot! Also, the people who didn't give this place a 5 star are just being stingy with that last star! read more

a couple friends and I stopped in on a Saturday night just after they opened. the host was extremely rude telling us they were full when they clearly had space on the far side of the bar and at the stand up bars. Once we were inside, the staff was also rude, yelling at us that they were coming behind with drinks. Very condescending vibe. Didn't bother to stay for a drink. Very disappointing service. read more

This is the bar Durham has needed forever. It's in the basement of the building next to the Durham Hotel, beautifully appointed, as if it had been here forever. Almost a speakeasy, no windows, hip adult vibe. The drink menu is smart and creative, thoughtful and superbly done. There are enough food choices to get by. But, the music makes it. On Tuesday nights there is jazz with the Brian Horton Trio, which has something of a mid 60's Coltrane sound I would be thrilled to find in a bar in Chicago or New York. Great recorded sounds the rest of the week but Tuesday nights are amazing. But even sans music, the best bar goIng. read more

I had such a great time at this bar! I think it was so cute and quaint! I Love the private seating area where you can close the curtain. My favorite thing about this spot is the grilled cheese sandwich. OMG..... cheesy goodness! read more

The cocktail I got was light fruity and delicious! I forget the name but it featured cantaloupe which is an interesting fruit for a cocktail, but so well done. My friend had a bourbon drink which she enjoyed, as well as the grilled cheese which she went back for a few days later one star down only because the location is large but only seems to accommodate few people at a time. This was my third attempt to try to grab a drink here. Also I never really like basement bars, it's not the bar's fault but it's quite loud and dark for even a bar. read more

We checked out the new awaited underground bar last night. The decor was very well thought out as we walked in and I instantly fell in love with the honeycomb inspired tiles on the bar to the handmade pottery our delicious cocktails came in! I heard the owners wife made each piece including the unique pendant lights. There are a couple of private booths which fit about 8 comfortably they were near. On to the drinks...I ordered the Bee Durham which had waxed gin, Durham honey and lemon (our favorite). We also ordered Simple Pleasures which made me feel like we were on vacation from the cantaloupe, ginger, salted honey and vodka, but then I woke up:) We also tried the kimchi short rib grilled cheese...can I say omg! Full of flavor and a must and great for sharing for two. I am looking forward to bringing friends next time or having this hidden spot as my date night. This place certainly has the most unique inspired cocktails! read more

See all

Great experience at Kingfisher Bar as I have returned multiple times for the Bee Durham! It's a lovely gin drink with lemon and honey. I feel like it's a beautiful balance between tart and sweet. They also serve them in really unique cups. We also really enjoy the atmosphere of Kingfisher Bar and it's such a great place to have a chill place to hang out with people. As of recent, I have enjoyed their collaboration with other businesses and entities. We went when they were having their pop-up with Ex-Voto and it made for a great Sunday afternoon with delicious food. I'm also excited for this year as I see that they're pairing up with more people! read more

What an amazing place! An entire bar (literally) made from scratch. Cocktails are always delicious and unique. The staff take the time to answer any questions and share what they love doing and are clearly passionate about everything. Excited to get back and try new items as the seasons go by. read more

I was craving a grilled cheese so I specifically sought this place out because I saw that was one of the things they had on their menu! I walked inside and I was pleasantly surprised by the cool blue walls as you walk downstairs to get to the establishment! The decor was dark and sophisticated reminding me of the speakeasy feel. And it was awesome that they had a live band to provide some entertainment. The band was really good that night! The chairs are set up in a way where you can have your own private table or there are couches and chairs for a community type feel. Now on to the food. I ordered the brisket grilled cheese and it was really good. The cheese had a strong flavor that make the sandwich very flavorful. It was a pretty good sandwich. I also ordered a cocktail and it was really good as well. Overall I will definitely stop by this place again for some cool vibes and good musical! read more

A fun basement level bar with expert bartenders making cocktails with local ingredients. They have a rotating selection of cocktails as well as mocktails. Price per drink is a little higher but not much different than surrounding cocktail bars in Durham. Its a fun vibe and great place to go for a date or with a small group. read more

This bar is dope!! Thoughtful, great service, solid execution and killer decor. We are currently in Social Isolation, so bars are shut down, but I CANNOT WAIT to go back as soon as they reopen. I would give them 10 stars if possible. read more

this is a new spot in downtown Durham that is really cute. I like the ambiance of the spot. I had the rye old fashioned & it was great. The cocktails are $12.50 which is pretty standard for a cocktail in this area. I also tried the grilled cheese which I highly recommend! We also got a meat & cheese plate - it is $5.50 per meat & cheese option. I will definitely go back & keep trying the drinks read more

LOVE this place! The ambiance is the perfect blend of intimate and vibrant. They have several small tables, a couple of larger ones, and a wraparound bar for seating, but they also have some areas to stand with groups to chat. You can come here for date night or with a group of friends. It also has a speakeasy vibe since you take the stairs down into the basement to enter. But their drinks are why we go to Kingfisher. They have the most unique ingredients - things that I would never have thought to use - that blend together to make the most delightful flavors. Oh so yummy! And don't forget to have their grilled cheese sandwich - oh so good! Sean and Michelle are incredibly friendly and approachable, and the staff and bartenders are as well. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they had daily virtual happy hours where they taught how to make various drinks, had special guests, and played games. It was a bright spot in the day during a difficult time. I highly recommend Kingfisher! read more

Stopped in to see if this place might live up to hype I had heard - took long enough for them to open. Well, it was worth the wait! Did not have time to try more than one drink, but will be back. Can't remember the Hennessy drink I had, but I got a real kick out of my wife ordering something called "Simple Pleasures." We'll be back to try more and if you're reading this, you should probably head there too! read more

Great atmosphere, unique and delicious cocktails. The attention to detail is hard to miss with hundreds of hand painted tiles covering the custom bar. My husbands Rye Old Fashion was amazing and the owner made me an off menu chartreuse cocktail that was incredible. I highly recommend this bar to anyone looking for a cocktail in Durham. read more

I'm not a big cocktail drinker but I had a brown butter thingamajig that was certainly an experience. It got me excited to try more cocktail lounges. Vibe of the bar was pretty cool as well with cool music. read more

Greeeaattt, creative cocktails. Food menu is developing. Lovely place for pre & post nights out. Bring friends.

Kingfisher is my favorite bar in Durham. The drinks are creative and taste great. I love that the bar sources so many of its ingredients from local farmers, which I hope means the drink menu will change with the seasons. I took friends there recently, and it's the perfect place to entertain. We sat in one of the private booths, but the U-shaped bar makes it one of the few in Durham where you can actually sit at a bar with friends and easily carry on a conversation. Oh, and I don't know who runs the playlist, but the last time I was there I heard A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def, and The Roots - even the music is curated well! read more

The cocktails are amazing! The spicy drink was actually spicy unlike most that claim to be! Mikey was wonderful as always!

Great underground bar, very cool vibe and creative cocktails. We were there on a quiet mid week evening, can imagine it is super cool on weekends. Loved it here. read more

Came in on a Friday night after sweating it out at the Durham hotel rooftop bar next door. With only 30 mins to spare before catching a movie at Carolina Theatre, Rebecca, the hostess, got us in right away. Michelle, server extraordinaire, suggested the Open Border Policy to quench our thirst and the Toastado Supremo (believe the hype!). Wes, the bartender, was quick to sling another round of tasty Open Borders before we had to leave. I see this place as my new staple when coming to downtown for evening events and will be sure to spread the word. Cheers! read more

Fantastic bar to get a cocktail! Very friendly staff who really know how to make a drink. When I walked in, the staff greeted me and gave me a drink list - the staff stayed available to answer any questions I had. I also appreciate all the thought that went into which ingredients to put into each of the cocktails on the menu and I was very excited to find that all of the ingredients are farm-to-glass! I also found out that the light fixtures and some of the glasses were hand made by a local potter! I got the Bee Durham and it tasted delicious-perfect blend of tart and sweet. I would highly recommend for anyone! read more

The cocktails are delicious, the atmosphere is cool, and the service great. This is one of my new favorite spots in Durham. I also really enjoy their small plates- I mean a grilled cheese is always a good call. read more

Kingfisher - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina