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    Primrose Bar & Lounge

    4.7 (18 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

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    A delicious apple creation by Cedrick
    Mary W.

    What a beautiful bar! This place is amazing! The drinks are outstanding and the bartenders are top notch. Cedrick and Nora killed the game. We asked Cedrick to make us cocktails of his own and wow, they were some of the best we have had. This guy knows what he's doing, a true professional. We also loved our convos with Nora, she's a queen! Thank you so much for making us feel welcome. We will definitely be back!

    Inside
    Ally F.

    Aesthetic: Elegant, upscale bar with a variety of creative cocktails and an extensive drink menu. My Favorites: The bathrooms! Experience: I honestly think this experience needs to be left at the bathrooms, just please visit them while you're here.

    Bar area
    Glenn G.

    We had read about this bar and decided to pop in early on the weekend. It was still quiet but I've also seen it busy later at night. The bar is designed for Instagram selfies and has lots of interesting little nooks. My wife got a red wine and I got a cocktail. I don't recall if they offer any munchies or not. Anyway, an interesting option for drinks if you're wandering around downtown Durham.

    The Burgundy Banquette
    Smythe R.

    I was at an event at the Durham Hotel, but it was well past dinner time, and I was looking for something new. walking down Main, I passed the Primrose. A group was seated in the window, laughing and enjoying themselves, so I thought I'd take a look. I passed through a hallway of rose-covered walls, into an open, bright space with a lush red velvet banquette along the left wall and a stone bar along the right. I took a seat at the far end of the bar, and a bartender immediately handed me a drink menu and asked if I wanted anything in particular. I asked for his recommendation, and he said "Here's looking at you, kid!" I thought he was referring to my fedora, but then read the menu. Tequila, strawberry, and Tajin on the rim - why yes, please. It was delightful. Sadly, there was no food to be had. Luna, across the street had just stopped taking orders, so I suffered without. It's a great vibe. Someone was doing a photoshoot, and the subject also recommended the "HLAYK". They were making quite a few. There were loads of 20-something's finding there are better drinks to be had than PBRs and Purple Jesus. I'm loving the revival of cocktail culture, especially among the young folks. I hope Primrose stays going for the long haul. I finished my drink and decided I wanted something a bit more smoky, and "Becky with the good pear" jumped out at me. I promise, until I just typed that name, I didn't catch the double entendre! I think Becky herself would be proud of this blend of tequila, mezcal, lemon juice and spiced pear liquor. It was a smoky summer night campfire in a glass. I stayed for a while longer, but needed food, and had a ways to walk back to my car. Back through the Primrose tunnel into the summer blast. But now I'm cool and relaxed and there's a pep in my step. Here's looking at you, kid! Right back atcha!

    Ashley F.

    Went here for a drink on a Saturday night out. They have a really great DJ who played all the best songs of R&B and hip hop but the older things. They had a variety of drinks and I loved that the descriptions were thorough. The drinks themselves were good but not the best but they were affordable. The Christmas decor really stood out but the pictures on the wall were so funny with one being Taylor Swift as the Mona Lisa. Overall I would come back for a nice vibe.

    Dominique W.

    Nice intimate bar downtown Durham! Customer service was great! Bartenders were very helpful with decision making, explaining cocktail selections and ensuring satisfaction. Bar had a cute Grinch theme for the Holiday. I also really enjoyed the music.

    Stephanie J.

    Primrose Bar & Lounge has their fall cocktail menu out now so we stopped to check it out. I really enjoyed the decor and vibe. It was the Averna After Dark for me and the Sweater Weather for my husband. We both really enjoyed our cocktails and will return soon when we have more time to spend here. Cheers!

    Ice Queen, Island Dreams; Bitters, Bourbon & Bananas- Oh My; Here's Looking at You, Kid
    Andrea A.

    I have to say I really love this surge of new cutesy cocktail bars in Durham. Primrose has a lot of creative drink options: I opted for Ice Queen, Island Dreams (spiced rum, lime juice, simple syrup, pineapple juice, coconut cream, bitters). I thought it was delicious: super summer-y, beach-y vibes! It's perfect if you don't want to taste the alcohol lol. Ambiance is very nice: table/booth and bar seating, very pink decor, loved all the funny historical paintings of modern celebrities haha. Service is fast and friendly. There's nearby free street or City of Durham garage parking on weekends or weekdays after 7pm. 10/10 would recommend for your girls night out needs!

    Adam B.

    Nifty, nifty, nifty. Great cocktail list and really superb decor. Like, award-level decor concept. There's a long bar plus several tables against the opposite wall. Great relaxing vibe and a good staff who pay attention and know their recipes.

    Bar area
    Dwayne S.

    Great music and great crowd. Delicious cocktails. Comfortable atmosphere. Our new place fur meeting up with friends.

    Carley P.

    Primrose is a fantastic new bar in Durham! The "Here's Looking At You" is an incredible mix of sweet and tart - the tajin is the perfect finish. Ryan and Cedric were our bartenders and were quick, funny, and made some excellent drinks. We'll definitely be back!

    Cocktail Menu

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    3 months ago

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    Ask the Community - Primrose Bar & Lounge

    Review Highlights - Primrose Bar & Lounge

    We asked Cedrick to make us cocktails of his own and wow, they were some of the best we have had.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Liberty & Plenty Distillery - The Liberty & Plenty Distillery lounge is situated in the front of the distillery, and features a full cocktail bar and patio.

    Liberty & Plenty Distillery

    4.8(16 reviews)
    0.5 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
    Liberty & Plenty Distillery - Damn good Espresso Martini

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    Conniption Bar & Lounge

    Conniption Bar & Lounge

    4.5(71 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Full bar

    Speakeasy vibe, wonderful cocktails. The house gins are quite good, especially the navy strength…read more Crowded at 4 pm opening on a Saturday in December. Great place to start your drinking, better place to finish it

    Well, a relatively new spot at RDU to take your money in exchange for waiting for your flight…read more The people working here are outstanding although I am only comparing them to those at other establishments at the airport. Definitely high stars for customer service. They could work anywhere I think and be noteworthy. The drinks were solidly on the "ho-hum" scale. Nothing out of the ordinary. In all fairness, I only tried one and maybe if I had a second, I would be more impressed. For the drink (espresso martini), the espresso beans floating in the glass were an unexpected fun addition, but they didn't have much flavor. Maybe after the alcohol, I should have expected that. If I sound "meh" -- yeah -- it was that. The food started out almost the same way, but as I worked my way through it, it got a bit better. The tempura squash is almost like light fried ravioli. While okay, I would have preferred more flavor from the squash rather than from the marinara sauce. It still didn't overwhelm me with flavor, but it was decent enough. Overall, I couldn't decide between 2 or 3 stars, but the employees alone were enough to put it at 3 for me.

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    Conniption Bar & Lounge
    Conniption Bar & Lounge
    Conniption Bar & Lounge - The Saffron Bees Knees, Spring 2026 Menu

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    The Saffron Bees Knees, Spring 2026 Menu

    Alley Twenty Six - Y'all when I say this burger lived up to the hype!!! IG: @betterwithju

    Alley Twenty Six

    4.3(426 reviews)
    0.1 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!

    It's always exciting to go to Alley26, namely for their food. Out of all the options in a block…read moreradius (with the exception of sushi nearby), I will always chose Alley26. Over burgers, over French food, over ramen, over Indian. Why? Because Alley26 serves delectable oysters, succulent burgers, and incredible tin fish. Yes, tin fish. If you haven't seen their extensive menu of fish, you must! While it's not for everyone, it is a tinned fish enthusiasts heaven! I go here to celebrate milestones with a good friend and we always have a mini feast, paired with a glass or two of wine. My favorite time to go is when the weather is comfortable and we can sit in the alley way, it's soooo chic that it feels like you're sitting outdoors at a meal in Italy of France. Service is always on point and I forget the bartenders name that is super knowledgeable and super kind. When I remember, I'll circle back to update this review. If you're thinking about this place, definitely check it out! The only inconvenience though is that I believe is 21+ over, at least at night it is.

    Photos
    Alley Twenty Six - Pimento cheese & pepper jelly

    Pimento cheese & pepper jelly

    Alley Twenty Six - Pimento cheese on baguette

    Pimento cheese on baguette

    Alley Twenty Six - Deviled eggs - lifewithhanny

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    Deviled eggs - lifewithhanny

    Primrose Bar & Lounge - cocktailbars - Updated June 2026

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