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    The Common Market - Durham

    4.4 (70 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

    The Common Market - Durham Photos

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    THE COMMON MARKET - DURHAM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Upstairs
    Jessica H.

    I liked this place! We parked on the street nearby and went for lunch. There was a lot of seating, outside, inside and downstairs. The place was packed on a Monday at lunch (but it was Memorial Day). You check out the menu, then get your chips and drink and pay at the register, then they call your name at the counter when your food is ready. They have a great assortment of drinks- soft drinks, sparkling water, ollipop, kombucha, also alcoholic drinks downstairs. They have a separate coffee bar and ice cream window, as well. We got sandwiches and fries. The fries were nice and hot, but needed salt- I'd probably skip them and go for chips in the future. The sandwiches were nice and not too expensive for 2025 lol. I had to add some condiments to mine, but that's definitely better than having them use too many condiments and not be able to eat your sandwich. My husband enjoyed his sandwich too (and added more condiments). The ambiance is really cool. If you sit upstairs you have a great view of the whole place and you can people-watch. The cashier was very nice and explained to us how everything worked. There was also someone who came around to check on us after we'd gotten our food, so that was nice to feel like staff/management care that you're having a good experience. Would definitely go back!

    Annie W.

    The Common Market is a shared space with multiple vendors for coffee, sandwiches and beer/wine. The inside decor gave warm/rustic vibes with the downstairs in particular putting forward ~hip hangout spot, cool tones, and arcade cozy~. Bonus that they have a dog-friendly outdoor patio. I got a latte which was lovely and perfect to sip on while spending some time there working on a weekend morning. They do have music playing in the background which may be a consideration if you're looking for a quieter space (they also do reserve the tables downstairs for those ordering food during peak hours so be aware of this if planning to work/study). I did not order food, but my friend got a breakfast sandwich which came out quickly and she enjoyed it. They host free events like trivia and open mics throughout the week, so will definitely be back to check these out! They do have a parking lot and there is nearby street parking.

    Menu
    Jaleesa S.

    Landed here after my Google search for "sandwiches near me," and it did not disappoint! The lady at the order counter was very nice and helpful. The wait time was minimal and the sandwich was incredible!

    Jeff M.

    Pretty good place, love the food and atmosphere is amazing, service was amazing, love it !

    Thai dye sub
    Makayla P.

    I love love love the common market. I go here probably once a week for lunch. There isn't a sandwich on the menu I haven't enjoyed. It's such an easy ordering process, it's kind of like a gas station grill but upscale. You find chips and a drink if you want and order off to the side and then they call your name. I always try to sit outside but there's also seating downstairs and a bar. They have Trivia some nights, I would like to go at some point. There's also a coffee bar/place inside the common market called mid bloom and it's also delicious. They have monthly specials which is fun to switch it up. This Thai dye sub from the march specials was to die for, SO YUMMY!

    Chili
    Marc K.

    So..you go and order at the cashier and then wait by the kitchen for them to call your name. Self service. Subdued music, standard tables and chairs with cushions. My sandwich was spicy turkey and had just the right amount of ingredients--bread was a little soggy and was not that spicy. I got bacon on mine and it helped the flavor which was a little lacking. The chili was more a chili soup than a chili stew. Flavor was mehhhh. And t was a a little light on ingredients.

    Cuban
    Crystal A.

    This is a great place to pick up adult beverages and some good food at the same time. I had the Cuban and it was savory and delicious. The two people working there were super helpful and very pleasant and the look of the place was spacious and cool. I'll be back again to try the other items on the menu.

    Pimiento grits (small)
    Priscilla R.

    First time here after so many reviews saying how great this place was! Food: came right before breakfast was about to be over on a Sunday. Ordered the Alabama grinder sandwich. It was great with different flavors I'm used to. Sauce was amazing! Wish bread was less soggy. Chicken was tender seems like it was made with all dark meat. Large sandwich. Had the mimos which was a small cup but mostly Prosecco and a splash of orange juice (depends on whose serving though) Price: prices are fair for serving sizes and food quality. Service: bar and food counter service were welcoming and great with recommendations. They were patient with us and our questions. Bar let us sample beer options. Ambiance: I thought this place would have been bigger and a little more clean cut or modern as far as decor. It's more casual than expected. A lot smaller as well. Not as much seating as expected or vendor options. I wish the food menu was in more places it was a bit crowded where the menu is posted. And the order line is on the other side of locale. Overall I would come back because food was great and want to try other items.

    Melissa Z.

    I am a huge fan of the common market in any city! I'm happy to have found one in Durham. Thankfully they have a parking lot and plenty of room to sit inside between two floors. They are also open every day, all day. You can't beat that. The atmosphere is really cool and unique inside too. So far since discovering it here two days ago I've had a turkey croissant sandwich with pepper jack, avocado smash, red onions, and garlic mayo, and I've also had the breakfast sandwich of the month which was eggs, cheddar, arugula, red onion, and your choice of sausage (I chose turkey) on a croissant. I could eat the breakfast sandwich every day, it was perfect. They have a long preset list of sandwiches/wraps or you can build your own, which I always do. Also note that breakfast items stop at 11. You can order ahead or you can order in store. I found that I prefer ordering online to avoid a wait. They have options for everybody here- and very many vegan meat options. The prices are fair and the food is good. They have a bunch of snacks, drinks, candy, and a freezer full of items. I also bought a curry carrot ginger soup which was made from a coconut broth. Yum.

    Mother Clucker (chicken salad)

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    25 days ago

    Sandwiches were great. Live the choices on drinks with a lot of craft options. Outdoor seating was clean and comfortable.

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    6 months ago

    Interesting business model, interesting use of space, interesting food. And a diverse mix of locals eat there - always a good sign!

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    1 year ago

    Stopped in for a quick lunch and was impressed with the original menu. Creative and friendly, would recommend.

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    11 months ago

    Great local hang out with good food good beer nice people. And good coffee. reasonable parking.

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    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge - FARMERS ONLY - as smoky and delicious as a rancher's dating profile (Cerrissa)

    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

    4.5(108 reviews)
    1.5 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.

    Stopped by the Velvet Hippo while out in downtown Durham. When you arrive parking can be a bit…read moretricky in this area as you'll need to find street parking or park in a nearby lot. When you walk in you'll need to either take the elevator or stairs up to the third floor. Once inside the bar you'll feel like you've been transported to an upscale, tropical bar. To order you'll need to walk up to the bar to place your order. I ordered the Hot Girl Summer (Olmeca Altos Reposado, fresh watermelon, Gran Gala orange liqueur, house-made habanero syrup, lime, salt half rim) which was so good. I also ordered a cheetahs do it in the dark (Astral Añejo tequila, Licor 43, Caffè Borghetti liqueur, espresso, orange twist) which was also excellent. I'd recommend walking out to the rooftop if it isn't too hot. There are several tables and the views of the city are nice. Definitely will come back to the velvet hippo next time I'm in Durham.

    Photos
    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge - Holiday Decor!

    Holiday Decor!

    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge - Tap & Unwrap

    Tap & Unwrap

    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge - Avocado toast with chopped egg, tomato, onion, and pepitas

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    Avocado toast with chopped egg, tomato, onion, and pepitas

    Killer Queen

    Killer Queen

    4.9(33 reviews)
    1.6 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.

    Photos
    Killer Queen - Interior

    Interior

    Killer Queen
    Killer Queen

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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(17 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Five stars for Liberty & Plenty, a true gem that we didn't even plan on visiting. We were headed…read moredown the street to somewhere else, saw the sign, looked at each other and said, "Let's check this out" and I am so glad we followed that impulse because it turned into one of those stops that completely makes your afternoon. What was supposed to be a quick pop in turned into two full hours of socializing, tasting, talking and working our way through a lineup of spirits that dhows just how much care and craft is happening inside this place. I need to say, Stephanie is a darling. She's not a bartender. She's a proper mixologist, the kind of professional who knows her spirits, knows her history, knows how to read a customer, and somehow manages to be both entertaining and deeply knowledgeable at the same time. She walked us through their menu with the kind of confidence that makes you trust every recommendation, and every drink she made had that extra flourish that tells you she actually loves the work. It's rare to find someone who can make you laugh, teach you something, and hand you a drink that's better than what you expected all in the same moment, but she does it effortlessly. Somewhere between the rum and the vodka, we learned that they're gearing up for a big move to Wilson, expanding from two stills to a dozen, which is wild and honestly well deserved because the quality here is already top-tier and the idea of them scaling up that much is exciting. You can feel the ambition from the crew here, the sense that they're on the cusp of something bigger, and it made every sip feel like you're getting in on a story that's about to blow up. That said, I'm begging. Please, please, please, find a way to keep a tasting room in Durham. You're awesome, the vibe is awesome, the people are awesome, and this city needs places like this where you can wander in on a whim and end up staying for two hours because everything feels and tastes just right. Expansion is great, growth is great, Wilson is lucky to have you, but Durham will really miss you if you disappeared completely. Liberty & Plenty is the kind of spot you stumble into once and then start recommending to everyone you know. If you're anywhere nearby, go. And if Stephanie is behind the bar, settle in, because you're in very good hands. [Review 1073 of 2026 - 4782 in North Carolina - 26252 overall]

    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!

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

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    Damn good Espresso Martini

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Bacon egg and cheese

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    4.5(180 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    If I could give this place 100 stars, I would! From the…read moreoutside, you would never guess what awaits inside. It looks like a small neighborhood spot, but the moment you walk through the doors, you're immediately welcomed by a charming bakery counter filled with fresh pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. Then, as you make your way to the restaurant in the back, the entire experience transforms into something truly special. The ambiance is absolutely stunning--warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed. I honestly spent half the meal just taking it all in because every detail was beautiful. Now, let's talk about the food... phenomenal doesn't even begin to describe it. Everything was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Our brunch came out surprisingly fast without sacrificing quality, and every bite was bursting with flavor. The service was equally impressive. Everyone was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely seemed to enjoy making sure guests had a great experience. You could tell there was pride in both the food and the hospitality. If you're anywhere near Durham, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Whether you're stopping in for coffee and a pastry, grabbing a sandwich, or sitting down for brunch, you won't be disappointed. I'll definitely be back, and this has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Five stars isn't enough--this place deserves 100.

    I have frequently gone here as it's my favorite place to grab curry mussels. With that being said I…read morecame here today to celebrate my girls birthday and it was one to remember for all the wrong reasons. 3/4 of us ordered the same exact meal and I never received my dish. By the time I was able to waive down the waiter , the table was finished eating and they brought out my meal 25-30 min after the fact. I was hopeful that management would own the mistake, but when my bill came nothing was comped. I had to raise my concern with a waitress and she got a manager. Frankly I am disappointed all around by the experience. "Worse birthday ever" was stated a few times by the birthday girl so idk if I'll be coming back. If I'm going to spend $200 on a meal I at least want to eat.

    Photos
    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Jerk chicken

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    Jerk chicken

    The Common Market - Durham - bars - Updated August 2026

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