Starting in 2012, Alley Twenty Six can take credit for setting the high bar for craft cocktails in downtown Durham and was the first in the state to be a James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Bar Program. You won't want to miss a drink made with their hand-crafted tonic on a Durham trip; regular events like Whiskey Wednesdays will keep you informed and entertained. It is 21+ only, even for dinner service. Chef Carrie Schleiffer also regularly makes the 'best of' lists, with the foie gras burger a headliner.
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
This place is great. Really enjoyed the food, there was a good wine selection on offer too. They got us a table without reservation but I guess its best to book ahead as they seem like a busy place. A lot of folks seemed to be enjoying the cocktails. It has a nice bustle, and a younger clientele, feels quite a fashionable eatery.
Saqenda Dallas
Oct 27, 2024
5
The food is very good! High-quality fresh ingredients, well-prepared and thought-out meals. We ordered an IPA and Spiced Peach Mule for drinks, and I highly recommend the Mule. To start, we ordered the Butter + Salt and Fries. Very tasty! For main courses we ordered the Alley Burger and Fried Shrimp Roll, both with the side salad instead of fries, which was the best side salad I've had with a meal. Raves reviews for both! The service was fantastic. We were asked of any dietary restrictions before ordering, and accommodations were of ease. The atmosphere was intimate, trendy, with low lighting, and indoor/outdoor options for seating. Street parking is free on Sat/Sun and metered during the weekdays during the day. There's a garage nearby as well. Alley Twenty Six is a place I desire to visit anytime I travel Durham.
Jay Horowitz
Oct 7, 2024
5
Fun spot to grab a bite before a show at DPAC. Cocktails were very good as was the pimento cheese appetizer. We heard a lot about their burgers and we all decided on them for our entree. Mine was excellent; moist and delicious. Good all around burger. We finished the meal with the chocolate pot de creme which was also very good - thick, rich and creamy. Almost like an unbaked brownie.
Michelle Rodenberg
Sep 28, 2024
5
Came here for drinks and appetizers before an evening out and loved it. The bar staff is so much fun and engaging. THEN we came back for dinner and found one of the best severs ever. Corey was the magic that made our night something to remember. She had so much knowledge of the menu that she was able to take the time to walk us through all of the preparation that the chefs made. She inspired us to try dishes and drinks out of our normal choices and we were grateful for her recommendations. Corey made our night out one of the best, and we will come back to sit at her table again in the future.
Cindy Harrell
Sep 10, 2024
5
This restaurant has such a cozy and charming atmosphere! We didn’t have dinner here but we enjoyed wonderful craft cocktail with excellent service. We can’t wait to come back for dinner. Thank you!
Candice Overcash
Aug 1, 2024
5
This is a classic Durham restaurant! The vibe is emasculate and the food was perfect.
I made a reservation via the Google maps option, and noted my hearing issue in the reservation details. The restaurant was so nice to accommodate and wasn’t weird about it.
We ordered: (2 people)
- Cocktails
(MANGO PALOMA, TRAVEL AGENT, and an on special mule).
- COCONUT SHRIMP.
- SPAM FRIED RICE.
- THE SPAM BURGER.
Total was $104 (including a 25% tip)
Noelia Bautista
Jun 1, 2024
5
I went on Sunday and the hostess was rude and annoying so we didn’t eat here.
UPDATE: We made a reservation a Tuesday night and first we got drinks; Gracie on holiday and Chipiona both were very well served and great! Appetizers: the cheese board; unfortunately they didn’t have the three cheeses and the beef tartare.
Then we had the spring vegetable risotto which was my favorite and the Alley burger. The service was awesome our waitresses Rob and Shay were professional and kind. The place is really cute and they have tables outside. It was an enjoyable dinner.
Charley Ramirez
Mar 3, 2024
5
Delicious food! We started with the pimento cheese with fried saltines. Then I had the mushroom risotto and my husband had the burger. Service was excellent too. Server came around with water refills periodically. I also spilled my cocktail and they cleaned it up and brought me a fresh one. (I felt so guilty so thank you for being gracious). Definitely recommend and will likely be back.
Julie Geyer
Dec 22, 2023
5
By far the best cocktails in Durham - haven’t found a better spot! They have a great mix of accessible cocktails, and ones that are a bit more daring. Super consistently fantastic.
