An instant classic, Kingfisher gained national acclaim as one of the best new cocktail bars in the country in 2019, and was the second bar in the state to be nominated for the James Beard Awards' Outstanding Bar Program category (it's just across the street from the first, Alley Twenty Six). Cozy up in one of the private booths and sip on seasonal drinks like the Bee Durham with honey-infused Conniption Navy Strength Gin from Durham Distillery.
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
the Tuesday night jazz here is usually when im a customer at KF. dimly lit vibey basement- Excellent bands (the usual drummer is freaking insanely talented). variety of seating (although is does get crowded). drinks are very expensive (but this is pretty much everywhere in town, so not really pricier than any comparable spots), and they have a very nice non-alcoholic beverage selection for our non drinking friends. haven't been here on a weekend or tried the food, but definitely recommend checking out, and if you love NYC-quality live jazz, its every Tuesday evening.
Fit Gear Hunter
Feb 4, 2025
5
Update to former review: this place is THE Best bar in the area. I've been 5-6 times since, and I recently discovered a glorious and unexpected thing about it, the food. Don't get me wrong they serve the world's best and fanciest and most creative cocktails, but last Saturday night I had the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and it was incredible. When I arrived I had already eaten dinner but saw it on the menu and ordered - when it arrived I cut a third off and put the rest to go. I fell in love. An hour and a half later at home, still with the full stomach, the other 2/3 could not be delayed to being consumed. That good.
Original review:
Definitely the coolest bar I've been to in the area. Nothing over the top about any particular aspect of it but just everything was so damn well done. Perfect lighting, excellent whole bar layout and scene, the seating, the private tables tucked away, the large sort-of private space in the back corner, all of it. Definitely definitely definitely the spot to go for an after dinner drink. And Jazz on Tuesdays for a small cover just knocks the cover off of the ball.
Annie Bright
Dec 27, 2024
5
Probably one of my top cocktail bar in the area. Really love the rotating seasonal drinks and partnership with local establishments for pastries to accent the drinks. The atmosphere and the service are top notch.
Tara Conover
Oct 30, 2024
3
The food is pretty good, but they have no business charging $17 for cocktails. We went and there were maybe 4-5 tables and waited 15+ minutes for our second round of drinks. They’re small pours and although tasty not worth the price. It was also smelly? Maybe because we were next to the kitchen door but there was a musty faint but fowl odor.
Ethan Fixell
Oct 14, 2024
4
Cocktails are phenomenal, absolutely delicious. Service is somewhat lacking, though, as not as professional and polished as the cocktails would suggest. Vibe is cool but also a little less sleek than I was hoping. Still, an overall great experience.
Danielle Stacy
Aug 25, 2024
5
I have been to Kingfisher twice now, and both times it was a top tier experience. It has cool vibes, great service, and incredible cocktails. I think the cocktails are the true standout about Kingfisher compared to other bars in the area. Looking through the menu for my first visit made me nervous because everything seemed so crazy, but my fears were immediately allayed once I received my drink. The designers of these cocktails clearly put a lot of thought into them because everything works, even when it feels like it shouldn't. I love coming to Kingfisher because I know whatever I'm getting there is something I will not be able to make myself at home.
Grazia Spiga
Jun 12, 2024
5
This is my favorite jazz bar in the triangle with very unique and creative cocktails. This place has an amazing vibe and the music is great. I have been there several times and usually sit by the bar or at one of the small tables. Yesterday I reserved a larger table for 8 people in one of the private rooms for a small celebration. Everyone loved it, it was cozy with a great view of the band playing. I just wish they had jazz also on other nights
Fit Gear Hunter
May 7, 2024
5
Definitely the coolest bar I've been to in the area. Nothing over the top about any particular aspect of it but just everything was so damn well done. Perfect lighting, excellent whole bar layout and scene, the seating, the private tables tucked away, the large sort-of private space in the back corner, all of it. Definitely definitely definitely the spot to go for an after dinner drink. And Jazz on Tuesdays for a small cover just knocks the cover off of the ball.
Martin (Marteen)
Mar 25, 2024
5
Dear Diary - Recently visited from a work trip and saw that they added new cocktail drinks to their menu since the last time. I am guessing it is seasonal changes which is nice and keeps people coming in to try their latest drinks. I definitely recommend coming here and trying it out. Dear Diary edit - it's awesome that their drinks rotate or are seasonal. It shows how awesome they are at ensuring their drink menus are appealing and evolving.
Von Lewis
Mar 17, 2024
5
Vibe of this place was sooooo cool- best in the area. The staff were great and very knowledgeable of the ingredients and flavor profile of the complex cocktail menu. We came back and enjoyed this venue before and after the show at DPAC. Drinks here are a spectacle and we wish we could have tried them all. We will be back!
