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Kingfisher

4.6

321 E Chapel Hill St
Durham, NC 27701
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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.


Google Reviews

4.6

Photo of Tara Conover 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.

Photo of Ethan Fixell 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.

Photo of Danielle Stacy 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.

Photo of Grazia Spiga 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

Photo of Fit Gear Hunter 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.

Photo of Martin (Marteen) 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.

Photo of Von Lewis 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!