After much anticipation, Durham's first Black-owned brewery opened on South Driver Street in late 2023. Proximity's owner, Mike Potter, has made a name for himself in Durham by organizing and hosting Blacktoberfest, an annual festival celebrating beer, barbecue, music, entertainment and culture. At the brewery, you'll find a range of beers with a focus on IPAs, plus collaborations with other local companies.
It’s a little divey and vibey. Some locally brewed Durham beers(around 8-9) and some other local NC ones.
Tico Porter
Dec 17, 2024
5
My daughter recently took me there while I am visiting from Detroit. It was one of the better experiences that I have had at a nightlife type of outing. The drinks were great and the other patrons were very warm and friendly!Shout out to Mike ,the owner and his staff for making me feel right at home!
John Bekas Jr
Dec 7, 2024
5
The 4 Proximity beers we had were great: the Close Proximity, Proud Shoes, Blacktoberfest, and the black lager (sing recall the name). We will definitely be back.
Lajeania Dixon
Aug 27, 2024
5
I recently attended a birthday event here and absolutely loved the vibe. It was the perfect spot. They even have an outdoor area that is dope. I plan on returning for their Blacktober Fest, probably before then. The drinks were a hit.
Lonnie White
Jul 28, 2024
5
Brewery is dope. Beautiful brewery and lots of space in the courtyard. Excellent service and hospitality by owner Mike. The Proud Shoes Brown Ale and Hayti Haze beers are top notch and satisfying. Definitely will be back soon.
Babiker Suliman
Jun 13, 2024
5
If you want to have a group of people to gather this is the place.
Clean
Well maintained
There’s an outdoor extension
Mike is a great guy to work with
Peter Spung
Mar 10, 2024
4
We visited Proximity for a drink, brought dinner back from Mike D's BBQ, and closed with a night cap at Congress Social Bar. Each is a short walk and in the same building, with a shared parking lot next to Mike D's. Proximity has two beautiful indoor spaces each with clean, elegant yet hip vibes to them. The beer selection was great, and there was also a short wine and spirit list. The service was quick and staff were friendly and attentive. 4 out of 5 stars because they aren't yet brewing in house, which is supposed to happen in March 2024. And it was raining so we couldn't experience the outdoor space. We'll go back in a month or two and I expect to be able to upgrade the review to 5 out of 5. Regardless, go to Proximity and experience this cool and fun area in a historic building.
John Hite
Feb 13, 2024
5
Stopped by with friends on Saturday for some day drinkin'. Our first visit. Wonderful place! The space is great - with both indoor and outdoor spaces. The tap lineup is all guest taps, for now, as they work on their own beers. The bartender was welcoming and helpful. The owner was very nice and we enjoyed chatting it up with him.
Good draft selection as well as a number of choices in the cooler. If you want something a bit stronger, they've got a nicely curated selection of spirits.
Located next to another great place, Congress, AND in the same block at Mike D's BBQ (so we all enjoyed some delicious eats while sitting out back with our beers).
We WILL be back soon!
MJ Worldwide
Jan 17, 2024
5
Gorgeous bar and brewery. Extremely knowledgeable and welcoming. Wonderful location where you can get BBQ and beer. The best of both worlds. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Looking forward to visiting often. The floors, the bourbon, such an amazing place to hang out in the heart of Durham.
