On weekends, you don’t have to leave Fido behind when visiting this new neighborhood bar downtown. The Velvet Hippo, an homage to the owner’s love of dogs, offers a breezy rooftop oasis with a view, glistening signature cocktails, boozy slushes, draft IPAs, small bites and fun events like karaoke. “Yappy Hours” are Saturday and Sunday, 12-6 p.m. Since dogs are not permitted indoors, they get their very own VIP staircase. Star treatment for all! For humans, there are also popular dance parties that go late into the evening and regular events like drag bingo with Durham's beloved House of Coxx drag family. Food, drinks and mocktails are available -- typically with seasonal flair and clever menu titles.
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Hours:
Monday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM 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: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Far and away one of my favorite places to take people in Durham when they visit us. Everyone who works there is so friendly. Their inside is cozy and decorated festive depending on season. Their rooftop is great and as a bonus, they offer blankets for when it gets cold. Limited food menu but what I've eaten has been good (I'm not personally going here to eat though) I'm going for their fun drinks, both cocktails and mocktails, and the view.
I do see people coming for the first time sometimes get discombobulated as to where to find it. Go in the building and take elevator and you'll see an open peachy pink door that leads to their bar.
Nick Leachman
Aug 28, 2024
5
Best rooftop bar in Durham - Velvet opened since I’ve been living here & has been my favorite outdoor rooftop & bar in town. Super friendly & fun bar staff - especially Carissa! Since coming here, Carissa always knows how’s to get the party started with Jello-o shots & whichever shooter they have on the menu that week.
Love coming here any day of the week to enjoy sunset. They have great drink deals everyday of the week & fun events (drag bingo, DJ events, even bringing puppies from the local shelter available for adoption).
Couldn’t recommend this place more to anyone looking for a fun afternoon or evening in Durham.
Filipp Nesterov
Aug 25, 2024
5
We visited this place for the first time today and really enjoyed the atmosphere. There were just the right amount of people—not too crowded, but lively enough for a bar.
We started off with two Mezcal cocktails, the Yes, Chef! They were excellent—really tasty with a great balance of sweetness and strength.
Then my wife ordered the Jean-Claude Panda, and I asked for a custom drink with mezcal (yes, I really like it). Both drinks were fantastic.
Overall, we were very pleased with this place and will definitely be coming back.
Jamaar Valentine
Jul 21, 2024
5
Very impressive cocktail program without pretentious pricing. Great inside space with fantastic design. Outdoor space is also impressive with covered and uncovered sections of rooftop with openly tiered seating. Great space for any number of events. We loved each of three cocktails, bit the best part of it all, was our bartender Kaykay with excellent knowledge and welcoming approach serving up shots of humor and real personality backed by a dash of honest approach too the craft. We will be sure to recommend often and look forward to a return visit thanks to Kaykay.
Rob Mihelic
Jun 30, 2024
4
Fun rooftop bar with an amazing indoor section! The ambiance here is on point; exactly what you want in a cool downtown bar. Plenty of seating, good drinks, easy to have a conversation in some sections, and loud music in others.
The only downside of this place is the entrance is kind of lame. You feel like you have to walk into an office building.
A Lewis
Apr 30, 2024
4
I absolutely love this place! The rooftop is amazing, offering stunning views and a great ambiance. The food is delicious and the drinks menu is extensive, with both cocktails and mocktails to choose from. However, my only gripe is that they charge the same price for a mocktail as they do for a cocktail, which seems a bit unfair considering there's no alcohol in the mocktail. Otherwise, it's a fantastic spot to hang out with friends or for a casual date night. Would definitely recommend!
Cameron Garrison
Jan 21, 2024
5
Went for the first time last Thursday then ended up going back Friday! Only had cocktails but they were creative and lovely. The decor and atmosphere of the restaurant was gorgeous and such a vibe. Bartenders overall seem friendly, minus one female bartender that seemed snappy and impatient. Otherwise, we love this place and will be back!
Robert Fergione
Dec 14, 2023
5
Visiting town and checked out the this bar, and it was awesome! I met the owner, Leslie, who was incredibly nice. The atmosphere is great, and the drinks are good too. They have the entire bar done for winter decorations and it’s beautiful. Definitely recommend for anyone visiting or any locals!
James Goerke
Nov 29, 2023
5
Great drinks and the perfect mix of nice but easy to eat bar apps. It had a good vibe and we were able to have a good conversation even though it was packed! Great rooftop area as well!
