Kingfisher, located at 321 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC, is rapidly becoming a standout cocktail bar that blends an inviting atmosphere with an impressive menu. Patrons rave about its intimate vibe, complemented by cozy seating and tasteful decor, making it an ideal spot for after-dinner drinks or a memorable date night. The cocktails at Kingfisher are a revelation, showcasing creativity and seasonal ingredients. Guests have highlighted the Muscadine Mai Tai and Vodka Soba, both offering smooth yet robust flavors that delight the palate without breaking the bank. Regulars appreciate the rotating drink menu, ensuring each visit brings a new experience. Food lovers will also be pleased. The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is not only a crowd-pleaser but has garnered particular acclaim; one reviewer couldn't resist finishing it later despite being full. Other dishes like the Chicharrones and Fries with Snow Cheese round out the menu, offering satisfying snacks perfect for sharing. The staff here is noted for their knowledge and welcoming demeanor, enhancing the overall experience. Kingfisher is more than just a cocktail bar; it’s a community hub where conversations flow, and culinary delights await. If you’re in Durham, Kingfisher is a must-visit gem that promises delightful drinks and hearty meals.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Serves dine-in
No delivery
No takeaway
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Has live performances
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Photos
Reviews For Kingfisher
Fit Gear Hunter
May 2,2025
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.
Martin (Marteen)
Mar 22,2025
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.
Zachary Zhu
Mar 12,2025
Phenomenal cocktail bar! We got seated pretty much immediately at the bar late on a Friday night. Super nice vibes and tasty cocktails: smooth but still reasonably strong. I also appreciated that they weren’t outrageously priced even for some of the signature cocktails - would definitely come back to try more of the selection! There was energy but never felt too crowded - do note that there was 20% built in gratuity.
Von Lewis
Mar 6,2025
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!
Tigra Lopez
Mar 3,2025
We went last night and it was exactly the kind of place we've been looking for in regard to atmosphere, intimate and cozy, you could hear the upbeat music but it wasn't too loud, you could still have a conversation, we sat at the bar and Robert took great care of us! We tried drinks from the menu and then told him what we liked and let him surprise us, every drink was a hit, especially the vodka pear gimlet! I'm not normally an ice cream girl but he is and I always try it, I woke up thinking about the chai banana pudding ice cream and searching for the source online. I kept going back for more, it may have been the best ice cream I've ever had. We also ordered the fries with powdered cheese, they were fine. It would be nice to have a few more options/small plates but we will definitely be back. We talked to some really nice people next to us and the bathrooms were really clean. Very much looking forward to going back. Thank you for a great date night.
Chelsey Bennett
Feb 19,2025
This is a top notch bar! What a cocktail bar should be. Drinks are always creative and delicious, and if you don't find something on the menu you like (which is a shocker), they have a lot of hidden gem bottles to make you happy.
Annie Bright
Feb 8,2025
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.
Grazia Spiga
Feb 6,2025
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
Reviews For Kingfisher