Best Patios and Rooftop Bars in Durham

Updated July 2023

Need some fresh air? When the sun shines bright, there’s nothing quite like lounging on a patio or sipping a cocktail on a rooftop bar. Here are 25 of the best patios and rooftop bars in Durham.

You can find a map with categories at the bottom of this article!

The Durham Hotel Rooftop Bar

Let’s start with a classic! The Durham Hotel Rooftop Bar offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. Sip on craft cocktails while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and stylish decor. It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion or a night out with friends.

Check it out here: The Durham Hotel Rooftop Bar

Velvet Hippo

Get ready to experience the incredible new rooftop bar in Durham, the Velvet Hippo! This place is bursting with tropical vibes, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a paradise.

Split into two awesome sections, the first part is an indoor lounge that’s full of lively decorations and has a gorgeous long bar as the focal point. You’ll find cozy corners to chill and enjoy your time.

The other half is a fantastic two-tiered rooftop patio, giving you an amazing view of Parrish Street and Durham City Hall.

Check out the Velvet Hippo here

Bull McCabe’s

Next is the iconic Bull McCabe’s, a cozy Irish pub located in the heart of downtown Durham. Their inviting outdoor patio is perfect for letting the kids run around and bonus points for being fenced in. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening with friends while sipping on your favorite brew from their impressive selection of beers.

Head to Bull McCabe’s here

Boxcar Bar + Arcade

If you’re looking for a laid-back and fun atmosphere, head over to Boxcar Bar + Arcade. Play vintage arcade games while enjoying a wide selection of craft beers on their spacious outdoor patio. Challenge your friends to a game of Pac-Man or pinball while sipping on your favorite brew.

Learn more: Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Pour Taproom

Pour Taproom offers a unique self-serve beer experience, where you can pour your own brews from a selection of rotating taps. Their patio is a great place to relax and try different beers while enjoying the lively downtown scene.

Pour your own pint here: Pour Taproom

Mezcalito

This vibrant spot serves up delicious Mexican cuisine and an inviting outdoor patio. Sip on refreshing super-sized margaritas, indulge in flavorful tacos, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Located at 706 Ramseur Street, it offers a lively and energetic atmosphere where you can enjoy unique drinks and delicious Latin-inspired bites.

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Mexico: Mezcalito

Unscripted Hotel

Unscripted Hotel is a trendy rooftop bar located in the heart of downtown Durham. Take in the panoramic views of the city while sipping on handcrafted cocktails. With a lively atmosphere and stunning decor, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the Durham skyline.

Check it out here: Unscripted Hotel

Guglhupf

A charming European bakery and cafe with a lovely outdoor patio. Located at 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Guglhupf is renowned for its delectable pastries, artisanal bread, and delicious brunch options.

Treat yourself to a slice of European goodness at Guglhupf

Foster’s Market

For a delightful blend of casual dining and fresh market finds, look no further than Foster’s Market. Located at 2694 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, this charming spot offers an outdoor patio where you can enjoy their delicious sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or a midday snack, Foster’s Market is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Explore their menu at Foster’s Market

Boxyard RTP

Prepare to embark on a patio adventure like no other at Boxyard RTP! Located at 530 Davis Dr, this unique outdoor dining and entertainment venue is made up of converted shipping containers. Their spacious patio hosts a rotating lineup of local vendors, offering everything from tacos to barbecue and craft coffee.

Discover the flavors at Boxyard RTP

Press Crepes and Coffee

Looking for a delightful combination of sweet and savory? Press Crepes and Coffee is the place to be. Their outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying their delicious crepes made with fresh ingredients. Indulge in a variety of flavors, from Nutella-filled to savory options like ham and cheese. Pair your crepes with a cup of their specialty coffee for the ultimate experience.

Treat yourself at Press Crepes and Coffee

Durty Bull Brewing

Durty Bull Brewing is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts. Located at 206 Broadway St #104, their outdoor patio provides a laid-back setting to enjoy their innovative and flavorful brews. From IPAs to sours and barrel-aged beers, Durty Bull Brewing offers a diverse selection that will satisfy any beer lover’s palate.

Cheers to great beer at Durty Bull Brewing

Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Known for its whimsical atmosphere and flavorful brews, Ponysaurus Brewing Co. is a local favorite. Their expansive patio features picnic tables and a relaxed vibe. Savor their creative beer offerings, including their beloved flagship brew, the “Bière de Garde.”

Trot on over: Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Bull City Ciderworks

If you prefer cider over beer, Bull City Ciderworks is the place for you. Situated in a vibrant neighborhood, their patio offers a lively setting to enjoy their refreshing ciders. Sip on a cider and soak up the atmosphere. You can even catch the fireworks from the Durham Bulls stadium on Friday nights in the summer.

Cider up: Bull City Ciderworks

Fullsteam Brewery

Fullsteam Brewery offers a rustic-chic patio with a laid-back ambiance. Enjoy their innovative beers brewed with local ingredients while lounging in the sunshine. Don’t forget to try their famous “Rocket Science” IPA.

Find your favorite brew: Fullsteam Brewery

Hi-Wire Brewing Durham

Hi-Wire Brewing is known for its diverse selection of craft beers and lively atmosphere. Their outdoor seating area is spacious and inviting, making it a great place to relax with friends. From lagers to sours, their beer menu has something to suit every palate.

Get wired for fun: Hi-Wire Brewing Durham

Namu

This gem offers an inviting outdoor patio where you can savor delicious Korean-inspired dishes. They have a gorgeous bamboo garden topped off with a water fountain and koi pond, and tons of outdoor seating that is pet and kid-friendly. We 100% recommend the the Bo fries and spicy pork mandoo. Dogs are also allow inside their beer hall!

Don’t miss out on this tasty adventure: Namu

Eastcut Sandwich Shop

Craving a delicious sandwich on a cozy patio? Look no further than Eastcut Sandwich Shop. Located at 3211 Old Chapel Hill Rd, this neighborhood gem offers a laid-back atmosphere and mouthwatering sandwiches. Grab a seat on their outdoor patio, indulge in their creative sandwich creations, and soak up the charming ambiance.

Bite into deliciousness at Eastcut Sandwich Shop

The Blue Note Grill

For a taste of authentic Southern charm, visit The Blue Note Grill. This popular spot is known for its live music and finger-licking-good barbecue. Their spacious patio is the perfect place to enjoy some sweet tunes and indulge in mouthwatering ribs.

Get the blues and the barbecue here: The Blue Note Grill

The Glass Jug Beer Lab

Beer lovers, rejoice! The Glass Jug Beer Lab is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts. Their outdoor seating area is cozy and inviting, making it a fantastic spot to sample their unique brews. (Plus it’s great for people watching in Downtown) From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there’s something for everyone here.

Cheers to great beer: The Glass Jug Beer Lab

Beer Study Durham

Beer Study Durham is a cozy beer bar with an outdoor patio that’s perfect for a laid-back evening. They offer an extensive selection of craft beers from around the world. Grab a seat, study their beer menu, and embark on a flavor adventure.

Cheers to knowledge: Beer Study Durham

Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar & Lounge

For the cocktail enthusiasts, Durham Distillery’s Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar & Lounge is a hidden gem. Their patio provides a charming backdrop to sip on expertly crafted cocktails made with their award-winning spirits.

Treat your taste buds: Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar & Lounge

Grub Durham

Grub was once a full-service, gas station that transformed into a restaurant, and now they’re filling our bellies with food we love. They won us over with their southern breakfast menu and they stole our hearts with Mississippi Mud Pie. (Their lunch, dinner, drinks, and Taco Tuesday’s are amazing as well!)  Situated at 1200 W Chapel Hill St in Durham, it’s a great place to gather with friends and savor delicious dishes while soaking up the energetic atmosphere.

Check them out here: Grub Durham

Parts and Labor

Parts and Labor serves food truck-like fare that you can eat in their garage bar or at the picnic tables on their patio. We love their small plates that are available at affordable prices. So you can get a quick afternoon snack or get several different items like german pretzels, beer battered cheese curds, and cheese burger sliders. They have large outdoor eating area, where you can sit in the sun or in the shade! Located at 723 Rigsbee Ave, it’s the place to be for a memorable evening with friends, tasty drinks, and a lively ambiance.

Raise a glass to good times at Parts and Labor

Cocoa Cinnamon

Cocoa Cinnamon is a cozy spot where you can indulge in artisanal coffee and Mexican-inspired hot chocolate on their inviting outdoor patios. They have 3 locations and each has it’s own unique vibe. When it warms up we love coming to the Geer Street location for their patio. The inside is cozy with a mix of tables and couches, and the outdoor patio is perfect when the weather warms up. Their outdoor seating consists of plenty tables and benches, and we love that there is a shaded area as well.

Treat yourself to a sip of happiness at Cocoa Cinnamon

Geer Street Garden

This renovated former gas station, Geer Street Garden, has an awesome patio for grabbing lunch or soaking up the warm weather with a beer. There are plenty of picnic tables with a mostly shaded area and fans. You can’t go wrong with the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch and build your own bloody mary bar.

Dig in at Geer Street Garden

Parker and Otis

Parker and Otis is a charming cafe and gift shop with a quaint patio, offering a delightful setting for coffee or a light meal. Located at American Tobacco Campus, it’s a gem where you can relax, enjoy delicious treats, and browse unique gifts.

Take a break and unwind at Parker and Otis

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

Lastly, for sports enthusiasts, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe is the ultimate destination. A prime spot during baseball season, this patio overlooks the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. So you can catch a game or the fireworks on Friday nights during home games. With a vibrant patio located at 280 S Mangum St, it’s the perfect place to catch your favorite game while enjoying a cold beer and delicious pub food.

Cheer on your team at Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

We’ve covered the best of the best, from stunning skyline views at The Durham Hotel Rooftop Bar to epic arcade gaming at Boxcar Bar + Arcade. Whether you’re a beer aficionado, a barbecue connoisseur, or a cocktail enthusiast, Durham’s got you covered. Cheers to unforgettable moments and patio-hopping adventures in the Bull City!

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