Alley Twenty Six

The top options are Kingfisher and Alley Twenty Six, the first cocktail bars in North Carolina nominated for the James Beard Outstanding Bar Program. Alley Twenty Six is, as its name suggests, in an alley, with Christmas lights strung across the top and inventive drinks on the menu. Kingfisher is a homier bar where cocktails come served in homemade pottery, with live jazz during the week.

Some of our favorites can be found at Alley Twenty Six, which highlights a new non-alcoholic cocktail on the menu on a rotating basis – the choice is dependent on the season and what ingredients are available. On Thursday mornings, Owner Shannon Healy and some of the other Alley bartenders hold experimental sessions where they make new syrups and tinctures and also use the time to create those unusual non-alcoholic cocktails that keep with the same quality and inventiveness of their alcoholic counterparts. This summer, they featured a “summer-at-the-beach” inspired Coconut Pineapple Shrub, which included coconut, pineapple, apple cider vinegar, lime and soda water.

As for our bar scene, Durham is home to the only two nominated James Beard outstanding bar programs in the state of North Carolina: Alley Twenty Six and Kingfisher, craft cocktail spots located just across the street from one another on East Chapel Hill Street downtown. At Alley Twenty Six, the cocktails are the stars – especially the Mexican Herbalist or anything made with Durham Distillery Conniption Gin – but you’ll be pleased if you give the dinner menu some of your time. Kingfisher’s atmospheric basement makes for a perfect date spot to ponder the inspiration behind some of Durham’s most creative cocktails.

Alley Twenty Six, the James Beard award-nominated craft cocktail bar, will host a ticketed Scotch whisky tasting event as part of Ardbeg’s National Masters of Smoke Tour from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024 in downtown Durham. For $45 per person, Alley Twenty Six owner and mixologist Shannon Healy will be mixing up two cocktails featuring Ardbeg Islay Scotch Whisky for the occasion and the fine people at Ardbeg will be providing tastes of their different varieties of scotch whisky.

Unique food and stellar cocktails are always on the menu at Alley Twenty Six, making this the perfect place to meet up with your friends for a holiday celebration. With rotating seasonal cocktails, you know you’ll be able to taste all the flavors of the holidays, whether that’s a bourbon apple mule for Halloween, a gingery Dark & Stormy for Christmas, or a festive Kir Royale for the new year. When it comes to food, Alley Twenty Six has you covered for both brunch and dinner.

Many cocktail bars offer creative mocktails regularly, or will create one if you ask. Some of our favorites can be found at Alley Twenty Six, which highlights a new non-alcoholic cocktail on the menu on a rotating basis—the choice is dependent on the season and what ingredients are available. This summer, they feature a “summer at the beach” inspired Coconut Pineapple Shrub, which includes coconut, pineapple, apple cider vinegar, lime and soda water.

A sophisticated cocktail bar located in downtown Durham, Alley Twenty-Six is known for its intricate cocktail creations, an extensive selection of spirits, and a cozy, upscale atmosphere. This bar also offers a small but refined menu of food items that pair beautifully with their drink offerings. Whether you are looking for a classic cocktail or want to try a modern concoction, this bar is a great place to start your night.

On the same block, cocktail bar Alley Twenty Six offers a great place to drink with locals. Order your beverage at the long wooden bar and take it out into the eponymous alley, narrow and brick, strung across with bare light bulbs. Libations here showcase the deep bench of distilling talent in North Carolina: fragrant Conniption American Dry Gin from Durham Distilling, Appalachian Fernet from Asheville’s Eda Rhyne.

320 East Chapel Hill Street, Durham, 984-439-2278, alleytwentysix.com. This summer, Alley Twenty Six—which is located directly below the INDY’s HQ and thus dangerous to my liver—went in heavy on the tiki trend, which is all well and good, but I’m more of a traditionalist, and herein Alley excels with an ace whiskey selection and refined, sharp takes on the classics. But get that daiquiri if you want.

An influential player in the rise of the Triangle’s cocktail bar scene, Alley Twenty Six is currently up for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in the country. These cocktail wizards do sharp and refined versions of the classics and have an often-changing and creative house menu serving up whatever is seasonal that month. It’s getting hot out there, so consider something Tiki.

There are plenty of places to get a great drink in Durham, but Alley Twenty Six is the spot that helped Durham become a craft cocktail mecca. Mixologist Shannon Healy and his team pump out award-winning libations (they were a 2022 James Beard Award finalist for best bar in America) while chef Carrie Schleiffer has created a menu of small plates and entrees to pair with them.

Of the many Durham cocktail bars to choose from, Alley Twenty Six stands out ahead of the rest. Located in the heart of the city center and just steps from the historic Durham Hotel, their cocktail menu is unlike any other I have come across. With seasonal offerings and ever-changing cocktails unique to the bar, you’ll find a huge variety of delicious drinks to pick from.

A gin and tonic with owner Shannon Healy’s cult-favorite, house made tonic syrup and Durham Distillery’s navy-strength gin is undoubtedly the most refreshing G&T you’ll ever imbibe. In case you’re incapable of making decisions, don’t fret. Write down any three descriptive words on a napkin or disclose your likes and dislikes, and you’ll be in good spirits all night long.

Located in a charming alleyway, this establishment offers a cozy yet classy atmosphere perfect for a night out with your drinking buddies or a romantic evening with your significant other. With a menu featuring a wide array of cocktails and spirits, we guarantee you won't be disappointed by the drinks or the fantastic service. www.alleytwentysix.com

This local bar features upscale craft cocktails and an elevated food menu in a casual, setting!. I featured the caviar and tots in my favorite meals from 2024 here, and is truly such a fun order to share with friends or on a date night. David and I also love stopping here to sit at the bar and grab an Alley Jr. burger and those delish fries.

320 E Chapel Hill St (919) 213-1267 Yelp: 4 stars, 89 reviews. With a selection of liquors from all over the world, the bartenders can mix almost anything your heart desires. They also have their own signature cocktails like the Quilted Hot Toddy made with scotch, drambuie, moscovado syrup, oranges, lemons and cinnamon.

The bar can get pretty packed on weekends and the cocktails are a little bit more expensive than other Durham establishments, but it’s worth it for a special treat. We recommend the Violet & Vermilion (gin, homemade beet syrup, lemon and cava rosé) and a plate of cured meats or artisan cheeses.

Alley Twenty Six is a popular local cocktail bar and restaurant located in Downtown Durham. They serve upscale food and cocktail pairings in a relaxed setting. Alley Twenty Six has been featured in the News & Observer, The Local Palate, Travel and Leisure, Our State North Carolina, and Vogue!

Come to this eclectic cocktail bar that features swanky and chic interiors with a sophistication of a sorority. The bar has a fine menu of charcuterie and new American cuisine. This award-winning craft cocktail venue mixes up of the best known and memorable drinks in the whole city.

Tori is a sucker for a great steak, and the prime rib at NanaSteak holds a special place in his heart. At Alley Twenty Six, we start with a cheeseboard and order the steak frites. We also really love the porchetta and baked potato gnocchi at Mothers and Sons.

Alley Twenty Six – Every Sunday, Alley Twenty Six hosts a brunch spread that includes savory and sweet dishes, along with exceptional drinks. Don’t miss the “Fat Elvis” and the famous Alley burger, complemented by a mimosa or a Red Bloody Mary;

📍 320 E Chapel Hill StA cocktail lover’s dream, Alley Twenty Six pairs award-winning drinks with upscale small plates. It’s a great pre- or post-show stop if you’re heading to DPAC.Must-try: Seasonal cocktails and the beignets for dessert.

Alley Twenty Six is a classy and stylish cocktail bar that serves a highly-rated menu of New American dishes. The quality of beef here is fantastic, making the burgers to die for. Go for the Alley Burger, a large plate that includes an 8oz.

At Alley Twenty Six, you’ll find unique hand-crafted cocktails and the prettiest alleyway you’ve ever seen. Check out European-inspired wine bar Bar Brunello and Bar Vigile boasts one of the largest Spirits selections in the Triangle.

This local cocktail bar and restaurant lies in the heart of downtown Durham. Its local cocktails are to die for, and the charcuterie board also features local cheese!. Must order: charcuterie board and kiwi daiquiri!

Alley Twenty Six (320 E Chapel Hill St, Ste 200, 27701): Classy cocktails and food in a relaxed setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, including under the twinkle lights in a cozy, brick alleyway

Alley Twenty Six • 320 East Chapel Hill Street Suite 101, Durham NC • (984) 439-2278 • finedrinking@alleytwentysix.com • Website • Facebook • Twitter • Craft Cocktail bar in Downtown Durham.

They also have a fantastic menu to pair with their drinks for the moment you decide you don’t want to leave!. For something really fun, consider one of their cocktail classes!

Alley Twenty Six is a swanky, easygoing establishment serving modern American plates, charcuterie, plus upmarket and inventive craft cocktails with Sunday brunch.

Beloved Beverage: The gin and tonic at Alley Twenty Six, which makes and bottles its tonic syrup that you can also use to stock your at-home cocktail bar.

Alley Twenty Six is a sophisticated cocktail and wine bar serving a menu of charcuterie and small plates in swanky surrounds.