Best rye, bourbon, and gin collection
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Bar Virgile

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A stylish, low-key Durham hangout known for its inventive cocktails, charcuterie, and globally inspired dishes. Perfect for a date night or lively gat...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Best rye, bourbon, and gin collection

Bar Virgile

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stylish, low-key Durham hangout known for its inventive cocktails, charcuterie, and globally inspired dishes. Perfect for a date night or lively gathering.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Bar Virgile: Where inventive cocktails and delectable dishes meet a vibrant atmosphere."

TIP

Visit during off-peak hours

Opt for quieter times if you prefer a less crowded and loud dining experience.

Try sharing dishes

Explore a variety of flavors by ordering small plates or sharing dishes tapas-style.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 5PM

Cuisine

American

Price

$$$

Phone

(919) 973-3000

Address

105 S Mangum St Unit #1, Durham, NC 27701, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Inventive Cocktails

Inventive Cocktails

Crafted with seasonal ingredients, these cocktails are a hit for both drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

The Ultimate Walking Weekend in Durham, NCDurham's Best Date IdeasDurham Nightlife • A Complete Guide [2025 February Update]+2
Delectable Fried Oysters

Delectable Fried Oysters

Highly recommended by patrons, these are a must-try, praised for their freshness and flavor.

Duke University School of LawGoogle Review+1
Juicy Burgers

Juicy Burgers

Consistently praised as the best-tasting in town, these burgers are a popular and satisfying choice.

15 Best Restaurants in Durham NCGoogle Review+2
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Aaktum Coffee & Bar in downtown Durham, NC #durham #coffee #bar
@kris22_t3ly
221 likes • 11.3K views

Visit during off-peak hours

Opt for quieter times if you prefer a less crowded and loud dining experience.

Try sharing dishes

Explore a variety of flavors by ordering small plates or sharing dishes tapas-style.

Explore seasonal cocktails

Ask about the seasonal cocktail menu for unique creations using local ingredients.

Pre/Post DPAC Show Stop

Conveniently located near the Durham Performing Arts Center for a meal before or after a show.

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit during off-peak hours

Opt for quieter times if you prefer a less crowded and loud dining experience.

Try sharing dishes

Explore a variety of flavors by ordering small plates or sharing dishes tapas-style.

Explore seasonal cocktails

Ask about the seasonal cocktail menu for unique creations using local ingredients.

Pre/Post DPAC Show Stop

Conveniently located near the Durham Performing Arts Center for a meal before or after a show.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Bar Virgile is celebrated for its stylish, low-key atmosphere and an impressive selection of inventive cocktails, often hailed as some of the best. Patrons rave about the delectable fried oysters and delicious burgers, complemented by attentive and friendly service. However, some diners have experienced issues with slow or forgotten service, and a few found the cocktails to be less impressive than anticipated.

"great place to grab drinks and dine with friends! we got here about 15 minutes after opening and it was already packed. a true sentiment to how great the place is! their burgers are really good and was the most popular choice amongst our group. my next favorite would be their fried oysters. everything we ordered did not disappoint! their drinks were very yummy too! the service was super friendly and attentive. i will definitely be coming back for more and i recommend everyone to give this spot a try."

alyssa s

"I love this place!! Might be the best cocktails I've ever had! They know what they're doing"

Johnny Davis

"Great place for both food and drinks. Had an amazing burger but the drink specials were to die for. Probably the most fun part was order drinks using the dealer choice option. Had some bourbon drinks I had never heard of before. Amazing mixologists and the servers were awesome. Small place if you are looking to eat so get there early."

Mead Briggs

What People Like

Inventive and expertly crafted cocktails
Delectable fried oysters
Tastiest burgers in town

What People Dislike

Inconsistent or slow service
Disappointing cocktail quality for some

Frequently Asked Questions

Patrons highly recommend the fried oysters and the juicy burgers. Many also enjoy the deviled eggs and seasonal small plates.

Duke University School of LawGoogle Review+2

Yes, Bar Virgile is renowned for its inventive and expertly crafted cocktails, using seasonal and local ingredients. They offer a wide selection for both drinkers and non-drinkers.

The Ultimate Walking Weekend in Durham, NCDurham's Best Date IdeasDurham Nightlife • A Complete Guide [2025 February Update]+2

The restaurant can get crowded, especially after opening and on busy nights. It's advisable to arrive early or during off-peak hours.

Google Review+1

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options like risotto, which has been praised by diners.

Google Review

Yes, the cozy and romantic ambiance, along with excellent cocktails and food, makes it a popular choice for date nights.

Plan a Romantic Getaway in Durham, NCDurham's Best Date Ideas

Yes, Bar Virgile is conveniently located near DPAC, making it a popular spot for pre- or post-show drinks and dining.

15 Best Restaurants in Durham NC

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The Ultimate Walking Weekend in Durham, NC

There’s Durty Bull Brewing Company for beer lovers and Bar Brunello for the wine crowd, but Bar Virgile is the standout spot for cocktails. It’s dark and romantic, with under-lit bottles lining the back brick wall from counter to ceiling and a wooden library ladder at the ready so bartenders can efficiently grab the top-shelf stuff. The classics are solid, but the seasonal selection is better, using local fruits, vegetables, herbs, and eggs—think thyme-infused vodka with Bartlett pear, lemon, Prosecco, and St-Germain.

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Bar Virgile has been a Durham staple for the past decade, drawing locals and visitors alike with its inviting ambiance and expertly crafted cocktails. Located near the corner of Mangum and Main Street, this cozy spot features a rotating menu of seasonal fare alongside classic and inventive cocktails. Known for its lively atmosphere and attentive service, Bar Virgile is a must-visit for anyone exploring Durham’s vibrant food and drink scene.

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This bar is a restaurant and bar specializing in craft and classic cocktails as well as an ever changing dinner and small plates menu boasting trademark drinks, sumptuous varieties of bar foods, and friendly locals anyone can get along with. Stop by at 105 S Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701, United States for a Durham experience you just can't pass up. https://goo.gl/maps/QBHVzt86TxvKt9MF8

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Plan a Romantic Getaway in Durham, NC

Make it a savory moment alongside your better half with a visit to Bar Virgile where you can pair a classic cocktail with a super cozy atmosphere. A drink enjoyed at the Louella Wine Bar is also worth your while when you’re looking for bold flavors served up in a more laid-back setting. At Killer Queen’s, couples can cozy up on the back patio on loveseats situated under bistro lights.

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Durham's Best Date Ideas

Local favorite Bar Virgile serves delicious craft and classic cocktails alongside elevated bar food in a cozy atmosphere. The Waiting Room serves expertly made cocktails, snacks and desserts and is designed to be a stop before a dinner reservation or show or as a nightcap afterward. Plush furniture and intimate tables make it a perfect setting for a romantic date night.

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Duke University School of Law

Bar Virgile is a beautiful French bar from the owner and chef of Nana’s, another Durham favorite. It’s classy and upscale without being too crowded – you can have a great time whether you grab a quick drink at the bar or settle in at a table for some home-made “snacks”, including local sausages and cheeses, burgundy snails, and fried oysters.

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When visiting Durham, stop by Bar Virgile and grab a quick bite and a delicious cocktail. Conveniently located near the Durham Performing Arts Center, Bar Virgile has become the place to stop before or after a show. The restaurant is inviting, making it an excellent place to take your friends or co-workers after a long day.

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If you’re looking for a unique dining experience of artistic and distinctive food, stop by the Bar Virgile. This spot has a relaxing atmosphere in a trendy and well-designed space. The cocktails here are special, and the menu is bursting with amazing dishes inspired by cultures from around the world.

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Bar Virgile is another hotspot to enjoy fancy hand-crafted cocktails along with delicious American fare served here. It has a vast selection of spirits, classic and modern whiskeys, rums, gins, agaves, etc. It is low-key hangout place to relish international fare and decadent charcuterie.

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From well made snacks to excellent beverages, Bar Virgile offers food and ambiance unlike any other watering hole in town. Apart from excellent food, its warm and vibrant atmosphere makes for an enjoyable meal. Address- 105, South Magnum Street, Downtown Durham, Durham NC 27701

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105 South Mangum Street, Durham, 919-973-3000, barvirgile.com. Bar Virgile also does the classics well, as well as a coterie of inventive craft cocktails that change with the seasons, made by friendly bartenders who go out of their way to make sure you get the drink you want.

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Afterwards, or perhaps directly following dinner, walk over to Bar Virgile or Annexe. Both spots are housed in the same building, with Bar Virgile placing more of an emphasis on conversation and Annexe being a more likely starting point for a lively night.

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After sipping on cocktails including the Bee Durham (which features honey-infused Conniption Navy Strength Gin from Durham Distillery), head a few blocks down to Bar Virgile. It boasts one of the most comprehensive drink menus in the entire state.

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Best Dinner Spots in Downtown Durham Near Van Alen

📍 105 S Mangum StJust steps from Van Alen, Bar Virgile is a cozy cocktail bar with a rotating dinner menu and one of the largest spirit selections in the Triangle.Must-try: Wild mushroom risotto and a craft cocktail.

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Bar Virgile is the place to go for a no-fuss classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned or Sazerac made with top-of-the-line ingredients, but there’s also a seasonal menu with more adventurous sips.

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Bar Virgile (105 S Mangum St, 27701): A cozy, sophisticated bar with one of the largest spirit selections in the Triangle. Try their ever-changing dinner and small plates menu, too.

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Call in via phone for curbside pickup Monday-Saturday 2-7pm for pick up from 4-8pm. See website for daily menu. They also offer a few family-size meals to go that serve 4-6 people.

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Bar Virgile: This intimate bar is known for its artisanal cocktails and stylish ambiance. It’s the ideal spot for a romantic night out or a sophisticated gathering with friends.

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Mangum Street, is an American bar that is vegetarian friendly. Call (919) 973-3000. Open Monday through Thursday (4 PM to 12 AM) and Friday and Saturday (4 PM to 2 AM).

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Steps away from DPAC, Bar Virgile is cozy and lively any night of the week. And downstairs, consider Annexe, a Champagne-flowing room that’s always an after party.

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- Rating: 4.3/5 (398 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 105 South Mangum St. Durham, North Carolina - Categories: Bars, Tapas/Small Plates- Read more on Yelp

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Bar Virgile is a small restaurant that also offers an impressive cocktail program. Grab a seat at the bar to avoid long lines for a table!

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If you’re there from Wednesday to Saturday check out The Annexe, a pink champagne themed counterpart located in the same building.

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Outdoor heated dining in Durham? : bullcity

Yeah a lot of these are out of date now - Dashi and Bar Virgile outside spaces are long gone just as a couple of examples

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