The Bar

At first, I only came to The Bar for special occasions---birthday parties, drag shows that were too good to pass up, etc..  Then, I started hanging out here infrequently on Sunday afternoons.  Next thing I knew, I was here every Tuesday night with my running club.  

And why not?  The staff is great, customers are friendly, drinks are cheap and, spoiler alert, The Bar has arguably the best outdoor space in downtown Durham.  Consider yourself warned.

Let me start by saying that I Love The Bar.

Sometimes I get an eyebrow-raise when I suggest going there. It's not hip.  It's not happenin'. The venue is a little too ambitious for what they got goin' on. It's definitely an older crowd on most nights that I don't really fit in with, but even so, The Bar claims a special piece of my hardened heart.

One way they've achieved this is through their drink selection. Going to The Bar is ALL ABOUT THE BAR, because this place has THE BEST COCKTAIL MENU I'VE SEEN-DRANK ANYWHERE.  Also, cheap PBR if yr too butch for that, sweet and flirty bartenders-- am I missing anything???

Some of the drinks, "Banana Boat" "Thin Mint" "Ginger Rogers" may not be the most high-brow. But god damn are they delicious. And there are like twenty of them. I have yet to catch 'em all but I am looking forward to it. Also, "Pussy". It's the energy drink of choice at The Bar that they import from the UK just for a good, queer laugh. I like to think The Bar is self-aware enough to not take itself too seriously, and I appreciate commitment to a theme like that.

I've never seen the dance floor hoppin' at The Bar, but that just may be my luck. I don't go to The Bar with cruising in mind. For a good time, bring your own party . The outdoor space is just awesome (with a tiki bar on the deck) with intimate seating where you and your friends can kick back and watch the bois go by. A great place to pre-game, or just hang out.

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When the weather's nice, The Bar is the place to be. Out back, it's like a beach without the water--there's sand, cabanas, fire pits, and games like cornhole, ping pong, and beer pong (well, tables with little circles on them for perfect cup-placement).

When the weather isn't nice, The Bar is still a great place to be! Inside, there's a jukebox, darts, and pool, and the dance floor is nice and big to accommodate drag and burlesque performances and dance parties. The bartenders are always SO nice and incredibly competent (ask for a Flaming Lamborghini--you'll see).

Admittedly, I'm more of an afternoon/early evening drinker, so The Bar's never been that crowded when I've been there, but the other patrons have ranged from keeping to themselves to being downright outgoing (yes, I WOULD like to meet your dog!), regardless of my or my friends' gender presentation or sexual orientation.