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    Aperitif

    4.4 (57 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    APERITIF ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Aperitif

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    Pumpkin cheesecake
    Jessica G.

    This place popped up in Yelp, so I came here to try their desserts. I got the pumpkin cheesecake - they have a rotating seasonal selection. Texture was good (lightly fluffy) but it had a strange candle-y aroma and I got a headache later. They also had the indoor seating reserved for a party, so we sat outside in what became a wind corridor. I'm sure there are other better desserts on the menu and it's more pleasant in warmer weather, but it's not for me. Service was great though.

    S'moregasmic Dessert Cocktail
    Annette G.

    I was really looking forward to checking out this dessert bar after reading all the great recommendations on Yelp and hearing good things from our friends. I really wasn't blown away, though. We ordered the Seasonal Crème Brûlée and the Boozy not Bougie Tiramisu for dessert. The Crème Brûlée was orange flavored and good but not anywhere close to the best crème brûlée I've ever had. The Tiramisu was good and had a nice kick of rum without being overwhelmingly boozy but also just ok for a Tiramisu. In terms of dessert cocktails, I ordered an espresso martini. The espresso martini was a major let down. It was totally watered down. Luckily, I informed the server and my drink was quickly replaced with the S'moresgasmic cocktail and that one was very delicious! Not as sweet as I was expecting which was great since that is the reason I hesitated to order it in the first place. It was very creamy and beautiful with the marshmallow decoration on top. Overall, the place is a great spot to grab a drink and dessert with a friend or a group but the desserts and drinks themselves probably won't blow you away.

    Melon spritz

    Delicious drinks. Go for spritz Saturdays ($7 spritz drinks). Food is also good. We had the south slope, portsmouth canapé, and deviled eggs. Chill atmosphere with comfy chairs and couches. Good service, but a little slow at times. Recommended.

    Spritz
    Shanelle Y.

    I've wanted to come here for so long and yesterday I finally did! There was a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating, and my friend and I decided to sit inside since it was pretty busy outside. Our waitress/bartender was very nice and attentive. She informed us that the Saturday special was $7 Spritzes, so naturally my friend and I each chose a different one to try. I got the Goodbye Earl which had gin, blackberries, and lemon, and my friend got one of their seasonal options (can't remember the name - but it had cider, vodka, and vanilla). Both drinks were good, but I ended up liking my friends better since mine was kind of sour and had a pretty strong lemon flavor. I think if it had been a tad sweeter and tasted more like blackberries then it would've been a 5/5! There were a bunch of other drink options on the menu that looked delicious, so I will for sure be back sometime to try them out!

    Boots with the fur (pumpkin tart)
    Amanda H.

    Found this place on Yelp when waiting for a flight to come in. It did not disappoint! The cocktail and wine menu is extensive. The inside is eclectic and beautiful, like stepping into an Instagram story. We only had cocktails and desserts, which were amazing. The Incide Out, which is a seasonal spritz made with apple cider and cava, even came topped with tiny pumpkins! Everything was absolutely delicious, and our server/bartender was excellent. I wish we lived here so that we could return to try the other food on the menu.

    Kristen C.

    This is a really cute dessert and cocktail bar in Durham. They're located on the second story, so you can enjoy your food sitting on the covered balcony. Don't worry, there is also plenty of indoor tables and cozy chairs to sit at. The overall atmosphere is refined but relaxed. This is the perfect place for a girls night or a date. The menu has cocktails, sandwiches, canapes, charcuterie, oh and the best desserts! The prices are very reasonable for what you get, and everything was very tasty. The only bad part is that a good section of the menu is seasonal, so if you find something that you like, it might not be there the next time.

    Erica P.

    What a cute spot! My friend and I wandered over after a hot yoga class next door and were pleasantly surprised by the $5 wine special on Mondays. We were also intrigued by their seasonal cocktail menu, so we started with those, which were delicious! Jason, the owner, happened to be working that night, so he was super helpful with food suggestions for us. We tried the deviled eggs (the Baja with tajin were our favorite!) and they were so good that I forgot to snap a picture. Whoops. We were having a great time, so we decided to have a glass of wine, split a sandwich, and upgraded the side to a house salad (pictured). Jason was so kind in splitting everything onto two plates for us and making it look cute. We had a wonderful time, stayed for a few drinks, and can't wait to come back!

    Post Melon
    Lauren M.

    Go! Awesome cocktails, food, and ambiance! So glad I finally made it over to Aperitif! We picked one of the hottest days to go, but still opted to sit outside on the patio. Outside seating was seat yourself, and it was nice to not even have to step foot inside for anyone that's still being very covid cautious. Drinks were beautiful and delicious! The Post Melon was garnished with a giant watermelon slice! My friend had the Violet, you're turning violet and it had a butterfly in it. Both drinks were tasty and refreshing on the hot day! The waitress also brought us multiple bottles of cold water which was much appreciated! For food we split the B.L.A.T.A. sandwich and voodoo chips. The sandwich was yummy - I loved the candied bacon and the sandwich had a bit of a spicy kick to it that I enjoyed! Dessert was so hard to choose - just so many choices I wanted to try them all! I had Mango #5, it was really good but kinda tiny (I probably wouldn't get that one again). My friend had the Boozy not Bougie Tiramisu. I can't wait to return to try different drinks and foods!

    Lavender cocktail & capri toast. White dove cocktail in background.
    Laura R.

    This is our second time here, and we love the atmosphere, drinks, and food. Highly recommend.

    I can buy my own flowers cocktail

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    Killer Queen - Interior

    Killer Queen

    (33 reviews)

    I was excited to try Killer Queen for a downtown girls' night. We don't make it downtown very…read moreoften, so I've been enjoying exploring some of Durham's newer spots -- and this one was absolutely worth the visit. The wine list is broad and thoughtfully curated, with options that feel approachable whether you're a casual wine drinker or someone looking to try something new. The sommeliers were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping us find something we loved. The space itself is adorable, with eclectic décor and cozy lighting that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. It's a great spot for conversation and a relaxed evening with friends. The only downside is that the space is fairly small, and I would have loved to see one or two more lower seating options for small groups rather than mostly high tops. That said, I could absolutely see us coming back for a pre- or post-theater glass of wine or an easy catch-up night.

    Love this place! It's definitely a bit on the pricey side when it comes to the wine, but the…read moreoverall experience makes up for it. The service is awesome--our server was super friendly and gave me a great drink recommendation when I wasn't sure what I wanted. It ended up being perfect. My friend and I shared a glass of the 2023 Cederberg Bukettraube (sweet white wine) and got the charcuterie board for one with the truffle salami. That board was so good--I can't stop thinking about it. The toasted baguette slices with truffle salami and mustard? Unreal. It was the perfect little snack to share. We also had the citrus lavender crème brûlée, which was surprisingly delicious. I don't usually go for crème brûlée, but this one was light, not overly sweet, and just had a really nice flavor. I've also tried their shepherd's pie before and loved it--wish it was still on the menu! The vibe inside is moody and cozy, and they've got a cute outdoor patio too. Overall, such a great spot. A little pricey, but I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend checking out Killer Queen.

    The Wine Feed - Brussels sprouts

    The Wine Feed

    (56 reviews)

    $$

    Great decor - large, open space, with very light furniture. There are quite a few places to sit…read moreoutside, if you want to ask the host(ess) for a place out there. There's an S-shaped bar along the right side as you walk in with a few smaller tables scattered to the left and ahead, but if you walk around the plantings, there are larger tables in the rear. We had reserved a place for eight, and they fit us in with plenty of room around as a buffer. Few other parties joined us back there, so it was very quiet and great for friends catching up. We tried several wines, but I was a bit shock ed that the list wasn't longer: three reds, three whites, a few rosés and sparkling offerings was all there were. The only Italian red was a blend, which was ok. 60% Sangiovese, it was ok, but I'd have loved a bold Tuscan red like a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or a full-on Sangiovese. I ordered the wild mushroom flatbread and the pasta carbonara. the flatbread was delicious, and very filling. Half went home for a lunch treat the next day! The pasta was ok, but there weren't the flavors I was expecting. Hardly any meat was in the dish, and it was just a kinda "ok" creamy pasta dish. But the service and the atmosphere was amazing! It's funny - many in this group have met since and we always remark how other places have such a larger wine selection than this one that has "wine" in the name. Maybe they need to change the name if they aren't going to have a wider selection. Still a fun place, just done expect a lot of selection.

    While in the area I decided to stop in prior to attending a showing of the Broadway play The Wiz…read morenearby at DPAC. A friend purchased a Gift Card for me years ago after learning that I enjoyed my experience at a wine tasting & small bites event at their sister location in Downtown Raleigh. That location has since then closed and I had not gotten around to visiting. Upon arrival I sat at the bar and was kindly greeted. The bartender shared with me my options for redeeming my Gift Card. I decided to have a wine flight and small bites before heading to DPAC. I chose the Charles Gonnet French White wine. The wine is made with Jacquere grapes grown organically in clay and limestone soil. It is medium-bodied and dry with melon rind, green almond, and pear notes. Very nice. I also chose the Brooks Rose . This rosé wine is made with Pinot Noir grapes from Willamette Valley. Lastly, I had a Greek white wine called Tethalassomenos. A famous wine of ancient Kos (4th century BC). In ancient times wine was diluted with water before consumption (krasi). However, the Ismiotes (Municipality of Kos who lived in Kefalos in the present Greek region) diluted it with sea water. Each chosen paired perfectly with my appetizer or choice, the Burrata Crostini. This was topped with sprouts(micro greens) and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Delicious! Service was friendly and attentive. I really enjoyed winding down here prior to attending the show. I highly recommend this as a nice place to enjoy prior to or after a show in the area.

    Alley Twenty Six - Y'all when I say this burger lived up to the hype!!! IG: @betterwithju

    Alley Twenty Six

    (426 reviews)

    $$

    We had an extremely memorable experience at Alley Twenty Six, in large part to our amazing server,…read moreAnthony! We made a reservation for a Saturday night dinner and he made sure we were well taken care of all night. We started the night with their James Bears award winning cocktails, and every drink we ordered was a hit! Spiced strawberry mule, Sunset Sipper, and the table favorite: Earl Please. The latter two drinks were mocktails and they were still standouts! As for the food, the Alley burger was perfectly cooked: juicy patty paired with truffle cheese and simple toppings that really highlighted the burger itself. And shoestring fries are always a good choice with a delicious burger. Ricotta gnocchi was also very good. As our server Anthony said, let's get this burger nominated!

    It's always exciting to go to Alley26, namely for their food. Out of all the options in a block…read moreradius (with the exception of sushi nearby), I will always chose Alley26. Over burgers, over French food, over ramen, over Indian. Why? Because Alley26 serves delectable oysters, succulent burgers, and incredible tin fish. Yes, tin fish. If you haven't seen their extensive menu of fish, you must! While it's not for everyone, it is a tinned fish enthusiasts heaven! I go here to celebrate milestones with a good friend and we always have a mini feast, paired with a glass or two of wine. My favorite time to go is when the weather is comfortable and we can sit in the alley way, it's soooo chic that it feels like you're sitting outdoors at a meal in Italy of France. Service is always on point and I forget the bartenders name that is super knowledgeable and super kind. When I remember, I'll circle back to update this review. If you're thinking about this place, definitely check it out! The only inconvenience though is that I believe is 21+ over, at least at night it is.

    Taberna Tapas - Calamares Fritos

    Taberna Tapas

    (374 reviews)

    $$

    Had a mix of plates for dinner at Taberna Tapas - the environment is bustling and hip. The place is…read morepopular; so I do recommend a reservation, although they might not always be necessary. The service was fast & friendly, a good server crew. Maybe I ordered wrong, but I found the food to be Ok, which was a bit of a surprise.

    I really wanted to love Taberna Tapas in Durham. The space has potential,warm, rustic charm with…read moreexposed brick, cozy lighting, and a few traditional Spanish design elements sprinkled in. On first impression, it feels like the kind of place that should deliver big on ambiance and flavor. The service was friendly and attentive, and the team clearly wants diners to enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, the food just didn't live up to the setting. Let's start with the overall vibe of the menu. While it markets itself as a Spanish-style tapas restaurant, the dishes felt more like Americanized small plates than true Spanish tapas. What was most noticeable across the board was the lack of seasoning and depth. These dishes were fine, but none of them left a lasting impression. We began with the Croquettas de Jamon, which were more creamy-fried than filled with ham. They were crispy on the outside and soft inside, but without that satisfying salty bite of jamón you expect. Nothing about them felt particularly special. Next up were the Albondigas in Savory Tomato Sauce. These meatballs were tender and cooked well, but the tomato sauce didn't bring much flavor. Again, it was just fine. It didn't offend, but it didn't excite either. We also tried the Calamares Fritos, which were fried properly with a light, crunchy coating. But it's tough to mess up fried calamari. There was nothing memorable about the seasoning or presentation. It lacked the boldness or creative twist that could have made it stand out. The highlight of the meal was the Empanadas de Carne. These were genuinely good. The puff pastry was buttery and crisp, and the filling had actual flavor, steak, potato, and shallots came together in a hearty, satisfying bite. This was the one dish that felt like it had been prepared with intention. Overall, Taberna Tapas has a great look and an inviting atmosphere, but the food feels like it's playing it too safe. Tapas, when done right, should be bold, flavorful, and transportive. Instead, we left feeling underwhelmed and wishing for more seasoning and personality on the plate. With such a charming space and a great location, it has all the ingredients to be great , it just needs a bit more soul in the kitchen.

    Aperitif - desserts - Updated May 2026

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