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    Boxcar Bar + Arcade

    3.9 (160 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Arcades, Pizza
    Open 12:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Boxcar Bar + Arcade Photos

    Business Info

    BOXCAR BAR + ARCADE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Boxcar Bar + Arcade

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    Reviews With Photos

    Boxcar!
    Diana G.

    It was my first time at this location and this Boxcar is much bigger than the one in Raleigh! I came on Halloween and had a great time. I didn't have to wait too long to play the games I wanted to try. Food was good and made to order. I just had beer and they had an extensive draft selection. My favorite game was the duck claw machine (I got 4 ducks)! I think the stuffed animal claw machine stole some coins from me.

    Drink holders on the games
    Sara L.

    Love this place. Fun vibe. Lots of great games. I do wish it was 21+ all the time because there were kids everywhere on all the games we wanted to play. We did get in some game time and lots of great people watching. We didn't try the food but the drink selection was good. The staff were friendly. Best part in my opinion was the drink holders on the games, I love playing skee ball and having to hold my drink while doing it isn't ideal so kudos for the drink holders. We will definitely be back.

    Christopher N.

    Great bar, open late, the classic original video games are a bonus. The pizza is also really good. We had the pepperoni with the hot honey and it was amazing! All the classic video games you could ever ask for. They have fire pits and heaters outside if it gets chilly.

    Margherita Pizza
    Theresa A.

    Went here with a group at noon on a Sunday and it did not disappoint. They have outdoor seating, outdoor games, food and full bar. The bartender was from Rhode Island, so was happy to see a fellow New Englander here. He suggested the mimosa special which worked out well. We ordered the margarita pizza and it was ok. It got the job done but I would not order it again. Overall good place.

    Bacon Broccoli Pizza
    Brian L.

    I came here on a Saturday night with a couple of my friends, and the energy inside was amazing. There were plenty of people inside, bringing the energy up (but not enough to where I felt crowded or uncomfortable). The inside is very large with plenty of space. Filled with lots of arcade games, a bar, as well as a pizza spot. The drinks were great and have a daily special going on, so check to see what they have going on that day. The pizza spot had lots of options and the pizza was reasonably priced and came at a respectable time. I think one of the biggest perks of this is that the pizza is being made late into the night, so the craving for food is fulfilled right there without having to explore the surrounding area for places that are still open. Had a lot of fun here and will definitely be back!

    Shanelle Y.

    I've been here a few times and while the drinks are usually good and the games are fun, the bartenders tend to be rude which makes me hesitant to come back. It can also get pretty busy/loud inside, but there is a nice outdoor seating area you can escape too if needed. The outside area also has a few ping pong tables and fire pits for the colder months which is nice!

    Marissa M.

    I enjoyed Boxcar. I wish the triangle offered more eclectic spaces and venues like Boxcar. While in the area at an event at Durham Central Park, we decided to venture over. Boxcar is located toward the end of Foster. There is street parking and a few local parking lots nearby. Boxcar features an arcade room, full bar, Pizza kitchen, large patio space and event room. We were ID'd upon entering and immediately hit the bar. Our bartender was helpful and recommended a Kentucky Mule. I enjoyed how cold and refreshing it was on a 90 degree night. We decided on a pepperoni and hot honey pizza pie and the service was excellent from the kitchen. The pie was fresh and decent. There are plenty of nostalgic arcade games like street fight, Pac-Man and the wizard of Oz pinball machine. Skeeball, basketball and outdoor yard games on the patio. The bathroom could have used some TLC and I really couldn't hear the music. All this place is missing is a live DJ. Sunday Funday features drink specials from the bar $10 bottles of champagne and $1 mimosas. Boxcar is also Dog Friendly.

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    29 days ago

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    27 days ago

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    1 month ago

    Pretty fun place. Service was good, staff members are nice, supreme pizza is super good.

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    6 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Pizza was absolutely delicious, best I've had in Durham. However staff attitude wasn't the best.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Always amazing! Every visit helps me relax from a long week of work. I love the games, atmosphere, and service!

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Boxcar Bar + Arcade

    Can you use contact less payment like Google Pay?

    There is no contact less payment set up the few times I've been there.

    Do boxcars sell regular soda?

    Yes

    Is there a certain time for 21 and up only?

    They are 21+ only with the exception being before 9pm accompanied by a parent.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Boxcar Bar + Arcade

    There are tons of games to choose from, with my favorites being skeeball, air hockey, DDR, and mario kart.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

    Read more highlights

    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge - FARMERS ONLY - as smoky and delicious as a rancher's dating profile (Cerrissa)

    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

    (103 reviews)

    $$

    Great small bites. I recommend you trying the Elote dip it was AMAZING and perfect for sharing with…read moretwo or more friends! They have great drink specials for different days of the week! Very speedy service all of their bartenders are very sweet and will fix whatever drink to your liking The vibes are disco balls on the ceiling very open very Miami Beach vibes they have an indoor and an outdoor seating area not only that they have fireplaces. If you get a little too far from their heated porch area! The vibes just don't stop. They have an aesthetic fireplace in side as well as a fake tree in the middle beautiful for taking pictures Their bathrooms are adorable, but you might have to wait a little bit on a busy day. But this is the same problem with every bar. Very glad that they have more than one bathroom.

    Okay, so wow. Durham has upped its game in terms of its social scene. We got to the VH at like 9?…read more9:30? on a Friday night and the line to get in was down at least one flight of stairs to the second floor. It did move fast for us so we were able to get in about 10 minutes later or so. It was latin night so the music was tailored to that so I won't comment on what that was like. The outdoor patio was wonderful. Not too loud. Some good seating options. You can access the bar from out there too. Took awhile to get to order while waiting in line. I had something purple... french 75? It was just okay. Jell-o shots were made with MEZCAL that night which my group found sooo gross. So beware. Overall I see the hype. But when we left around 10:30 or so the line was down the stairs, out the door, and down the block. I don't know if it was worth THAT.

    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

    (40 reviews)

    $$

    If you're looking for a fun weekend date that feels cozy, elevated, and a little different, Weldon…read moreMills in Durham is such a standout. My husband and I visited recently for a bourbon tasting, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. Our mixologist, Berkay, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. He shared the history behind each spirit and walked us through the tasting notes in a way that was easy to understand and genuinely enjoyable. The food menu was another big win, especially as someone who eats vegan. They offered vegan options, which made the experience feel inclusive and well thought out This is a fantastic spot for date night, a girls' night, or celebrating something special. They also host tastings, cocktail classes, private parties, and bachelor or bachelorette events, which makes it a great option for future plans. Highly recommend if you're looking for a memorable experience in Durham that feels both fun and thoughtfully done.

    We had some friends in town from San Diego and wanted to show them a few places we've been meaning…read moreto try. It was a Monday evening and it was pouring down rain. We weren't even sure anyone would be inside Weldon Mills - thankfully they were. As you walk in it's just such a big space, lots of seating areas and visual interest. The bartender was very welcoming, and we think that he was happy to see us. We got our cocktails very quickly, and the bartender even explained some things about the distillery to us. We had such a nice time just relaxing and getting out of the rain. Sadly, I did not take note of the names of the cocktails that we got, but it is nice to see. They have a rotational menu. The drinks were fall themed. We will definitely come back!

    The Waiting Room - Storefront sign

    The Waiting Room

    (31 reviews)

    This cozy bar & lounge set between the American Tobacco Campus and the DPAC is a great place to…read moreunwind and chill. Got a show coming up? You can come here for a pre-show drink. There is waiter service at the lounge tables. I enjoy the bar service: plenty of seats and friendly bartenders. Old Bull Apartments residents have it best. They can hang out here, steps from their homes.

    I was very excited to try this place based on so many wonderful yelp reviews and I am thrilled to…read moresay that you were all absolutely correct. We LOVED our visit to The Waiting Room. I took off early and came here early on a Wednesday night with my aunt (we were going to try another restaurant on Tobacco Road later that evening for dinner.) This is a very definite speakeasy vibe here...the art deco decor is amazing. My eyes were thrilled before we even sat down. We had our pick of places since we got there right as they opened. Our waitress came over and was so pleasant and extremely knowledgeable. I cannot wait to bring my uncle back to enjoy some new bourbons. I started with a Wake Up Holland and my aunt had a chocolate martini (not on the menu but the bartender understood the assignment!) Wake Up Holland is 100% worth the hype. I LOVED IT. But since I was worried about the caffiene, I tried The Smoking Jacket next. It wasn't really my favorite...it tasted like a campfire which I know some people enjoy but it wasn't my jam. The waitress was very astute and mentioned that they could make the Wake Up Holland in decaf and I rejoiced!!! And ended the evening with that. The service, ambiance, and drinks were all stellar and I cannot wait to return to this establishment!

    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.

    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.

    Liberty & Plenty Distillery - The Liberty & Plenty Distillery lounge is situated in the front of the distillery, and features a full cocktail bar and patio.

    Liberty & Plenty Distillery

    (16 reviews)

    What a lovely surprise to find this gem tucked away in downtown Durham! I had heard great things…read moreabout their espresso martini, so when we finally visited, we had to try it. And, it truly lived up to the hype. One of the best we've ever had! I also tried two other cocktails made with their house-distilled rum and gin, and both were delicious and perfectly balanced. The seasonal menu is creative and reasonably priced, we were genuinely impressed. The ambiance is charming and cozy despite a bit warm inside (the AC was pretty weak), but quiet and tastefully decorated with velvet couches, exposed walls, vintage touches, and fresh flowers on each table. We had fun flipping through their amazing cocktail book collection on the shelf too. The bartenders were very friendly and offered us focaccia from Ninth Street Bakery to pair with our drinks for free, which was such a thoughtful and tasty addition. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and are so happy to see a micro-distillery thriving in the heart of Durham. Can't wait to return for an official tour and to sample more of their spirits!

    Really fun cocktail bar- that specializes in rums! First impression- I called ahead to see if our…read moredog was allowed to sit on the outside patio, and they told me not only is she allowed, but we aren't allowed to come without her. That response will get a smile every time. Super dog-friendly, to say the least, both outside and inside. Outside has several tables under a covered area, and inside has a few couches (with tiny tables) and a long bar you can sit at. We've been a few times now, and the service is super friendly and helpful, every time. It's small and intimate inside, but we never have a problem finding a seat! I love that they have snacks you can help yourself to, in airtight jars at the bar (peanut butter filled pretzels, sour worms, etc). Also important to note- the inside is NOT air conditioned. We stopped in on a HOT day, and it's brutal inside, with cloth couches and just one small fan. Love this bar, all of their cocktails (wine available too), and all of the staff! Will be back (a lot)!!

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Bacon egg and cheese

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    (153 reviews)

    $$

    I visited Aaktun for this Saturday's coffee shop Saturday…read more There's street parking and a few nearby lots. Aaktun has indoor and outdoor seating for the coffee shop and a restaurant that I didn't see. It's super cute inside. The staff is friendly and eager to help. I asked a few questions and ordered the Churruna pastry and The Waves Latte, hot. I decided to sit outside because it was an absolutely beautiful day. I took a bite of the Churruna and it was absolutely delectable. The Waves Latte was also so perfect. I was immediately in awe of Aaktun. They have so many options, I can't wait to go back!

    Aaktun is a lovely, tiki-inspired restaurant hidden behind an unassuming cafe storefront. Upon…read moreentering the cafe, go to your left and walk down the decorated hallway to teleport yourself to Mexico. The vibes of the seating area were very cool, with plants dispersed throughout and a live DJ playing music. Our party of 4 came in for a Sunday lunch with no reservation and got seated right away. Drinks - we ordered different lattes and Cafe de Olla to try, all were good and nicely presented, and came from the cafe in the front. Food - Breakfast sandwiches were very fluffy and the brioche bread was rich: ordered the B.E.C. and Shrooms sandwiches. Also got the Totchos Supreme which is essentially nachos with tater tots instead of chips. Great breakfast item and the tots were nice and crispy! The star of the show was the shrimp and grits made with purple grain: the sauce had lots of flavor and a kick to it, and the shrimp cooked perfectly. The ambiance combined with the quality of food and drink makes Aaktun an easy brunch favorite in Durham!

    Boxcar Bar + Arcade - bars - Updated May 2026

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