This is the bar/more casual restaurant at the Washington Duke Inn. We spent a recent Saturday night at the hotel and had dinner at the bar. Even early (around 5p) they were doing a booming business. Sign said to seat ourselves. We grabbed the only seating we saw available and that was at the small bar. There is indoor and outdoor table seating as well, but it's a fairly small area overall. Especially considering there was a convention of some sort happening and they had all broken out and were looking for drinks. Staff never slowed down. Plus there seemed to be a shift change happening as well. My Bartender hero (who was not wearing a name tag), even had someone bring him an egg from the kitchen so he could do me a proper NY Whiskey Sour. Much appreciated and excellent. Other drinks were good as well. Food was flat out fantastic. I had the Duke of Crabcake with Parsnip Puree, Spinach, Lardons and Celeriac Remoulade. Loved it! Husband's Steak Frites were awesome too. And for dessert, the Maple Bourbon Creme Brulee was out of this world. Definitely not inexpensive, but there was some real expertise in that food. And so very good! Do know that that if you dine at the bar, the staff pace is frenetic. Constantly stocking glasses, ice, etc. I've never seen a bar where that was non-stop. Maybe because it's such a small bar and there's not enough room to stock more. I will say the staff sure earns their keep! read more

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I ordered the falafel wrap with fries. Falafel wrap was flavorless and dry. Fries were limp and rubbery. For the price ($17), I was disappointed. I would have been better off going out and getting some fast food. Also, this is supposed to be the "casual" dining option within the Washington Duke Inn, but it's way more formal than any pub/bar should ever be. Cloth napkins, heavy wooden chairs, formal decor, high prices, and people wearing suits. I don't fit in here, with my Duke t-shirt and jeans. read more

Bull Durham Bar - Falafel wrap and fries - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

From the moment we walked in and were not assisted in finding open seating despite multiple service people standing around. I ordered a cheese board and the steak frites. Three pieces of cheese total. The steak was under and cold along with my fries. I requested they reheat it and Aracely's our waitress was quite rude. She remained short for the remainder of my meal and my food came out once again under and lukewarm fries. I sent it back. The overall experience from entering the hotel to the restaurant was very unimpressive and underwhelming. My suggestion skip this and go elsewhere. As for the staff hire friendlier staff. read more

Bull Durham Bar - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Bull Durham burger is very solid as far as pub burgers go and the WaDuke chowder had decent flavor and texture! Would definitely go back again on a weeknight. Great TVs for watching sports, especially when Blue Devis lose. read more

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6/5 for the views from the patio. GORGEOUS. What's not to love about sitting by a golf course? I do love the vibe outdoors esp on a summer night. Now my main issue with Bull Durham is the inconsistency. I've been here 4x last summer/fall and it was different each time. 2x our server wasn't great (not awful, just not super attentive or friendly and sometimes disorganized and slow - I guess just expect a little better service at a nicer place). 2x the food was great - my steak was delish as was the shrimp burger and the shrimp and grits (shared with my husband). But another time the food was very blah. For the price point, just not affordable enough for a casual meal out but not great enough of an experience to justify the cost IMHO. I def recommend coming here and grabbing a drink and hanging out and watching a summer sunset! read more

My finance and I were staying at the Washington duke inn, so we dined here various times since nothing else is walkable. Food is mediocre and service is non existent. We ordered a bottle of wine and the server put the bottle on the table, unopened, and walked away. We had to ask a bartender to open it for us. We had to either flag done or get up an find our server anytime we needed something. Even when we sat at the bar we had to ask for bread, which is provided at dinner service, but it didn't show up until after we received our entrees. One of salads didn't have dressing. One of the bartenders was on his phone most of dinner service (we went during peak time) and the other avoided eye contact, so even bar service was awful. read more

We had a very disappointing experience here last weekend while we were visiting my son and attending his Duke graduation. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 1 star is because the manager comped our horrible hummus and lousy cheese platter. The drinks were not comped. We were not waited on for a solid 35 minutes and once the server kid finally appeared, he was grumpy and borderline rude. The ambience is country club snooty. The rest of the hotel is cool though. The most redeeming feature is the setting on the beautiful Washington Duke golf course. read more

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Low how the mighty have fallen. I am heartbroken writing this review. I decided that the first restaurant I would eat at would be the Bull Durham. So off to the WaDuke we went. We weren't sure how busy it would be as it is was a Saturday. While it was busy when we first got there, by the time our server came to get a drinks order it had cleared. Where to begin. I ordered an Old Fashioned while my mother opted for a glass of wine. Our drinks were good and came with no problems. Our server then disappeared for like 20 min and came back surprised that none had picked up our order. We both ordered the turkey club BLT and a starter. My salad and my mom's soup came pretty quick. Although...she asked the runner if there were crackers and he very curtly said 'no' and walked away. We felt like we were back in France for a moment with the notorious rudeness if waiters! About 15 min later...our sandwiches came. Hmmm...there was something off about them though...NO TURKEY. Not only was there no turkey but they looked like they had been put together by the chef's 3 year old child. Just slapped together, cut in half, broken toast. Just a mess. We pointed all of this out to our waiter (who was amazing) and he was so embarrassed. He said it was like getting a scotch and water...hold the scotch. He went back to chef to get them fixed..and it was like they just slapped the turkey on the broken toast and sent it out. Truly unappealing Once again our server was very nice about our situation. He took one of the (I use this term laughingly) sandwiches off our bill. The thing is...he again disappeared while we waited to just pay the bill to leave I'm very glad that I am fully vaccinated so I can course correct my birthday celebration tomorrow. I may do Mexican for the meal. Can't be worse than the WaDuke experience. read more

The food was mediocre and the service was poor. Even though it was not busy, it took :20 until a server took the order, and when the food finally arrived, it was incorrect not one, not two, but three times. No silverware was brought until asked for, and no pen to sign the check. Everyone has an off day, but this was a bit much. read more

Great bar located inside the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. Small but cozy area, dark wooden tables and large leather comfy chairs. Smaller bar with a few seats that face thee tv's. When a local or important game is on like Duke, Carolina Panthers they have a large screen tv appears over the fireplace. Drinks here are so good. Iv'e had their bloody mary's (house made mix), draft beer's, and a few coffee cocktails that were unique. Bedtime story was my favorite, Malibu Kahlua creme de cacao and coffee.My mom raved over the winter chill holiday coffee drink, peppermint mocha Kahlua rumchata coffee. Prices can be high, but worth it. I prefer eating here then in the other restaurants located in the Hotel. They serve almost the same exact menu and the food is ready faster.The burger is my favorite, thick and juicy. This is a perfect place to grab a drink or a quick bite before a Duke game across the street. Always a packed place before and after the games but so much fun hanging out with everyone. Service is outstanding, very professional and will accommodate almost any request. read more

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This place never disappoints! My family and friends always enjoy our time here. The food, decor, and service is second to none. They have an amazing bar selection and I treated myself to a nice Macallan Rare Cask. read more

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------ TL;DR This is a review for late night dessert at the Bull Durham Bar. (Tuesday, 11 pm) +FOOD+ -    Chocolate Tart with plantain salsa, cajeta caramel (4.5 stars): Utterly decadent, very rich dark chocolate tart. I can't say that the plantains or cajeta caramel really added to the dessert-- the plantain chips on top of the tart were unfortunately chewy. Regardless, this dessert was beautifully and artfully presented and deliciously chocolatey. Probably my favorite dessert from the spring menu. -    Molten Cake with strawberry cheesecake ice cream, verjus roasted strawberries (4.5 stars): You can't go wrong with a molten lava cake! The strawberry cheesecake ice cream was *unreal*. It was SO good. The cake was very chocolatey but I wish the center was a little more "molten"! Con of this dessert: it takes a long time to prepare. Order as you're finishing your dinner if you don't want to wait! -    Hillsborough Chèvre Cheesecake with shortbread crust, cheer wine ribbon, candied beets (3.5 stars): Another beautifully presented dessert. The candied beets were my favorite part. I found the cheesecake to be good but not impressive. I'm not sure what the cheerwine ribbon added exactly. -    Passionfruit Crème Brûlée with cardamon & coriander popcorn (3 stars): A good creme brûlée but I found the passionfruit flavor to be lacking and the popcorn just confusing. +EXPERIENCE+ I came here with friends to celebrate finishing my last final. The bar was packed with a rowdy crowd of businessmen and other students. It was not exactly pleasant, but I can't complain given the hour and venue. Our waiter was extremely nice and provided prompt service, regardless. By the way, the kitchen really does close at midnight! So yes, you can come at 11 pm and still order dessert :) Visited 5/1/18 read more

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I've stayed at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club (WaDu to locals) many times over the years and I rarely eat in the restaurant. Instead, I go into town or grab a bite at Bull Durham Bar. When the weather is nice, eat outside on the patio. It's also a good place to catch a game -- 5 TVs at the bar itself and a large screen TV you can see from the tables. I've had almost everything on the menu. Nothing is spectacular but nothing is particular bad either. Frankly, it's better than traditional bar food but a long way from the popular gastro-pubs. House-made potato chips - this is a generous portion served with onion dip and are addictive. Cheese platter - a bit boring. They used to have a charcuterie and cheese platter which I liked. Shrimp & grits - better than you would think (it's the south, after all). Steak frites - how can you go wrong? well, I think the shoestring french fries are boring. Fall salad - a really nice salad with smoked shitake mushrooms and roasted apples. Chopped salad - this used to be my favorite salad when it was served in a large bowl and had two types of lettuce. These days it's served on a plate with iceberg and too many scallions. Chickpea burger - ugh. too dry. I drowned it in mustard and added a tomato. Beef burger - reasonable quality beef and an ok bun. They used to have a really nice pretzel bun that I wish they would bring back. Hot dog - high-quality Hebrew National dog on a pretzel bun (maybe the burger one will come back) but served with too much slaw. Turkey sandwich - provolone, bacon, tomato and lettuce. The aiolo had an unusual taste. The multigrain bread was toasted but nothing special. The servers all try hard and are accommodating for special requests. The bartender has been there for 20 years! My verdict? There's no reason to come here to eat unless you're staying at the WaDu or going to a Duke game. But if you do, it's fine. read more

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Outdoor patio is lovely as long as not too full of drunk rude golfers or other entitled gangs. Food mediocre.

During a recent stay had drinks here a couple times at the bar. Nice spot to relax or watch a game. One night we actually were able to sit in a side room which was very comfortable, more quiet and had an excellent server - shared the rib appetizer, hummus app and the chowder. All great. read more

I really like the Bull Durham Bar, but I will say that I prefer the Fairview Dining Room (restaurant in the Washington Duke Inn opposite the bar). I find the Bar a little too dark, and while it is fun to be there during a game, the staff seems less attentive once the service starts picking up and more people come in. The menu is very similar to that of the Fairview, except there are more dishes you would expect in a bar (burger, fries etc). It's a really nice place to sit outside in the afternoon. Many golfers hang out on the patio during the sunny days. Can get a bit louder inside if you're trying to carry out conversations, but it's a fun place to gather with others to watch games and have good food or a drink. I got the Winter vegetable cassoulet, which was good, but quite heavy on the beans (it's a cassoulet after all). The scallops were delicious, the chickpeas too, but they don't all stay crispy since they are mixed with the beans that can sometimes make them soggier than intended. Overall, a very filling dish. read more

My colleagues and I enjoy coming here a few times a year for drinks and appetizers, and a chance to visit away from work. The service is always top notch, and the food is solid. In a recent visit, I decided to get a burger instead of my usual appetizer, and it was great! (The added pimento cheese really hit the spot.) read more

Have only had drinks here, it's a classy type of bar and lounge, dark wood and leather sofa chairs with mellow jazz background music. You just seat yourself and your server comes over. A few tvs at the bar and a very spacious patio with loungey sofa chairs/sun beds facing the golf course. Food options are almost identical to the Fairview Dining Room located on the same premises, but with a shorter menu. I would have thought prices to be cheaper in the bar, but they are the same as in the above mentioned dining room. Beer prices are reasonable given that this is a golf course bar. You get a tall glass of complimentary trail mix and pretzels with your drink. The cocktail prices are a bit outrageous, almost the same as a main course for something as simple as a tequila. read more

Bull Durham Bar - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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We are long time patrons of the Bull Durham. We have always enjoyed he friendly staff, good food and talking with Durhamites and travelers while having good meals or night caps. The food was still good. The wait staff was efficient. That is the best thing I can say about them. Their answers were curt and unfriendly. Finally they could not even answer or care to find out where or when the Duke game was televised that night. The absence of bar chairs only added the cold atmosphere. What Happened?? read more

The featured menu is extremely expensive but each meal was sooo good~! read more

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We had some time to kill before getting ready to attend a wedding at Duke University across the street, so we sat on the outside patio of this bar for a quick bite to eat and drink. You don't have to sit long before a server comes up to help you; they are all very nice and attentive, much like the rest of the staff at the hotel. I got a glass of Rose and my husband got a beer. We decided to share the bbq chicken flatbread pizza. The server also brought out this great nut/trail mix type snack for us to eat while we waited which was really addicting. The flatbread tasted pretty good but it wasn't what I would imagine a flatbread pizza to be. I'd rather have less vegatables and more bbq sauce or chicken. Its a shame because the menu is a bit too fancy for my liking and this seemed like the only thing we would both remotely like. I think proper food is fine for the restaurants in the hotel but the bar can have a little more fun with their menu and throw in a bit more variety. I loved the atmosphere of the place inside and out and the service was fantastic but the menu doesn't give me a reason to come back unless I was just getting a drink. read more

Dined here for dinner with a friend. It was packed in a Friday night and we had great service. My friend had the shrimp and grits, which she loved, and I had the NY strip steak which was cooked to a perfect medium rare. For dessert, we shared the flourless chocolate torte, which was amazing. The atmosphere was cozy with comfy leather chairs. We will definitely be back! read more

Love this place. Great food. Awesome service and great atmosphere. The best place to hang after a Duke game. If you are lucky enough to get Justine as a server, she is the best!!! read more

So, if you have more cash than you know what to do with and you are not offended by an abundance of boat shoes and big talkin', give it a try. The service from (the hilarious and kind) Tim for our 21st wedding anniversary was exquisite and the food was a delight. read more

Some nice selections, decent quality food and service, but a bit pricey for what it is.

Great clubby atmosphere, good wine by the glass. Food is unique but pricey for pub setting. Wait staff always excellent. Perfect setting to watch a game and relax, particularly if you are staying in hotel. Always eat here at least once per trip. read more

Loved our meals and our champagne! It was a truly delightful dining experience. Service quality varied server to server, as well as seating quality, but it all worked out fine. Really delicious menu items. I couldn't pay cash, had to pay through my room, just a heads up. I'm assuming it's either you're a member of the club or staying in the hotel. Enjoyable! read more

I am surprised this place gets 4 stars. The food is not good and they messed up our order and I waited 30 mins for a kids pasta. Secondly they will not serve you if you just want to sit on the patio by the golf course. If you aren't sitting on the patio right outside the bar then no dice. So they can't walk 15 more feet to serve you if you don't want to sit in the midst of all the other patrons, in the heat. I have not been this unimpressed with service anywhere except for this place. Pathetic!! read more