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Congress Social Bar

4.4 (9 reviews)
Closed • 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

Congress Social Bar Photos

CONGRESS SOCIAL BAR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Outdoor seating
Happy hour specials

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Recommended Reviews - Congress Social Bar

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Reviews With Photos

East End Sunrise (left), Dark 'n Stormy (right)
Amit N.

Highly recommend this fantastic new Black-owned and queer-owned drinks spot in East Durham, freshly opened by the owners of the equally amazing Rofhiwa Book Cafe just down the street. We came on a Friday night at the end of their first week in business and were blown away! The menu is simple, but the cocktails are not only set at impossible to beat prices, but were some of the better crafted and better tasting drinks I've had in a while. Shoutout to our bartender Bradley who took our vague and jumbled drink preferences and somehow picked out exactly what we were really feeling. We started with the Dark 'n Stormy which had a really nice herbaceous flavor, and their East end variation on a Tequila Sunrise, a drink that is often made too sweet but in this case was just right. Later I also tried a Negroni with prosecco -- these have always been hit or miss for me despite the simplicity of the recipe, but I felt like the one I had here really hit the ideal ratio. It is clear that the owners were making thoughtful decisions when designing the place; for example, we were told that all of the wood surfaces were manufactured from start to finish in East Durham itself. There is also a great outdoor space that is shared with adjacent businesses like Mike D's BBQ, making this a perfect spot if you're looking for dinner + drinks. Overall Congress is an authentic and vibrant new addition to East Durham and a must try for both locals and visitors!

East Durham drink & Whiskey Sour

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1 year ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
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2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 1
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1 year ago

Helpful 0
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Photo of Ita Y.
2
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10

11 months ago

The ambiance and vibe is very nice and awesome. The variety in music is very mixed and vibrant.

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2 years ago

Helpful 0
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Photo of Amit N.
6
15
21

3 years ago

Helpful 0
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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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Photo of Tracy B.
811
33
6

3 years ago

Incredible spot! The service, ambiance and drinks are amazing. Highly recommend this spot.

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Ask the Community - Congress Social Bar

Do I have to have a ticket to come tonight For the Luther party?

No please feel free to bring as many friends or guests as you want tonight!

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The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge - Holiday Decor!

The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

4.5(110 reviews)
1.7 mi
•$$

Really great vibe here. Rooftop seating overlooking Durham. Cool industrial-type architecture…read moreDurham is known for. Hard to find because it's on a weird side street sandwiched between some major streets. If you look up for people on the roof you'll find it and can take the stairs or elevator up in the lobby. I'd definitely like to go back. There were good drink and food selections and the service was good. I got the cheese plate, olives and hot girl summer drink.

Stopped by the Velvet Hippo while out in downtown Durham. When you arrive parking can be a bit…read moretricky in this area as you'll need to find street parking or park in a nearby lot. When you walk in you'll need to either take the elevator or stairs up to the third floor. Once inside the bar you'll feel like you've been transported to an upscale, tropical bar. To order you'll need to walk up to the bar to place your order. I ordered the Hot Girl Summer (Olmeca Altos Reposado, fresh watermelon, Gran Gala orange liqueur, house-made habanero syrup, lime, salt half rim) which was so good. I also ordered a cheetahs do it in the dark (Astral Añejo tequila, Licor 43, Caffè Borghetti liqueur, espresso, orange twist) which was also excellent. I'd recommend walking out to the rooftop if it isn't too hot. There are several tables and the views of the city are nice. Definitely will come back to the velvet hippo next time I'm in Durham.

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

FARMERS ONLY - as smoky and delicious as a rancher's dating profile (Cerrissa)

The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge - Tap & Unwrap

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The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge - Avocado toast with chopped egg, tomato, onion, and pepitas

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It's A Southern Thing - Crispy Catfish

It's A Southern Thing

4.2(87 reviews)
3.1 mi
•$$

I did not know this place was here. Just started a new job off of TW Alexander, and looked on yelp…read morefor nearby restaurants for lunch. It's a southern thing popped up. I almost didn't go, because I thought this was the downtown Durham restaurant, which is nice, but parking nightmare. Glad I went, though. The food was solid. I had the fired chicken sandwhich and fries the first day, a buffalo chicken wrap the second day, and the smoked chicken wings the third day, yes, 3 in a row. That has to say something, especially for me. All lunch items were pretty spot on, although I like a little more vinegar in my slaw than most. That was remedied by the texas pete on the bar. The service staff were all hands on. If the bartender was not there, the manager or a back of the house person was always checking on me. Very nice staff. As far as the ambiance itself, nice setup. Good sized bar, nice big patio, clean indoor and restrooms... all in all, I could not ding them for anything. I need to go to check out the weekend brunch or dinner menu. I am sure that I will not be disappointed, however, I have been told to get to brunch before noon, as it gets very busy, also a good thing. Cheers. :)

Big back activities loading once again ! The food here is…read moresoooooooooooook good . From the time we walked in to the time we left, service was friendly and warm. I enjoyed my wings so much , I didn't share with anyone lol. The donuts for dessert were a hit for the little ones and I definitely plan to come back. Thank you for a great experience.

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Rookie's Sports Bars - Philly Beef Sandwich

Rookie's Sports Bars

3.1(191 reviews)
6.7 mi
•$$

We came into Raleigh cause my mom flight leaves from here. It's the closet to airport....literally…read morelike 7 minutes away and is surrounded by the hotels closet to the airport. A strange area for a sport bar but whatever. This place opens at 11am on Sunday, we got here around 1pm and it was empty. There was two guys here, then us, then another group like 20 minutes later. By 2pm, a few more folks and another server. By the time we left, 3:15, a few more folks but it wasn't full. But hey made my mom feel comfy with covid. Server was pretty chill and nice. Plenty of TVs to watch your games. There is an patio area but it's raining. They have Wifi but according the server, it goes in and out. FOOD: Pepsi products!!!!! Yes! Mozzarella sticks were just ok. Wings were ok, I ate them up. Burgers and fries are good especially the fries! We did order burgers with bacon and they forgot but the server was nice and brought us several pieces after we told her. Cheese fries are pretty good, wish it had jalapenos. Cost of the food is pretty affordable. Inside is kept up with up with, nothing seems to be falling apart or chipped paint. Decor is the same as any other sports grill, I do like the football flags.

The service was slow. We waited a 1/2 hour to get our check. It appears they are understaffed…read more Asked for medium rare burger and it was medium well to well done. Wings and pretzel bites were delicious. Recommendation: Get TouchTunes or AMI. The music playing was atrocious.,

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Congress Social Bar - bars - Updated October 2026

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