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    Counting House

    3.6 (270 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Counting House Photos

    Business Info

    COUNTING HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Classy
    Dressy

    Recommended Reviews - Counting House

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    New brunch menu, not as many options
    Rebecca M.

    The Counting House that I reviewed years ago is much different now and I don't see a return visit. Service is mediocre, no refills, check-ins, etc. I had to laugh at my last visit when my check arrived soon after my food did, with the comment, "No rush." I had had maybe three bites at that point, so I just ignored it sitting there until I was finished. I went with pancakes this time but the dish was to come with a berry compote, that is a berry sauce, whipped butter, not chopped butter, streusel and maple syrup. So this is not what I ordered. I wanted a side of eggs until I saw the price, $8 for two eggs. I skipped those and they don't know how to poach eggs here either or don't use fresh eggs. It is time to stop giving this place more chances.

    Gold Standard
    Lauren H.

    Pre-dinner drink... Gold Standard with house made toasted graham infusion. Served warm which was perfect for a cool rainy evening. I would def come back for this for a dessert drink.

    William S.

    We booked an Easter Brunch at Counting House inside the art-filled 21c Hotel sometime ago, and walked out on Easter Day fully impressed. The platter-sized pancakes landed with arrived to please. Fluffy inside, crisp at the rim, sweet enough to stand alone. The biscuits-and-gravy; were awesome. The pepper-flecked cream hugged buttery layers so, so good. The Banker's Breakfast stole the show: runny-yolk eggs, smoky bacon, and a heap of potatoes generous enough to share. Service was on point; Stefani kept checking in and was so incredibly helpful, sincere, and friendly. We never felt rushed. AFter the meal, curiosity pulled us downstairs to the old bank vault. What a cool highlight to tour such an old space. Wandering past rows of brass boxes, felt like stepping onto a movie set, and forgetting we were at Brunch. For a holiday brunch that's hearty, unhurried, and just a touch adventurous, Counting House was our best choice.

    Beautiful and delicious porkchop and scallops.
    Ken F.

    Food was exceptional. Excellent presentation and taste. We sat at the bar and the service was great but a bit pricey.

    Seared Scallops
    Gina S.

    We had an amazing dinner at Counting House prior to a DPAC show. I knew about the vault and museum features, but the food really exceeded our expectations. A little pricey, but the fish entrees (cod and scallops) were super delicious. The oysters we tried as a starter were some of the best I've ever had. The dessert options were fun and I'm glad we tried an array of the menu. Our server was nice and helpful. The ambiance was quiet and nice (for us), as we got in early before the rush. I would definitely go back.

    Delicious smoked salmon BLT
    Lori R.

    We continue to have nothing but terrific experiences at this restaurant when we stay at the 21C. This time we did breakfast and the service we received from Ann Marie was worthy of 5 stars alone for her caring, her kindness, her professionalism and for making me feel truly special for my birthday. Husband had their Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich with Tots while I had the Smoked Salmon BLT with Tots. She even brought me a birthday breakfast brulee for dessert complete with candle! And get this...she told us the pink penguin would be happy to visit us and she took my pic with him! Plus made sure I got a pic with the breakfast brulee. On top of it, she gave us our tea and coffee to go, as well as the rest of my sandwich, which we took back up to the room. All tasted terrific as always and we were made to feel so welcome and special from the moment we arrived and were greeted by a beautiful friendly Hostess. Much appreciation!

    Rigatoni alla vodka
    Jen C.

    My partner and I came on a weekend evening for dinner. It was very crowded when we came, luckily we had a reservation. The ambiance was very modern and sophisticated while also a bit eclectic with animal models all over the walls and ceiling. We ordered raw oysters and a plate of crackers to start. I ordered the Rigatoni alla vodka which was delicious with a generous amount of seafood. We ended the meal with an ice cream sandwich with caramel popcorn which was very refreshing. Overall we had a great experience and will definitely return!

    Some of the decor!
    Jennifer H.

    I was expecting the restaurant to be packed for brunch and it wasn't, which I found somewhat concerning during prime brunch hours. The hostess was warm and welcoming, and our server was pretty average. I loved the decor within the space and the food was also plated very nicely. My friend and I ordered the trout dip and it was amazing! My friend and I agreed to let each other sample the others order; I got the raspberry crème brûlée French toast and she got the shrimp and grits. The French toast was delicious!!!

    Chantelle H.

    @countinghousenc has become on of my favorite restaurants in the Triangle! And yes, there's an art gallery and bank vault in the building If you're a fan of mussel, the rigatoni alla vodka Flavor profile is absolutely spectacular! Branzino is also a winner accompanied with the crispiest potatos.

    Patricia D.

    With a small, eclectic menu and and intimate atmosphere, counting house is highly recommended for a date night! The server was awesome and very knowledgeable and the food was delicious. They even ended the meal with a bowl of house made cotton candy which was a nice treat! The menu is definitely pricey but overall a solid place to enjoy a meal.

    Adriatic Sunset
    Ethan C.

    The steak was a bit pricy at ~$75 but super good. The garnish was an interesting thinly sliced root vegetable. I honestly would have preferred something more standard like potatoes, but they weren't bad and it was nice to have something different. The mocktails looked and tasted like alcohol (which they weren't, of course). They were quite strange and I honestly would not get them again. Of course I had to get the most interesting item on the menu: the popcorn ice cream sandwich. The taste of the macadamia nut cookie was very overpowering and I could not taste much of the flavor of the popcorn ice cream, but overall it was a good desert. Very heavy on the cookies. Service and ambiance were decent and what I expected for this type of restaurant.

    Inside -Entrance

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    10 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great service, awesome staff, fantastic food! I can't wait to go and visit again, it really is a fun and cool environment.

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Visting daughter at Duke and found this very fun and excellent place. Great bar!

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    11 years ago

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    Page 3 of 7

    Ask the Community - Counting House

    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

    4.8(16 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    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)!!

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    Liberty & Plenty Distillery
    Liberty & Plenty Distillery
    Liberty & Plenty Distillery - Damn good Espresso Martini

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    Damn good Espresso Martini

    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

    4.9(41 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$
    Veteran-owned & operated
    Locally owned & operated

    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!

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    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham
    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham - The Tasting Room

    The Tasting Room

    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

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    Conniption Bar & Lounge

    Conniption Bar & Lounge

    4.5(71 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Full bar

    Speakeasy vibe, wonderful cocktails. The house gins are quite good, especially the navy strength…read more Crowded at 4 pm opening on a Saturday in December. Great place to start your drinking, better place to finish it

    Well, a relatively new spot at RDU to take your money in exchange for waiting for your flight…read more The people working here are outstanding although I am only comparing them to those at other establishments at the airport. Definitely high stars for customer service. They could work anywhere I think and be noteworthy. The drinks were solidly on the "ho-hum" scale. Nothing out of the ordinary. In all fairness, I only tried one and maybe if I had a second, I would be more impressed. For the drink (espresso martini), the espresso beans floating in the glass were an unexpected fun addition, but they didn't have much flavor. Maybe after the alcohol, I should have expected that. If I sound "meh" -- yeah -- it was that. The food started out almost the same way, but as I worked my way through it, it got a bit better. The tempura squash is almost like light fried ravioli. While okay, I would have preferred more flavor from the squash rather than from the marinara sauce. It still didn't overwhelm me with flavor, but it was decent enough. Overall, I couldn't decide between 2 or 3 stars, but the employees alone were enough to put it at 3 for me.

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    Conniption Bar & Lounge
    Conniption Bar & Lounge
    Conniption Bar & Lounge - The Saffron Bees Knees, Spring 2026 Menu

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    The Saffron Bees Knees, Spring 2026 Menu

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

    Alley Twenty Six

    4.3(426 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    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.

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    Alley Twenty Six - Pimento cheese & pepper jelly

    Pimento cheese & pepper jelly

    Alley Twenty Six - Pimento cheese on baguette

    Pimento cheese on baguette

    Alley Twenty Six - Deviled eggs - lifewithhanny

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    Deviled eggs - lifewithhanny

    The Waiting Room - Storefront sign

    The Waiting Room

    4.6(31 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    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!

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    The Waiting Room
    The Waiting Room - Rose

    Rose

    The Waiting Room - Wake Up Holland, YUM!

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    Wake Up Holland, YUM!

    Counting House - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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