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Killer Queen

4.9 (33 reviews)
Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

Killer Queen Photos

Business Info

KILLER QUEEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Hipster
Romantic
Classy
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Killer Queen

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Current wine list
Zaneta R.

Killer Queen is an absolute gem in downtown Durham! When I was moving to NC, I worried if there would be wine bars that featured natural wines (my kryptonite) and Killer Queen does not disappoint! They have a fantastic rotating selection of White, Red, Rose, Orange, and Sparkling wines for you to enjoy. The ambiance is so cute and cozy; you feel as though you walked into your best friend's living room with plenty of counter seating to boot! Everyone that works here is so knowledgeable and friendly and willing to work with you until you find your perfect pour. There's also a small but mighty food menu equipped with charcuterie boards and warm chocolate chip cookies. When I tell you this place is one of my absolute favorites in Durham, believe me! Killer Queen for the win!

Stephanie J.

I mean with the name Killer Queen how could you not want to visit? It is a wine spot but they also offer beer, cider and zero proof options. They also have a small food menu if you are hungry. I really loved the ambiance and drink options available. I will definitely need to come back to check out the outdoor space. Cheers!

Killer Queen Wine, and fantastic charcuterie board
Steve M.

Fantastic food, the charcuterie plate was superb! The killer queen wine that is bourbon barrel aged it's fantastic. Good enough that we actually bought a bottle to take home. And the price is unbelievable! This is a must visit location for anybody who wants to have a wonderful time, a quaint location, and a chic type of visit.

Outdoor patio
Patricia D.

An Art Deco mixed with an eclectic feel, this wine bar is top notch. The staff were knowledgeable about an array of wines served and extremely friendly. The co-owner was down to earth and passionate about the business which reflects into the customer experience. Highly recommend visiting this gem in the heart of downtown Durham.

Sauce & Bread
Gitansh B.

This place has a very cool vibe to it overall and was pretty busy for a Thursday night around 9p. I sat at the only seat available at the bar and was immediately introduced to many different varieties of wines including orange wines which I had never had before. Both Sylvia and Chandler were absolutely amazing at explaining all the wines and how they are made to me. I was able to taste a few of the orange wines which I ended up including in my wine flight. For food, I had the Bread & Sauce while having my wines which paired well with the variety of wines in my flight. Afterwards, I had Sil's cookies which was so chewy and warm; I wasn't originally going to have it, but Sylvia highly recommended it and I'm so happy that I ended up having them. The chocolate chip cookies were the perfect end to my evening!

Back patio
Glenn G.

This location has been several different businesses over the years including another wine bar before COVID. We follow them on Instagram and had been meaning to stop by. We finally did on a Friday evening after catching a free concert in the nearby Durham Central Park. The decor is fun and funky and the staff is very outgoing and friendly. You can sit inside or go out the back to a cool little patio area -- which is what we did. We enjoyed our wines (they have a wide and ever-changing selection) and the fun vibe, although wine bar prices are usually more expensive than beer taprooms. I believe they also offer light bites since we saw a server carry a plate by. Definitely a fun place to visit.

Blue and Drunken Goat cheese
Heather H.

I was looking for new places to eat and saw the name Killer Queen which peaked my interest. Digging in deeper found it is a wine bar. I love really cute wine bars and the decor and ambiance did not disappoint! Took one of my good friends to start for her 40th birthday dining start. We were served champagne which was super nice. We got a really nice bottle of wine after tasting two I was interested in purchasing. We also got a charcuterie board. I think they forgot us a few times but the board finally came, it was delicious and they took care of us on the issue. I'll be taking the hubbie for sure.

mysti p.

Visiting Durham & came here bc of the name & loved eveything about it. Narrow, dim lit wine bar decked with a speakeasy vibe!!! Love everything from the wine list, charcuterie, decor to the knowledgeable and fun friendly staff!!!

Charcuterie platter with complimentary accompaniments
Lan Z.

We had an amazing time and cannot wait to come back. The staff was so helpful and patient. They gladly poured us samples as we tried to pick the perfect bottle of wine to share. We also ordered a charcuterie platter and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of food and the accompaniments that came with it. Everything was delicious.

Killer Queen
Matthew G.

Favorite wine spot. Drink outside the set up is great. Staff is best part. Matt always adds extra attention but everyone is amazing. I could get a room and live there.

Toasty warm patio
Sarah S.

Beautiful space and the patio was toasty and cozy with the heaters despite temps in the 20s! Perfect for a drink before a show at DPAC (and maybe a nightcap as well!.

Charcuterie

Great atmosphere. The best charcuterie I've ever had. You should give it a try! Good wine selection.

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1 year ago

Our bartender was excellent - had great suggestions and was very attentive. Romantic setting. Didn't try the food but maybe one day?

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4 years ago

Friendly, knowledgeable staff- clearly passionate about what they do. Great addition to downtown Durham!

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Ask the Community - Killer Queen

Review Highlights - Killer Queen

Both Sylvia and Chandler were absolutely amazing at explaining all the wines and how they are made to me.

Mentioned in 5 reviews

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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.

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)!!

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.

Aperitif - Tiramisu - very good quality, perfect temperature, taste and texture!

Aperitif

(57 reviews)

$$

This is a great little bistro/wine bar/neighborhood spot. It's definitely upscale in feel, but…read morestill reasonably priced. Most of the seating is on a second-floor covered terrace, though there are tables inside as well. It has interesting city views of the University Hill area over South Square towards the "hypodermic building." There are parking options on all sides. The wine list is nice, but I like trying their specialty cocktails. These tend to have interesting additions such as tea-infused syrups and other creative ingredients. I've always had great sandwiches here at lunchtime, particularly the Santorini (a take on a gyro) and the Yacht Club, which is similar to a club sandwich but brightened up and made scrumptious by apricot jam. Their side of Caesar salad is always nice and crisp, with just the right amount of dressing and flavorful cheese shavings. The staff is engaged and attentive without going overboard. There's really no better lunch experience in the area on a nice warm day when you can just hang out and relax with a varied, delightful menu.

Located in University Hill, this bar offers a host of daily drink specials, charcuterie and…read moresandwiches. We visited on a weekend evening and seating was plentiful. We sat outside since the weather was nice - they have comfy lounge chairs and an aesthetic setup with string lights which really add to the ambiance. We ordered a couple of sandwiches - mine came with chicken, bacon, and plenty of cheese. The food was tasty but average. The service was a bit slow and we unfortunately ended up having to go inside the restaurant to request the check to get to our next destination in time - however, staff were super friendly. Overall, the vibes outside were amazing and I would consider returning for drinks on a warm evening.

Killer Queen - wine_bars - Updated May 2026

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