We stopped in for some food before a DPAC show. We were pretty much the only ones there, but it seems like a spot that would get busy much later for the bar scene. It was decorated sooo awesome for the holidays - all decked out in a Grinch theme! They had some great drink specials and the food was very reasonable, especially for downtown Durham. I had the Grinch drink special and the chicken philly with fries. They only had one cook at the time and they must have a really small kitchen because they could only handle 2 meals at a time. Ours came out first, then about 10 minutes later 2 more, and then 10 minutes later 2 more for our group of 6. We had enough time before our show, but definitely something to be aware of if you plan to eat here. Our waitress was great - she even gave us some Jell-O shots on the house. read more

See all

The Pickleback 2 serves food but is more of a bar. We stopped in with a group to grab drinks and food before a DPac show. It was decked out for Christmas with a Grinch theme. For our drinks and meals it was a water and the chicken philly with fries for my husband and a beer and the philly cheesesteak with sweet potato fries for me. The food came out at different times due to staffing shortages but it all tasted good. Our waitress was also the best, we really enjoyed her. They have a really nice outdoor space with cabanas to rent out. Check out their website and/or social media pages for upcoming events. read more

I was visiting a friend and mentioned that i was looking for good music and good vibes .. PB2 definitely delivered. Now they held the line outside (it was sprinkling), due to limited check in space, but outside of that my experience was on point. Drinks specials and a great DJ makes for a fun filled night. Oh and please get some food before leaving. It was fresh, tasty, and affordable! I will be going back! read more

We had a terrible experience thanks to Renee and the staff at Tasty. After paying $20 to get in, we were told to leave an open booth--despite other booths being available. There was absolutely no reason for the treatment we received. It felt personal, petty, and downright unprofessional. These women clearly had an issue with us, and it showed. No reward for our money, no hospitality, just straight-up bad vibes. I will never support this. read more

they need lids for the cups tho!! the service is wonderful! love the vibe! food great! read more

The Pickleback 2 - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Ok I'll be honest, I'm sauced on alcohol only (even though it's 4/20). They have an extensive food menu and the wings are incredible. They have fried and smoked wings. The smoked wings are falling off the bone. I wasn't ready. The bar was quiet and clean at 6:30 on a Saturday afternoon. I highly recommend. A hidden gem because I would have never gone here if it wasn't for the frat boys who were fighting outside that brought wings with them. I also got a grilled cheese because I'm a big kid and that was very tasty too. read more

Great music. Casual dress. Friendly bartenders. Good drinks. Reasonable prices. And a few seats. Hookah too if that's your thing. I heard the food is really good but I didn't try it this time. I'll definitely be returning to enjoy this lounge again & check out the food. read more

Asked for BUFFALO wings, was given BBQ wings. IM ALLERGIC TO BBQ, I couldn't eat it if I wanted to! I asked for it to be corrected, all for them to literally throw buffalo sauce on top of the wings with BBQ. Loaded fries were loaded with OLD cheese! Fries were soggy as if they were prepared a hour before! Asked for a refund they refused! By far worst experience ever! read more

The Pickleback 2 - Buffalo wings - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

This place was okay - the two girls working the bar were really great, the drink specials were good, and the karaoke was fun but there were several things that could have made it better. First, when we called to find out when karaoke would be, we were told 7:30 so we got there at that time. What they didn't tell us was that there was a $10 cover charge and that the karaoke would not start until after the performer left which ended up being closer to 9:00. I don't mind paying a cover charge for a performer - it's just that they should have told us this when I called. The lady at the desk did say we could come back at 8:30 and avoid the cover charge then but we were already there so we just decided to stay. The music was also very loud - so loud that we couldn't hear each other talk without screaming into the person's ears. But that might be a positive for someone else who doesn't care for conversation. They did have an outdoor area which was nice but you have to pay extra to use the booths there. There were booths inside as well that you could pay to sit at. I thought it odd that you have to pay extra for them. It made finding a seat rather hard when the place has so many seats roped off. Pool table was fun - for four quarters you can play a round of pool. The place overall was fine and I'd be willing to give it another go someday. We still had a fun evening thanks to the staff there! read more

This place is cool. Hard to get photos because we went at night. I heard so much about thee pork chop sandwich but when I found out there serve fish plates on Fridays I had to try it! I ended up getting the fish plate. I was pretty satisfied you got two big pieces of fish, bread and fries. The place is for 30 Years and older so if youre looking for a solid adult spot this is it. The music was awesome, the vibe was chill. Great spot to cool down afterwork. I attached a menu. Definitely stop by if youre in Durham. read more

The Pickleback 2 - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Great place to go. Locally owned (support local business) great vibes great bartenders the DJ was good went on a karaoke night and it was fun. Has a outside seating area for smoking and just to chill just a overall great place to be when you wanna go out and not be surrounded by annoying collage students. read more

So I came to visit and my first time in NC the club said 30 and over that was a negative this was a 21 and over definately the younger crowd on a saturday night. We didnt stay long at all cant party with the kids. Wings were decent drinks were expensive. read more

The best place in Downtown Durham, hands down! Amazing food! Must try the pork chop sandwich, smoked wings, and egg rolls! The cocktails on the menu are perfectly crafted to keep you at the bar! The staff is friendly, just be patient with them! Outside patio and seating area is a must during the warmer days! Even on cool days, there are heaters everywhere to stay warm! read more

Customer service is trash, just plain rude. Paid VIP price for an event, there was no existence of a VIP area. The food is just ok, could have been better, but didn't expect much from a place like this when it came to food. My party stood at the bar over 20 minutes and was constantly skipped over to order. If you're not a local of this area don't expect a warm welcome. Take your hard earned money down the street where it will be much more appreciated! read more

Do not go here. SERVICE ALERT NEW I am new to the area so I decided to support this business. My niece and I arrived on a Saturday night to an almost empty establishment. We sat at a table for at least 25 minutes while a young lady who appeared to be working there walked past us several times, waited on the table beside us, and never even said hello. A male who appeared to be security did the same. We finally decided to leave after the young lady made her 5th round past our table. On my way out I spoke to a woman who appeared to be a manager behind the bar. She explained that there is no wait table service at this establishment. Apparently it is self service at the bar only. Mind you there are no signs in the establishment that indicate this and the young lady took an order from the group beside us. The place was practically empty and we were in earshot so we heard them ordering food and drinks. Aside from that, we are sitting at one of your tables, in your practically empty establishment, for several minutes, but have not purchased a thing. That dynamic alone should warrant an inquiry which would have led to an exchange of vital information. Do not go here if you want service, food, or hospitality. You can sit at a table and listen to music but they offer you nothing else. I guess the name PICKLE is indicative of their sour service not given so give back PICKLEBACK consumers! read more

This place is where it's at! My friends and I go often for great drinks, friendly service, and karaoke! It is such a lively, inviting atmosphere in which people are happy to be alive. Although it is pretty laid back, it is great for a night out with friends. read more

I stumbled upon this hidden treasure a few months ago and have been in love ever since. The ambiance and overall good energy cannot be beat by any other local Durham attraction. The owner is amazing, hospitable and taught me what a pickle back really is! I do have one MAJOR and significant complaint. Its an ongoing issue with one female bartender. Women, if you happen to come in and want a drink/timely, consistent, attentive, respectful and jovial service... you will NOT get it from Chang. Chang is a bartender who works at the pickleback and despite her presentable demeanor chooses to intentionally to ignore women patrons, gives a relentless side eye and puts good customer service at the very bottom of her list of priorities for the day (while working in a service industry). After she bypasses you a good 5 times, everything is "one minute...can you wait," while she continues to do absolutely nothing and looks to service anyone and everyone else who is not you and who happens to be a man. I dont know if she has decided that women dont tip or what, but I can say this, the reason why women arent tipping you Chang, is because your attitude is deplorable, your customer service is trash, and you are prejudice to women patrons. This has been an ongoing issue that I hoped would get better. To be fair, I have a suggestion for all the female bartenders. Be quicker and more attentive to your female patrons. Kindness and compassion go a long way. As for Chang, she simply brings the establishment down. Its gotten to the point, where I forewarn any new customers that I introduce to the Pickle Back about this salty and underwhelming bartender (Chang). For the management team, women arent tipping her because she doesn't deserve it (although I tip regardless). Additionally, I noticed the staff picks up drink garnishments like oranges, cherries and lemons with their bare hands after touching money, the counter, their face etc. They need to have the small prongs. After working in the service industry as a bartender for 15 years, when I come across employees like Chang, I believe issues like this need to be brought to management. You have a toxic cancer in your establishment that needs to be treated. Again, I love the pickle back and every other employee makes it a significant and enjoyable experience every time I come. The tall thin one, Chang, is the only thorn in my side. I am certain if you took a poll, your other customers would agree. read more

I visited on a Wednesday evening. I was not aware you had to order via the bar so I sat at the table looking clueless for about 10 minutes. But the food and drinks made up for that. I had the pork chop sandwich and it was perfectly fried and the breading was good. I also had the crabby bites! Try them! So good I had to order another batch. I tried the Henny Berry and the drink didn't disappoint. read more

I finally found a chill, laidback neighborhood bar- The PickleBack!! I heard about them on a group chat when they were having $6 bottomless mimosas. Although you can't beat that price with a stick, I was a little bummed that they ran out of champagne 10 mins after I sat down. I still had a great time, and have been back twice since then. I always walk over from my place, so I can't say much about parking, although I believe I've seen a parking lot in the back. There's also street parking, if you can find a spot. There's sometimes a DJ on the weekend and last Saturday I went in there and danced the night away! They have a variety of pickleback shots which are fun, and there's food as well. I ordered wings and fries once but most often I just come for music, TVs showing games, and drinks. Everyone is really friendly and it's an overall chill place to kickback and have drinks. Can't wait to stop in again!! read more