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    Vin Rouge

    4.1 (648 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Vin Rouge Photos

    Business Info

    VIN ROUGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Vin Rouge

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    Provençal fish stew - Bouillabaisse
    Dan D.

    Had dinner at the Vin Rouge and what a great spot. The food was phenomenal - traditional French cuisine served from a kitchen just off the front room. Amazing to see the chefs at work. The service was top-tier, the server could really go into detail about the various offerings: *great* job with the descriptions & recommendations. The ambiance French countryside-casual / provincial. Highly recommended; I'll be back to try their other offerings. (tellement de choses parmi lesquelles choisir)

    Gratin de Macaroni
    George D.

    As always, the food was excellent, the service very attentive, and the ambiance of a French farmhouse. Their onion soup ("SOUPE À L'OIGNON GRATINÉE") alone is worth the trip, and their Mac and cheese ("Gratin de Macaroni") is not far behind. Portions are generous. The menu is not vast, but what they have is very good.

    Oysters
    Kellie B.

    Wonderful little restaurant in Durham - food is delicious and service was fantastic. (Only complaint was the potatoes dauphinois were cold, I pointed it out and they reheated them and it was greasy and burnt.). Will go again for sure!

    Chocolate mousse and Lemon Tart
    Evangelina W.

    The ambiance is nice for a feeling that takes you from Durham to a night in France. The service is simple, attentive, and upscale as bread/olive spread is served, utensils are changed out for you, and all the food is brought out at the same time. We had all of the specials of the day and they were all extremely delicious. The salmon dish was the best one of the night. The desserts were nicely balanced in sweetness. It is on the pricier side so I would reserve a trip for a nice night out.

    Kennedy B.

    Wow. Everything was incredible for this dinner. The authentic French food, the ambience, the wait staff, the timing of the meal. Genuinely have no notes to improve. This is a must visit if you're in Durham.

    Escargot
    Rich M.

    Very nice date night spot in Durham off Ninth St near Duke's campus. If you're in the mood for French cuisine this will satisfy your craving. The wine menu is INSANE how extensive it is. The service we had was great and the server was kind, friendly and attentive to our table ensuring he answered all our questions. The food was delicious and we were able to try some items we normally wouldn't be able to try. Everything was just delicious. If you're looking for a top notch place featuring French food, Vin Rouge is your place.

    Pinot blanc
    Delaney M.

    Kristen was one of the best servers I've ever had! The food was amazing, there was a delicious menu selection, and a thorough wine list. This restaurant made me feel like I was in France. I'm definitely coming back here and was so presently surprised with how much I enjoyed my experience here.

    Hanger Steak
    Jim A.

    Our beautiful daughter and her husband invited us to dinner at Vin Rouge. We had recently returned home from France and thought, wow more French food! Don't let the name fool you. This is not French cuisine. Calling Fish of the day, Poisson du jour doesn't make it French. There are no classic French dishes like Coq au Vin or Cassoulet or beouf bourguignon. So why did I give this place 5 stars? It's Great! The atmosphere is very warm and rustic. The staff are fantastic and incredibly accommodating and attentive. The food was absolutely delicious. The appetizers we all shared were very good. I had the hanger steak medium rare. It was cooked perfectly. We ended dinner with a mix of desserts served like a charcuterie board. Cocktails and wine prices were very reasonable. We will definitely be back.

    Andrea A.

    Aesthetic brunch spot in Durham! Got the Hanger Steak Frites (Pommes Frites, Maître D'Hôtel Butter, Petite Salade), Crèpes Du Jour (Lardons, Spinach, Sauce Mornay), and Croque Madame (Ham & Gruyère, Ninth Street Brioche, Fried Egg, Sauce Mornay, Pommes Frites). All were tasty, though not mind blowing relative to the hype. Friendly, relatively fast service. Loved the ambiance- definitely gave French bistro vibes. 7/10 would recommend!

    Bread
    J S.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our first time dining at Vin Rouge! Service was prompt, knowledgeable, and friendly. Ambiance was rouge, a warm and home-y feeling, and not overdone. The focus was clearly the culinary experience, replacing silverware for individual courses and plating for the eyes. Fresh, it was all so fresh and delicious. Baguettes with a blended olive tapenade and creamy butter, oysters, Poisson de jour, Pollet Roti, crème brûlée AND chocolate mousse - oh la la!! Je t'aime Vin Rouge! A Pinot Noir complemented our journey, too. To anyone doubting the lure of French cuisine - dine here. Order the special. Drink the wine. Eat the bread. C'est la vie.

    Rebecca M.

    Vin Rouge is a popular restaurant in Durham. I'd suggest making reservations or you will have to wait for a table. The restaurant shares a small parking lot with a BBQ place next door. But if those places are taken you can try for street parking. If it is after 5pm or on the weekend you can park in the Duke parking lot just down the street. Vin Rouge has a nice decor and has inside and patio seating. The brunch menu had many options to appeal to all. I went with the Florentine benedict. The eggs were cooked perfectly so that they'd run onto the English muffin. Service was excellent as well. I look forward to returning and trying some other menu items.

    Outdoor seating.

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    11 months ago

    Excellent food and service were definitely going back soon. Great place for a special occasion or anytime

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    Ask the Community - Vin Rouge

    Anyone know if their French onion is made with broth and if so, what kind?

    I have no idea. :) We've eaten their once and it was excellent! I would say it's very traditional French so suspect it is with broth.

    View All 2 Questions

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    Killer Queen - Interior

    Killer Queen

    (33 reviews)

    I was excited to try Killer Queen for a downtown girls' night. We don't make it downtown very…read moreoften, so I've been enjoying exploring some of Durham's newer spots -- and this one was absolutely worth the visit. The wine list is broad and thoughtfully curated, with options that feel approachable whether you're a casual wine drinker or someone looking to try something new. The sommeliers were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping us find something we loved. The space itself is adorable, with eclectic décor and cozy lighting that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. It's a great spot for conversation and a relaxed evening with friends. The only downside is that the space is fairly small, and I would have loved to see one or two more lower seating options for small groups rather than mostly high tops. That said, I could absolutely see us coming back for a pre- or post-theater glass of wine or an easy catch-up night.

    Love this place! It's definitely a bit on the pricey side when it comes to the wine, but the…read moreoverall experience makes up for it. The service is awesome--our server was super friendly and gave me a great drink recommendation when I wasn't sure what I wanted. It ended up being perfect. My friend and I shared a glass of the 2023 Cederberg Bukettraube (sweet white wine) and got the charcuterie board for one with the truffle salami. That board was so good--I can't stop thinking about it. The toasted baguette slices with truffle salami and mustard? Unreal. It was the perfect little snack to share. We also had the citrus lavender crème brûlée, which was surprisingly delicious. I don't usually go for crème brûlée, but this one was light, not overly sweet, and just had a really nice flavor. I've also tried their shepherd's pie before and loved it--wish it was still on the menu! The vibe inside is moody and cozy, and they've got a cute outdoor patio too. Overall, such a great spot. A little pricey, but I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend checking out Killer Queen.

    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.

    Vin Rouge - french - Updated May 2026

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