Where is the wine??? Cool atmosphere...lots of spirits available but lackluster wine list.

They were out of most wines? Come on, for a wine bar? Food sounded okay but honestly was nervous to order because I didn't want to have my heart set on something they didn't have. It's a very cute place but how are you out of all your wines?!? read more

Walking on our way to dinner, we had a little time to kill before our reservation, so we stopped in here for some drinks. As a wino, uh, I mean wine lover, first glance meant I recognized nothing on the wine list. So I had to put complete trust and faith into the Bartender. Which turned out to be a good thing. Twice. He asked what kind of wines I liked, and steered me to a couple red choices. One of which I loved and enjoyed. Then thinking I wanted to go the white route, he again steered me to two choices, where one immediately stood out. Score again! Prices aren't cheap, but loved the generous pours. Meanwhile Husband was enjoying his Bourbons. Seating choices are the bar (which we liked just fine), and couches that surround it. Would be happy to stop in for drinks again. read more

West End Wine Bar - Enjoyable! - Wine Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Thank you so much to Brian for always making our Thursday not so "thirsty". His attention to detail in remembering our names and our drinks, makes his a favorite go to place. He is Gem! We love him! read more

Very friendly and knowledgeable bartender/sommelier. Picked the perfect wine for my taste!

We've been wanting to try this place out. However we were a little disappointed. It was rather mediocre. With so many choices nearby, I don't see us going back. read more

This is a really nice bar to go if you want to actually be able to have a conversation with the person you are with. The place is warm and inviting and the bartenders are great! The patio is a great place to chill out on a cool night. Plus most of the bartenders aren't stingy with the amount of wine they put in a glass (unlike some other wine bars I've been to). read more

West End Wine Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I came here on a weekday and really enjoyed the wine and atmosphere. The guy who helped me picked a nice white wine based off of what I told him I liked. I brought my dog and sat outside so that was a plus. I would definitely go back and recommend this place! read more

Ahh vino! The cause of and solution to most of life's little problems... Over on Main Street in Durham, you'll find the West End Wine (WEW) bar tucked away in West Village. WEW bar in Durham is a lot different than its older sister in Chapel Hill. Long bar, open space and a second floor landing with couches and stuffed chairs. WEW is a great spot to grab an early cocktail before heading off to bigger and better things. The bartenders are knowledgeable, personable and at the ready with their corkscrews. They typically have a couple of specials going on so take full advantage here. And while they serve some small plates and pizzas from Pop's next door, don't expect to put together a meal here. It's all about a civilized glass of wine at West End Wine bar! But I hate to say it, I prefer the older location in Chapel Hill, it's a much more interesting space with a cozy feel. But stop on by WEW in Durham if you want to sniff, gurgle and enjoy a lovely glass of wine. Because you really can't ever go wrong with vino... read more

I love wine. I love bars. This place only fits the bill for one. It's honestly the worst wine bar around, but a decent bar if that's what you're looking for. The Jonald and I stopped in at a usually "happening" hour on a Friday. It was pretty much dead. But we weren't put off by that, we got a nice seat by the window to sip on our wine. As I strategize on how to review this place, I really don't know where to start. Which is kinda how I feel about this place entirely. There's wine on the menu, but it's nothing to write home about. Actually, I put it down and didn't bother to finish it - I was dissapointed with the pricey-er wine I selected - I don't like vinegary wines. Jon struggled to get his down as well. The selection of wine is not that extensive or sophisticated. They do however have other things to drink - like beer and liquor. Which may be the way to go honestly. I asked for a wine recommendation from the bartender and he just looked at me... ( o _ O ) so that was awkward... The atmosphere is just as confusing. A really cool space as a bar, but not as a wine bar. I love sports, trust me, my Saturdays revolve around football in the fall. But, when I'm hitting up a wine bar, I'm not so sure that a ton of TVs playing sports really fits the ambiance you'd expect for a wine bar. They do have some outside seating which is nice on a cool summer night (although rare in durham!). I'm sure this is a cool space to hang it in, it certainly has potential and it's clean and has some food and drinks - As a wine bar though, I was really disappointed. If it were called the "West End Bar" - this review would be different probably. But since I have standards and expectations for what a wine bar is and should be, this one falls pretty short. Especially compared to a place like Six Plates that's right down the road! read more

West End Wine Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is an updated review. We use to love the West End but lately we have been very disappointed. When we came in the bartender ignored me. Mine you I was dressed professional. He finally asked me what i wanted and took his time getting my beer. I was hungry and would have loved to order some food but no, he had to sit on the couch and played with his phone. My friend came and had to wait to get served. He was a prick. He 3rd time we were treated this way. WORSE BARTENDER EVER!!! His name starts with a "C". I will call first because i won't spend my money somewhere where it's not wanted. read more

A really nice place for group mixer kinds of events. Nice wine selection for the cheapskate nonconnoisseur (and presumably for those who actually know about such things too -- but I lack personal experience in that department). Decent beer taps too. Nice outdoor area -- small but usually not occupied, in my experience so far. Let me tell you about something i *do* know about, however: food. And specifically cheese. We got $80-something dollars of cheese (in addition to other stuff) and it failed to satisfy the handful of people who were circling it. I asked if there was a mistake with the order -- seriously, there was barely any cheese on this thing. Nope. Just extraordinarily chintzy. So I got another 3 solo orders of cheese (for $15), and 3 of us had enough for a small snack. Wtf, give me more cheese. Even Whole Foods' most expensive cheeses (which the West End ones are not) are relative bargains. read more

West End Wine Bar - This is $15 (3 orders) worth of cheese & almonds. I could eat this myself while watching one sitcom. Wtf. - Wine Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is pretty much the same menu as the one in Chapel Hill, but with a different feel. The CH location is dark, while this is more airy and industrial with high ceilings and brick walls. It's on the back side of the Amtrak station, but don't let that scare you because the station's been recently renovated while keeping its historic charm. Anyhoo, the wine bar has a good selection of interesting varietals that are briefly described but still specific enough to give wine newbies enough information to make choices. There's a small menu of snacks and good beers on tap. Typically, they have about six or eight wine and beer specials that are good values. Service ranges from fair to good. read more

I came here on Sunday to watch the World Cup game with friends and was pleased by the free and ample parking when I first arrived. We were a bit confused on where the entrance was because the West End Bar entrance was locked, but we walked around the exterior of the building and found the Billiards entrance. The ambiance was actually perfect in terms of being quiet enough that we were able to carry on normal conversations, but not too quiet as people dunked basketballs into the hoop inside, played pool, or cheered occasionally while watching the World Cup. We didn't end up trying any drinks/food so I can only really review what our friends said about the food! They tried the cheese pizza which looked yummy with melty cheese, but it looked a bit floppy and our friends said that the pizza was just "okay". They have a short simple menu with the basics (pizza, appetizers). read more

This is a good place to sit and relax after work and/or to visit with your friends/significant other(s). The ambiance/atmosphere is great (not too loud), especially the number of couches available on both floors, plus the outdoor seats. The bartenders are very good, attentive, and most importantly know how to make drinks! (Yes, making drinks in a consistent basis is actually a pretty good skill). The place also has a good selection of cured meats/cheese plates, a good wine selection, as well as live music. I would recommend this place if you are looking for a place to have a nice conversation with friends (or even dates) over good drinks. read more

West End Wine Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

The last time I came the place was empty and quiet, and the bartender was quite helpful. I found the bartender helpful again this time, though there were a number of people around and it actually got quite loud - almost hard to have a good conversation at times. Not what I expected from a wine bar. You have seating outside, bar seating, tables, etc. on the 1st floor inside, and tables, sofas, chairs, etc. on the 2nd floor. Quite a variety of options. Wine list is good, but the wines are pretty expensive by the glass. Interesting spot, but I think I prefer Bar Brunello downtown. read more

It's interesting the wide variation in other reviews for WEWB: people either love it or hate it. I am in the latter camp. Here's why: WEWB at one time was the anchor business in a gentrifying area of Durham where you generally didn't want to be out alone at night. That's so 2011. Now the entire area is booming with millenial $$ and WEWB hasn't done all they can to keep up with competition. Examples: Parking: used to be free, plentiful, and close. They've cracked down on having permits for the local parking lot, WEWB has like 5 spots reserved, otherwise you will be in for a walk. While this isn't WEWB's fault, I'd have thought they'd at least attempt to negotiate having some spots on friday/saturday evenings... oh well. Price: REALLY expensive for wine. The pours can be generous, bartender dependent, but still you will be spending at least $20 for two glasses of middle-shelf wine. Attitude: as other reviewers have Yelped, some of the bartenders are insufferable pr**ks. I've been to WEWB twice in one week a couple years ago. First time: nice sweet bartender who didn't seem to know much about wine but really tried and we liked her. Second time: an arrogant macho-man who could barely be bothered with boorish questions such as "what can you tell me about this Sauv. Blanc from S. Africa?" or "could I get a glass of wine, please?" If you are an attractive person who wants to go somewhere where some businessman/woman will buy you expensive drinks to get into your knickers/boxers than check this place out. If you like a quiet, sophisticated wine bar with consistently friendly/knowledgeable staff go elsewhere (Bar Virgile for example: at least there you are paying a lot of money for really good stuff from a connoisseur of wine) read more

After dinner in downtown Durham, my wife and I went to West End Wine Bar to have a glass of wine before heading home. The inside was pretty cool. There is a long bar, and plenty or couches for sitting. When I went up to the bar to look at the menu, the bartender greeted me and asked what I was looking for. I said I know my wife wants a pinot noir, but I'm not sure what I want yet. She started to pour my wife a glass without really asking which one we wanted, which we found a little odd. We decided to sit outside, but we had to eventually move back inside as there was someone smoking at one of the tables. The place seemed pretty dead for a Friday night, as there was only one other couple inside. Overall, not a bad place, but not really worth 24 dollars for two glasses of wine. read more

West End Wine Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This place reminds me of a bigger Terroir in San Francisco, and that's a great, great thing. West End is the only wine bar I've seen in the Triangle which offers flights. And GENEROUS pours with each flight at that. I had a flight of three different Spanish reds. While only one of the wines was noteworthy, I was still pleasantly surprised with the amount of wine I received. The server also labeled each glass so that I would know which wine I was drinking (not that it mattered after downing several sips). The place is spacious and dimly lit with a fantastic upstairs area. To be honest, I'm used to smaller, more intimate wine bars so I can't really get used to how big West End is. Nonetheless, I enjoyed being there. Verdict: Thanks to Susan Z. for taking me here! Finally, a wine bar with flights! I'll have to come back to try some of the other wines and the snacks. read more

First time I stepped into this place we didn't end up staying. My guy wasn't into the wine bar with serve-yourself-tapas. Can't say the menu added up to anything that could negotiate a dinner. But to chill with the girls with a glass of wine, it works. Not quite sure how pizza works out as a tapa, but didn't bother to try it. The hummus had a good presentation, but not enough pita to finish it. Like the comfy couches upstairs but thought it was a little awkward when they kicked everyone out for a private party, hey- maybe next time you should section it off when it gets closer to the reservation time. Luckily we were near done, but there were some larger groups that made it rather inconvenient on timing for them to vacate. I concur that those flat screens with the sports channels down play the wine part of the bar. But I don't mind that it's not in an overcrowded section of downtown. This place is low key. Don't expect too much and just chill. Shiraz I tried was fairly decent. I'd stop by here again to see the live music. Might have to check out the Chapel Hill one. read more

Sometimes you're better off dead There's gun in your hand and it's pointing at your head You think you're mad, too unstable Kicking in chairs and knocking down tables In a restaurant in a West End town Call the police, there's a madman around Running down underground to a dive bar In a West End town. Greetings and salutations, Ron W and I hit up West End Wine Bar before the Yelp event, we had a fun afternoon. It's a comfy bar, plenty of wine to choose from, offering up flights to taste more than one! The bartender was friendly, all in all a good place to consume liquids. Shout out to my BFF Ron W and to WEWB! read more

A cozy, welcoming, sophisticated and laid bar bar in downtown Durham. I can't even compare it to West End in Chapel Hill, it's_just_much_better. There is decent parking. The place is always super clean. The lay out (with two floors and a separate game area) gives you tons of places to sit and relax. The staff is very helpful and efficient. They have enough food options for a filling snack or chocolates to satisfy a sweet tooth. They offer a great selection of wine and nice mixed drinks. Great music that's never too loud. One of the best bars in Durham! read more

This place is nice and intimate. Great for a small group or intimate date. The staff is so knowledgeable about the wines. They offer tastings if you're trying to decide what you want. I would definitely recommend to those into a quiet, laidback, intimate night out. read more

I really dig the West End Wine Bar. Brought a group of my out-of-town besties here, two of us being hardcore craft beer lovers, two wine snobs, and a fancypants liquor drink sipper, and everyone was beyond pleased. The night was bitterly cold, having dropped into the low 20s after a week of near-60s, with a howling wind undoubtedly contributing to the Yeti weather effect, so not many people were out and about in Durham that night. The other times I've visited WEWB, it's been rather packed, but was just fairly steady the night we visited, with plenty of seating from which to choose. I love the look of the place: tall ceilings with wooden beams, exposed brick, sleek, modern furniture; it's all very Durham. At first we seated ourselves at the bar, then moseyed on upstairs, where we found that most of the tables and surrounding comfy couch seating areas had reserved signs on them, purportedly for a birthday party that was arriving later. Eventually those signs disappeared and there weren't any birthday revelers in sight, but we ended up taking a seat at a set of tables and chairs anyway, just to avoid pissing anyone off. There is a super-comfy-looking room up there that we and other patrons were continuously tempted to enter, but it's got a sign near the door that says Office. Is it really an office or is this a ploy of some kind? Anyway, no one ended up sitting in there, but it would've been nice to have the option. Also, there are toilets downstairs and up. Score! Everything in this place is super clean, too, for which I am eternally grateful. On draft they did not have Carolina Brewery's Copperline Amber Ale (one of my faves), but instead they had the same company's Sky Blue Golden Ale (not as good, IMO). They've also got the Triangle Brewing Co.'s Belgian Golden Ale, Fat Tire and 2* Below from New Belgium, then your standards like Stella (skuntastic) and Guinness. I, for one, would like to see more local craft beers here, like some Fullsteam and Big Boss. I sipped on a Moscow Mule (I think that's the name; one of my girlfriends ordered it for me) and it was awesome, like grownup sparkling lemonade. Highly recommend this one. We didn't try any of their small plates, seeing as we'd just eaten at Alivia's, but everything that was ordered by other parties looked phenomenal. The menu looks fantastic, which tons of veggie possibilities. WEWB has its own parking lot (shared with Magpie and a few others), but is easily accessible from Five Points or Brightleaf, if you're making a pub crawl out of your night. read more

I've been here many times due to its downtown location. This spot is nicer and newer than the one in Chapel Hill. As well as a bit sportier due to the presence of flatscreens playing sports. I saw Stacy W's review about getting the cold shoulder for recommendations and honestly think it may have been an off night. I usually have no idea what I want and go up to them with some vague words like "Not too dry, not too sweet, something refreshing." And the WEWB folks do an amazing job, they usually get a spot-on recommendation by the second try if not the first! It's a very cool vibe, not a place you go to pick up people, but a place you go with people you know. I've never been here on a date, only with girlfriends. But I've seen people on dates here and it seems like it would be fun and intimate. Plenty of seating upstairs, downstairs, and on their patio. Overall, WEWB has never disappointed me. read more

I had high hopes for this place based on name and location, but I left disappointed. It gets pretty hot in there if you go in the early evening as they have lots of windows with the sun streaming in. I am sure this would be nice once it gets cooler outside.When you walk in, you are immediately wondering, do I order at the bar, or do I take a seat and the server will greet me? When we left, we were no closer to finding an answer. There was one other group in there at the time my husband and I went. We sat down, looked at a menu, waited a while, and started to go to the bar and the bartender came to us to order out drinks and a few tapas. However, we had to go to the bar to order additional drinks and get our check (with only one other group occupying the whole place!!). We got the cheese plate and garlic knots. The cheese plate was good, but lacked enough bread/crackers. The Garlic knots were good and came out hot. We also got a wine flight. The wine flight was cool--we got 5 wine glasses with ~2 oz pours of wines of our pick and they were labeled with chalk at the bottom of the wine glass. Overall, great wine, but pretty expensive (10-13 dollars a glass). I might be back because the place is cool and the wine and food were yummy, but service and prices may keep me from keeping this place one of my favorites. I'm interested to see if the one in Chapel Hill is as good (and better) than this one like other Yelpers are saying... read more

This is one of the weirdest atmospheres ever...... A high ceiling, some outdoor seating, sports on LOTS of flat screen TVs type wine bar...... I just don't get it. Most people who want to watch the NBA playoffs are not at a wine bar, and even if they are there wouldn't one or two TVs be enough to support their sports needs? The wine wasn't so bad, the prices were okay, and it can easily accommodate large groups. I also like the variety of seating areas upstairs, at the bar, and downstairs. Overall not a bad place, but if I want wine in Durham I am heading to Six Plates. read more

Sorry West End, but if you're going to call yourself a wine bar you should at least have a hearty wine selection. In addition, after sampling the 2 different wines my wife didn't enjoy....the wines you have should, you know, be good. I've had restaurant house wines that were better. Now in all fairness I'm not one who sips, swirls, gargles and spits their wine, but I do know what tastes good and what doesn't. There are definitely better wine bar options in the area. read more

I should point out that I saw John Edwards here. (More specifically, at this party: http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/75931/after-the-fall) I should also point out that this is one of the two places I've seen John Edwards (the other being across the street from the other West End Wine Bar, but I digress). I've been here twice, for what is referred to as the Duke Public Policy Prom. It's a good sitting around/dance party, and the bar is well set up for this sort of party: the upstairs is really nice and good for dancing, and the downstairs is nice for chilling. They also have a good selection of wine and beer available. Overall, a nice place in downtown Durham. read more

As an alternative to going to the usual bar place in downtown Durham, West End is very nice. The bar is spacious and the lay out fits with the mission of relaxing with friends with a glass of wine. I would have liked to see a more exotic wine list that features wines from around the country and world; but also different flavors. Also, the couches could have been more comfortable because it felt like I was yelling at my friends because we were so far from each other. It also didn't help that an entire wedding party showed up and decided to have their reception at the bar while LOUDLY watching the Clemson v. FSU game. Yea that was a real ambiance killer. I wil give West End another shot and hopefully an impromptu wedding reception won't happen again. read more

Great hang out. I use the brand new totally excellent Durham Amtrak station, which is in the same complex. When the train is delayed, (which has happened twice in the last few weeks), I stop over here to have one of the many beers they have or a glass or two of vino. Nice tappas choices too. This is a good find for downtown Durham. Nice outdoor area also. read more

West End Wine Bar - Jarrad doin his hing. - Wine Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

So I'm not a wine guy, but I've been here a few times with friends. They have a limited beer selection too which has kept me occupied while friends downed some vino. They have some cheese plates and other light fare, they don't include much but are quite tasty. Service has always been fine, the interior is a nice warm setting with leather couches and cool spinning coffee tables. The downstairs bathrooms are tiny and has no mirror in it (or, at least the mens room does not.) There is outdoor seating on their deck area. It's a good location right down from other bars and restaurants. Pretty good parking lot too. read more

West End Wine Bar is a lovely drinking spot that has changed the drinking scene for town Durham. It would be the first wine bar to open up in the downtown area. West End is located in the West Village Complex on Main Street. They have tables and seats outside so you can drink Al Fresco. The wine bar is better lit than the Chapel Hill location and has a mezzanine floor. We came with a group of friends and found nice and comfortable seating upstairs. The drinks are medium-priced and we like the environment. As of writing, there is road construction on the stretch of Main street just in front of the bar. I suspect this has affected business somewhat and we only saw a handful of people in the bar. We hope that the road works finish soon!!! read more

I love wine! This place has a great and manageable selection of wine options. They have three size options including sample (~ 2 oz.), glass (~ 4 oz.), and by the bottle. The prices are from inexpensive to really expensive ($4 - $15/glass) and listed accordingly within the lightest to boldest menu. They also have a varying selection up on the chalkboard behind the bar. The 2 samples I had were very good. One was the Michel Tete and the other the Kenwood Syrah. I loved the syrah, but its my favorite grape. I can't remember the three my date had, but the best was at the end of the Merlot/Cab list - it was a Bordeaux. We did take a peek at the menu and considered some cheese and charcuterie, but it seemed really expensive. Each cheese and meat must be ordered a la carte, but the part that really got me is that you have to order the bread a la carte, too. When we added up 2 cheeses, 2 meats, and the baguette it was almost $30. It seems absolutely ridiculous. We did try their chocolate truffles made by a local chocolatier opening a shop in Chapel Hill (bartender gave us the info). The Salty Potato Chip truffle was amazing - straight up Ruffles with ridges! I could've eaten 10. We will definitely be back to sample some more wines and truffles. read more

First time in Durham visiting my sister at Duke. I didn't expect to find this place within walking distance from the DT Marriott. Great find good wine , food, and service. They play great music and a great crowed. I hope they keep this up. I was told this was only their second day open. The wine selection is great. I hear something about coffee in the AM. I will try to make that tomorrow so I can Yelp about it. read more

West End Wine Bar - Center of bar (Great Bar Tenders) - Wine Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

Pretentious snobby bartenders, pretentious snobby patrons, drunk Staceys. Five stars.

Dark lighting and comfortable couches upstairs increases. Downstairs is ideal for meeting new people. Upstairs provides a quieter place for more intimate conversation. They also have a varying selection of good fruit-flavored beers. read more

I've been to West End maybe two or three times, but I went most recently a couple of weeks ago for an event called Diggin' in the Crates. West End is located just across from West Village, and parking can be tricky since the lot is so small. There's some street parking, but the most recent time I went, I had to park a block or two away from the actual bar. So heads up there. The space itself is really cute, with exposed brick interiors and exposed ductwork. Very loft-ish. The wine selection is extensive, and the bartenders are quite knowledgeable about wine. They make great recommendations if you give them an idea of what you like. I didn't order any food so I can't speak to that. The event itself was a great time. Beautiful crowd, awesome ratio of men to women, and dope DJ. I'll definitely be back! read more

Great bartenders, solid, rotating wine selection located in a cool space with outdoor seating in the warm weather. Great alternative to the D-town pub scene read more

I accompanied my girlfriend to a surprise birthday party for one of her friends. First warning sign: It was a Saturday night in downtown Durham and maybe 2 people outside of our party were there. Second warning sign: there was only 1 bar tender there and we had a party of nearly 30 in attendance. On top of that, Christian, the bar tender, was snarky and slow to boot. I wish this place would close down so we could have something new downtown. read more