Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Old North Bar
Durham, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Old North Bar pairs a full bar of classic cocktails and new creations with a cold-beer setup that includes local draft and a garage-style fridge of cans and bottles. The cocktail menu is described as diverse, and the venue combines neighborhood-bar spirit with cocktail-lounge expertise. Customers call the cocktails top-notch and the beer selection varied, though one noted a specific cocktail that was too pickley while other menu options were enjoyable. It is a bar built for a drink and a hot dog, not a scene.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Pickletini if you want the drink that gets talked about, or the Low Life for a second cocktail option. For beer, choose from the local draft lines or the cans and bottles in the fridge.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Anyone looking for a neighborhood bar that takes cocktails seriously without abandoning cold beer. It suits drinkers who want either a classic cocktail or a local draft in the same visit. Customers who prefer a straightforward beer-and-a-hot-dog stop will find that here too.
- When should I go?
- For a casual drink when you want a cocktail or a cold beer without a formal setting. It works as a low-key stop for one or two drinks.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A full bar mixing classic cocktails and new creations sits alongside a garage beer fridge with local draft, cans, and bottles. The combination of cocktail-lounge expertise and neighborhood-bar spirit, with hot dogs in the mix, is the specific draw.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A full bar mixing classic cocktails and new creations, with 'Classic Cocktails' as a core offering. The cocktail menu is described as diverse, and the venue pairs neighborhood-bar spirit with cocktail-lounge expertise. Customers call the cocktails top-notch, though one noted a specific cocktail that was too pickley while other menu options were enjoyable.
Menu strengths
- — A full bar mixing classic cocktails and new creations.
- — 'Classic Cocktails' as a core offering.; Positioning combines neighborhood-bar spirit with cocktail-lounge expertise.
Standout selections
- — Pickletini, a named cocktail that customers discuss.; Low Life, a second named cocktail option.
- — Pickletini; Low Life; A full bar mixing classic cocktails and new creations.
Beer
Local beer on draft, with cans and bottles in the fridge. 'Cold Beer' and 'the beer fridge of your garage' are core offerings, and the site documents draft, can, and bottle formats. A recent customer account describes a great beer selection with lots of variety, and another notes cold beer.
Menu strengths
- — Local beer on draft, with cans and bottles in the fridge.
- — Site documents draft, can, and bottle beer formats.
- — A recent customer account describes a great beer selection with lots of variety.
Standout selections
- — Local beer on draft, with cans and bottles in the fridge.
How it sits with the food
Hot dogs are part of the venue's core offerings and pair naturally with a cocktail or a cold beer. The food is simple and built for the bar rather than a full dinner.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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