Social Profile: 
![]()
… View more
The Velvet Hippo is a new neighborhood bar for everybody, now open on Orange Street in historic Downtown Durham! Serving fun and fanciful signature cocktails, local beers, creative mocktails and slushes, and light bites in a welcoming space complete with rooftop views. Come enjoy a vacation vibe in a cozy space that feels like the bar from CHEERS and looks like a tropical getaway.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 119 Orange St 3rd Floor, Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 294-4447
Website: https://www.velvethippodurham.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
The Velvet Hippo Rooftop Bar & Lounge | Durham, North Carolina
We’re here 7 days a week serving fun and fanciful signature cocktails, local beers, creative mocktails and slushes, and light bites in a welcoming space …
The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge (@velvethippodurham) – Instagram
A neighborhood bar for everybody, with good drinks strong vibes and velvet hippos . Dogs on the deck 12-6 Sat/Sun. 119 Orange St, 3rd floor, Durham …
The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge | Discover Durham
The Velvet Hippo, an homage to the owner’s love of dogs, offers a breezy rooftop oasis with a view, glistening signature cocktails, boozy slushes, draft IPAs, …
Last Updates
Reviews
Theresa Novicky
I’ve been coming to The Velvet Hippo for about a year now, and it consistently impresses me with both its food and drink offerings. The menu features creative cocktails, local beers, and tasty bar bites that never disappoint!
Walker is always quick with a smile and great recommendations, making every visit enjoyable, and Jules is a joy to talk to behind the bar — friendly, fun, and always adding to the upbeat vibe. The whole team brings energy and enthusiasm that makes the Hippo a great neighborhood spot in downtown Durham.
The space itself is always decorated seasonally and has indoor, outdoor, and rooftop areas. I love that it feels inclusive and welcoming, with something for everyone.
Overall, it’s become one of my go-to spots in Durham for fun drinks, good food, and great vibes. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a neighborhood bar with personality and consistently excellent service.
… moreWalker is always quick with a smile and great recommendations, making every visit enjoyable, and Jules is a joy to talk to behind the bar — friendly, fun, and always adding to the upbeat vibe. The whole team brings energy and enthusiasm that makes the Hippo a great neighborhood spot in downtown Durham.
The space itself is always decorated seasonally and has indoor, outdoor, and rooftop areas. I love that it feels inclusive and welcoming, with something for everyone.
Overall, it’s become one of my go-to spots in Durham for fun drinks, good food, and great vibes. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a neighborhood bar with personality and consistently excellent service.
Thomas Watson
The holiday decorations here are alone worth the visit. The drinks are fun and the staff is welcoming. It was chilly outside, but we braved it for the pretty views. I would definitely return during the holiday season (and later when it’s warmer).
… moreKay
Great bar with a nice rooftop. The drinks and the staff were awesome.
Update: I have now been numerous more times and each time has been fantastic. Such good vibes with chill people and great drinks. This has become a go to spot!
… moreUpdate: I have now been numerous more times and each time has been fantastic. Such good vibes with chill people and great drinks. This has become a go to spot!
Nick Leachman
Best rooftop bar in Durham – Velvet opened since I’ve been living here & has been my favorite outdoor rooftop & bar in town. Super friendly & fun bar staff – especially Carissa! Since coming here, Carissa always knows how’s to get the party started with Jello-o shots & whichever shooter they have on the menu that week.
Love coming here any day of the week to enjoy sunset. They have great drink deals everyday of the week & fun events (drag bingo, DJ events, even bringing puppies from the local shelter available for adoption).
Couldn’t recommend this place more to anyone looking for a fun afternoon or evening in Durham.
… moreLove coming here any day of the week to enjoy sunset. They have great drink deals everyday of the week & fun events (drag bingo, DJ events, even bringing puppies from the local shelter available for adoption).
Couldn’t recommend this place more to anyone looking for a fun afternoon or evening in Durham.
Amanda Madison
Far and away one of my favorite places to take people in Durham when they visit us. Everyone who works there is so friendly. Their inside is cozy and decorated festive depending on season. Their rooftop is great and as a bonus, they offer blankets for when it gets cold. Limited food menu but what I’ve eaten has been good (I’m not personally going here to eat though) I’m going for their fun drinks, both cocktails and mocktails, and the view.
I do see people coming for the first time sometimes get discombobulated as to where to find it. Go in the building and take elevator and you’ll see an open peachy pink door that leads to their bar.
… moreI do see people coming for the first time sometimes get discombobulated as to where to find it. Go in the building and take elevator and you’ll see an open peachy pink door that leads to their bar.
Steve B
I just moved here and was told that it’s pretty much the closest you’re going to get to a gay bar in Durham. It was all straight when I visited, but the place has an excellent atmosphere, great cocktails, and great service. The rooftop bar is fabulous. Did some walking around downtown. When I moved here, so many people busted on it is being unsafe, but I found it anything but. Downtown Durham has a lot to offer, this place included. Thumbs up! UPDATE: Changed from a 5 to a 3. Be mindful of some of the obnoxious patrons that come here since this is the “it“ bar. Namely, on my second visit I had to deal with a group of businessmen that were crowding around the patio doorway and would not move to let people get through. I sent an email to the bar management, who responded positively. Still though, some of the patrons here are arrogantly disrespectful.
… moreALLISON DRAPALA
The Velvet Hippo is exactly the kind of place that makes you feel like you accidentally stumbled into your new favorite hangout. We dropped in on a Sunday because (a) they’re proudly LGBTQ+ inclusive, and (b) they allow dogs—which, let’s be real, is a massive win for any spot in Florida heat.
First impression?
Packed. But in a good way. The energy was high, the patio was buzzing, and every table felt like the cool kids’ table. It was one of those effortlessly fun environments where you can’t help but vibe along.
Food-wise:
I went with the tostadas, which were absolutely brimming with flavor—crispy, fresh, and loaded with toppings that weren’t just filler. My husband ordered the Cuban sliders, and full disclosure: I immediately regretted not doing the same. They were juicy, savory, and had us doing the polite “just one more bite?” dance until the plate was clean.
Drinks:
His old fashioned? A+—perfectly balanced and smooth. This isn’t one of those bars that half-asses the cocktail game. They know what they’re doing.
Would we go back?
Without hesitation. Great food, great drinks, a fun and inclusive crowd, and our dog was treated like royalty. If you’re in St. Pete and want something casual but full of personality, The Velvet Hippo is the move.
Pro tips:
* Get there early on Sundays—it gets crowded fast.
* Order the Cuban sliders. Trust me.
* Patio is dog-friendly, so bring your pup for bonus smiles.
… moreFirst impression?
Packed. But in a good way. The energy was high, the patio was buzzing, and every table felt like the cool kids’ table. It was one of those effortlessly fun environments where you can’t help but vibe along.
Food-wise:
I went with the tostadas, which were absolutely brimming with flavor—crispy, fresh, and loaded with toppings that weren’t just filler. My husband ordered the Cuban sliders, and full disclosure: I immediately regretted not doing the same. They were juicy, savory, and had us doing the polite “just one more bite?” dance until the plate was clean.
Drinks:
His old fashioned? A+—perfectly balanced and smooth. This isn’t one of those bars that half-asses the cocktail game. They know what they’re doing.
Would we go back?
Without hesitation. Great food, great drinks, a fun and inclusive crowd, and our dog was treated like royalty. If you’re in St. Pete and want something casual but full of personality, The Velvet Hippo is the move.
Pro tips:
* Get there early on Sundays—it gets crowded fast.
* Order the Cuban sliders. Trust me.
* Patio is dog-friendly, so bring your pup for bonus smiles.
Matea L.
12/7/24 – I loved the decor here! The roof view is beautiful. Bartenders were super great and kind. The drinks were also great. Definitely a spot to hang out, drink, and enjoy the view.
… moreJeffrey Zacko-Smith
Simply my favorite recent addition to the Durham bar and dining scene … really delicious and fun cocktails, great service and a sassy and classy atmosphere. The two level roof deck (covered and uncovered with effective heaters) is one of the best in the city. Food is good, though a tad pricey for what you get. Wish I lived closer!
… moreDani Black
Perfect place for a celebration, catchup date, or simply a random party with the community. It’s the perfect blend of intimate and urban, rooftop and cozy, stylish and warm and welcoming to all.
Food just keeps getting better, cheese board is especially nice: pretty, fresh and tasty.
If cocktails are your thing, I think this is the funnest place in Durham.
… moreFood just keeps getting better, cheese board is especially nice: pretty, fresh and tasty.
If cocktails are your thing, I think this is the funnest place in Durham.