Sit. Stay.

The Velvet Hippo is a neighborhood bar for everybody. You’ll find us on Orange Street in historic downtown 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 complete with rooftop views of downtown.

Come enjoy a vacation vibe in a cozy space that feels like the bar from CHEERS and looks like a tropical getaway.

Please Note: The elevator in our building is currently out of service. We’re in close contact with the building owner about their timeline for repairs/replacement, and they are very aware of the impact this has on our patrons and our operations. They’ve assured us they are working to resolve the problem ASAP. Reasonable staff assistance in accessing the bar via the stairs is available by calling the bar at 919-294-4447. Thank you so much for your patience! UPDATE 8/16: The work on the elevator is complete, and they are just waiting on the inspection in the next week!

Our Hours

Monday-Thursday: 4pm - midnight
Friday: 4pm - 2am
Saturday: 12pm - 2am
Sunday: 12pm - midnight

Kitchen open ‘til 10pm Sun-Weds, 12am Thurs-Sat!

Yappy Hours:
We’re happy to welcome well-behaved pups to our roofdeck on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-6pm! Because we can’t have pets inside, please bring dogs up via their VIP stairs two doors down to the left of our main entry.

Best Cocktails | Best Mocktails
Best Late Night | Best Date Night

Best Mixologist | Best Neighborhood Bar
Best NA Drinks | Best New Business

Best Cocktails | Best Neighborhood Bar
Best NA Drinks | Best Drag Event (bingo)

View fullsize One more chance to dance! 🪩💃🏽🕺🏽Jorden The DJ is on from 7-11pm tonight (Sunday) to get your vibe right for the holiday tomorrow. No work? Go wild! Gotta work? No worries, you’ll be in bed by midnight either way 😴. Specials on spritzes and
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View fullsize We got a 5th Friday, y’all! 🪩 Come jump start your holiday weekend with @jorden.the.dj, special guest @soupthedj, and all your favorite bartenders 🍹🍸🍺. DJs 10pm-1am, drinks specials all night, no cover as always. Must be 21+ with valid ID.
View fullsize When there’s multiple bingos in one round, there’s only one way to pick a winner!🕺💃 Come spend your Thursday night with the most fun, hype, supportive crowd in town at Thursday Music Bingo with @stormiedaie 🦄 Guest DJ tonight is Jorden
View fullsize Oh helloooo, Southern Living!!! 💛✨💛✨ So proud to be highlighted as a representative of the Bull City’s incredible craft cocktail scene! What an amazing feeling. Thanks to our team for showing the journalist a great time, and to @durhamnc for
View fullsize No work on Monday = kickback on Sunday! Rooftop vibes, drink specials, and your favorite neighborhood bartenders all day, plus beats from @jorden.the.dj from 7-11pm to make your night! 🔊☀️🍹. . . . #labordayfun #durhamweekend #bullcity #durm #durham
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View fullsize This Sunday, Pink Triangle is back for another afternoon Tea Party! 💖🔻Join @b_color_full_productions from 4-8pm for an afternoon of music, dancing, and community fun with @father_disco_, Aron Wayne, @mx.c.mh. This is a *free event*, and Pink Triang
View fullsize Is your calendar synced with ours?? 🗓️🪩🎶 THURSDAYS: Music Bingo with @stormiedaie and guest DJs @gayagendanc and @jorden.the.dj 1st FRIDAYS: Latin Night with @synko_bull_city 2nd & 4th (&5th!) FRIDAYS: SunSets 7-9:30 and Night Shift 1
View fullsize The most beautiful sight we ever did see! 🥹✨ The elevator repair folks have been in the MIX this week, and the latest from the landlord is that they’re hoping for inspection next week! 🤞🤞🤞Thank you all for your patience and your kind words
View fullsize This Friday! 🔊 This month’s Femme Friday artist will be DJ Gina! Back for a second round. Come dance the night away with us. Friday drinks specials: $5 Bull City Cider🍎 and $7 White Gummy Bear shots 🤍. . . . #bullcity #durhamdj #durhambars #
View fullsize Welcome OUTSOUTH! 🎥🏳️‍🌈 We’re so excited to see all the folks out and about for @outsouthqueerfilmfest at @carolinatheatredurham starting tomorrow! Come enjoy a $12 OUTSOUR cocktail with us Thursday—Sunday this week. (If you love a
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View fullsize Starting tonight with @jorden.the.dj! ✨🌙 By popular demand, we’ll now have a late night DJ every Friday, just like we do on Saturday 🪩 Every 2nd and 4th (and sometimes 5th!) Friday after our evening SunSets rooftop sets, we’re
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View fullsize Did you know that Velvet Hippo is owned by two sets of sisters and a sisterfriend? From left to right…Alison has known us all for decades (even before some of us knew each other); Claire is married to Leslie, whose sister is Sarah, who is stan