Sip, stroll and savor at the nearly 90 establishments that participate in The Bullpen
By Leah Berry | Photography by John Michael Simpson
The Bullpen launched nearly two years ago in December 2022, establishing a vibrant, walkable downtown zone that’s abuzz with bevvies and social activity. “The initial vision of The Bullpen was to give downtown’s small business owners an economic boost coming out of the pandemic,” Downtown Durham Inc. Director of Business Engagement Tiffany Bashore says. “The goal was to encourage folks to come … and enjoy a beverage as they walked from place to place, or just to sit outside and enjoy the weather and community.” In an early 2024 survey, 60% of downtown businesses reported a boost in sales since the program launched, she says.
The Bullpen operates daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with participating businesses marked by signature window clings, making it easy for visitors to know where they can grab a drink to-go. Tiffany hopes the district continues to enhance the downtown experience as more community members utilize it to connect and enjoy exploring the city at a relaxed pace.
We visited five of the nearly 90 Bullpen business owners to check in and, naturally, grab a drink.
New to the social district is High Dive, which opened in mid-August on West Main Street. The spot serves as a laid-back alternative to Annexe and Bar Virgile – its sister establishments across the street – offering up draft and bottled beer, mini beer buckets, cheese nachos, popcorn and more, plus a touch of nostalgia with its jukebox and retro games like pinball, foosball and darts. All three businesses participate in The Bullpen, and co-owner Nellie Vail says, “it’s proven to be an especially nice connector for patrons who want to eat and imbibe at Durham’s quality establishments and carry their beverages to their entertainment destinations, like Durham Performing Arts Center, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the Carolina Theatre.”
Weldon Mills Distillery, with its back-door entrance tucked away on the South Roxboro Street side of the East Main Street business, brought its speakeasy vibes to the Bull City in 2023 after first opening in its namesake North Carolina town in 2019. The bar crafts its own spirits and offers a mix of tempting bites, live music, bourbon tastings and inventive cocktails. General Manager Darryl Russell is a fan of the district’s ability to draw more patrons, saying it’s a win-win for both businesses and guests. “It has also allowed us expanded use of our patio,” Darryl says, noting that “some people would even love to see The Bullpen hours extended to bring more of a nightlife to Durham.” Darryl hopes more businesses join The Bullpen and wants more awareness around it. “The more people who know, the more people are willing to utilize The Bullpen,” he says. He also urges visitors to broaden the scope of their social district adventures. “Don’t forget the east side of Main Street exists!” Darryl says. While you’re there, order a Herby Derby – a refreshing concoction of its 3 Hamlets raspberry rose gin, elderflower liqueur, mint, sage, pineapple, lemon, turbinado and soda.
Many will remember Brunello Wine Bar’s first iteration as Bar Brunello on East Main Street. The new location – founded by owner, sommelier, oenologist and Buenos Aires native Esteban Brunello in October 2022 – is a casually elegant space where guests can explore both Old World wines and lesser-known varietals. Esteban says people are often excited to learn that they can take a glass of wine to-go. “People really enjoy it,” he says. “I think it’s fun for them, being able to taste what different establishments have to offer while walking around the town.” Visit during one of the bar’s Durham Wine Tasting Series or stop in soon to sip, swirl and savor devilishly delicious wines like the 2023 Rosha Winery “EB,” a blend of 70% Rkatsiteli and 30% Mtsvane grape varieties sourced from the rich soils of the Kakheti region in the Republic of Georgia, that Esteban is pouring here.
Drop by Chibanga’s Neighborhood Market for a cold beer, a quick snack, fresh produce, household essentials, tomorrow’s dinner and so much more. Take a seat outside and stay awhile, or grab your goods and go. Owner Javon Gaters says the convenience store, which opened in July 2023, has a little bit of everything and that The Bullpen has helped to amplify his business. “We get a lot of people headed down to DPAC or down to a ball game, and they’ll pop in and get a drink to-go,” Javon says. “We do mimosas here in the mornings, so we’ll get a lot of people who are cruising around downtown, and come in and get a mimosa to-go.
“It’s been great for us, and I think people are kind of catching on to what’s going on, so we’re really starting to see it grow.” Javon says it inspires him to come up with creative ideas for beverage offerings that can be sold to-go, and he hopes to soon present different mocktails and slushies. In the meantime, take inspiration from Marcus Trotter, Holland Sink, Will Sink, Tess Filipowicz and Clara Penati, and opt for a couple drinks (they went with hard seltzers, strawberry mimosas and NoDa Brewing’s Big Slurp IPA) among friends.
LouElla Wine, Beer & Beverage is your one-stop bottle shop, bar and event space that offers curated wine and craft beer – and has been doing so since it opened on Geer Street in 2019 under the leadership of owner/manager Campbell Davis. “People enjoy the freedom to grab a drink while they are walking around,” Campbell says of his customers’ experience in the district. Beer and wine drinkers alike can find autumnal options like the Weihenstephaner Pilsner, Bodega Verde Cariñena Blanco white and the Dupre “1942” Village red.
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