Kingfisher cocktail bar opens in Durham

New craft cocktail bar opening in Durham

The bar, which is named for the unique birds that live along the banks of North Carolina's rivers, will be located at 321 E. Chapel Hill St.

Kingfisher will highlight preserved fruits and produce from North Carolina farms in its craft cocktails and small plates, including strawberries from Lil' Farm in Timberlake and cheese from Chapel Hill Creamery.

New drinks to be offered include the Fresh Blacktail Watermelon, which mixes Campari, vermouth, soda and basil, and a strawberry daiquiri made with strawberry vinegar and pickled strawberries. Kingfisher will also offer non-alcoholic drinks, like "Hot Thyme in the Summertime," made with juniper, thyme, lemon and soda.

Menu items to be served at Kingfisher include small bites like butterbean hummus, spiced pecans, and local meats and cheeses. Heartier items include the Duck Rillette with blackberry mostarda and “Tostado Supremo," a grilled cheese with brisket marmalade and pickled red onions.

Dishes at Kingfisher will be served on plates hand-thrown by Vanderwalker, who is a ceramic artist and decorated the entire bar. For an even more personal touch, paintings created by her grandfather and father will hang on Kingfisher's walls.

Kingfisher, described by owners as a "cozy cocktail den," will seat 60 people with semi-private booths, cocktail tables and a horseshoe-shaped bar.

At first, the bar will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. until midnight. Starting in the fall, it will be open nightly.