When it comes to bars and speakeasies, I am a big fan! And the Red Phone Booth was one of the first real speakeasies I experienced down in Atlanta, GA. I was in town for a Falcons game and heard about this under-the-radar bar that required a secret code for entry. Fast forward to ten years later, and now the Bull City has its own Red Phone Booth! As one of seven locations in the Red Phone Booth group, it lives up to expectations but may not be everyone’s cup of tea- I mean, cup of bourbon!
Red Phone Booth, Durham – Location, Interior
To visit Red Phone Booth in Durham, head on over to W. Orange Street in downtown Durham. I’m sure you won’t be able to miss the red London-style phone booth up front. There’s a second discreet door to the left that is primarily used as an exit. So how to get in? In most scenarios I’ve been in, you either need to get the secret code from an existing member or you can ask a local hotel concierge or desk person. They will likely have the secret code. Beyond that, I’m sure there are ways to get the code, but I’m not entirely certain! Dial the code at the phone booth, and someone should be there to let you in
Once inside the Red Phone Booth, you’ll immediately notice the warm and cozy environs, typical of the concept. The main bar will be to your left, along with stairs to the private, members-only second floor. Seating is primarily in the form of Italian leather couches, set up face-to-face for conversation with friends or strangers. Overhead, you’ll find streaked, amber panels giving the entire space a warm glow. The space is built for a bit of laid-back warmth and relaxation!
And for the cigar fans out there, in the very back, you’ll find Red Phone Booth’s walk-in humidor and an assortment of cigars from $15 and up. Note that they have a very sophisticated HVAC system built to keep cigar smoke to a minimum. The air is refreshed a couple of times a minute with outside air, keeping the breathing environment clean and clear.
Moving up to the second floor, you’ll have a members-only section. Red Phone Booth club memberships are available from $400 to $4,000 a year. Benefits may include an engraved nameplate, priority entry, special events, and more! The second floor is a bit more spread out with TVs to catch the local game and windows for a bit of sunlight.
Red Phone Booth, Durham – Menu, Drink, Food
As a speakeasy concept, the Red Phone Booth offers a variety of craft cocktails and whiskeys by the glass. What better way to enjoy your cigar than with a smooth drink? Just be aware that cocktail prices are on the higher side.
And a short menu of bites, salads, and Neapolitan-style pizzas will keep you filled up. The peppadews (pickled peppers) come on top of a bit of burrata cheese and are drizzled with balsamic vinegar, a very tasty but light starter. We also tried the margherita and mushroom-truffle pizza. It’s a solid version of a Neapolitan pie, offered in a single 12″ size. The food menu at Red Phone Booth is built for snacking versus having a full meal; we’re talking about shrimp cocktail, meatballs, and more.
Red Phone Booth, Durham – Service, Conclusion
During my comped visits to the Red Phone Booth, service has been very good. The staff is trained to deliver an upscale experience, decked out in crisp white shirts, black ties, and vests; apropos for the speakeasy vibe they are going for. I enjoyed both my visits to the Red Phone Booth, but it is more of a posh, traditional club-type experience. Which is quite a bit different than the usual casual Durham-vibe! And while it is part of a chain, Red Phone Booth Durham is locally owned by locals (Dr. Thomas and Dr. Mensah). I still imagine it will be a busy spot for a quiet drink and conversation for those who need that type of environment. So a big welcome to the Red Phone Booth in Durham!
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