Over in Durham, the new restaurant and bar activity has picked up of late! Welcome to the Velvet Hippo, the newest bar in the Bull City and it’s a fun and interesting option. Part cocktail bar, lounge, and rooftop patio, I managed to drop in on their soft opening on July 29th and was pretty impressed. Here’s why you need to visit and hang out at the Velvet Hippo!
Head on over to Orange Street and enter the foyer area at 119 Orange Street (next to the NC Escape Room) and head on up two flights by elevator or stairs. You’ll reach a landing and the Velvet Hippo will be to your left. Inside you’ll find a modern space with some throwback decor. U-shaped bar on one side, in the back right you’ll find a chill lounge area with leather tufted ottomans and a faux 70s fireplace. But the real action is out on the rooftop behind the bar. You’ll find a lower section that’s shaded and then head on to the main patio area to a raised area that overlooks the Chapel Hill Street lot. The view is a bit limited given you’re only on the 3rd floor but still a nice backdrop. Note that the Velvet Hippo’s patio is dog-friendly (Saturday and Sunday afternoons) but you’ll have to bring your pup upstairs through the stairs at 113 Orange Street!
The Velvet Hippo also offers up a small menu of snacks and one funny food option that starts with an “F” and includes caviar and champagne, check out the menu below. Given that it’s only been open a short time I’m curious to see how the place evolves over time. And the name? Yeah, it’s a nickname for the owner’s pitbull pup and you might be familiar with it! All in all, it’s nice to have another cocktail option in downtown Durham and closer to DPAC. So enjoy that rooftop patio while the warm summer weather is still here in the Bull City. The Velvet Hippo is a great place to do just that…
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