Interior View of Kotuku Surf Club

Kotuku Surf Club

Bar

Straightforward tavern lined with vintage signs & memorabilia, plus a pool table, bocce & darts. People often mention great, Durham, outdoor, staff, Great, beer, ball, space, drink, bocce,


Address

703 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701

Website

www.instagram.com

Contact

(919) 294-9661

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50
(191403 reviews)


Working Hours

  • Sunday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Monday: 6 PM to 2 AM
  • Tuesday: (Christmas Eve), 3 PM to 2 AM, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: (Christmas), 3 PM to 2 AM, Hours might differ
  • Thursday: (Boxing Day), 3 PM to 2 AM, Hours might differ
  • Friday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 3 PM to 2 AM

Visitor Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (13) Durham (11) outdoor (9) staff (8) Great (8) beer (8) ball (8) space (8) drink (7) bocce (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ahmad M. 1 year ago on Google • 22 reviews
    Bar is a staple of Durham. One of the first bars on the scene and one of my go-to’s. Another great piece is that, being a private club, they have an age restriction, I believe 23 and up, that keeps huge groups of college kids from flooding the bar and overcrowding everything. There’s indoor and outdoor seating that’s comfortable. The staff have stayed over the years so there’s also a fun familiarity to the place. They’re super kind and quick to serve. Drinks are super reasonably priced and they always have a cheap pint of Budweiser on tap. Surf Club also hosts a bunch of changing food trucks and weekly events, so even past the dive bar ambiance, there’s quite a bit to do, including games they have set up. Would highly recommend as a day time stop for a nice, relaxing drink, or a fun night out on the weekend.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hannah C. 6 years ago on Google • 533 reviews
    Great spacious bar with bocce and shuffleboard. They also usually have a pretty extensive beer selection to choose from which is a plus.i don't really understand the whole membership thing, but other than that it's an awesome bar right in Durham to hang with friends and drink delicious beer. They also have an outdoor area you can bring your dog to which is of course, important.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John V. 1 year ago on Google • 929 reviews
    Awesome hangout spot. We went when it wasn't crowded and could actually enjoy a conversation / drinks. Would go back

  • 5/5 Salome L. 5 years ago on Google
    The outdoors of the place are nice, you can see the sunset with a beer in your hand, having a really pretty and relaxing moment. Also the beer is cheap!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lara M. 1 year ago on Google
    My favorite bar in Durham, and maybe anywhere. A cozy atmosphere with several different vibes depending where you sit, a curated and thoughtful draught list, and the wonderful staff is kind, efficient, and fun to hang with. I particularly love the 23+ policy and the days and nights there are vintage/craft markets. The Pool Room Music Series is solid, and they book great DJs and food trucks too. Proud to call myself a regular for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Reed F. 8 years ago on Google
    My friend (who knows these things) says they have a good beer selection and I have been pleased with the beers I've had there. If you are looking for anything other than beers (or wine?) however this may not be the place for you. The atmosphere is fun - kind of divey, Bocce ball outside, patio seating available. Apparently when Duke is in session it gets perhaps too crowded on weekends.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander S. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place to hang out the crowd was mature. We were able to sit outside. Fantastic and on the street parking is available.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Henry C. 1 year ago on Google • 242 reviews
    A really excellent Durham dive. Cheap beer, a cool scene, good mix of indoor and outdoor space. Bar tenders are mostly friendly, sometimes a little curt. Also a good spot for a wedding after party!

  • 5/5 FOEChief 7 months ago on Google • 184 reviews
    Great helpful staff. A patron fell out and the staff and other guests quickly helped with water and juice. Nice outdoor seating and activities. Outside and inside bars. But durham nc and her folk have always been more helpful and friendly than rumors suggest. Will return you should visit. Nice mixed crowd of all ages and variations.

  • 5/5 Danilo M. 5 months ago on Google • 112 reviews
    My favorite dive bar in Durham. Have been coming here for many many years.

  • 5/5 Logan B. 6 years ago on Google • 80 reviews
    Had a great time with a group of friends here over the weekend. Good drink prices, prompt and friendly staff, great music, pool table, bocce ball, and darts. What else do you need?

  • 5/5 Cooper G. 5 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    Really liked my time at Surf Club on a Wednesday. The place was busy but didn't feel crowded, and the bartenders were quick to serve, with several beers on steep discount (think $3-4/pour) as they were trying to open up taps for new kegs. I'm usually a brewery guy, but the divey atmosphere is fun and I'll definitely be going back.

  • 1/5 Kendra K. 5 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Bartenders need an attitude check

  • 5/5 Amanda M. 1 year ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Fun spot downtown with an eclectic retro vibe. Great service from Reece and Lacey, who keep the drinks and tunes flowing. Music varies, but each night has a theme. Large outdoor space with a bar, tables, and a bocce ball court.

  • 5/5 Shani N. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    I was first introduced to the Surf Club as a vendor during @thriftabull. The atmosphere is amazing and took me back to a time when things were simple. The staff was super friendly 😀

  • 5/5 Erika S. 7 years ago on Google
    Really cool bar, Love the bocce ball court and the back. Bartenders know how to make a really good drink. They don't have many mixes but if you're looking for something simple they have got your back.

  • 5/5 robbie d. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place on the trek around Durham. Definitely stop.

  • 5/5 Kerri H. 1 year ago on Google
    Surf Club is one of the best bars in Durham. Divey vibes, friendly staff, great beer list. They also have djs often and the Pool Table Music Series has been a great addition to the scene. I have been a customer here over a decade now and it is the place we always get together. Durham staple for sure.

  • 5/5 Kimberly S. 7 years ago on Google
    This is my favorite bar in Durham. The decor and ambiance are great! Being able to drink outside on the patio is a nice touch as well. There are a few other great bars on the same street so location is good for a night out drinking.

  • 5/5 Rutger de K. 1 year ago on Google
    I had contacted the owner a while back regarding an issue with my bill being overcharged. Could I please have his email address/phone # again. I'm coming in on Friday and wanted to see if my $40 tab was still open. Also, I'll be bringing a good amount of people with me to support the business:)

  • 5/5 Amit N. 1 year ago on Google
    Great bar in prime location in Durham, with nice outdoor space and seating. They always have a couple rotating beers on sale for $3-4 which is a great deal. Outdoor space also includes a few games like bocce ball.

  • 4/5 Taylor G. 9 years ago on Google
    Great dive bar experience elevated by the inclusion of a nice shuffleboard table, pool table, and bocci ball courts out back. They almost always have something on special for around $3. Can get busy when Duke is in session and the weather is nice.

  • 4/5 Jason C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great venue for a brew and to catch up with friends. Love the old bar decor.

  • 5/5 Sophia G. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down, the best bar in Durham. I can't tell you why, you'll just have to realize it for yourself.

  • 4/5 Chloe V. 1 year ago on Google
    my boyfriend and i love surf club, we go a lot of our free weekends and sometimes weekday evenings! however, last night i was turned away and told the bar was “23 and up”. i just turned 21 in january, and theyve let me in every single time. i have a polaroid photo of myself and friends on the bar wall, so it was pretty annoying and odd when i was turned away and told “youre way too young”. if my ID shows i’m 21, the legal drinking age, i want to know why i’m not allowed. genuine curiosity! other than last night, surf club has always been super fun! we meet great people, the music is always good, drinks are delicious and bartenders are super kind!

  • 5/5 Tucker W. 2 years ago on Google
    Liked the inside outside bar, and the couches in the pool room. Large open outside area and bocchi (sp) ball. Had a great time here. Friendly crowd.

  • 2/5 Eugene M. 2 years ago on Google
    A tad too home for my taste. Unfriendly service and warm draught beer. No thank you

  • 5/5 Falyn O. 2 years ago on Google
    Great pub with a relaxed vibe and space to be comfortable. Good selection of drinks and games. Exceptional outdoor space, including bocce lanes!

  • 5/5 Natalie P. 2 years ago on Google
    Great vibes and decent variety of drink options. The layout is great and accomodations those who want to sit out and chat, dance with a DJ, or play a variety of games (indoor or outdoor). My favorite is bocce ball if you get there early enough to grab a spot. Sometimes it can take a while to get a drink, but the staff are always pretty friendly.

  • 5/5 Devin C. 2 years ago on Google
    A classic local bar that has been around forever with cheap drinks and several Bacce Ball courts.

  • 5/5 David P. 2 years ago on Google
    A fun place to hang out on a still summer night. Bocce courts, a great outdoor seating area and an incredibly unique use of space. Kotuku is a vibe worth checking out. Further, I appreciate the 23+ age limit raising the average maturity of their patrons.

  • 5/5 John Von V. 2 years ago on Google
    Old school vibe. Lots of space inside and out. Go, you'll know.

  • 5/5 Mike L. 1 year ago on Google • 1 review
    While I have never been here, I am quite fond of the unique atmosphere, specifically that it is one-of-a-kind in the fact that they are a 23 & Up establishment. I am either too drunk to consider remembering to go check it out, or not drunk enough to make fun decisions such as frequent this establishment. Sure, I’ve never been, and you’ve never seen me, and we don’t know each other - But it must be said that I love you.


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