There’s nothing better than a night at the theater or a concert at DPAC. Love their service and it’s always fun to wrap dinner and/or drinks around a special evening. With the demise of Whiskey over at Five Points, there weren’t many options for a pre-show cocktail until Bar Virgile came onto the scene. Owned and run by the folks from Nana’s, I was able to stop in before a Wednesday night presentation of Wicked. And all I can say is that I loved it! And I’m pretty sure you will too, here’s why…
Bar Virgile is one of the closest bars to DPAC given its convenient Mangum Street location. From the outside you’ll first notice Bar Virgile’s bright neon sign. The front is pretty non-descript, just some plate glass windows with a side entryway tucked in a bit. Inside you’ll find Bar Virgile to be a comforting watering hole. Polished dark wood bar with a tall wall of bottles behind it, Bar Virgile also has a small dining room for a short menu of appetizers, charcuterie, and sandwiches, cool! The tight kitchen is in the corner next to the bar and you can watch all the action unfold from the end seats. And don’t miss the cool stamped metal ceiling in the bar area, very cool.
The bar menu is not too big and not too small. A good selection of beers, wines and classic cocktails. Vested bartenders are working hard in back serving the bar crowd along with the dining room, I go for a couple of beers tonight to keep things simple. It’s fun to watch the crowd come in and out, it’s probably a 30 – 55 year old scene given the pre-show time frame. Poking through the menu it seems pretty eclectic and includes spiced pecans, foie gras, lobster roll and more. Just enough to tide you over for a bit without going all out!
I finish my beer, thank the bartender and head on out into the night for my DPAC show. And I was pretty impressed with Bar Virgile, it just seemed really comfortable to me and reminds me of some of my favorite haunts in SF. A little bit classic and a lotta bit comfortable. Give Bar Virgile a try the next time you’re at DPAC for a show! Next time I really hope to try some of their eats off the menu…
105 S Mangum Street
Durham, NC 27701
919.973.3000
First Take: Only Burger at the ATC, Burgers Done Right