Kingfisher

Kingfisher is a craft cocktail bar in downtown Durham, North Carolina, founded by husband-and-wife team Sean Umstead and Michelle Vanderwalker who celebrate the state's culinary heritage through ground-to-glass cocktails and seasonal local ingredients. The basement speakeasy features a hand-tiled bar, cozy lounge seating, exposed brick, and ceramic dishes crafted by Vanderwalker, creating an inviting speak-easy atmosphere. Signature drinks like the Muscadine Mai Tai showcase North Carolina's distinct flavors, while the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a crowd favorite. A 2023 James Beard Awards semifinalist for Outstanding Bar, Kingfisher showcases locally-sourced dedication in an artfully designed space.