Mezcalito Durham Grill & Tequila Bar is a mexican restaurant in Durham, NC. Open: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Thu 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM. Phone: (919) 937-9416. Average rating is 4.6 stars from 3,018 reviews. Website: https://mezcalitogrill.com/.
Mezcalito Durham Grill & Tequila Bar
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Interior view of Mezcalito Durham Grill & Tequila Bar.
4.6 3,018 reviews Today 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM

Smoke, Agave, and Durham's Best Damn Tacos

Award-worthy Mexican food, a killer tequila bar, and live music on Ramseur Street, open seven days a week.

About Us

Cozy interior with hanging lights and dining tables at Mezcalito. — Mezcalito Durham Grill & Tequila Bar
Cozy interior with hanging lights and dining tables at Mezcalito.

Over 3,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating don't happen by accident. At Mezcalito Durham Grill & Tequila Bar, the food earns every star. Guests rave about the seasoned chips alone, a small detail that signals something bigger: this kitchen sweats the specifics. From the lemon fish to the Asian ACP to the El Diablo Tacos, the menu moves confidently between classic Mexican comfort and something genuinely unexpected.

Situated on 706 Ramseur St in downtown Durham, Mezcalito has become the kind of place people return to after Mother's Day at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, after a long work week, after a birthday dinner that demands a great margarita. The outdoor atmosphere hums with live music on weekends, and the inside keeps pace, loud and warm and full of people who look like they're exactly where they want to be.

This is not a chain. It is not a formula. It is a Durham restaurant with a genuine personality, a deep tequila and mezcal program, and a kitchen that sends food out hot and fresh every single time.

What We Offer

The menu at Mezcalito spans the full range of Mexican and Tex-Mex territory without losing its edge. Start with the seasoned tortilla chips, the kind of bar-setting snack that makes you realize most places have been doing it wrong. Move into tacos, enchiladas, grilled proteins, and specialty plates that range from bold and smoky to bright and citrus-forward. The Asian ACP and the El Diablo Tacos are customer favorites worth ordering on your first visit.

The bar program is the other half of the story. Mezcalito stocks an extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals, served neat, on the rocks, or shaken into cocktails that go well beyond a standard margarita. Whether you're exploring the smoky depth of a good mezcal or sticking with a house classic, the bar staff knows the bottles.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the kitchen runs until 2:00 AM, making Mezcalito one of the few Durham spots where a late-night craving for real food actually gets answered. Live music on the patio rounds out the experience when the weather cooperates.

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What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Went here for a friends birthday. This is my first time going to this location. I usually go to the Clayton location but the food and service at this location is just as good. I got the lemon fish and a elote for my food. While the elote could be a bit larger this is just my personal preference. The drinking were amazing as well. I got a jolly rancher mojito and a old fashioned"
— Michael Whitley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Visited after Mother’s Day at Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Food was delicious and reasonably priced. Loved the live music and lively atmosphere outside, even while waiting for our table. Our server was very attentive and handled a billing mix-up professionally. It was extremely crowded and loud late Sunday night, and the bathroom was messy from the heavy traffic, but overall we enjoyed the experience."
— Avianna Subedi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"Everything was fantastic. Our server took great care of us. The food was hot and fresh. I absolutely love their chips since they add a seasoning to them. I had the Asian ACP and he had the El Diable Tampiqueno. Mine had steak, shrimp, chicken, parlando peppers, onions, cheese and his had t- bone steak */shrimp/bacon/diabla sauce/flour tortilla/rice/refried beans/grilled onions/guacamole/cheese. Both were amazing and outside of things we usually order. I also had the Pina Jalapeños margarita."
— Ashley S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Went for a late lunch and margaritas and it did not disappoint! We went straight to entrees, but I will definitely be going back to try more dishes. The menu reads like a classic Mexican-American Menu, but each dish is elevated and beautifully plated. It was a little loud inside, so for those who need less sensory input I'd recommend the patio, bit overall an incredible slice of the Durham dining scene."
— Liz Templeton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"We had a wonderful dinner at Mezcalito, and everything exceeded our expectations. The food was absolutely amazing—rich in flavor and beautifully prepared. The drink portions were generous and gave just the right buzz to elevate the evening. The taste was so good that my wife couldn’t stop praising every bite, which says a lot. What truly stood out was the hospitality—the manager personally stopped by our table to check on us, ask for our feedback, and even seek recommendations to make the place better. That genuine care and attention made the experience even more special. Our server Gustavo also did a great job is providing suggestions & took extra care when I mentioned about my food allergies."
— Sudeep Reddy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mezcalito's hours?

Mezcalito is open Monday through Wednesday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Thursday 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM, and Sunday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Seven days a week, no exceptions.

Where is Mezcalito located in Durham?

You'll find Mezcalito at 706 Ramseur St, Durham, NC 27701, in downtown Durham. It's a short drive or walk from Sarah P. Duke Gardens and many other downtown landmarks.

Do they have live music?

Yes. Mezcalito regularly features live music, particularly on weekend evenings. The outdoor patio is a popular spot to enjoy the music while waiting for a table or lingering over drinks.

What dishes are most popular at Mezcalito?

Reviewers consistently highlight the seasoned tortilla chips, the lemon fish, the Asian ACP, and the El Diablo Tacos. The menu is broad, but those dishes come up again and again as must-orders.

Does Mezcalito have a full bar?

Absolutely. The bar program is a major part of the Mezcalito experience, with an extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals available neat, on the rocks, or in craft cocktails. It's not just a restaurant with a bar, it's genuinely a tequila bar that also serves exceptional food.

Is Mezcalito good for groups and celebrations?

Yes. Many guests celebrate birthdays and special occasions here. The lively atmosphere, full bar, and broad menu make it easy to accommodate groups with different tastes. Calling ahead for larger parties is always a smart move.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, Mezcalito has an outdoor area where guests enjoy the atmosphere and live music. It's a popular spot on warm evenings in Durham, and even the wait outside tends to be a good time.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 2:00 AM
Monday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday Today 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
89° Clear Durham
Sat 92° 72°
Sun 85° 72°
Mon 76° 71°
Tue 89° 70°
Wed 98° 71°
Thu 104° 78°
Fri 105° 83°

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