Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom

Tyler's Restaurant & TaproomTyler's Restaurant & Taproom
Tyler's Restaurant & TaproomTyler's Restaurant & Taproom
Bar, Eatery

324 Blackwell St
Ste 400
Durham, North Carolina, 27701-3600
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.23
Reviews:
50
Ratings:
69
pDev:
8.04%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by MuddyFeet:
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Reviewed by MuddyFeet from North Carolina

3.73/5  rDev -11.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
We swung by after a recetn Bulls game to wait for the parking deck to empty. Reminded me not so much of a college bar as a bar to remind older folks about what college bars used to be when we were in college. Two bars that I saw with tables on one side and pool and foosball on the other. A very large space which was nice because I hardly noticed the crowd. TVs around the rooms and I think I remember seeing some couches.

Fifty or so taps with a lot of local offerings. Not sure about the bottles though. I saw some folks carrying beer menus but I just picked something from the taps on the wall. Once concern I have though is we had some stools at the bar and only heard requests for the macro-style usual suspects which led me to wonder how long some of those kegs have been hooked up for. service was also a bit annoying. One annoying thing I have noticed in several NC beer bars is that once the crowd gets big they try not to serve bers in a glass but rather a plastic Solo cup. I had to ask repeatedly to get an actual pint glass. It would be one thing if I was ealking around the room but I had been sitting at the bar for several drinks and still was not able to get some. But I saw other folks walking away with pint glasses.

I am not sure I would go to Durham just for the bar but I would definitely visit after my next Bulls game.
Jul 01, 2007
More User Ratings:
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Reviewed by Sludgeman from District of Columbia

3.86/5  rDev -8.7%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
Visited around 9pm on a Tuesday evening. Place was almost empty.

V - Large old warehouse space converted into a restaurant. Open, clean, neither too dark or too bright. More a sports bar than beer bar. 3.25

Q - No complaints but all beer came in a shaker pint.

Ser - No real beer knowledge with the server. Have you ever had one of the servers who never there when you need them but always there when you don't. 3.75

Sel - A nice broad selection of styles with very good North Carolina representation. Everyone can find something to satisfy their tastes for multiple rounds. 4.5

F - Had the fired pork chops, which were overdone but the cheesy grits and fried apples were decent. 3.5
Feb 14, 2019
 
Rated: 4.38 by HeartofMiami from Florida

Feb 02, 2018
 
Rated: 4.19 by seanchai from Virginia

Apr 06, 2017
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Reviewed by DoubleSimcoe from Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev -1.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.5
During our quick visit to the Durham-Duke area, the wife and I stopped at the American Tobacco complex, a former industrial site newly renovated into shops, restaurants, apartments and more.

Inside, Tyler’s has a typical industrial-warehouse setup, with exposed brick and wood and beeriana on the walls. 66 taps, and a menu as thick as a Bible. Divided in styles and with lots of NC beers (Foothills, Wicked Weed) but also goodies from all over the world like Rodenbach Grand Cru, Espresso Yeti, Van Honsebrouck Kasteel Bansta Chocolate Quad, Troegs barrel-aged Imp Stout and Bear Republic Tartare.

Friendly but slow service at the bar. Fresh pints of Wicked Weed Green Monster were outlandishly delicious. I would definitely come back here, in between pizza at the Mellow Mushroom next door.
Jan 08, 2017
 
Rated: 4.34 by rosmith51 from North Carolina

Jun 01, 2016
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Reviewed by clayrock81 from Florida

3.94/5  rDev -6.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75 | food: 4
Area of Durham that reminds me of other newly built, "trendy" complexes (complete with stupid name) that seems to attract a mix of young and old (old and rich) so thought this place could be a big whiff. Generally surprised as place has good service, the food is good, served quick and not expensive, and biggest surprise is that this bar actually has a good beer menu. Nothing mindblowing and selection to me doesn't strike me as making this place a real craft beer destination, but found some quality beers and they are well-priced so this place isn't putting a couple craft macros on tap and calling themselves a craft beer bar. If you're in the area then this place is worth stopping at for a quick meal and a couple of brews.
Mar 30, 2016
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Reviewed by Treyliff from West Virginia

4.2/5  rDev -0.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Any place that has a leather bound beer menu is worth visiting. Very wide selection, though nothing super limited when I was there. Food is quite good, like upscale bar food. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
Mar 05, 2016
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Reviewed by LagersAles from Canada (ON)

4.34/5  rDev +2.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
A trip to nc to visit the duke u lemur centre resulted in side trip to Tyler's for a couple pints and some grub. First off, it's not easy to find as it doesn't face Blackwell st, but is tucked in behind the renovated tobacco factory fronting Blackwell. Absolutely beautiful plaza, with an artificial river, outdoor loungers and fireplaces. Tyler's itself is very warm and inviting, if not a bit industrial. We just happened to stroll in a couple days after the victory brewing tap takeover. 20 victory taps, plus another select dozen or so. I had a foothills hoppyum IPA and a green flash handshake IPA. Wife ordered the victory 20th anniversary. Beers were fresh, service was prompt, barmaid slightly sassy! Ordered the Carolina nachos. Fine food and ale selection. Will return again if we're in the area visiting the monkeys...
Feb 29, 2016
 
Rated: 4.15 by Morockm from North Carolina

Apr 25, 2015
 
Rated: 4.34 by RBowers from Virginia

Mar 26, 2015
 
Rated: 3.97 by BeerForMuscle from New Jersey

Feb 18, 2015
 
Rated: 4.14 by Macsimus from North Carolina

Feb 02, 2015
 
Rated: 4.39 by jak from North Carolina

Jan 02, 2015
 
Rated: 5 by MANix73 from Ohio

Nov 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by McAndrew from North Carolina

Nov 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by ItsBeer4Me from Pennsylvania

Oct 15, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Highbury09 from North Carolina

Aug 19, 2014
 
 
Rated: 4 by woodchip from North Carolina

Jul 23, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Halfbrother83 from Illinois

Jun 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by SmellsofMahagony from Texas

Jun 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by tdm168 from Pennsylvania

Apr 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Shawn25 from Tennessee

Jan 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by flipdog0 from North Carolina

Dec 18, 2013
Photo of begforme4484
Reviewed by begforme4484 from North Carolina

4.15/5  rDev -1.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
The atmosphere was nice and laid back. TVs showing various sports all around the bar area.

Quality was above average, I enjoyed everything I had there.

Service was really good. Orders were taken in a timely manner and the food/apps came out quick. Beer turnaround was also fairly quick, which is very nice.

The selection was great beer-wise. There were too many taps for me to count, and I had zero trouble finding something I've never had for my first. If you cannot find something you like on tap here, there is something wrong with you, lol.

Food was good, not great, but I enjoyed it. Afterall I did not come here for the food anyways.

If you're in the area stop by one of the 4(I think), you won't be disappointed.
Sep 09, 2012
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Reviewed by VncentLIFE from North Carolina

4.28/5  rDev +1.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Definitely the little brother, but they get all the bigger beers. Apex gets more Founders, but the Durham incarnation has the best pint nights. FBS, Duvel Single, etc. The food is Tylers, dcently priced decent food. The beer can get pricey if youre not careful. The first pint night I went to (Duvel) was 15 dollars for the beer and glass.

They have the best selection around, only competing with Milltown and the other Tylers. about 40 taps between the bar and speakeasy. Located in the Tobacco district in Durham, right next to the Durham Bulls' field.
Dec 06, 2011
Photo of fmccormi
Reviewed by fmccormi from California

4.13/5  rDev -2.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
This is an awesome location of Tyler's. The tobacco warehouses by the ballpark offer some interesting venues for all of the different offices, restaurants, stores and other spaces inside them, and Tyler's is a great fit for them.

Things are spacious and well-lit enough, though the flipside of the tobacco warehouse coin is that things are a bit oddly arranged. Even so, the atmosphere is just fine and there's plenty of good outdoor seating if you prefer.

Service is fine. Not exceptional, but nothing bad about it, either. Never had any problems, so for that I'd say it's just above average.

Selection is pretty fantastic . . . this says they've got about 50 taps, which I believe, and they've got an interestingly wide-ranging bottle selection, including some gluten-free Green's for those of you who are intolerant. They get some limited distribution and short-run beers, too, which is great. I clearly recall having Brooklyn Blunderbuss Old Ale there, for example, and was very disappointed when I couldn't be there for a DFH-Randall night. They also have a lot of regional and local beer, like Fullsteam, which I think is great.

Food and price are in the same boat: both are pretty good. It's not dirt-cheap and they don't usually have great specials or anything, but it's definitely reasonable. Food is definitely good though. Not super-refined gastropub type fare, but very tasty, and of the "bar" variety: sandwiches, chili, burgers, fries, nachos, but also some nice, big salads, too.

Tyler's in the tobacco warehouses is awesome. Go there, and keep an eye out for anything special events they might have going on!
Jun 29, 2011
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Reviewed by woolyb from North Carolina

4.22/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
Located in an old tobacco factory/warehouse, with very high ceilings and exposed brick walls. There are two indoor areas, plus an outdoor beer garden which was made after NC banned smoking inside bars/restaurants. The far-side indoor section is more of a sportsbar atmosphere, with pool tables, video games, and several TVs...along with a bar along the wall.
The primary dining side has ample seating and is dimly lit, creating a nice, relaxed atmosphere. On a busy night (like a Durham Bulls game, or DPAC show) expect to wait to be seated. During the spring/summer Tyler's will have a large grill outside for quick burgers and sausages, plus a few choice beers. Best outdoor dining in durham, with views of man-made river and old Lucky Strike watertower.

The beer selection here is the best in the area...locals, regionals, seasonals, state-exclusives..it is all here. Extensive tap list, with all their drinks listed in a (usually) up-to-date large book. Beers on the list are separated by style for easy browsing. Seasonals and special selections even have their own section in the black book. Also, weekly pint nights. Large bottle selection, well beyond the typical restaurant selection

the food here is ok...upscale bar food, using some locally sourced items. The occasional chef's specials are good and sometimes creative, but the real reason for visiting is always the beer.
Feb 20, 2011
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Reviewed by barronkr from South Carolina

3.86/5  rDev -8.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
Location is the old tobacco factory, so I'm told, with high-ceiling brick walls and no televisions. Nice, convenient location. Visited after seeing a show at the DPAC.

Beer selection and quality were good, especially considering the reasonable prices. Nice selection of local and national beers; very good seasonal menu with >15 seasonal choices. I drank a Duck Rabbit Barleywine and a DF Head Palo Santo Marron, both reasonably priced.

Didn't try the food.

Overall good quality and good selection, check it out.
Jan 20, 2011
Photo of lalarry2001
Reviewed by lalarry2001 from North Carolina

3.48/5  rDev -17.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 2.5 | selection: 5 | food: 1
Great Beer Selection, served in the appropriate glass. Awful frozen, pre-cooked food. Some of the bartenders are very knowledge some, not so much. The wide selection of beers is second to none in the area. Not a great place to watch sports. Outside bar is nice. Some really great local and Belgian beers. The pint nights are really nice, with a keep the glass promo. The burgers seem to be not fresh.zels are the best thing on the food menu. Management is not real friendly, and the wait staff is like a fast food place.
Jul 21, 2010
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Reviewed by NCBeernut from North Carolina

4.68/5  rDev +10.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
This is my favorite place to go for beer. Most of the beer they serve is on tap, and the selection is outstanding. Plenty of local beer, lots of rotating taps, and occasional cask events. I always see new stuff here. I have seen bars with a bigger selection, but this beer menu is very well selected. That deserves extra points. Tap lines seem to be clean, and proper glassware is used. The service is outstanding. On my last trip, my server had several tables and still took time to talk beer with me. I found him to have BA level knowledge of his products. The food is pretty damn good - DO NOT pass up the garlic fries. I only gave the food a 4 because I would only give a 5 to the best food I have ever had. You won't be disappointed though no matter what you pick.
Feb 25, 2010
Photo of devilben02
Reviewed by devilben02 from North Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
The Durham location of Tyler's has become a haven for craft beer drinkers in a terrific location near the ballpark and performing arts center. The converted warehouse is decorated as somewhat of an old-time saloon with its big wooden columns and various logo bar mirrors, and the rear bar area has plenty of pool tables, foosball, and TVs to make this a great casual hangout. The food is well done, showcasing a variety of tasty variations on typical American bar food.

All of that aside, the beer is the showcase. Any place that has a leather-bound drink menu that devotes all but the last two pages to beer is off to a good start. There are a ton of taps ranging from Belgians to Germans, from east-coast to west-coast, and from local favorites to uncommon selections that aren't found in many places around here. I rarely get past the first page of seasonals and specials, though, which always seems to have a nice assortment of unique selections (including limited releases such as Stone Vertical Epic and Brooklyn Brewmaster Reserve).

Overall, this is a great place for dinner before the theater or a ballgame, drinks after work, or even just a casual family lunch on the weekends.
Feb 25, 2010
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Reviewed by Bung from Michigan

4.43/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Wandered down after the World Beer Festival. This old tobacco area was fairly interesting, far enough away from the University to not be a "college" bar, take from that what you wish. Don't even bother with the front of the place, other than the bar. Different taps in the front, the rear bar and outside. Real large selection, more interesting things than the Saucers and Mushrooms I've been to lately. Burton Baton, 09/09/09, Depth Charge all on draft. Nice selection of bottles but I didn't have to venture their. I've never seen Kuhnhen outside of Michigan, it was at the outside taps. Fourth Dimentia, one of the best old ales in the country, Big points. Tons of games and enough tv's and seating in the back. Great place to entertain yourselves. Could talk here as well, but the front bar or outside would be better for purely talking purposes. A read several reviews that made my expectations not real high and this place definetely over delivered. Service was all right, not necessarily knowledgeable, but adequate. Food was adequate as well. Didn't look like there was anything else of any substance in Durham, so just stop here.
Oct 06, 2009
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Reviewed by beer2day from North Carolina

4.33/5  rDev +2.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Located in the American Tobacco Project very close to the Durham Bulls Stadium.

Two large bar areas with 50+ quality taps available. Large list of quality bottles as well. Lots of wood and brick make for a noisy time. Mostly booth seating with some large tables. Very nice large outside seating area with seats in the sun and under cover. Plans to convert some of this space into a beer garten.

Suprisingly family friendly with lots of kids present on the weekends during the day (wikki stix handed out to each kid).

All beers served in their appropriate glass. Beers are well presented in a large notebook. Fodd menu is not deep, but everything is well put together and tastes good.

2 tc's out front, but large back bar area for game watching.

Great palce for a beer. Seasonal list changes often.
Jun 27, 2009
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Reviewed by Pondfish from Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4
this place is in a converted factory in the Lucky Strike tobacco complex in downtown Durham, brick on the walls and cavernous interior. very high and open ceilings make it a bit noisy when the place is cranking but the energy level is uplifting. very long bar faces the 60+ beer taps and the selection is outstanding while the prices put a smile on your face. the beer menu is most helpful. food is southern recipes (first time I had fried pickles) and very well prepared. this is on my must visit list when back in the area on business.
Mar 25, 2009
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Reviewed by oldhippie247 from North Carolina

4.22/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I was lucky enough to be employed at Tyler's Durham location during the summer months before it actually opened and for a brief time thereafter (before relocating to Charlotte). It just so happened that Pop The Cap was passed during that time, putting me in one of the best positions around. I try to get back to Tyler's every time I'm in town (which isn't as often as I'd like), just to see what's new on the approximately 50 taps. For selection there's only The Flying Saucer for comparison, but you don't have to suffer the smoke and noise at Tyler's. My latest visit left me with the same conclusion I'd developed years ago:

Tyler's is the best place to drink beer in Durham.
Feb 02, 2009
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Reviewed by unionturf from North Carolina

4.78/5  rDev +13%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Me and a friend visited Tyler's on a recent weekend beer tour in the area.

We hit Tyler's around 1pm and stayed for several brews. I ordered the nachos and they were very good!! Our bartender (I wish I remembered her name) was great!! Very knowledgeable on her beers and was more than happy to provide free samples.

I really wish we could have a Tylers in Charlotte, it's the first bar I have ever visited that I received the beer I ordered in the glass made by the brewer.

Loved it and can't wait to go back.
Dec 24, 2008
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Reviewed by CampusCrew from Florida

4.75/5  rDev +12.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
Great place. Our bartender was great we stayed there half the day and sampled about 20 beers each. Heidi was her name, but she came to any name we threw out. Carrie, Helga etc.... She was knowledgable and put on a great show.

atmosphere - great and love the location and area. It's a new bar but its done well. Rustic and charming.

quality- Food and beer was top notch

service- well our service was perfect and it looked like an efficeint bar overall

selection- Gosh they had like 80 plus on tap with no american macros at all.

food- we didn't eat much there but it looked great and the menu was creative.

value- very good

Actually one of the best bars I have been too.
Oct 20, 2008
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Reviewed by jimbotrost from Michigan

4.22/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
Stopped in before nad after the World Beer Festival in Durham. As it is noted, the place is across the street in an old tobacco warehouse area. The big brick structure welcomes you to the facility, it is big and open there are actually 2 bars dispensing many many drafts. If I wasn't drinking, I could have counted, many hard to get and even some obscure drafts were pouring that weekend due to the festival. After the festival, place was too busy too get a drink in but previously beer was served well, and tasted well taken care of.
Oct 17, 2008
Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom in Durham, NC
Place rating: 4.23 out of 5 with 69 ratings