West End Wine Bar plans to open doors on Friday

Even as construction picks up on the W. Main St. streetscape and underground power project, it's wrapping up at one of the adjoining businesses at West Village.

Crews yesterday were putting the finishing touches on the West End Wine Bar, a Durham outcropping of a Chapel Hill favorite. A sign on the business' door notes an expected opening sometime on May 1.

Staff inside noted that the establishment is focusing on getting all their licenses set this week and getting ready for the initial launch of the business, which is located in the Walker Warehouse on the south side of W. Main St.

Walking in, a non-smoking bar takes up much of the first floor, with a loft-seating area above having more tables and seating. A dark glass door to your right leads into the Cellar space, where liquor is served (and smoking permitted.)

Despite the name, look for West End Wine Bar to eventually be open from early morning through late night, serving coffee, espresso drinks, and light fare like sandwiches and pastries all day long. Free wi-fi is also available in the space.

And speaking of the street construction: the intersection of Duke & W. Main is currently closed to vehicular traffic due to the streetscape project. If you're driving, take the Downtown Loop to W. Main and pass the "Local Traffic Only" sign. Take the first left to park on the east side of the Walker Warehouse; the entrance to West End Wine Bar is on the building's other side.

Comments

[Jeremy T]

Interesting choice of name, considering that they're not even in the West End.

[Suzann]

the name is based on the original chapel hill establishment, which is on the west end of franklin st.

[Rob]

Yes, but they could have thought of a more appropriate/creative name, considering folks will get confused about their location.

[Ross Grady]

Hey, they're on the West End of the downtown loop ;-)

Kevin, thanks for the pointer for peeps to park in the lot on the east side. The west side, especially with construction vehicles coming & going, barely has enough room for West Village residents. While I'm cautiously intrigued by the presence of a wine/espresso bar literally next door to my building, I'm not looking forward to the inevitable parking struggles.

[bb]

Yeah,
And it's just half a block away from Chapel Hill Road. Or Street. Or Blvd. Or is it University?

[Jim]

Why aren't you guys attacking 9th Street Bakery for their name?

[Jonas]

haha @ Jim. Great point on 9th St bakery.

[ASE]

D'oh! Stupid 42nd Street Oyster Bar...

[bb]

Just kidding around Jim, if anything, poking fun of this great city we live in. I'd hardly say "attacking" - if it came off that way, I apologize, but I think you need to lighten up a little. I'm looking forward to their opening.