Food & Drink

A new speakeasy with Prohibition-era vibes is planned for Downtown Durham

The Red Phone Booth, a brand of modern speakeasies, has plans for a new downtown Durham location, the first in North Carolina. Pictured is the entrance to the Buckhead location near Atlanta.
The Red Phone Booth, a brand of modern speakeasies, has plans for a new downtown Durham location, the first in North Carolina. Pictured is the entrance to the Buckhead location near Atlanta. Red Phone Booth
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • Red Phone Booth will launch its first North Carolina speakeasy in Durham.
  • Private club offers tiered memberships with cigar lounges and reserved seating.
  • Founders target late 2025 for opening, with location details still undisclosed.
A new private speakeasy is in the works for downtown Durham, dealing in secrets and secret worlds.


The Red Phone Booth, a nightlife brand with locations in Atlanta, Miami and Nashville, will open its first North Carolina location in Downtown Durham. The private club is best known for its dramatic entrance, a red London-style phone booth, where members and guests punch in codes to step inside an inconspicuous door.


The Durham Red Phone Booth will be owned by Ralph Mensah and Michael Thomas, local dentists and whiskey enthusiasts making their first foray into the bar business. Mensah said he visited a Red Phone Booth in Nashville three years ago and hoped to bring the experience to Durham.


“For me it’s the authentic feel of a speakeasy,” Mensah said. “The Red Phone Booth is like a time machine, with a Prohibition-era ambiance in place, plus the team [of employees] that serves you.”



For now the location is still a secret, but Mensah expects the bar to open in late 2025, or early 2026.
The Red Phone Booth, a brand of modern speakeasy with secret entrances, will open in downtown Durham.
The Red Phone Booth, a brand of modern speakeasy with secret entrances, will open in downtown Durham. Zach Bobo

Red Phone Booth vibes

The club has several membership levels with escalating perks, including private cigar humidors and sofa reservations, ranging from $400 single memberships to $4,000 corporate levels, good for six people.


“Durham’s creative energy, walkable downtown and spirit of innovation make it a natural fit for Red Phone Booth,” said Stephen de Haan, founder of Red Phone Booth Hospitality and parent company Roaring Franchises, in a release.

“With a mayor who’s already experienced our concept and a vibrant mix of universities, culture, and tech, Durham offers the ideal backdrop for our immersive Prohibition-era experience. We’re excited to partner with Ralph and Michael, who exemplify our commitment to excellence.”

Mensah expects the Durham location to be around 4,000 square feet, including a cocktail bar and cigar lounge. Beyond the drinks, expect Neapolitan-inspired pizza and charcuterie boards.

We’ll share more when we learn where Durham’s Red Phone Booth will land.

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This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 11:41 AM with the headline "A new speakeasy with Prohibition-era vibes is planned for Downtown Durham."

Drew Jackson
The News & Observer
Drew Jackson writes about restaurants and dining for The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun, covering the food scene in the Triangle and North Carolina.
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