Hi-Wire Brewing Durham — Restaurant in Durham

Been to this spot in Durham several times now, especially on the weekends. On a nice weekend it can get very busy so expect a little waiting here and there to get a beer, but the line does move quickly since the bartenders are all very efficient. The atmosphere is great though with plenty of seating both indoor and out. Couple of food places nearby, and they let you bring that food into the brewery. Don't miss out on the ice cream spot across the lawn. I will say though that you have to prepare yourself a little for the high probability of unsupervised children running around; it can become almost chaotic at times. Although, you can find a decent spot away from all that to enjoy your beer if you look diligently enough. With that said they are very family friendly. If you're the type of parent who enjoys a few beers, a glass wine, and allowing your child to run around unsupervised at the expense of another customer's experience, then this is the perfect place for you. On the positive side they are also very dog friendly; needless to say, the dogs are more behaved and disciplined then most of the kids (and parents for that matter). The draft selections are plentiful, and you'll find yourself a good brew to sip on and return to for round two. Their lo-pitch hazy stands out and be sure to visit when Oktoberfest rolls around to grab a zirkusfest lager because it's one of the best I've had in the area. As I said previously, the bartenders are efficient and everyone that I have encountered has been very friendly, knowledgeable, approachable, and up for a little conversation when they have a moment to breathe. Just let them know what you typically like to drink, and they'll point you in the right direction. I've run into Danni a few times now behind the bar, and her service is fantastic. Friendly, welcoming, easy to talk to, and will give any dog she encounters a treat; she is genuinely just a good person and great bartender. I've also had the opportunity to interact with JM, Rachel, and Mark; all down-to-earth, incredible people that want to ensure you get a beer you'll enjoy. If you get a chance to sit at the bar and run into Jake or Flan be sure to do a deep dive into brew knowledge with either of these guys. They know their stuff. The bartenders are genuinely all good people, and the primary reason I...

First, this place is fantastic. My two star review is mostly based on an interaction with one of the bar tenders tonight. I will call him J, for the purpose of this review. High Wire is dog friendly, which as a dog owner I very much appreciate. Anyway, tonight a dog had an accident in the bar line. The owner did a poor job of cleaning up the mess, and left the rest to the staff. Not an appropriate thing to do as a responsible dog owner, and certainly unfair to other patrons, and the staff, nonetheless, this happened. Fast forward to closing out and leaving the brewery. I mentioned to J that I really appreciated him cleaning up the mess, and was going to give him a 5 star review for going above and beyond tonight. Well...he took my comment the wrong way and went completely off the rails. He came out from behind the bar, yelled at me for what he thought he was a condescending remark. I was not belittling the man in any way. His fellow bartender, as well as the other patrons clearly recognized this, I was trying to show appreciation. When I tried to calmly explain this to him, he proceeded to scream in my face, "Get out of my bar," and threatened to call the police. We were all shocked by his behavior, including his coworker. This guy was completely unhinged. If the management of High Wire actually reads these reviews, I would encourage them to review any audio/video they have of the incident. This was incredibly unsettling, and upsetting, and I honestly have no idea why the guy reacted the way he did. Look, I get the fact the guy had to do something that he shouldn't have to do, we've all been there. But to go completely ballistic on a customer when they express their gratitude for the bar tender going above and beyond, even after clarifying my remark, is beyond unprofessional,...

This Hi Wire location is probably really good if you have kids but IMO not so much for kid-less people trying to chill. The last time I went there I thought it looked like a dog park but for kids. Second to last time I went I had to wait in line for a beer for 15-20mins, the line was all the way across the building. The guy in front of me turned to me and said "this is a good way to make sure people don't drink too much" and I agreed. The last time I went we had to wait in line for 40 mins for a pizza at the place next door which is one of the reasons we go there. The pizza issue is obviously not HW's fault but didn't help the experience. I like the beer and if you pick your nights it would probably be more chill but for someone looking for a quiet brewery experience there are better places around Durham. I will definitely still go to the HW in Asheville the next time I'm there but not this...