The Roof at The Durham — Restaurant in Durham

Obviously, the location is fantastic. I'm not sure they're adequately staffed. We went on a Monday around 7pm, taking my visiting mother-in-law straight from the train station to The Roof. A small private event was apparently the staff's focus. After we were seated, we enjoyed the view for nearly half an hour before we were told our server had "momentarily" stepped away. Eventually, that server shared that he was the only server working the room, which begs the question, "Why 'step away' for so long?" Regardless, he didn't seem to feel particularly hurried. In sum, while service was friendly, it was frustratingly languorous and inattentive. Water glasses sat dry, and we never ordered cocktails because, frankly, the staff didn't attend to take our cocktail orders. Cocktails run about $16, although their written descriptions suggest they're well-conceived. As for food, we ordered a 1/2 dozen raw oysters, the meat board, the cheese board, the chicken and bacon wrap, the ceviche, and the shrimp cocktail. The oysters were exquisite -- the best raw oysters I've had in years. The meat and cheese boards exceeded expectations lowered by others' reviews. The camembert was especially tasty. My tween daughter enjoyed her wrap, said "it was delicious". The ceviche, my order of which somehow failed to make it to the kitchen, was reordered, only to underwhelm, with its edgy fish giving truth to Anthony Bourdain's counsel that one must never order fish dishes on a Monday, since that fish is typically the prior week's residue. The shrimp cocktail was nothing special, in substance nearly identical to a shrimp cocktail one might grab from any Harris Teeter deli meat section, yet here, only four or five in number, albeit presented in a purty cocktail glass that sat undelivered at the bar until we prompted the server to deliver it. The tab for these 6 items came to $96, to which I reluctantly added a 20% tip for The Roof's feeble service. On a downtown evening, The Roof may be a good stop for a drink or two, but poor table service may really...

We came to have couple drinks and enjoy the view. Ended up ordering charcuterie board to complement our cocktails. Their signature cocktail “The Durham” was very good! But charcuterie board was very disappointing. First of all nothing was paired. Random veggies like cauliflower. Tasted like leftover from some other dinner. House marinated olives were tiny and dry, even marinade didn’t help. What’s the problem to use juicy meaty Spanish olives, at least you’ll have the flavor. Then smoked fish? Why? And the last thing was absence of the meat. Tiny see through slices where I couldn’t taste the flavor. And well played with prosciutto. Big slice on top to cover shaved tiny pieces under. I’m sorry, but this board can hardly be named as charcuterie board. The staff, from welcoming security guy to a hostess, were very friendly. But I’m not planning to come back, and definitely won’t recommend to anyone else...

Can't sat enough about this place I don't go out much a someone invited my friend and she took me The atmosphere was great mature crowd band was very nice music level not overbearing one could actually enjoy it N I believe his name is Brice the bartender I ask him 2 suggest a drink since it's been so long since I've been anywhere awesome choice my friend N I loved them even a gentleman we met @ R table has have I shook his hand said welcome 2 the club he passed it 2 another person 4 a taste Big Hit He was so very kind friendly N talented He truly lifted my spirits from what I've been dealing with N though it was bust He treated me like I was the only one there he wirk very respectfully N efficient @ the same time Kiddos 2 the bar staff know one waited long 4 any order they worked very well...