ABC Store

This ABC store is OK. It’s state-​run ABC… not like you have options to shop at OTHER liquor stores, right? I wouldn’t tell someone to go out-​of-​the-​way to shop at this one, but I think it’s probably the best ABC store in Durham.
I like it because it’s always very clean, and the cashiers are always VERY nice, friendly, and helpful. Whenever it is a holiday or super crowded, they are always fully staffed on the registers, and the wait is never too long. They are what makes this place better than the others.
It does seem pretty small compared to the others inside. It seems like most of the place is taken up by a giant row of horrible vodkas, haha! So if you are looking for fancy, special liquors, I might recommend the Chapel Hill ABC. But if you are getting something plain and popular, they have plenty of it here.

This ABC store actually looks pretty big from the outside. However, looks can be deceiving as I realized when I walked into this store. About ¼ of the store it seems is actually accessible to customers while the other part is reserved for delivery/​storage/​whatever.
The interior of the ABC store is very lacking as well. It looks more like a prison (I assume) than a store that I would want to spend a good amount of time in.
If you’re just inside in order to get something that’s relatively common around our parts then you probably won’t be disappointed. If you’re looking for something more obscure or higher quality, then I would suggest the ABC store in Chapel Hill near whole foods.

What separates this ABC store from others I’ve visited in Durham, is the friendly, helpful, and funny staff. I’m a beer drinker, so I only visit a few times a year but, when our annual Oscars party rolls around, I roll up with a looooooong shopping list of liquors and liqueurs with which to make Best Picture-​themed cocktails in honor of the big awards night.
There is almost always someone on the floor poised to help you find whatever you need, which is especially helpful for we liquor charlatans, who don’t know the difference between Cointreau and Grand Marnier.
They’re good about packaging things up for you and joking with you while they’re ringing you up. I always have a pleasant experience at this store. Plus, cops come by to check up on it periodically and there’s always a cop there near store closing, so it just feels extra safe.
If you’re turning onto 55 from 54, this location is on your right just before you get to Papa Mojo’s, and it’s right next to a big car wash. There is ample parking in their private lot. Definitely my favorite ABC store in Durham!