Kotuku Surf Club

Durham, North Carolina

Field Note

Attractive is the dive bar that strikes out in a part of town yet to be gentrified, unflappably enduring years, sometimes decades, of rough surroundings. Durham’s Central Park neighborhood may not have ever tipped into truly dangerous territory, but Kotuku Surf Club predates the upscale options that now surround this attractive stretch of north Durham.

The allure of a dive bar is unabashed authenticity, something owner Rhys Botica has infused into relative Durham newcomer (in dive bar years) Kotuku Surf Club, opened in 2012. Veteran of a number of Durham bars past and present (The Federal, Social Gameroom & Tap, Criterion), Botica chose Kotuku Surf Club as a pure manifestation of his New Zealand heritage, down to the name of the bar and its corresponding logo, ‘kotuku’ the Maori word for ‘white heron.’

After growing up playing rugby in New Zealand and frequenting a local haunt called the Kotuku Life Saving Club, Botica ported the vision to Durham complete with massive New Zealand flag mural and countless nods to his home country. The bar’s vibrant interior is contrasted by what is a mostly plain exterior presentation, a small sign complete with neon heron attached to a white wall and mostly nondescript front door.

Inside though, the space bursts into life, the centerpiece the bar itself, a 1940s-era piece shipped in by owner Botica from Chicago. The neon lights built into the counter behind the bar play off of the string lights and glowing lanterns that provide a trademark soft, dive bar-esque glow. Fixed stools line the bar and a handful of booths can be found along the opposite wall, creative a very homey feeling. The New Zealand flag is of course present here, as are countless photos of regulars and the usual dive bar mishmash of oddities just below the ceiling above the bar.

If the front room has a cozy, neighborhood dive bar feel, a second space in back feels a bit more plush and man cave-adjacent. Brown leather couches line one wall under the aforementioned flag mural, a large area rug and countless vintage beer ads creating a different feel to the more densely trafficked front room. Short booths and some vintage neon can be found here as well.

Durham’s close association with Duke University is part blessing and part curse for local bars, the influx of students occasionally disruptive to the chill vibe cultivated by some spots. Kotuku Surf Club is one such example and instituted a 23-and-up policy during the multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic as a means of stemming the tide of students who did not always respect the social distancing & capacity rules in place at that time. The policy has stuck, providing a respite from younger crowds for those interested in such separation.

During warm weather months, Kotuku Surf Club hosts one of the great dive bar patios in Durham, long picnic tables creating a very communal atmosphere supported by bocce ball courts and extensive seating. Special events make use of this large, dog-friendly outdoor space throughout the year, including DJ nights and the occasional community flea market popup.