A new luxury lounge is dialing into downtown Durham this summer, but visiting it won’t be as simple as walking through the front door. Located at 125 Orange St., a classic London-style red phone booth will serve as the entrance to Red Phone Booth, a Prohibition-inspired cocktail and cigar lounge where entry requires a password.
The lounge is the latest investment by North Carolina entrepreneurs, holistic dentists and Durham residents Dr. Michael A. Thomas and Dr. Ralph K. Mensah. The two were drawn to Red Phone Booth’s philosophy of excellence in ingredients, atmosphere and service.
“I first experienced the Red Phone Booth in Nashville and was immediately struck by the exceptional bourbon selection and authentic prohibition-style decor,” stated Dr. Mensah. “I was smitten and knew right away I wanted to bring this concept to Durham.”
“Some people may be surprised that a couple of holistic dentists are backing a cigar and cocktail bar, but we’ll be the first to tell you that a healthy lifestyle includes joy and the occasional indulgence,” said Dr. Thomas. “We were blown away by how well the concept prioritizes fresh, pure ingredients with premium spirits for an experience that is luxurious, yet not excessive.”
Inside Red Phone Booth, guests will find an intimate, thoughtfully-designed space featuring best-in-class hospitality and service, more than 400 premium cigars, rare and hard-to-find spirits and an award-winning cocktail program rooted in the classics.
Outside, a state-of-the-art air purification and ventilation system featuring Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology refreshes the interior air approximately every two minutes, helping maintain a comfortable lounge environment for both cigar enthusiasts and non-smokers alike.
The nearly 100-seat lounge includes two full-service bars, a private event space and refined seating throughout, anchored by custom leather furnishings crafted by North Carolina manufacturer Pasha.
While membership is not required to enjoy a single night out, Red Phone Booth members enjoy priority entry, preferred seating, access to exclusive tastings and rare bottle showcases, as well as private event privileges and personalized storage. Founding membership holders will have access to opening incentives, member-only events before opening day and immediate access to all currently open Red Phone Booth locations.
The Durham venue joins existing lounges in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Nashville and Tampa. For more information on locations, menus and membership, including Durham founding memberships and to learn how to secure the password, visit www.redphonebooth.com.
About the Investors
Dr. Ralph K. Mensah is the owner of Integrative Holistic Dentistry and is a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UNC Adams School of Dentistry alumnus.
Raised in Charlotte, Dr. Michael A. Thomas earned his undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University before completing his dental education at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry.
As local business owners and active members of the community, they are intentionally investing in experiences that complement the city’s evolving identity, bringing a new level of sophistication. Their vision for Red Phone Booth extends beyond nightlife, positioning it as a thoughtful addition to the local economy and a contributor to the city’s dynamic business and hospitality momentum.
