Field Trip! Atomic Clock Brewing Co.

The Basics

Location: 501 Washington St # A, Durham, NC 27701

Website: Coming soon!

Instagram: @atomicclockbrewing

Vibe/Atmosphere: modern, comfortable, stylish, welcoming

Beers We Tried: Movement German Pils, Maxwell’s Demon Salted Jalapeno Pils, Absolute Zero Cold IPA, Dark Energy Black IPA, Tachyon Telephone Pale Ale, Strike Smoked Vienna Lager, Jolt Coffee Lager

Parking: Tight lot and street parking

Important NC Beer Explorer Tip: When consuming alcohol, always have a designated driver. Be safe out there, friends!

In the Central Park area of Durham just north of the city center there are at least five brewpubs, all within five blocks of each other. One of the newest and most innovative is Atomic Clock Brewing Company. Opened in early 2024 by brother and sister team, Colleen and Brian Quinn, they have the distinction of already being recognized by Durham Magazine as “Best of Durham” for both Brewery and Chef categories!

Colleen told us that Atomic Clock’s concept is very intentional (and we have to add, elevated). They are situated in a part of Durham where there has been a large influx of newcomers, many working in technology. Located in a historic brick garage-style building, Atomic Clock has a modern warehouse vibe with ample seating indoors and on their patio. They also have a private room in the back decorated with rotating local art. We sat at the bar and noted the very comfortable bar stool chairs. Atomic Clock has a full restaurant menu and also serves craft cocktails and wine.

We arrived on Empanada Thursday – beer and a large empanada for $10! Before we got to enjoy both, we spoke with Colleen Quinn, the marketing and organizational side of the brother-sister team. Her brother, Brian is the brewmaster with extensive experience in and intense passion for his craft.

Art currently on display at Atomic Clock Brewing Co by local artist Christopher Freeman.

We immediately divided and conquered the tasty empanadas.

Meanwhile we tasted seven brews, representing a range of styles from “Movement,” a classic German Pils, to “Dark Energy” a Dark IPA which Colleen pointed out could just as well have been called a Hoppy Porter. We also tried “Absolute Zero” (a Cold IPA), “Tachyon Telephone” (Pale Ale brewed with an experimental hop variety), and “Jolt” (a coffee lager). Suffice it to say that there was “no beer left behind”!

The atmosphere is welcoming, and they maintain a full calendar of specials every day which they advertise on social media. Atomic Clock takes pride in its broad, balanced menu of beer styles, so they are not just all about IPAs. They have faithful renditions of classic beers such as a German Pilsner, a Porter and their “Carolina Lager.” But they use Brian’s experience and skill to offer unique twists on beer styles, such as Salted Jalapeno Pils (Maxwell’s Demon) and Smoke Vienna Lager (Strike). Yet, these unique beers were all imminently drinkable - they did not taste gimmicky or experimental.

OK, now about those empanadas and beers! We sampled three empanadas, each with a different filling (mushroom, brisket, and pulled chicken). Colleen said the chef, David Lopez, has been cooking them and tweaking recipes from his native Puerto Rico for years and the resulting flaky, savory empanadas we tasted prove that he has mastered the art. Rebecca was wowed by the visible layers in the crust and the satisfying crunch as we sunk our teeth into the warm fillings – all signs of masterful baking.

Ben's Beer Notes - Atomic Clock Brewing Co, 7/17/25

• Movement

  • Style: German Pilsner

  • ABV: 5.0%

  • Color: light gold, white head

  • Taste: bready, hoppy, citrusy

  • Mouthfeel: crisp, bubbly

  • Aftertaste: dry, with lingering pleasant bitter finish (classic German pilsner)

• Maxwell's Demon

  • Style: Salted Jalapeno Pilsner

  • ABV: 5.0%

  • Color: golden, slightly greenish

  • Taste: jalapeno, spicy but not hot, not pickled, fresh veggie (great with the empanadas!)

  • Mouthfeel: creamy, light bubbles

  • Aftertaste: balanced bittery/sweet

• Absolute Zero

  • Style: Cold IPA

  • ABV: 6.7%

  • Color: deep gold

  • Taste: zesty, toasty, sharp, tropical fruit notes

  • Mouthfeel: light-bodied

  • Aftertaste: long and dry

• Dark Energy

  • Style: Black IPA

  • ABV: 6.4%

  • Color: dark chocolate brown, creamy head

  • Taste: spicey-floral (bergamot), chicory, malt

  • Mouthfeel: full, velvety

  • Aftertaste: reminiscent of strong black tea with sugar

• Tackyon Telephone

  • Style: Pale Ale

  • ABV: 6.7%

  • Color: light gold, slightly hazy

  • Taste: muted hops, tangerine, sour, honey; great with food

  • Mouthfeel: medium-light

  • Aftertaste: bright, crisp, refreshing

• Strike

  • Style: Smoked Vienna Lager

  • ABV: 5.2%

  • Color: golden, hazy

  • Taste: campfire, honey-basted BBQ, nostalgic (think camping trips with longtime friends)

  • Mouthfeel: medium

  • Aftertaste: malty, smokey, savory

• Jolt

  • Style: Coffee Lager

  • ABV: 5.5%

  • Color: deep gold

  • Taste: coffee, expensive cigar

  • Mouthfeel: light

  • Aftertaste: bittery, roasted beans

Tell us what you think about Atomic Clock Brewing Co.