15 Greatest Eating places in Durham, NC in 2023
This listing of the perfect locations to eat in Durham covers delights from the perfect sushi, to the perfect ribs, and every part in between. North Carolina is thought for its personal specific mix of tomato-based, pork barbecue that’s barely sweeter than others you will have tried. However don’t be fooled into pondering that barbecue is all to be present in Durham.
I just lately spent three wonderful months housesitting in Durham, North Carolina. Having that size of time there actually gave me an opportunity to immerse myself within the native surroundings, and being an enormous foodie myself, I did my fair proportion of exploration into town’s culinary scene. Right here, I’m going to share my listing of the 15 greatest eating places in Durham, NC.
15 Greatest Eating places in Durham
There are such a lot of prime eating places in Durham, that this has been a reasonably tough listing to finalize. I had lots of favorites that I loved revisiting repeatedly throughout my keep, and I’ve made certain to offer some selection as I may have simply give you 15 nice barbecue spots alone!
It’s additionally price noting that in addition to providing nice ‘restaurant meals’, most of the locations on this publish provide bar snacks or lighter bites too; excellent when you’re pushed for time, or are comfortable to sit down on the bar. Listed below are my 15 prime picks for the place to eat in Durham:
1. The Blue Notice Grill
As the most effective conventional eating places in Durham, The Blue Note must be first on my listing. I went again so many instances because it’s not solely a cool setting with every day reside music, however it additionally provides some really unbelievable barbecue. The service is great, the costs are very affordable and the parts are so hearty that you simply’ll do nicely to complete your plate!
Moving into The Blue Notice Grill, you’ll possible hear some Bluegrass (Forties American roots music) being carried out on the in-house stage by native musicians. You’ll discover teams of between 2 and 6 enjoying there most afternoons while you take pleasure in a chunk and the sound of the string band music within the background provides an genuine vibe, which I cherished.
The complete rack of ribs is fairly spectacular. It comes with two sides (I had the mac and cheese and collard greens) plus hushpuppies, and it’s simply sufficient for 2 to share. The choice to order a plate of sides, the place you possibly can decide any 4 for $11.99, is a well-liked alternative; particularly when in search of a scrumptious collection of smaller bites, or when you merely can’t make up your thoughts.
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The Blue Notice Grill Info
Deal with: 709 Washington St, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19194011979
Working Hours: 11 am-10 pm, Tues-Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Half or Full Rack of Ribs, together with two sides and hushpuppies, Brunswick Stew with hushpuppies, Plate of Sides
Common Price: $4-$10 per starter, $10-20 per major, $4-$8 for desserts
Web site: thebluenotegrill.com
2. Elmo’s Diner
An establishment for a lot of a long time and the most effective native eating places in Durham, award-winning Elmo’s Diner provides every part from easy breakfasts to wealthy, filling sq. meals in a standard American diner setting that you simply’re certain to like.
I predominantly went to Elmo’s for brunch and twice had the California Omelet, served with a aspect of residence fries and toast. Being British, residence fries have been a brand new introduction for me, however I used to be very grateful to find them! Elmo’s are crunchy and scrumptious, and cooked with the pores and skin on. Good with some salt and ketchup.
For my part, that is palms down the perfect brunch in Durham. Although lunch can be fairly epic, (their southwest rooster salad is spectacular). You could have to attend a couple of minutes for a seat on weekends they usually don’t settle for reservations. Nonetheless, the service is nice they usually’ll get you in and consuming as shortly as potential.
Elmo’s Diner Info
Deal with: 776 ninth St, Durham, NC 27705, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19194163823
Working Hours: 7 am-3 pm, Mon-Fri 7 am-3.30 pm Sat & Solar
Should-Strive Meals: California Omelet with a alternative of 1 aspect and toast, Southwest Hen Salad, Italian Meatloaf with two sides and a alternative of bread
Common Price: $9-$12 for breakfast, $10-$12 per lunch and dinner, soups begin at $3
Web site: elmosdiner.com
3. Hutchins Storage
Of all of the nicest eating places in Durham, Hutchins Storage is up there with the perfect. Many locals agree that they serve among the greatest pizza round and the standard, worth for cash, and ambiance is tough to beat.
Because the identify suggests, the constructing was as soon as a storage, however the area has been tastefully renovated into an important indoor restaurant and festoon-lit outside seating space. The patio right here is kind of presumably the perfect to be present in Durham, and inside, there’s a retro music vibe with iconic black and white pictures of nice musicians like Blondie adorning every sales space.
The menu at Hutchins Storage likes to push the boundaries of pizza as we all know it, while additionally giving a nod to its conventional routes. You’ll see the likes of peaches and bacon, and even fried rooster as topping decisions, though, I personally can’t say no to a scorching honey pepperoni pie – and theirs is scrumptious.
Hutchins Storage Info
Deal with: 402 W Geer St, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19842196578
Working Hours: 4 pm-10 pm Tues-Fri. 11.30am-10pm Sat. 11.30am-9pm Solar
Should-Strive Meals: Scorching Honey Pizza, Fried Hen Pizza, Home-Made Tiramisu
Common Price: $6-$13 per starter, $14-18 per major, and $8 for desserts
Web site: Hutchins Garage | Durham NC | Facebook
4. Dame’s Hen and Waffles
Dame’s Hen and Waffles is thought for having the perfect breakfast in Durham. Locals love this place a lot that many religiously pay a weekly go to for an enormous serving of award-winning rooster, waffles, and schmears.
I needed to analysis what a schmear was after I noticed it on the menu; for people who don’t know, it’s mainly a smearing of scrumptious toppings and sauces to enrich your waffles. Dame’s provides chocolate-hazelnut, vanilla-almond, and baby-blueberry flavors – amongst many extra. Construct your personal plate or let the consultants determine for you from their home specialties.
Dame’s menu additionally options an inspiration part and a set of pre-set rooster and waffle combos. The delightfully named dishes equivalent to The Frizzy Fowl and Schmear Me Child sound too tempting to show down.
Dame’s Hen and Waffles Info
Deal with: 530 Foster St #130, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19196829235
Working Hours: 10 am-3 pm Solar & Monday. 11 am-8 pm Tues – Thurs. 10 am-9 pm Fri & Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Schmear Me Child, The Frizzy Fowl, The Duelling Roosters
Common Price: Waffles, inspirations, and specialties – $10-$20
Web site: dameschickenwaffles.com
5. King’s Sandwich Store
This hole-in-the-wall, walk-up burger, sandwich, and scorching canine stand has been serving the community since 1942. Though King’s does provide outside seating, most prospects decide to seize among the greatest avenue meals in Durham to go. It’s undoubtedly a lunchtime spot, because of its restricted opening hours, however it’s at all times busy with locals – which is simply an excellent register my eyes.
You’ll be able to’t miss the cool retro constructing that sits simply reverse the outdated Durham Bulls baseball field Downtown, and the meals right here is unbelievable. I used to be staying just some minutes away from King’s and labored my manner by means of many of the menu. For me, their Hen Philly Sandwich is the perfect factor to seize for lunch in Durham.
King’s Sandwich Store Info
Deal with: 701 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19196820071
Working Hours: 11 am-4 pm, Tues-Sat
Should-Strive Meals: King’s Breakfast Sandwich, Brightleaf Purple Canine, Hen Philly Cheesesteak
Common Price: $3-$5.50 hotdogs, $7-15 burgers, $4.25 – $12.95 sandwiches and cheesesteaks
Web site: kingssandwichshop.com
6. Juju
On the far aspect of the Duke East Campus, you’ll discover 9th Street – an important location for procuring, ingesting, and eating. Juju is excessive up on the listing of fantastic eating places in Durham and is an absolute must-visit if you end up on ninth. Providing Asian fusion meals and a few scrumptious tapas, Juju is a well-liked spot and it’s simple to see why.
Though not completely a meat-free restaurant, its extensive collection of veggie choices makes Juju my alternative for the perfect vegetarian restaurant in Durham. Their cocktails and sake listing are additionally price stopping in for, and due to its fame, reserving forward is beneficial.
Juju Info
Deal with: 737 ninth St #210, Durham, NC 27705, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19192863555
Working Hours: 11 am-2 pm, 5 pm-9 pm Mon-Sat. 5 pm-8 pm Solar
Should-Strive Meals: Sichuan Fashion Hen, Mongolian Beef, Charred Octopus
Common Price: $5-$16 per starter, $16-28 per major, $10-$14 for desserts
Web site: jujudurham.com
7. Moms & Sons Trattoria
When you’re in search of positive eating in Durham, it’s a must to head all the way down to Mothers & Sons Trattoria for among the greatest Italian meals round. Having spent lots of time in Italy, I really like Italian meals and Moms & Sons serves up pasta dishes that rival a lot of these I’ve eaten within the ‘outdated nation’ itself.
With a give attention to regional Italian meals and seasonal sensibility, Moms and Sons is without doubt one of the greatest locations to eat in Durham. They’re additionally one of many first eating places within the southern US to supply ‘fatta a mano‘ – that’s handmade pasta to you and me – and it’s scrumptious.
Moms & Sons Trattoria Info
Deal with: 107 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19192948247
Working Hours: 5 pm-9.30 pm, Mon-Thurs. 5 pm-10 pm Fri & Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Rigatoni alla Norma, Fireside Roasted Hen with charred escarole and salsa verde, Paccherri Cacio e Pepe
Common Price: $5-$14 per starter, $12-$30 per major
Web site: www.mothersandsonsnc.com
8. Maverick’s Smokehouse & Taproom
My native BBQ restaurant and bar was Maverick’s, and never solely do they prepare dinner up some scrumptious barbecue however in addition they boast maybe the most effective patios in Durham. Overlooking the previous Brightleaf Tobacco constructing and the Warehouse District, you possibly can take pleasure in a mixture of Carolina, Memphis, and Texas-style BBQ with a view.
Maverick’s provides probably the most unequalled lunchtime offers round: Tuesday by means of Thursday 11 am-3 pm, the ‘Onerous Workin’ particular sandwich features a small coleslaw, a aspect dish, and a delicate drink for $9.99, and profiting from this cut price makes Maverick’s one of many least expensive eating places in Durham.
Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom Info
Deal with: 900 W Important St, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19196828978
Working Hours: 11 am-9 pm Tues, Weds, Thurs & Solar. 11 am-10 pm Fri & Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Onerous Workin’ Particular (out there at restricted instances), Fried Cajun Hen Wings, Texas Dry Rub Brisket Sandwich
Common Price: $4-$8 for appetizers, $10-$16 per major, $6-8 for desserts
Web site: maverickssmokehouse.com
9. Mateo Bar de Tapas
Romantic eating places in Durham are plentiful, however I personally really feel that Mateo Bar de Tapas tops the listing – the identify even sounds charming. They provide some wonderful conventional Spanish tapas and incorporate native twists within the menu equivalent to using Almejas (North Carolina neck clams).
Mateo Bar de Tapas can be one of many few locations in Durham the place you could find correctly cooked paella. Their drinks listing is spectacular too, and it’s general nicely price stopping in right here.
Mateo Bar de Tapas Info
Deal with: 109 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19195308700
Working Hours: 5 pm-10 pm, Tues-Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Almejas (clams), Albondigas (meatballs), Paella
Common Price: $7-$18 Tapas dishes. $54+ Paella and steak dishes for the desk
Web site: mateotapas.com
10. Goorsha
The perfect vegan restaurant in Durham I got here throughout was undoubtedly Goorsha. Though not completely vegan, their alternative of plant-based choices makes it the place to go when you’re in search of non-meat meals decisions or simply one thing somewhat completely different.
Goorsha is a standard Ethiopian restaurant, and its spicy vegan stews are unbelievable, each in high quality and amount. Their patio provides a stunning setting with festoons and parasols, and I may even go so far as to say that it’s the perfect outside restaurant in Durham.
Goorsha Info
Deal with: 910 W Important St, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19195884660
Working Hours: 5 pm-9 pm Mon-Thurs. 5 pm-10 pm Fri. 12 pm-10 pm Sat. 12 pm-9 pm Solar
Should-Strive Meals: Kik Alecha, Gomen, Metin Shiro
Common Price: $4-$9 per starter, $12-20 per major
Web site: goorshadurham.com
11. Torero’s Mexican Restaurant
Serving the Carolinas for greater than 30 years, Torero’s is the place to go when you love Mexican meals. Their regional and genuine dishes and excellent emphasis on customer support make Torero’s the most effective native eating places in Durham.
Their ethos is predicated on utilizing high quality components they usually make recent salsa in-house all day lengthy – it must be tried, you gained’t be upset. You’ll discover an in depth menu of all the standard Mexican favorites plus a number of regional delights right here.
I like to recommend attempting the Guadalajara Particular – bone-in beef served in crimson sauce with cilantro and onions for an actual genuine chunk.
Torero’s Mexican Restaurant Info
Deal with: 604 Fernway Ave, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19196824197
Working Hours: 11 am-10 pm Solar-Thurs. 11 am-11 pm Fri & Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Guadalajara Particular, Torero’s Plate, Fajita Nachos
Common Price: Intensive menu dishes from $7-12
Web site: torerosmexicanrestaurantsnc.com
12. The Roof on the Durham
The perfect rooftop bar in Durham, and a killer restaurant in addition, is The Roof at The Durham Hotel. It’s excellent for {couples} in search of a particular evening out, and excessive up, overlooking the middle of town you possibly can take pleasure in among the greatest positive eating in Durham.
On prime of the panoramic view, The Roof emphasizes native meals, with North Carolina pasture-raised meats and farmers’ market greens used for every dish. Additionally they make their desserts in-house and their ice cream is to die for. This place actually is without doubt one of the prime eating places in Durham and one it’s best to undoubtedly add to your listing.
The Roof on the Durham Info
Deal with: 315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19197688831
Working Hours: 5 pm-11 pm Mon-Thurs. 5 pm-12 pm Sat & Solar
Should-Strive Meals: North Carolina Oysters, Vegetarian Pitta, Rose’s Ice Cream
Common Price: $11-$22 plates. $7 for desserts
Web site: The Roof – Rooftop Patio in Durham, North Carolina | The Durham Hotel
13. Mango Indian Grill
Situated contained in the Durham Food Hall is somewhat unknown gem that considerably secretly serves up among the greatest meals in Durham. Mango Indian Grill was created by the identical those that began Chalonad – an award-winning restaurant a number of miles away in Chapel Hill.
Chalonad has been voted ‘Best in Class – Indian’ for 7 years in a row by the Information and Observer, and its homeowners at the moment are bringing the identical veritable style and high quality to Durham.
The menu at Mango Indian Grills provides every part from Indian-style finger meals to full curries, biriyanis, and rice bowls. Don’t be postpone by the meals corridor setting for a meal out; it’s a cool and bustling place to take pleasure in probably the most genuine native eating places in Durham.
Mango Indian Grill Info
Deal with: Meals Corridor Liberty warehouse, 530 Foster St Ste 1-E, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Working Hours: 11 am-9 pm Mon-Thurs. 11 am-10 pm Fri & Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Mysore Masala, Gobi Manchurian Rice Bowl, Hen Biriyani
Common Price: $4-$10 sides and finger meals. $10-$12 for mains
Web site: mangoindiangrill.com
14. Plum Southern Kitchen & Bar
Situated within the coronary heart of Downtown is Plum, the most effective locations to eat in Durham.
A pleasant neighborhood restaurant that serves southern meals with an up to date and trendy edge, the meals right here is to not be missed. Their ever-varying menu is dictated by native suppliers and seasonal availability, and you’ll look forward to finding every part from inventive salads to scrumptious fish and steak plates up for grabs.
Overlooking the previous residence of the Durham Bulls baseball team, as soon as the positioning of many scenes from the Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon film ‘Bull Durham‘, Plum is presumably the perfect restaurant in Durham with a view too – go and see for your self.
Plum Southern Kitchen & Bar Info
Deal with: 501 Washington St C, Durham, NC 27701, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19193516446
Working Hours: 5.30 pm-8.30 pm Solar, Mon & Thurs. 5.30 pm-9.30 pm Fri & Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Seabass Crudo, Shrimp and Grits, Solid Iron Manhattan Steak and Potatoes
Common Price: $8-$19 for smaller plates, $21-30 per major, and $Sept. 11 for desserts
Web site: plumdurham.com
15. Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Though you gained’t discover a restaurant in Durham with a sea view, (you’ll should journey a number of hours to the coast for that), you possibly can nonetheless fortunately take pleasure in some superb seafood within the metropolis. Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar is a small southern chain of round 25 places throughout simply 7 states, and the restaurant in Durham is thought for having among the freshest fish round.
With their every day specials equivalent to ‘$1 Oyster Mondays’ and ‘$.50 Steamed Clam Wednesdays’, Shuckin’ Shack is definitely the most effective low-cost eats in Durham. When you’ve ever heard somebody say to not eat seafood until you’re by the ocean, you possibly can relaxation assured they’ve by no means eaten at Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar…
Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar Info
Deal with: Erwin Sq. Plaza, 2200 W Important St A-140, Durham, NC 27705, United States – Click here for directions
Telephone: +19842197337
Working Hours: 12 pm-9 pm Solar-Thurs. 12 pm-10 pm Fri & Sat
Should-Strive Meals: Oysters on the Half Shell, Snow Crab Legs, Saul T Steam Pot
Common Price: $4-$9 per starter, $9-$30 per major, $30-$50 platters
Web site: theshuckinshack.com
Should-Strive Meals in Durham
North Carolina is thought for its personal particular model of barbecue (that’s primarily pork), and its barely sweeter tomato-based sauces. This doesn’t restrict the eating places of Durham; even the barbecue joints provide selection and the meals tradition in Durham is quickly rising. Listed below are a number of must-try dishes while on the town:
Pulled Pork BBQ
All good barbecue locations in Durham will provide a North Carolina staple, pulled pork cooked gradual and low, with a tinge of candy tomato sauce. It’s completely scrumptious and a must-try when you’re wherever in NC.
Many locals delight themselves on their BBQ and I by no means as soon as got here throughout a pulled pork plate I didn’t love. The barbecue at The Blue Note Grill is among the greatest round.
Hutchins Storage Scorching Honey Pizza
Scorching honey on a pepperoni pizza is one thing I first found in Costa Rica, and it’s arduous to now select another topping each time I see it on a menu. Locals broadly take into account Hutchins Garage to be the perfect pizza in Durham and I concur!
The pizzas are big and scrumptious. It’s a family-friendly place and has an important collection of craft beers to accompany your pizza. Their salads are additionally big so that you definitely get your cash’s price right here it doesn’t matter what you order.
Duck Frites
I solely ate them as soon as however the duck frites at Bull City Burger and Brewery are off the charts. Principally, they’re very skinny French fries, fried in duck fats with sea salt and rosemary seasoning. Completely sensational. Served in a heaped bowl to accompany your burger, the frites make for a hearty meal all by themselves, but in addition type the proper burger accompaniment.
Mongolian Beef
There are a number of nice Asian fusion and tapas eating places in Durham. However among the greatest might be discovered at Juju and their Mongolian beef dish is phenomenal. Frivolously spiced, so not too overbearing, and served with a beneficiant portion of rice, this dish is ideal for lunch or dinner when you fancy a nonbarbecue meat repair.
Vegan menu at Gorsha
Ethiopian restaurant Gorsha has a terrific alternative of vegan choices and is broadly thought-about the most effective locations to eat in Durham. Their every day deal of three vegan plates for $14 is an actual cut price.
There are a number of dishes to select from however Yesmir Kik (crimson lentils stewed in berbere, onions, ginger, and garlic) and Gomen (chopped collard greens cooked with onions, garlic, and garnished with sliced jalapeños) have been two of my favorites.
Durham Eating places: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on the perfect eating places in Durham, NC:
There are such a lot of nice eating places in Durham, however my private favorites are the Blue Note Grill and Hutchins Garage. The Blue Notice has among the greatest North Carolina BBQ round and is a superb venue with every day reside music, and the pizza at Hutchins Storage is among the greatest I’ve tasted, to not point out how beautiful the outside patio is for lunch or dinner.
Downtown Durham has the perfect eating places for certain – each the Blue Note Grill and Hutchins Garage might be discovered there. The Downtown space is a cool hub of bars, eating places, and breweries which might be all inside strolling distance of each other and provide among the greatest locations to eat in Durham.
Durham is a really walkable metropolis, I cherished the place I stayed within the Trinity Park space. Situated proper close to the Duke East Campus, quarter-hour from town heart and about 10 minutes from Downtown, it gave me entry to just about every part inside a brief stroll.
My native pub was Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom, it had an important collection of beers at affordable costs and a scrumptious and various menu. They provide the ‘Onerous Workin’ lunch particular which is an efficient deal that runs Tuesday to Thursday lunchtimes. Their outside seating space seems over the Brightleaf constructing and is a good spot to people-watch.
The Roof at The Durham Hotel is the perfect restaurant with a view and is without doubt one of the greatest locations to eat in Durham. Their rooftop bar and patio options panoramic views of the whole metropolis and is a reasonably breathtaking spot for a extremely rememberable meal.
Durham, and North Carolina as a complete, is thought for its personal unique brand of barbecue. Sometimes their fashion of BBQ is pork-based, cooked gradual and low, after which served with a tinge of candy tomato sauce. It’s definitely distinctive to others I’ve tried, however there’s little doubt that it’s completely scrumptious.
Sure completely, and it’s more and more changing into extra of a foodie city as improvement progresses all through town. The eating places are plentiful and the meals on provide is at all times of a really prime quality. The variability you encounter, from conventional barbecue to Indian, Asian, and sushi is a testomony to the foodie nature of Durham. There’s one thing for everybody.
I’m not an enormous fan myself, so I haven’t frequented any of the perfect eating places in Durham for sushi. Nonetheless, I requested a number of locals and the consensus was that Pokeworks on West Important Road and M Sushi on Holland Road are two of the perfect round.
These two spots have been talked about repeatedly for high quality, freshness, and first rate worth for cash. M Sushi can be probably the most romantic eating places in Durham – so I’m advised!
In Conclusion
Durham is such an important place for meals; whether or not you’re in search of fast avenue meals or positive eating you’ll discover every part you could possibly want in his personable metropolis.
My space of alternative was Downtown purely as a result of it was the situation of some of my go-to eating places, like Kings Sandwich Shop and The Blue Note Grill. However the entire of Durham is roofed with unbelievable consuming institutions.
North Carolina could have a fame as a barbecue state, and don’t get me unsuitable there are some superior locations to eat nice barbecue, however there’s so far more on provide. The pizza rivals people who I’ve eaten in Italy, the Asian tapas was arguably among the greatest I’ve ever tried, and even the bars serve up attention-grabbing takes on pub meals and bar snacks.
You definitely gained’t go hungry in Durham! The one query is, the place to strive first?