A few weeks ago, I received a message from a follower on Instagram who was looking for my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in Durham and I realized that my website was lacking in an article rounding up our favorite spots. So, with that in mind, I sat down and started thinking about the places I like to visit in Durham for a delicious meal. Here are 11 restaurants to try in Durham, NC.
11 Restaurants to Try in Durham, NC
Counting House
Located on the first floor of 21c Museum Hotel, Counting House offers an exception bar and dining experience. The menu is bold, yet familiar and is located in a modern art museum. And, you might just have one of the iconic pink penguins join you for your meal, as well.
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles
Photo via Dame’s Chicken & Waffles Instagram
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles is a staple in downtown Durham. If you get there and there is a wait, put your name on the list and walk around for a bit because it’s worth the wait. My go-to order is the Orange Speckled Chabo, which is served with a chicken cutlet, a sweet potato waffle, orange-honeycomb shmear, and “drizzled” with honey dijon.
Geer Street Garden
I love Geer Street Garden for a low-key, casual outdoor spot to grab a good meal. Order the Pile, their loaded fries, and a Cobb salad.
Jack Tar & the Colonel’s Daughter
If you’re looking for a spot that is an upscale twist on comfort food, look no further than Jack Tar & the Colonel’s Daughter. Their Brussels sprouts are delicious with a hint of spice and heat that I haven’t found with the dish anywhere else. And if the shrimp burger is on the menu, it’s a must-order!
M Restaurants
Listen, I couldn’t pick just one of the M restaurants to feature here, so I decided to feature them all. I wrote an article a couple of years ago after trying all of the ones in Durham, and let me just say, they’re all worthy of a visit.
Mateo
Photo via Mateo Instagram
One of the best restaurants I’ve ever dined at in North Carolina is Mateo. I have fond memories of an epic girls’ night here where we ordered whatever the server recommended and sat in a booth trying new dishes, laughing way too hard, and enjoying catching up. Their menu is an absolute gem, like the Almejas dish pictured which features NC little neck clams, boiled peanuts and jamon.
QueenBurger
During the height of the pandemic, QueenBurger opened in the parking lot behind cocktail bar, Kingfisher. The space served up smash burgers & fries, bottled cocktails, and offered space to social distance while still having a place to hang and get out of the house. In 2022, QueenBurger opened as its own brick and mortar and is still serving up tasty smash burgers & fries right near DPAB & DPAC.
Queeny’s
This hip diner is located on the first floor above Kingfisher and has a retro dinner feel. Order at the bar and then pick your favorite spot to hang out while you wait for your meal. I ordered the chicken crispers and fries, though I am definitely going to order the Birria Dip the next time I’m back.
Picnic BBQ
Now, y’all may know that I am a self-proclaimed eastern NC BBQ connoisseur. Picnic BBQ is a delight to stop in and spend some time. Their starters include my go-to orders of pimento cheese with fried saltines to fried oysters to deviled eggs. For an entree, a BBQ sammie with fried okra is the move here. If they’ve run out of okra, the mac and cheese is a fine substitution. Finish up with a piece of chocolate chess pie.
Press Coffee Crêpes Cocktails
Press is a fantastic spot for a leisurely weekend brunch. Order the avocado club crepe with a side of tater tots.
Saltbox Seafood Joint
Listen, I will not turn down an opportunity to have a meal at Saltbox Seafood Joint. Whatever you do, order the hush honeys and thank me later. The fried oyster and fried shrimp roll are my go-to orders.
Where is your favorite restaurant in Durham? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
“Bull and Bean” Most definitely needs to make the list .. it is in my top 5 brunch spots and is on south side of durham off old Chapel Hill road to right of Shannon Rd post office. Great brunch spot with nice choice of crafted coffee-like drinks. Everything that I have ever had is delish!!! Definitely a hidden gem that I frequent weekly.
Thank you for sharing this! I will add it to my list of places to try!
Please try moes bbq, it’s a very low key hole in the wall spot, but the food is delicious! They take their time and cook from scratch daily and you definitely can tell they take pride in the food.
Thank you so much for this recommendation! I love hole in the wall type places, so absolutely adding to my list.