Weekends with brunch plans are always the best ones, in my opinion. The way I see it, there are few better ways to connect with friends than over a leisurely meal served with cocktails. While I’ve never been a big breakfast fan, brunch menus often have something for everyone’s tastes regardless of if they prefer sweet or savory.
The Bull City is one of the culinary gems of North Carolina and their brunch game is no different! Whether you are in town for the weekend or looking for a spot to meet up with friends and then enjoy a day exploring the area, here is a round up of 7 of the best brunch in Durham!
Best Brunch in Durham, NC: 7 Favorite Places to Try
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles
Photo via Dame’s Chicken & Waffles Instagram
Chicken and waffles are the ultimate brunch food, IMO, and you can’t go wrong with Dame’s! Dame’s pays tribute to the Harlem Renaissance with the chicken and waffles & jazz music and art throughout the restaurant. And while they claim their chicken and waffles are “almost famous,” Dame’s is a North Carolina institution! Get there early or put your name on the reservation list for priority seating. While you’re there, consider ordering Dame’s personal favorite, the Carolina Cockerel, which is three wings, a classic waffle, and peach and apricot shmear. My favorite order is the Orange Speckled Chabo, which is a chicken cutlet, a sweet potato waffle, orange-honeycomb shmear, and drizzled with honey dijon. You can also make your own, too!
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles is located at 530 Foster Street, Durham.
Guglhupf
Photo via Guglhupf Instagram
Guglhupf is has been around since 1998 and is an innovative Bakery, Cafe and Biergarten serves contemporary cuisine with a nod to its southern German roots, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. This Durham establishment serves up a delicious brunch and has a gorgeous patio to enjoy the progressive, modern aspects of their German heritage. The croissant sandwich with avocado and bacon or the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich are delicious options!
Guglhupf is located at 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham.
Honeysuckle at Lakewood
Photo via Honeysuckle at Lakewood Instagram
Honeysuckle at Lakewood focuses on creating an approachable neighborhood gathering place. They have a fabulous outdoor area with plenty of space for social distancing. Their interior boasts beautiful bar area that is accented with a reclaimed wood wall (obviously something I adore) and multiple garage doors to give the space fresh air. Pictured here is the Brisket Hash: Skillet potatoes topped with peppers, onions, cheddar cheese, & brisket straight off the smoker + 2 sunny side eggs with collards & pork cracklings
Honeysuckle at Lakewood is located at 1920 Chapel Hill Road, Durham.
Jack Tar & the Colonel’s Daughter
Jack Tar is a modern eatery at the Unscripted Durham hotel presenting updated takes on traditional diner fare. If they have the shrimp burger on the menu, order it! It is a delicious version of one of my favorite meals. Also, their pancakes are always a good option, too! David and I finished a staycation with brunch at Jack Tar and for our full itinerary, check out this post!
Jack Tar is located at 202 Corcoran St, Durham.
Monuts
Don’t let the name fool you! Monuts is more than just donuts, though you cannot leave without trying one of their famous donuts. Monuts offers a wide variety of breakfast items by pairing bold flavors with seasonal and local ingredients. There are traditional favorites like the “Pep it Up” bagel with melted white cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, pepper jelly, avocado, and a farm egg or the chicken & pickle biscuit with chili-infused honey. Or the “Apple of My Eye” which is focaccia, applewood smoked bacon, arugula pesto, aioli, arugula, caramelized onion jam, apples, and rosemary manchego!
Monuts is located at 1002 9th St, Durham.
Nasher Cafe
Photo via Nasher Cafe Instagram
The Nasher Museum of Art is located on Duke University’s campus and is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. The cafe on site has recently started offering a limited brunch menu. Be sure to check the website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information and menu items! And stay for the art exhibits.
Nasher Cafe is located at 2001 Campus Dr, Durham.
Vin Rouge
Photo via Vin Rouge Instagram
If you’re experiencing a little wanderlust, head to Vin Rouge for Sunday brunch. The white table cloths and black and white photos make it feel like you’ve been transported to a French bistro and the food is delicious. Order a French 75 to start your brunch experience and then stay for traditional brunch dishes ranging from fluffy French toast to crepes or the Moules frites!
Vin Rouge is located at 2010 Hillsborough Rd, Durham.
Looking for other Durham favorites? Here is a round up of some favorite shops just in time for holiday shopping! I will never not crave any of the eMpire restaurants, so here is a recap of my experiences at these restaurants. And, last year, David and I had a fun date night at the Streetery. You can recreate that itinerary for an epic date night!
fosters is my favorite brunch spot in durham but some of the other restaurants look yummy too!