Weekends with brunch plans are always the best ones, in my opinion. There are few better ways to connect with friends than over a leisurely meal served with cocktails, comfort food, and plenty of good conversation. While I am not the biggest big breakfast fan, brunch menus always seem to have something for everyone—whether you are craving baked French toast, avocado toast, or a plate of shrimp and grits. Whether you are in town for the weekend or a local looking for a new spot to try, here is an updated roundup of the best brunch in Durham, NC—with more than 10 highly recommended favorites to explore this year.
Durham, NC (affectionately known as the Bull City) continues to be one of the culinary gems of the South, and its brunch scene is stronger than ever in 2025. From long-loved staples like Dame’s Chicken & Waffles to newcomers shaking things up with globally inspired flavors, there is a table waiting for you in downtown Durham and beyond.
This article was originally published in October 2021 and has since been updated and recirculated for July 2026.
Best Brunch in Durham, NC: 2026 Update
Aaktun Coffee & Bar
Photo via Aaktun Instagram
Chef Oscar Diaz’s concept brings bold flavors and global inspiration to brunch classics. Expect creative spins on classic dishes like shrimp and grits, poke, and burgers in a unique setting. It is a traditional coffee bar during the day that transitions to a Tulum, tiki-inspired dining experience at night. The all-day brunch menu on Sunday is a nod to that.
Aaktun Coffee & Bar is at 704 Ramseur St, Durham.
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles
Photo via Dame’s Chicken & Waffles Instagram
A North Carolina institution that was founded in Durham, Dame’s pairs its “almost famous” chicken and waffles with jazz vibes and artwork. Do not miss the Orange Speckled Chabo with sweet potato waffle, honey dijon drizzle, and chicken cutlet.
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles is located at 455 S Driver St, Durham, NC 27703.
Delancey Tavern
Delancey Tavern is one of the newest spots in Durham, and their brunch and dinner scene is incredible. Start with the deviled egg dip and a deep-fried hash brown. For the main course, the savory French toast is a roasted garlic French toast with brie fondue, scallions, toasted sesame, and hot honey, and for someone who prefers savory to sweet for breakfast, this cannot be missed! Add a side of bacon as well. Delancey Tavern also offers great brunch cocktails, including my personal favorite, Lady Danbury, with violet and elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and soda. Make a reservation!
Delancey Tavern is at 408 W Geer St, Durham, NC 27701.
Guglhupf
Photo via Guglhupf Instagram
Guglhupf is a bakery–café–biergarten that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and has been around since 1998. The croissant sandwich, buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, and inviting patio make this a standout weekend spot.
Guglhupf is located at 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham.
It’s a Southern Thing
This restaurant lives up to its name with classic Southern comfort food and their brunch is spectacular. Highlights include shrimp and grits, eggs Benedict variations, waffle balls, and hearty sandwiches like Pete’s Fat Kid Breakfast Sandwich. Bottomless mimosas on weekends seal the deal.
It’s a Southern Thing is at 605 W Main St, Durham.
Lakewood Social
Photo via Lakewood Social Instagram
Cozy and inviting, Lakewood Social serves up a Breakfast sandwich all day, a smashburger, or a falafel smashburger if you prefer a vegetarian option, and a spicy chicken sammie. While not a traditional brunch spot, they do offer specials, and the patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch with friends.
Lakewood Social is located at 1920 Chapel Hill Road, Durham.
LRB Provisions
New to the Durham restaurant scene, LRB Provisions is serving up handcrafted sandwiches, sides, soups, sweets, and sips out of a small-but-mighty space on Guess Road. Everything is made in house—from freshly baked breads and homemade pickles to their tender, melt-in-your-mouth pastrami. They do not own a freezer, and it shows. Order the pastrami sandwich or the al pastor, and do not skip the housemade chips and onion dip. Grab it to go or settle in at one of their outdoor tables for a proper al fresco lunch.
LRB Provisions is at 2009 Guess Rd., Durham.
Monuts
Photo via Monuts Instagram
While Monuts may be famous for its donuts, the rest of the brunch menu shines just as bright. Try the Pep it Up bagel sandwich or the chicken & pickle biscuit with chili honey.
Monuts is located at 1002 9th St, Durham.
Nasher Cafe
Photo via Nasher Cafe Instagram
Located in the Nasher Museum of Art on the campus of Duke University, this café is perfect for pairing a light but elegant brunch with a stroll through the galleries. Seasonal ingredients star on the menu.
Nasher Cafe is located at 2001 Campus Dr, Durham.
Parker & Otis
Photo via Parker & Otis Instagram
A charming shop and eatery in downtown Durham. Southern-inspired brunch staples like shrimp and grits, biscuits with jam, and quiche make this a must-visit. Stay for the shopping!
Parker & Otis is located on the American Tobacco Campus at 324 Blackwell St Bay 4, Durham.
Press Coffee, Crêpes & Cocktails
This European café is known for savory and sweet crêpes, excellent coffee, and brunch cocktails that impress. There is an open kitchen that features a crêpe bar. It is truly a delightful dining experience!
Press is at 359 Blackwell St, Durham.
Vin Rouge
Photo via Vin Rouge Instagram
This French bistro serves brunch classics like baked French toast and crêpes in an elegant, white-tablecloth setting. Do not miss their French 75 cocktail or the moules frites if they are on the menu.
Vin Rouge is located at 2010 Hillsborough Rd, Durham.
Final Thoughts
Durham’s brunch scene is a reflection of what makes this city so special—it is unpretentious, creative, and deeply rooted in both Southern tradition and global curiosity. Whether you are settling into a corner booth at Vin Rouge with a French 75 in hand or grabbing a chicken and pickle biscuit from Monuts on your way through Ninth Street, there is a version of the perfect weekend morning waiting for you here.
The Bull City has always punched above its weight when it comes to food, and brunch is no exception. With exciting newcomers like Aaktun and LRB Provisions joining long-standing favorites, 2026 is a genuinely great time to work your way through this list—one leisurely weekend at a time. Consider it a delicious excuse to reconnect with the people you love over good food and even better company. That is what brunch is really for, anyway. Use this map to help plan your Durham brunch adventures.
Looking for other Durham favorites? I will never not crave any of the M restaurants, so here is a recap of my experiences at these restaurants. You can find all of my Durham content here.
fosters is my favorite brunch spot in durham but some of the other restaurants look yummy too!