Guidebook for Durham
Food Scene
"Best tapas in the US" by celebrity chefs, Mateo is not only a great place for food, but a late night hangout, too. Downtown Durham is the place to be late night! $$
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Mateo Bar de Tapas
109 W Chapel Hill St"Best tapas in the US" by celebrity chefs, Mateo is not only a great place for food, but a late night hangout, too. Downtown Durham is the place to be late night! $$
If you absolutely must have French Onion soup in a bread bowl or a crisp salad you know Panera will deliver. New-ish location for this restaurant chain and the usual suspects are on the menu.
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Panera Bread
737 9th StIf you absolutely must have French Onion soup in a bread bowl or a crisp salad you know Panera will deliver. New-ish location for this restaurant chain and the usual suspects are on the menu.
Inexpensive place not just for Japanese but Vietnamese, too. Their Pho is pretty tasty. Don't be put off by the exterior - it's a remodel of an old pizza place. Sushi is highly rated. $$
Koumi Japanese Restaurant
3550 N Roxboro StInexpensive place not just for Japanese but Vietnamese, too. Their Pho is pretty tasty. Don't be put off by the exterior - it's a remodel of an old pizza place. Sushi is highly rated. $$
Mojito popsicles? Vegan chocolate brownie popsicles? Yep and a bunch more. Some regulars like Mango Chile and special guests like Lemon Curd and S'mores. Yummy and only 10 min. drive.
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LocoPops
2618 Hillsborough RdMojito popsicles? Vegan chocolate brownie popsicles? Yep and a bunch more. Some regulars like Mango Chile and special guests like Lemon Curd and S'mores. Yummy and only 10 min. drive.
One phrase: shrimp-and-grits. I'm not a grits fan, but cheese them up a bit and I can pretend to be born Southern. Love fried oysters, though! Reservations suggested.
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Crook's Corner
610 W Franklin StOne phrase: shrimp-and-grits. I'm not a grits fan, but cheese them up a bit and I can pretend to be born Southern. Love fried oysters, though! Reservations suggested.
If you want steak, go to Angus Barn. Huge portions, fabulous service, cavernous building (hey, it's a barn!). Reservations recommended but you might sneak in without them. Renowned wine cellar. $$$$
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Angus Barn
9401 Glenwood AveIf you want steak, go to Angus Barn. Huge portions, fabulous service, cavernous building (hey, it's a barn!). Reservations recommended but you might sneak in without them. Renowned wine cellar. $$$$
Always highly rated, Toast is known for its sandwiches and soups. Always a line at lunchtime and worth the wait. Parking downtown can be a challenge, but be tenacious! $
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Toast
345 W Main StAlways highly rated, Toast is known for its sandwiches and soups. Always a line at lunchtime and worth the wait. Parking downtown can be a challenge, but be tenacious! $
The Fairview Dining room at the Washington Duke Inn is four diamond, white tablecloth territory. Weekend breakfast buffet is popular, even if you're not a hotel guest. Reservations recommended.
Fairview Dining Room
3001 Cameron BlvdThe Fairview Dining room at the Washington Duke Inn is four diamond, white tablecloth territory. Weekend breakfast buffet is popular, even if you're not a hotel guest. Reservations recommended.
I'm not a coffee drinker but YOU might be craving a latte. This is the closest Starbucks to Hay House. Drive through or drink in!
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Starbucks
2301 Erwin RdI'm not a coffee drinker but YOU might be craving a latte. This is the closest Starbucks to Hay House. Drive through or drink in!
Where the locals go - THE place for fresh fried flounder. Try it with sweet potato fries. Daily specials. Dining open til 9 except Sunday. Comfort food served w/ a Southern flair. $$
Bennett Pointe Grill
4625 Hillsborough RdWhere the locals go - THE place for fresh fried flounder. Try it with sweet potato fries. Daily specials. Dining open til 9 except Sunday. Comfort food served w/ a Southern flair. $$
f you've never experienced Dame's try to get a reservation (it's THAT busy) and get ready for schmears and waffles that are out of this world. Tiny place downtown Durham. Park on the street. $$
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Dame's Chicken & Waffles
530 Foster Stf you've never experienced Dame's try to get a reservation (it's THAT busy) and get ready for schmears and waffles that are out of this world. Tiny place downtown Durham. Park on the street. $$
A bit pricey, but when you want Mediterranean, it's a great place to eat. The calamari is good and the baklava is super according to Victor. Lunch and dinner and it's always busy. $$$
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Bleu Olive
1821 Hillandale RdA bit pricey, but when you want Mediterranean, it's a great place to eat. The calamari is good and the baklava is super according to Victor. Lunch and dinner and it's always busy. $$$
We have been eating here since Day One and still love it. The owner/chef comes out to chat and the food is terrific - a mixture of Italian and other flavors. Small outdoor eating space. Delicious! $$
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Melo Trattoria & Tapas
1821 Hillandale RdWe have been eating here since Day One and still love it. The owner/chef comes out to chat and the food is terrific - a mixture of Italian and other flavors. Small outdoor eating space. Delicious! $$
OMG... why did Krispy Kreme open just 2 minutes from the house? The HOT sign is on twice a day. 6 am - 11 am and then late afternoon. Nothing better with cold milk or hot coffee. Deadly! $
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Krispy Kreme
11721 Retail DrOMG... why did Krispy Kreme open just 2 minutes from the house? The HOT sign is on twice a day. 6 am - 11 am and then late afternoon. Nothing better with cold milk or hot coffee. Deadly! $
If you want to splurge on calories at breakfast, Bob Evans is the place to do it. Comfort food, reasonable prices and the place is pretty clean, too. Good lunch and dinner, too. $$
Bob Evans
5419 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdIf you want to splurge on calories at breakfast, Bob Evans is the place to do it. Comfort food, reasonable prices and the place is pretty clean, too. Good lunch and dinner, too. $$
Fastest of fast food but better quality. Hamburgers are hand pressed. Dozens of flavors of shakes and they also sell decent BBQ. Drive through on either side of the black and white building. Great grilled chicken sandwiches, too. $
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Cook Out
3624 Hillsborough RdFastest of fast food but better quality. Hamburgers are hand pressed. Dozens of flavors of shakes and they also sell decent BBQ. Drive through on either side of the black and white building. Great grilled chicken sandwiches, too. $
Mexican restaurants are everywhere but we still like to go back to Torero's. Used to be a branch on Guess Rd but it was sold to other owners. The 15-501 location is the original.$$
Fiesta Ole Mexican Restaurant
4600 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdMexican restaurants are everywhere but we still like to go back to Torero's. Used to be a branch on Guess Rd but it was sold to other owners. The 15-501 location is the original.$$
A Durham institution (don't forget to check out the fancy ceiling). White tablecloths and excellent food, but a bit pricey. Good for lunch or dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$
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Parizade
2200 W Main StA Durham institution (don't forget to check out the fancy ceiling). White tablecloths and excellent food, but a bit pricey. Good for lunch or dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$
Once only a bakery, now a great place for lunch or weekend brunch plus those great cookies and CAKES to die for. I love the fried goat cheese salad and eclairs. Free WiFi so lots of Duke students here $$
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Mad Hatter Cafe + Bakeshop
1802 W Main StOnce only a bakery, now a great place for lunch or weekend brunch plus those great cookies and CAKES to die for. I love the fried goat cheese salad and eclairs. Free WiFi so lots of Duke students here $$
This IS Durham. Eastern NC BBQ (vinegar based) topped with cole slaw and a side order of Brunswick stew - the BEST. Closed Sun/Mon and open only til 8:30. Try family style for the fried chicken! $
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Bullock's Bar-B-Cue
3330 Quebec DrThis IS Durham. Eastern NC BBQ (vinegar based) topped with cole slaw and a side order of Brunswick stew - the BEST. Closed Sun/Mon and open only til 8:30. Try family style for the fried chicken! $
Love this place -- fabulous baked goods and the restaurant has evolved to become a great place for breakfast or lunch (dinner too, I think). Wonderful outdoor dining. Nice decor and a friendly feel.$-$$
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Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten
2706 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdLove this place -- fabulous baked goods and the restaurant has evolved to become a great place for breakfast or lunch (dinner too, I think). Wonderful outdoor dining. Nice decor and a friendly feel.$-$$
Durham's nod to Martha Stewart and her protege Sara Foster; excellent place to hang out for gourmet food, coffee, baked goods (excellent). Funky furniture and eclectic crowd. Take out or dine in. $$
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Foster's Market
2694 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdDurham's nod to Martha Stewart and her protege Sara Foster; excellent place to hang out for gourmet food, coffee, baked goods (excellent). Funky furniture and eclectic crowd. Take out or dine in. $$
Linda's personal favorite for special occasions. James Beard award chef and exquisite meals with locally sourced seasonal produce. Try the tasting menu and wine pairings. Reservations are a must. YUM $$$$
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Nana's
2514 University DriveLinda's personal favorite for special occasions. James Beard award chef and exquisite meals with locally sourced seasonal produce. Try the tasting menu and wine pairings. Reservations are a must. YUM $$$$
The best hush puppies in NC and the freshest seafood, too. You can't go wrong with any of their specials (of course the calamari is delicious!). Busy on weekends but worth standing in line. $$
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Squid's Restaurant
1201 Fordham BlvdThe best hush puppies in NC and the freshest seafood, too. You can't go wrong with any of their specials (of course the calamari is delicious!). Busy on weekends but worth standing in line. $$
Our go-to place for Italian. Nothing fancy but great red sauce. Try the Cheese Steak Special or Spaghetti with Red Clam sauce. Reasonable prices, free parking and take out is easy, too. $=$$
Italian Pizzeria
3823 Guess RdOur go-to place for Italian. Nothing fancy but great red sauce. Try the Cheese Steak Special or Spaghetti with Red Clam sauce. Reasonable prices, free parking and take out is easy, too. $=$$
Wow...you've never had Mexican like this! A hop skip and jump from Nana's and conjured by the same James Beard chef, this place is busy all the time. Order in line, then wait at your table for delivery. Try everything - always changing menu. $$
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NUVOTACO
2512 University DrWow...you've never had Mexican like this! A hop skip and jump from Nana's and conjured by the same James Beard chef, this place is busy all the time. Order in line, then wait at your table for delivery. Try everything - always changing menu. $$
Great barbeque but honestly, try the nachos - HUGE plate of chips, beans and barbeque - best I've ever had. Serves a big table of people (don't order it and expect to eat a full meal, too). The mac and cheese is excellent too. Use valet parking $$-$$$
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The Pit Durham
321 W Geer StGreat barbeque but honestly, try the nachos - HUGE plate of chips, beans and barbeque - best I've ever had. Serves a big table of people (don't order it and expect to eat a full meal, too). The mac and cheese is excellent too. Use valet parking $$-$$$
Comfort food in a diner setting. We got out of the habit of going here after it expanded, but lots of folks still swear by it. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. You may have to wait in line for a table. $=$$
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Elmo's Diner
776 9th StComfort food in a diner setting. We got out of the habit of going here after it expanded, but lots of folks still swear by it. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. You may have to wait in line for a table. $=$$
Shopping
Part of Durham's independent bookstore culture since 1976. Even in the era of Amazon and big box stores, the Regulator maintains a loyal following and stocks local authors as well as blockbusters. Check their collection of wonderful gifts. And ask for help -- these people know EVERYTHING about books!
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The Regulator Bookshop
720 9th StPart of Durham's independent bookstore culture since 1976. Even in the era of Amazon and big box stores, the Regulator maintains a loyal following and stocks local authors as well as blockbusters. Check their collection of wonderful gifts. And ask for help -- these people know EVERYTHING about books!
Once a feed store, now Barnes caters to upscale pets (dogs, cats, etc) as well as chickens and other livestock. A fun place to visit when you're on 9th street - still has that feed store ambiance. Don't miss the annex with bird seed and feeders!
Barnes Supply Co.
774 9th StOnce a feed store, now Barnes caters to upscale pets (dogs, cats, etc) as well as chickens and other livestock. A fun place to visit when you're on 9th street - still has that feed store ambiance. Don't miss the annex with bird seed and feeders!
Yes there is clothing. Yes there are shoes. Yes there are a bunch of things that change with the inventory. Just visit Cozy and find out what's new this week!
Cozy Inc
770 9th StreetYes there is clothing. Yes there are shoes. Yes there are a bunch of things that change with the inventory. Just visit Cozy and find out what's new this week!
You never know what you'll find here - jewelry, women's clothing, funky accessories - great fun, tiny shop (now with a branch at South Point Mall, too).
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Vaguely Reminiscent
728 9th StYou never know what you'll find here - jewelry, women's clothing, funky accessories - great fun, tiny shop (now with a branch at South Point Mall, too).
Chapel Hill is HQ for this fast growing gourmet store with a zillion coffees and teas, fabulous (expensive) hot bar and pastries plus cookware, gifts, wine, cards. Semi annual sale is great.
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A Southern Season
1125 Jay LaneChapel Hill is HQ for this fast growing gourmet store with a zillion coffees and teas, fabulous (expensive) hot bar and pastries plus cookware, gifts, wine, cards. Semi annual sale is great.
Durham's major mall after South Square was demolished to become Sam's Club and Target. Typical mall stores from Chico's to Abercrombie and Fitch. This is the ONLY Nordstrom store in the Triangle, though. The anchor stores are JC Penney, Macy's, Belk and Nordstrom. Decent food court and huge cinema. Crate and Barrel lives here, too plus Maggiano;s restaurant and many other chain foodie places.
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The Streets at Southpoint
Durham's major mall after South Square was demolished to become Sam's Club and Target. Typical mall stores from Chico's to Abercrombie and Fitch. This is the ONLY Nordstrom store in the Triangle, though. The anchor stores are JC Penney, Macy's, Belk and Nordstrom. Decent food court and huge cinema. Crate and Barrel lives here, too plus Maggiano;s restaurant and many other chain foodie places.
What can you say about Costco? It has almost everything and in bulk. Best news is that it is just 10 minutes from the house. Don't have a card? We'll let you borrow ours for the day!
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Costco Wholesale
1510 N Pointe DrWhat can you say about Costco? It has almost everything and in bulk. Best news is that it is just 10 minutes from the house. Don't have a card? We'll let you borrow ours for the day!
Parks & Nature
The closest access point for the Eno "River" this hidden gem is perfect for a hike on a Sunday afternoon. Plenty of paved parking, then hit the well-marked trails. Pets must be leashed but kids run free. Picnic area in the first two access points including a covered shelter with grills. Go to the end of the road to reach the banks of the Eno, then take the winding trail down to the water. Always a great time!
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Eno River State Park
6101 Cole Mill RdThe closest access point for the Eno "River" this hidden gem is perfect for a hike on a Sunday afternoon. Plenty of paved parking, then hit the well-marked trails. Pets must be leashed but kids run free. Picnic area in the first two access points including a covered shelter with grills. Go to the end of the road to reach the banks of the Eno, then take the winding trail down to the water. Always a great time!
To call the Eno a "river" is almost misleading - it's an overgrown stream but deep enough to canoe in the summer months. And West Point on the Eno has well worn trails that are great for hiking - good kid activity and great exercise.
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West Point på Eno
5101 N Roxboro StTo call the Eno a "river" is almost misleading - it's an overgrown stream but deep enough to canoe in the summer months. And West Point on the Eno has well worn trails that are great for hiking - good kid activity and great exercise.
Entertainment & Activities
We've never experienced a theater like this one -- and the only other one is in Florida! Reserved seating in the theater? Comfy lounge chairs instead of stiff seats? Dinner delivered to your seat? Beer and wine available during the performances? Singalong movies during the week? Oh YES and much more. Prices are reasonable and the ambiance is top drawer.
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Silverspot Cinema At Chapel Hill
201 S Estes DrWe've never experienced a theater like this one -- and the only other one is in Florida! Reserved seating in the theater? Comfy lounge chairs instead of stiff seats? Dinner delivered to your seat? Beer and wine available during the performances? Singalong movies during the week? Oh YES and much more. Prices are reasonable and the ambiance is top drawer.
This is the "new" Durham Bulls stadium, completed in 1995 after Raleigh tried to "steal" the Bulls from their hometown. The city of Durham rallied behind the team and raised money to produce a stadium that is reenergized - a local favorite. Sure it's AAA ball, but it's always a great time! Old time baseball at its best.
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Durham Bulls Athletic Park
409 Blackwell StThis is the "new" Durham Bulls stadium, completed in 1995 after Raleigh tried to "steal" the Bulls from their hometown. The city of Durham rallied behind the team and raised money to produce a stadium that is reenergized - a local favorite. Sure it's AAA ball, but it's always a great time! Old time baseball at its best.