our favorite durham spots

I thought it would be fun to share our favorite places around Durham. This city gets a bad rep, mostly because at one time it was considered pretty unsafe. But, Durham has gone through a revival of sorts over the past 10 years, and I’m confident that it will look like a completely different city in the next 10 years – that’s how much change is happening. It’s fun to live in a city that is coming into its own, so to speak. This is in no way an all-inclusive list, but these are the spots that Matt and I have gone to, continue to go to and enjoy.

FOR DINNER

Geer Street Garden – a restaurant located in a former gas station. The seating is mostly communal and outdoors, but they bring in heaters and close it off during the winter months. I think between the both of us we have gotten pretty much everything on the menu, and it is delicious. The grilled pimento cheese sandwich and fish tacos are so so good.

The Pit – if you want some authentic, North Carolina barbeque, this is the place for you. I used to dislike hushpuppies, but theirs have converted me.

Dos Perros – upscale Mexican restaurant with the best guacamole and margaritas.

Bull City Burger and Brewery – I don’t normally eat beef, but for Bull City Burger, I make an exception. If you get a tattoo of the BCBB logo somewhere on your body, you will receive 26% off for life. Really.

Nanataco – when we just want some fresh, authentic tacos, we go here. They always offer a “dirty meat” (think duck, beef tongue, etc.), but I’m not that courageous and just stick to chicken.

Lilly’s Pizza – I had to include a pizza place! The best crust partnered with the freshest toppings.

The Federal – for all intents and purposes, the “Fed” is a hole in the wall bar, but man their fries…so good. Check out the specials; there is always something surprising and delicious (like boar meat tacos).

FOR LUNCH

The Q Shack – The best Southern food, with no frills. Think: picnic benches and paper towels for your sticky fingers.

Nosh – While good for lunch, this is also a great place for breakfast (it’s what Matt gets every time we go there). I love their pasta salad. 

FOR BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Parker & Otis – Can get pretty crowded on the weekends. It’s located inside a store, so it’s fun to shop while you wait for a seat.

Rise – Don’t let the location turn you off (it’s located in a strip mall). They have the best biscuits with some tasty toppings as well.

Monuts – Fresh donuts! Who doesn’t love a good donut, am I right?

FOR COFFEE

Guglhupf – Belgian inspired bakery and café. This is a great place to come and meet a friend for a latte or to get some work done.

Cocoa Cinnamon – The best hot chocolate I’ve ever had can be found right here (seriously, it was like drinking straight chocolate). They have a lot of interesting choices, so take a look at the menu closely before ordering.

FOR BOOZE

Fullsteam Brewery – Out of all the places listed, this is definitely the most hipster. Dog friendly, food trucks, arcade games, ping pong tables, and trivia every Thursday night. I don’t like dark beers, but The Working Man’s Lunch is pretty delicious.

Bull McCabes – an Irish pub located in the heart of downtown. We usually order a Guinness (Matt) and a Crispin (me).

And really, every restaurant we recommend serves great drinks. We are living in the golden age of microbreweries, folks.

FOR DESSERT

The Parlor – Delicious ice cream made by hand. It was originally a food truck that started a Kickstarter and opened up its own shop. They feature a lot of quirky flavors, including green tea.

The Cupcake Bar – I have a soft spot for cupcakes (I’m opting for them instead of a traditional wedding cake), and this bakery almost won as my wedding vendor.