Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
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bull city bites 🥘
29
items as a grad student, most of my time is split between classes and exploring all the amazing food durham has to offer! over time, i’ve found a few go-to spots that never disappoint — whether it’s grabbing coffee between lectures, going to brunch with fr...
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coffee shops ☕
brunch 🍳🥂
quick bites
sit down restaurants
dessert 🍨
coffee shops ☕
for when i need a caffeine boost between classes or just want a cozy corner to study in 💻
by far my favorite coffee shop in durham! they have great matcha, and are open as a coffee shop in the morning and a bar/lounge in the evenings. pastries have been hits; staff are very friendly. bonus: stays open later than many cafés which is clutch...
the oak house durham
such a calm, bright spot to get work done! the huge windows make it feel super open, and there’s always a quiet buzz of people studying or chatting. their iced vanilla latte is my go-to, and it’s the kind of place where i can accidentally spend hours...
foster street coffee
love coming here when i want something a bit more elevated but still super chill. their breakfast bowls and sandwiches are so good, and the space has this cozy, modern vibe that makes me want to stay and catch up with friends (or just pretend i’m get...
fare & fellow coffee + table
this one’s such a vibe! it’s tulum-inspired, so it feels bright and tropical, and they do both coffee and cocktails which is fun. i love stopping by in the afternoon when i want a change of scenery — definitely more lively than quiet, but in the best...
aaktun coffee & bar durham
brunch 🍳🥂
lazy weekend mornings call for good friends, good vibes, and even better pancakes 🥹
probably my favorite brunch spot when i want something a bit fancy but still super comfy. they have both sweet & savory crepes, and even fun things like hashbrown waffles. it's perfect for brunch + catching up with friends. menu is scratch-made, ...
press coffee, crepes & cocktails
such a cozy, welcoming spot for classic southern brunch. the portions are huge, and everything tastes like comfort — the biscuits and gravy are my go-to. it’s super laid-back and always hits when i want a slow, hearty weekend brunch. 🤍
it’s a southern thing
a true durham classic. it’s always buzzing but worth the wait, and the menu has literally everything you could want for brunch. i love coming here when i want something super comforting and low-key — it just has that cozy, diner energy.
elmo’s diner
honestly iconic. the chicken is perfectly crispy, the waffles are fluffy, and the flavored spreads are such a fun touch. this is where i go when i’m craving something indulgent and sooo worth it.
dame’s chicken & waffles
one of my favorite weekend spots when i want something cozy but a little special. their pastries are always incredible (i’ve definitely gone just for a croissant and coffee), and the outdoor biergarten space is such a peaceful place to sit when the w...
guglhupf bakery, café & biergarten
feels like slipping away to a little french café for the morning. the patio is dreamy on a sunny day, and their omelets and pastries are so good. definitely my go-to when i want brunch to feel like a treat.
vin rouge
quick bites
fast, tasty, and always hitting the spot when i’m on the go between everything 🏃♀️💨
honestly my favorite quick spots when i’m craving bold, comforting flavors. the puerto rican-inspired dishes are always fresh and full of flavor, and the staff is super welcoming. perfect for a fast, satisfying meal that feels homemade. 🌮💛
boricua soul
this is my comfort food spot!! their detroit-style pizza is a thick, cheesy perfection (the crust is unreal), and the burger is secretly one of the best in town. it’s super chill inside, so it’s easy to just sit back and enjoy.
emmy squared pizza (detroit-style)
such a gem. the food is so fresh and homemade — the burritos and birria tacos are my favorite — and it has this warm, welcoming vibe that makes you want to linger. i always leave feeling full and happy.
fonda lupita
such a fun and easy hangout spot. there’s always a mix of food trucks rotating through, so it’s perfect when i’m feeling indecisive or just want to try something new. great for casual nights when everyone wants to be outside.
the can opener food truck park
an absolute durham classic. it’s tiny and usually busy, but their burgers and fries are totally worth it. it gives old-school drive-in vibes, and eating outside on a sunny day just makes it even better.
king’s sandwich shop
my go-to when i want something simple but really well done. their paninis and soups always hit the spot, and it’s super quick without feeling rushed. i’ve had so many solo lunches here with a book, and it’s just the coziest little spot.
toast
such a good spot when no one can decide what they’re in the mood for. there are so many local vendors (everything from tacos to baked goods), and the vibe is lively but not overwhelming. i love coming here with friends after class — we all grab somet...
durham food hall
a fun, casual spot for pizza night. the vibe is colorful and laid-back, and the pizzas are super creative (the crust is always perfect). i love coming here with friends when we want something easy but tasty — plus, the salad bar is a nice bonus! 🥗🍕
mellow mushroom (pizza)
sit down restaurants
for celebrating small wins (or just surviving the week) with a nice dinner and a glass of something 🍝🍷
such a fun, vibrant spot for dinner. the space is colorful and lively without being too loud, and the margaritas are so good (highly recommend the spicy one 🌶️). the tacos and enchiladas are always solid, and it’s perfect for a night out with friend...
mezcalito
this is where i go when i want good food and good cocktails. it’s got this classy but still relaxed energy, and the drinks are always so fun. great for a little treat-yourself night out.
alley twenty six
my go-to when i want to feel a little fancy ✨ the sushi is so fresh and beautifully done, and the space feels calm and minimal in the best way. definitely where i like to go for a slow, intentional dinner.
m sushi
such a special spot when i really want to slow down and savor everything. it’s calm and minimal inside, and the whole experience feels super intentional. the tempura is so delicate and perfectly crisp — honestly one of those meals that makes you paus...
m tempura
this one is my fancy comfort spot. the pasta tastes homemade and so fresh, and the whole place has this intimate, tucked-away feeling. ideal for a slow dinner when you want to linger over good food.
mother & sons trattoria
cozy, lively, and perfect for a dinner with friends. the tapas-style plates mean you get to try a bunch of different things (which i love), and the space has this warm glow at night that makes it feel extra inviting.
mateo bar de tapas
such a solid, relaxed spot when i’m craving a really good burger. the ingredients are super fresh and locally sourced, and you can definitely taste it. the house-brewed beers are fun to try too 🍻. it’s casual but still feels like a full sit-down mea...
bull city burger and brewery
dessert 🍨
my go-to when i want something sweet and over-the-top in the best way. the milkshakes are super rich and creamy (the chocolate brownie one is unreal), and it just feels fun and a little nostalgic every time i go. perfect for a post-dinner treat.
milkshake factory
such a cute, colorful spot. they have the most fun popsicle flavors (and creamy ones too), and it’s perfect when it’s warm out or i just want something light and happy. feels like a little taste of summer every time.
locopops
this is my treat-yourself stop. the gelato is so smooth and flavorful, and they have so many options that i always end up sampling at least three before choosing 😅. it’s such a nice place to sit for a bit and unwind.
dulce café & gelato
the cutest soft serve spot! they do dipped cones in tons of fun flavors (the birthday cake one is my fave 🎂), and you can add all kinds of toppings. it’s super colorful and playful — honestly just makes me happy every time i go. perfect for a sunny ...
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