The Guide

Best of Durham

The best restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee, things to do, and hidden gems — picked by people who actually live here.

Updated March 2026

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Restaurants

Durham eats well, and it is not just downtown. These are the places that hit every time, from splurge nights to takeout lines.

Barsa New

Downtown · Southern Indian · $$$

Southern Indian cooking with a lot of confidence. If chettinad crab is on the table, do not skip it. The menu rewards curiosity, so go with someone who likes sharing.

Website ↗ Directions ↗

Cheeni James Beard

Downtown · Indian · $$$

Modern Indian cooking from chef Preeti Waas, a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast in both 2023 and 2024. The menu is specific and confident. Come with an appetite and let the kitchen guide the order.

Website ↗ Directions ↗

Dame's Chicken & Waffles

East Durham · Southern · $$

Durham's chicken-and-waffles anchor, now in East Durham. Order the Carolina Cockerel and commit to the sweet-salty situation. It is filling, so do not pretend you are splitting it.

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Delancey Tavern New

Geer Street · American · $$$

A new-school supper club inside a restored old showroom. The chicken cooked under a brick is the signature, and steak frites does not miss either. Walk-ins only, so be ready to wait or show up early.

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Emmy Squared Pizza New

Downtown · Detroit-Style Pizza · $$

Detroit-style square pies with crispy, caramelized edges and cheese baked all the way to the crust. The pizzas are good, but the real tip: order the burger. It is one of the better burgers in Durham and most people walk past it.

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Foster's Market

South Durham · Cafe · $

A lunch counter that has been feeding Durham for decades. The turkey sandwich is a staple for a reason. It is quick, dependable, and perfect when you do not want to make decisions.

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Gocciolina

North Durham · Italian · $$$

Small Italian with a chef-driven menu that changes with the season. The handmade pasta is the move, even when you think you want something else. Make it a dinner where you let the specials guide you.

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Guglhupf

South Durham · Bavarian · $$

A bakery that also happens to be a full restaurant. Go for brunch and add a pastry, or come later for the pork schnitzel. It is busy for a reason, so aim for off-peak if you can.

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Hatch New

Five Points · New Mexican · $$

This place already has a following, and the breakfast burrito is why. It is New Mexican-inspired, filling, and built for mornings when you need a win. Go early on weekends if you hate lines.

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Isaac's Bagels

Downtown · Bagels · $

Durham has lines for a reason, and this is one of them. Get the lox on an everything bagel, or grab a babka rosette if you want dessert disguised as breakfast. Takeout only, so plan to eat it somewhere else.

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The Lenny

Downtown · Brasserie · $$$

Go for the view first, then let dinner happen. The seafood tower is a fun call, and the tomahawk is the big-group flex. Try to time it around sunset if you want the full rooftop payoff.

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Little Bull Michelin Recommended James Beard

Downtown · American · $$

A counter-service spot from serious local chefs with a tight, well-executed menu. The burger is excellent — one of the better ones in Durham. Keep it simple and eat it while it is hot.

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LRB Provisions New

North Durham · Deli · $$

A deli that feels like a love letter to house-made everything. Get the pastrami sandwich and add a side you have not tried before. It is the kind of place that makes a normal lunch feel like a big deal.

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M Sushi

Ninth Street · Japanese · $$$

Sit at the counter if you can and go omakase. The nigiri is the reason you are here, not the rolls. Reservations help, but a little patience can still pay off.

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Mateo Bar de Tapas

Downtown · Spanish · $$$

Loud, busy, and worth it. The braised short rib croquetas are the safe bet, and the bar is half the point. Go with friends so you can order a bunch of plates and call it dinner.

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Monuts

West End · Breakfast & Donuts · $

A Durham breakfast institution built around creative donuts and a full brunch menu. The donuts are the draw, but the savory plates hold up too. Go on a weekend, expect a wait, and consider it part of the plan.

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Mothers & Sons

Downtown · Italian · $$$

Italian done the old way, in a small room that feels built for date night. If you only order one thing, make it the cacio e pepe. Get there a little early because tables go fast.

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Nana's Michelin Recommended

West Durham · American · $$$

A Durham institution that has been running since 1992 and has not lost a step. The menu is seasonal American with real technique behind it. A strong pick for a proper dinner when you want something that feels like Durham at its best.

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Nerra New

Downtown · Seafood · $$$

Seafood-forward and already getting talked about. The Cajun seafood pasta is a good place to start, and the ceviche is worth a look too. A smaller spot, so plan ahead if you are going with a group.

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Nikos Michelin Recommended

Brightleaf · Greek · $$$

Warm, polished Greek that still feels welcoming. Start with a mezze spread and build from there. A good pick when you want something nicer without going full tasting menu.

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Patty Boy New

Downtown · Smash Burgers · $

A smash burger spot doing the thing properly. Double stack, crispy lacy edges, soft bun. Get it before it gets crowded, because the word is already out.

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Pizzeria Toro

Downtown · Pizza · $$

Durham's long-running pizza answer, still doing it right. Order the margherita, then add whatever special sounds good. The room stays busy, so a little wait is normal.

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Saltbox Seafood Joint James Beard

South Durham · Seafood · $$

No frills, very serious fried seafood. Get the fish and chips or the fried shrimp plate, then eat it right away. Takeout-friendly, but the food is best when it is fresh out of the fryer.

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Seraphine Michelin Recommended

Downtown · Fine Dining · $$$$

This is the special-occasion pick, in the best way. Do the chef's tasting menu and let the kitchen drive. Plan on taking your time, because it is not a quick meal.

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Vin Rouge

Watts-Hillandale · French · $$$

A classic Durham bistro that has outlasted trends. Go for the moules frites, plus whatever else makes sense with a glass of wine. It is the kind of place you can keep in your back pocket for years.

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Drinks

From craft cocktail bars to neighborhood breweries to a wine bar that brings your own food — Durham has a drink spot for every kind of night.

Alley Twenty Six James Beard

Downtown · Cocktail Bar · $$

Durham's original craft cocktail bar, still setting the standard. Ask what is seasonal and let the bartender steer. It feels fancy enough for a date, but not so fancy you have to whisper.

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Bar Beej James Beard

Downtown · Cocktail Bar · $$

A tiny bar with big flavors, tied to the team behind Cheeni. Order an Indian-inspired cocktail and trust the chalkboard. It is the kind of place where one drink turns into two.

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Bar Virgile

Downtown · Cocktail Bar · $$

A downtown staple with a rotating menu that stays sharp. Go for a seasonal cocktail and a brasserie-style snack. Reliable in the best way.

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Beer Study

Near Duke · Bottle Shop & Taproom · $

A bottle shop and taproom with a deep bench. Pick something off the wall of taps and do a half pour if you are indecisive. A perfect stop for beer nerds and people who live with them.

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Conniption Bar & Lounge

Downtown · Gin Bar · $$

A gin-forward lounge under Durham Distillery. Try a Conniption gin cocktail, then see what else catches your eye. It works well when you want a drink that tastes like it was made on purpose.

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Durty Bull Brewing

Downtown · Brewery · $

Known for award-winning seltzers and IPAs, and the patio holds up. Start with a seltzer if beer is not your thing. Casual and easy to drop into.

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E.O.'s Athletic Club New

Downtown · Sports Bar · $$

A sports bar that puts women's sports on the screens, on purpose. Grab the thin New Jersey-style pizza or an Italian sandwich and settle in. A smart choice when you want a bar night with an actual point.

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Gizmo Brew Works

South Durham · Brewery · $

Experimental and seasonal, with especially strong hazy IPAs. If the #FakeNews NEIPA is on, start there. A solid South Durham hang when you want taps without the downtown scene.

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The Glass Jug Beer Lab

Downtown · Bottle Shop & Nano-Brewery · $

Part bottle shop, part nano-brewery, and very dialed in. Order something off the rotating taps and browse the shelves after. A great place to learn what you actually like.

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Kingfisher

Downtown · Bar · $$

A downtown bar with a rooftop and a good drink list. A reliable spot for a low-key night out that still feels like a destination. Show up early if you want the roof to yourself.

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Hi-Wire Brewing

Golden Belt · Brewery · $

A huge taproom built for games and long afternoons. Grab any lager and settle in. The space makes it feel like a rainy-day plan that still counts as leaving the house.

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Ponysaurus Brewing

Downtown · Brewery · $

Big outdoor space, lots of energy, and a crowd that runs from families to friends on bikes. The Ponysaurus Pale Ale is the safe bet. Bring a dog if you have one.

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Proximity Brewing

East Durham · Brewery · $

Durham's first Black-owned brewery. Try a flagship beer, or go with NC wine if that fits better. A good stop if you want to explore beyond downtown.

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Sol House Wines New

Brightleaf · Natural Wine Bar · $$

A natural wine bar and bottle shop that keeps the list rotating. Start with whatever is pouring by the glass and ask questions if you want. Bring your own food and make it a relaxed night.

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Soif New

Downtown · Espresso & Aperitivo · $$

A tiny spot with a clear point of view, from the no-WiFi policy to the drink list. Stop in for espresso during the day, then come back for an aperitif-style cocktail. With 13 seats, bring patience.

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Velvet Hippo

Downtown · Rooftop Bar · $$

A rooftop bar that does not take itself too seriously. Order a signature slush and enjoy the view. Best with a group and a little time to linger.

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Weldon Mills Distillery

Downtown · Distillery · $$

A distillery outpost built for tasting flights and long hangs. Start with a bourbon flight and see what you like. A good pick when you want something more structured than a normal bar stop.

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Coffee

Durham takes coffee seriously, but it does not take itself too seriously. These shops cover everything from microroasters to late-night caffeine.

Aaktun Coffee

Five Points · All-Day Cafe · $

A real all-day spot: coffee in the morning, full restaurant later, and a bar at night. Start with coffee, then remember it is open when you want dinner too. One place, many plans.

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Cocoa Cinnamon

Multiple Locations · Coffee · $

The city's signature coffee vibe, with drinks that lean creative. Try a lavender latte or a seasonal special, then argue about which location is best. It is busy because it is good.

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Daughters Coffee & Books New

South Durham · Bookstore Cafe · $

A bookstore and cafe combo that makes it easy to lose an hour. Try one of the house drinks and browse the shelves. There is a kid-friendly corner, which matters more than it sounds.

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Foster Street Coffee

Downtown · Coffee · $

A clean, work-friendly shop with classic espresso drinks done well. Grab a latte and post up for a bit. A strong default when you need coffee and a place to focus.

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Joe Van Gogh

Multiple Locations · Coffee · $

A long-running Durham staple for serious coffee. Order a single-origin pourover if you want to taste the difference. Steady, consistent, and easy to rely on.

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Liturgy Beverage Co

Downtown (Food Hall) · Coffee · $

Farm-to-cup coffee with a deep focus on origin. Order a single-origin chocolate beverage if you want something different. Inside the Durham Food Hall, so it pairs well with a snack mission.

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Narrative Coffee New

Innovation District · Coffee · $

A cart favorite that went brick-and-mortar, and the regulars followed. Try the Saturday Morning seasonal latte, then take a walk around the area. It is a good stop if you like new places that already feel established.

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The Oak House

Downtown · Coffee & Wine Bar · $

Durham's late-night coffee answer, and it shifts into wine as the day goes on. Grab a pour-over in the morning, or swing back later for a glass. Perfect when you want to be out past dinner without ending up in a loud bar.

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Omie's Coffee

North Durham · Microroastery · $

A microroastery with espresso drinks that taste layered, not sugary. Order a specialty drink and see what they are playing with that day. Check the hours before you go, since it is not a late spot.

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Yonderlust Cafe

Ninth Street · Coffee · $

Coffee inside an outdoor gear shop, which is a very Durham sentence. Get whatever is on the specialty board and take a minute with it. The space is small, so it is better for a quick stop than a long camp-out.

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Things To Do

Durham is a small city with an unfair number of good day plans — from live music rooms to state parks to one of the country's best minor league ballparks.

American Tobacco Trail

Multiple Access Points · Trail · Free

A long paved trail that makes a Saturday morning feel productive. Bike a stretch, then turn around when the snack situation starts calling. Bring water, because the sun does not care.

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Atomic Empire

South Durham · Comics & Games · $

Durham's favorite comic shop and game store, going strong for decades. Browse the board games, pick up a new card deck, or show up for a game night. A local institution that does not need to explain itself.

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The Blue Note Grill

Southwest Durham · Jazz & Dinner · $$

Durham's jazz anchor, with dinner and live music in the same plan. Go on a weekend night and make a reservation if you can. A solid pick when you want music without the chaos.

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Carolina Theatre

Downtown · Theater & Live Acts · $

A historic theater with a strong calendar, from films to live shows. Catch a jazz night or a special screening and enjoy the building as much as the event. It is turning 100 in 2026, which feels right.

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Sarah P. Duke Gardens

West Durham · Gardens · Free

A free, easy reset on a nice day. Walk the Terrace Garden in spring and take it slow. The renovation wrapping in 2026 means it is better than it has been in years.

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Duke Lemur Center

Duke Forest · Wildlife Center · $$

One of those "how is this in Durham?" places. Book a guided tour and prepare to take too many photos. Tickets can sell out, so do not leave it to chance.

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Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Downtown · Minor League Baseball · $

Minor league baseball done the fun way. Grab cheap seats, a hot dog, and commit to the whole summer-evening thing. Also a very good excuse to meet friends downtown.

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Durham Food Hall

Downtown · Food Hall · $

Part market, part food crawl, with a strong lineup of local vendors under one roof. Browse first, then pick a lane. A good group plan because everyone can choose their own thing.

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Durham Performing Arts Center

Downtown · Theater · $$

Durham's big-room theater, with touring shows that usually skip smaller cities. Check the schedule and pick something you would not normally go see. It is a great "let's do a real night out" option.

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Eno River State Park

Northwest Durham · State Park · Free

An easy escape that feels farther from the city than it is. Start with the Few's Ford loop and see how your legs feel after. After rain, expect mud and a better river view.

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Falls Lake State Recreation Area

North Durham · Lake · $

A big lake day when you want water without a beach trip. Bring a kayak or rent something and keep it simple. A quick drive north and it feels like a real outing.

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Motorco Music Hall

Downtown · Music Venue · $

The best mid-size room in Durham for catching touring acts and local favorites. Pick a Friday show and make it a night. There is a bar and a kitchen, so you can pace yourself.

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Museum of Life + Science

Northern Durham · Museum · $$

A full-day spot that works for kids and adults who still like to touch buttons. Do the Dinosaur Trail and the butterfly house, then see how long you can stay curious. Go early if you want the calm version.

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Nasher Museum of Art

Duke Campus · Art Museum · $

A legit art museum that too many locals forget about. Go for the rotating contemporary exhibitions and keep your expectations open. Sundays are free, which is a strong argument.

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The Pinhook

Downtown · Music Venue · $

Small, sweaty, and loved for a reason. Weeknight shows are often cheap and the room is close enough to feel like you are in it. Go for the underground stuff and keep an open mind.

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Waller Family Farm

North Durham · Farm · $

A seasonal farm plan that feels like spring. Go for strawberry U-pick when it is open, and expect a little mess. Check timing first, since it is not year-round.

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Shopping

Durham shopping is best when you treat it like wandering, not a mission. These spots make for a good afternoon loop, plus a few places worth a special stop.

American Tobacco Campus

Downtown · Historic Campus · Free to browse

A historic campus that is still one of Durham's best walks. Wander, window shop, and grab a drink or dessert when you feel like it. A good "out of town friends" stop too.

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Brightleaf Square

Brightleaf · Shopping District · Varies

A block of converted tobacco warehouses that feels like old Durham. Browse the independent shops, then turn it into dinner nearby. A great place to kill an hour without trying.

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Chet Miller

Downtown · Menswear · $$

A Durham menswear shop focused on the stuff that actually lasts — quality basics, outerwear, and a few things you will wear on repeat. Worth knowing about before you default to ordering online.

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Dolly's Vintage

Downtown · Vintage · $

A fun, eclectic shop for vintage finds and Durham-specific gifts. Go in without a plan and see what catches you. Close enough to other downtown stops to make it part of a loop.

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Durham Vintage Collective

Downtown · Vintage · $

Curated vintage with inventory that changes constantly. Look for clothes, art, and the occasional surprise furniture piece. Easy to pop in and leave with something you did not know you needed.

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Gibson Girl Vintage

West End · Vintage · $

A smaller shop with a more edited selection. Great for curated women's vintage that feels wearable, not costume-y. Stop in when you want quality over quantity.

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Nanny Goat New

Downtown · Boutique Bodega · $

A boutique bodega with great local pantry stuff and baked goods. Grab a pastry from Buttermilk Boutique or Breadwaala if it is in. A smart stop when you want a gift that is not a candle.

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Parker & Otis

American Tobacco Campus · Specialty Market · $

Part specialty food shop, part kitchen store, part lunch counter. Grab a sandwich, browse the pantry goods, and leave with something you did not plan to buy. A genuinely useful errand.

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Tigress

Downtown · Women's Boutique · $$

A women's clothing boutique with a sharp eye for what actually works. The selection leans toward wearable, not trendy. Worth stopping in before buying something online you will return anyway.

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Sweets

Durham does dessert well, from homemade ice cream to popsicles to the kind of bakery that makes you plan your Saturday around it.

Afters Dessert Bar

Downtown · Dessert Bar · $

A dessert bar built for the late-night sweet tooth. Ice cream cookie sandwiches, over-the-top combinations, and enough options to make the decision harder than it should be. A smart stop after dinner when you are not ready to go home yet.

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Duck Donuts

Multiple Locations · Donuts · $

Build-your-own warm donuts, which sounds gimmicky until you eat one. Go for a simple glazed combo and maybe one extra. Best when they come straight out of the fryer.

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Jenni's Ice Cream

American Tobacco Campus · Ice Cream · $

The Ohio standard-bearer, now in Durham. Wildberry lavender and brown butter almond brittle are the classics for a reason. Come back a second time just to try something different.

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Locopops

Multiple Locations · Popsicles · $

Handmade popsicles in flavors that actually make sense together. Try something tart and fruity, or go for a creamy pick if it is hot. A Durham original that still holds up years later.

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The Parlour

Ninth Street · Ice Cream · $

Homemade ice cream made with North Carolina dairy, right on Ninth Street. The seasonal flavors are reliable and the portions are not small. An easy add to any Ninth Street afternoon.

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Pistachio

Downtown · Dessert Cafe · $

A dessert cafe with Middle Eastern-leaning sweets and a relaxed pace. The pistachio soft serve is the obvious order, but the bakery case is worth a slow look too.

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Sweets by Shayda Cafe

Durham · Bakery · $

A small bakery with a Persian-leaning menu and baked goods that are genuinely worth the detour. Try a rosewater or cardamom item if it is on the board. A Durham find that more people should know about.

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Two Roosters

Multiple Locations · Ice Cream · $

A Durham ice cream staple with house-made flavors and a loyal crowd. The salted caramel is the reliable pick; check the board for what is rotating. Go in the afternoon when the lines are shorter.

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Hidden Gems

These are the places you miss if you only do the obvious downtown list. They are weird, specific, and very Durham.

Ashleigh Bakes Daily

Downtown · Cookies · $

Soft, thick cookies made in small batches. The Oreo cookie is the obvious pick, but the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cookie is a close second. Note the hours, since it opens later in the day.

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Cosmic Cantina

Near East Durham · Late Night · $

If you have lived here long enough, you have ended up here late. Order a massive burrito and call it dinner, even if it is technically 2 a.m. It is a Durham rite of passage.

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The Mad Popper

South Durham · Gourmet Popcorn · $

A popcorn shop with more flavors than seems reasonable. Try a savory flavor first, then go sweet if you want. A fun stop when you need an easy gift or a car snack.

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V&E Simonetti Historic Tuba Museum

Southwest Durham · Museum · Free

Exactly what it sounds like, and it is somehow even stranger in person. Book an appointment and just let it happen. You will leave with a new definition of "collection."

Website ↗ Directions ↗

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Neighborhood Map

Durham's best spots are spread across the city. Here is where things cluster.

Downtown Durham

Cheeni
Mothers & Sons
Mateo
Pizzeria Toro
Kingfisher
Seraphine
Alley Twenty Six
Bar Virgile
Conniption
Velvet Hippo
Weldon Mills
Soif
Motorco
The Pinhook
Dolly's Vintage
Durham Food Hall
Durham Vintage Collective
Durty Bull
The Glass Jug
Soif
DPAC
Carolina Theatre
Durham Bulls
Durham Food Hall
Emmy Squared Pizza
Patty Boy
Pistachio
Afters Dessert Bar

Brightleaf

Nikos
Sol House Wines
Beer Study (nearby)
Brightleaf Square

Ninth Street / West End

M Sushi
Yonderlust
Gibson Girl Vintage
The Parlour

Five Points / Ramseur St

Hatch
Nerra
Aaktun
E.O.'s Athletic Club
Ponysaurus

Golden Belt / East Durham

Hi-Wire Brewing
Proximity Brewing
Dame's Chicken & Waffles

North Durham

Gocciolina
LRB Provisions
Omie's Coffee
Waller Family Farm
Falls Lake

South Durham

Guglhupf
Saltbox Seafood Joint
Foster's Market
Gizmo Brew Works
Daughters Coffee & Books
The Mad Popper
Atomic Empire
Duck Donuts

Watts-Hillandale / SW Durham

Vin Rouge
The Blue Note Grill
V&E Simonetti Tuba Museum

Duke / West Durham

Nana's
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Duke Lemur Center
Nasher Museum of Art
Narrative Coffee

American Tobacco Campus

Parker & Otis
Jenni's Ice Cream
Two Roosters

Multiple / Citywide

Locopops
Chet Miller
Tigress
Sweets by Shayda

Best of Durham

Restaurants

Durham delivered. Every Thursday morning, free.

Drinks

Coffee

Things To Do

Shopping

Sweets

Hidden Gems

Neighborhood Map

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