Where to eat in Durham NC
Twenty or so some odd years ago when I moved to Durham there wasn’t a whole lot of choice when it came to my cities dining out menu. Oh there were chain restaurants, a few upscale eateries and just a smidge of ethnic foods. Today at 2012 not only is the Bull City a medical destination, a diet destination but we are a food destination.
Here is the 411 on some of the places that I love to eat here in Durham.
If you’re in the Rockwood neighborhood there is so much to try in just a few blocks. For upscale dining in an atmosphere that never disappoints; a menu that is always a treat and a warm comfortable atmosphere, try Nana’s. Here you’ll find world famous cuisine and a menu that is never static, visit their web site because the menu changes often, nanasdurham.com. Nana’s offers a wine list that has won the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. If you plan on dining at Nana’s then reservations are a good idea. Attire is business or evening and you should expect to spend a good amount of coin. It is worth every cent.
Right across the street from Nana’s on University Dr. is the Thai Café. For the best, absolutely the best coconut cake anywhere, stop here. The menu is authentically Thai and the prices are reasonable. For a full run down of their menu and their two locations…one in Durham the other in Wake Forest, visit their web site, thaicafenc.com. Thai Café offers a splendidly relaxed atmosphere, with a full bar, casual dining and their prices are most reasonable. Outside seating is available.
Ok, so you want NC barbecue? Try the Q-Shack, bbq tender as a mother’s love. Seriously, when I eat here, I do my happy dance. The food is true, down home NC barbecue. The atmosphere, uber-casual and their prices…way inexpensive, there is no table service; this is a true barbecue joint right down to service on paper plates with plastic forks. I say, don’t miss Q-Shack when in the Bull City.
There is so much more than just Rockwood in Durham. On Ninth Street there is Metro-8 for Argentine Steaks, Vin Rouge for French and Blue for seafood. Downtown you’ll love Revolution for its sophistication, Piedmont for its urban flair, Rue Cler for French and Tobacco Roadhouse, a sports bar, over-looking the Bull’s baseball park and just steps to the DPAC, the Durham Performing Arts Center. Try G2B at Shannon Rd. and University Dr. it is as much a treat as its sister restaurant Four Square on Chapel Hill Rd. Four Square is much more fancy, G2B is fun, chic and trendy. For sushi, Peony Asian Bistro at Patterson Place is yummy and relaxed. Blue Note Café on Chapel Hill Blvd. is my pick for ribs and if you’re in the mood for diner food or breakfast for dinner…then stop in at Elmos at the corner of Ninth and Markham. If you wander two blocks north from Elmos on Ninth St., dress up for Magnolia Grill, oh and be sure to make a reservation. It is worth it. The food and service at all of these spots is amazing and happily in Durham, you’ll find a whole lot more to explore, eat and love. Why I could write a book. Hmm, maybe I should.