A pastry from Au Bon Pain or bagel from Alpine is a quick, good option in the morning on your way to class. However, when you aren’t rushing to make it to class, it is nice to mix it up. The weekend is an optimal time to try out a new brunch place. So why not check out some of the excellent restaurants Durham has to offer?
Here are five breakfast spots recommended by Duke students:
Parker and Otis
Parker and Otis is nicely located near Bright Leaf Square in a big warehouse-type space. It is more than just a brunch place, with a store integrated in that sells everything from candy to cookbooks. The food alone is worth it though (especially if you like eggs). On Saturday the lunch menu is also offered, giving you an even bigger selection of food.
“Parker and Otis doesn’t just have a basic menu. Instead of just your typical paninis, they offer options like their Peanut Butter, Banana, and Bacon panini. The food’s good, but the atmosphere’s amazing. There are cute little knick-knacks everywhere for sale.” –Kelly, Sophomore
Mad Hatter’s
If you’re a freshman living on East Campus, you should definitely check out Mad Hatter’s. It is next to Whole Foods right off campus, so even if you don’t have a car, you’ll have no trouble getting there. However, with all of their great sweet options, it’s not exactly a calorie friendly choice. When you are there, it’s hard to not get one of their delicious cookies or cupcakes. Also if you’re bored of studying in the library or just need to get off campus, Mad Hatter’s is a good place to get some work done on a Saturday or Sunday morning.
“The silver dollar pancakes are the perfect size for brunch.”-Emma, Sophomore
Vin Rouge
Vin Rouge may be better known for its dinners, but it also serves a good Sunday brunch. It has classic French dishes such as crepes and Croque Monsieur, or if you want a slightly heavier lunch option, the menu has French Onion soup, which is especially nice on those colder mornings.
“[It is] one of my favorite places in Durham. It has nice outdoor seating and the French toast is great.” –Frederick, Junior
Elmo’s
If you’re craving good old pancakes rather than crepes, Elmo’s diner is the place to go. They have all your basic diner options of omelets, waffles, and biscuits. It is also a very affordable option for those of you who are bored of campus dining, but don’t want to spend too much “real money” versus food points. Elmo’s is a very popular option for brunch and can definitely get busy on the weekends, so I recommend getting there early or being prepared to wait.
“It has an enjoyable, comfortable atmosphere and excellent home-style food.” –Matt, Senior
The Refectory
Sometimes you don’t have time Sunday morning to go off campus, but you still want to enjoy a nice brunch. The Refectory’s location in the Divinity school separates it from the usual weekly breakfast spots in the Bryan Center. The restaurant is dedicated to serving healthy food that is locally sourced. It should meet most dietary requirements, as it even has some gluten-free options.
“The Refectory is by far the best place to have brunch on campus. I enjoy their healthy food options, and the calming environment offers a nice break from Duke’s busy campus.” –Liz, Sophomore