Sick of eating the same old food day in and day out? Perhaps you’re just looking for a change of scenery? Or maybe it’s a special night and you’re out of new ideas on where to go? Check out these great restaurants and eateries in the Durham Area! Each is matched to the perfect occasion just for you!
Off Campus Meal with Your Girlfriends – Toast
Paninis, Tramezzinis, Bruschettas, Crostinis, and gloooorious soups! This place will make you want to have a taste of everything. Tastes that will leave your mouth watering for days, and it is pretty cheap as well!
Recommended Dishes: Sweet Italian Sausage Panini, NC Shrimp and Pancetta Bruschetta
TAKE NOTE: Closes at 3pm on Saturday and all day Sunday!
Study Spot/Off-Campus Brunch – Mad Hatter
Located Right off of East Campus, this is the perfect place to go on Sunday morning if you need to ease into homework mode. Whether you are in the mood for a meal or just some incredible coffee and baked goods, you won’t be disappointed. Especially with their baked goods. YUM. Not to mention, they have incredible mini cakes if your friend’s birthday is coming around the corner!
Recommended Dishes: Grilled Salmon, Vegetarian Chili, Mad Hatter’s BBQ Grilled Sandwich
Recommended Baked Goods (they’re in a league of their own): Chocolate Whopper, Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
*http://www.madhatterbakeshop.com/menu/cakes/
Date Night on a Busy Week – The Nasher
In the mood for a nice dinner with your boyfriend that feels outside the everyday grind of homework and classes? Try a Thursday night dinner at the Nasher! It feels slightly up-class with its gourmet food and art museum aura, yet its on campus and they take food points! It’s classy yet casual! And it’s far enough from the beaten path that it feels special! TAKE NOTE: They only serve dinner on Thursday and usually require a reservation (which can be done online at their website)!
Recommended Dishes: Asian Salad with Shrimp, Caprese Sandwich, Texas Chili
* http://www.nasher.duke.edu/museum_cafe.php
Father-Daughter Dinner – Revolution
Dad’s in town! And he wants to treat you to a nice dinner out! If you are looking for something a little different, I highly recommend making a reservation at Revolution in Downtown Durham. The venue gives off an upscale vibe with its unique decorations and the menu is designed to allow diners to taste a little of everything- categories from which one can select include “Chilled/Raw,” “Small,” and “Big.” There is even the option of letting the Chef put together a surprise selection for you! This place makes eating out feel like a culturing experience. It won the Indy “Best of the Triangle” Award in 2011.
Recommended Dishes: Grilled Calamari, Pork and Black Mushroom Pillow, Stuffed Mountain Trout, Pumpkin and Potato Curry
*http://www.revolutionrestaurant.com/Revolution_Durham/Revolution_Enter.html
Food that Feels Homemade – Fosters
This place makes you feel at home as soon as you walk in with its southern charm! Everything is made from scratch, and the owner, Sara Foster, has become extremely well known for her incredible recipes and numerous cookbooks. Not to mention, the outdoor seating is perfect for a sunny day!
Recommended Dishes: Breakfast Burrito, Wild Mushroom Pizza, ALL of their baked goods (especially the pies)
* http://www.fostersmarket.com/
FROYO!!! – Tutti Frutti
As a girl who gets Tasti-Delite from Alpine ever day (yes, actually every day- they know me by name and can often predict the combo I will be requesting…), there comes a time when you are craving a FULL ON FROYO EXPERIENCE. This is when Tutti Frutti comes into play. Not only are there 12 flavors to choose from every day (including Mango, Cheesecake, Nutella, Birthday Cake, and Acai Berry to name a few) there are a bajillion toppings to add! They have fruit, cookie dough, brownie bits, cereals, chocolate syrup, sprinkles. The possibilities are endless. And the best part is that it’s self serve, so if you so desire, you can get a little taste of everything!
They announce their flavors every day on their Facebook page (yes, I just went that far): http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tutti-Frutti-Frozen-Yogurt-of-NC/154441814576627
Photo Sources:
*http://rockinthestove.com/2008/04/03/durhams-toast-is-more-than-just-bread/
*http://goqnotes.com/2085/come-out-shop-local/
*https://foursquare.com/v/mad-hatter-bakeshop-and-cafe/4ad7b3c3f964a520d40d21e3
*http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/05/fosters-market.html
*http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150401754317910.382413.277014…
*http://sweetteawheatfree.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/fosters-market-serving-durham-since-1990/