A few years ago, Durham was named the foodiest town in the South by Southern Living. So, if you ever happen to get tired of the many, many high-quality dining options available at Duke, consider checking out why it deserves such high recognition!
1. The Durham Farmer’s Market
Pastries and puppies—what more needs to be said? Here, you’ll find a delectable pastry lovechild to satisfy your palate—they’ve got your donut muffins, cronuts, our croissant cupcakes—you name it! The famous grilled cheese foodtruck and tea stand are worth visiting as well.
A croissant-cupcake from Daisy Cakes; they’re not actually called that, but that’s what they taste like!
Puppies are there sometimes, too, for adoption and free petting sessions.
2. Parker and Otis
For artsy hipsters and hopeless romantics, Parker and Otis is a cute café and sandwich shop that is worth checking out! It’s a great place for a casual weekend brunch, and they serve the Butterbeer of Harry Potter legend! (Not the same brand, but equally delicious!)
3. Cocoa Cinnamon
Cocoa Cinnamon is an adorable café that’s perfect for studying in, with a wide variety of hot chocolates, coffees, and teas to choose from.
4. Guglhupf
If you’ve ever wanted to see what a German bakery looks like, Guglhupf is the place to go! With a selection of mouthwatering pastries and a café famous for serving top-quality food, stopping by this bakery/café would be a worthwhile trip.
5. Li Ming’s
For bubble tea and smoothie fanatics who aren’t satisfied with Grace’s, Li Ming’s is the place to go! Their black and green milk teas and mango bubble teas can’t be beat!
6. Taqueria La Vaquita
Taqueria La Vaquita is easy to miss due to its relatively plain appearance, but its tacos are unbeatable. The corn chips and various salsas served there are savory beyond comparison.
7. La Monarcha
If you like Locopops, you’ll LOVE La Monarcha! With tons of options, you can take your pick of any ice cream or popsicle you want. Although the phrase “Made with REAL fruit” always seems unnecessary on the labeling of most things, the popsicles here are actually made with huge chunks of fresh fruit!
8. Dame’s Chicken and Waffles
If you’re doubtful of this famous Southern food combination, don’t be. Dame’s is amazing, and its variety of waffles, fried chicken, Shmears will leave you wanting more. Shmears come in different berry flavors, Nutella, hazelnut cream, you name it!
9. Sushi Love
Ideal for sushi lovers. Between the name and the picture, enough said. Good news: Sushi Love will be available through Merchants on Points soon enough!
10. Chipotle
Classic, cheap, fresh, filling— everyone loves Chipotle!