Nate’s Down & Durty Durham Guidebook
The Foodiest Tables
Though this gem of an Italian restaurant is located on a dismal strip mall portion of Guess Road, its interior decor and superbly prepared food more than make up for it. It is arguably the best run kitchen in the Research Triangle Park.
39 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Gocciolina
3314 Guess RdThough this gem of an Italian restaurant is located on a dismal strip mall portion of Guess Road, its interior decor and superbly prepared food more than make up for it. It is arguably the best run kitchen in the Research Triangle Park.
This delightful Brazilian steakhouse, if a tad bit overdone and over-the-top in terms of decor and pricing, is just a block away. The meat is delicious and a la care (not just buffet-style) plates are available.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Metro 8 Steakhouse
1116 Broad StThis delightful Brazilian steakhouse, if a tad bit overdone and over-the-top in terms of decor and pricing, is just a block away. The meat is delicious and a la care (not just buffet-style) plates are available.
Rue Cler sits elegantly on a quaint corner just off the main plaza of downtown - with the statue of the Bull, Parlour Ice Cream and Pour. Personally, I love sitting at the bar at this place. The escargot are amaze-balls!
40 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Rue Cler
401 E Chapel Hill StRue Cler sits elegantly on a quaint corner just off the main plaza of downtown - with the statue of the Bull, Parlour Ice Cream and Pour. Personally, I love sitting at the bar at this place. The escargot are amaze-balls!
This neighborhood French bistro is unparalleled. I highly recommend the mussels and again though I love the outdoor patio on the east side of the restaurant, sitting at the bar really places you on the Rive Gauche of Paris.
50 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Vin Rouge
2010 Hillsborough RdThis neighborhood French bistro is unparalleled. I highly recommend the mussels and again though I love the outdoor patio on the east side of the restaurant, sitting at the bar really places you on the Rive Gauche of Paris.
If you are in the mood for a sleek, hip cocktail and eatery, on the 9th floor of the newly renovated Durham Hotel is a phenomenal restaurant with spectacular downtown view. Oysters arrive every day from the North Carolina coast.
100 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Durham Hotel
315 E Chapel Hill StIf you are in the mood for a sleek, hip cocktail and eatery, on the 9th floor of the newly renovated Durham Hotel is a phenomenal restaurant with spectacular downtown view. Oysters arrive every day from the North Carolina coast.
Alright. This is the schwankiest place in town - by far - hands down. When I have to impress a client or a date, this is where I go. It is so sparkly that I rarely actually pay attention to the food, but I don't remember it disappointing. This concept hotel is owned by the Jack Daniels Distillery family, and it houses their art collection. In other words, 21C is a living museum. Beyond that, as it is in the old Sun Trust Bank Building, they preserved the vault in the basement which is free and open to the public.
62 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
21c Museum Hotel Durham
111 North Corcoran StAlright. This is the schwankiest place in town - by far - hands down. When I have to impress a client or a date, this is where I go. It is so sparkly that I rarely actually pay attention to the food, but I don't remember it disappointing. This concept hotel is owned by the Jack Daniels Distillery family, and it houses their art collection. In other words, 21C is a living museum. Beyond that, as it is in the old Sun Trust Bank Building, they preserved the vault in the basement which is free and open to the public.
The Viceroy showcases a British Empire diaspora fusion cuisine. Most cocktails, as a result, find a way to include gin. But, seriously, imagine Indian kormas with shepherd's pie. The decor is second-to-known with Victorian black-and-gold wall paper. Their lamb chop is out-of-this-world (spicey too).
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Viceroy
335 W Main StThe Viceroy showcases a British Empire diaspora fusion cuisine. Most cocktails, as a result, find a way to include gin. But, seriously, imagine Indian kormas with shepherd's pie. The decor is second-to-known with Victorian black-and-gold wall paper. Their lamb chop is out-of-this-world (spicey too).
This quaint hole-in-the-wall bistro has tons of flavor. I love the "Devil Egg Duo" with caviar and smoked trout - as well as the "Watercress Salad."
63 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bar Virgile
105 S Mangum StThis quaint hole-in-the-wall bistro has tons of flavor. I love the "Devil Egg Duo" with caviar and smoked trout - as well as the "Watercress Salad."
Brunch Munchies
Elmo's Diner is a classic brunch venue with an expansive menu. As a creature of habit, for hangover cures, I stick with the Huevos Rancheros more often than not. But, for a greasy spoon, you can't go wrong with anything at this Duke student fan favorite.
69 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Elmo's Diner
776 9th StElmo's Diner is a classic brunch venue with an expansive menu. As a creature of habit, for hangover cures, I stick with the Huevos Rancheros more often than not. But, for a greasy spoon, you can't go wrong with anything at this Duke student fan favorite.
Monuts offers delicious handmade donuts, pastries, salads and breakfast sandwiches. It is a neighborhood institution and walkable from the front porch of 1314 Sedgefield.
102 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Monuts
1002 9th StMonuts offers delicious handmade donuts, pastries, salads and breakfast sandwiches. It is a neighborhood institution and walkable from the front porch of 1314 Sedgefield.
GRUB is housed in a converted gas filling station and has locally grown soul food.
33 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
GRUB Durham
1200 W Chapel Hill StGRUB is housed in a converted gas filling station and has locally grown soul food.
For the vegan, this is an excellent choice - as the Mediterranean and Near Eastern a la carte / buffet style service counter offers grape leaves, tabbouleh and beet salads. It is a local chain operated by the Saleh brothers from the northern mountains of Lebanon.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Neomonde Mediterranean Durham
202 Corcoran StFor the vegan, this is an excellent choice - as the Mediterranean and Near Eastern a la carte / buffet style service counter offers grape leaves, tabbouleh and beet salads. It is a local chain operated by the Saleh brothers from the northern mountains of Lebanon.
Primarily a local coffee joint, Cocoa Cinnamon's 3 locations are each just about the best place to sit and read Willa Cather anywhere in town. The Lakewood location also serves amazing churros. Most blends are Argentinian and the South American vibe is evident in the decor.
157 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cocoa Cinnamon
420 W Geer StPrimarily a local coffee joint, Cocoa Cinnamon's 3 locations are each just about the best place to sit and read Willa Cather anywhere in town. The Lakewood location also serves amazing churros. Most blends are Argentinian and the South American vibe is evident in the decor.
A Craft Pint...or Three
So, here's the deal. When tobacco died, there wasn't much going on in Durham besides Duke basketball and the tech industry. This isn't a mecca for nationally-known craft breweries like Asheville with Sierra Nevada & New Belgian, but in the past decade a bunch have sprung up. The best ambiance, as a true beer garden, is Ponysaurus which also hosts a weekly Wednesday beer jog - at their location - just east of downtown.
112 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Ponysaurus Brewing Company
219 Hood StSo, here's the deal. When tobacco died, there wasn't much going on in Durham besides Duke basketball and the tech industry. This isn't a mecca for nationally-known craft breweries like Asheville with Sierra Nevada & New Belgian, but in the past decade a bunch have sprung up. The best ambiance, as a true beer garden, is Ponysaurus which also hosts a weekly Wednesday beer jog - at their location - just east of downtown.
Durty Bull Brewing is just up from Central Park in Downtown. I love their "Beer Flavored Beer" pilsner but they have some great fruits, IPAs and stouts. They host a Trivia Night that is really popular, and I attend the Bull City Beer Runners Tuesday night 3-mile jog that meets at 7pm yearround, runs along the Ellerbe Creek Trail and then circles back up to feast around a vegan food truck.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Durty Bull Brewing Company
206 Broadway StDurty Bull Brewing is just up from Central Park in Downtown. I love their "Beer Flavored Beer" pilsner but they have some great fruits, IPAs and stouts. They host a Trivia Night that is really popular, and I attend the Bull City Beer Runners Tuesday night 3-mile jog that meets at 7pm yearround, runs along the Ellerbe Creek Trail and then circles back up to feast around a vegan food truck.
This former tobacco manufacturing warehouse (Golden Belt) has been converted into an open-air, industrial hipster hangout. I love the logo and tee-shirts. I am a big fan of the Dortmunder Lager as well as the Thursday night beer run at 7pm year-round that stops halfway on a 4-mile jaunt at Glass Jug.
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Hi-Wire Brewing - Durham
800 Taylor StThis former tobacco manufacturing warehouse (Golden Belt) has been converted into an open-air, industrial hipster hangout. I love the logo and tee-shirts. I am a big fan of the Dortmunder Lager as well as the Thursday night beer run at 7pm year-round that stops halfway on a 4-mile jaunt at Glass Jug.
Fullsteam is in the heart of downtown. Their beer is yummy. Their 'Rocket Science' American IPA & 'Hogwash' Imperial Smoked Lager are to die for.
137 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Fullsteam Brewery
726 Rigsbee AveFullsteam is in the heart of downtown. Their beer is yummy. Their 'Rocket Science' American IPA & 'Hogwash' Imperial Smoked Lager are to die for.
Ask for Seth; he is the owner and friend of mine. He is originally from Boston (as I am); so, we both really love the "Green Monster" burger. The beer is delicious. The brewery opens every day at 11:11am; that should tell you everything that you need to know about the level of 'funkiness.' It also happens to be on Parrish Street - which is famous as the "Black Wall Street."
88 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bull City Burger and Brewery
107 E Parrish StAsk for Seth; he is the owner and friend of mine. He is originally from Boston (as I am); so, we both really love the "Green Monster" burger. The beer is delicious. The brewery opens every day at 11:11am; that should tell you everything that you need to know about the level of 'funkiness.' It also happens to be on Parrish Street - which is famous as the "Black Wall Street."
So, honestly, I don't love their beer, and it isn't brewed at this location, but as the pub sits on Foster Street adjacent to the Durham Farmer's Market at Central Park, it is just one of the best places to sit and enjoy the downtown vibe with uphill views of the skyline.
The Glass Jug Beer Lab - Downtown Durham
545 Foster StreetSo, honestly, I don't love their beer, and it isn't brewed at this location, but as the pub sits on Foster Street adjacent to the Durham Farmer's Market at Central Park, it is just one of the best places to sit and enjoy the downtown vibe with uphill views of the skyline.
Ask for Joel. He is a chatterbox friend of mine, and he loves his life as the owner/operator of Durham's newest nano-brewery. He will tour you in the back and teach you about how the sauce gets made. It is also the closest pub to 1314 Sedgefield - just 2 blocks over on Duke's 9th Street.
Flying Bull Beer Company, Inc
752 9th StAsk for Joel. He is a chatterbox friend of mine, and he loves his life as the owner/operator of Durham's newest nano-brewery. He will tour you in the back and teach you about how the sauce gets made. It is also the closest pub to 1314 Sedgefield - just 2 blocks over on Duke's 9th Street.
Cocktail Hour
Arcana is an underground speak-easy lounge with excellent, off-beat cocktails and occult decor.
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Arcana
331 W Main StArcana is an underground speak-easy lounge with excellent, off-beat cocktails and occult decor.
For my money, this is the chillest cocktail lounge in town - in the basement adjacent to the Durham Hotel. I love their 'Return of the King' (a bourbon with rosemary-fig jam, cinnamon wine and lemon).
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kingfisher
321 E Chapel Hill StFor my money, this is the chillest cocktail lounge in town - in the basement adjacent to the Durham Hotel. I love their 'Return of the King' (a bourbon with rosemary-fig jam, cinnamon wine and lemon).
We All Scream for Ice Cream
Super yummy! In Golden Belt (renovated tobacco warehouses). Try their "Coffee Bourbon" or "Double Fold Vanilla."
Two Roosters Ice Cream
800 Taylor StSuper yummy! In Golden Belt (renovated tobacco warehouses). Try their "Coffee Bourbon" or "Double Fold Vanilla."
A real favorite for young and old alike - especially on a late summer day after a Durham Bulls game. I am a big fan of the Salted Butter Caramel.
75 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Parlour
117 Market StA real favorite for young and old alike - especially on a late summer day after a Durham Bulls game. I am a big fan of the Salted Butter Caramel.
Off-Beat Activities
Liberty Arts Sculpture is a working foundry where guests can visit and take classes on how to make molten pours. They host an annual "pour" in the fall of the year that is as frightening as it is beautiful.
Liberty Arts Sculpture Studio & Foundry
918 Pearl StLiberty Arts Sculpture is a working foundry where guests can visit and take classes on how to make molten pours. They host an annual "pour" in the fall of the year that is as frightening as it is beautiful.
For the season "crafter," this place is a treasure trove of old fabrics, buttons, patterns, sewing machines, etc. It is a great place to browse for discount deals for the DIY crowd.
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Scrap Exchange
2050 Chapel Hill RdFor the season "crafter," this place is a treasure trove of old fabrics, buttons, patterns, sewing machines, etc. It is a great place to browse for discount deals for the DIY crowd.
The Cornwallis Road Park, off of Wade Road - less than 2 miles away, has an 18-hole disc golf course adjacent to the Duke Forest which is super fun for all experience levels.
Cornwallis Road Park
2830 Wade RoadThe Cornwallis Road Park, off of Wade Road - less than 2 miles away, has an 18-hole disc golf course adjacent to the Duke Forest which is super fun for all experience levels.
Three Kings is an internationally acclaimed tattoo parlor - specializing in Asiatic heraldic beast flash. I work with Ben & Matt Trogden (featured in the photo) there. Their lines are clean and their color is impeccable. It is a chill place to spend an afternoon under the needle - right on Main Street.
Three Kings Tattoo
339 West Main StreetThree Kings is an internationally acclaimed tattoo parlor - specializing in Asiatic heraldic beast flash. I work with Ben & Matt Trogden (featured in the photo) there. Their lines are clean and their color is impeccable. It is a chill place to spend an afternoon under the needle - right on Main Street.
This 9th Street, off-campus institution with a cool downstairs has been the go-to spot for used books and new releases for decades.
21 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Regulator Bookshop
720 9th StThis 9th Street, off-campus institution with a cool downstairs has been the go-to spot for used books and new releases for decades.
Even if you aren't too religious, it is worth a trip to Duke University Chapel. This gothic cathedral is impressive from both the outside as well as the interior. Their Bach Cantata on Sunday afternoons is a must-see. Don't miss the crypt to the left of the choir loft where many governors (including Senator Terry Sanfor) are buried.
Also, the lesser known, Goodson Chapel (see attached photo) is an gorgeous spot for reflective meditation. An earthen-cast crucifix hangs over the worship area; the artist, Thomas Sayre, is the great grandson of President Woodrow Wilson. Thomas is a friend of mine, and I am a graduate of the Duke Divinity School. If you go for their Tuesday/Thursday 11am open-to-the-public services, track down Chaplain Meghan Benson.
45 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kapilya ng Duke University
401 Chapel DrEven if you aren't too religious, it is worth a trip to Duke University Chapel. This gothic cathedral is impressive from both the outside as well as the interior. Their Bach Cantata on Sunday afternoons is a must-see. Don't miss the crypt to the left of the choir loft where many governors (including Senator Terry Sanfor) are buried.
Also, the lesser known, Goodson Chapel (see attached photo) is an gorgeous spot for reflective meditation. An earthen-cast crucifix hangs over the worship area; the artist, Thomas Sayre, is the great grandson of President Woodrow Wilson. Thomas is a friend of mine, and I am a graduate of the Duke Divinity School. If you go for their Tuesday/Thursday 11am open-to-the-public services, track down Chaplain Meghan Benson.
I absolutely love spending my Saturday mornings at the Durham Farmer's Market on Foster Street in Central Park. North Carolina has a long growing season, and there is farm-to-table produce year-round. Look for Jack Pleasant, with the organic bison. He is a cousin of mine. There are also cool local honey stands, fresh-cut flowers and artists galore!
106 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Durham Farmers' Market
501 Foster StI absolutely love spending my Saturday mornings at the Durham Farmer's Market on Foster Street in Central Park. North Carolina has a long growing season, and there is farm-to-table produce year-round. Look for Jack Pleasant, with the organic bison. He is a cousin of mine. There are also cool local honey stands, fresh-cut flowers and artists galore!
I keep a public-facing art studio for my "animated portraits" at this facility. It is a great place to look at art and meet local artists (even if it is a bit traditional). If you love oil paintings of peonies, ask for Maureen Dunlap!
Golden Belt Artists
800 Taylor StreetI keep a public-facing art studio for my "animated portraits" at this facility. It is a great place to look at art and meet local artists (even if it is a bit traditional). If you love oil paintings of peonies, ask for Maureen Dunlap!
Though Durham doesn't boast any major league teams, we are very serious about our minor league baseball. Famous from the Kevin Costner/Susan Sarandon/Tim Robbins movie, this AAA-farm team for the Tampa Bay Rays regular has the stars of tomorrow on the field. It is a small enough venue that I got the wave started when I went the last time.
220 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
409 Blackwell StThough Durham doesn't boast any major league teams, we are very serious about our minor league baseball. Famous from the Kevin Costner/Susan Sarandon/Tim Robbins movie, this AAA-farm team for the Tampa Bay Rays regular has the stars of tomorrow on the field. It is a small enough venue that I got the wave started when I went the last time.
Right around the corner on Broad Street is a world class pool hall, the Green Room. They don't invest in anything but the tables.
13 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Green Room
1108 Broad StRight around the corner on Broad Street is a world class pool hall, the Green Room. They don't invest in anything but the tables.
Outdoor Splendor
The Sarah P Duke Gardens are meaningful to me, because my mother convalesced from her cancer diagnosis in her mid-twenties by ambling through the foliage and blooms. Be sure to get some duck feed at the Visitor's Center to attract the swans and geese.
378 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Mga Hardin ni Sarah P. Duke
420 Anderson StThe Sarah P Duke Gardens are meaningful to me, because my mother convalesced from her cancer diagnosis in her mid-twenties by ambling through the foliage and blooms. Be sure to get some duck feed at the Visitor's Center to attract the swans and geese.
This 3.8 mile loop trail through the Eno River State Park is one of the hidden gems in the area. The parking facility is on a ridge near a swinging foot bridge at the widest part of the waterway - which means that within minutes of the start of your hike, you have amazing, picturesque scenery. Dogs love running through the shallows.
Cox Mountain Trailhead
6095 State Road 1569This 3.8 mile loop trail through the Eno River State Park is one of the hidden gems in the area. The parking facility is on a ridge near a swinging foot bridge at the widest part of the waterway - which means that within minutes of the start of your hike, you have amazing, picturesque scenery. Dogs love running through the shallows.
I am part of the nut-and-berry crowd, but it doesn't mean that I don't like going out to the lake on a summer's day. There are motorboats and kayaks for daily rental at this low-brow marina where you can get ice cream sandwiches that might have expired in 1998. But, all that being said, the lake itself can be so gorgeous through every season of the year.
Rollingview Marina
3940 Falls Lake RoadI am part of the nut-and-berry crowd, but it doesn't mean that I don't like going out to the lake on a summer's day. There are motorboats and kayaks for daily rental at this low-brow marina where you can get ice cream sandwiches that might have expired in 1998. But, all that being said, the lake itself can be so gorgeous through every season of the year.