When you ask for restaurant recommendations in Durham, you probably hear the same names come up over and over again: the well-known spots with national recognition and plenty of foodie buzz surrounding them, but what about the restaurants that slip in under the radar but still serve some of the best food in the Bull City? They might be a bit off the beaten path, lesser known, or smaller operations, but they’re equally delicious. For your dining pleasure, we’re revealing eight of our favorite Durham restaurant (and dessert) hidden gems.
El Cuscatleco
Authentic Salavordian and Mexican food awaits at this unassuming spot on Garrett Road. You start off with a free basket of chips and fresh housemade salsa. The pupusas are perfect, and with a combo deal, you can try a couple different menu items along with a generous helping of beans and rice on the side for around $6. We usually get the platanos as an appetizer as well. The tab is always affordable and our bellies are always full.
Chicken Hut
On Fayetteville Street, there’s a funny building that looks more like an apartment than a restaurant, but inside, you’ll find the friendliest staff and the best comfort food around. Served cafeteria style, cash-only, and only open for lunch Monday-Friday, Chicken Hut offers several daily specials in addition to their made-to-order fried chicken and all kinds of Southern sides. Everything from the lima beans to the yams to the crispy chicken skin is bursting with flavor. We couldn’t resist a peach cobbler for dessert too! Chicken Hut has been around for over 60 years and I’d say they definitely fulfill their goal of providing inexpensive, delicious, home-cooked meals to the community.
Taqueria La Vaquita
It’s hard to miss La Vaquita on Chapel Hill Road because there’s a giant cow statue on the roof. This taqueria is a casual place for great authentic Mexican. Tacos are served on homemade corn tortillas with flavorful meats and all the garnishes. They have homemade sopes, jam packed tortas (Mexican sandwiches), and quesadillas too. Eat outside on covered picnic tables or take it to go. With so much variety, you’ll want to go back to try more of the menu next time. You won’t break the bank no matter what you get and you’re sure to be satisfied.
El Chapin
This relatively new Guatemalan restaurant is in a plaza off of 15/501 and has delicious appetizers like garnachas for just $1.75 each and entrees like juicy and flavorful chicken with a generous number of sides (rice, salad, soup) and Guatemalan soups with warm tortillas. The plantains here are also really well done!
La Monarca
For fresh and fruity ice cream and popsicles, head over to La Monarca, located in a small strip mall close to East Club Boulevard. Their frozen treats are the perfect way to cool off, especially on hot summer days in Durham! And you know they’re made with real fruit because you can actually see big chunks of it frozen inside. The strawberry and kiwi popsicles are a couple of our favorites.
Carolina Glazed Donuts
It took a while for Carolina Glazed Donuts to open on Miami Blvd., and when they did, it was a rather quiet reveal, but not long after, people started to rave about it and we can confirm it’s true…they make seriously good softy pillowy donuts and they don’t charge an arm and a leg for them. Carolina glazed has all the traditional kinds and many special flavors, along with giant fritters and eclairs. They also fill your donuts to-order! The custard filling we had in our chocolate frosted eclair was the best filling we’ve tried in a while!
Photos: Instagram @bitesofbullcity
Jessica says
Hi, I found you through Durham magazine and am a Durham foodie myself. Thanks for your posting on these hidden gems. I’ve been to a few, but can’t wait to try more, especially El Cuscatleco. Have you been to La Cacerola off Broad St, it’s one of my favorites – we love the plantains, garlic shrimp, and fresh guacamole.
magnoliawriting@gmail.com says
Thanks for the recommendation of another hidden gem to try! Plantains, garlic shrimp, and guac are a few of my favorite things, so I will definitely have to head over to La Cacerola.
Salomon Rivas says
Thank you for the reviews to our local restaurants ,we are working very hard to give you a better service..
Tim says
Tater Bread Cafe in East Durham should definitely be added to list. Breakfast is the off the charts good. Great homestyle lunch offerings as well. Cash only!
Glenn says
Mediterranean Grill in Parkwood is a great little restaurant and store offering Middle Eastern fare. Relatively inexpensive, and delicious.
Regina says
I’m glad the Chicken Hut made the list. This restaurant has been a staple in the black community and Durham since I was a little girl (I’m 45) and I remember when they were open 7 days a week.